Michigan City celebrates ribbon cutting at Water Tower Park and upcoming community events

The Michigan City Common Council convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss several community initiatives and address ongoing concerns affecting residents. The meeting highlighted a blend of cultural events, youth engagement, and infrastructure issues that are shaping the local landscape.

One of the notable announcements was the upcoming Northwest Indiana Green Drinks event scheduled for June 5, focusing on the lives of Harriet Colfax, a long-serving lighthouse keeper, and Anne Hartwell, a public school teacher. This event aims to celebrate the contributions of women in the community and will feature Brian Forrest, a national park ranger and professor, as the presenter. The event will be accessible via a live feed on the Save the Dunes Facebook page or through a Zoom link.

In a move to foster youth engagement, the council expressed excitement over the return of the midnight basketball program, a youth-driven initiative revitalized by participants from the Michigan City Neighborhood Leadership Academy. The program's success is attributed to the guidance provided by community members Beverly Mark MacMartin and Denise Shipland, who assisted the youth in navigating the necessary logistics to launch the program.

Councilwoman Lee also shared positive news about community events, including the Michigan City Bridal Fest on June 14 and a Juneteenth celebration on June 19, both taking place at the Guy Forman Amphitheater. These events are free to the public and aim to foster community spirit and engagement.

Infrastructure concerns were also a significant topic during the meeting. Councilman Kraszewski raised issues regarding the Woodland Avenue Railroad Crossing, which has been in disrepair for over two years. He emphasized the urgency of addressing this matter, as residents have expressed frustration over the unsafe conditions. The city engineer is currently seeking updates from CSX Railroad on plans for repairs.

Additionally, discussions included the proposed ResMed House, an alcohol abuse center planned for the corner of Anne and Wabash Streets. This initiative aims to address substance abuse issues within the community, although further details on its development were not provided during the meeting.

Overall, the council's discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing community engagement through cultural events, addressing youth needs, and tackling pressing infrastructure challenges. As these initiatives progress, the council aims to keep residents informed and involved in shaping the future of Michigan City.