New assistant chief named for Valparaiso police
Detective Sgt. Mark LaMotte has been named Assistant Chief of Police for the Valparaiso Police Department, according to a release from the city.
LaMotte will officially assume his new responsibilities on Oct. 2, when current Assistant Chief Michael DeHaven retires, a release said. Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy and Police Chief Andrew McIntyre made the official announcement.
The Valparaiso Police Department recently swore-in new officer Landon Cornell at City Hall, according to a release. Chief Andrew McIntyre performed the ceremony July 17 and welcomed Cornell and his family into the Valparaiso Police Department.
Cornell previously worked for the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department from 2020-23 and as a reserve police officer with the Syracuse Police Department from 2019-21, according to the release.
To learn more about the Valparaiso Police Department, visit the web page at valpo.us.
Free event targets women’s health
Franciscan Health is inviting Region women to a girls’ night out featuring food, drink, a movie and valuable health care information, according to a release.
The free “PJs, Popcorn & Girl Talk” event takes place beginning at 5 p.m. Aug. 10 for food and drinks, health screenings and chair massages at the Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. The women’s cancer question-and-answer session begins at 6:30 p.m., with the movie immediately following.
Those attending are encouraged to come in pajamas,. The event features complimentary wine, soft drinks, popcorn, charcuterie, a showing of the movie, “Mamma Mia!” and a panel discussion with medical professionals specializing in oncology, the release said. Prizes will be awarded for the best pajamas and other prize drawings will also take place.
The event is free, but registration is required. Registration and more information is available
online or by calling 1-800-931-3322, the release said.
Gary Chamber hosts Elkhart mayor Aug. 14
The mayor of Elkhart will be the guest speaker at the Aug. 14 Gary Chamber of Commerce monthly membership meeting/luncheon.
Mayor Rob Roberson will address the group during the event, which starts at noon at The Chateau Banquets, 530 W. 61st Ave., Merrillville.
Roberson will share with members how Elkhart’s economic and financial growth through “The Thrive Plan” is working, a release said. The cost of the luncheon is $25 per person. Call the Chamber office 219-885-7407 to reserve seats. Payment required in advance.
NIPSCO, NiSource Charitable Foundation make $35K donation
NIPSCO, in partnership with the NiSource Charitable Foundation, recently provided a $35,000 donation to support an Innovation Makers Summer Camp at Purdue University Northwest, according to a release.
The camp, which took place July 17-21 at PNW’s Hammond campus, supports the joint efforts between PNW and NIPSCO to further the STEM programs by connecting entrepreneurship throughout the university, especially in STEM education, the release said.
“The camp will not only give students an early insight into entrepreneurship and STEM fields, but also hopes to inspire a new generation of pioneers and innovators,” Kristen Burton, assistant professor of Entrepreneurship and the camp’s director, said in the release
