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3 weeks ago

Louie Spear accuses city and large developments of worsening drainage; LaPorte County board orders inspections At a March 10 LaPorte County Drainage Board meeting, resident Louie Spear said the city and commercial developments have diverted water into a county ditch; the board said it is investigating, ordered inspections and bids for two sinkholes on the claimant's tile, and is coordinating with the state DNR.

Louie Spear claims the city and local developers are flooding his property, and the LaPorte County Drainage Board is stepping in to investigate serious drainage issues.

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3 weeks ago

Redevelopment Commission approves engineering contracts and funding for street and sidewalk projects The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission on March 9 approved multiple engineering contracts and funding appropriations — including up to $40,000 for Washington Park Boulevard oversight, a $55,000 addendum for 10th Street design, a $40,000 engineering allocation for US 12 sidewalk work, and $5,000 for downtown scoping — all by voice vote.

Big changes are on the horizon for Michigan City as the Redevelopment Commission greenlights funding for vital street and sidewalk upgrades!

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3 weeks ago

Parks board signs off on SprayTech training, emergency zoo repairs and support letter for septic-elimination project The board approved a $25,000 SprayTech training agreement to certify a new pesticide-applicator assistant, authorized emergency repairs at the zoo (furnace and walk-in cooler) and adopted a letter supporting the Michigan City Sanitary District’s septic-elimination project to reduce E. coli contamination at Trail Creek and Lake Michigan.

The Michigan City Parks Board has taken crucial steps to enhance local environmental safety and animal welfare, from training pesticide applicators to urgent zoo repairs and tackling E. coli pollution.

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #LaPorteCountyParks

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3 weeks ago

Michigan City Tree Board pushes ordinance updates and canopy restoration fund as development grows The Michigan City Tree Board and public works director outlined proposed changes to vegetation ordinances to broaden tree protection from species lists toward canopy-focused measures, discussed mitigation payments for developers and a dedicated canopy restoration fund, and said staff will clarify enforcement and licensing language.

Michigan City's Tree Board is set to strengthen tree protection ordinances by shifting focus from specific species to preserving the entire canopy, amid growing concerns over development-related tree loss.

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CivicAccountability #LaPorteCountyTreeProtection

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3 weeks ago

Parks board approves Washington Park parking plan with surge pricing, caps and penalty schedule The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board approved a new Washington Park parking policy establishing zone-based hourly pricing, daily caps (capped below the $40 special-event fee), surge-pricing triggers and a stepped penalty-and-collections process; staff will begin public outreach prior to implementation.

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board just approved a new parking policy for Washington Park featuring surge pricing, daily caps, and a penalty schedule—aimed at keeping your wallet happy while managing demand!

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4 weeks ago

County approves addendum in IURC case aimed at keeping data‑center costs off local ratepayers The LaPorte County Board of Commissioners approved an addendum to IURC cause no. 46322 that county counsel said secures commitments to prevent data‑center energy costs from being passed to existing NIPSCO customers and to prioritize site evaluation for new generation in industrial zones.

LaPorte County has taken a bold step to shield local ratepayers from rising energy costs tied to data centers, ensuring that their bills won't take a hit!

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #EnergyCosts #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #LaPorteCountyUtility #RegulatoryReform

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1 month ago

Planning commission briefed on $2 million EDC incentive for south‑side retail project Planning commissioners heard an informational presentation about a proposed south-side retail development (Trailwinds) that would use a $2,000,000 EDC/RDC forgivable loan (TIF) to build a public road and enable roughly 12 lots with small-format retail; commissioners were asked to consider providing a nonbinding letter of support—no formal action was taken.

A groundbreaking $2 million incentive could transform Michigan City's south side into a vibrant retail hub with new roads and shops!

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1 month ago

La Porte County forum presses for ordinance, impact studies as data‑center interest grows Residents and county officials debated zoning, water, power and annexation risks at a La Porte County public forum, urging a draft ordinance, impact studies and expanded public outreach; planning commissioners plan a public hearing on the draft in March.

Residents are demanding stronger regulations on potential data centers in La Porte County, citing concerns over water use, noise, and job creation as officials prepare for an upcoming public hearing.

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1 month ago

Coroner reports rise in suicides; council tables proposal to convert first deputy to full time LaPorte County Coroner Lynn Swanson told the council suicide deaths rose from 21 in 2024 to 33 in 2025; council debated converting a part-time first deputy to full-time to address FLSA concerns but voted to table the item pending more information.

LaPorte County is grappling with a troubling rise in suicide rates, prompting urgent discussions about mental health resources and staffing changes.

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1 month ago

LaPorte County Council presses for answers after countywide HVAC failures tied to Ameresco project County facilities staff and commissioners spent more than 20 minutes debating failing HVAC equipment installed under an Amresco (Ameresco) project, the county’s difficulty getting LG to engage on diagnostics, and next steps including legal outreach and pursuit of liability waivers to secure repairs.

LaPorte County officials are demanding answers and accountability after costly HVAC systems, part of a $9 million Ameresco project, fail to deliver promised energy savings.

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1 month ago

Michigan City board weighs new fuel‑farm payment system and plans for unleaded aviation fuel Board members discussed selection of a new fuel‑farm payment system (QT 3,000 vs. FuelMaster), noted neither system supports Apple Pay, and discussed availability of unleaded avgas blends and a broad 2030 transition target; board approved switching to UL94 when it becomes available.

LaPorte County's airport board is gearing up for a major fuel transition, paving the way for unleaded aviation fuels by 2030, but which payment system will take flight—QT 3,000 or FuelMaster?

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1 month ago

Superintendent: Life rings to be installed after grant pursuit; parking system and smoking policy addressed Superintendent Shannon reported Michigan City is not in compliance with Senate Enrolled Act 253 and outlined a plan to install 14 life-ring stations at designated beach paths pending Health Foundation of La Porte grant funding; staff also previewed automated parking rules and discussed the common council's new no-smoking policy that exempts park property.

Michigan City is taking crucial steps to enhance beach safety by installing 14 life-ring stations, all while addressing new parking fees and a controversial smoking policy.

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1 month ago

LaPorte officials prepare data‑center rules, say no county data center yet Officials told residents that no data center has been formally proposed in unincorporated LaPorte County and said the county will draft a data‑center ordinance at the planning commission with a public hearing expected in early March; officials also discussed tax treatment and annexation limits.

LaPorte County officials reveal there’s still no data center on the horizon, but new rules are coming to prepare for future development!

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1 month ago

County officials say data centers can boost tax revenue but bring few long‑term jobs; emphasize siting and PILOT terms LaPorte County leaders told residents data centers are attractive for tax revenue but typically generate most jobs during construction; officials opposed blanket abatements and said they will push for proper siting and fair payments-in-lieu-of-taxes.

LaPorte County leaders are torn over the promise of data centers bringing in tax revenue while raising concerns about the limited permanent jobs they create.

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CommunityBenefits #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #LaPorteCountyCommunity #TaxRevenue

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1 month ago

Michigan City Housing Authority told to repay 2021 capital funds; potential loss about $513,000 HUD identified a Section 9(j) obligation lapse for the authority's 2021 capital fund grant; HUD will recapture the amount from future grants (about $513,000). The authority is exploring appeal options and is also working through HUD monitoring findings from 2024.

The Michigan City Housing Authority faces a potential loss of $513,000 in future capital funds due to a serious violation of HUD obligations, sparking urgent discussions on appeals and compliance.

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1 month ago

LaPorte County leaders warn SEA 1 will shrink local revenue; consider taxes, cuts and efficiency County leaders told a League of Women Voters forum that state property-tax reform (SEA 1) is creating a $2.3–$3.7 million projected shortfall and urged efficiency, targeted taxes and careful use of reserves to maintain services through 2028.

LaPorte County officials are sounding the alarm as a new property-tax reform threatens to create a staggering $3.7 million budget shortfall, leaving local services hanging by a thread.

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #LaPorteCountyTaxes #BudgetEfficiency

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1 month ago

Washington Park Zoo lays out 2026–2030 strategic plan, highlights centennial projects Zoo Director Jamie Huss and Parks staff presented the Washington Park Zoo's 2026–2030 strategic plan, outlining goals, past improvements and capital projects including Monkey Island restoration (centennial focus for 2028), Wings of Wonder completion, a wetlands/alligator exhibit and a proposed expanded gift shop and classroom to boost revenue.

Washington Park Zoo just unveiled an ambitious strategic plan that promises exciting new exhibits and major renovations in time for its centennial celebration in 2028!

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #LaPorteCountyZoo #WildlifeConservation

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1 month ago

Parks Board OKs Zoological Society MOU, Approves Brew at the Zoo and Running Wild 5K Licenses The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Feb. 18 approved a 2026 MOU with the Michigan City Zoological Society that keeps vet support and adds new revenue-sharing and volunteer requirements; the board also approved licenses for Brew at the Zoo and the Running Wild 5K and several routine finance items.

The Michigan City Parks Board just approved a groundbreaking MOU that ensures vital vet care for the zoo while boosting funding through popular events like Brew at the Zoo and the Running Wild 5K!

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #LaPorteCountyParks #WildlifeConservation

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1 month ago

LaPorte County officials warn of $2.3M–$3.7M shortfall after property‑tax changes County leaders told residents at a town hall that recent property‑tax changes and limits on municipal levies left LaPorte County facing an estimated $2.3 million shortfall that could grow to about $3.7 million, and outlined potential fixes including reserve rebuilding, new revenue tools and negotiated PILOTs.

LaPorte County is facing a staggering $3.7 million shortfall due to recent property-tax changes, putting essential services at risk!

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #CivicTransparency #LaPorteCountyTownHall #PropertyTaxReform #LocalGovernment

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1 month ago

La Porte County adopts resolution urging clearer electric delivery charges The La Porte County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 adopted Resolution 2026-1 asking state regulators and officials to require itemized delivery charges and better tracking after residents reported unexplained spikes in utility bills.

La Porte County is taking a stand against rising electric delivery charges by calling for transparency and itemization in billing—could this be the change residents have been waiting for?

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #PublicAwareness #CitizenPortal #ConsumerTransparency

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1 month ago

Council hears Tailwinds business-park introduction; developers seek $2M RDC loan for road on first reading Developers described a $30 million Tailwinds business-park and asked the council to consider a forgivable loan from Redevelopment Commission/TIF proceeds to build a public roadway; the measure was presented on first reading and held for a second reading with Q&A on labor, sidewalks and funding.

Michigan City is poised for a $30 million business park that promises hundreds of jobs and new local revenue—will the council seal the deal with a crucial $2 million loan?

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #JobCreation #PublicPrivatePartnerships #EconomicGrowth

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1 month ago

Michigan City council unanimously opposes recent NIPSCO rate increases, urges IURC review The Michigan City Common Council on Feb. 17 adopted an 8-0 resolution opposing recent Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) rate increases and asked the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to itemize delivery charges and reconsider the increases.

The Michigan City Common Council has taken a bold stand against skyrocketing utility rates, pushing for transparency and fairness from NIPSCO.

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #LaPorteCountyUtility #UtilityRates #GovernmentAccountability

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1 month ago

Michigan City board conditionally approves $1.05 million Motorola radio lease pending council funding Police and fire officials asked the Board of Public Works and Safety to conditionally approve a three-year, up-to-$1,050,000 municipal lease with Motorola to replace radios for the Michigan City Police and Fire departments; the board approved the request contingent on city-council funding and trade-in approvals.

Michigan City is gearing up to modernize its police and fire communications with a $1.05 million lease for cutting-edge Motorola radios, but it's all dependent on city council's green light.

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1 month ago

Commission updates EV pilot with police and Drive Clean Indiana grant support Commissioners reported an exploratory electric vehicle program for Michigan City Police Department administrative vehicles and said Drive Clean Indiana will help with grant applications and may donate charging stations.

Michigan City is revving up its electric vehicle pilot program for police administrative cars, with plans for grants and charging stations to drive sustainability forward!

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1 month ago

Michigan City Sustainability Commission approves IDEM nomination and backs Water Resources Development Act At its Feb. 12 meeting the Michigan City Sustainability Commission approved submitting the Earth Month Extravaganza to the iDEM governor's awards and unanimously voted to sign on in support of the Water Resources Development Act; the commission also discussed EV pilots, event recycling and coal-ash testing.

The Michigan City Sustainability Commission is taking bold steps towards a greener future by submitting its Earth Month Extravaganza for a prestigious award and supporting vital water resource initiatives!

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #CleanEnergy #WasteReduction

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1 month ago

Michigan City council workshop debates citywide smoke-free ordinance, opts to draft compromise Council members, park staff, public-health advocates and residents debated a proposed ordinance to ban smoking on city property and outdoor recreation areas; concerns focused on enforcement, park revenue and legal limits. Council agreed to work with the city attorney on a draft.

Michigan City's council is caught in a heated debate over a proposed smoke-free ordinance for parks and public spaces, weighing health benefits against potential revenue losses and enforcement challenges.

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1 month ago

RDC authorizes annual inspection and NDOT report for I‑94/421 overpass The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission authorized Global Engineering to inspect the I‑94/421 overpass and submit the annual maintenance report to NDOT, pending legal review and not to exceed $5,000.

The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission takes a significant step towards improving local infrastructure by authorizing a $5,000 inspection of the I‑94/421 overpass.

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1 month ago

Attorney: grants may be available; Coast Guard may seek use of port property; yacht-club litigation to be checked The port attorney summarized grant programs that might fund electrical or infrastructure work, said Coast Guard officials may request limited use of port property possibly requiring a memorandum of understanding, and said he will check the status of yacht-club litigation and report back at the next meeting.

Potential grants for marina upgrades could reshape our port's future, but eligibility hurdles loom large!

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1 month ago

LaPorte County drainage board tables major Shur's Ditch fixes after hours of testimony Residents and farmers told the LaPorte County Drainage Board that century-old tiles and new urban runoff (including stormwater from a nearby Walmart and Boyd Boulevard) have overwhelmed the Shur's Ditch system; the board will review prior engineering files and perform a site visit before deciding on next steps.

Decades of unchecked development have left LaPorte County's Shur's Ditch drainage system in crisis, threatening local wetlands and prompting urgent calls for action.

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1 month ago

Park staff outline parking app rollout and enforcement plan after resident questions Board staff explained how residents will register license plates, how visitors will prepay via app or kiosks, and how enforcement and citation collection will work; residents asked about registration, enforcement visibility and ticketing timelines.

Michigan City's new beach-parking system promises hassle-free entry for residents, but how will enforcement hold visitors accountable?

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#LaPorteCounty #IN #DigitalEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEnforcement