Hello LaPorte County! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Movies in the park, civil war train rides, and a dinosaur trophy workshop + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
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 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Construction updates ahead: U.S. 20 inside left lanes closed from Fail Road to C.R. 250 E on or after June 22. State Road 39 to Fail Road closes on or after June 25 -- read the full story.
Disposal options change: La Porte’s annual dumpster program will end June 30 after overflow and funding shortfalls. Costs are now prohibitive, but residents can still schedule bulky pickups with Waste Management -- see how to schedule pickups.
Supporting local youth programs: The Boys & Girls Club of La Porte County launched its summer campaign, "We’re Opening Doors to What’s Possible," with $5,000 in donations matched to help keep youth programs free -- see how to donate.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf 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 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Native plant jackpot: Family owned since 1969, Bernacchi's Oak Valley Greenhouses grows neonic-free, pollinator-friendly natives, veggies, and houseplants right on site, plus pottery for your porch refresh. Swing by this week to plug those last gaps in your beds... or adopt a hanging basket you absolutely didn’t plan on.
Local parent sanity saver: When the kids are ping-ponging off the walls, Fort LaPlayPorte is your go-to spot to let them climb, zip around, and invent ten new games before you finish a coffee. Easy excuse to meet a neighbor, sneak in steps, and head home with pleasantly tired humans.
Need a high score fix: When the week drags, recharge at Full Tilt Arcade & Pinball, a locally owned hangout stacked with classic cabinets, Skee-ball, and a 20-strong pinball lineup. Load a game card, rack up tickets, and relax knowing your credits and winnings never expire.
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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 Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🦖 Tween Dinosaur Trophy @ LPCPL Exchange Makerspace (La Porte) | Wednesday (6/24) at 2:00 PM – Whether your tween is a budding maker or just dino-obsessed, this Makerspace session has them cutting and layering cardboard into a bold, puzzle-style dinosaur head trophy. Finally, a T. rex you can mount without repainting the den, and with minimal eye rolls.
🖥 Tinkercad 3D Modeling @ Michigan City Public Library | Wednesday (6/24) at 4:00 PM – Kid energy and screen-time fatigue call for something nerdy and useful. MCPL’s Tinkercad workshop lets kids 9 to 17 design, remix, and 3D print their own creations, no experience needed, and they walk out with a free print, bragging rights, and fewer Legos underfoot.
✍ 3D Pen Workshop @ Michigan City Public Library | Thursday (6/25) at 3:30 PM – At the children’s makerspace, your kid gets a 3D pen to turn fridge doodles into actual things. No experience needed, ages 6 to 17, and if they are 12 and under, you get the chaperone seat. Minimal glitter, maximum bragging rights.
🎬 Movies in the Park @ Stone Lake (La Porte) | Friday (6/26) at 6:30 PM – Stone Lake does its best Maui impression as Movies in the Park rolls out Lilo & Stitch and a lawn luau beforehand. Think ukulele tunes, limbo, leis, and adoptable pups, then blankets, lawn chairs, and your aloha spirit. Free and mercifully sand free.
🎆 Michigan City Patriotic Parade @ Downtown Michigan City | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Fourth of July in Michigan City means lining the curb for the Patriotic Parade, coffee in hand, kids angling for candy. Haunted Hills is rolling through too, because nothing says freedom like a few friendly spirits, a brass band, and hometown pride.
🚂 Civil War Train Rides @ Hesston Steam Museum (La Porte) | Saturday (6/27) – Hop the Hesston & Galena Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad past Union and Confederate encampments, where living history is loud, smoky, and fun. Ferry troops and Union gold through “hostile territory,” because who doesn’t love a little battlefield theater, and still be home for supper.
🥕 Farmed & Forged Market @ Corner of Lincolnway and Monroe (La Porte) | Sunday (6/28) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re hunting heirloom tomatoes or excuses to linger, Farmed & Forged is back downtown on Sunday mornings with farmers, bakers, makers, and live tunes. Stroll Monroe and Lincolnway, sip coffee, let the kids burn energy, and call it quality time disguised as shopping.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The LaPorte County report Weather forecastToday — High: 76°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 24%
A slight chance of rain showers between 3pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 76°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 16%
A slight chance of rain showers before 8am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. This house is wildThis beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home pairs easy living with standout extras, including a landscaped fenced yard, up-lighting, irrigation, gazebo, and multiple sitting areas. Inside, hardwood floors, quartz countertops, stainless appliances, and a four-season sunroom with an electric fireplace add charm. A renovated guest quarters above the heated, cooled garage brings flexible space or rental appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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