Press Releases
Help Change Students' Lives on 2026 PNW Day of Giving
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the community to join in changing students’ lives by making a gift on Wednesday, April 29 during PNW Day of Giving.PNW Day of Giving is the university’s largest and most successful campaign that benefits student scholarships, academic and athletic programs, and other university resources that enhance PNW students’ experiences. The fundraiser runs for 24 hours.Supporters are encouraged to visit dayofgiving.pnw.edu on April 29 to make a
Horizon Bank Announces Adam Lukas as Sr. Business Banker
Michigan City, Indiana – Steve Kring, Regional President of Northwest Indiana, is pleased to announce Adam Lukas as Sr. Business Banker. In his role, Lukas will focus on attracting, developing, and managing relationships with small business clients, by delivering tailored banking solutions to meet their financial needs. He is also committed to helping local businesses thrive while supporting Horizon’s dedication to the communities it serves. Lukas brings extensive experience in commercial lending and
Larson-Danielson Volunteers Clean Up La Porte Parks, Trails
(La Porte, Ind.) – Larson-Danielson Construction recently supported the City of La Porte with a hands-on community service effort to help improve local parks and trails. On Friday, April 3, nine volunteers gathered at the Fox Park Pavilion to clean up the trails surrounding Clear Lake and the Chessie Trail. Together, the group contributed 30 hours of service and collected more than 12 bags of trash from the area. Items removed from the trails included plastic and glass bottles, to-go drink cups, candy
Historical Society Meeting on April 21st
Join us on Tuesday, April 21st at 7 p.m. at the Museum for a fascinating program by La Porte County Historian Bruce Johnson! His program wil be on the History of La Porte County Lakes. All are welcome to attend this FREE event at the Museum!
SBN Airport to Conduct Annual Live Fire Training
South Bend, IN. – The St. Joseph County Airport Authority (SJCAA) Department of Public Safety will be conducting annual fire training required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with live burns on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from approximately 8:00 a.m. until Noon at the live fire training facility on the northwest corner of the airfield at South Bend International Airport (SBN). The training will not impact flight operations.Fire safety training is mandated by the FAA under FAR Part 139 for any
PNW's Nursing and Business Graduate Programs Recognized Nationally by U.S. News and World Report
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Several of Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) graduate programs in nursing and business were included in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, released April 7.Among top graduate nursing schools, both PNW’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) were nationally recognized.PNW’s MSN, which ranked 69th nationally, offers advanced nursing practices and clinical training to gain additional skills and qualifications for
HFL Releases Request for Applications for 2026 Large Grants Program
LAPORTE COUNTY -- Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Large Grants Program Grant Opportunity Overview & Request for Applications (RFA). This funding opportunity invites organizations doing impactful work in the areas of Attainable Housing (AH), Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL), and Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) in La Porte County to submit applications that demonstrate how they will contribute to achieving one or more objectives in a HFL focus area
CLH Kicks Off 2026 with First Quarter R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award Honorees
Michigan City, IN – 4/2/2026 – CLH, CPAs & Consultants is pleased to recognize the first three recipients of its 2026 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award, continuing the firm’s tradition of celebrating employees who bring CLH’s core values to life.The R.I.K.I. Spotlight program highlights team members who demonstrate excellence in Relationships, Integrity, Knowledge, and Innovation. These are the guiding principles that shape CLH’s internal culture and client service approach. Each month, employees nominate a
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Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Uncle Kracker to Headline La Porte LakeFest
La PORTE, IN (March 23, 2026) – The City of La Porte announced today that world-famous recording artist Uncle Kracker will headline this summer’s LakeFest, according to Park Superintendent and LakeFest Committee Chair Mark Schreiber.The “Follow Me” and “Smile” performer will play a free live show on Saturday, July 25, at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. The show will be preceded by a pair of opening acts to be announced at a later date.Uncle Kracker’s career has included four albums in the
Registration Now Open for Free Salvation Army Summer Camp
March 24, 2026, La PORTE COUNTY, IN – Registration is now open for The Salvation Army’s annual free summer camp opportunities. Children ages 6 to 17 who reside in La Porte County are eligible to attend camp through The Salvation Army, including six different camps that will take place at Hidden Falls Camp in Bedford, IN. The experience will be a three- to six-day overnight visit, depending on the camp. Kids Camp will be held June 8 to June 10 for children ages 6-8 (registration deadline is May 25);
Registration Open for 2026 Earth Day 5K; T-Shirt Deadline April 9
La Porte, IN — Runners and walkers planning to participate in an upcoming 5K are encouraged to register before the April 9 deadline in order to secure an official race t-shirt. The La Porte City Park Foundation’s Earth Day 5K Family Fun Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, April 25, at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater. Participants who register by end of business day Wednesday, April 9, are guaranteed an official event t-shirt. Registration will remain open after April 9 through race day; however,
CLH Senior Director Takes Leadership Role in Northwest Indiana Walk to End Alzheimer's
Michigan City, IN – 3/20/2026 – After more than a decade of walking in honor of her mother, Lynn Duttlinger, CPA, is taking the next step in the fight against Alzheimer’s.Duttlinger, a Senior Director at CLH, CPAs & Consultants, recently accepted the role of Chairman of the Executive Leadership Team for the Northwest Indiana Walk to End Alzheimer’s. In her new position, she will work alongside business and community leaders to increase awareness and strengthen support throughout the region for the
Lubeznik Center for the Arts Presents First Friday Poetry Slam
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) will host its annual First Friday Poetry slam on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. Central. LCA's Poetry Slam provides performers of all walks of life with an excellent platform for sharing their original works. This year's slam will be hosted by Carnessa, a poetess extraordinaire who previously won the slam and is a respected voice in the community. She is also leading a Bless the Mic poetry and performance workshop at LCA for ages 14+ on
South Bend International Airport Collecting Donations for TSA Employees
South Bend, IN. – South Bend International Airport (SBN) is collecting donations for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown. Items can be dropped off at the Airport Information office daily from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Airport Information is located near baggage claim across from the gift shop. The most needed items are:Gas cards to specific gas stations such as Speedway, Meijer, or Kroger. Gas cards must be in $10
Documentary Showing at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum
Join us on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00pm for a showing of the documentary Discovering Naomi Anderson by Rana Segal!After the showing, there will be a Q & A session with Rana and others who were involved in the documentary.We hope everyone will be able to stop by to see this wonderful film and chat with those who helped create it!Below is a short bio of Naomi Anderson:Naomi Bowman Talbert Anderson was born in Michigan City on March 1, 1843. She went to a public school there; she was the first black person to
Sarah Brown Receives Edward Jones 2026 Award
Sarah Brown of the financial services firm Edward Jones in La Porte recently earned the firm's Jim Phillips Achievement Award for her exceptional achievement in building client relationships.Brown was one of only 887 Edward Jones financial advisors to receive the Jim Phillips award.The award is named after Jim Phillips, who joined Edward Jones in 1986, opening an office in Waynesville, N.C. and contributing to the well-being of his clients, colleagues and community."Receiving this award is a real honor. As
Horizon Bank Announces Tara Minix as Mortgage Loan Originator
Michigan City, Indiana – Mary Kay Kuntz, VP, Producing Mortgage Sales Manager, is pleased to announce Tara Minix as Mortgage Loan Originator. Minix brings extensive experience in retail banking, having previously served as a branch manager and mortgage loan originator. Her well-rounded background enables her to guide clients through every step of the home lending process, providing a comprehensive and personalized banking experience. In her role, Minix will serve customers throughout Indiana, offering a
Register For Free Preview PNW Open House Information Sessions
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites prospective college students and their families to attend their choice of Preview PNW open house events, offered free of charge at both the Hammond and Westville campuses in April. The events provide valuable information about the university’s academic programs, admissions process and paying for college. Guests are welcome to attend either of the upcoming events:Preview PNW: The Westville Experience from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on
Microsoft, Dermody update tax agreement to include historic funding for La Porte schools
La PORTE, IN (March 3, 2026) – In partnership with the La Porte Community School Corporation, the City of La Porte today shared they have approved an updated tax agreement for Microsoft’s datacenter project in La Porte, according to Mayor Tom Dermody.This comes after Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith announced in January that the global tech company will no longer seek local property tax abatements or breaks for its new datacenter projects. Despite the completion and approval of the previous
Erik Nelson Promoted to Business Development Manager
La Porte, IN – The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) is pleased to announce the promotion of Erik Nelson to Business Development Manager. Erik previously served as the Workforce Development Coordinator at LEAP, a position he held for the past four years. With this promotion, Erik will be involved in economic development projects as well as serve as a point of contact for existing businesses in the Greater La Porte Area. “Erik has become a vital team member here at the La Porte Economic
Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union Holds Groundbreaking in NewPorte Landing
La Porte, IN – Today, in coordination with Tonn & Blank Construction, the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union. The credit union plans to relocate from their current building located at 201 Koomler Drive to the corner of Truesdell Avenue and North Madison Street in NewPorte Landing. “Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union is celebrating more than just a groundbreaking. We are celebrating a commitment to our members and our
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City of La Porte Awarded National Rankings for Affordability, Quality of Life
La PORTE, IN (Apr. 16, 2025) – The City of La Porte has recently drawn national attention for its low-cost, high-quality way of living, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.The City took the No. 2 spot for USA Today’s Best Small Town in the Midwest contest this spring. La Porte was one of just 20 communities nominated by the national news outlet’s panel of journalists and experts. In their description of La Porte, USA Today notes the city’s “year-round fun thanks to its three scenic lakes, historic
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The City of La Porte celebrates opening of Chipotle
La PORTE, IN (Mar. 24, 2025) – Local officials gathered for a ribbon cutting this morning to celebrate the much-anticipated opening of La Porte’s newest restaurant. Chipotle Mexican Grill, located at 150 Pine Lake Avenue, will open its doors today at 10:45 a.m. The multinational, fast casual chain specializes in made-to-order bowls, burritos and tacos with fresh ingredients. Mayor Tom Dermody said La Porte residents have been eagerly awaiting the restaurant’s grand opening since the day the project was
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Blockhead Beerworks announces second location coming to Downtown La Porte this summer
La PORTE, IN (Feb. 27, 2025) – Plans for a popular brewstillery were announced today at the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association meeting, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. Blockhead Beerworks, known for its innovative craft beers and Asian-fusion cuisine, will open a new location in downtown La Porte this summer. The new venue, located at 1100 Lincolnway in the Carpenters Union Hall, will feature a vibrant, all-ages atmosphere perfect for families, friends and beer enthusiasts alike. Co-Founder
Bella Largo Senior Living Breaks Ground on 39 North Development
Bella Largo Senior Living, located in La Porte, Indiana, is set to be the first regional senior health care facility specifically designed to be resistant to COVID and other airborne viruses. Situated in the Hi-Point business park near Exit 49 of Interstate I-90, this single-story, lakefront assisted living and memory care facility will span 48,000 square feet and feature 63 units. The project is expected to open in early 2026. Developed by John English, the facility's design emphasizes resident safety,
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Mayor Tom Dermody Announces New Development Along 39 North
La Porte, IN – Mayor Dermody in partnership with IST Distribution, announced plans for a $24 million capital investment to build and equip an 81,000 sq. ft. plastic pellet distribution facility along 39 North at 2321 Progress Drive. IST Distribution will utilize the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad spur to bring in bulk plastic pellets for distribution to customers across the United States. The company plans to employ 12 new full-time employees making an average wage of $34.00/hour. According
Quincy Development Begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park
Quincy Development begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park Quincy Associates Industrial Development has broken ground in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park in La Porte, Indiana. This speculative development will begin with the construction of a 150,000 square foot building that can house either one or multiple tenants. The building is designed to be expandable to 300,000 square feet if so desired. The 23-acre property is located in the heart of the Thomas Rose Industrial Park along the new
Dermody Announces Agreement with Rural King to Open in La Porte
May 11th, 2020—Rural King, America’s Farm and Home Store, has announced plans to open in La Porte, Indiana by March 2021. The new store will open in Maple Lane Mall, 1340 West State Road 2. Significant renovations to the 221,000 sq. ft. structure are scheduled to begin in early spring. Although other tenants are not identified at this time, renovations to additional tenant spaces will be completed as a part of this project. La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody said, the rehabilitation and renovation of this area will
Downtown La Porte Gets Community Treatment with Help of La Porte County Family YMCA & LEAP
The City of La Porte and the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) have been working to revamp the downtown district and have partnered with the La Porte County Family YMCA to make it happen. Recently, local businesses began making improvements and investing in their property, so it only made sense for the YMCA and LEAP to get out and start beautifying the city with the help of the community. Groups headed out from the 618 Plaza to surrounding blocks to paint, pick up trash, sweep, rake, pull
21st Annual Sunflower Fair in Downtown La Porte
The Sunflower Fair celebrates its twenty-first year in the heart of Downtown La Porte on Saturday, Sept. 21. The festival that celebrates community and creativity will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will last until 4:00 p.m. This unique festival is situated along beautiful Michigan Avenue between Lincolnway and Noble Street. With over 130 craft and specialty vendors, the Sunflower Fair is one of the largest area festivals. Attendees can eat delicious food from a variety of non-profit organizations and local
La Porte Farmer's Market Announces New Managers
The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) is excited to announce that they have been selected to manage the La Porte Farmer’s Market for the 2020 season. LEAP is the organization formed through the partnership between the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce and the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation earlier this year. “We are very excited the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association (LPUEA) has chosen LEAP to coordinate the market. The Farmer’s Market is a tremendous initiative
La Porte and Sullivan Named INspire Idea Competition Recipients
Today, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership and the Heart of Sullivan Main Street organizations as recipients of the INspire Idea competition at the Great Lakes Regional Main Street Conference. “It was exciting to see the creative ideas that came out of our Main Street organizations," said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. "These projects demonstrated a definite need, but will also improve quality of life for residents and
Flaherty & Collins Properties Announces Updated Plans For The Strand A $35M Mixed-Use Development
Flaherty & Collins Properties has announced The Strand, a $35M mixed-use development, will start construction next month. The City of La Porte Redevelopment Commission selected Flaherty & Collins Properties last year to build a 200-unit multifamily development in the heart of the City’s NewPorte Landing redevelopment project. “The City of La Porte is very excited to be partnering with Flaherty & Collins through this development, said Mayor Mark Krentz. “Flaherty & Collins Properties has a long history of
INspire Idea Competition Selects Five Finalists
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced five Indiana Main Street organizations as finalists for the INspire Idea competition. “I am excited to see what these five organizations present at the conference in the coming months,” Crouch said. “It is always inspiring to see the original ideas communities come up with to highlight the uniqueness of their area.” The goal of the competition is to encourage the Indiana Main Street network of communities and
GLPCC and GLEDC Forge a New Alliance Designed to Grow La Porte's Competitive Advantage
In an effort to build a high-functioning, multi-faceted economic development and business support center, the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Greater La Porte Economic Development (GLEDC) Board of Directors agreed recently to combine expertise under one umbrella and form a new alliance. The new alliance will continue to operate chamber of commerce and economic development functions independently with oversight from the two boards of directors, but will share staff,
LEAP News
- La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Announces Ready2Work Childcare Voucher Program
- Resort Apartments Expansion Sought
- Patrick Industries Announces Plans to Open a New Facility in La Porte, Indiana
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership with 5-Star Accreditation
- Quincy Development begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park
- Dermody Announces Agreement with Rural King to Open in La Porte
- Downtown La Porte Gets Community Treatment with Help of La Porte County Family YMCA & LEAP
- La Porte and Sullivan Named INspire Idea Competition Recipients
- INspire Idea Competition Selects Five Finalists
- Flaherty & Collins Properties Announces Updated Plans For The Strand A $35M Mixed-Use Development
- GLPCC and GLEDC Forge a New Alliance Designed to Grow La Porte’s Competitive Advantage
Contact Us
Phone: 219-324-8584
Address: 605 Michigan Avenue
La Porte IN, 46350
