(Vincennes, IN) - An Indiana farmer is urging Congress to solve a longstanding labor shortage in agriculture.

Brady Mouzin, an Indiana Farm Bureau member from downstate Knox County, expressed his thoughts in an op-ed released by Indiana Farm Bureau.

“If you’ve ever bought a cantaloupe at the local farmers market, picked up a watermelon for a Fourth of July cookout, or poured milk over your kids’ cereal before school, you’ve seen the work of Indiana agriculture up close. 

What many people don’t see is how hard it has become to find the workers needed to grow, harvest and care for the products families count on every day.  That is why Congress needs to pass H.R. 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act.

Finding dependable agricultural labor is not a new problem. Farmers have been dealing with labor shortages for years, while Washington has kicked the issue down the road. It’s been 40 years since Congress last passed major agricultural labor reform. In that time, farming has changed, but our labor system has not kept up.

Here in Indiana, that disconnect is real. Our farmers grow fruits and vegetables, raise livestock and operate dairies that need dependable help day in and day out. Crops don’t wait when labor falls short. Neither do animals.

Many farmers rely on the H-2A visa program to hire the agricultural workers they need, but the current system is expensive, slow and built mostly for seasonal agriculture. Use of the H-2A program is already up 17% for 2026 while fewer than 0.07% of those jobs received a domestic applicant. That tells you something important: farmers are not passing over willing American workers. They just aren’t applying.

The current H-2A program also comes with steep costs. Farmers must pay for housing, transportation, paperwork and government-mandated wages. One major problem is the wage formula known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. Over the last decade, that wage rate has risen by 60%, compared to 49% growth in private-sector wages. Farmers can’t just raise prices to make up for the difference. We sell into markets where the price is often set for us.

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act would help control labor cost spikes by capping year-over-year wage increases and stopping mid-contract wage changes. It would also modernize the application process and create a simpler system for farmers and workers to navigate.

Just as important for Indiana, the bill would expand access for year-round agriculture, including dairies and livestock operations.

There have been some loud voices that accuse this bill of granting “amnesty.” It does not. Amnesty is a political talking point. This bill is about legal workers, legal visas and a more dependable legal process for the farms that feed this country. It does not erase the law. It strengthens a lawful system that agriculture desperately needs.

This is not a partisan issue. It is a food issue, an economic issue and a rural community issue. In Indiana, we know that food security means national security, and if Congress wants to support American-grown food and protect family farms, it needs to act.

Hoosier farmers are not asking for a shortcut. We are asking for a system that works.

For the sake of my farm and farms like mine that depend on reliable agricultural labor, this reform can't wait another 40 years. Pass the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act,”

Mouzin is a fourth generation farmer whose family raises a variety of specialty crops that include watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn, pumpkins and squash.

(La Porte County, IN) - Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct seal coat operations on two stretches of Indiana 39, including one stretch in La Porte County.

According to INDOT, scrub seal operations on the highway will first occur on between U.S. 30 and Indiana 8 for approximately one day on or after Monday, August 3.

State Road 39 will then be scrub sealed between State Road 10 and State Road 14 in Starke and Pulaski counties over the course of approximately two days starting on or after Wednesday, August 5, INDOT said. 

Work will occur during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes while seal coat operations are underway, but traffic will be escorted through the work zones for local access. Wait times of 15-20 minutes should be expected, according to INDOT.

(Michigan City, IN) - Nobody was injured but cats were rescued from a house fire in Michigan City yesterday.

This happened on Hillcrest Road just before 5 p.m.  Michigan City Fire Department spokesperson Tia Eckwood said the fire started in the kitchen, resulting in heavy smoke and fire damage.

Nobody was home at the time.

Eckwood said three cats were rescued and one had to be revived.  The cats were taken to an animal hospital for further care.  So far, no light has been shed on the cause of the fire, which was on the city’s southeast side.

(La Porte, IN) - A man left a local hardware store twice without paying for hundreds of dollars and more in merchandise.

Now, he’s looking at potential time in prison.

Donnie James, 30, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with two counts of Level 6 felony theft.

On July 11, police said he stole several spools of wire from Kablein Ace Hardware on E. Lincolnway.  Two days later, the La Porte man allegedly stole more spools of wire along with a few hundred dollars in tools from the same store.

According to police, James was last seen leaving in a maroon colored sedan after the first theft and a black SUV following the second heist.

Police said investigators identified James from store surveillance video.

He was taken into custody Monday by Michigan City Police on a warrant issued for his arrest.  The stolen goods were valued at nearly $2,000.  He could face anywhere from a six month to 30 month sentence on each count.

(La Porte County, IN) - A stretch of highway in La Porte County has reopened.

U.S. 35 was closed from State Road 39 to U.S. 20 the past few weeks for a structure replacement.

According to state highway officials, repaving that stretch of U.S. 35 will begin tomorrow, depending on weather.  Flaggers will direct traffic where the paving is occurring.

(La Porte, IN) - A man whose car broke down in La Porte went straight to the police for help after allegedly consuming too much alcohol.

Marcus Cain, 41, of Michigan City is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with operating while intoxicated and possession of cocaine.

Police said Cain walked a few blocks to the police station on July 25 after his pink Chevy sedan broke down on Indiana Ave.  An odor of alcohol on his breath resulted in a test showing him allegedly with a blood alcohol level just above the legal limit.

Police said a plastic bag containing a small amount of cocaine was later recovered from his vehicle.

(La Porte County, IN) - Traffic was restricted on a local highway late this morning due to an accident involving a semi-truck.

Police say the westbound lanes of U.S. 20 were closed in the area of County Road 300 West near Springville just after 11 a.m.  The semi was reportedly hauling a steel coil.

We’ll provide more details once they’re made available.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man is accused taking sexually suggestive pictures and videos of a teenage girl without her knowing about it.

Timothy Hall, III, 27, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony voyeurism.

According to court documents, Hall is answering to allegations that he took images of the girl with a camera while she was partially nude in a bathroom at a home sometime between 2021 and 2024.

Police said the investigation began in February when that and other images of the girl partially nude and fully clothed with her back to the camera were discovered on his cell phone.

The girl estimates the images were taken when she was 13 to 15, police said.

According to police, the charges were filed after repeated attempts by investigators to reach Hall for questioning as recently as July 1 failed.  He could face anywhere from a six month to 30 month sentence.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man following a single vehicle crash in Fish Lake was arrested for drunk driving just four months after convicted of the same offense.

Brandon Young, 29, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with operating while intoxicated as a Level 6 felony.

According to La Porte County Police, Young left the pavement Monday afternoon on Locust Dr. and struck a tree stump then a large tree in a 2019 Chevy Silverado. Various parts from the vehicle such as brake pads along with pieces of plastic from the frame were left scattered in a yard. 

Police said two fences were also damaged by tires that separated from the truck.

According to police, Young told investigators he was heading to his home in Fish Lake from a friend’s house in New Carlisle and didn’t know what happened that led to the crash.  Police noted it was raining heavily with tornado warnings issued at the time.

His alleged blood alcohol level was not revealed but he showed obvious signs of serious impairment, police said.

In March, Young was sentenced to five days in the La Porte County Jail and 360 days on probation for Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated, according to court records.  The current charge was elevated to a felony due to him having a prior OWI conviction.

(La Porte, IN) - A half-naked woman about to have sex with a man at a park in La Porte is behind bars.

Kayla McGinnis, 35, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with public indecency along with multiple drug related counts.

According to the charging information, an officer about 6 a.m. on July 23 was patrolling Fox Park when he spotted a woman inside a parked vehicle naked from the waist down.  Police said she was with a man, who told the officer they were at the park because they had no appropriate place to go for “alone time” since he’s married.

During a search, police said the La Porte woman was found with a small amount of methamphetamine, a psychedelic mushroom along with smoking pipes.

The still fully clothed man was allowed to go, police said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A solar energy company wanting to operate in La Porte County is defending its recently defeated project.

The La Porte County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3 to 2 last week against a request by Hoosier Solar for a special exception to the current zoning to place solar panels on 300 acres in the southeast part of the county.

According to Hoosier Solar, the plans met or exceeded all of the requirements under the La Porte County solar ordinance and no rationale or factual basis has been provided to explain the grounds for denial.

Hoosier Solar officials say the company voluntarily committed to 500 foot solar panel setbacks from residences, well beyond what’s required by the ordinance, and planned to plant trees and shrubs that exceeded the local screening standards.

According to company officials, the project also would have generated about $24 million in local tax revenue over 35-years, compared to about $400,000 over the same time period from continued agriculture use.

Hoosier Solar CEO Steven Lichtin said the rejection of the plans was disappointing.

“We believe the decision was inconsistent with both the evidence presented and the standards established in La Porte County’s ordinance. Property owners, residents and project developers deserve a permitting process in which decisions are based on the adopted criteria and supported by the record so that the county’s ordinances are applied consistently, objectively and fairly,” he said.

Indiana Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farming organization, will once again support agriculture at the Indiana State Fair.

“Indiana Farm Bureau always looks forward to hosting events that support consumer education and youth engagement through our partnership with the state fair,” said Randy Kron, INFB president.

“By sharing our story, we hope visitors walk away with a better understanding of the work farmers do every day and our common goal of growing healthy food for everyone.”

The annual Taste From Indiana Farms event, hosted by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee, will take place in the INFB Fall Creek Pavilion. The popular, free event will be open from August 13-16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vvolunteers will pass out food and drink samples that contain ingredients Indiana farmers produce.

An assortment of commodities will be available for visitors to try, including pumpkin, soybeans, blueberries, grain, dairy, lamb, popcorn and chicken.

INFB will also continue its support of the 4-H youth livestock competitions at this year’s state fair. The organization will be the presenting sponsor of the exhibitor experience on the upper floor of the INFB Fall Creek Pavilion for livestock exhibitors to relax and engage with each other through games and activities taking place August 7-9.

upper floor of the INFB Fall Creek Pavilion for livestock exhibitors to relax and engage with each other through games and activities taking place August 7-9.

The Indiana State Fair takes place August 7-23, except on Mondays, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in Indianapolis.

 the upper floor of the INFB Fall Creek Pavilion for livestock exhibitors to relax and engage with each other through games and activities taking place August 7-9.

The Indiana State Fair takes place August 7-23, except on Mondays, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in Indianapolis.

(Michigan City, IN) - Police say no evidence has been found of a dog being mistreated by a Michigan City animal control officer.

That’s according to Michigan City Police Chief Steve Forker, who said the decision was based on video footage of the incident and other information such as a history of the animal attacking other dogs.

He said the matter was under review before social media posts alleging mistreatment of the dog by the officer began surfacing.

“While short video clips can generate concern, they do not always capture the full context of an incident and may not reflect the totality of the circumstances surrounding an officer’s actions,” he said.

Forker said the dog has documented “high-energy and aggressive behavior” that once resulted in a prior use of force report after pepper spray was needed to stop the dog from fighting with another animal.

In general, he said animal control officers are committed to treating every animal with care and professionalism but handling unpredictable and aggressive animals often requires officers to make real- time decisions that balance the welfare of the animal with the safety of everyone involved.

“We appreciate the community’s interest in the welfare of animals and remain committed to transparency, accountability and the human treatment of every animal entrusted to our care,” he said.

(Berrien County, MI) - A fund raiser near Three Oaks generated over $40,000 for a police officer from just across the state line continuing his recovery from being shot.

Over 200 people attended the fund raiser Sunday, July 26, at Deer Creek Hunt Club. A $95 ticket included a barbecue lunch and other side dishes like sweet corn and a round of skeet shooting along with live music.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office provided the shotgun shells for the over 150 people who took part in firing at clay pigeons.  Additional funds were raised during a silent auction for items ranging from a charter boat fishing trip to a football, helmet and jersey donated by the Chicago Bears.

“It was a great event for a great cause.  We continue to keep Jon in our thoughts and prayers,” said Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit.

La Porte County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Samuelson is at a rehabilitation center after hospitalized for several weeks when shot multiple times in May.  One of the bullets lodged in his upper spine causing paralysis from the chest down.

According to family members, the 33-year old Samuelson is experiencing tingling, movement and occasional spasms in his legs and lower back.  He’s spending up to five hours a day in therapy doing things like hand pedaling a mountain bike. Samuelson has also transitioned from an electric to a standard wheelchair.

“He told me the absolute, 100-percent thing that he’s focused on is walking again.  He’s very determined,” said Mike Kellems, a former co-worker, who has visited Samuelson a few times since the shooting.

The suspect, Sharrod Grafton, Jr., 22. of Chicago continues to be held on $100,000 cash only bond after his request for a lower bail was denied by a judge on June 12. He’s scheduled for trial on November 9 on charges that include Level 1 felony attempted murder.

Authorities said Grafton after stealing his mother’s car at gunpoint in Chicago was in La Porte County when Samuelson thinking he was a disabled motorist stopped to help.  Samuelson as requested drove Grafton to Franciscan Health, a hospital near Michigan City, and left but soon returned after learning he was a suspect in the auto theft.

After confronting Grafton, there was a struggle before Samuelson was shot in the emergency room area.

Playing a lead role in the fund raiser was State Representative Randy Novak of Michigan City, who revealed there were a number of sponsors for the event contributing anywhere from $250 to $2,500 apiece.  The funds are going to Samuelson and his wife, Quinn, to help them out financially.

“What we did is just a small, small thing in the big picture to try and make his life a little easier, a little better in the future,” he said.

A strong storm early this afternoon has produced thousands of power outages including some in La Porte County.

According to NIPSCO, there were 400 customers without power at 3 p.m. in its La Porte service territory and nearly 300 in its Michigan City service area.

The storms produced heavy rains and strong winds.

The La Porte Water Department reported 1.28 inches of rain fell between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with most of the precipitation coming down in just over a one hour period.

The rain started coming down heavy again about 3:15 p.m.

NIPSCO reported more than 28,000 outages with many of those in places like Dyer and Crown Point, which combined had over 6,000 customers without service. 

(La Porte, IN) - Fox Park in La Porte was packed for the Saturday night concert by Uncle Kracker as part of the annual Lakefest.

Uncle Kracker, who put together a string of hit singles beginning in the 1990’s, performed for more than one hour before leaving the stage, but he soon came back for an encore performance.

Among the people close to the stage was Tabitha Aguilar, a fan of Uncle Kracker since childhood.  Among her favorite Uncle Kracker songs is Follow Me and Smile.

“He was one of the first CD’s I got as a teenager,” she said.

La Porte Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber and Mayor Tom Dermody were impressed by the crowd being nearly packed two hours before Uncle Kracker took the stage.

“We knew Uncle Kracker would have some broad appeal.  He’s country. He’s rock.  He’s got a lot of connections whether it’s Kid Rock or Kenny Chesney, so he’s got a big audience,” Schreiber said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Michigan City man could face a lengthy prison sentence on allegations he provided the drugs that caused an overdose death.

Michael Stalling, Jr., 28, is charged in LaPorte Superior Court 1 with dealing in a controlled substance causing death, a Level 1 felony punishable by a 20 to 40 year sentence.

According to the charging information, he sold three pills containing fentanyl to 22-year old Brayden Hayman in December of 2024. 

After returning to his LaPorte area home, Hayman, who had twice been in a drug rehabilitation program, was found dead the next morning by his father in a basement bedroom, authorities said.

The LaPorte County Coroner’s Office ruled cause of death as an accidental overdose based on a blood test taken during the autopsy that found fentanyl in the victim’s system.

Nearly a year later, authorities said evidence such as cell phone records led detectives to Stalling, who admitted selling Hayman fentanyl in small amounts in the past and on the night prior to his death.

According to the charging information, Stalling told police he sold Hayman three pills that night for $40 but they did not contain enough fentanyl to kill him. 

The investigation also shows Hayman had a history of drug use since high school and his parents believed he had been sober in recent months after he obtained employment.

It’s believed Hayman purchased the drugs from Stalling after leaving to pick-up a pizza for a football game he and his father planned to watch on TV together.  His father told investigators his son wasn’t gone long but later that night he began falling asleep and went to bed.

Stalling was taken into custody July 22 on a warrant issued two days prior to his arrest.  He was being held in the LaPorte County Jail on $100,000 bond.

(La Porte, IN) - Three people from two separate residences were taken to hospitals following an early Monday morning fire in LaPorte.

Just after 3 a.m., firefighters responded to a duplex on fire at 1401 Federal Ave. by Koomler Park on the city’s south side.

LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said a man and woman in the unit where the fire started were awakened by smoke and managed to escape.  Upon arrival, he said firefighters found both people in the front yard with about half of their living unit engulfed in flames.

Snyder said the man semi-unconscious at the time along with the woman were taken by ambulance to Northwest Health hospital in La Porte with smoke inhalation and possible other injuries.  The man was later transported to a hospital in Chicago.

Snyder said he was not sure if the man suffered any burns.

A short time later, a man living on the other side of the duplex, who also escaped, complained of trouble breathing and was taken by ambulance with smoke inhalation.

“At first, he seemed like he was doing o.k.  After several minutes, it was found he was starting to have trouble breathing so, as a precautionary measure, they called an ambulance back for him,” Snyder said.

Snyder said the fire brought under control “fairly quickly” was contained to the heavily damaged unit where the fire started while the other unit sustained smoke damage and maybe a little water damage.

There didn’t appear to be any smoke detectors in the home where the fire began, he said.

The state fire marshal’s office was brought in to assist with trying to determine the cause of the fire because there were injuries involved.  The names of the injured people were not released.

(La Porte County, IN) - Work is ongoing to repair a La Porte County road that was abruptly closed.

On Friday morning Division Road was closed between Boyd Boulevard and about a quarter mile west of Fail Road. La Porte County Commissioner Steve Holifield said a sink hole was beginning to develop, possibly due to water backed up inside a collapsed drain tile.

On Saturday a crew repaired the hole temporarily and reopened the roadway. Division will close again and work will continue Sunday into Monday, if necessary, as the drain tile is repaired. In the meantime, Holifield recommends that motorists avoid that area of Division Road until further notice.

(New Carlisle, IN) - New Prairie school kids return to classrooms in just a couple of weeks. The Town of New Carlisle is once again bringing summer to a close with their Hometown Days festival.

Most activities are centered around Memorial Park, unless you like yard sales, which are scattered across the area this weekend. If you don’t drive a golf cart, like seemingly most people in town and don’t want to fight for parking, shuttle rides are available. Stops are conveniently located at various places around town.

Saturday’s attractions include live music, a free photo booth, magic shows, even a professional jump-roper. There’s a break in the action at midday (11:00 am Central, for La Porte County “slow-timers”) for the town’s summer parade. New Prairie Athletic League’s Babe Ruth State Champion softball team will be among the many participants. On Saturday evening there’s a hobby horse obstacle course for kids. Apparently, stick horse equestrian is the latest thing.

If Hometown Days has a centerpiece, many people will say it’s the Whiffle Ball tournament, which draws hundreds of yellow-bat-swinging ball players from multiple states. This year’s tournament is bitter-sweet, following the recent announcement by the hometown team, the New Carlisle Newts, that Migley Field will host its final game this year. Migley, short for “Mini- Wrigley,” was built in 2006 in the back yard of a residence at the corner of Bray and Dunn Streets. Town leaders are actively seeking a permanent relocation for Migley. In the meantime, games go on all day Saturday, with a grand farewell celebration on Sunday during the Hometown Cup Finals.

Other Sunday activities will include a community church service and more live music, concluding with local favorite Elvis… and his Sweet Sensations. For more details and a complete schedule of events, check out hometowndays.net.

(Michigan City, IN) – Recently an influx of kittens made for close quarters at La Porte’s small animal shelter. Turns out, a cat shelter in Michigan City may be even more crowded and needs some help.

Fried’s Cat Shelter on Highway 212 has hundreds of feline residents. A couple of case studies serve to illustrate their predicament.

Shelter workers report they have been helping with a hoarding situation in recent years. They say the resident's husband acquired a single pregnant female cat back in 2017. The litter grew to a very unmanageable size, until nearly 100 cats were recently rescued from the home.

And recently police performed a welfare check at a local motel, where a long-term resident had passed away in bed. Next to the deceased was an emaciated, feces-covered, and apparently very loyal older cat. Fried’s has been nursing the feline, named Isabel, back to health.

Not all of the shelter’s stories have happy endings. Take for example, the case of an unfortunate cat, later named Speedy, that was thrown from a moving vehicle along I-94 earlier this month. A passing motorist stopped and retrieved Speedy, who was badly injured. A cat lover who was visiting the shelter at the time insisted on paying for Speedy’s emergency medical care, and the Good Samaritan who rescued her offered to adopt the suffering cat. Sadly, Speedy didn’t make it. But, as Fried’s staff optimistically noted, one person’s act of cruelty sparked other acts of kindness.

In between interventions, rescues, and adoptions, the staff at Fried’s has been organizing an open house, the Paws & Claws Showcase, which takes place Saturday. They have invited shelters, rescues, and animal organizations from around the area to set up booths and spread the word about pet adoption. The event takes place Saturday, July 25 from 11 am to 3 pm.

If you have any cat care supplies, or can give a kitty a fur-ever home, they’d love to have you visit.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man released from a traffic stop in La Porte County was later returning from Michigan when stopped by the same officer and found with a large amount of marijuana.

Kelvin Ezell, 45, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 5 felony dealing in marijuana.

According to La Porte County Police, Ezell was a passenger in a car he rented the previous night in Mississippi when the driver was pulled over just before 8 a.m. Thursday on Interstate 94 outside Michigan City.

Police said the men claiming to be going to New Buffalo for a “two day vacation” were found with a small amount of “personal use” marijuana.

The discovery led to a search of the vehicle and finding of an estimated $10,000 in cash inside a nearly empty suitcase in the trunk.  Police said the officer allowed the men to go since the amount of marijuana was small and no other forms of contraband were found.

Just over three hours later, police said the officer monitoring traffic at the same location spotted the vehicle with Ezell driving this time heading back from Michigan. Suspecting they might be involved in criminal activity, the officer caught up to the vehicle and, eventually, pulled it over.

Inside the trunk of the car was a previously empty large plastic tote now containing 15 one pound bags of marijuana, police said.  Police said there was also marijuana inside three one ounce bags and 55 pre-rolled cigarettes in the tote along with two jars containing marijuana and three THC vapes, police said.

No money was found in the vehicle during the second search.

Police said both men were being questioned when Ezell admitted the marijuana belonged to him.  Ezell, who’s from Columbia, Missouri was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.  He could face a one to six-year sentence.

In his report, sheriff’s deputy Wade Wallace, who was involved in the traffic stop, said he believes the men went to Michigan to purchase the marijuana since it’s legal in that state to later sell on the black market.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County road was temporarily closed today.

Division Road is closed about a quarter mile west of Fail Road.

La Porte County Commissioner Steve Holifield said the reason is believed to be a broken drain tile crews will work to confirm and repair, if necessary, so the road can reopen as quickly as possible.

“I’m hoping we can have this done in 24 hours,” said he said.

Holifield said a sink hole was beginning to develop possibly due to water backing up inside the collapsed drain tile.

Division Road was closed from Fail Road to Boyd Boulevard. 

(La Porte, IN) - A man could face deportation after arrested in La Porte for drunk driving.

Augustin Magana, 38, was being held in the La Porte County Jail on charges that include operating while intoxicated.

La Porte County Police said Magana on July 19 was stopped for failing to use a turn signal at Lincolnway and Rose St. and straddling the center line while traveling. Police said he put up a struggle during his arrest and one of the officers was hurt as a result with pain and swelling along with bruising to his hand and wrist.

Magana allegedly revealed he’s been in the U.S. illegally for over 20 years.

Police said his blood alcohol level was over three times the legal limit.  Magana was also being held for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for possible deportation.

(Michigan City, IN) - A teenager was taken to a hospital with burns from a house fire in Michigan City.

Firefighters about 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday responded to the 900 block of W. 4^th St.

A medical helicopter was called for a 16-year old boy who had what was described as “pretty severe burns” to his chest, arms and face.  An ambulance was called for a man at the home reported to be in his 30’s with less serious burns.

Michigan City Fire Department spokesperson Tia Eckwood said the fire began in a bedroom and was nearly out when firefighters arrived.   She said the fire was contained to the middle of the bedroom with just minimal damage. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, she said.

The names of the injured people were not available.