2014 is coming to a close, and before we move on to a new year, let's take a moment to look back on all of the highlights that made this year special. So much took place that it was hard to choose, but here are the Top 10 Community Articles that LaPorteCountyLife is proud to display. We got to be part of all of these great moments with you, and we can't wait to be part of more in the years to come.
Take a look below to see the best that 2014 had to offer!
1. City Council To Adopt Lake Michigan Gateway Implementation Strategy
The Michigan City Common Council is expected to pass a resolution at their October 21 meeting supporting the Lake Michigan Gateway Implementation Strategy as the blueprint to move Michigan City forward.
2. "We Made Lemonade Out of Lemons!"
At LaPorteCountyLife.com we are in the business of good news. This article starts with some not so good news. Vandals hit the La Porte County Family YMCA's Haunted Trail set up late Wednesday afternoon, doing enough damage to force the cancellation of the event. By 8 AM the next morning, Executive Director Cindy Berchem and La Porte Mayor Blair Milo were on the phone strategizing. Using the mayor and the Y's extensive Facebook audience, the plea was made for volunteers to gather on Friday morning to reassemble the trail for the enjoyment of the community.
3. Small City, Big Change: The founder of The Red Boot Coalition Sparks Dialogue in the La Porte Community
Changing the political landscape of the United States is a hefty task, but Molly Barker, founder of the Red Boot Coalition, is on a mission to do just that.
4. Teachers From Across Northwest Indiana Learn about Minds in Motion
Held at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor's Center in Chesterton and sponsored by the United Way Programs of La Porte, Elkhart, and Porter counties, 100 teachers from the 3 counties were present on Friday, as Candace S. Meyer, Founder & CEO, presented the Minds In Motion program.
5. La Porte Honors Retiring City Workers
The City of La Porte honored long-time workers who are retiring this year on Friday. During a casual get together where cake and good times were shared, La Porte Mayor Blair Milo was on hand to present the retirees in attendance with certificates, personal thanks, and a pair of sunglasses to wear as they left.
6. Future Leaders Graduate from MCPD's Youth Leadership Academy
More than 50 "future leaders of the community" were recognized at City Hall on Friday for their completion of the second annual Youth Leadership Academy organized and taught by the Michigan City Police Department.
7. Program Excel in the Works to Help Students Expelled from Michigan City High School Graduate
Being expelled from high school is an emotional and trying time for both students and their families. And with the tough financial state in which the Michigan City Area Schools find themselves, there is not much they can do about keeping an expelled student on track and back to school with a chance to graduate on time.
8. Vote411.org is a "One Stop Shop" For Voting Needs
Much of the uncertainty behind the process of voting can be taken away with the Vote411.org resource, a online voter guide commissioned by the League of Women Voters.
9. Replanting Love in the Uptown Arts District
More than 60 community members generously donated their time and supplies to help repair the damage caused by vandals last weekend in the Uptown Arts District in Michigan City.
10. Car Wash Competition Creates Friendly Rivalry Between Michigan City Schools, Police, Fire
Michigan City was full of shiny and squeaky clean cars on Friday. The 4th Annual United Way Car Wash competition between the Michigan City Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department and Michigan City Area Schools made its way to the town as they lathered up cars in order to raise funds for the United Way of La Porte County.