Jobless rate in NWI falls dramatically; Indiana rate bumps down

The unemployment rates in the region dipped dramatically, while Indiana's unemployment rate dipped slightly in April, according to government data released Friday.

NIRPC moves forward to improve public participation

PORTAGE │ A committee of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission has approved the agency’s new public participation plan.

LaPorte County farm family honored for 115 years heritage

When Gerald Werner's great-grandfather settled in the rich farm country of Indiana from his native Germany, he planted the seeds of a heritage that continues to bear fruit.

Using wrong mail service dooms LaPorte woman's malpractice claim

INDIANAPOLIS | Even as it teeters on the brink of bankruptcy, the U.S. Postal Service often remains the best choice for mailing legal documents — as a LaPorte woman learned Thursday.

EDITORIAL: Invite regionalism to tourism efforts

The threat of legal action in the ongoing battle between the three Northwest Indiana tourism agencies shows how far out of control this situation has become.

RICH JAMES: Remove fences, end tourism turf war

There are no walls, no checkpoints and no border guards asking for residency cards when you pass from Lake County into Porter County. The same can be said when you slip from Porter County into LaPorte County.

LaPorte County Lincoln Day Dinner reservations due today

Eric Holcomb, chairman of the Indiana Republican Party, and LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo will be the principal speakers at the LaPorte County Republican Party’s Annual Lincoln Day Dinner on May 9.

Westville corrections officer charged with bribery, trafficking

WESTVILLE | A Westville Correctional Facility officer was arrested and charged with bribery and trafficking Friday after allegedly attempting to bring tobacco products to an inmate there.

2 injured Sunday in wreck at Ind. 2, U.S. 421 in Westville

WESTVILLE | At least two people were injured in a crash Sunday afternoon on U.S. 421 near Ind. 2, police said.

Michigan City man sentenced to 50 years for teen's murder

CROWN POINT | A Michigan City man already serving 20 years for shooting at a couple on Interstate 80/94 was sentenced Wednesday to an additional 50 years in the murder of a teenage friend.

Study ranks Northwest Indiana 16th most polluted area in nation

MUNSTER | A report by the American Lung Association released Wednesday gave Northwest Indiana critical grades for its air quality.

State report: 5 region children died of abuse, neglect injuries in a year

INDIANAPOLIS | Northwest Indiana was home to five of Indiana's 40 children who died of abuse or neglect between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011, a state report released Monday shows.

Region debut of Civil War film attracts about 80 to Welcome Center

HAMMOND | Lakes of the Four Seasons filmmaker Tre Manchester sought to bring the home-front struggles of the Civil War to life in the region debut of his short film Saturday.

E.C. students get up close and personal with region's Civil War history

HAMMOND | About 50 East Chicago school children received a lesson Friday in the stories of Northwest Indiana men who fought — and in some cases died — in our nation's bloodiest war in history.

Unemployment rate remains unchanged in Indiana

Indiana's unemployment rate remained at 8.7 percent in March, halting a recent upward trend, according to government data released Friday.

IDEM chief: LaPorte Co. violates Clean Air Act for ozone

HAMMOND | LaPorte County does not meet the federal Clean Air Act for ozone pollution, Indiana's top environmental official said Thursday.

LaPorte County Graduated Sanctions System

LAPORTE | Circuit Court Judge Thomas Alevizos is pleased to announce the second year continuance of a grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. The purpose of the grant is to continue and expand the Neighborhood Accountability Board (NAB), which is part of LaPorte Circuit Court’s Gr…

Recognition of Service Excellence

LAPORTE COUNTY | Throughout the LaPorte County, at many restaurants, stores and other establishments, R.O.S.E. nomination cards will soon be provided for the patrons to use, explaining the exceptional service that was provided by the front line employee.

Senate backs higher taxes on region motorists

INDIANAPOLIS | The Republican-controlled Senate voted 38-12 Tuesday to compel Northwest Indiana residents pay more in vehicle taxes if they want smooth roads to drive on.

Six new troopers patrolling Lowell District

LOWELL | Members of the 72nd Indiana State Police Recruit School that graduated Dec. 21 received their patrol cars Monday at the Indiana State Police Museum, located at the Indiana State Police Indianapolis District.