An emergency closing of the Franklin Street Bridge in Michigan City has been declared by the County Commission President and Council President. Due to structural damage caused by the recent record-breaking arctic temperatures across our area, the Franklin Street Bridge will be closed immediately to all traffic-both vehicular and pedestrian. The bridge is expected to reopen to traffic on April 15.
The declaration of an emergency repair – by both the Commission President and Council President – at this location will allow for immediate disbursement of funds from the Major Bridge Fund to pay for engineering services and construction of the repair. The project will be managed by Marquiss Electric with other area firms doing the specialized work required on this project. The LaPorte County Commissioners Office is asking to please take other routes to the lakefront and please continue to support our local businesses in this area. The Michigan City Police Department, along with Chief Mark Swistek, in conjunction with the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative, announced the 2019 “Silence the Violence Gun Drive!” The police department will be hosting the event this Friday March 1st and Saturday March 2nd from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They are asking all citizens to turn in any handguns in which they will give you, in return, a $100.00 VISA Gift Card Compliments, of Horizon Bank. They will additionally give $50.00 for every shotgun and rifle turned in during this event. Just bring your unloaded gun to the lobby of the Michigan City Police Department where you will receive your gift card. Do not worry if these dates do not work as they will continue the drive through Saturday until all donated funds are used. BB Guns, Pellet guns, starter pistols and varied gun pieces may be brought in where they will be properly destroyed. They will also gladly accept unwanted ammunition in which will be disposed of at no charge. As a measure for safer and secure storage they are offering “free gun locks” to all residents. If you have any questions, please contact Sgt. Chris Yagelski 873-1461 ext. #1020 or email ASKACOP@Emichigancity.com