PNW's College of Technology to Share in $3.19M Grant to Support Affordable Housing Project
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) College of Technology will receive a portion of a $3.19 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the Scalable Construction Automation for Labor-Efficient and Affordable Housing Expansion (SCALE-HOME) project. The initiative places PNW at the forefront of applied research in construction innovation, automation and housing sustainability. SCALE-HOME is an industry-driven collaboration that brings
Horizon Bank Promotes Kim Modigell as VP, Group Commercial Lending Manager
Michigan City, Indiana – Steve Kring, Regional President, is pleased to announce Kim Modigell as Vice President, Group Commercial Lending Manager. Modigell has more than 24 years of banking industry experience and has served Horizon Bank during multiple tenures throughout her career. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer, where she played a key role in supporting clients and driving commercial lending growth. Modigell studied Business Administration at Lake Michigan
CLH, CPAs & Consultants Gives Back Across NWI Through Fall Service Projects
Michigan City, IN – 10/26/2026 – CLH, CPAs & Consultants continued its commitment to communities across Northwest Indiana this fall by supporting Operation Feed LaPorte County and the Walks to End Alzheimer’s events in La Porte County and Porter County. CLH proudly supported Operation Feed LaPorte County, an organization dedicated to providing local food pantries with locally-raised meat to help provide essential resources to families throughout the county. Members of the CLH team recently volunteered
Register for Free Preview PNW: The Westville Experience Open House
WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites prospective college students and their families to attend the fall 2026 Preview PNW: The Westville Experience open house. The free event provides valuable information about how students can start their academic journeys at the PNW Westville campus, the admissions process and paying for college. The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19 at the PNW Westville campus, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, Ind. Visit
Salvation Army Announces Monica and Dan Komasinski, 2026 Christmas Campaign Chairs
La PORTE COUNTY, IN, October 26, 2025 — The Salvation Army serving La Porte County is pleased to announce that Monica and Dan Komasinski will serve as the organization's 2026 Christmas Campaign Chairs, helping lead this year's countywide effort to raise funds and awareness for neighbors in need throughout La Porte County. The community will have an opportunity to meet the Komasinskis and celebrate the start of the Christmas season at The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Kick Off, taking place Monday,
The Salvation Army Serving La Porte County Accepting Applications for Christmas Assistance
LA PORTE COUNTY, October 22, 2026 – The Salvation Army serving La Porte County is now accepting applications for its annual Christmas Assistance Program, which provides toys for children and holiday food assistance to individuals and families in need throughout La Porte County. Households seeking assistance this holiday season may apply online now through December 4 at www.saangeltree.org. When completing the online application, applicants should select “No” when prompted for an invitation code. In-person
Purdue University Northwest Offers Esports Open House at Westville Campus
WESTVILLE, Ind. – Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites members of the public to an open house showcasing the PNW Esports arena and lounge on the Westville campus. The open house is scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 27 in PNW’s Library-Student-Faculty Building, Room 001, 1401 S. U.S. Highway 421, Westville, Indiana. Representatives from the Westville Area Chamber of Commerce and the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership will join university officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at
Surf Internet Wins 2026 BBB Torch Award for Ethics
ELKHART, Ind. (Oct. 23, 2026) – Surf Internet®, a leading fiber-optic internet provider serving Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, has received a 2026 Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Indiana. Surf was one of three businesses named winners in the Business of Integrity category, alongside Sky Point Social Services and Sweetwater, during an awards ceremony Thursday, Oct. 22, in Fort Wayne.The annual awards recognize businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals that
2026 Business & Economic Outlook to Explore Key Trends
Crown Point, IN – 10/20/2026 – The Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) will host the 2026 Business & Economic Outlook on Oct. 30, bringing business leaders, industry professionals and regional stakeholders together for a morning of expert insights and economic analysis.The free event will take place 8 a.m.-noon at Ivy Tech Community College in Valparaiso, with registration and a continental breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m.Designed to help regional
LCSO Announces Conductor Update
October 16, 2026 - La Porte, In., - Music Director Dr. Carolyn Watson this week informed the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra Board she was not seeking a renewal of her contact beyond its expiry at the end of this season. Watson has been with the orchestra for six seasons during which time she has presided over a considerable improvement and strengthening in the artistic quality of the orchestra. Dr. Watson states "It is with very mixed emotions I have decided not to renew my contract with the LCSO
Dig the Dunes and Treasures by the Tide Artisan Market will be Hosted at LCA
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Dig the Dunes and Treasures by the Tide will present their fourth annual Artisan Market. This year, the event will be hosted at Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) on Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Shop local for handmade items in all three of LCA's galleries. More than 30 artisans and makers will fill Lubeznik Center for the Arts, offering an eclectic mix of handcrafted jewelry, art, home decor, fiber arts, glasswork, accessories, baked goods, books, bath
NiSource Announces Long-Term Agreement with Microsoft Expected to Increase Customer Savings
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) announced today a new long-term energy agreement with Microsoft for its previously announced northwest Indiana campus. The agreement is expected to expand customer savings while supporting economic growth across the region, reflecting NiSource’s continued focus on aligning economic development with customer affordability. Through NiSource Generation Company LLC (GenCo), the company is serving new large-load customers under a structure designed to protect
Buliding Hope on Historic Ground: A Heartfelt Project Update
When La Porte County Habitat for Humanity first broke ground on Woodward Street we stood in a big, empty space that once held the Tibma Bakery. It has been a meaningful journey honoring the history for a business that served our community for so many years. As we open a bright new chapter, dreams of affordable homeownership come true and opportunities are created to thrive in ways local families never thought possible. Our hearts are full seeing the dedication of our community. Week after week—through
PNW and Ivy Tech Partner to Enhance Hospitality Career Paths
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) and Ivy Tech Community College statewide are strengthening accessibility and affordability for college students pursuing hospitality and tourism careers through several academic transfer pathways.The institutions have introduced three transfer pathways that provide opportunities for Ivy Tech students completing hospitality and culinary arts-focused technical certificates to apply and transfer eligible credit hours toward PNW’s Hospitality and
Historians of the Year Program on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m.
The La Porte County "Historians of the Year" for 2026 will be honored on Tuesday, October 20th. The program will be held at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum at 7:00 pm. Honorees will be recognized for their work in helping to promote and preserve the history of La Porte County. The “Historians of the Year” will be Bonnie DeWolf and Ron Hyer.The two organizations being recognized for their many years of continuous service to the people of La Porte County are Kabelin Ace Hardware and the La
Belle Gunness Event at the La Porte Historical Society Museum - November 7
Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026 to learn more about Belle Gunness and her appalling crimes. There will be a morning session from 10:00am to Noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Each session begins with “The Gunness Mystery” documentary showing by County Historian Bruce Johnson, followed by a presentation by retired Judge William Boklund titled “The Belle Gunness Mystery: Hard Evidence & Occam’s Razor.” Tickets are $5.00 per person. Society members and children 18 or younger are
City of La Porte Named 2026 Indiana Community of the Year
(INDIANAPOLIS) — Northwest Indiana continues to garner positive attention on a big stage. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is honoring the City of La Porte as its 2026 Yamaha Community of the Year for its commitment to strengthening its local economy to enhance the quality of life for its residents and pathways to prosperity for local businesses. The City of La Porte was selected by an Indiana Chamber panel after a thorough review of all locations under consideration. The group chose the City of La Porte
Lubeznik Center for the Arts Presents New ''UNREAL'' Exhibition
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is debuting a new exhibition, "UNREAL," on view from November 6, 2026 through February 7, 2027. LCA's curator, Whitney Bradshaw, brings together five Midwestern artists in "UNREAL" who employ illusion, hyperrealism, trompe l'oeil (French for "to deceive the eye"), humor, art historical references and extraordinary craftsmanship to examine the unstable boundary between what we see and what we believe. Their works invite us to look more closely, not
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,
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Phone: 219-324-8584
Address: 605 Michigan Avenue
La Porte IN, 46350
