Press Releases
Purdue University Northwest Raises Over $1.6 Million on 2026 PNW Day of Giving
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Scott Schaller knows better than most how life-changing the relationships between Purdue University Northwest (PNW) students and their faculty mentors can be.Schaller, who currently serves as chair of the department of Quantitative Business Studies in the PNW College of Business, holds associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.“The relationships I built with my faculty mentors were the foundation for my career,” he said. “When I describe PNW to others, I
Larson-Danielson Begins Work on Downtown Hammond Train Station
HAMMOND, Ind. — The City of Hammond celebrated the Downtown Hammond Train Station with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 16, 2026, joined by city officials, prominent economic leaders in the region. Representatives from Larson-Danielson Construction were honored to attend the event as the project General Contractor. Larson-Danielson was awarded the contract for the 2,200-square-foot station in March 2026. Construction will officially begin on the year-long project this month and will add the city’s third
Unity Foundation Partners to Provide Funding to Fight Food Insecurity in La Porte County
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN—Unity Foundation of La Porte County and Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, have partnered to administer $20,000 in funding to address food insecurity in La Porte County. Six local nonprofit organizations are receiving support, each focused on providing low- or no-cost food to residents. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation on this effort,” said Jeri Pat
Giggles Boutique to Host Community Mental Health & Wellness Event For All Ages
LaPorte, IN — Giggles Boutique invites the community to come together for a day of connection, support, and resources at its upcoming Mental Health & Wellness Event on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Giggles Boutique, 321 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN. This free, family-friendly event is designed to bring together a wide range of services focused on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with local
Horizon Bank Announces Mark Ulyas as VP, Wealth Investment Portfolio Officer
Michigan City, Indiana – Anthony Smith, President, Private Wealth Management, is pleased to announce Mark Ulyas as Vice President, Wealth Investment Portfolio Officer. Ulyas earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Penn State University and Master of Business Administration from Duquesne University. In his role, he will manage investment portfolios for Horizon Bank’s Wealth Management clients, delivering customized strategies to help meet their financial goals. He has more than 25 years of
Regional Professionals Complete 2025-26 Leadership Northwest Indiana Program
HAMMOND, Ind. – The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest proudly announces the graduates of the 2025-26 Leadership Northwest Indiana (LNI) program. This premium leadership program, facilitated by a team that includes professors from the PNW College of Business and leadership practitioners, met once a month for eight months. A 360 leadership assessment and custom coaching are program highlights. The facilitation team provides research-based leadership content and skill-building for effective leadership
Bella Largo Senior Living Announces Partnership for La Porte Newest Alzheimer's & Dementia Caregiver Support Group
La Porte, IN — Bella Largo Senior Living is proud to be the host site of the newest La Porte location for an Alzheimer's & Dementia Caregiver Support Group, in partnership with Alzheimer's & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana (ALZNI). ALZNI provides a vital resource for individuals caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia. There is no charge, monthly support group offers a welcoming, confidential, and safe environment where caregivers can come together to share
Purdue University Northwest Announces Faculty Member Promotions for 2026-27 Academic Year
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Eight Purdue University Northwest (PNW) faculty members received approval today (April 10) by the Purdue University Board of Trustees for academic promotions starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The faculty members’ promotions are effective Aug. 17, 2026.Academic tenure is acquired on promotion to the rank of associate professor. Candidates promoted to this level have demonstrated a record of accomplishment as a faculty member and show promise of continued professional growth
LCSO Announces 2026-27 Season
La Porte, April 17, 2026 - The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 concert season, which will mark the ensemble's 54th season and the sixth season under the direction of Dr. Carolyn Watson. Highlights of the season include Rimsky-Korsakov’s dazzling symphonic suite Scheherazade, a Family Concert in collaboration with Classical Kids Music Education, a program commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death, and special guests for the Spring Pops concert:
Reins of Life Needs More Volunteers
Reins of Life, Inc., is a therapeutic horseback riding center with barns in Michigan City and South Bend. They have served children and adults with disabilities since 1978 through equine-assisted services. If you like helping others, new experiences, and horses, this is the perfect place for you! Volunteers do not need horse skills as you will be taught what you need to volunteer. It is a fun environment where you meet new people, get some exercise, and spend time with big, furry friends. Reins of Life
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
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
