Michigan City Mayor
The speaker for April 29th was Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. She informed the Exchange Club of recent positive steps taken by the City.
$ 5.7 million was saved by a one line audit of the budget.
An $ 8 million debt will soon be collected from the City of Gary.
A new structure was developed for departments to communicate and coordinate actions, streamlining the process and eliminating duplication.
A new “Culture” was developed to replace the “reprimand and document” discipline mentality with a coaching environment to actually solve problems.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Parking Garage for the South Shore Train Station on July 18th. Everyone is invited.
Great things are happening in the City!
Chairperson Brinka Cross Gardens
Speaker Chairman for this week’s meeting April 22nd, 2025, Daniel Granquist, introduced todays’ speaker, Olga Petryszyn, Chairperson, Brincka Cross Gardens. Olga opened her presentation with a little history on the Gardens. Originally it was a 25-acre parcel in Porter County with an old farmhouse. Approximately one year ago the Porter County Parks Department purchased the property. The Park today covers over sixty-six acres. It is a lush paradise with a rare collection of flowers, shrubs and trees containing:
400 varieties of Hostas
200 types of Daffodils
15 kinds of Crab Apple Trees
18 varieties of Magnolias
Olga revealed that where an old barn once was located, a new pavilion will be built. Volunteers help maintain the park, with all shifts no longer than 2 hours. The park is funded with grant money, and it takes about $40K/yr to maintain. It is open to the public, dawn to dark, with free admission. The Park host weddings and other events.
Michigan City Assistant Chief of Police
Program Chairman Daniel Granquist introduced today’s Speaker Assistant MC Police Department Chief Steve Forker. Assistant Chief Forker presented several statistics on crime in Michigan City for 2024. Calls for the year averaged 3,500 per month. These calls were answered effectively. The city has hired several officers since experiencing a shortage of over 20 officers just two years ago. Asst. Chief Forker informed the club that the department has hired a social worker who helped the efficiently manage calls that do not necessarily require a police officers’ presence. In the last quarter of 2024, the department made 386 referrals to the social worker. One result was that the number of traffic accidents in the city was reduced by over 26 percent. This is attributed to more police presence in major areas where speeding had previously occurred.
President/CEO Paladin
Today’s speaker is Steve Hobby, President/CEO of Paladin who has with him, Melissa Bohacek, Marketing and Development Director. Paladin’s vision is “ A community where every child, person with a disability, and senior is supported, valued and equipped with the resources and opportunities to learn, work, and thrive—embracing inclusion, independence and a meaningful life.” During the presentation, several statistics were noted including the fact that Paladin serves 142 clients in Michigan City and 189 clients in Lake County. Paladin Completed over 26,000 trips, transporting clients in LaPorte County last year, resulting in the need to acquire a second transportation vehicle. Paladin supports over 143 clients as part of its Head Start Program. Paladin is a valuable asset to our community—so spread the word about the services that they offer.
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