There have been a wide variety of businesses, organizations, and communities that have been giving back to others and making the La Porte County the best place it can be.
Northern Indiana continues to grow and prosper due to the determination and relentless impact community members are making throughout the year. Those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and we love shining a spotlight on those that go the extra mile to make the community a more positive place.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 community articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
La Porte County Family YMCA celebrates 114th annual State of the Y event
It’s always a thrilling experience to have a gathering that appreciates work that creates a strong impact. That’s exactly what the La Porte County Family YMCA experienced in hosting its 114th annual State of the Y ceremony on Thursday, February 22.
Many staff members and volunteers were recognized for their dedication to the organization at the event. Dawn Zigler, executive volunteer officer for La Porte Family YMCA, shared how the State of the Y ceremony serves as a positive reflection.
Purdue University Northwest audiences reflect on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of social justice
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) students, faculty and staff members were encouraged to “Read, Study, Travel” in order to become well-informed agents of social change and love throughout the world.
Renowned author and cultural critic Kevin Powell emphasized this and more as the keynote speaker for PNW’s annual celebration of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. PNW hosted Powell Wednesday on its Hammond campus as part of a two-day recognition of MLK’s life and legacy.
LEAP’s Third House Session helps La Porte residents connect with their elected officials, get questions answered
As a voter, it’s important to stay up to date on local, state, and national policies that could affect your life. Every year, the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) brings together politicians who have a say in what happens in La Porte County for an informative, interactive session to keep La Porte residents informed.
This year’s session featured City of La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, La Porte City Council President Tim Franke, La Porte County Council President Randy Novak, State Representative Jim Pressel, and State Senator Mike Bohacek. The group met with community members in the La Porte County Public Library Exchange building, providing a more intimate, close-to-home atmosphere for the event.
All of Michigan City pitches in with glee to help the city’s youth at Mayor’s Charitable Gala
Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch has yet to be in office for a hundred days, but she is already helping Michigan City achieve important milestones. On a festive Friday evening, hundreds of people attended the Mayor’s Charitable Gala where $113,000 was raised to help the city’s youth.
“I think that it is important that we raise funds for the community, and this was the best event to start with focusing on our youth,” Deuitch said. “If we keep them busy and occupied, they thrive. My ultimate goal is to support smaller programs, neighborhoods and different organizations that normally don't get funded.”
Ivy Tech unveils mobile Learning Lab + to further students’ education journeys
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is making education even more accessible with the rollout of its new Learning Lab +, a mobile learning lab providing classes and labs for students without making them leave their community. The mobile lab was unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 17, at Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso campus.
“Our learning lab space is nothing short of an amazing new venture for Ivy Tech Community College. At the college we are 100% committed to meeting students where they are at. Our new mobile unit does just that. This custom mobile classroom space has been intentionally built to deliver higher education at the speed of life for students across the Region,” said Campus Chancellor Aco Sikoski in a press release.
Geminus hosts its annual Candlelight Vigils for Child Abuse at La Porte, Gary City Halls
On April 24, La Porte citizens braved the chilly weather to gather in front of the La Porte County Courthouse for Geminus’ annual Candlelight Vigil for Child Abuse. A second vigil was additionally held on April 25 at the Gary City Hall for Lake County residents. Geminus, an Indiana-based social service organization, has sponsored the candlelight vigil for several years. This was the third year that the vigil was held in La Porte. This year’s ceremony featured remarks on child abuse from Geminus executives as well as several community members. The event was followed by a reception inside City Hall where soda, meatballs, cupcakes, and other light refreshments were served.
The La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults: A hub of connection and engagement for local seniors
The La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults (ACOA), located in Downtown La Porte within Northwest Health complex at Heritage Place, stands as a beacon of connection for the local elderly community. The City of La Porte took partnership with La Porte Parks and Recreation Department for ACOA after the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Supervisor Cindy Polito, ACOA offers a wide range of resources and activities designed to combat isolation, promote engagement and empower elders to embrace modern technology and services.
Operation Feed La Porte County hits all time record of 8,000 pounds of meat for food pantry
On the morning of Monday, August 5, Operation Feed LaPorte County held a food drive at the La Porte County Fairgrounds. Representatives from local food pantries run by organizations like Saint Vincent De Paul, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, and Eternal K9 Dog Training, assembled in the Fairgrounds’ Community Building to pick from an array of non-perishable foods and toiletry supplies. Volunteers from organizations like CompressAir, Purdue Extension – LaPorte County, and the LaPorte County Farm Bureau Insurance helped load non-perishables and other supplies into the representatives’ vehicles. More volunteers then supplied representatives their choice of donated meat from a freezer trailer parked outside of the building.
Nearly 900 Advisors volunteer at over 80 nonprofits in the Region and beyond as Horizon Bank celebrates Horizon Cares Day
Nearly 900 Horizon Bank Advisors spread out to volunteer at over 80 nonprofit organizations on Thursday, September 12, as part of the second annual Horizon Cares Day. Horizon Bank closed all of its branches located in Indiana and Michigan for the day to allow its Advisors to give back to their local communities.
Advisors volunteered at food pantries, animal shelters, youth and senior centers, and community organizations of all kinds. Tasks ranged from helping with day-to-day chores and errands to helping organizations finish projects they usually lack the time or hands to complete.
Michigan City Police Department welcomes seven new officers
The Michigan City Police Department welcomed seven new officers to its force this spring.
The addition of these new officers not only strengthens the already resilient force but continues to allow the Michigan City police force to proactively plan for the future.
“The seven new officers just graduated,” said Chief Marty Corley. “Six graduated from the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and one from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.”
