Happy weekend, LaPorte County! In today’s happening-today edition: Microsoft’s $1 billion data center campus, kindred spirits art exhibition, and Father’s Day weekend train rides + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Major project takes shape: Microsoft broke ground June 17 on a La Porte data center campus, a $1 billion investment expected to create over 600 jobs and generate tax revenue for schools -- read the full story.
Family-friendly community event: Safe Kids Day will be held in La Porte on Friday, July 10, with a free family meal, music, safety demonstrations, door prizes, and local heroes, and pre-registration is required -- get the full event details.
Sculptural play on display: Lubeznik Center for the Arts will open Kindred Spirits on July 3, pairing Chicago sculptors Margaret Wharton and Betsy Odom. Curated by Whitney Bradshaw, the exhibition runs through October 25 -- see what the exhibit includes.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Close-to-home escape: You don’t need a whole road trip to reset. LPCF Campground gives LaPorte County folks an easy, low-stress place to set up and breathe a little... close enough to keep your weekend flexible, outdoorsy enough to feel like you actually got away.
Sharpen that swing: Mat Blair's Golf Studio turns winter rust and mid-season slumps into real progress with one-on-one coaching, simulator work, and custom club fitting, all right here in downtown La Porte. If your slice has a zip code, bring it in... you’ll leave with a plan and a little swagger.
Comfort that gives back: Soul Food Bistro Inc brings the Southern hits you actually want this week, from crispy fried chicken to buttery cornbread. They also run youth job training, apprenticeships, and internships, so your comfort-food craving does a little neighborhood good too.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🛍 HCA Dockside Artisan Market @ Millennium Plaza (Michigan City) | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Saturday mornings by the lake are for browsing handmade treasures at Millennium Plaza’s Dockside Artisan Market in Michigan City, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Think local makers, coffee, and a lake breeze that convinces you to buy another ceramic mug, maybe a candle.
🥛 Celebrate National Dairy Month @ La Porte County Historical Society Museum | Saturday (6/20) at 10:30 AM – National Dairy Month calls for a field trip to the museum, where the exhibit actually moos back. Bring the crew for children’s storytime, real cow petting, and Culver’s snacks, plus a quick primer on La Porte County dairy life. Free, all ages, genuinely wholesome.
🍓 2nd Annual Juneberry Festival @ Walker Street Park Community Garden (Michigan City) | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Grab your sunhat and wander over to the 2nd Annual Juneberry Festival for an afternoon of live music, fresh food, flower bars, and neighborly people-watching. Yes, juneberries are real, and no, you do not have to pretend you garden to enjoy this one.
🚂 Father's Day Weekend Train Rides @ Hesston Steam Museum (La Porte) | Saturday (6/20) – If Dad's love language is diesel fumes and a conductor's whistle, this Father's Day weekend is it. Roll through train rides, then on Sunday admire American Historical Truck Association rigs of every era, size, and story. Let Dad narrate, we'll nod along.
🏳 Love is Love 5k Run/Walk @ Bluhm County Park (Westville) | Sunday (6/21) at 8:00 AM – Bluhm County Park in Westville is hosting a 5k run and walk that lets you rack up steps, support LGBTQ+ outreach in Porter County, and still make brunch. Jog, stroll, or power-walk, the course is friendly, and your knees will forgive you.
☕ Caffeine and Octane @ Pit Stop BBQ and Catering (Michigan City) | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Think you know the difference between octane and espresso? Pit Stop's Caffeine and Octane Father's Day show pairs polished rides with fresh coffee beans roasted over an Oklahoma Joe, so it smells like Sunday morning, Dad pride, and a hint of backyard bragging rights.
🦁 Father's Day @ Washington Park Zoo (Michigan City) | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – Washington Park Zoo is celebrating Father's Day with 50% off admission for dads and granddads with a paid admission. Stroll past the big cats, debate who packed the better snacks, and let him tell the same corny story, again, while you make actually good memories. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The LaPorte County report Weather forecastToday — High: 76°F — Low: 56°F — Precip: 30%
A chance of rain showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 72°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 77%
A chance of rain showers between 8am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. This house is wildThis charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District pairs original hardwood floors and historic character with fresh modern updates. The open-concept layout keeps living, dining, and kitchen spaces flowing with ease, while the sunny sunroom adds a cheerful bonus. Outside, a large fenced backyard and prime walkable location seal the deal.
Take a peek inside → |
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