(La Porte County, IN) - The dog days of summer might have gotten the best of a Sheriff's Department K9 this week, if not for some local veterinarians.

On Tuesday, during an excessive heat warning, Deputy Jon Samuelson and his K9 companion Bosco were busy helping with a lengthy fugitive apprehension. Noticing that Bosco was exhibiting possible signs of heat stroke, Samuelson rushed his partner to the vet.

Dr. Adrienne Pinks and her team at All Creature Features Animal Hospital near Kingsbury took good care of the four-legged crime fighter. “Dr. Pinks and her staff immediately stopped everything and began treating Bosco,” reported the Sheriff’s reported in a Facebook post. “Within just one hour, Bosco’s body temperature was lowered, he was up on his paws, and his blood work returned without any major concerns.”

According to his handlers, Bosco was all smiles after learning the criminal they were chasing was taken into custody following the K9’s emergency departure. Bosco's efforts were part of a county-wide warrant sweep executed by the Sheriff's Office, which netted 20 fugitive apprehensions.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte fell short last night in their high school football matchup against Lowell at Kiwanis Field. Down 7-6 at halftime, the Slicers were holding their own before the Red Devils took control, winning 28-6. The 0-2 Slicers will travel to Valparaiso next Friday.

Michigan City hosted Lafayette Jeff at Ames Field. The Wolves lost 17-14.

South Central fell to Boone Grove, 30-6.

John Glenn lost to Edwardsburg, 48-8.

One bright spot Friday night was New Prairie, who traveled to Goshen and whooped the Red Hawks 56-0. The Cougars poured it on early, going into halftime up 42-0. In a balanced offensive onslaught, five New Prairie players scored touchdowns. Senior Zak Henrich led the way with three TD runs. The defense held Goshen to less than 100 yards of total offense, including a goal-line stand just before halftime.

(Marshall County, IN) - Justice may finally be served for two local young men whose lives were cut short in a fiery car crash three years ago. The truck driver responsible has been arrested, after being on the loose for over two years.

On August 24 of 2021, 19-year-old Patric McGlynn and 21-year-old John Paul Eckel were traveling east on U.S. 30 on their way to work. McGlynn and Eckel hailed from Connecticut, but were living in La Porte pursuing careers.

Near Plymouth, a semi driven by Inderjit Singh Sidhu of California slammed their car into the back of a tanker truck carrying hazardous liquid. The car and the tanker caught fire, and the two men died in the vehicle.

In 2022 a Marshall County grand jury indicted Sidhu for causing the deaths, but he failed to appear in court. Sindhu was recently located in northwest Indiana. He has been arrested and had a scheduled court appearance on Tuesday. He faces two counts of reckless homicide and two traffic infractions.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police have increased patrols around two cemeteries where several bronze grave markers were stolen.

The bronze name plates were taken within the past week from grave markers of veterans at cemeteries in Rolling Prairie and Union Mills.

The stolen markers were removed from the backs of headstones.

“These offenses are disgusting.  It’s just something that’s intolerable,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen.

Detectives are contacting area scrap yards to find out if any of the stolen bronze markers wound up at those locations as part of a cash exchange for the metal. 

Police are encouraging family members and friends of deceased veterans to go to their gravesites to make sure their bronze markers have not been taken and to contact the sheriff’s office right away if they’re no longer attached to the headstones.

Anyone noticing suspicious activity at the cemeteries is also asked to contact the sheriff’s office.

(La Porte County, IN) - Having a party for pre-school children sounds innocent enough.  In this case, it may have crossed a line.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan allegedly hosted a welcome to pre-school party Tuesday for a few children of staff members at his office in Michigan City.

There are pictures of balloons and other evidence of a party for children in the space he allegedly provided along with an invitation.

The alleged invitation shows the party was scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. while Fagan and his employees were still on duty.

La Porte County Commissioner Connie Gramarossa is raising concerns, saying any private party or function would be misuse of public property.

Gramarossa said such an event carries a liability risk for taxpayers in the event someone during a private event is hurt.

“It wouldn’t even be appropriate if it was done after hours,” she said.

In addition, Gramarossa said she’s bothered by the possibility a private function took away from the effort staff members are obligated to taxpayers until they’re off the time clock.

Gramarossa withheld further comment until confirming whether or not the party was hosted in the prosecutor’s office at the Michigan City courthouse.

“We’re really in the process of investigating,” she said.

Gramarossa said she was contacted by county employees, who discovered a mess from the alleged party not immediately picked up.

Attempts to reach Fagan for a response were not successful.

In March of 2023, Gramarossa came under fire by her political opponents for taking her county owned vehicle to Chicago without permission and causing an accident with another driver. 

Gramarossa said she took the vehicle there in a state of panic after informed her son was in a hospital in the Windy City.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man is accused of being impaired when causing a fatal collision with a motorcycle last night in Michigan City.

Alvin Speakes of Michigan City is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with operating while intoxicated causing death.  He could face a 2 to 12 year sentence on the Level 4 felony count.

The victim, John Crowley of Portage was pronounced dead at Franciscan Health shortly after the collision before 8 p.m. near the Mt. Baldy entrance to the Indiana Dunes National Park, according to court documents.

According to court documents, the investigation alleges Speakes was traveling on Beverly Drive in a 2013 Nissan Rouge when he proceeded through a stop sign intending to continue eastbound on U.S. 12.

The front of his vehicle hit the victim’s 2003 Honda motorcycle westbound on U.S. 12.

Police said Speaks, who’s elderly and walks with a cane, told investigators he had “two” drinks a couple of hours prior to the collision.

A blood sample taken from Speakes to determine the amount of alcohol or drugs in his bloodstream will be sent for analysis to the Indiana State Department of Toxicology.

However, police said there’s already evidence of impairment such as the reading on a portable breathalyzer device registering a 0.09 percent blood alcohol content, which is slightly above the legal limit of .08 percent.  

In his report, the officers also noted Speakes had an odor of alcohol on his breath and exhibited other signs of intoxication like slurred speech, poor balance and glassy eyes.

Speakes is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on the allegations on September 3.   

(La Porte County, IN)- The stealing of a custom made cart offering fresh eggs from backyard chickens is the latest in a series of recent thefts at unmanned roadside farm stands in LaPorte County.

More than one individual appears to be involved in the rash of thefts, which reach into Porter and Lake counties along with Berrien County in Michigan.

In one case, the theft of $100 from a deposit box at a produce stand in Wanatah on August 25 was linked to an older woman further described as white and having no teeth based on the footage of a surveillance camera. The footage also showed she pulled up in an older model red Dodge Journey with a dented rear bumper last seen

So far, there have been no arrests reported in any of the thefts.  

LaPorte County Sheriff Ron Heeg said whether it’s the work of a ring was not known but he didn’t rule it out.

Heeg called the acts “pretty sad,” and whoever’s responsible “desperate.”

Each of the roadside stands were unmanned, trusting people to place their money into a container for the fresh produce or whatever else they purchased.  The deposit box at the stand in Wanatah was locked but forced open to retrieve the money inside, police said. 

“That’s what’s more troubling than anything that we can’t work on the honor system here anymore. There’s got to be somebody who’s going to take advantage of it and ruin it for the rest of us,” Heeg said.

Another case on August 25 in Union Mills involved the theft of three decorative pumpkins, nine batches of cookies along with a number of room sprays, candles and wax melts from a roadside farm stand on 800 South.

The stolen items were valued at $340, police said.

Police said roadside farm stand thefts in Demotte, Ind. and Galien, Michigan occurred before the ones reported in LaPorte County.

The roadside egg cart was taken Wednesday night from a home on Marquette St. near the LaPorte County Fairgrounds. A security camera on the property shows two men described as white in dark clothing getting out of an older model Chevy S-10 or Ford Ranger and placing the wooden egg cart in the bed of the pick-up truck.  

Owner Jeff Rancatore said the stand he made himself also contained a built in cooler to keep his eggs fresh for customers.

He placed a jar on the cart for customers to deposit their money into for the eggs from the 20 chickens at his residence just outside the city limits.

Rancatore said there were no eggs or money in the cart weighing about 100 pounds at the time it was stolen.

The footage shows the thieves never looked for any eggs or money before loading the cart into the bed of the truck and leaving in less than two minutes.  Rancatore said his night vision camera was too far away, though, to get a clearer view of the suspects.

Until he builds another cart, he plans to set a cooler on his front porch for customers to reach in and grab eggs along with a container for them to place money into.

Rancatore said he’ll keep the new stand closer to his house so it’s near his security camera to help identify suspects in the event of another theft.

Rancatore, 54, said selling eggs became a hobby after he purchased his first ever flock of 20 birds in the spring at the request of his wife, who also never had chickens.

The birds, unless they’re roaming in his yard, are kept in a coop he built from scratch.

“This is new to us.  Just like gardening.  A couple of years ago, she wanted a big garden so, now, we have a big garden and chickens,” he said.

With delight, Rancatore said his first dive into keeping chickens has been well worth it in more ways than one.

“They’re entertaining beyond belief and very soothing.  You know, destressing.  Comic relief, sure is,” he said.

(New Buffalo, MI) - Almost everyone has their power back on along the Lake Michigan shoreline just outside New Buffalo where damage from the Tuesday night tropical-like storm appears heaviest.

Last evening, there were more than a dozen utility company trucks in the parking lot of the public boat launch in New Buffalo.

The trucks had just returned from Marquette Road, a very upscale area just outside the city limits where trees by the dozens, if not, more had fallen during the heavy rain and high wind storm Tuesday night. 

This morning, Indiana Michigan Power Company reported just a handful of remaining outages in that area that once had hundreds of customers without service.

(St. Joseph, MI.) - Berrien County Emergency Management officials are providing an online survey link for those who would like to report any storm damage from the Tuesday night severe thunderstorms.

“Our teams began assessments today, but we didn’t capture all of the damage information as many roads were impassable,”  said Capt. Rockey Adams the Berrien County Emergency Management Coordinator. 

“We don’t want to miss anyone who would like to share their information with us,” he said.,

Berrien County officials say the storm damage reports will help them understand exactly where all of the structural damage is located and allow them to keep their team members assigned to road clearing and power restoration tasks. 

In addition, officials said they will be in a better position in the next few days to be able to report accurate statistics using the survey information.

Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit said his office, local fire departments and road crews helped utility workers get to difficult to reach areas for quicker restoration of power.

The survey link is found at:  https://arcg.is/10ab1j

(La Porte County, IN) - A man on a motorcycle in the heavy rain Tuesday night was arrested by La Porte County Police for operating while intoxicated and other counts.

La Porte County Police said the man was also found with a variety of what appeared to be dispensary marijuana products.

Police said the man was traveling Interstate 94 near Michigan City then on the ramp leading to U.S. 421 when stopped for riding on the shoulder. 

After smelling alcohol on his breath, police said marijuana products were found in the saddlebag on his red Harley Davidson motorcycle.

The man, Joseph Alberts explained he was on his way back home to Merrillville after spending some time in Michigan where marijuana can be purchased legally, police said.

Police said he was taken into custody after refusing to take a breathalyzer test.  The 37 year old man was also arrested for driving as a habitual offender.

The marijuana products included cookies and highly potent marijuana moon rocks, police said. 

(La Porte County, IN) - The trend in crime in the area seems to be stealing from roadside farm stands.

According to La Porte County Police, one of the recent thefts occurred Sunday afternoon at a farm stand in Union Mills.  Three pumpkins and nine batches of cookies were among the stolen items along with candles, wax melts and room sprays.

The stolen merchandise was valued at more than $300.

Also recently, a roadside farm stand in the Wanatah area had about $100 taken from a cash deposit box.   The box is for customers to pay for items when nobody is manning the stand.

In addition, police said other thefts have occurred at roadside farm stands in Galien, Michigan and to the west in Lake County.  So far, no arrests have been reported.

(New Buffalo, MI) - The Tuesday night storm packing hurricane-like force winds resulted in a tree more than likely totaling an antique car in New Buffalo.

What appears to be a 1950 Chevy is far from mint condition now after a tree toppled over on it at Bell Ave. and Clay St.   Extensive damage to the car included a caved in roof and broken windows.

The car was outside because there is no garage on the property. 

Residents of the home could not be reached for comment.

(New Buffalo, MI) - A family in New Buffalo has been forced out of their home significantly damaged by a huge pine tree that fell during Tuesday night’s powerful storm.

Kelley Perkins of 12366 Lubke Road said her residence is not livable right now because of the large branches that went through the front of the large house near New Buffalo Elementary School.

Perkins said a pizza she ordered had just been delivered moments before the heavy rain and extremely high wind storm hit.  It wasn’t long before she heard a tree in her front yard crash against the front of her house.

Tree branches also came through into the kitchen, living room and a few other areas of the residence.

“I saw this tree branch and water was pouring in and then the wind was picking up,” she said.

Fortunately, she and her mother, Anna, along with her two daughters, Sophia, 10, and Kora, 7, were not injured.

Her other daughter, Brianna, 24, was working at the Harbor Grand Hotel near the lakefront at the time.  For now, the family is staying at the hotel at no charge at the insistence of owner Robert Kemper.

They could be there for a while due to the extent of the damage and not having insurance to cover the expected costly repairs.

Brianna said relatives in places like Texas and Illinois are reaching out to them with offers to help.

“We’re just trying to get our ducks in a row,” she said.

Perkins said she tried getting insurance on the house she purchased several years ago but no company would offer her a policy unless the aging shingles on the roof were replaced.

However, she couldn’t afford the $40,000 or more to have a new roof put on it with her finances strained after purchasing the home.

“Obviously, life happens so, now, we have a problem,” she said.

Nevertheless, Perkins said she’s counting her blessings.

“I could have lost my life or my children’s life.  A house can be replaced but not your family,” she said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County man could think twice about using an honor system for people to pay for items at his roadside farm produce stand.

Gregory Baker, who lives in the Wanatah area, reported the theft of about $100 from a locked small deposit box he allows customers to slip their money into for produce they purchase from the stand in the area of 1600 South and 1050 West.

According to La Porte County Police, footage from his surveillance camera shows an older model Dodge Journey with a dented bumper pulling up and an older woman with no teeth standing for a few minutes in front of the deposit box.

Police said nobody else was seen at or near the farm stand before he found the box had been damaged and the money missing.

Investigators are hoping to develop leads in the case from the images of the surveillance video, which also revealed two other female occupants were in the vehicle.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County and southwest Michigan seemed to take the brunt of a Tuesday night storm that some residents compared to a tropical storm and even a low level hurricane.

NIPSCO reported about two-thirds of the over 3,000 customers still without power Wednesday morning in its northern Indiana customer service territory were in the Michigan City and La Porte areas.

Bob Johnson, who lives near Michigan City High School, said heavy rain blown by very strong winds came down “sideways” and lightning filled the skies.

“The sky was lit up. It was a pretty colorful show,” he said.

The storm lasting for about 30 minutes appeared to live up to National Weather Service forecasts of wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.

“I would say at least that, if not, more,” he said.

Street department crews in Michigan City and La Porte were out after the storm and throughout the following day removing fallen trees and limbs along with other related debris from streets.

La Porte Street Department Superintendent Mike Frase expects the clean-up to continue into Thursday.

He said there were about a half dozen trees blocking streets along with limbs and other brush throughout the city.  A stretch of Waverly Road near Pine Lake was closed for an extended period from waiting on NIPSCO to arrive and turn off any power flowing through lines brought down by a large fallen tree limb.

“This storm wasn’t as bad as others but it was bad enough,” he said.

The property damage in LaPorte included the roof of a house struck by huge maple tree toppled during the storm on Darlington St. on the city’s east side.

“You can stand in the kitchen and look and see daylight,” said Rich Findlay, 61, who owns the single story home.   

Sara Northern, 41, suffered damage to her front porch and mini-van from a large fallen tree at her two story residence on Rockwood St.  She just returned home from work and went upstairs to visit with her children when the tree came down.

Northern was trying to contact her insurance company to arrange for repairs to her vehicle.

“The windows are broke out.  The doors are bowed. I can’t get in it,” she said.

Michigan City Street Director Shong Smith reported at least 25 calls were placed to his office about fallen trees and limbs in the street.

Smith said some headstones were also damaged by fallen trees at Greenwood Cemetery.

“Crews have been put on mandatory overtime until we have the city cleaned up,” he said.

The powerful storm also resulted in thousands of lingering power outages in nearby southwest Michigan.

New Buffalo resident Bob Stratton said there have been worse storms but this one was “pretty scary.”

Stratton said he saw about a dozen smaller trees laying on the ground along with numerous branches and other scattered debris just during his two mile drive to work at Service 1 Marine inside the state line along Indiana 39 in LaPorte County.

The landscape looked as if “a bomb went off,” he said.

New Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey said the top half of two old pine trees snapped and landed his yard without causing damage.

Humphrey said he also spotted “tons” of fallen trees, including many large ones, along Red Arrow Highway just outside the city.

“One of the worse storms in many, many years came through here for sure,” he said.

(Lowell, IN) - Charges have been filed against two Michigan City men for the overheating deaths of nine dogs last summer.

According to Indiana State Police, the dogs were being driven from O’Hare Airport to a training facility when the cargo van they were in broke down in Lake Station.

Police said the dogs were to be trained as security and police dogs.

Michael McHenry and Jessee Urbaszewski are each charged with nine counts of animal cruelty.  Each charge could bring them as much as one year in jail.

Authorities said the air conditioning unit in the cargo van failed as they waited two hours in a traffic jam on Interstate 94 during 90 degree weather.

Police said warrants were issued for their arrests but the men failed to turn themselves in.

(La Porte County, IN) - A lot of NIPSCO customers were still without power this morning after last night’s strong storm.

High winds and heavy rain brought down trees, limbs and power lines.

NIPSCO reported over 1,000 customers in its Michigan City service area and more than 700 customers in its La Porte service area were without power at sunrise.

NIPSCO also reported over 40 customers in the Westville area still without service.

In New Buffalo, much of the city was in the dark last night but service has been restored for many of those customers.

However, Indiana Michigan Power Company reported  over 500 customers were still without service earlier this morning in its New Buffalo service area along with more than 1,500 and over 1,000 customers still without power in the Union Pier and Grand Beach areas.

There were also over 300 customers still without service earlier this morning in the Three Oaks area.

Residents of Michigan City have places to go for relief from the heat.

According to the mayor’s office, the designated cooling centers are as follows:

Michigan City City Hall 100 E. Michigan Blvd. (219) 873-1400 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Michigan City Police Department 1201 E. Michigan Blvd. (219) 874-3221 Seven days weekly 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Michigan City Fire Administration Building 2510 E. Michigan Blvd. (219) 873-1452 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Nest Community Shelter 1001 W. 8th St. (219) 276-7582 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily

According to the mayor’s office, any citizen needing transportation to a cooling center may call the MCPD’s non-emergency number at (219) 874-3221.

People needing help keeping their pets cool are advised to call the La Porte County Animal Shelter at (219) 326-1637.

Candice Vanwaardenburg, 52, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 4 with operating while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident.

Police said the San Pierre woman was reported as a reckless driver Monday evening before driving off the road and pulling into the parking lot of Franciscan Health just outside Michigan City.

Surveillance video footage shows her colliding with a Subaru Outback outside the hospital and erratically pulling her pick-up truck with a freshly damaged front bumper into a wide open parking spot, according to police.

Police said Vanwaardenburg stepped out of the vehicle wearing traditional blue scrubs and identification as a registered nurse. She was on her way to begin her 12 hour shift but was so unsteady on her feet she was wheeled into the hospital.

She then was admitted as a patient.

According to police, an officer with approval from her doctor went inside her room to speak to her about the collision in the parking lot.  The doctor informed the officer she may have had a stroke but they were still in the process of making a diagnosis. 

The officer began his investigation by asking about her symptoms.

In a slurred speech, the woman said her husband expressed concern that she didn’t seem right in the mind when she left and she had to begin squinting her eyes while passing through Westville, according to police.

The officer’s suspicions were raised, though, when he moved closer and smelled an odor of alcohol on her breath.  In response, Vanwaardenburg claimed it had been about 18 hours since her last drink, police said.

Soon, a blood sample taken from her revealed a 0.416 blood alcohol level or slightly five times more than the .08 percent legal limit for operating a vehicle.

She was handcuffed and taken to the La Porte County Jail then released the next day after posting $900 cash bond to await the outcome of her two misdemeanor counts.

(La Porte County, IN) - Another good sized drug bust has occurred on a major highway locally.

Joseph Meahl, 20, was a passenger in a car stopped for a traffic violation by Indiana State Police last week on Interstate 94 near U.S 421 at Michigan City.

He allegedly had a grocery bag containing a large amount of cocaine.

Police said what appeared to be a much smaller amount marijuana from a dispensary also was seized from his possession.

Meahl told police the drugs belonged to him and he was having the driver take him to Illinois, according to court documents.

The Buchanan, Michigan man could face anywhere from a three to 16 year sentence on the Level 3 felony charge of possession of cocaine. He could face an additional six months in jail on Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana.  

(La Porte, IN) - A stretch of local highway will be resurfaced beginning next week.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, the work beginning Tuesday will happen on Indiana 4 from Lincolnway to Boyd Boulevard in

La Porte.

As a result, traffic will alternate on one lane in each direction.

Work will include patching and resurfacing, curb and gutter replacement where necessary, and ADA compliant sidewalk ramps, INDOT said.

The road will be reduced to one lane and flaggers will direct traffic in the area where work is occurring.

According to INDOT, temporary closures for sidewalks and intersecting crossroads will also be necessary during ADA ramp reconstruction. The project will be ongoing through late November.

INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully.  Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

(La Porte County, IN) - Three people were injured in a collision between a passenger vehicle and semi-truck on U.S. 20 in Rolling Prairie this week.

Patricia Tyl, 43, was westbound when she signaled and slowed down to turn left onto 400 East, according to La Porte County Police.

Police said the investigation shows the truck driver traveling behind her unable to veer to his right because of traffic steered to his left to avoid striking the back end of her car.

Tyl was turning left when the semi made impact with the driver’s side of her car, police said.

Both vehicles came to rest in the eastbound lanes.

Tyl sustained a head injury and complained of pain while her 25 year old female passenger and infant in a car restraint seat were also hurt but suffered no visible injuries, police said.

Police said the 59 year old truck driver from Illinois was not injured. The collision happened after 8 a.m. on Monday.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver clocked at more than 90 miles per hour was arrested by La Porte County for operating while intoxicated.

Ryan Smith, 26, of La Porte was southbound about 1 a.m. Saturday on Indiana 39 north of U.S. 20 when clocked at 92 miles per hour, according to La Porte County Police.

The officer conducted a U-turn and caught up to the driver just before he turned into a gas station.

According to police, Smith told the officer he was low on fuel and traveling that fast to get to a gas station before running out.

When asked how much he had to drink, police said Smith replied “one beer.”

He was charged after his blood alcohol level allegedly measured at .112 percent.

(Chesterton, IN) - The South Shore commuter line is reporting improvement in reaching destinations on time since a revised train schedule went into effect last week.

“We are three days into the new schedule and we are already seeing improvement in on-time performance and we expect more to come,” said Mike Noland, president of the commuter line operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District.

At times, Noland said delays were experienced last week because of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and a large bridge project in Gary, which single tracked five miles of the new double track.

He said issues should be resolved by tomorrow, which will provide a “much better opportunity to evaluate the new schedule’s effectiveness.”

The double track was projected to reduce a one way trip from Michigan City to Chicago by about 30 minutes but there’s been some lack of consistency in meeting the target since the double track went into operation a few months ago.

Noland vowed to continue an open line of communication with riders, whose input has been sought to improve service on the double track.

”We need to reiterate once again how much we value the input we received from you over the past several months, especially from the rider survey. We plan on conducting another rider survey in the coming months to continue this dialogue. While improving our on-time performance is one of our main priorities, our highest priority has been, is, and always will be safety,” Noland said.

(Grand Rapids, MI) - The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning from now until tomorrow night for La Porte and surrounding counties.

Temperatures were in the low 90’s this afternoon and could reach up to 97 degrees on Tuesday.

In addition, the NWS out of Grand Rapids reported a severe storm system Tuesday could bring damaging winds and hail in an area stretching from Michigan to Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and parts of Ohio.

The storm system is expected to develop early Tuesday morning and continue throughout the day.

Besides potential for damaging winds and large hail, there is also a slight risk of tornadoes, according to NWS.

Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely and prepare to take shelter if storms approach.  The severe weather threat is expected to diminish by late Tuesday night.

(La Porte County, IN) - Police say a woman injured two people in a crash Sunday afternoon in Michigan City then fled but was soon arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Janet Brunson, 64, of Michigan City allegedly hit the rear of a vehicle stopped for a red light at U.S. 20 and Woodland Ave.

A few minutes later, police received a call about a seriously damaged SUV driving into oncoming traffic on Johnson Road near the Center Township Fire Department.

According to La Porte County Police, a responding sheriff’s deputy observed the vehicle stopped in the middle of 400 West.

After the officer pulled behind the vehicle, police said the driver pulled away and was speeding up and slowing down until stopping on 150 North.

Police said Brunson in a very slurred manner of speech claimed to have consumed one beer then after stepping from her vehicle fell to the ground.

She was arrested after refusing a blood alcohol test.

Michigan City Police said the driver and passenger in the vehicle she struck were taken to a hospital complaining of pain to their backs and necks.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police say it looked like a real gun but it was actually a BB gun used to threaten to shoot somebody.

Timothy Borman, 33, is charged with intimidation.

Just over a week ago, police said Borman went to a camper multiple times on the city’s west side and demand to speak to a woman. The man she was inside the camper with came out.

Police said Borman took out what looked like a handgun, racked it and threatened to shoot him.  In reponse, the man ran off and called 911.

At first, police said they couldn’t tell whether it was a real gun until noticing it was loaded with BB’s.

The Michigan City man could receive anywhere from a six month to three year sentence on the level 6 felony charge.

(La Porte, IN) - A man has been convicted in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash in La Porte County.

64 year old John Niego of Kingsbury was found guilty Friday in a bench trial in La Porte Circuit Court.

Taren Abair, 29, of Grovertown died in the crash in 2020 on U.S. 6 in Johnson Township.

According to La Porte County Police, Niego was driving very erratically in his Dodge Ram pick-up truck when he struck the front driver’s side corner of an oncoming semi-truck and the victim’s oncoming SUV.

According to police, Niego, who suffered injuries in the crash, did not have any alcohol or drugs in his system despite his erratic driving.

The victim's two year old son also was injured. 

Niego was found guilty on two counts of felony criminal recklessness and misdemeanor aggressive driving.

He could face anywhere from a one to six year on sentence on the most serious charge and additional time on the remaining counts.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan gave credit to two of his deputy prosecutors and the lead police investigator in the case.

“Autumn Ferch and Brody Shoffner did an excellent job presenting our case, built on the strong investigative work of Sgt Scott Boswell of the Sheriff’s Office," he said. 

(La Porte County, IN) - Drone technology is being used in this area to support agriculture.

Companies have cropped up all over the country utilizing large drones for spreading pesticides and fungicides. One of them is Raven 6 Rising, which has been spraying corn fields in northern Indiana for the past couple of weeks.

Owner/operator Jason Miller gave HTNN a quick lesson in drone spraying while fueling up his truck for the trip back home to Madison, Mississippi.

“The great thing about what we’re doing is that we’re saving the farmer a lot of money,” he said.  According to Miller, a farmer’s spraying equipment can cost over $1 million, plus thousands of dollars in diesel fuel per tank. Wheeled sprayers can also trample crops and cause soil compaction, he said.

Miller uses two drones weighing about 300 pounds each when loaded with chemical. A three-man crew operate the drones remotely. He transports the drones on a 32-foot trailer that doubles as a flight deck on top of a 1,000-gallon agitator tank for chemical storage.

According to Miller, traditional airplane sprayers still do an effective job, “but we can get into areas that crop dusters can’t get into.” And he says drones also spread chemicals more effectively.

“The great thing about crop dusters is that they can cover a lot of ground, and they can cover it fast,” said Miller. “The great thing about drones is that we can cover it lower to the ground.” According to Miller, the downforce created by the drone propellers during spraying yields better coverage for plants. “When a crop duster flies over, it just lays a blanket of chemical on top of the crops.”

Miller is licensed by the FAA and the state, much like a crop duster who flies a plane. “It takes a lot of paperwork through the FAA to get your licensing to be able to fly these size drones,” he said. “We carry the same license that the crop dusters fly with.” Miller says proper qualifications are important in order to understand how to deal with airborne chemicals properly.

Miller got into the Ag business just a year ago, after many years of flying drones for his video production company. He has done videography for clients such as ESPN, NBC Sports, and the Outdoor Channel. When he saw the sprayer drones displayed at a farm trade show, Miller said he decided to invest in a rig for himself.

“Drones, in my opinion, they’re the way of the future,” he said. “It’s a clean, green energy. They’re run by batteries. It is a futuristic way of working.”

(La Porte County, IN) - 2^nd District Congressman Rudy Yakym continued his "Factories, Freeways, and Fields" tour Friday with a stop in La Porte County.

After visiting a blueberry farm in North Judson, Yakym met with Indiana Farm Bureau members at Parker Farms on SR 4. Farmer Harold Parker recently stepped down as Indiana Farm Bureau District 1 Director. His farm raises tomatoes for Red Gold, along with corn and soybeans.

On his tour this summer, Yakym says he’s listening to local workers and bringing a message of smaller government. “When I travel around and listen to Hoosiers and what’s on their minds, that’s really what this tour is all about,” he said. “We want to get the federal government out of the way and let the American worker show up and go to work every day and make this country work.”

Throughout August, Yakym’s agenda has included 75 locations throughout all 11 counties in Indiana’s Second Congressional District. His destinations highlight manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation and infrastructure projects in the area.

Earlier this month he visited La Porte businesses Jaeger Unitech Sealing Solutions and Howmet Aerospace.

(New Buffalo, MI) - A popular New Buffalo eatery is on the lookout for an art thief.

The brazen theft took place at Redamak’s last Saturday. Security cameras caught a man, who had entered the restaurant with a group, taking a painting right off the wall and walking out with it. The oil painting depicted the restaurant as it looked many years ago. It was hanging over the booth where the group dined. The thief got away in a four-door Chevy pickup truck with blacked out rims.

Redamak’s took to Facebook on Monday asking the public for help in tracking down the artwork.

As of Friday, restaurant management said they had received one possible lead that didn’t pan out. The New Buffalo Police Department continues to investigate.

(Hamlet, IN) - The Hamlet home invasion that took place on August 3 is now a homicide case. One of the elderly victims has passed away.

40-year-old David Campbell of Plymouth is accused of forcing his way into a home on the north side of Hamlet near U.S. 30. Both elderly residents were assaulted.

72-year-old Connie Bailey died on August 16, two weeks after the attack. According to her obituary from Frain Mortuary in Winamac, her death was the result of severe head injries and other complications.

Bailey was born in LaPorte and grew up on a farm in San Pierre, the obituary noted. She graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High School in 1970 and worked for Del Monte Foods in Plymouth and MPI Products in Knox. She had been recently serving on on the Hamlet town council.

Campbell was initially charged with 13 counts of burglary, assault, and battery. A change to possibly include homicide is pending in the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office pending results from an autopsy of the victim.

(South Bend, IN) - The school year is off to a rough start at Riley High School in South Bend.

On Friday around noon, a fight broke out. No students were injured, but according to school Principal Shawn Henderson, “a staff member sustained a minor injury and was promptly assisted by first responders.”

The school was placed on lockdown for about half an hour, and police and the school district continue to investigate.

(Michigan City, IN) - KFC has closed several locations in this part of the state, including the one in Michigan City.

The KFC restaurants closing today were also in Valparaiso, Portage, Hobart and Gary.

They were reportedly owned by a financially troubled Texas-based company, which also closed the doors recently at more than a dozen of its Pizza Hut locations in the region, including the one in Michigan City.

KFC restaurants in La Porte and several other locations in Northwest Indiana are under different ownership and remain open.

The closures are at a time when KFC has faced increased competition from other chain restaurant providers of chicken.

(La Porte, IN) - The City of La Porte in what seemed like a daunting task against Norfolk Southern Railroad has its beloved old train depot back.

Better yet, perhaps, the city now owns the two downtown structures donated by the railroad under an agreement reached Tuesday with the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety.

The city after helping to pay for the $3.6 million renovation of the once dilapidated, historic buildings paid only $1 annually under a 20 year lease, which was not renewed by the freight line in 2021.

City Attorney Nick Otis credited Mayor Tom Dermody, who vowed from the beginning not to give up in his quest to have the depot returned.

“He was relentless with Norfolk Southern in getting this to happen,” Otis said.

Otis said the process of having the title transferred to the city has begun.

Dermody said it just wasn’t right for the railroad to take back the structures given the amount of effort, tax dollars and other funding sources invested by the city into the old depot where passengers decades ago boarded trains.

Not only that but, originally, Dermody said the intent was to transfer ownership to the city once the lease expired, he said.

“That’s something that should always stay with LaPorte,” he said.

At the beginning, Otis said the railroad in its talks with the city wanted in cash the current $500,000 assessed valuation of the buildings along with some of the money that went into the restoration.

The city offered as much as $300,000 early in talks but the railroad in rejecting the offer allowed the lease to expire.

Dermody said his fight included traveling to places like Washington D.C. and Indianapolis to argue his case with railroad officials.  He said the city also strongly enforced violations of city code against the railroad as leverage in the talks.

Code Enforcement Director Jeff Batchelor said the violations were for 50 private junk yard owned vehicles that happened to be on railroad property close to the tracks.

Batchelor said the fines and penalties for failure to pay, over time, added up to $300,000. 

The amount was forgiven in exchange for the depot, he said.

Dermody said a change in leadership at the railroad was also a big help in reaching the deal.

“They recognized the railroad should not be in the depot business,” he said.

The depot was occupied by the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership and several non-profit organizations when they were evicted by Norfolk Southern.

The restored facility was also where Santa Claus after ushered into the city during a parade every year visited with children while hot chocolate and cider were served to people gathered for the festivities.

The depot once bustling when passenger service existed on the line was also a source of pride in the community that values historic preservation.

Future use of the depot as a drug treatment center or refuge for the homeless are among the ideas that have surfaced.

Whatever is decided, Dermody said his desire is to somehow use the property “to make a difference in people’s lives in La Porte.”

(La Porte, IN) - A motorcycle driver fleeing La Porte County Police at high speeds got away but strong leads that could result in obtaining his identity have developed.

According to police, an officer late Thursday morning tried stopping the motorcycle for having a false or fictitious license plate in the area of U.S. 20 and Indiana 39.

The motorcycle driver accelerated, though, and was traveling at unsafe speeds when the officer lost sight of the suspect at Indiana 39 at Pine Lake then discontinued the chase, police said.

Police said surveillance video of the motorcycle pulling into a gas station and stopping next to pump was obtained.  Investigators also obtained a receipt for the purchase and other information that could unveil the name of the driver.  

The black Matte motorcycle had a license plate reading “misguided” and a Chicago flag behind it, police said.

Police said the driver was wearing blue jeans and brown cowboy boots.

(La Porte, IN) - Over $28,000 was raised from a silent auction last night in La Porte to help fund construction of a new Farm Bureau milk cabin at Pioneer Land. 

Many of the items up for bidding were donated gift cards for as much as $1,000 from businesses affiliated with agriculture like Kingsbury Elevator and Heinold Feller Tire in LaCrosse.

There were also individual donations of IPads, meat, candles, coffee machines and other merchandise  for the auction along with monetary contributions for as much as $500.

The auction was part of the annual meeting of the La Porte County branch of Indiana Farm Bureau. 

La Porte County Farm Bureau President Mark Parkman said he was pleased with the support during the auction from the over 100 members of Farm Bureau, elected officials and other people in attendance.

“I’m kind of surprised but we were hoping for that,” Parkman said.

Parkman said the new milk cabin to cost about $110,000 will be made with real timber logs so the look fits in better with the 1830’s style village, which consists of more than a dozen buildings at the fairgrounds.

It will be similar in size and go into the space now occupied by the more modern looking cabin where milk is sold at 10 cents a glass when Pioneer Land is open during the fair.

Parkman said the cabin has been there since 2000 and has maintenance issues like wood rotting around all of the windows.

He said no decision has been made on the future of the cabin, which could be torn down, sold or dismantled for parts to be used for maintaining other Pioneer Land structures.

Parkman said the plan is to have the new cabin built in time for the 2025 fair.

(La Porte, IN) - A leader in the agriculture community for the region is stepping down from his position.

Indiana Farm Bureau District 1 Director Harold Parker decided not to seek reelection after nine years in the seat.  His district covers Lake, Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph, Starke, Fulton, Marshall and Pulaski counties.  

The lifelong La Porte area farmer will replaced by Lake County resident Matt Hayden, who raises corn, soybeans and beef cattle in Lake County.

Parker, 72, said it was time for younger blood, especially knowing the skills Hayden brings to the position.

“A young guy wanted to take my place and I had a good guy to come in so I thought it would be a good time to exit,” he said.

Parker, who raises 200 acres of tomatoes for Red Gold, along with corn and soybeans, was recognized Thursday night during the annual meeting of the LaPorte County branch of Indiana Farm Bureau.

The meeting was held before a full house of mostly members of the organization and public officials at the Silver Palace in La Porte. 

Parker was presented with a gift card and plaque by LaPorte County Farm Bureau President Mark Parkman, a farmer from the Westville area.

“I know in my world here at Farm Bureau, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’ve been able to do without Harold’s help,” he said.

Parker said his work in helping provide affordable health insurance options to Indiana Farm Bureau members is among his proudest achievements.

In 2021, Indiana Farm Bureau began offering health coverage in response to many farmers and other members struggling to afford their own plans.

Making it possible was the governor signing legislation overwhelmingly approved in the house and senate.

Other achievements Parker cited as a voice at Indiana Farm Bureau involved work to reduce flooding along the Kankakee River and property tax relief for farmers.

“We had differences but we usually were able to come to an agreement on what was best for our people that we help serve,” he said.

Parkman described Parker as someone capable of getting the attention of state lawmakers on matters important to the agriculture community.

“He was very vocal downstate in expressing opinions from a different perspective.  We are very grateful for the time he put in for us,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - Expansion of a La Porte County park seems on the horizon.

It would involve adding more than 40 acres to Bluhm County Park near Westville along with trails and land conservation work.

La Porte County Parks Superintendent Jeremy Sobecki said his department and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources have been working together on coming to terms with the proposal for about the past 18 months.

“We’re getting to the point now where things are starting to happen,” he said.

Sobecki said La Porte County government would pay nothing for the 43 acres.  In exchange, the DNR would pay for a conservation easement on the property and those funds would go toward the purchase.

He said DNR will also perform wetlands restoration work on the property and put in the trails.

Sobecki said the La Porte County Park Department Board on Tuesday is expected to sign the land acquisition deal.

“The land will be ours at no cost to the county. It’s a win, win for the county,” he said.

(Hammond and Westville, IN) - Purdue University Northwest will begin offering a new Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence degree program.

The first students are expected to begin courses in spring of 2025.

According to PNW officials, the new program will prepare accepted graduate students with AI knowledge, hands-on experiences and advanced practical skills, including the design, development and implementation of AI applications to real-world challenges and responsive uses of AI technology.

“As the premier metropolitan university in our region, we need to address the needs of the industry by developing innovative programs,” said Mohammad Zahraee, interim dean of PNW’s College of Technology.

“Our M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence will accomplish this goal by cultivating graduates to fill the gaps of much needed skills for our regional industry, as well as innovate in today’s technology-driven world,” he said. 

Applied Artificial Intelligence graduates will be qualified to step into several fields as savvy computer programmers and data analysts, PNW officials said.

PNW officials said graduates will become “transformative leaders” in the technology sector who can investigate complex scenarios, make data-informed recommendations for action and deliver “workable solutions” to real-world challenges.

“Today, organizations are looking for a workforce with AI competency to help tackle many challenging problems,” said Keyuan Jiang, chair of PNW’s department of Computer Information Technology and Graphics.

“Offering this new hands-on master’s degree at PNW can help narrow the workforce shortage gap, especially in the field of applied AI,” he said.

Prospective students can learn more by emailing techgrad@pnw.edu or by visiting pnw.edu/technology. 

Additional information about graduate studies at PNW can be found at pnw.edu/graduate-studies.

(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Police Department is nearly back to full strength.

Police Chief Marty Corley told the city council on Tuesday six new officers graduated Friday from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and have begun their shifts.

For now, Corley said they’re being paired up with veteran patrol officers as part of their field training but should be assigned to their own police vehicle before the end of the year.

Corley also revealed the hiring of another officer on Monday.

“He will start his training with our division of professional standards and then he’ll possibly go to the academy in January,” he said.

The recent hirings bring the number of officers at the department to 82, just two short of what’s provided for in the city budget, he said.

The rising number of officers is in response to an aggressive campaign that included a significant increase in pay and benefits at a time when some departments in the area followed suit because of officers leaving for much better compensation elsewhere in the region.

(Michigan City, IN) - Oktoberfest in Michigan City is returning for the Labor Day weekend.

The four day festival featuring more than 50 music and entertainment groups will be at Washington Park beginning August 30.

“Since its return in 2022, Oktoberfest has doubled in size, and this year is set to be the biggest yet,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

Deuitch said there will also be 60 art, craft and merchandise vendors, 13 food vendors along with games and activities for kids as part of the festivities.

Deuitch said the entertainment will occur on three stages with each stage area featuring a full bar and food.

“We have a great mix of bands returning from last year, including the Together Band and Dr. Duke Tumatoe, as well as some new bands and genres,” said Terry Greetham, Director of Michigan City Special Events.

He said the goal for Oktoberfest, the most requested event in the city, is to continue growing into the “best Labor Day festival in the region.”

Other attractions will include a video game tournament.

According to the mayor’s office, Oktoberfest will run through September 2 and operate from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.

(La Porte, IN) - A local delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago feels his party from Vice-President Kamala Harris running for president has a better chance at competing in republican dominated Indiana.

Shaw Friedman, a longtime attorney from LaPorte, is one of close to 90 delegates for the party from Indiana attending the convention.

Friedman said Harris has noticeably energized the party after president Joe Biden chose not to seek a second term and recommended Harris to replace him as the party’s nominee.

Harris has also closed the gap with republican nominee, former president Donald Trump, in the nationwide polls.

Friedman, a former La Porte County Democratic Party Chairman, said he believes the energy Harris has brought to the campaign will carry over to democrats running for governor and other state offices.

“There’s a feeling among Indiana delegates that it’s certainly going to help our situation statewide.  There’s a sense that at least we’ve become competitive.  That’s all you want to be is just be in the hunt,” he said.

Friedman said he still expects a "very close" outcome in the November 5 election between Harris and Trump

He has been a delegate representing the northern third of Indiana for close to four years.

So far, among the famous democrats Friedman has rubbed elbows with include former U.S. Congressman Joe Donnelly of Granger, Ind. and actor Sean Astin, who played the lead role in the movie "Rudy."

He portrayed Rudy Ruettiger, who made the University of Notre Dame football team as a walk-on in the 1970's but never played until the final seconds of his last game. 

Ruettiger made a tackle in the final seconds of play.

Astin's wife, Christine, has family in the La Porte area. 

Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, former president Bill Clinton and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who’s now the U.S. Transportation Secretary, are expected to be among the speakers tonight at the convention.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man with a lifetime ban on his driving privileges was caught behind the wheel of a pick-up truck with help from a license plate reading camera.

Milo Clemons, 51, was arrested about 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to La Porte County Police, an officer was patrolling the area of U.S. 20 and Cleveland Ave. in Michigan City when he received an alert from flock camera about a 2008 Ford F-150.

A check of the license plate number revealed Clemons was a registered owner of the vehicle with a lifetime ban from driving as a convicted habitual traffic violator.

The officer soon located the moving vehicle and spotted the Michigan City area man behind the wheel.

Police said Clemons, who pleaded with the officer to give him a break, was taken to the La Porte County Jail.

He could face anywhere from a one to five year sentence on the Level 5 felony charge.

(St. Joseph, MI) - The Berrien County Sheriff was part of a law enforcement discussion about the negative impact the open border at Mexico is having locally with former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Chuck Heit, along with sheriffs throughout Michigan, were invited to express their concerns about the lack of border security with Trump during a closed door session Tuesday afternoon at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in the southeast part of the state.

Heit said he made the three hour drive with a few other sheriffs from the area.

“Not that many people probably get to speak or shake the hands of either a current or former president.  It was an honor to get that opportunity,” he said.

Like many areas nationwide, Heit said the biggest problem in Berrien County has been a noticeable increase in the amount of overdose deaths from fentanyl and methamphetamine winding up here from Mexico.

He said some of the other sheriffs in their meeting with Trump revealed acts of violence in their respective communities linked to migrants.

Heit said his other concerns include potential safety threats here in the future from migrants, especially those whose identifies might not be known.

“Obviously, our issue is what can be done to secure the border.  In Michigan, we see the effects,” he said.

Heit said Trump also shared what he did as president to secure the border and revealed many of those policies will be put back into place if he’s elected again in November.

“I can’t control what happens at the border.  So, I will always take an opportunity to speak with someone who may be able to in the future.  If the current president wanted to meet, we would be welcome to give our opinions about the lack of security at the southern border and how that’s effecting counties all across the United States,” he said.

After their discussion, Trump discussed his well-known tough stance on border security during a press conference.  

Heit, who stood beside and slightly behind Trump during the press conference, wound up in some of the televised and news print images of the former president.

He was also part of a similar discussion and media event with Trump a few months ago in Grand Rapids.

“There’s been some seizures of some big quantities of fentanyl that have come across.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t take a large amount to cause an overdose death,” he said.

Heit took over as sheriff on January 1 when appointed to replace the retired Paul Bailey.

Previously, Heit was the Berrien County Undersheriff for 21 years after serving three years as police chief in New Buffalo.

Heit, who won the republican primary for sheriff, is seeking his first four year term in November against independent candidate Al DiBrito.

No democrat filed to seek the office.

Heit, a 1987 graduate of New Buffalo High School, still resides in New Buffalo.

(La Porte County, IN) - The West Nile virus has been detected in La Porte County for the first time this season.

According to the La Porte County Health Department, the positive test result was in a pool of mosquitoes.

The mosquitoes were collected late last month and sent downstate where testing confirmed the presence of the virus.

Infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans.  So far, no human cases have been reported in La Porte County this season, according to health department officials.

The public is asked not to leave pools of standing water on their properties because the species of mosquitoes most likely to transmit the virus prefer to breed in water holding containers like birdbaths and wading pools along with clogged gutters. 

The La Porte County Health Department is offering this advice to help prevent infection from a mosquito bite:

• Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Don't apply repellent to skin that is under clothing. Heavy application is not necessary to achieve protection.
• Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas. 
• Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.

For additional information or questions, please contact Patricia Wozniak at the La Porte County Health Department at 219-326-6808 ext. 2200 or 219-874-5611.

(La Porte, IN) - A house in LaPorte was heavily damaged by fire this afternoon.

Just after 3 p.m., firefighters were called to 305 Niesen St. on the city’s northeast side.

Upon arrival, LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said there were flames shooting out from the roof and several windows in the brick-sided one a half story structure.

Initially, Snyder said an attempt was made to fight the flames on the inside of the home but firefighters were driven out by the heavy smoke and advancing flames.

Water was then applied strictly from the outside until it was safe enough for firefighters to reenter.

“We made some progress but the conditions were worsening in the back of the house,” he said.

Snyder said nobody was inside the home at the time.  It appears a family living there had recently moved out judging by the early findings of the investigation.  

About one hour later, the roof toward the back of the home showed obvious signs of potential collapse as the flames began diminishing.

“I’m not going to say it’s knocked down but they’re just working on some hot spots right now,” he said.

Snyder said the fire was reported by a bus driver for TransPorte, which is the city’s public transportation system.

There were no indications on what caused the fire but the investigation was still in its early stages.

“I doubt if this will be a repairable house. This looks like it’ll be a total loss,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A LaPorte County man is accused of being drunk while leading police on a short motor vehicle chase that ended with a crash.

Anthony Price, 51, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with operating while intoxicated and resisting law enforcement.

According to court documents, a police officer Friday night tried pulling him over for speeding and erratic driving on U.S. 35 between La Porte and Kingsbury.

Police said Price accelerated, though, exceeding 100 miles per hour before crossing the median and crashing into a guardrail.  His Dodge Ram pick-up truck came to rest in a woods near Hupp Road.

Price, who lives in the Kingsbury area, told the arresting officer he consumed three beers and three rum and cokes prior to getting behind the wheel of his vehicle, according to court documents.

His alleged blood alcohol level was just over .11 percent.

(La Porte, IN) - A man is accused of stabbing his father to death Monday in La Porte before captured in St. Joseph County following a lengthy high speed pursuit.

Francisco Camarillo, 29, was charged Tuesday in La Porte Circuit Court with murder for killing his father, Valentin Camarillo.

According to court documents, the investigation shows Camarillo was spending the night in a shed in the backyard of his uncle’s house at 221 Lawndale Ave.

The uncle, who gave his nephew permission to stay there overnight, woke up after sunrise to Camarillo pacing in his backyard and yelling.

In response, police said he called his brother asking him to come get his son.

Police said the victim after pulling up in his SUV walked to the backyard and soon began yelling “help me brother. Help me brother. He’s going to kill me,” according to court documents.

The uncle, Aristeo Camarillo, told investigators he saw Francisco holding his father around the neck and raise a kitchen knife above his head then lower it in the direction of the victim, who fell to the ground bleeding from the neck area, police said.

Police said the investigation shows the knife with a wooden handle belonged to the uncle and was resting on a barbecue grill or table in the backyard when grabbed by the suspect.

The victim found by medics covered in blood was taken to Northwest Health where he was soon pronounced dead.

According to court documents, the suspect fled in his dad’s vehicle to the home of his father at 109 Greenway St. where he yelled that he killed his father and placed the knife into a kitchen sink.

Francisco fled with the cell phone belonging to the wife of his father after hearing the sirens of police vehicles responding to the home in response to a 911 call.

The woman tracking her cell phone told police he was on Indiana 104 heading into Stillwell. 

A short time later, officers caught up to Camarillo and tried making a traffic stop but he accelerated, passing a school bus in a no passing zone.

He then led pursuing officers from multiple agencies through Fish Lake, North Liberty and into South Bend before doubling back.  Eventually, he was captured in North Liberty, police said.

According to court records, Camarillo has an extensive criminal history mostly for domestic battery.  His most recent undecided charges filed in April were for residential entry and public intoxication, court records showed.

Camarillo could face anywhere from a 45 to 65 year sentence.

(Westville, IN) - A prison guard in Westville is accused of taking money from an inmate to bring marijuana into the facility.

Lauren Bush, 30, is charged with bribery and official misconduct.

According to authorities, she and an inmate at Westville Correctional Facility last week discussed the plans to bring him marijuana and a cell phone.

In exchange, she would receive $200.

Investigators say evidence recovered from her cell phone shows she received and accepted the money.

The Chicago area woman was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.

(La Porte, IN) - A man is being held on a preliminary charge of murder in connection with a fatal stabbing in La Porte.

Francisco Camarillo, 29, was taken into custody Monday during a lengthy high speed pursuit from La Porte County into St. Joseph County.

The chase ended in the North Liberty area.

So far, police have not released full details but say a man was found stabbed yesterday morning in the 200 block of Lawndale Ave. on the city’s southeast side and soon died at Northwest Health.

Formal charges could be filed as soon as today if La Porte Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos after reviewing the evidence finds the evidence is sufficient enough for Camarillo to answer to the allegations.

The name of the victim has not been released yet.  

(Michigan City, IN) - Revenge was the apparent motive of a man arrested for a Michigan City double homicide.

That’s according to the findings of the investigation in the case against Armann Johnson, 26, who’s charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with two counts of murder.

Travis Pennington, 35, and Kiara Hootman, 22, were inside a vehicle when shot early Thursday in the parking lot of Normandy Village Apartments.

La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson said Pennington was shot three times in the head and neck while Hootman sustained four gunshot wounds to the left arm and back.

According to court documents, the investigation shows Johnson and Hootman were involved in a brief, tumultuous relationship until she left him due to physical abuse.

She moved out of her apartment out of fear of Johnson returning and recently began staying with Pennington, who lived at Normandy Village, police said.

All of the parties involved once worked the same shift together at Hearthside Food Solutions, the maker of baked goods and other edible products on Michigan City’s west side.

Johnson, though, was terminated in July and later Pennington based on lack of attendance, police said.

Police said the investigation shows Pennington and Hootman were in the car together so he could take her to her job at the food making plant when roughly a dozen gunshots started ringing out.

It appears the gunfire came about a week after Johnson warned Pennington to stay away from Hootman or be “dealt with,” according to court documents.

Johnson after let go from the plant also confronted Pennington and Hootman at job site about their relationship, police said.

With help from a license plate reading camera, police said investigators were able to locate the vehicle belonging to Johnson outside his residence in the 800 block of Pine St.

The next day, a search of his vehicle and home turned up shards of glass similar to the ones from a passenger side mirror collected from where the victims were parked along with a black cloth gun holster fitted for a semi-automatic handgun, according to court documents.

Police said there was also dirt on the vehicle to explain the tire tracks left by the gunman driving through the grass at the apartment complex after the shooting.

Johnson was ordered to be held in the La Porte County Jail without bond pending the outcome of his initial court hearing scheduled Tuesday.

(La Porte, IN) - A suspect in a fatal stabbing this morning in La Porte was captured during a high speed pursuit into St. Joseph County.

According to La Porte Police, officers were called to the 200 block of Lawndale Ave about a stabbing.

A male victim discovered at the scene and was transported to Northwest Health where he was pronounced dead a short time later, police said.

Police said a suspect in the stabbing was soon located in La Porte County and fled into St. Joseph County with officers from multiple agencies giving chase until he was captured.

The pursuit went through the Fish Lake and Walkerton areas before  proceeding further to east prior to the apprehension.

The suspect is being held in the La Porte County Jail pending the possible filing of charges against him in the case, which remains under investigation, police said.

Police did not provide further details but will once the investigation moves further along in the process.

Authorities described the stabbing as an apparent isolated incident.

"At this time, there is no danger to the public," police said. 

An arrest has been made in connection with last week’s double homicide in Michigan City.

Armann Johnson, 26, is currently being held in the La Porte County Jail on

$100,000 bond.

He’s charged with murder in connection with the shooting deaths at Normandy Village Apartments early Thursday.

35 year old Travis Pennington and 22 year old Kiara Hootman were inside a vehicle in the parking lot of Normandy Village when shot. La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson said Pennington was shot three times in the head and neck.

She said Hootman suffered four gunshot wounds to the left arm and back.

More details are expected to be released by Michigan City Police later today.

In 2019, court records show Johnson was found not guilty of robbery but was convicted of battery in the same case and sentenced to three years in prison.

(La Porte County, IN) - A recent feed the hungry effort in La Porte County broke their record from last year for the amount of meat and poultry given to local food pantries.

The food came from the animals of 4-H youth purchased during the La Porte County fair auction last month.

La Porte County Farm Bureau president Mark Parkman said about 7,000 pounds of meat and poultry from those animals went to over 30 food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the county.

About 5,000 pounds of meat and poultry from the purchase of 4-H youth animals went to nearly 30 food pantries and soup kitchens last year.

“The volunteers really worked hard to put a nice program together,” he said.

Parkman said Farm Bureau purchased many of the animals while private corporations and individuals bought some of the livestock during the auction for annual program, “Operation Feed La Porte County.”

The meat was also processed at a discount.

(Merrillville, IN) - NIPSCO has added another solar energy source to help replace the electricity it generates from coal fired generators targeted for closure in the future.

Cavalry Energy Center, LLC, recently constructed a 200-megawatt solar facility with an additional 45 megawatt of battery energy storage capability in White County north of Lafayette.

According to NIPSCO, the facility will produce enough electricity to power about 60,000 homes.

NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Parisi said it’s the third solar project added to the utility company’s generating mix.

He also called it “a crucial step in advancing our energy generation transition plan to provide sustainable, cost-effective and reliable energy now and into the future.”

Calvary Energy Center, LLC, is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, developed and constructed the new solar energy facility.

NextEra Energy Resources is billed as the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery energy storage.

“We are pleased to work with NIPSCO on this solar project, and we look forward to continue working with them to bring additional renewable energy projects to the Hoosier state in the coming years,” said Anthony Pedroni, vice president of renewables and storage development at NextEra Energy Resources.

The NIPSCO generating station in Michigan City is among the coal fired generating facilities the utility plans to close in the coming years as part of its move toward cleaner energy sources.  

(St. Joseph County, IN) - The biggest development project in Indiana history is now prime for a build-out following the approval of tax incentives this week.

On Tuesday three governing bodies in St. Joseph County granted Amazon two tax abatements on their $11 billion data center, which is already under construction east of New Carlisle. Amazon will save 50 percent of its real property taxes for 10 years. The company will also be exempt for 85 percent of its computer servers and equipment over the next 35 years.

Construction is already underway at locations north and south of SR 2. According to Economic Development Director Bill Schalliol, six out of seven building shells are going up along Edison Road. The shells are warehouse-sized structurers that will house Amazon’s computing systems. “Each data shell is about 216,000 square feet, so it’s just a little smaller than a full-size Walmart,” Schalliol said.

The current phase of development calls for seven data shells at the north location, with the potential to add two more. Nine data shells are planned to the south. According to Schalliol, a total of 22 shells could be constructed over next several years. He said four building shells near Edison will be done by the end of this year, with Amazon employees occupying them in the first quarter of 2025. Construction south of SR 2 will ramp up once utilities are installed next spring. Other buildings, such as security, office space, and warehousing, will also be constructed soon.

Schalliol says at least 400 employees will run the data center. Hundreds of workers are busy building the structures now.

(Michigan City, IN) - Planners in Michigan City are looking ahead to the reuse of the Indiana State Prison site.

Last August the Indiana Department of Corrections announced intentions to close the 164-year-old prison. This week the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City announced that a team of planners has been assembled to develop a master plan for redeveloping the property. Those involved include specialists in architecture, urban design, transportation, and housing development.

“The extensive scope of the State Prison redevelopment project needs a strong foundation of expertise to best pinpoint the optimal strategy for this amazing opportunity for our city,” said Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “Bringing experts to the table is the first step to having a solid direction for our city’s future beyond the prison.”

Doug Farr, founder of Farr Associates Architecture & Urban Design, is on the planning team. “The decision to relocate the Indiana State Prison and redevelop the site creates a huge economic development opportunity for the City of Michigan City,” he said. “Under normal circumstances redeveloping a large land parcel is a complex process that can take decades. The redevelopment of a 19^th Century State Prison is a far more complicated process that requires coordinated leadership from the State of Indiana and the City of Michigan City.”

An analysis of possibilities will take place over the next year, which will include feedback from the public. “We will hold public workshops devoted to brainstorming, design, and developing a final plan,” Farr said. “The face-to-face process will be complemented with virtual meeting options and supported by a project website.”

The 4,200-bed state prison will relocate to a new facility in Westville when that project is complete sometime in 2027. The EDCMC has received READI 2.0 funds from the state to study the reuse of the Michigan City site.

(South Bend, IN) - A man from Mexico who was arrested in Elkhart for trafficking drugs has been dealt a lengthy prison sentence.

In November 2022, Guadalupe Reyes Jr. (50) was arrested with another man in a large drug bust. Federal prosecutors say Reyes, a Mexican citizen, was arranging deals for thousands of fentanyl pills, which his co-defendant, Jerry Edwards, was delivering via mail.

“This case demonstrates that drug traffickers will use every available means - including the U.S.  mail – to distribute their illegal product throughout the country,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “These coordinated efforts are particularly important when fentanyl, a substance that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, is being trafficked.”

Reyes was successful in distributing over 1,400 grams of fentanyl, which authorities say is enough to kill 700,000 people. “Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing our country,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alfred A. Cooke III. “Often found in fake pills, illicit fentanyl was responsible for almost 70% of the nearly 111,000 fatal drug overdoses and poisonings in our country last year. One fake pill containing 2 milligrams of illicit fentanyl is enough to kill,” 

On Thursday a U.S. District Court judge sentenced Reyes to nearly 20 years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County Sheriff’s Office police dog will receive a bullet and stab protective vest at no cost.

The donation was made by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a Massachusetts based not for profit organization whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.  

The vest is expected to arrive within about 10 weeks and will go to Riot, one of the K9 dogs at the sheriff’s office.

The not for profit group has provided more than 5,700 vests to K9 dogs in all 50 states, according to the sheriff’s office.

The purchase of each vest valued at $1,800 apiece has been made possible by private and corporation donations to the organization.

Police said there are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

(La Porte County, IN) - A second person has now been charged in connection with theft of copper wire belonging to the South Shore Railroad commuter line.

Gregory Saylor, Jr. is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony theft.

According to court documents, the other suspect, Shane Leslie, 28, cut and took about 80 feet of copper wire from two junction boxes near the tracks on N. Range Road about two weeks ago.

Somehow, a percentage of the wire allegedly wound up in the hands of Saylor, who sold what he had for about $400 at a La Porte scrap yard.

Police said the rest of the stole copper was sold by Leslie for about $200 at the same scrap yard, Spectrum Recycling Services, on Park St.

Footage from a surveillance camera showed the thief arriving at the junction boxes on a scooter and driving off with the wire, police said.

According to court documents, officers checking scrap yards in the area discovered the stolen wire purchase at Spectrum Recycling where a staff member assisted with the investigation.

Saylor and Leslie each could face anywhere from a six month to 30 month sentence.

(La Porte, IN) - Charges are filed in connection with a La Porte man pointing a loaded rifle and threatening to shoot multiple people.

Police on Monday responded to an apartment house on Lincolnway near Jackson St.

The investigation shows a woman in response to door knocking across the hallway from her apartment opened her door and saw a man standing there holding a rifle.

Police said the man identified as 35 year old Mathen Noel pointed his loaded bolt action rifle at the woman and threatened to shoot her, her baby and everyone else in the building.

The woman lives on the floor above Noel’s residence.

According to police, Noel went back inside his apartment but refused orders from responding officers to come out.  As a result, the La Porte Police Department’s Emergency Response Team was called and managed to take him into custody.

Noel is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony intimidation and Level 6 felony pointing a firearm.

Noel was still being held today in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.

(Michigan City, IN) - It appears a man and woman found dead with gunshot wounds in Michigan City were murdered.

That’s according to La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson, who revealed the evidence shows both victims were shot from outside the vehicle they were in.

“There was an outside shooter.  There were no weapons found in the car,” she said.

She identified the victims as Travis Pennington, 35, and Kiara Hootman, 22, both of Michigan City. 

Swanson said they were in a vehicle at Normandy Village Apartments early Thursday when shot multiple times.

So far, no arrests have been reported.

Swanson said autopsies of both victims are scheduled tomorrow morning in hopes of obtaining information helpful to the ongoing investigation.

“Lots of unanswered questions still at this point,” she said.

She said Pennington lived at Normandy Village while Hootman was a frequent visitor to his apartment.

According to police, the bodies were discovered in the vehicle minutes after a call was placed to 911 about someone being shot.

So far, no light has been shed on the motive. 

A La Porte County man returned home to find two burglars inside and gave chase.

He didn’t catch them but recently they were taken into custody.

According to La Porte County Police, brothers Jacob and Daniel Sutton were inside a home last month in the 6200 block of N. Fail Road when the resident and his juvenile son returned to find them inside.

The man gave chase but was injured and the suspects got away, police said. 

However, the suspects were captured by a nearby surveillance camera and the footage resulted in their arrests this week. 

Police said the brothers in their 20’s parked a car belonging to their grandmother at a nearby church and made their way on foot to the home they were burglarizing.

The brother face a possible two to 12 year sentence on a Level 4 felony charge of burglary. 

(La Porte County, IN) - The watchful eyes of a La Porte County Police Officer resulted in the arrests of two men and seizure of methamphetamine last night.

William LeCount, 50, and Christopher Michaels, 32, are awaiting their initial court hearings in the La Porte County Jail.

According to La Porte County Police, it was close to midnight when the officer noticed a sport utility vehicle outside the Grocery Shoppe in the area of Wozniak Road and Johnson Road near Michigan City.

There was a man standing outside the SUV and another man running toward the store, which was closed for the night.

After pulling into the parking lot, the officer discovered two baggies containing a large amount of methamphetamine on the ground near the SUV.

LeCount was arrested following a brief foot pursuit.

Both men are charged with Level 4 felony possession of methamphetamine. LeCount is also charged with Class A misdemeanor resisting law enforcement.

(Wanatah, IN) - A La Porte County man was stunned to find multiple ears of sweet corn where just one ear should be on several of the plants in his small garden.

The most ears growing in a single bunch was five.

“I asked myself what in the heck is going on.  I’ve never seen this before,” said James Irwin, who has grown sweet corn annually for over a half century in the garden of his Wanatah area residence.

Even more unusual, perhaps, he discovered several other bouquets containing mostly three ears in his one quarter of an acre sweet corn crop.

The discovery is rare but not totally uncommon, said Dan Quinn, assistant professor of agronomy for Purdue University at West Lafayette and a Purdue Extension corn specialist.

Quinn said the chances of bouquet ears developing in a field or garden are better than winning a lottery but still kind of a one in a million happening.

“It’s a very unique response in the plant,” he said.

Quinn said the cause of multiple ears sprouting from the exact same spot on the stalk is not 100 percent known but it’s often believed to be linked to a change in the plant’s hormonal balance early in the growing season.

He said hormonal changes can happen when the plant is stressed from things like weather extremes or injury.

Normally, multiple ears in the very early stages of growth emerge from each node in the stalk but just one dominant ear in each node survives and reaches maturity.

A hormonal shift will eliminate or reduce that dominance, though, allowing other ears in a node to keep growing, he said. 

Quinn said a shift in the hormones can even cause ears to grow from the tassels.

”These hormonal changes can cause really odd things to happen in that plant,” he said.

Someone might think bouquet ears mean a higher yield but, actually, the opposite is true. 

Quinn said what would have been the dominant ear has to compete with the other ears for the same amount of nutrients in a plant.  As a result, Quinn said the ears don’t reach their growth potential and have fewer, smaller sized kernels.

“Having a bouquet of 5 to 8 ears probably in terms of yield is actually worse than having one good primary ear,” he said.

Quinn said another potential cause rests within the genetics of a plant.

“There’s instances where certain hybrids are more prone than others.  It’s often very random. It’s something that can be difficult to explain,” he said.

Irwin, 85, who raises a variety of other produce in the rest of his garden, said he ventured into his corn to see how the plants were coming along when he first discovered the quintuplet ears.

He spotted the other ear bouquets while checking the rest of his corn plants.

“There was several of them in there,” he said.

He later went to the Purdue Extension Office outside LaPorte with two of his bouquets to learn about the cause.

Irwin said he took pictures of his bouquet ears and plans to keep them for as long as possible as a conversation piece.

“It sure was a surprise to me when I was looking at them,” he said.

Quinn, who serves the entire state with his expertise on corn, said bouquet ears can also develop in feed corn. 

Typically, Quinn said just a few bouquet ears are reported annually from some of the part of the state, which has more than five million acres of corn.

“We’ll catch one here and there. It’s rare.  It’s very rare,” he said.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police say a man and woman were found dead with gunshot wounds early today.

The bodies were in a parked vehicle outside Normandy Village Apartments, police said.

According to police, the discovery was made after a 911 call about a person shot was placed about 5:30 a.m.  Police said the victims were a 22-year-old woman and 35-year-old man.

The identities of the man and woman were being withheld until family members are notified, police said.

The deaths are under investigation. 

Anyone with information is asked contact Detective Sgt. Lendell Hood at 219-874-3221, Ext. 1074 or by email at lhood@emichigancity.com.

(La Porte, IN) - There’s cause for celebration during today’s first day of school in La Porte.

La Porte High School science teacher Jason Remmel is among the 25 finalists in this year’s teacher of the year contest in the state of Indiana.

During this week’s school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood called it a “huge accomplishment” and shed light on Remmel as a teacher.

She also shed light on Remmel as a teacher.

“I think his dedication to student success and professional development as well as his innovative approach to curriculum and technology integration has truly, positively impacted our students,” Wood said.

Remmel has been a teacher for 22 years with 16 of those years in La Porte and the previous six years in Japan.

“This award is surreal and I can’t help but have the feeling that this one will be the highlight of my career,” he said.

Last year, Remmel was voted secondary teacher of the year in La Porte.

(Walkerton, IN) - Police have identified a man killed in a motorcycle crash this week in Walkerton.

Lyle Francis Jr., 35, of Hamlet struck an SUV parked in a driveway and at least one tree on State Road 23 about 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Police said speed appears to be a factor in the motorcycle striking the objects after failing to negotiate a curve.

Francis, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. 

(Westville, IN) - La Porte County Police are urging motorists not to veer around the road closure signs at an intersection where a roundabout is being constructed.

The request is in response to sheriff’s deputies addressing a number of traffic violations in the construction zone over the past several months and a more blatant one earlier this week.

The roundabout is going in at the south junction of U.S. 6 and U.S. 421 at Westville.

According to police, the most recent violator was a commercial motor vehicle driver veering around two sets of “ROAD CLOSED” barricades and venturing into the active construction site.,

“Driving behaviors of this kind are absolutely inexcusable and will not be tolerated! The construction zone is dangerous enough already and workers should not have to worry about additional factors that may cause an injury, or even worse, a fatality,” police said.

As the project nears its final stages, police remind motorists to drive slowly and use caution on nearby roadways.

(Michigan City, IN) - Chick-fil-A is coming to Michigan City.

It’s going in at the former Steak ‘n Shake location on Franklin St. north of Interstate 94, according to construction plans submitted to the city.

Construction is expected to begin in the near future with completion slated for early in 2025, according to the company.

Company officials also revealed the existing Steak ‘n Shake building will be torn down and replaced with a new Chick-fil-A restaurant, serving its signature chicken breast sandwiches and other menu items such as waffle fries, chicken nuggets, kale salads and sweet tea.

The restaurant will also feature indoor and outdoor seating along with a two lane drive-thru, according to company officials.

Chick-fil-A has similar plans at a former Steak ‘n Shake location at 1917 Pipestone Road outside Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Company officials said additional information like hours of operation will be released once the new building is further along in the process.

“We look forward to serving new guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality," a Chick-fil-A spokesperson said.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A has grown from a regional operation mostly in the south to having about 3,000 locations nationwide.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man is charged with stealing copper wire belonging to the South Shore Railroad commuter line.

Shane Leslie, 28, is accused of taking about 80 feet of copper wire and selling at least some of it for about $200 dollars at a La Porte scrap yard.

Police said the wire was cut from two junction boxes near the tracks on N. Range Road about two weeks ago.  Footage from a surveillance camera showed the thief riding there on a scooter and driving off with the wire, police said.

According to court documents, officers checking scrap yards in the area discovered the stolen wire purchase was made at Spectrum Recycling where Leslie with help from a staff member was identified as the seller of some of the wire.

It's suspected the remainder of the wire was sold at the same facility by another individual for about $400, according to court documents. 

Leslie could face anywhere from a six month to 30 month sentence on a theft charge.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man was allegedly impaired by alcohol when he sideswiped a police car last week.

Police said it was nearly 3 a.m. when a Michigan City Police officer was at a traffic stop at St. John Road and Ohio St.

Despite the flashing lights activated, John Beard, 60, sideswiped the entire driver’s side of the fully marked squad car.  Police said Beard stumbled out of his vehicle and had an odor of alcohol on his breath.

He was arrested for allegedly refusing to take a breathalyzer test.

The OWI charge was upgraded to a felony because he had previous OWI conviction in another county, police said. 

The squad car was parked when sideswiped and the officer driving it was not inside at the time.

(La Porte County, IN) - Charges are filed in La Porte County against a driver risking his life and the lives of others by allegedly being under the influence of cocaine.

Brendon Bickel, 34, of North Judson was eastbound on U.S. 30 last week in the Wanatah area.

La Porte County Police say he was doing things like driving and passing on the shoulder, veering from lane to lane and speeding during the afternoon.

He also nearly caused two collisions.

The investigation shows he allegedly injected himself with liquid cocaine judging by a used syringe and other evidence found in his 2022 Ford F-150 pick-up truck. 

Police said the opioid antidote Narcan was also recovered from the vehicle and his face was pale. 

The arrest was in response to a reckless driving complaint about a vehicle “all over the road,” police said.

(Michigan City, IN) - Tips generated by a picture of an illegal dumping suspect posted on social media by La Porte County Police quickly led to the man complying with orders to pick up the mess.

“The clean-up is happening and it’s concluded,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen.

The picture was posted Tuesday morning on the Facebook page of the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.

Within a few hours, police based on tips from citizens seeing the picture located the older model pick-up truck in Michigan City and the driver contained in the image.

Allen said the alleged violator, Andre Dockery, 57, was not cited for illegal dumping.  Instead, the man quickly complied with orders to remove the swimming pool liner and numerous cardboard boxes dumped on private property in the 700 block of Sheridan Ave. on the city’s west side.

Allen said the man was also “counseled on his decision making” by the officer discovering his whereabouts.

The dumping occurred about three weeks ago.

In response, Allen said the property owner wanting the trash removed later complained to a sheriff’s deputy.

Allen wouldn’t disclose how the picture was obtained but it worked to generate tips like other images have in the past to solve crimes.  He hopes the picture and the almost immediate public response to it will discourage others from illegal dumping.

“Littering will not be tolerated,” he said.

Allen also gave thanks to the “loyal followers and supporters” of the sheriff’s office Facebook page for their consistent response for help in generating leads on cases.

“We routinely do this from time to time and it’s been a great success,” he said.

(Portage, IN) - Interstate 94 was completely shut down in both directions this afternoon because of a natural gas leak in Porter County.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes because the closure could last for several hours.

According to Indiana State Police, it might take NIPSCO roughly until 4 p.m. to secure the gas leak in the area of Indiana 249 at Portage.

“I-94 will remain closed during this time and probably even longer,” police

said.

Westbound travelers, for example, were being diverted onto U.S. 20 near Chesterton.

Police also strongly advised motorists to avoid the area because of side roads gridlocked by traffic.

(La Porte, IN) - Police say a teenager gave an officer the middle finger before captured in a motor vehicle pursuit in La Porte.

Gavin Collier, 18, is facing charges such as resisting law enforcement.

According to police, he was caught 10 days ago trying to steal two quarts of oil from Walmart in La Porte.  During a high speed pursuit, Collier managed to briefly get away but soon was spotted again at Allesee Park.

In response, he stomped on the gas pedal again and was passing an oncoming police vehicle when he gave the officer the middle finger, according to court documents. 

Eventually, the officer had the last laugh, though. The chase ended when the driver pulled over in the area of Rumely and Allen streets.

Collier is also charged with having a glass pipe containing methamphetamine. He’s still being held in the La Porte County Jail on $755 bond.

Records at the jail list his address as unknown.

(La Porte County, IN) - Police are asking the public for help in identifying two suspected litterbugs

La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen said a pool liner and broken down cardboard boxes were illegally dumped July 20 in the 700 block of Sheridan Ave. in Michigan City.

Police have released a photo of the suspects inside the cab of an older model pick-up truck with the discarded items appearing to still be in the truck bed prior to being dumped on private property.

Anyone who might know the suspects are asked to contact La Porte County Police Capt. Andy Hynek at ahynek@lcso.in.gov.

Allen said illegal dumping can result in a fine.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man once captured in Michigan during a chase is in trouble again on allegations of fleeing law enforcement.

Travis Hatchel, 38, is accused of fleeing in his vehicle from a traffic stop on August 8 at 10^th and J streets in LaPorte.

LaPorte Police said he disregarded stop signs and drove left of center throughout the motor vehicle pursuit, which ended several minutes later in the 1300 block of Federal Ave.

He bailed out of the vehicle but left the automatic transmission in drive, causing the unoccupied car to travel into and damage a fence, police said. Eventually, police said Hatchel was taken into custody during a foot pursuit. 

According to court records, Hatchel served 129 days in the La Porte County Jail for a chase stemming from an attempted traffic stop in March of 2021 from the Michigan City area.

The LaPorte man crossed into Michigan and ventured down several roads near Three Oaks before veering into a field north of U.S. 12 and west of Hampton Road near Galien, police said.

Officers were still behind him when his vehicle cutting across the field began slowing down in the soft soil.  Police said Hatchel placed the car in reverse and backed into a police vehicle then fled on foot.

He was chased through a water filled ditch until taken to the ground by a K9 dog.  Police said Hatchel was fighting with the dog when grabbed by officers, who took him away in handcuffs.

Court records show Hatchel was wanted on several outstanding warrants in LaPorte County at the time for allegedly leading officers on a previous chase and fleeing a motor vehicle crash in 2017.   He also has prior convictions for crimes like possession of methamphetamine, burglary and resisting law enforcement.

Hatchel was being held in the LaPorte County Jail on $15,000 bond on charges that include resisting law enforcement, which was elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony due to his prior history of leading police on pursuits.

(La Crosse, IN) - A stretch of state highway locally will be closed soon for a couple of months.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, State Road 8 will be closed between C.R. 1100 W and Genesse St in La Crosse on or after Monday of next week for bridge replacement.

INDOT officials said the highway will reopen sometime in early November. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.

The official detour will follow State Road 49, U.S. 30 and U.S. 421, INDOT officials said.

(La Porte, IN) - Police in La Porte will start another crack down on impaired drivers this week.

The department is joining law enforcement agencies statewide on beefing up patrols for the end of summer enforcement campaign.

Some police agencies plan to include sobriety checkpoints during the enforcement period that begins Friday and runs through September 2.

According to authorities, 20 percent of all traffic fatalities in Indiana last year involved a driver impaired by alcohol while nearly 25 percent of deaths on the road involved a driver impaired by drugs.

La Porte Police Chief Dick Buell said people drinking as summer winds down should use a designated driver or public transportation.

“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking. “Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior,” he said.

The effort is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte City Council expressing a desire to protect children has made it more difficult for any new smoke and vape shops from opening.

A recently adopted ordinance presented by Councilwoman Lauren Huffman requires any new smoke and vape shops be approved by the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

Previously, Huffman said smoke and vape shops wanting to open in the city were restricted only by a state law mandating they be no closer than 1,000 feet from a school zone.

The measure approved unanimously by the city council on April 5 adds a 500 foot restriction from a daycare operation, park, church or anywhere else children typically gather.

Huffman said it was “incredibly important” for her to limit the exposure of establishments she feels are a source of temptation for children just by their presence.

“Hopefully, the out of sight out of mind comes into play when it comes to vape and tobacco,” she said.

To illustrate the need for the tougher restrictions, Huffman also cited statistics from the Indiana Department of Education, which show the percentage of high school children in the state vaping at least once every 30 days is close to double digits.

“9.2 percent doesn’t sound like a lot but 9.2 percent of 360,000 is a lot of kids,” she said.

The restrictions do not apply to any existing stores or new gas stations that might offer such products, officials said.

Mayor Tom Dermody said he believes there are enough stores already offering such products in the city to satisfy consumer demand.

“It’s not like we’re looking for our next one,” he said.

State law prohibits the sale of vape and tobacco products to anyone under 21.

However, Dermody said minors locally are still getting their hands on the devices through other means like black market sellers conducting exchanges from their vehicles.

“High school kids can text and have it delivered to their doors.  I’ve seen it first hand,” he said.

Dermody also said he hopes the ordinance will help curtail the number of vaping devices regularly found in bathrooms at the high school and alarms consistently set off by detectors in bathrooms from use of those instruments during class breaks.

“We know we have a problem,” he said.

Huffman said another reason she presented the ordinance was to prevent a smoke or vape shop from opening downtown to keep it family friendly, particularly during major public happenings.

“We have a lot of parades.  We have a lot of family events and things that go on where we have a lot of children and teenagers,” she said.

Since passage of the ordinance, LaPorte Code Enforcement Director Jeff Batchelor said he’s been visiting existing smoke and vape shops to verify they all have the necessary operating permits.

If not, Batchelor said a violator could be shutdown.

“If you’re legitimate and doing what you’re supposed to do we don’t have a problem with it.  But, if you are going to try and work your way around the code we don’t want you in the city. We want you to do things the right way,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - Police say a driver who caused a motor vehicle accident near Westville over the weekend was impaired by alcohol.

Timothy Antoszewski, 57, was driving at a high rate of speed Friday night on County Line Road, according to La Porte County Police.

Police said the other driver traveling behind him and concerned about his erratic driving was attempting to pass when Antoszewski, who was now traveling over the center line, turned right into his vehicle on 200 South.

The crash happened near the suspect’s residence.

Police said Antoszewski claimed to have consumed three drinks before taking the wheel but was arrested for refusing to take a certified blood alcohol test.

There were no injuries, police said.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police are investigating a FedEx driver having his vehicle struck with a paint ball.

The driver told police the first paint ball flew over his windshield, but the next one struck the side of his vehicle, splattering fluorescent or neon yellow paint just behind the driver’s side door.

Fortunately, he was not physically hit through his open driver’s side window.

Police said the incident reported Friday happened in the 6800 block of W. Bleck Road near Michigan City.

According to police, the suspect took good aim judging from the paintball gun resting on the ledge of his driver’s side window before he fired it.

The suspect was described only as white in a white SUV with dark windows.

Police said the Fed Ex driver gave chase for a short time but gave up in the area of U.S. 20 and Johnson Road due to the excessive speed of the suspect.

(Union Mills, IN) - There were no injuries in a freight train derailment in Union Mills.

La Porte County Police said two CSX train cars derailed before 7 a.m. Sunday near Long Lane.

None of the cargo was lost from any of the derailed train cars.  

Police said crossings at 400 West, Long Lane and State Road 39 were temporarily closed as a result of the derailment.

The cause of the derailment was under investigation.

(La Porte, IN) - When it comes to patriotism, it’s never too late to remember, or to be remembered.

This week a fallen La Porte County hero was remembered and honored at a ceremony at La Porte City Hall.

On June 19, 1944 Army Private First Class Martin F. Stark of Rolling Prairie made the ultimate sacrifice. He was on a boat in the English Channel heading towards Normandy, when it hit a German mine and sank. On Wednesday his family received Stark’s Purple Heart and other medals from U.S. Congressman Rudy Yakym.

“Martin is someone, who like so many other Americans in World War II, answered the call of service,” Yakym told the crowd. “When the forces of evil were advancing across Europe and pushing their way across the world, it was up to the American soldier to step up and save the world. Martin Stark of La Porte County was one of those soldiers.”

94-year-old Ben Stark was just a teenager when his big brother was killed in action. On Wednesday, after 80 years, he tearfully received his brother’s service medals, including the Purple Heart. One by one, Yakym laid them in Stark’s hands.

Family members read letters that Martin Stark wrote home while he was at war. They contained sentiments one would expect from a 19-year-old— checking in on family, asking about girls back home, bemoaning the Cubs’ disappointing season. His last letter, written a couple of weeks before D-Day, closed with a haunting quote: “A happy shock, a bad period ends. Light after darkness.”

Afterward, Ben recounted his relationship with Martin. “Me and my brother, we fought like cats and dogs,” Stark remembered. “We’d throw tin cans at one another. I got a scar up here from one where he hit me on top of the head.” But Stark said his big brother also protected him. “He was my friend; he was my bodyguard. We sat at night and laid in the ditch and counted the stars.”

Stark, who lives now in Arizona, said he was apprehensive about the government red tape ever being cut through. Yakym’s was the third federal office to take on the project of procuring the medals. About this, the two shared a good-natured exchange. Stark, a lifelong Democrat, quipped that he was very grateful to Yakym, even though the congressman is a Republican.

“When people call my office,” Yakym responded, “we don’t ask if they’re Republican or Democrat; we just go to work for them.” Stark said if he had his way, he’d get rid of both parties, then, jokingly to Yakym, said, “But you might even get my vote if I come back to La Porte.”

Four years ago, Martin Stark’s great niece Barbara Barnett started the process of obtaining his medals after researching her family’s genealogical lines. “I could trace everybody’s,” she said. “And I got really upset because I was looking at everyone’s branches and Uncle Martin’s just stopped. I wanted to get to know him.” That’s when she found out from her Uncle Ben that his brother was never officially honored by the Army.

Barnett felt that it was a chapter in the Stark family that had to be closed before Uncle Ben passed away, before the Greatest Generation is gone. “There were many times I ran into snags,” she said. And when she felt like giving up, her uncle would write a letter reminding her, “Y’know girlie, I’m not getting any younger.”

Barnett says the family never received her uncle’s medals because he was initially declared missing, then his military records were lost in a fire. She relied on local veterans’ advocates, La Porte historian Bruce Johnson, and the public library to help her piece together the documentation needed.

About two dozen family members gathered for Wednesday’s ceremony. Some had not seen each other for a decade or more. Martin’s memory brought them together. A military honor guard saluted him with a volley of rifle fire and the playing of Taps.

Wednesday was also National Purple Heart Day, an occasion not celebrated by too many. For the Stark family, though, there was special cause for celebration. Martin Stark served his country and never came home. But now his medals have, and he is properly remembered.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Rolling Prairie man was apparently scammed by a bogus heavy machinery dealer.

On Wednesday the man filed a report with the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, claiming that he had paid over $13,000 for a Bobcat mini excavator before being ghosted by the company selling it. He told police that he found the Bobcat for sale by a company called Premium Heavy Gears. After signing a purchase agreement, he sent a wire transfer for half the amount, followed by the remainder eleven days later.  He said he spoke once by phone to a woman who allegedly worked for the company. Then he got no further response.

A La Porte County detective made contact with police in Mobile, Alabama, the presumed location of the dealer. Investigators there reported that no such company existed and that over $8 million worth of similar deals had been reported since June. The FBI is now investigating the matter. The Premium Heavy Gears website has been suspended.

(La Porte County, IN) - The Kingsford Heights library branch will be closed next week. The windows are being replaced. The work will begin Monday, August 12. Normal hours will resume on Monday, August 19th.

The Union Mills branch will then be closed the week of August 19 for the same reason. That branch is scheduled to reopen Monday, Augutst 26.

During the closures, you can visit other library locations, or make use of their digital resources online.

La Porte, IN) - La Porte’s Fire Department has received a federal grant for $128,315 to pay for specialized safety equipment.

Last week U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan (D) announced the award, which comes from the Department of Homeland Security.

The money will be used to purchase diesel exhaust removal systems for La Porte’s three fire stations.

According to Fire Chief Andy Snyder, the equipment “will minimize firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants and carcinogens known to be associated with diesel exhaust emissions.” He said, “Firefighters are at a much higher risk for several types of cancer just by the nature of the work they perform.  One critical step to minimizing these increased risks is to remove the hazards known to cause them, which this grant award will most certainly do.”

(Porter County, IN) - Indiana State Police are asking the public for help in an interstate shooting that took place in Porter County Thursday afternoon.

They responded to call around 1:20 p.m. on I-94 just east of SR 49. In the eastbound lane, troopers found Jeep Grand Cherokee parked on the right shoulder with several bullet holes in the driver side.  The driver of the Jeep, who was injured as a result of the shooting, was immediately rendered first aid and then transported to a local hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the lower extremities. Two juveniles were also in the Jeep, but they were unharmed.

The Criminal Investigations Division at the Lowell Post is handling the investigation. Anyone who may have information or witnessed the shooting is encouraged to contact Detective Hamed at 219-696-6242.

(La Porte, IN) - Developers are wasting no time taking advantage of improvements along US 39 North. Plans for a new distribution center were announced at Monday’s La Porte City Council meeting.

IST Logistics is in the final planning stages of an 81,000-square-foot facility. Headquartered in Hammond, the company intends to make a $24 million capital investment and bring in about a dozen new jobs paying about $34 an hour. On Monday night the city council approved a five-year tax abatement for 50% of real property.

The site is near the Hickman Williams & Company on Progress Drive. Bert Cook, director of La Porte’s Economic Advancement Partnership, said this facility will store and distribute specialized packaging material. “The company brings in very small plastic pellets that are used in the food packaging industry,” he said. “So they’re not manufacturing anything; they’re just bringing in the pellets via rail, and then they package them out and send them to customers across the Midwest.”

According to IST project manager Jeff Swan, the nearby Chicago South Shore railway was a major draw. “The main reason we wanted it was due to the rail system,” he told council members. IST jumped at the opportunity and began planning, but halfway through, Swan said, they realized that infrastructure in the area was not sufficient. So the company has been waiting patiently for improvements.

“There hasn’t been adequate water service,” Cook said. “They’ve been waiting on the annexation to be complete. They’ve been waiting for the city to settle on the infrastructure improvements that they’re making. And so they’ve definitely been in the works for a while now, but I know they’re excited to get started as quick as possible.” Cook said construction is expected to begin in the fall.

Swan also told the council that his company is already looking at other properties in the same area.

(La Porte County, IN) - If your property incurred any damage from recent storms, be sure to keep your receipts.

EMA Director Rob Sabie informed the County Commissioners this week that the state is looking into possible financial help for damages caused by the severe weather that hit La Porte County a few weeks ago.

Due to extensive damage throughout the county, local officials declared an emergency, but Sabie said it was not enough to meet state or federal requirements for disaster relief. But since nearby Porter County did qualify for relief, some money could come La Porte’s way, with proper documentation.

“You don’t have to have structure damage,” Sabie said. “It can be a tree in the yard. Some people had two, three, five trees in their yard. And they have to pay to have that removed. It all adds up. It might not be a lot, but anything helps.”

Sabie said some county workers are still tackling tree removal. Officials from the state will return to La Porte County soon to follow up. When they do, county officials will set up a website for damage reporting and notify the public on how to use it. In the meantime, anyone who suffered damage from the July 15 storm is encouraged to make note of it.

(Michigan City, IN) - The public school district in Michigan City has a new superintendent. Dr. Wendel McCollum has been appointed to replace Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, who retired last week.

McCollum has served as the MCAS Associate Superintendent since 2016. As such, he has already been overseeing daily operations, Human Resources, Facilities, Special Education, Transportation, and Food Service. He is also a certified School Safety Specialist.

Previously, he served as the principal of Michigan City High School from 2013-2016. Under his leadership, the high school saw a significant increase in state test scores and graduation rates.

“Dr. McCollum has strong leadership skills and a passion for our school district as a place where students can and will achieve at high levels,” said MCAS School Board President Marty Corley. “He is committed to collaboration with staff and to engaging with parents, students, and the community.”

McCollum is a Michigan City native and a 1992 graduate of Rogers High School. He began his education career as a social studies teacher in Gary.

“I am a proud product of the Michigan City Area Schools, and having the opportunity to lead our district as Superintendent is a dream come true,” McCollum said. “I am looking forward to working with students, staff, parents, and community to take our schools to the next level. It’s an exciting time in Michigan City, as we begin to implement the vision outlined in our Strategic Plan.”  

(Starke County, IN) - New details have come to light regarding the brutal home invasion in Hamlet last weekend.

On Saturday two elderly residents were taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the break-in to their home on the north side of Hamlet near US 30. One of the residents was reported to be in critical condition at the time.

Police identified 40-year-old David Campbell of Plymouth as a suspect, and on Monday evening, they tracked him down at Plymouth’s Red Rock Inn.

On Wednesday the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office brought the following charges on Campbell:

• 2 counts of Level 1 Felony Burglary with serious bodily injury to a dwelling
• 2 counts of Level 2 Felony Burglary with serious bodily injury
• 2 counts of Level 3 Felony Burglary with serious bodily injury
• 2 counts of Level 3 Felony Burglary resulting in bodily injury
• 2 counts of Level 3 Felony Aggravated Battery when the assault poses a substantial risk of death
• Level 4 Felony Burglary of a dwelling
• 2 counts of Level 5 Felony Battery resulting in serious bodily injury
• 2 misdemeanor counts of battery resulting in bodily injury

Authorities did not specify what information led them to Campbell, but expressed thanks for help from the community: “The Starke County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the ability to partner with other agencies providing support and resources. The thoroughness and swift action of identifying a suspect would not have been possible without the support from the community, Hamlet Police, Starke County detectives, Starke County dispatch, patrol division, and the Plymouth Police Department.”

(Beverly Shores, IN) - The body of the missing 17-year-old boy from Eagan, Minnesota was recovered Thursday morning from Lake Michigan.

On Tuesday afternoon Porter County 911 received a call regarding multiple swimmers in distress near Kemil Beach in Beverly Shores. First responders located two distressed swimmers and a Good Samaritan onshore in need of medical attention. They were transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

The 17-year-old had last been seen approximately 300 feet from shore. Initial attempts by rescuers on Tuesday to locate him were hindered by large waves. They continued a search from shore using drones, while vessels from the United States Coast Guard and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit assisted in the water. That search continued until the body was located Thursday morning.

Authorities say a Beach Hazards Statement was in effect at the time of the incident, with waves of 6 to 9 feet forecasted.

(Rolling Prairie, IN) - Last Sunday thousands of people gathered in Rolling Prairie to take part in an annual tradition known as leprechaun hunting. No leprechauns were hurt in the hunt, and lots of people had lots of fun supporting a good cause.

Nichole Blake organizes the event for Sharing Meadows. She said the Leprechaun Hunt has really bounced back following a hiatus during the pandemic. “We got way more participants than we expected,” she said. “I expected 4-5,000 people, and I think there was way more than that. We were approaching 7-8,000 people prior to Covid. Last year we had about 4,000, so we’re definitely reaching our numbers again.”

33 leprechaun statuettes, worth over $5,000 in prize money, were hidden around the property’s 200 acres. Nine of those sneaky little leprechauns went unfound. There was live music and all the food and drink a person would want, all thanks to volunteers, some of whom have been helping out for decades. Blake said over 200 people chip in to put on the event. “We can’t do it without them, absolutely cannot,” she said.

This was the 30^th anniversary of the event, which is the main fundraiser for Sharing Meadows, a residential facility that cares for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

One of those special people is Mary McKenna. Mary has lived at Sharing Meadows for over ten years. “I love this day, it’s amazing,” Mary beamed. “Seeing all the people come out is just wonderful, and having them support us—that’s what means a lot to our hearts. It gets more fun every year.” She said the Leprechaun Hunt is her favorite day. But, then again, she added that every day at Sharing Meadows is her favorite day.

(La Porte County, IN) - Emergencies on Election Day, like a storm or worse, are every county clerk’s worst nightmare. Just last week, La Porte County officials attended a conference on election security. It was hosted in Lafayette by the Department of Homeland Security.

County Commissioner Rich Mrozinski attended the workshop. “We always have subversive groups that want to disrupt the election,” he said, “and some of those are very close to our home here.” He said the possible scenarios were eye-opening. Examples ranged from bomb threats to power outages. What if someone pulls a gun and demands to vote? What if election workers just decide to walk out? “You know what they say, anything that could happen, just might happen,” Mrozinski said.

“We need to be prepared ahead of time, we need to have a plan,” he explained, “and I was kind of shocked that we’re really unprepared. But we learned a lot, and we’re going to be preparing with what we know now, and things we want to watch out for in the upcoming election.”

A handful of county officials attended, including the county’s EMA and IT directors, two county commissioners, and a council member.

Of course, the person in charge of elections, County Clerk Heather Stevens, was there. She was proud of the teamwork of all involved, which led to a number of concrete plans for future La Porte County elections.

“The people that went were fantastic,” she said. “It was great to have that many people who are like, okay, this is serious, and we need to attend this.” Stevens said the group brainstormed through solutions to various difficult scenarios. “We were able to come up with different ideas, and everybody worked very, very well together,” she said. “I was super impressed with the group from La Porte County. It was amazing.”

Stevens says communication between county officials and with the public is a key. One conclusion from the workshop, she said, is to use the county’s Rave system to notify people via text messaging if anything goes wrong. Hopefully, come November, democracy runs its course without any problems.

(Starke County, IN) - The Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA) has released findings of a special investigation involving financial mismanagement at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.

In February of last year, reports surfaced of misused funds in the department’s commissary account. The SBOA did an extensive evaluation of activities between January 1, 2019 and May 31, 2023. Their investigation implicated former Jail Matron Pam McDonald, former Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin, and others in dubious disbursements totaling over $63,000.

In their 34-page report, the Board of Accounts pointed out numerous examples of lacking checks and balances in the finances of the Sheriff’s Department. It also found ineffective internal controls within the County Auditor’s office.

Among the investigated items were travel expenses for non-county employees to conferences, along with bank and credit accounts opened by county employees with little or no oversight. McDonald allegedly purchased items from Amazon, such as a reclining massage chair, which were delivered to her home. She also allegedly submitted duplicate invoices, which the county auditor paid twice, and McDonald ran fundraisers for the Sheriff’s Department without properly documenting the finances.

The Board of Accounts has requested McDonald to return over $20,000 that she transferred from the commissary fund to her personal PayPal account. She was terminated in May of last year. The SBOA also requested reimbursement of just over $1,800 for unauthorized travel expenses incurred by former Sheriff Dulin.

The investigation itself cost over $40,000, for which Starke County is now liable. According to the SBOA, “this was an extensive and labor-intensive investigation” due to the poor accounting of county officials.  County insurance may be able to cover the expenses.

The Starke County Prosecutor’s Office, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, and U.S. Attorneys are now looking into the matter, as well.

Click HERE to read the full report.

(Beverly Shores, IN) - Rescuers are searching for a teenager who went missing in the waters of Lake Michigan in Beverly Shores yesterday afternoon.

At 2:10 p.m. Tuesday Porter County 911 received a call regarding multiple swimmers in distress near the intersection of County Road 300 East and West Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores. First responders located two distressed swimmers and a Good Samaritan onshore in need of medical attention. They were transported to a local hospital and are in stable condition.

The missing swimmer is a 17-year-old boy from Eagan, Minnesota. He was last seen approximately 300 feet from shore. Initial attempts by rescuers to locate him were hindered by large waves. They continued a search from shore using drones, while vessels from the United States Coast Guard and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit assisted in the water. Search efforts continued this morning.

Authorities say a Beach Hazards Statement was in effect at the time of the incident, with waves of 6 to 9 feet forecasted.

(Plymouth, IN) - There’s been an arrest in the brutal home invasion that took place in Hamlet on Saturday.

Two elderly residents there were taken to the hospital for injuries sustained. One of them was reported to be in critical condition. The break-in occurred in the 600 block of Starke Street in Hamlet.

On Monday around 6:30 p.m., police officers from Hamlet, Plymouth, and the Starke County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at the Red Rock Inn in Plymouth. They arrested 40-year-old David Campbell of Plymouth in connection with the crime. He is being held at the Starke County Jail, pending formal charges being filed by the Prosecutor’s office there.

(La Porte County, IN) - On Sunday, County police arrested a man who was found punching a Toyota Prius while chasing it down the road.

According to a police report, 42-year-old Marshall Guthrie of La Porte was taking swings at a Toyota Prius while chasing it down CR 300 North. This was a little after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

County police had just received a call of a reckless driver in Center Township in the area of 300 North and 400 West. Near that intersection officers located a 2022 Dodge pickup truck in the ditch, still running and still in gear.

Down the road they found Guthrie, barefoot, attacking a Toyota. The driver of the Prius told police that he had picked up Guthrie who was walking along the roadway. He said Guthrie had suddenly reached into the center console and grabbed a package of fishing hooks, a tape measure, and a pair of glasses, then bailed out of the vehicle. Due to Guthrie’s alleged erratic behavior, an officer tackled and subdued him.

In Guthrie’s backpack, officers found what they believe to be several hallucinogenic mushrooms. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation and now faces a bevy of potential charges. He is currently charged with leaving the scene of an accident, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, theft, criminal mischief, and resisting law eforcement. Authorities are still investigating charges of OWI and possession of a controlled substance.

(Michigan City, IN) - Over the weekend La Porte County Sheriff’s deputies pulled extra duty patrolling the Michigan City boat races. One of them was in the right place at the right time to intercept an alleged drunk driver bulldozing through a pedestrian area.

Around midnight Friday an officer was monitoring a parking lot at Washington Park, which was full of racing boats and vendors’ booths. Suddenly a 2012 Honda Pilot came cruising through the fenced-off area. It was dragging with it metal posts with concrete bases and green snow fencing.

Upon stopping the vehicle, police say the driver could not open his door due to the fencing being wrapped around the vehicle. In the center console of the Honda, officers noted three cans of beer—one empty, one half-full, and one unopened.

The driver, 51-yar-old Bibiano Rosas Quino of Michigan City, was arrested for OWI. A passenger, Quino’s wife, who did not have a valid driver’s license, was allowed to call for a ride, and officers moved the Honda to a proper parking spot.

(Washington, D.C.) - The Department of Veterans Affairs is catching flak for a budgetary shortfall.

A few weeks ago, VA officials told lawmakers that the agency needs nearly $3 billion to cover veterans’ pensions and other benefits for the remaining months of the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. In addition, they’ll need another $12 billion in medical care funding. If no action is taken, an estimated 7 million veterans and their survivors may not receive their benefits payments on Oct. 1.

Last week Indiana’s Second District Congressman Rudy Yakym sent a letter to the Secretery of Veterans Affairs asking for a reason why this crisis is only now being addressed. Yakym said tens of thousands of veterans in this district alone stand to be adversely affected.

“The healthcare and benefits that the VA delivers to our nation’s veterans are an indispensable function of the federal government,” he wrote. “The brave men and women who served their country have earned all the benefits that the VA offers them when they exit active military service.”

Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) had more pointed words for the VA, which he shared at a recent hearing in Washington. "I think this is significant financial mismanagement and/or incompetence in the Department of Veterans Affairs," he said, "and I'm gravely concerned that the administration, both the VA and the OMB [Office of Management and Budget], specifically misled Congress for months about the state of affairs at the VA."

Congress has only a few weeks left to figure out a funding solution for the VA’s shortfall. Given the tenuous nature of some veterans’ health, Yakym said time is of the essence. “According to some estimates, more than 40 veterans take their lives every day,” he said. “In light of this daily tragedy, it is more important than ever to ensure that the VA is fulfilling its promise to our veterans.”

(Grand Rapids, MI) - State troopers in Michigan had their hands full over the weekend with a woman who bit an officer and took off in his patrol car.

According to Michigan State Police, on Saturday evening they were called to a residence somewhere in the Grand Rapids area for a domestic situation.

During an arrest, a woman became combative and bit a trooper. With the officer distracted, she then slipped out of her handcuffs and into a police vehicle, fleeing the scene. Other officers gave chase, until the woman crashed and was taken into custody.

The bitten officer was reportedly taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

(La Porte County, IN) - Six La Porte County organizations have been awarded grants totaling nearly $58,000. 338 organizations in 77 Indiana received funding from the Indiana Arts Commission to promote art and creativity.

“All across Indiana we have seen the positive impact that investing in arts and creativity has on quality of life,” said Anne Penny Valentine, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. “Each of the projects and organizations selected to receive funding are doing exceptional creative work in and for Hoosier communities. The Commission is excited and honored to support the work these organizations are doing to engage the public, develop their communities and encourage creativity across our state.” 

A list of the local groups that were awarded funding is below.

19 organizations in Porter County and 21 in St. Joseph County also received grant money for the arts.

Funding for the Indiana Arts Commission and its programs is provided by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

• The Jack & Shirley Lubeznik Center for the Arts      $18,215.00
• Laporte Symphony Orchestra            $16,231.00
• Dunes Arts Foundation, Inc            $11,511.00
• Michigan City Messiah           $4,000.00
• International Friendship Gardens Music Festival, Inc    $4,000.00
• Center for Creative Solutions, Inc.            $4,000.00

(La Porte County, IN) - The Food Bank of Northern Indiana will be making several stops in the area soon.

Food will be given away at the Kingsford Heights Community Center on Monday from 10 am to noon, or while supplies last. That distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 200 households.

Another giveaway will take place on Wednesday at the H.O.P.E. Building on McClelland Avenue in Michigan City. That distribution is sponsored by the City of Michigan City and will serve 200 households.

Details on these and other nearby food distributions are below:

Monday, August 5, 2024 – LaPorte County

10 a.m. – Noon CT, or while supplies last.

Where: Kingsford Heights Community Center, 515 Wayland Rd., Kingsford Heights, IN 46346

*This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 200 households.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – LaPorte County

10 a.m. – Noon CT, or while supplies last.

Where: H.O.P.E. Building, 222 McClelland Ave., Michigan City, IN 46360

*This distribution sponsored by the City of Michigan City and will serve 200 households.

Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Starke County

10 a.m. – Noon CT, or while supplies last.

Where: Starke County Fairgrounds, 400 Division St., Hamlet, IN 46532

*This distribution is sponsored by the Hardesty Foundation and will serve 250 households.

Thursday, August 22, 2024 – Starke County

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield St., Knox, IN 46534

This distribution is provided by the USDA and will serve 200 households.

Assorted food items offered free of charge. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged. First come, first served, while supplies last for those in need of food assistance. One box/bag per household.

Distributions are drive through. Please remain in your vehicle and open your trunk to receive items. An area will be available for self-loading if your trunk does not open.

(Carroll County, IN) - A couple of La Porte County connections have factored into the Delphi double murder trial.

Following a three-day pretrial hearing this week, accused killer Richard Allen will be moved from a state penitentiary to a county jail. Allen, who is blamed for the murders of teenagers Abby Williams and Libby German in 2017, spent about a year at Westville Correctional Facility in La Porte County before being transferred to a similar prison downstate last April. Allen’s defense lawyers were successful in convincing special judge Frances Gull that maximum security confinement was not necessary.

Most of this week’s proceedings involved the admissibility of some 60 statements, allegedly confessions, which prosecutors say Allen made while in custody in Westville. His attorneys have alleged that Allen was treated inhumanely there and was intimidated by prison guards.

According to WTHR, also at issue was whether Allen’s lawyers will be permitted to offer at trial theories of “alternate suspects.” An expert witness called by the defense testified that she believed the murders to be ritualistic in nature, based on crime scene evidence. This fuels suspicions that a group involved with a pagan cult known as Odinism was behind the crime.

As evidence, defense attorneys point to an imprint, allegedly of the letter F, made with the blood of one of the victims on a tree near the murder scene. According to IndyStar, on Thursday an officer from the La Porte County Sherriff’s Department, Maj. Patrick Cicero, testified as a forensics expert. He said the bloody marking was likely a transfer stain from a victim’s hand, and could not have been intentionally drawn, as has been suggested.

Judge Gull is now considering the motions presented to her in preparation for Allen’s jury trial scheduled to begin October 14 in Carroll County Circuit Court.

(Marshall County, IN) - Owners of the Plymouth Motor Speedway are waving the yellow flag on efforts to offer concerts at their venue.

Friday night’s concert featuring Night Ranger, Jackyl, FireHouse, and Enuff Z Nuff, was cancelled, along with next week’s Christian music concert with TobyMac, Tenth Ave North, and Cochren & Co.

The reason: low ticket sales.

Speedway officials said they’ve given it their best shot to provide live music, but have lost money on events over the past two years.

All purchased tickets for the two cancelled shows will be refunded. Concert organizers are making it up to those ticket holders by accepting the cancelled tickets for entry to an upcoming rock concert on August 30. That show features Hairball, an arena rock tribute band.

According to a statement from the speedway last week, they plan to “to regroup and revisit this concept of future concerts at the Plymouth Motor Speedway.” In the meantime, they say auto racing events are still going strong, with several more races to go this season. The next one is the Grand Slam Outlaw Late Model Race on August 17^th.

(Lake County) – The collision of two semis caused delays on I80/94 Thursday morning.

Around 9:10 a.m. State Police responded to the accident scene in the westbound lanes a few miles from the state line. They found a white Kenworth tanker truck on its side along the median barrier wall. Police said it had been sideswiped by a 2014 Freightliner driven by Abdi Warsame (54) of Columbus, Ohio. The Kenworth’s cab landed on its left side, but the driver, Dustin Beemer (30) of Channahon, Illinois, was able to climb out. Neither driver was hurt.

Remediation crews worked for several hours to clean up some coal tar that leaked from the tanker and to remove the truck wreckage.

(La Porte County, IN) - As students prepare to return to their classrooms, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to be on the lookout for school buses throughout La Porte County.

Although school buses are one of the safest modes of transportation, injuries and fatalities do occur outside of, or near the buses. Most often, these tragedies occur because a motorist has failed to slow down and obey the bus’s stop sign arm, or to follow local traffic laws.

Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop when the overhead lights on a school bus are flashing yellow. Once the lights turn red and the stop arm extends, drivers are required to stop on all roads with only one exception. On highways divided by a physical barrier, such as a concrete wall or grassy median, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop in these circumstances.

"There is no excuse for drivers to put the lives of students in danger," said Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety Director James Bryan.

“Drivers need to exercise caution around school buses and follow all traffic statutes,” he said.  

 

In April, thousands of bus drivers who participated in a one-day observational survey counted 1,574 stop-arm violations in Indiana. 

Projected across a 180-day school year, this survey data points to a potential 283,320 violations throughout the school year.   The data comes from the NASDPTS annual survey, which is managed by the Indiana Department of Education for the state of Indiana.

“When the red lights on a school bus are flashing and the stop-arm is extended, drivers must slow down and come to a complete stop,” said La Porte County Police Captain Derek J. Allen.  “This is not a suggestion — it’s the law.”

The school bus loading and unloading area is called the “Danger Zone.” 

Specifically, this is any side of the bus where the bus driver can’t see the child and, therefore, the child is in the most danger. These areas include:

• 10 feet in front of the bus, where the driver may be sitting too high to see a child
• 10 feet on either side of the bus, where a child may be in the driver’s blind spots
• Behind the school bus

For more information about school bus stop safety, please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety#the-topic-bus-stop-safety.  

(La Porte, IN) - The alleged child pornography on a La Porte man’s cell phone included images of girls under the age of 12.  Those are among the new details emerging from the allegations leveled against John Carlisle.  He’s charged in La Porte Circuit Court with five counts of child exploitation.

According to court documents, the 51 year old man was arrested at his home Tuesday in the 800 block of East Jefferson Avenue.  The Indiana State Police investigation revealed Carlisle used a social media site to obtain and share explicit images of youth with some under the age of 12.

According to police, Carlisle told investigators he had about 50 images of child pornography stored on his cell phone.

Two of the most serious counts are Level 4 felonies with each having a sentencing range of 2 to 12 years.   During his initial court hearing today, Carlisle was appointed a public defender and given a trial date of July 14, 2025.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man is accused of using his head and leg as weapons against a police officer.  Jacob Hopper, 22, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony battery against a public safety officer and other counts.

On Sunday, La Porte City Police were called to an apartment at 2400 Andrew Avenue on the west side.  The investigation revealed there was fight after Hopper allegedly forced his way into another man’s apartment.

During his arrest, police say Hopper put up a struggle, head butting and kicking one of the officers.  The officer complained of pain. 

Hopper was still being held today in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man was recently arrested in connection with three people killed in a motor vehicle crash last year near Michigan City.  Jol Taylor, 42, is facing three counts of reckless homicide.

In June of 2023, Indiana State Police said Taylor struck the back end of a car on the inside shoulder of Interstate 94.  Police said the driver of the car pulled over because of a flat tire and, upon impact, the vehicle burst into flames.   Three people in the car, all from North Carolina, were killed.

Taylor, who’s was from Iowa, was charged about nine months later but he wasn’t taken into custody until July 23rd.

According to court documents, a motorist told investigators Taylor merged from the middle lane until he struck the concrete barrier wall before hitting the disabled vehicle. 

During his initial court hearing this week, bond was set at $5,000.  He later posted bail to await the outcome of the case at home.  Taylor was given a December 2nd trial date.  He could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence on each of the three counts.

(Michigan City, IN) - People are invited to take part in an upcoming beach clean-up in Michigan City.  Members of the Rotary Club of Michigan City will gather Monday at Washington Park beach from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Residents are invited to help with the clean-up after the busiest beach weekend of the year in Michigan City from the Great Lakes Grand Prix.

“Thousands visit our beaches to watch the event.  Big events at the beach typically mean an aftermath of litter including single-use plastics, cans, cigarette butts, and more. These non-biodegradable items can only be cleaned up by hand,” said Michigan City Rotary Club President Matt Kubik.

Donuts, coffee and juice will be provided to those taking part.

Power boats traveling up to 150 miles per hour or more will race along the shoreline Saturday and Sunday during the 15th annual Great Lakes Grand Prix.  Race teams from five continents will take part in the event, which usually draws people as far as the eye can see.

(Michigan City, IN) - A significant amount of prison time could result from the sale of a large amount of methamphetamine from a Michigan City apartment complex.  Brandy Newman was charged Wednesday in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine.

According to court documents, the charges stem from the sale of more than 31 grams of methamphetamine in late January from Tall Timbers apartment complex on Springland Avenue on the city’s east side.

Police said Newman accepted $275 and provided the buyer with a pink granola box containing the drug in a zip lock baggy.  The alleged exchange occurred in the presence of a child who appeared to be about four years of age.

A warrant was issued for arrest Wednesday after Judge Jamie Oss ruled the evidence was sufficient enough for Newman to answer to the allegations.  She could face anywhere from a 10 to 30 year sentence.

(La Porte County, IN - For a short period of time, a local Family Express was not so family friendly.  La Porte County Police were called Wednesday night to the Family Express at U.S. 20 and Indiana 39 on a report of a woman passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle with what appeared to be drug paraphernalia on her lap.

Upon arrival, officers found the woman in the driver’s seat and she had regained consciousness.  When asked if she had taken any foreign substances, police said the woman replied “of course.”  She revealed ingesting one half of a pill containing oxycodone, taking “a couple of hits” from a crack pipe and smoking crack earlier in the day, police said. 

During a search of the vehicle, nearly four grams of cocaine were seized along with a pill crusher and the opioid antidote narcan.

Sara Nielson, 47, of South Bend was arrested for Level 6 felony possession of cocaine and Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County woman with dementia was bitten by a dog after walking into the wrong house.  That’s according to La Porte County Police, who had an officer respond to a home in the Fish Lake area during the early afternoon hours on Monday.

Police said the investigation shows a 90 year old woman suffering from dementia wandered off her property and went inside a neighbor’s home by mistake.  After stepping inside, the woman was bitten on her right arm by a bulldog belonging to the home owner.  A police report of the incident shows the woman was taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for treatment.

The case was forwarded to La Porte County Animal Control to further investigate.

(La Porte, IN) - The door has opened in La Porte for construction of a family fun center that would contain 33,000 square feet of space for arcade games, pinball machines and other things ranging from bowling to a restaurant/bar.

The La Porte Redevelopment Commission on Wednesday, July 31 unanimously approved an agreement for the proposed $10 million facility.  Under the agreement, the developers would be given the 6.6 acre LPRC owned site at NewPorte Landing if they live up to what’s promised in areas like building appearance, quality construction and offerings.  The fun center must also operate for at least four-years.

“If they do everything they said they are going to do, then ultimately they wouldn’t pay anything for the land,” said La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook.

He estimated the value of the ground at well over $1 million because of the residential and commercial developments that have gone up in a former industrial area very close the site in recent years.

More specifically, amenities at the fun center would include 100 arcade games, 40 pinball machines, 12 bowling lanes, outdoor and indoor miniature golf, a laser tag course and virtual darts.

Cook said he believes the payback would be having a potential major destination spot for people from other areas without such a facility.  He said the closest one like it to La Porte would be Zhao Island in Valparaiso and a few other similar facilities in Lake County.

“It’s something unique that many other communities don’t have,” he said.

He said the fun center would also draw from Dunes Events Center, which hosts primarily volleyball tournaments attended by a thousand or more people for weekend regional competitions.  He said the facility would be just across the street from people at tournaments wanting to do something between games.

The fun center would be on the former Dietrich Steel site behind Kroger.  The huge building the company operated from was demolished about ten years ago as part of the city’s NewPorte Landing brownfield redevelopment project.

The family fun center plans were submitted by La Porte residents Ben Konowitz and Ryan Hart, who operate Full Tilt Arcade & Pinball on Fail Road on the city’s east side.  The arcade, which is just a fraction of the size of the proposed new facility, opened in October of 2022.

Cook said he expects construction to being sometime next year.  It can’t begin right away because of the process that must be followed with IDEM for declaring the property safe for reuse and the investors to acquire the property.

He said the developers will own the ground under the land gift agreement but failure to live up to the terms will mean them having to pay for it.

Cook said an already conducted environmental assessment of the site found just a limited number of issues in the soil capable of being made safe through construction.  Cook said concrete over contaminated dirt, for example, is a way of preventing human contact in areas with tainted soil.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the project.  I think there’s no doubt this will become a location that serves a much wider market than just LaPorte,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Fire Department is receiving a federal grant for safety upgrades at all three fire stations. 

Just over $128,000 will be used to buy diesel exhaust removal systems.  The systems will greatly reduce exposure to harmful contaminants, including cancer causing toxins, known to exist in the exhaust of diesel fuel burning fire trucks.

La Porte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said firefighters are at a higher risk for cancer by the nature of the work they perform and greatly reducing exposure to diesel fuel exhaust will reduce that risk.  The grant was announced Wednesday by U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan of Highland.

“Congratulations to the City of La Porte Fire Department on successfully securing this vital funding to improve protections for our first responders and ensure they have the resources to safely perform their duties.  I will continue to do all I can to support our selfless first responders and their essential services to protect our region,” he said.