(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Refuse Department will begin its Annual Fall Clean-Up on Monday, October 7.

Thes five-week clean-up will follow the City’s regular trash collection schedule, with a different area targeted each week, according to the mayor's office. 

Clean-Up Schedule:
• Week 1: October 7 – 11 (Monday routes)
• Week 2: October 14 – 18 (Tuesday routes)
• Week 3: October 21 – 25 (Wednesday routes)
• Week 4: October 28 – November 1 (Thursday routes)
• Week 5: November 4 – 8 (Friday routes)
What Can Be Picked Up:

The Refuse Department requests that all residents separate items into these categories:

1. Yard Waste: Brush, limbs, shrubs, and unpainted concrete (no black top).
2. Household Items: Rugs, furniture, mattresses, lumber, and box springs
3. Tires and Appliances: Tires and large appliances like stoves, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.

Residents are asked to place items at the curb or in alleys for collection.

Each category should be kept separate to ensure proper disposal, officials said.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte School Corporation is responding to a petition drive in support of Kiwanis Field reported on HometownNewsNow.com (click here for the story) last week.

Here's the statement released by the school administration today.

“We recognize the historical significance and emotional connection that Kiwanis Field holds for our community.  For more than 70 years, it has been home to memories and traditions cherished by many generations of La Porte residents.

It is important to clarify that the La Porte Community School Corporation has no current plans to demolish Kiwanis Field.
 

While discussions have occurred over the years regarding the facility's future due to facility needs, these discussions have been exploratory in nature, focusing on assessing the best path forward for the community and our students.

We are committed to maintaining transparency as we evaluate our facilities and make decisions in the best interest of service to our students.

We have met with members of Preserve Historic La Porte and appreciate their passion for Kiwanis Field and their offer to assist with a feasibility study to explore renovation options.

The administration and board will review Preserve Historic La Porte's offer and discuss our course of action publicly at the October board meeting.

We understand the importance of preserving Kiwanis Field's historical aspects. Still, our primary focus is to ensure that any decisions regarding the field align with the needs of students and programs that serve them, as well as the district’s broader goals of safety and optimizing taxpayer resources.

We value the input of all community members and encourage ongoing dialogue about the best path forward for Kiwanis Field. We will keep the public informed and involved as this process progresses.”

)Michigan City, IN) - By this time next year, the hope is to have a playground for all children, regardless of their abilities, at Michigan City’s lakefront.

Plans for the all-inclusive playground at Washington Park were unveiled Monday with help from 1^st District Congressman Frank Mrvan, who led the charge to secure $1 million in federal dollars toward the projected $5 million price tag.          

He described the park in his effort to compete for the funds as “one of those that is worth fighting for,” he said.

Another $2 million has been approved by the city council and the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission.

Park Department Superintendent Shannon Eason said grant applications with the Health Foundation of LaPorte and the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment, if approved, will provide another $1.75 million toward the playground she described as “life changing” for some future users.   Securing those grants would leave $25,000 left to raise.

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said her goal is to begin construction early next year and have the playground open in the fall.

“I know it’s a very short time line but I know that we can do it,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

The safe surface playground would be on a half-acre near the Guy Foreman Amphitheatre on the east side of the park.  Among the features would be a play tower, adaptive swings, slides, sensory panel and music, fox den hangout, tree top climbers and double zip line with a handicapped accessible seat.

Plans also call for a pier with small boats, fitness equipment, a fish play structure along with handicapped accessible bathrooms, an entry plaza and various sculptures.

Eason said there should be something for all children, including those with a wide range of challenges whether it be physical, mental, audio or visual.

“Our playground was thoughtfully designed with one core principle in mind.   Everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to play,” Eason said.

A walking trail with a soft surface is also planned for use by children and adults.

“We’re sending a message that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, valued and included,” she said.

Mrvan said the potential of the playground to have a positive impact on people using it is enhanced by the lakefront.  He compared it to what happened years ago from Wicker Memorial Park in Highland having a 2.5 mile walking trail.

“That walking trail was an anchor because seniors and people came to it every single day to utilize it and enjoy the beauty,” he said.

 

Eason said such facilities also become sources for children no matter what their differences to interact and connect with other.

“They teach our children the values of empathy, respect and understanding,” she said.

 

Deuitch said the playground, included in the 2021 park department master plan, should make the lakefront even more of a destination because not every community has such a large all-inclusive facility.

She said a fund has been established with the Unity Foundation of La Porte County for people wanting to contribute toward future construction and maintenance of the park.

“This is a labor of love from us to make sure that this happens,” she said.

(La Porte, IN) - Speed bumps are now outside a La Porte elementary school where a crossing guard recently had a close call with a motorist traveling too fast.

Mayor Tom Dermody said the street department installed speed bumps on Friday outside Riley Elementary School on Weller Avenue.  Dermody said the request was made by Schools Superintendent Sandra Wood because of the adult crossing guard’s encounter with a driver traveling above the 20 mile per hour school zone limit.

“We got to slow down,” Dermody said.

Dermody said extra police officers will also be at the school when possible to enforcement the speed limit.

Speeding throughout the city has been an issue in recent years with extra patrols assigned to the areas generating the most complaints about drivers traveling too fast.

Recently, Dermody expressed support for using technology that would catch speeders and send them the ticket.  Currently, the use of such technology as a traffic enforcement tool is prohibited in Indiana.

(La Porte, IN) - Enrollment in the La Porte School District continues to gradually decline.  The number of students this year dropped by 45 from last year, according to figures recently presented to the school board by Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood.  Wood said the drop continues an ongoing trend.

“Basically, I’m sharing this with all of you to bring forward for thought and for upcoming discussion the reality that the issue of declining enrollment here is real and has not improved,” Wood said.

Currently, the school district is encouraging the public to take an online survey.  School officials want to hear back on possible solutions on things like enrollment decline and why people chose to send their kids to other schools.

Woods said projections indicate the number of students in the La Porte School District will continue to gradually decline over the next several years but hopes information from the survey leads to solutions that work to reverse enrollment decline.

The survey is available on the school corporation website by clicking here until October 10^th.

Wood said total enrollment districtwide now stands at 5,643.  Enrollment was about 6,300 in 2008.

(La Porte, IN) - Family Advocates has a new home in La Porte. They cut the ribbon and officially put out the welcome mat on Thursday.

For a couple of decades, the organization had previously rented a location on Indiana Avenue. According to Executive Director Jackie Dermody, the site served its purpose but was limited. “It was a great space, but it was very small, not a lot of room for movement,” she said.

Family Advocates has renovated an historic home at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Osborn St, nearly tripling their space.

Dermody was still catching her breath when she spoke to HTNN on Friday. She said the move, a true labor of love, has been in the works for a while. “I almost feel like we had a baby yesterday," she said. "We moved in at the end of June. The whole process started in February of this year. So we are excited to get down to really doing what we want to do and that’s serving families and youth in our community.”

Family Advocates offers various programs to support at-risk children and families. A staff of 15 serve as a go-between for social services and families struggling with social-emotional issues. A lot of what they do involves supervised visitation and mentoring. “Anything that we can do to serve,” said Dermody, “that’s our goal.”

Family Advocates helps hundreds of children and dozens of families throughout La Porte County. They also just cut the ribbon on a new facility in Michigan City last month.

Dermody says the new location in La Porte offers a more home-like atmosphere, with many rooms for families to hang out and feel a sense of normalcy. “As we speak right now," she said, "we have two families-- one family is upstairs cooking dinner; another mom and her daughter are downstairs playing Barbie dolls. We just have great spaces to do that now.”

Dermody says the over 6,700-square-foot house was built in 1890. For over 60 years it was a funeral home, before becoming a clothing store. The most recent owner, Deb Cafiero, has become Family Advocates’ largest donor, Dermody said.

Family Advocates is buying the house thanks to matching grants from United Way and the Health Foundation of La Porte. But much of the rehab work has been done by community volunteers and members of Dermody’s staff, some of whom were burning the midnight oil to get the place ready for Thursday’s ribbon cutting. “There’s a lot of sweat equity— a lot of painting, hanging, cleaning,” she said. “There’s so much beautiful woodwork here. We were Murphy-oiling everything until 2:00 a.m. Lots of hard work.”

NIPSCO, American Renolit, the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office, and Cardinal Point Technologies made donations to sponsor rooms throughout the facility. Local labor unions also helped out. Dermody said area home builder and State Representative Jim Pressel even put his tool belt on to do some finish work around the house.

Dermody could barely contain tears reflecting on the support that Family Advocates has received from the community and the work that her staff is doing. “I’m so amazed at the staff and their commitment to families. It’s pretty amazing really.”

(South Bend, IN) - One of the top high school basketball players in the country, who plays right here in La Porte County, has announced that next year he’s taking his talents to South Bend.

Jalen Haralson is a five-star recruit who plays at La Lumiere. He’s ranked as high as #7 among basketball recruits across the nation.

On Wednesday, the 6-7 wing player announced that he will be going to Notre Dame, choosing Micah Shrewsbury’s Irish squad over Indiana and Michigan State.

Haralson is the highest ranked player to commit to Notre Dame in many years. He’ll join former La Lumiere standout Kebba Njie, who is a junior forward for the Irish.

Haralson's addition completes a trifecta for Shrewsbury's recruiting efforts. Earlier in the week, Notre Dame secured the commitment of top-100 player Brady Koehler of Indianapolis Cathedral. On Friday top-100 recruit Ryder Frost of Massachusetts also committed to the Irish.

(La Porte County, IN) - County schools split their football contests Friday night.

La Porte (0-6) remains winless following a 35-0 loss to Merrillville (5-1).

South Central (1-5) fell to Pioneer (5-1), 57-6.

Michigan City and New Prairie, however, were victorious.

City (2-4) fended off a late Lake Central comeback, beating the Indians (3-3), 20-14. With three minutes left in the first quarter, sophomore Jamin Harvell turned a short pass into an 85-yard score. A few minutes into the second quarter, senior defensive tackle George Branch returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown. A Logan Morlan extra point gave the Wolves a comfortable 20-0 lead going into half, which was just enough to secure a victory.

It was Homecoming at New Prairie. The Cougars (4-2) downed South Bend Riley (2-3), 49-0. Junior quarterback Reed Robinson rushed for two touchdowns and threw another 35-yard scoring strike to senior Bryce Bell. Junior Noah Oberle returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City officials are in the process of deciding whether to remove or restore the fountain at Millennium Plaza.

An assessment by a professional engineering group reveals the no longer working fountain would need substantial restoration.

A sampling of the current problems cited in the report include numerous cracks in the fountain floor; a weathered, stained and pitted outer fountain containment wall and lights in the fountain not working from vandalism.  

The pump house was deemed as in a state of disrepair.

The fountain was a popular feature of Millennium Plaza, which opened beside Trail Creek at the lakefront in 2000 to celebrate the millennium.

The assessment also reveals various repairs to the fountain have constantly been needed in more recent years. Those repairs have ranged from addressing a structure weakened from deterioration of the concrete to reopening a drain line clogged with concrete fragments and replacing inoperable control panels.

When opening the fountain last year, the main pump froze up and broke. cracks and other deficiencies were also found with the 1.3 acre concrete plaza.

The decision on whether to restore or remove the fountain will be up to the city council.

(Michigan City, IN) - It appears a seriously injured motorcycle driver was to blame for a collision with a pick-up Thursday morning in Michigan City.

Aamar Ward, 19, was taken by medical helicopter from the accident scene to Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

Michigan City Police said the extent of his injuries were not immediately known but he was unconscious when emergency responders found him on the pavement.

The investigation based on statements from three eyewitnesses determined Ward was traveling at an excessive speed on Franklin St. when he ran a red light at Barker Ave. and drove into the side of a 2005 Ford F-150.

Police said the eastbound truck just pulled away from a gas station and had not cleared the intersection yet when broadsided by the northbound motorcycle.

The listed address for Ward is in Coolspring Township a few miles south of Michigan City’s corporate boundaries.  

The driver of the truck of Trail Creek told investigators he heard a loud bang from the motorcycle striking the side of his truck and looked in his side mirror to see the man lying on the pavement.

(La Porte County, IN) - A dump truck fire closed a stretch of State Road 39 near Springville yesterday afternoon.

According to La Porte County Police, the driver was just north of U.S. 20 when he pulled onto the shoulder of the two lane highway due to smoke coming from the engine compartment and stepped out of the cab.

Soon, police said flames emerged and quickly engulfed the 1999 Ford dump truck. 

That stretch of highway was shutdown to keep passing vehicles potentially out of harm’s way, police said.   The Center Township Volunteer Fire Department came out and put out the flames.

The dump truck registered in Michigan was towed to an auto yard in New Buffalo.

(La Porte, IN) - The senior center in La Porte will temporarily move to a new location.

Beginning Monday, the City of La Porte Activity Center will relocate to the Civic Auditorium.  Officials said the move is necessary because the space occupied by the senior center at Heritage Place was damaged from a plumbing issue last weekend.

“While we are disappointed this program has been temporarily displaced, it is very important for our staff to continue providing activities and services for our older residents,” said La Porte Park & Recreation Director Mark Schreiber.

The activity center falls under the umbrella of the park department. Officials said the move will be for about six weeks.

In the meantime, operating hours and activities will proceed as usual except for October 9 when the Civic Auditorium is hosting a La Porte County Symphony Orchestra children’s education concert.

For more information on scheduled activities and membership, visit www.laporteparkandrec.com/ programs/activity-center-for-older-adults or call 219-326-9600.

(La Porte, IN) - There’s an effort to have the La Porte High School football stadium designated as a historic landmark in the state.

The purpose is to secure the future of Kiwanis Field in response to discussion in recent years by the school board on whether to renovate the aging stadium or if it would be more cost effective to build a new facility.

Preserve Historic La Porte is collecting signatures on a petition and started the process of seeking historic landmark status for Kiwanis Field from the state.

Claudia Winter, secretary of the local preservation group, said Kiwanis Field would be protected as a historic landmark and qualify for pursuing outside sources of revenue like grants to help with renovating and maintaining the facility.

“We would like to make it a self-sustaining project,” Winter said.

Preserve Historic La Porte has also offered to pay for a feasibility study to determine the cost of renovating Kiwanis Field to help in the evaluation process.  So far, the school board has not accepted the offer, she said.

Winter said demolishing Kiwanis Field, which is just a short walk from the high school, would be the loss of a more than 70 year community tradition.  She said another purpose of the petition drive is to make the public aware Kiwanis Field is now endangered.

“Most people know the structure.  They drive past. They know it.  They love it.  They’ve been there and they are not aware that it’s something somebody wants to get rid of,” Winters said.

(La Porte County, IN) - There’s a new location for upcoming early voting in La Porte County.

The early voting site at the Community Garden facility on Brighton Street in La Porte is moving to the La Porte County Fairgrounds in the Small Projects Building.

La Porte County Clerk Heather Stevens said she wanted to have the site moved back to the La Porte County Complex where it was originally located until extensive damage to the buiding was caused by a busted water pipe in December of 2022.

Stevens said that space has since been repaired but is not available for early voting this year. 

However, she said the fairgrounds location has plenty of room for parking and adding voting machines, if necessary, to help with the expected heavy turnout.

“My biggest goal is to keep the lines down.  I don’t want people to have to wait,” she said.

Early voting in La Porte County begins October 8.

Stevens said the Community Garden site was not available this year because that facility is reserved for another use on one of the Saturday’s required to have early voting.

The other early voting locations remain at the county government offices at 302 W. 8th St. in Michigan City; Wanatah Town Hall and the Wills Township Community Building.  

(La Porte County, IN) - A man walking out of a hospital found his vehicle had been jacked up in the parking lot and one of his wheels taken.

Whoever did it has good reason to be nervous.

According to La Porte County Police, a 29 year old man was walking to his 2001 Chevy Blazer Monday night outside Franciscan Health.

His jaw must have dropped when he discovered someone had jacked up his vehicle and removed one of his front wheels. Whoever did it must have been in a hurry because they left behind the floor jack and four-way lug wrench used in the crime.

Police said the victim put on a spare tire and drove home then later contacted hospital security and the sheriff’s office.

So far, no arrests have been reported.

However, police said video footage of the theft and image of the suspected vehicle were captured from a hospital surveillance camera.

Investigators have been using the vehicle information obtained from the footage and checking license plate reading cameras throughout the area to try and track down the vehicle used in the theft and driver.

(La Porte County, IN) - A graffiti artist whose actions could be viewed as the ultimate sin may get away with it at least for now.

La Porte County Police on Tuesday responded to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church at 7396 Johnson Road near Michigan City.

The “F” word along with “You” were left in black spray paint on the exterior wall on the south side of the building.  A parishioner taking out trash noticed the graffiti, police said.

When the act of blasphemy occurred was not known.

Police said there was no surveillance camera footage available to help generate any leads in the case.

(La Porte, IN) - The problems continue to mount for a La Porte man unable, so far, to break his addiction to methamphetamine.

Eric Powell, 44, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine and Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

According to court documents, Powell was given a pre-trial release on a previous methamphetamine related charge when a warrant was later issued for his arrest for violating the terms of his release.

Police said officers acting on a tip located him last week in the garage of a home in the 100 block of Warsaw St.  During his arrest, Powell was allegedly found with less than one gram of the drug along with a meth pipe in his pants.

Powell is being held in the La Porte County Jail without bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - There could be a disruption in outpatient services at Franciscan Health due to an early morning fire at the hospital outside Michigan City.

Hospital President and CEO Dean Mazzoni said some outpatient appointments or procedures could be rescheduled or transferred to other Franciscan locations until they finish assessing the situation and clean up the damage.

The fire about 4 a.m. was contained to an office on the fifth floor of the hospital’s outpatient tower.  Mazzoni said smoke and water damage in that area was significant.

However, he said there were no patients harmed or evacuated as a result of the fire.

“The health and safety of our patients and staff is our number one priority. We are thankful for the swift response of our staff members, the Michigan City Fire Department and the Coolspring Township Volunteer Fire Department," Mazzoni said.

(New Buffalo, MI) - The New Buffalo High School girls’ volleyball team brought home a tournament championship after finishing two previous tourneys in second place.

The Lady Bison defeated Berrien Springs 25-23 and 25-19 in the championship match on Saturday, September 21 at Bridgman.

New Buffalo (14-5-3) was led on offense by Benita Puskinigus, who had 21 kills at the net and 18 aces on the serve throughout the tournament.

Riley Tertel had 14 kills and 21 aces to go with 58 assists as the team’s setter.

Cassidy Saunders made a significant contribution on offense and defense with 21 kills, 10 aces and 52 digs.  Meagan Fatter also came up big on defense with 49 digs to along with seven aces on the serve.

Head Coach Bruce Molineaux said the team with nearly every player learning new positions because of the unexpected losses of two key starters from last year’s squad continues to progress a bit faster than he originally expected.

“We’re getting better and that’s what you want to do as the season goes on,” he said.

During the tournament, Molineaux said there was improved play from the already solid defense while the offense continued to make fewer mistakes.

The team also continued to serve well.

Molineaux said the team keeps making up for lack of height at the net with accurate returns to keep the ball in play until an opportunity presents itself to score.

“Our hitters, they don’t super pound the ball but they kept it in, moved it around and kept the other team off balance,” he said.

Molineaux said he’s very pleased and no longer surprised at how well the team is performing because the season is slightly half way over and they keep proving themselves.

“The team has pretty much got its identity right now and hopefully we can continue that,” he said.

Josie Humphrey recorded 19 kills and eight aces during the tourney. Other major contributors included Nicky Durham, who had 17 kills and six aces, and Nicole Semmenchuck and Angela Tierney with 22 digs and 17 digs respectively.

Molineaux said he’s anxious to see how the team performs against who he feels will be the biggest test, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic.

OLLC has only one loss this season and that was to No. 5 ranked Mendon.

(La Porte County, IN) - There’s a local bakery for dogs.

Sabrina Vargas is the baker, who uses various kinds of flour along with ingredients like chicken parmesan, cheddar cheese and peanut butter in her treats.

Vargas said she recently developed the baked goods for her dog, whose allergies didn’t improve until eating the all-natural home baked goodies.

“I started making fresh treats.  No preservatives. No dyes.  No food coloring and he started doing better,” she said.

She later decided to go into business with her treats that come in various sizes.  Some are shaped like a bone. 

After baking, Vargas said one of her products after coming out of the oven is dehydrated so they’re crunchy and have a longer shelf life.  She allows her other mini-muffin products to remain soft for dogs that prefer the easier chewing.

“Usually, the older dogs like those because they have the teeth problems,” she said.

Her business “Happy Hound Barkery” offers products online along with delivery.

She’s also recently became a regular vendor at the farmers market in Michigan City every Saturday and recently offered her goods during the Sunflower Fair in La Porte.

“We’ve had a really good response,” Vargas said.

(La Porte County, IN) - There was a fire this morning at the hospital just outside Michigan City.

After 4 a.m., Michigan City firefighters were first to arrive at Franciscan Health in the area of U.S. 421 and Interstate 94.

Coolspring Township Volunteer firefighters assisted with the fire, which was put out in about 10 to 15 minutes with help from an automatic overhead sprinkler system, said Coolspring Township Assistant Fire Chief Warren Smith.

Smith said a desk with a surface made of wood caught fire in an office on the 5^th floor on the east side of the building. The flames spread to other furnishings such as a metal filing cabinet and chair. 

He said Michigan City firefighters used extinguishers to put out the flames but not until enough water from the sprinkler heads ran down to the fourth and third floors where some of the ceiling tiles from the moisture were sagging

“Those sprinklers can put out a lot of water,” he said.

Smith said there was also damage from the heavy smoke produced by the burning office furnishings.

No structure damage was reported.

Smith said the cause of the fire is not yet known but it could be electrical since there were computers and other electrical devices on and near the desk.

Despite the hospital being outside the city limits in Coolspring Township,  Smith said Michigan City firefighters also respond to calls from the hospital since they can get there quicker from being a full-time, manned around the clock department.

Smith said the quicker response made a difference in limiting the damage.

“They’re probably there 15 minutes before we can get there,” he said.

Smith said no patients were harmed or impacted by the fire.

. 

(La Porte, IN) - Attempts are being made to get major Hollywood actor Sam Elliott here to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of a Christmas movie filmed in La Porte and nearby Three Oaks, Michigan.

Elliott played the lead role in the movie “Prancer,” which still airs during the Holiday season.

John Hancock, who lives in northern La Porte County, directed the film that occupies a special place in his heart.

Hancock said he has spoken with Elliott along with his handlers about joining other actors in the film who are coming for the celebration December 14 and 15.  The first night of the celebration will be at the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks and in La Porte the  following night possibly at the Civic Auditorium.

Hancock said he believes the odds of Elliott coming for the occasion is better than 50 percent.

“It’s not for sure yet but we’re very hopeful,” he said.

Elliott plays a grieving widowed father, whose apple farm outside La Porte has fallen on hard times.  Fearing he’ll be unable to provide for his eight year old daughter, he considers having his deceased wife’s sister take care of her but later changes his mind.

The movie ends when a reindeer the girl discovered in the family’s barn named Prancer later reunites with the other reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh after she helped nurse the deer back to health.

Hancock said he directed the film at the request of his wife, who felt it would become a classic during the Christmas season.

“It turned out to be.  She was right,” he said.

Hancock said Rebecca Harrell, who played the girl named Jessica, is among the surviving actors and actresses from the move that have committed to appearing at the celebration.

He was put on the map in Hollywood as director of the 1973 movie “Bang the Drum Slowly” about two baseball players becoming close after one of them was diagnosed with cancer.

After Prancer, Hancock made several other movies in the immediate area. He spent his childhood between the home of his parents in Chicago and their La Porte area fruit farm.

“It’s such a great place to make a movie. It was a great thrill to work where I grew up,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte School Corporation is actively seeking input from the community.

A survey has been launched to gather ideas on how to address issues such as declining enrollment.

The survey is open to all school corporation staff, families and community members, according to school officials.

Officials said responses are confidential and will be used strictly for strategic planning purposes.

"Like many districts across Indiana, we are grappling with challenges such as declining enrollment, which significantly impacts our funding and overall operations," said Superintendent Sandra Wood.

"As we navigate these issues and strive to optimize our resources, the insights from our community are more valuable than ever," she said.

The survey, which should take only about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, is available to the public until October 10 and can be accessed on the school corporation website.  

Wood said the school district is committed to assuring any plans or changes considered in the future reflects the needs and values of the community.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man with a history of exposing himself in public is alleged to have done it again in Michigan City.

Immanuel Means, 32, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 4 with two counts of public indecency.

One of the charges is a Level 6 felony for allegedly fondling himself in a sexual manner outside a grocery store/restaurant early in the afternoon on September 19 in the 1700 block of Franklin St.

According to court documents, his alleged actions while exposed were at the main entrance to the business and viewed by multiple witnesses. It wasn't long before police found him across the street allegedly with his pants down inside the restroom of a bar.

According to court documents, he was standing at a sink rubbing himself with a bar of soap.

Means was taken to the La Porte County Jail where he resumed his self-indulging behavior while speaking to a female correctional officer. 

According to court records, Means has several prior public indecency arrests that resulted in one conviction.

(Michigan City, IN) - A video posted on social of a man getting beaten and robbed in Michigan City has resulted in charges.

Christopher Carey and Drake Worland, both 20, are facing multiple felony counts in La Porte Superior Court 1.

According to court documents, the victim was at Pullman Park along U.S. 12 on the city’s west side on August 16 when knocked to the ground, punched numerous times and stomped on.

Police said his cell phone was taken then four transactions on his cash app were made for more than $600.

Whoever posted the video on social media implicated themselves by saying “we robbed him for everything in his pockets and cashapp, jumped him and took his phone,” court documents revealed.

After the sentence, the author wrote “lmao” to reflect he thought what happened was very funny.  

Carey and Worford are charged with robbery and criminal organization activity.  Additional charges of battery and criminal mischief were filed against Carey.

Court documents also revealed the two men are possible suspects in an individual being tipped over in a Porta Potty a week prior to the robbery and beating.

(La Porte, IN) - A 22 year old La Porte man failed miserably in his effort to fool police to keep from being arrested a second time for OWI.

Hunter Slucter was stopped last night after clocked traveling 45 mph in a 35 mph zone on Pine Lake Ave.

According to La Porte County Police, he pulled over in the area of Waverly Road and Closser Ave. but his 2013 Honda Accord kept rolling forward until he acted on orders to place the vehicle into park.

Right away, the officer after detecting an odor of alcohol from the vehicle along with signs of impairment asked Slucter about his prior activities that evening.

Police said Slucter responded he was coming from the "gym."

He also denied consuming alcoholic beverages.

According to police, Slucter even told the officer he must be imagining things when he asked several more times whether he had consumed any alcohol.  

After he refused to submit to a field sobriety test, police said a court ordered search warrant was obtained to draw blood from his arm to measure any alcohol in his system.

While waiting for the test results, police said Slucter claimed to have consumed a large amount of “Nyquil.” 

Nyquil is an over the counter cough syrup containing 10 percent alcohol. The product comes in eight, 12 and 16 ounce bottles.

His alleged blood alcohol level was slightly more than twice the .08 percent legal limit.

According to court records, Slucter was sentenced to six months of probation for OWI in Porter County on July 31.

He’s now looking at the possibly of six months to 30 months in jail since the misdemeanor charge was upgraded to a Level 6 felony because of the prior conviction.

(La Porte, IN) - There was a record turnout for the 25^th annual Sunflower Fair in La Porte.

Traditionally, the event has drawn good sized crowds but it didn’t hurt to have 80 degree temperatures and sunny skies this year for the Saturday event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There were 130 antique vehicles on display to go with over 20 food vendors and 160 artisan and information vendors set up on both sides of Michigan Ave. south of Lincolnway and intersecting streets, said Brett Binversie, the city Special Events Coordinator.

Other features included several carnival rides and games for children.

Binversie said the estimated attendance was 12,000 or nearly 2,000 above last year’s previous record turnout.

Mayor Tom Dermody said he was amazed at the amount of people walking up and down the several block stretch of Michigan Ave. closed for the event.

“Where else do you see this?  I don’t know.  Where else would you want to be,” he said.

Thomas Matz of La Porte said his two year old daughter, Avalyn, especially liked the bounce houses and carnival rides for the younger children. She started nibbling on a “confetti cookie” purchased from one of the vendors after finishing a bubble gum flavored popsicle.

“She picked it out herself. She seems to be enjoying it a lot,” he said.

Matz said he especially likes the quality of time the Sunflower Fair provides for him to spend with his family.

“We come every year,” he said.

The antique vehicles included a brand new looking red 1956 Ford F-100 pick-up truck owned by Dan Combs of La Porte.

“It turns heads everywhere he goes,” said his son-in-law, Jeff Michaels also of La Porte.

Michaels also had his 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass parked next to the truck and a 1964 Chrysler Newport owned by his father.

“It’s just great to get everybody to events like this.  It gives us a good excuse to get out together and cruise and have a good time,” he said.

David Mills of Kingsbury brought his shiny red 1955 Chevy pick-up truck he purchased and restored a few years ago.

Mills said he often saw the truck through the open door of a barn on trips to Denver, Colorado as an over the road truck driver, but kept getting turned down on his offers to purchase the vehicle with manual steering and a three speed transmission.

After the man who owned it passed away, Mills said the man’s son contacted him asking if he still wanted to buy the vehicle, saying his father “would rather me have it than anybody else.”

Mills said he worked 18 hours a day, seven days a week for three months on the restoration.

“It puts you back into the 1950’s,” he said.

Among the vendors was Sabrina Vargas, owner of “Happy Hound Barkery,” which offers baked goods for dogs made with flour from wheat, coconut, oats and almonds.   

After coming out of her oven, Vargas said one of her products is dehydrated to make it crunchy while the other is allowed to remain soft for easy chewing by older dogs with bad teeth.  The flavor of her products range from cheddar and chicken parmesan to peanut butter.

Vargas said she recently developed the preservative, dye and gluten free products for her dog to see if his allergies would clear up and they did after he consumed the treats.

She’s now a regular vendor at the Michigan City Farmers Market every Saturday and also offers her products online.

“We’ve had a really good response,” she said.

Binversie credited the growth in attendance to things like name recognition over time, marketing of the event on social media and the addition of more vendors coming from as far away at Terre Haute, Ft. Wayne and Michigan.

“It’s definitely a regional event now,” he said.

(Porter County, IN) - Authorities are still investigating a motorcycle accident that claimed the life of a Westville man.

Edward Naymon, 33, was pronounced dead at a hospital after found unconscious but still breathing early Friday in the area of Indiana 49 and 600 North outside Valparaiso.

Porter County Police said his 2008 Yamaha motorcycle for some reason went down near that intersection.

Naymon was discovered by emergency responders lying in the grass close to where the motorcycle went down.

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the accident. Authorities are waiting for the results of a blood test to determine if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the death.

(La Porte County, IN) - Police say alcohol was a factor in a head on collision caused by a wrong way driver in La Porte County over the weekend.

Miraculously, perhaps, there were no serious injuries in the early Saturday crash on U.S 30 at 600 West near Hanna.

Holly Catalano, 33, of Union Mills had an alleged blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, according to La Porte County Police.

The investigation shows it was nearly 4 a.m. when Catalano was returning home from the Knox area.  Police said there was dense fog in the area when, at some point, her westbound car wound up in the eastbound lane.

The other driver, Riley McMahan, 23, of Kouts swerved but was not able to avoid the head on collision.

Police said nobody in the crash required medical treatment.  

According to police, Catalano told the officer she wound up in the wrong lane after “missing the exit.”

(La Porte County, IN) - A man is facing drunk driving and other charges after running across Interstate 94 near Michigan City.

According to La Porte County Police, it was Friday night when he parked his car on the shoulder and took off across the highway on foot.

Upon arrival, police said he had just returned to the shoulder of the six lane highway.

Investigators believe his car broke down but the sweating driver with alcohol on his breath would not reveal why he was on foot, police said.  

He only kept asking to be taken to a gas station.

Police said the officer was taking him to Northwest Health in La Porte for a blood draw to determine the amount of alcohol in his bloodstream when he tried kicking the officer from the back seat on more than on occasion.

Brenden Ruck, 33, had an alleged blood alcohol level was more than three times the .08 percent legal limit.

The Illinois man charged with operating while intoxicated, battery to a police officer and public intoxication has since posted bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - Friday was a rough night for area high school football teams, who went winless in four games.

La Porte is still looking for their first win of the football season. The Slicers (0-5) fell to Lake Central (3-2) Friday night, 24-12.

Michigan City (1-4) traveled to second-ranked Merrillville (4-1). Despite a fourth quarter rally, the Wolves couldn’t quite claw back, losing 14-12.

South Central (1-4) handed Caston (1-4) its first win of the season. The Satellites fell 48-14.

New Prairie (3-2) traveled to Elkhart (4-1). Trailing by three points in the final minutes, the Cougars mounted a comeback drive but fell short, 17-14.

(Gary, IN) - A former Gary, Indiana police officer has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly coercing a minor to produce and record sexually explicit material.

Indiana State Police conducted an investigation of Officer James Bond. The 52-year-old Bond, from Crown Point, was formerly a Commander and Deputy Chief with the Gary Police Department.

According to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court, Bond, earlier this summer, enticed a minor to produce sexually explicit conduct and send it to him. At the time, the minor was employed by the City of Gary as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program.

Bond was arrested Thursday morning and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving and possessing child pornography. He could face up to 60 years in prison if found guilty on all counts.

Following Bond’s arrest, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton issued a statement. “I am shocked and disappointed to hear of the indictment of a former officer,” he said. "Once the Gary Police Department was notified, they immediately triggered an investigation into the alleged wrongdoing."

Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon confirmed that his department acted quickly in response to the charges. “Upon becoming aware of these allegations, swift action was taken to ensure the safety of our employees and the officer named was immediately removed from his authority,” he said in a statement, adding, “While details regarding the ongoing investigation by Indiana State Police cannot be disclosed at this time, rest assured that we are treating this matter with utmost gravity. We will continue to work with the investigating agency with full transparency.”

Authorities are looking for others who may have been victimized by Bond. Anyone with further information in this matter is encouraged to contact Homeland Security Investigations by calling 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.

(Jasper County, IN) - The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department is rebutting allegations that officers mistreated and possibly contributed to the death of a man during a medical call.

On September 8, Emergency Medical Technicians responded to a home in DeMotte, where 26-year-old Rhyker Earl was suffering a severe seizure. Unable to physically control him, EMTs asked for assistance from Sheriff’s deputies. Reports indicate that officers handcuffed Earl and placed him on the floor with a pillow under him. Earl became unresponsive and was transported to a local hospital, where he died two days later.

Earl’s family have retained Indianapolis attorney Stephen Wagner and national civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and are demanding accountability. Crump was co-counsel in the George Floyd wrongful death lawsuit. They each issued statements claiming that officers used excessive force before Earl lost consciousness and treated him more like a criminal than a patient. According to Wagner:

“Officers stayed on top of Rhyker for more than 15 minutes, with his face in a pillow. During this time, Rhyker begged for his life and screamed that he couldn't breathe. His pleas, and those of his aunt and grandmother, were ignored. After more than 15 minutes, Rhyker went limp. His aunt noticed that Rhyker was blue in the face and pleaded with EMTs to do something.”

On Thursday Jasper County Sheriff Pat Williamson issued a press release in response to Wagner’s claims. “In an apparent attempt to set the table for a civil claim, he has gaslit this community and the nation with gross falsehoods concerning the actions of our deputies,” Williamson said.

Upon reviewing police bodycam footage, Williamson said Earl was banging his head on the floor, and officers used a pillow for his safety. “His breathing was not restricted,” Williamson said. He added that pleas by Earl’s family were not ignored, and that officers relied on training to get Earl, who “was vocalizing during the entire incident,” into a safe position for medical treatment.

Indiana State Police are handling the investigation. Once they are able, Sheriff Williamson said they will release body-worn camera video of the incident. In the meantime, attorneys for Earl’s family have scheduled a press conference for Monday, September 23.

According to family, Rhyker Earl was born in Valparaiso and graduated from Kankakee Valley High School in 2016. He leaves behind two children.

(Valparaiso, IN) - Police in Valparaiso have arrested six juveniles for causing a bit of a panic last week by threatening an area school.

Last Thursday, September 12, police investigated a possible threat of violence at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Initially deeming the threats to be not credible, authorities later placed some students on lockdown in locker rooms when threats resurfaced at the end of the school day.

According to a statement by Valparaiso police, the threats included a list of particular individuals who may be harmed.

Police then identified and detained six juveniles. They were taken to the Porter County Juvenile Detention Center and have been charged for their roles in creating and/or publicly sharing threatening information.

Valparaiso is one of many area police agencies taking a zero-tolerance stance on threats to schools. “The Valparaiso Police Department works in close partnership with Valparaiso Community Schools and takes any threat seriously," said Valparaiso Police Chief Andrew McIntyre. "We are dedicated to the safety of our children at all times, allowing for a safe and secure learning environment.”

Earlier this week, two juveniles in Lake County were also arrested for making threats against schools. And on Wednesday in Elkhart County, an 18-year-old was taken into custody by a SWAT team for making threats against Goshen High School.

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. passports can now be renewed online.

Instead of submitting paperwork via snail mail, travelers can access a passport renewal website: www.Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.

The service is available for adults whose passports have expired within the past five years or will expire in the next twelve months. The online service cannot be used for children’s passports or first-time applicants.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, has streamlined a previously lengthy process. “Thanks to increased staffing, technological advancements, and a host of other improvements,” they said, “the average routine passport is being processed today in roughly one-third the time as at the same point last summer, and well under the advertised six to eight weeks processing times.”

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte County Jail inmate awaiting trial on allegations she killed her husband is now accused of trying to get two other inmates to burglarize the home of her former attorney in the murder case.

According to La Porte County Police, her goal was for them to steal money and property to bond her out of jail.

Miranda Suarez, 35, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with conspiracy to commit burglary, a Level 4 felony.

According to court documents, Suarez on September 6 asked two female offenders on her cell block to break into the home of her former attorney in the murder case. 

She believed they were capable of handling the job because of their criminal history, police said.

Suarez directed them to steal money she believed he had in his home along with some of his personal property then use the proceeds to post her bond, according to court documents.

La Porte County Police Chief of Detectives Capt. Andy Hynek said Suarez was being held without bail at the time, but was under the impression a bond amount would be set in the case for them to post.

Hynek said he believes Suarez was hoping the inmates would post bond on the offenses they were held on to commit the burglary or have someone they know on the outside do it. 

In exchange, Suarez allegedly informed the inmates they could keep whatever amount of money was left after posting her bail.

Her plot, though, was soon uncovered the offenders were found with papers containing her former attorney’s address and other personal information, court documents revealed.

Police said the personal information included his birth date and social security number that she encouraged one of the offenders to use to obtain credit in his name.

Suarez obtained the personal information from student loan documents the attorney left by mistake in the paperwork from the murder case he left for her to review, according to court documents.

He later withdrew as her attorney in the case.

Suarez is charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident causing death for allegedly striking her Kyle Suarez, 24, with her car.

The incident happened last year on October 2 in the parking lot of Tall Timbers, an apartment complex where the couple lived on Michigan City’s far east side.

Police said the investigation revealed she wanted to leave during an altercation involving her husband and struck him with the car then fled but later returned.

Initially, she was charged with leaving the scene of the fatal crash but the additional charges resulted later when new information developed alleging her actions with the vehicle were intentional, authorities said.

(Hammond and Westville, IN) - Purdue University Northwest is reporting a 4.3 percent growth in total enrollment.

The increase comes at a time when many higher education institutions across the country are being affected by fluctuating college-going rates among recent high school graduates.

“We are pleased and proud to report that students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees clearly recognize the value of Purdue University Northwest’s high-quality academic and co-curricular opportunities,” said PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford

Total enrollment now stands at 9,051 students.

PNW also reported 1,700 new undergraduate students for the fall semester, the largest number of graduate students since before the pandemic and a 21 percent increase in high school students receiving dual credit from taking PNW courses.

According to PNW, 585 international students were also enrolled for the fall semester, an increase of 20 percent from the previous school year, and nine percent more graduate students from last year were taking courses.

PNW has campuses in Hammond and near Westville.

(La Porte, IN) - A man is facing major drug dealing allegations related to an exchange in La Porte. 

Shawn Ward, 22, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with dealing in methamphetamine and heroin, both Level 3 felonies.

According to court documents, Ward was caught selling 2.8 grams of methamphetamine and 1.3 grams of heroin outside his home in March.  He allegedly carried out the exchange after walking to vehicle that pulled up in the area of Jackson and Noble streets.

Ward arrested last week was still being held in the La Porte County Jail on $25,000 bond.

His current listed address is in Michigan City, according to jail records.

Ward could face anywhere from a 3 to 16 year sentence on each count.

(Porter County, IN) - A man from another country is facing charges after allegedly caught with a massive amount of cocaine here in northwest Indiana.

According to Indiana State Police, the bust occurred not too far from here on Interstate 94.

Naseeb Chisty, 49, was eastbound in a semi-truck when stopped between Michigan City and Chesterton this week.

With help from a K-9 dog, police said 273 pounds of cocaine were located in the trailer.  The driver is from Canada.

(La Porte, IN) - Police had their hands full capturing an outlaw in La Porte yesterday.

According to La Porte Police, the countywide Fugitive Apprehension Street Team responded to the La Porte Village Manufactured Home Community along Indiana 2 on the city’s east side.

There was a warrant from St. Joseph County to arrest a man with a long history of attacking and threatening police officers even with a gun in previous law enforcement encounters, police said.  

Police said the suspect after fleeing from the residence began approaching officers. Instead of a gun, one of the officers used a "less lethal means" to subdue the offender who during a struggle kicked one of the officers in the face.

Police said further techniques were then applied to wrap up the fugitive, who was not identified.

Not only was he held on the warrant out of St. Joseph County but also charges related to yesterday’s law enforcement encounter.

(La Porte, IN) - No arrests have been reported yet in connection with what seems to be threatening graffiti in La Porte.

The graffiti is on 18 St. near the Kesling School complex.

Words and figures painted in black were left on different panels of a several hundred foot long white vinyl fence over a week ago.

If an arrest is made, the courts should expect to hear from Mayor Tom Dermody, who announced a zero tolerance approach during Tuesday’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting at City Hall.

“They need to be held accountable because you’re not going to graffiti our town,” he said.

The name of a so-called gang and what appears to be a dagger in the drawing of face was included in the graffiti.

Police are not commenting on the case because of the ongoing investigation.

Dermody also said whoever was behind the graffiti should be ordered at the very least to remove it.

“I hope we get these young kids who did the work and we put them to work cleaning some panels for about the next year if they would like,” he said.

Anyone with information can contact La Porte Police at (219) 362-9446. 

(Michigan City, IN) - A crackdown on vehicles parked in yards is planned in Michigan City but not before the public is advised.

Police said the upcoming enforcement effort is in response to complaints the department has received about vehicles parked in yards and other areas of the city prohibited under local ordinance.

Citizens are being asked to comply with the local code before the crackdown to avoid being possibly cited and having their vehicles towed.

Under city ordinance, vehicles cannot be parked in front, back or side yards and not on or partially on sidewalks.

(La Porte, IN) - The 25^th annual Sunflower Fair in La Porte is this weekend.

A large number of people, as usual, are expected to attend the Saturday event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

La Porte Special Events Coordinator Brett Binversie estimated the turnout last year at about 10,000 people.

“The crowds never seemed to slow down,” he said.

Most of the vendors offering food and a variety of other goods like arts and crafts along with a huge display of antique motor vehicles will be on Michigan Ave for several blocks south of Lincolnway.

Binversie said there will be well over 100 artisan vendors and around a dozen food trucks not at the Sunflower Fair last year will also be here.

“We think everyone is going to enjoy it,” said.

There will be a Friday night kick-off to the Sunflower Fair featuring the regional rock band, “NAWTY”, performing from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Michigan Ave. between Jefferson Ave. and Lincolnway.

“Looking forward to a great weekend.  Hopefully, we get great weather as we’ve had,” La Porte Park and Recreation Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber during his Sunflower Fair announcement before the city’s Board of Public Works & Safety this week.

Other attractions Saturday will include bounce houses and carnival rides for children, face painting and a rib cook-off.

“If you’re looking for it, you should be able to find it at the 2024 Sunflower Fair,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - Police in La Porte last night arrested an impaired man who probably would have been a better driver blind.

Close to midnight, La Porte County Police said officers were given a heads up by another motorist traveling behind the driver at Indiana 39 and Severs Road.

The suspect was traveling all over the road at speeds as low as 12 miles per hour and, at one point, drove into a ditch, police said.

During his alleged alcohol impaired adventure,, police said he even stopped at green lights and used his turn signals where there were no side streets to turn on.

Eventually, the wayward vehicle pulled into the Phillips 66 gas station parking lot on Pine Lake Ave.

Despite his super erratic driving, the 34 year old driver from Ohio tried fooling the officer by claiming to consumed just two beers. 

A portable breathalyzer allegedly came back with a blood alcohol reading of more than wo times the legal limit.  However, the driver refused to take a more accurate certified test admissible in court resulting in his automatic arrest.   

Police said Esvin Mendez-Sicol is charged with operating while intoxicated and never receiving a driver’s license.

(La Porte County, IN) - A ban on open burning is in effect in La Porte County in response to concerns expressed by farmers about the potential for their tinder dry crops from lack of rain catching fire.

Cass-Clinton Fire Chief Jeff Mitzner, who raises livestock along with corn and soybeans to feed his animals, is asking the public to take the open burning ban seriously.

Mitzner said extreme heat or a spark from a bad bearing on a combine while harvesting or even a lit cigarette butt flicked out of a moving vehicle could lead to a major farm field or brush fire in conditions he hasn’t seen this dry in about 20 years.

“A 10 mile an hour wind would spread a field fire pretty very fast right now because of the dryness,” he said.

The open burning ban passed Wednesday night by the La Porte County Commissioners is in effect until October 2 but could be extended if the drought like conditions don’t improve.

“It’s going to take more than just one rainfall to get us back to where we need to be,” said Commissioner Joe Haney.

Mitzner agreed, saying even a good soaking rain wouldn’t have much, if any, positive impact right now .

“The ground is going to suck up the water so fast it will not even know that it rained,” he said.

Mitzner said harvesting from dust created by combines always carries some degree of fire risk to farmers and their fields.

Usually, only the machines catch fire when a spark ignites the clouds of tiny organic particles created from the cutting and shredding combines do to separate corn and soybeans from the plants.

This year, Mitzner said the clouds of plant material will be heavier and much drier, increasing the risk of a flash-like fire a farmer could get caught in before they have a chance to jump off the harvesting machine.

“That’s how dry it is,” he said.

He advised farmers to pay special attention this harvest season for any sparks flying off their combines so they can respond quicker to any help they might need.

“A lot of times the farmers don’t even know they’re throwing sparks out from behind the combine and they don’t realize it until they get to the end of the field.  By that time, it’s already too late and the field is already up in flames,” he said.

The La Porte Community School Corporation is reaching out to the public to fill various job openings.

Two days of open interviews are scheduled next week for multiple support staff positions, including Food Service Team Members, Maintenance Team Members, and Special Education Classroom Aides.

The interviews will be held on Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25, offering candidates an opportunity to join the LPCSC team and positively impact the school community.

      Positions Available:

• Food Service Team Members: Responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals to students.

• Maintenance Team Members: Key role in maintaining school facilities and ensuring safety and cleanliness.

• Special Education Classroom Aides: These aides provide essential support to students with special needs and assist teachers in creating an inclusive learning environment.

          Open Interview Dates & Locations:

• Tuesday, September 24 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  Food Service and Maintenance Team Members | SSC Building (Near Kesling Campus) 1921 A Street

• Wednesday, September 25 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  Special Education Classroom Aides | ESC Building (Boston Campus) 1000 Harrison Street

No prior appointment is needed.

Interested candidates are encouraged to walk in with their resumes and be ready to discuss their qualifications and enthusiasm for joining the LPCSC team.

Call 219-362-7056 or visit www.lpcsc.k12.in.us for more information.

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office is issuing safety tips and assurance in response to a recent rash of school threats locally and throughout the state.

SCHOOL SAFETY

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has a longstanding partnership with the La Porte Community School Corporation, New Prairie United School Corporation, South Central Community School Corporation, MSD of New Durham Township School Corporation, and the Tri-Township Consolidated School Corporation.  These partnerships have grown over the years where deputies now serve as full time school resource officers (SROs) and several others as part-time SROs.  The need for these partnerships and SROs has never been as important as they are now with school corporations across the state and locally experiencing school threats.      

Over the past couple weeks, school corporations throughout La Porte County have experienced safety threats ranging in various types and degree.  As a result, this communication is a unified message led by the agency and in conjunction with the aforementioned school district superintendents.

ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY

The LCSO has implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of a school related threat.  Any individual found to be making a threat (s), even if intended as a joke, will face severe consequences, including criminal charges and school expulsion.

Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg stated, “I, along with our school district superintendents, will not tolerate anyone who is found to have made or shared a school related threat.  The zero-tolerance policy will be strictly adhered to in all cases when a school corporation is impacted, and the learning environment has been disrupted.  Any and all individuals who make, post or spread such threats will be held accountable for their actions.”

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community members.  We assure you that these matters are being taken very seriously and everyone is working together to implement and enhance safety measures across all our schools. These efforts are a part of our ongoing commitment to creating the safest possible environment.

TIPS FOR PARENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA MONITORING & ONLINE SAFETY

Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their children's online activities:

• Regularly monitor your child's social media accounts and online interactions.
• Have open conversations about responsible social media use and the consequences of inappropriate behavior online.
• Set privacy settings on social media accounts to restrict access to trusted individuals.
• Encourage your children to think critically about the content they consume and share online.
• Familiarize yourself with the apps and platforms your children are using.

REPORTING CONCERNS

If you or your child see or hear anything concerning, please report it to school authorities or the Sheriff’s Office immediately.  DO NOT share or repost threats or rumors on social media, as this can cause unnecessary panic and hinder investigations.

To report concerns:

• During school hours: Contact your child's school administration.
• After hours or on weekends:  Call the LCSO – (219) 326-7700.
• For immediate emergencies: Dial 911

By working together, we can ensure a safe and positive learning environment for all students across La Porte County.

(Michigan City, IN) - There will be no pay raises for the mayor or city council next year in Michigan City.

Currently, the mayor is paid just over $93,000 a year while each city council member receives more than $15,000 annually.

It was announced during Tuesday night's Michigan City Common Council meeting, that no elected officials will receive a pay hike for 2025.

City Council President Don Przybylinski said he was fine with not getting a raise.

“31 percent of the people I believe in Michigan City live below the poverty level.  I think it would be rather embarrassing for me to show my face up and down the street if I’m up here trying to promote 10 percent, 15 percent raises on an annual basis,” he said.

He also said the city with a population of about 30,000 is not large enough to warrant higher pay for its elected officials.

(La Porte County, IN) - A free clothing giveaway is scheduled Friday at the La Porte County Fairgrounds.

Clothing along with certain household items will be available with no strings attached, according to the Kitchen Kin Extension Homemakers Club with the La Porte County branch of the Purdue Extension Office.

The club is hosting the open to the public event in the small projects building from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People are also invited to come and donate clothing, especially for children, before the giveaway from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

(La Porte County, IN) - No open burning is allowed in parts of southern La Porte County right now because of the drought like conditions.

The open burning ban for Cass and Clinton townships was ordered by Cass-Clinton Fire Chief Jeff Mitzner after fire chiefs statewide were given that option by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Mitzner said the open burning ban is in effect until further notice.  He’s also asking people to take it seriously because of conditions he hasn’t seen this dry in about 20 years.

He said even flicking a lit cigarette butt from a moving vehicle could lead to a major farm field or brush fire.

Mitzner said farm fields are prone to catching fire due to tinder dry corn plants and soybeans dying prematurely before harvest from lack of rain.

“A 10 mile an hour wind would spread a field fire pretty very fast right now because of the dryness,” he said.

Mitzner also expressed concern about the potential for combine fires while the machines are harvesting corn and soybeans. 

He said a spark from a combine would be especially dangerous if it made contact with powder dry dust from corn and soybean plants created when taken into the machine. 

Mitzner said a combine operator would also be at risk if not able to jump or step off the machine before it quickly becomes engulfed in flames.

“That’s how dry it is,” he said.

The open burning ban could be imposed countywide from a measure expected to be considered tonight during the La Porte County Commissioners' meeting. 

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody has revealed a desire to hire more police officers to clamp down further on drug dealers.

Dermody said he might not be taken seriously on his goal of “winning the war on drugs” in the city, but he thinks it’s possible and is just as committed to doing that since campaigning on that pledge before first elected mayor in 2019.

During last night’s La Porte City Council meeting, Dermody announced he wants to hire more police officers but there’s not enough funds in the city budget to afford it.

He said the cost of each new officer, including benefits, would be about $150,000.  However, Dermody said he’s thinking out of the box to try and find ways to finance such a price tag.

“We’re going to find those dollars in a creative way to make sure we have a force that can be aggressive to winning the war on drugs,” he said.

Since becoming mayor, the number of officers at the police department has been practically restored with help from money generated by a new countywide public safety tax.

Dermody spearheaded the charge for establishing the tax to increase the pay of police officers to keep them from continuing to leave for other higher paying departments.

Under Dermody, the police department has also added a social worker to the front lines of the drug war by helping to secure treatment for users.

Dermody, who’s approached suspected drug dealers himself to discourage their activities, said he doesn’t believe it would take long to further strengthen manpower at the police department because of the number of officers already expressing a desire to work here.

He said part of his strategy is to turn up the heat enough on drug dealers for them to leave and not come here.

(La Porte, IN) - A Michigan City man is back in custody facing charges linked to the use of a flock camera.

Joshua Bracken was charged in May with mostly lower level drug related offenses after he was driving a vehicle stopped by Indiana State Police on McClung Road in La Porte.

The traffic stop was in response to a flock camera giving notice about the owner of the vehicle later identified as Bracken having a suspended driver’s license.

Police said he was arrested when a small amount of marijuana and prescription pills he didn’t have a doctor’s permission to have were located in the vehicle.  He was also charged with not having insurance on the vehicle and cited for not wearing a seat belt.

According to court records, Bracken was released from the La Porte County Jail after posting bond a few weeks later.

A bench warrant was issued for his arrest last week when he allegedly failed to show up for a court hearing.  He was taken back into custody when served with the bench warrant five days later.

(La Porte, IN) - A proposal to borrow up to $24 million to pay for infrastructure improvements in the recently annexed 39 North Conservancy District and other areas was presented Monday night to the La Porte City Council.

La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook said completing storm water/sewer separation on Boyd Boulevard and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate expansion of Thomas Rose Industrial Park are the two other projects that would be financed with the proposed bond issue.

The work planned in the city’s expanded corporate boundaries includes erecting a water tower to be able to serve future developments by increasing water capacity.

Cook emphasized money from the city’s general fund will not be used to finance the proposed bond issue.  Instead, revenue from existing tax increment financing districts where that work is planned will be used to finance the loan.

The money will be generated by the projects increasing the assessed tax valuation of the properties. 

“The revenues that are derived from all of our different TIF districts are ultimately what would service this debt,” he said.

A vote by the city council is expected at its next meeting October 7.

Cook said the amount borrowed could be less depending on whether grants are secured to apply toward the cost and other factors.

“Progress,” said Mayor Tom Dermody.

(Michigan City, IN) - A proposal to change the requirements for a high school diploma in the state will be the focus of a public meeting Wednesday in Michigan City.

State Representative Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) will host a town hall meeting from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

She will be joined by State Senator Rodney Pol, Jr.

The town hall meeting will give citizens an opportunity to learn more about the proposed diploma redesign, ask questions and share their concerns with stakeholders. 

Under the current proposal, students can earn a base diploma or seals on a diploma that would require more advanced courses, work experience and aptitude.

For example, the highest tier Honors Enrollment Seal Plus diploma would require successful completion of a minimum 100 hours of work-based learning as well as advanced courses.

Officials said the changes reflect a desire by some lawmakers to make high school more relevant to the workforce.

The state has until 2029 to adopt new requirements.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte woman is facing potential time in prison from her then 12 year old son being seriously injured when struck on the head with a dumbbell.

Sarah Dukes, 34, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony domestic battery along with Level 6 felony counts of domestic battery and criminal recklessness.

Her alleged actions occurred about three years ago.

Authorities just recently became involved after her son, who now lives with his father, reported the alleged incident, according to court documents.

The investigation shows the boy and his older sister were doing chores at a home they lived in with their mother, stepfather and younger siblings on Warren St. in La Porte.

At one point, the brother and sister began arguing over something.  Police said the commotion awakened Dukes, who came downstairs with the five pound weight in her hand.

She struck the boy several times with it and took him to hospital where he received four staples to close the laceration he was heavily bleeding from on the back of his head, according to court documents.

His now 17 year old sister also hit with the dumbbell was not injured, police said.

Court documents allege Dukes told the medical staff her son was hurt when pushed by his sister and fell.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said charges in low to mid-level felony crimes in Indiana must be filed within five years from time of occurrence.

There is no statute of limitations for murder.  Dukes arrested on September 10 was still being held Tuesday in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County man was arrested for driving impaired after he allegedly struck a fence and fled the scene.

He didn’t get very far down the road after the crash, though, because of his vehicle becoming disabled.

Andrew Samuelson, 25, is charged with operating while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident.

Samuelson hit the fence Saturday evening with a 2014 Honda Civic in the 4300 block of E. 300 South, according to La Porte County Police.

Police said responding officers located him outside the freshly damaged vehicle just over a mile to the west on 300 South.

According to police, Samuelson explained a blown tire caused him to leave the road but he didn’t realize he had struck a fence.

His alleged blood alcohol level was .147 percent.

Police said a witness told investigators Samuelson was looking down at his “cellular device” when he left the road.  The OWI was upgraded to a felony due to Samuelson having a prior OWI conviction in Porter County.

A tow truck was called for his vehicle. 

(La Porte, IN) - A golf course in La Porte is viewed as one of the best in the state.

Beechwood Golf Course is No. 9 in the annual rankings by a group called Golf Pass.

Kyle Cashmer, the golf pro at the municipal golf course, said the conditions have improved noticeably since the city in recent years invested into things like a new irrigation system and upgrades to the clubhouse.

He also credited Beechwood Golf Course Superintendent Jace Peterson and others for their work and focus on maintenance especially on the greens.

“It’s a great time to be part of Beechwood,” he said.

The golf course has been around since 1931.

Cashmer said the golf course has been recognized by the industry in the past as among the most challenging golf courses in the state and for the playing surface of its greens.

However, he said the golf course seemed a bit in decline until making a full rebound after the city’s investment into the facility and renewed interest in golf triggered by the pandemic.

He said improvements in the future could include things like the addition of a driving range.

“There’s a lot of momentum for Beechwood right now. I couldn’t say that probably 10 to 12 years ago,” he said.

Privately owned Legacy Hills just outside the La Porte city limits was ranked No. 25 in the state by the same group in its golf course rankings. 

(Michigan City, IN) - A man reported to be homeless could get some jail time on allegations he urinated at a Michigan City park in front of two-year old girl.

Javier Mendoza, 53, is charged in La Porte Superior Court with public nudity, public intoxication and criminal trespass, all misdemeanor offenses.

According to court documents, the girl was with her parents during the afternoon on September 9 at the park outside Ames Field in the 2300 block of Franklin St.

The investigation shows Mendoza looked around before allegedly exposing himself and climbing on the fountain at the park to urinate in the fountain.

In response, police said the panicking toddler ran to her father.

Upon arrival, police said officers located Mendoza asleep just outside the perimeter of the fountain next to a can of beer and backpack containing clothing.

Police said Mendoza, who has a prior address from Michigan City, showed obvious signs of impairment when questioned.

(La Porte County, IN) - A pedestrian was seriously hurt when struck by a motor vehicle in La Porte County over the weekend.

Scott Hartke, 39, was taken by helicopter to Memorial Hospital in South Bend due to the severity of the injury to his leg, according to La Porte County Police.

The accident happened just before 9 a.m. Saturday in the 2900 block of N.  Fail Road. 

Police said Hartke told investigators he was loading equipment onto his trailer after delivering a bounce house when struck by the vehicle.

The 74 year old driver told investigators he did not see the man until after he struck him, police said.  The investigation shows the driver came over a hill at about 40 miles per hour and there were no cones or any other traffic safety devices to let motorists know about the presence of Hartke and his trailer.

Hartke resides north and west of La Porte.

Police said he did not lose consciousness and spoke coherently during his conservation with investigators before loaded into the medical helicopter. 

(La Porte County, IN) - The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office says a local man is safe and back with family after found in Illinois.

A Silver Alert for Ronald Bowling, 66, was issued statewide on September 5 after he was reported missing.  At the time, the La Porte man was believed to be in danger and requiring possible medical assistance.

The Silver Alert was cancelled on Friday.

So far, additional details have not been released from the sheriff’s office.

(La Porte County, IN) - A bridge is out and a county road has been abruptly closed east of La Porte.

On Thursday County Commissioners announced that CR 525 East is closed until further notice south of Division Road down to CR 100 South. Emergency repairs are being made to a bridge over the Little Kankakee River. Right now they the closure could last anywhere from several weeks to a couple of months.

The County Engineer and Highway Department are working diligently to get the bridge back open as soon as possible.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte hosted DAC foe Chesterton (3-1) Friday night. The Slicers (0-4) fell short, with a 28-7 defeat. A 27-yard touchdown run in the game’s closing minutes by senior Tre Beghtel was the game’s only bright spot.

In other local football action, Michigan City (1-3) hosted Valparaiso (3-1), but came up short, falling 20-14.

South Central (1-3) lost to Triton (3-1) 48-12.

New Prairie (3-1) returned to their winning ways Friday night with a successful road trip to South Bend Adams (0-4). The Cougars won big, 48-6. Junior Reed Robinson and senior Zak Henrich each ran for 131 yards. Robinson scored three touchdowns, while Henrich scored twice. The Cougar defense registered five sacks and held the Eagles scoreless for the final three quarters.

(South Bend, IN) - A Michigan City man has been sentenced in federal court on drug and firearms charges.

After pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, 51-year-old Demetrius Roberson was sentenced to seven years and four months in federal prison. Following Roberson's prison sentence, he will have three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, between December 2022 and February of last year, Roberson sold cocaine on seven occasions, totaling around two ounces. A search of his home then turned up almost 400 grams of cocaine, one pound of marijuana, two handguns, and over $5,000.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, the Michigan City Police Department, the Indiana State Police Laboratory, and the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.  

(La Porte County, IN) - A missing elderly La Porte man has been found safe and sound.

Last week a statewide Silver Alert was declared for 66-year-old Ronald Bowling, who had last been seen on August 28. On Friday afternoon, the alert was cancelled when the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office reported that Bowling had been found safe and with family.

(La Porte, IN) - A new mural expected to be finished soon in LaPorte seems to be grabbing the attention of a lot of people impressed by the work.

Holly Swank of LaPorte said she’s walked past the mural every day while going to her job at nearby Indiana Deli since it started going up Monday.

Swank said it’s been kind of exciting to see the mural taking shape.

“It’s beautiful.  It’s bright.  I guess it makes my walk into work a little bit brighter,” she said.

The mural is on the side of the LaPorte County Public Library Exchange. The exchange is inside a slightly more than century old building once home to what’s still often referred to as “The Telephone Co.” at 807 Indiana Ave.

For decades, the three story structure housed switchboard operators manually connecting people on telephone calls until dial up phones forced the company out of business.

The building was purchased and renovated by the library, which opened it across the street from its main branch in 2020.

The facility offers for public use the latest in technology such as 3-D printers, laser cutters along with other things like a wood lathe and studios for recording podcasts and videos.

There’s also space for people to do their own knitting and sewing.

Assistant Library Director Toni Kester-Bulger said the idea behind the mural was to have something that sort of captures the history of the building and work representing the future happening there now.

Kester-Bulger said the mural for greeting people coming to the exchange was planned since the grand opening but came to reality with a grant from the Health Foundation of LaPorte.

“What a better way to welcome the community and kind of reflect the creativity that’s going on inside,” she said.

The muralist is Alex Allen using strictly a special kind of spray paint of various colors from California and frog tape for creating the straight lines in the abstract image.

“I kind of just wanted the viewer to feel joy, warmth and just, hopefully, inspired going into this building,” she said.

Allen said the prism in the middle of the mural is her way of showing the building now has a place in the future.

“I wanted to kind of make you feel like you’re going into a different world,” she said.

Allen, 30, is a lifelong resident of South Bend with about 180 murals under her belt mostly in northern Indiana.

She has gone to places as far away as Pennsylvania and Montana with her talent since becoming a full-time muralist nearly six years ago.

Allen said she always had a knack for artwork but after graduating from high school made a living as a traditional house painter. Eventually, she couldn’t ignore a growing desire to become more artistic with paint and, perhaps, meet here true calling.

Aside from a few classes, Allen said she taught herself.

“I think I kind of always knew.  One day you just wake up and say now it’s time,” she said.

Allen said she hopes to be finished with the mural by late in the afternoon on Saturday.

Kester-Bulger said a mural celebration is scheduled October 4 in the outdoor Wifi garden at the main library branch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

She said people coming can check out the mural, meet Allen and have some refreshments.

“I think it’s just remarkable what she’s been able to do,” she said

(La Porte County, IN) - Precautions are being taken today at a local school in response to a potential threat that may have been just a rumor connected to Friday the 13^th.

According to the superintendent’s office, students were arriving at New Prairie Middle School this morning when the administration received a report of a threat rumored at the school.

Students were brought into the gymnasium and their back packs searched prior to being sent to classes.  Superintendent Paul White said multiple school resource officers will be in the building throughout the school day as a precaution.

So far, White said there's no been evidence or confirmation of a real threat at the middle school.  Instead, it appears a rumor mill possibly started from students reacting to social media posts about other schools and today being Friday the 13^th.

“We are, of course, taking these concerns very seriously, which has led to the student search prior to starting the school day. Enough students had arrived to NPMS as we received this information that it was determined the best course was to provide student supervision through our partnership with the LaPorte County Sheriff's office,” he said.

(Portage, IN) - A La Porte man showed up to meet who he thought was a 13 year old girl, but he was intercepted by police.

Matthew Okrzesik, 41, allegedly went to a home in Portage.

He was under the impression the person he chatted with online and sent a nude photo of himself to was a 13 year old girl, police said. 

He allegedly went to the door Wednesday night with a bag containing a sex toy, other sex related items and marijuana cigarettes.  Police said law enforcement was waiting, though, and led him away in handcuffs.

He’s facing charges of child solicitation and possession of marijuana.

(Michigan City, IN) - Children in the Michigan City Schools are again receiving donations of food to take home for weekends.

The Salvation Army of Michigan City is behind the annual effort giving an average of 450 students in the Weekend Backpack Feeding Program six meals to eat until they return to school on Monday throughout the school year.

Major Becky Simmons said the program helps combat food insecurity by providing students from preschool to 12^th grade with a consistent supply of something to eat.

Kristi David, Coordinator for Counseling and Support Services at the school corporation, said all students receive two meals on school days at no cost, but the program fills in potential gaps at home.

“But we know that some of our families struggle to make ends meet and that impacts their ability to provide meals over the weekend,” she added.

According to school officials, 77 percent of students in the district would qualify for free and reduced lunch at school systems no offering everyone a free meal.

Simmons said a lot is taken into account when deciding the food items for children to take home on weekends.

“We look at foods that are healthy, easy for kids to prepare on their own, appealing to children, affordable, and easily transportable, but still fits within our budget,” she said.

More information about this and other programs can be obtained by contacting The Salvation Army of Michigan City at (219) 874-6885 or at www.samichignacity.org.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Marijuana for medical and recreational use by adults would become legal in Indiana if the democratic candidate for governor has it her way.

Jennifer McCormick today unveiled her “Common Sense Cannabis Legislation Plan.”

It calls for immediate legalization of medical marijuana and developing a path leading to recreational marijuana becoming legal.

“Hoosiers have made it clear.  They support adult-use cannabis and are frustrated by Indiana’s outdated prohibition laws,” she said.

Her plan would also include establishing regulations, licensing requirements and safety standards for what she envisioned as a full-fledged marijuana industry.

McCormick, the former Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, estimated making marijuana legal could generate more than $172 million in tax revenue a year for the state.

"Indiana is an island of prohibition surrounded by states with legal cannabis industries. By taking a responsible, phased approach, we can ensure that our state is prepared for full adult-use legalization while immediately providing relief through medical marijuana," she said.

If elected, she could face long odds because of the republican super majority in the house and senate.

(Merrillville, IN) - NIPSCO customers could be hit with another electric rate increase.

The utility is asking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for a 22 percent increase in current rates.

According to NIPSCO, the average residential electric user would see their monthly electric bills increase by about $32.

NIPSCO officials said the rate hike is largely driven by continued investments in renewable energy as the utility continues to transition more toward energy from the sun and wind along with infrastructure upgrades.

“These proposed rates will support that ongoing transition, as well as infrastructure and system upgrades to strengthen our system and provide the increased safety, reliability and value that our customers expect and deserve,” said NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Parisi.

The rate hike, if approved, would begin to take effect in September of next year while the remainder of the increase would start being reflected on the bills of customer by March of 2026, according to NIPSCO.

(Indianapolis, IN) - The first execution of an Indiana prison inmate since 2009 is scheduled before the end of the year.

Joseph Corcoran, 49, is on death row at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City for the 1997 shooting deaths of two family members and their two friends in the Ft. Wayne area.

In June, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Attorney General Todd Rokita asked the Indiana Supreme Court to set an execution date for Corcoran, saying his appeals were exhausted and the state had obtained the necessary drugs to carry out a lethal injection.

The state’s highest court recently granted the request and ordered the execution be carried out on December 18 before “the hour of sunrise.”

A shortage of legal injection drugs and other issues are cited as reasons why there hasn’t been an execution in the state over the past 15 years.

(La Porte, IN) - Professional wrestling is coming to the La Porte Civid Auditorium next month. 

The sanctioning body is Ohio Valley Wrestling organization, a feeder program for the type of wrestling held at major venues and on television.

Civic Auditorium Director Brett Binversie said people like wrestler and actor John Cena and WWE wrestlers Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes were Ohio Valley Wrestlers while coming up the ranks in the sport.

“It’s a very talented group that’s coming through,” he said.

Binversie said spectactors will get a taste of the big time wrestling atmosphere.

“Probably a little lower production scale I would guess, but still extreme athleticism.  We think it’s going to be an extremely entertaining night,” he said.

The wrestling is scheduled October 4 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Tickets are currently on sale.

(La Porte, IN) - A splash pad for dogs is going in at a local dog park.

The park open to the public is at the Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center along Indiana 2 next to the fairgrounds.

Carey Garwood is with Bethany Lutheran Church, which spearheaded a fund raising drive to add the slash pad for dogs and other improvements being made to the dog park.

“A splash pad for dogs is a new thing, a new concept. There aren’t a lot of them around our area,” she said.

Garwood said a $50,000 state matching grant along with an equal sum of funds from the church congregation and other sources made paying for the work possible.  There were also donations of time and labor.

Other improvements include painting old wood benches and new trash receptacles.

The splash pad for dogs surface will be painted soon and artificial turf laid at the entrance to the splash pad for dogs.  She’s hoping the improvements at the dog park will lead to more visitors and higher adoption rates at the shelter.

Garwood said there’s still a few weeks of work yet to be done at the park but hopes the splash pad for dogs is ready to be turned on before the weather becomes too cool.

Anyone wanting to lend a hand at finishing the job can go to
https://bethanylaporte.breezechms.com/form/4ac135

On Friday, a special meet and greet is planned to welcome new shelter director Emilie Levesque, who’s replacing Eric Hayes whose moving to Texas.

There will be light refreshments during the meet and greet from noon until 3 p.m.

(La Porte, IN) - The door has swung further open in LaPorte for a large family fun center with features ranging from miniature golf, arcade and virtual sports games to a restaurant and bar.

The La Porte Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday approved a special exception for the 18 hole outdoor miniature golf course and arcade at the over 33,000 facility planned at New Porte Landing along Pine Lake Ave.

Everything else that would be offered at “Noah’s Arcade” is already permitted under the city’s zoning ordinance, which also allows for a Go Cart track that could be added to the development at some point, said Attorney Bill Nelson.

Nelson represents the developers Ben Konowitz and Ryan Hart, local residents who operate Full Tilt, a much smaller establishment offering pinball, arcade and other games on Fail Road on the city’s east side since October of 2022.

Hart said great response from the community to Full Tilt was a driving force behind the plans for Noah’s Arcade.

So was the desire to provide LaPorte with what he strongly believes will be a regional destination and reason for local residents to stop going to other communities for similar offerings like Zao Island in Valparaiso, he said.

The plans also include 12 lanes of bowling, 100 arcade and pinball games along with a two lane Ninja Warrior course.

The unanimous vote by the board came after Nelson argued a family fun center at the 6.6 acre site behind Kroger conforms with the surrounding recreational land use.

He said there are things like Clear Lake, a baseball field at Fox Park, a bicycle and walking trail along with the Dunes Events Center in close proximity.

Nelson called the Dunes Events Center where regional volleyball tournaments drawing large crowds are often held on weekends “the epitome of recreation.”

He also said Noah’s Arcade would be a natural draw in between matches for families attending the tournaments.

In late July, the LaPorte Redevelopment Commission approved an agreement for the proposed $10 million facility.

The agreement calls for the developers to be given the LPRC owned property as long as the fun center operates for at least four years and they provide what’s promised in offerings, quality construction and building appearance.

Failure to live up to the terms of the agreement will mean Konowitz and Hart having to pay for the ground.

LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook estimated the value of the ground at well over $1 million because of the residential and commercial developments that have gone up at the environmentally remediated former industrial area in recent years.

Cook also sees great potential in a Noah’s Arcade making a positive difference in the amount of money coming in and leaving the city.

“I think it’ll be a great addition. It’s something unique that many other communities don’t have,” he said.

Hart said the hope is to begin construction late this year or early next year.

The fun center is planned at the former Dietrich Steel site demolished about a decade ago as part of the city’s brownfield redevelopment.

In recent years, a 200 unit resort type living facility along with a medical office, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Smoothie King and Aldi have also gone up at the 50 acre site.

(La Porte County, IN) - Phone calls are now going through on land lines in all La Porte County government owned buildings.

That’s according to La Porte County Commission President Connie Gramarossa, who added efforts were made to restore service when the land lines partially stopped working this morning.

Gramarossa said the landlines were unable to accept calls but were able to handle outgoing calls.

She said there was no interruption in land line service at the 911 center. 

(Michigan City, IN) - A former high school football star was one of the drivers seriously hurt in a head on collision near Westville this week.

25 year old Michael McCullough was the starting quarterback for Michigan City High School for three years before graduating. 

He became an innocent victim when struck head on by a driver passing in a no passing zone on Indiana 2.

According to La Porte County Police, McCullough and the other driver, Sean Grubbs, 42, of Valparaiso each sustained multiple injuries that included multiple bone fractures.

They were both airlifted due to their extreme injuries.

Grubbs was passing a semi truck from behind when the collision happened Monday before 6 a.m.

The Wolves made deep runs in the state tournament when McCullough was taking the snaps.

(La Porte, IN) - A Kentucky woman asleep at the wheel with her three year old granddaughter in the vehicle last year in La Porte is back in jail on drug related allegations.

Theresa Bowker, 60, of is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, she was passenger in a vehicle driven by her daughter pulled over for twice not using a turn signal early on September 5 in the area of E. Lincolnway and Audley St.

Police said Bowker was found with less than a gram of methamphetamine in her purse after evidence of drug use was discovered in the vehicle.

Her daughter, Cassie Butler, 42, of La Porte is charged with possession of methamphetamine and driving without ever receiving a license.

According to court documents, Bowker was found sleeping while reclined in the driver's seat of a 2002 Ford Explorer.  The SUV was parked in a field in the area on County Road 100 West just north of La Porte in late June of last year.

Her granddaughter was in the front passenger seat awake and alert, police said.

Police said the woman's blood alcohol level was .268 percent or more than three times the legal limit.

Bowker was later given a two year sentence mostly spent on probation for operating while intoxicated.  A neglect of a dependent charge was dismissed in exchange for the plea, according to court records.

(La Porte, IN) - A quick thinking police officer at a LaPorte shopping center wound up arresting a driver for allegedly having narcotics along with his female passenger wanted in another state.

Charles Gross, 44, of Argos is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine.

Lisa Miller, 56, of South Bend is being held in the La Porte County Jail without bond for authorities in Arkansas where she has a warrant for her arrest on an undisclosed offense.

According to court documents, a La Porte Police officer early on September 5 spotted the driver of a car parked at Maple Lane Mall speaking with a known female homeless drug user next to his vehicle.

The driver later identified as Gross pulled away while Miller returned to where she appeared to be staying underneath the canopy outside an empty section of the mall.

Police said the officer went after Gross and during a traffic stop located on the floorboard a tin container with .17 grams of methamphetamine in it.

The warrant for Miller turned up during a computer check.

According to court records, police received conflicting stories ranging from Gross receiving money for gas and cigarettes from the homeless woman to him offering her work.

He denied selling any of the illegal drugs to her, police said.

According to court records, Gross used to live in Rolling Prairie and has a past theft conviction in La Porte County.

Other previous cases like possession of methamphetamine and burglary in local courts were dismissed because of issues over his mental competency, according to court records.

(Michigan City, IN) - A proposal to build more than 200 new market priced homes is moving forward in Michigan City.

The city’s Redevelopment Commission Monday night unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Sloane Avenue Group and Redstone

Group of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

RDC Attorney Alan Sirinek said the tentative plans call for the construction of eight buildings containing 124 rental units along with 122 townhouse units available for purchase on Tryon Road on the city’s far-east side.

Sirinek said there would also be 6,000 square feet of retail space to serve the needs of residents in the proposed development referred to as “Tryon Meadow Housing.”

Officials seemed to more than welcome the proposal to help modernize the city’s aging housing stock.

“There’s no secret Michigan City needs housing.  So, whenever a developer is proposing a housing development we kind of perk our ears up,” he said.

Sirinek said the developers requested the MOU, saying it would help them purchase the property within the short deadline they’re under to secure the land and obtain a lower interest rate on the financing.

The MOU also represents a commitment by the city to work with the developers over the next 45 days on an incentive package.

Skyler York, the city’s Director of Planning and Development, said the city is being asked to help pay for the expense of constructing roads and extending municipal water and sewer service to the site.

York said how much the city would contribute toward the very rough four million dollar estimated cost is among the details yet to be hammered out.

The cost of the new infrastructure would be paid for with tax money generated from the new homes increasing the assessed value of the undeveloped land.

York said the developers are still in the process of deciding the exact spot along Tryon Road to start constructing the homes.

“There’s still a lot of open land over there that they’re looking at,” he said.

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said she’s in full support of the project.

“I think it’s a wonderful way to not only improve our infrastructure but also to increase our housing stock,” she said.             

Officials also seemed impressed with how prepared and committed the developers seem to be about the project.

York said one of things the city would like is for some of the new construction to be workforce housing priced at what a good wage earner can afford.

“We’ve been working pretty diligently with this group.  They’re been pretty aggressive with respect to doing the things that we asked them to do,” he said.

Deuitch also complimented the developers for having their “ducks in a row.  Ready to go without asking for a whole lot,” she said.

York said the developers have built thousands of new homes primarily from the Chicago area through northwest Indiana and into southwest Michigan.

He said the MOU is an agreement for the city and developers to partner together while moving ahead in the process toward final approval without guarantees or threat of penalty.

“We’re going to basically hold hands and move forward,” York said.

The cost of rent and sale price are other specifics not decided yet because of the plans being in the preliminary stages. 

Sirinek said full details will be shared probably next month or in November if the developers are successful with the land purchase.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police say passing in a NO PASSING ZONE is the cause of a motor vehicle collision that might have left both drivers fighting for their lives.

The crash happened just before 6 a.m. Monday on Indiana 2 near 900 West.

Police said the investigation shows 42 year old Sean Grubbs of Valparaiso was passing a semi-truck from behind on the two lane highway when he collided head-on with an oncoming car driven by Michael McCullough, 25, of Michigan City.

Police said both drivers were airlifted with multiple injuries, including multiple bone fractures.

La Porte County Sheriff Ron Heeg said this shows what can happen when drivers make risky decisions.

“Here we have somebody who’s impatient, was in a hurry to get to wherever they were going and they go and pass in a no passing zone and they end up hitting an innocent victim,” he said.

Police said the badly injured drivers were not able to speak with investigators at the crash site.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police say they arrested a man with a loaded gun who stated “Everyone is about to die today.”

Police say they were called to a home Friday on Carroll Ave. after a woman reported being hit by 29 year old Jason Lawhorn.

Upon arrival, Lawhorn allegedly yelled at officers to get off his property then ran back inside his home and locked the door.

Lawhorn gave himself up when members of the SWAT team arrived.

He’s charged with injuring a pregnant family member, intimidation and serious violent felon in possession of a firearm.

Records show he has a prior conviction in Illinois for aggravated assault with a weapon.

(La Porte County, IN) - A food drive in La Porte County placed in the top 5 against other counties statewide.

Presented by Farm Credit Mid-America and sponsored by Rural 1st, Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer is a friendly competition among young Indiana residents to combat hunger.

This summer, 38 county fairs across the state collected 108,593 pounds of food for local food banks.  The amount set a record for the three-year event and surpassed 100,000 pounds for the first time in the still brief history of the contest.

“We’re committed to giving back to rural communities and supporting local agriculture. This is one of the ways we’re honored to do it,” said Steve Witges, Farm Credit Mid-America’s senior vice president of agricultural lending in Indiana.

He also said it was inspiring to see youth discover new, innovative ways to increase giving to their local food banks, considering more than 700,000 people in Indiana are facing food insecurity.

Just over 7,000 pounds of food was raised by 4H’ers during the La Porte County Fair, which placed fourth in the contest.

The winner this year was Jackson County with more than 16,000 pounds of food collected during their fair.

(La Porte, IN) - Stolen bronze grave markers of deceased veterans in LaPorte County had their names grinded off and were cut into pieces before sold for scrap.

Those are among the new details obtained in the case against both suspects arrested on Friday.

Terry Wood, Jr., 53, and Breanna Puentez, 25, are charged in LaPorte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony theft and Level 6 felony cemetery mischief. They’re scheduled to appear for their initial court hearings before Judge Tom Alevizos on Friday.

Initially, the markers listing the names of veterans and information about their military service on the back of their headstones were reported stolen last month at cemeteries in Rolling Prairie and Union Mills.

More were discovered missing at Carmel Cemetery near Westville, Pinola Cemetery along with Greenwood and St. Stanislaus cemeteries in Michigan City, according to La Porte County Police.

Police said it appears a pry bar was used to remove the name plates judging by scratch marks left on the headstones.

After help from the public was sought in late August to try and generate leads in the case, Dynamic Metal Recycling at Kingsbury Industrial Park notified the sheriff’s office the following day about receiving what appeared to be the stolen grave markers, court documents revealed.

Police said the names were grinded off the roughly two feet long by one foot wide markers and the metal was cut into pieces before sold for scrap value.

According to court documents, investigators by piecing together the metal like a jaw saw puzzle determined 11 of the stolen grave markers were sold at the scrap yard in Kingsbury.

The business also provided detectives with three receipts from alleged transactions with Wood over a near two week period beginning August 15. How much was allegedly paid to Wood during those exchanges was not disclosed.  

There were at least four other stolen grave markers of veterans not yet recovered, police said.

Wood was arrested on September 6 at his home in the 400 block of Andrew Ave. on LaPorte’s west side.   Puentez was taken into custody later that day at an undisclosed location, police said.

According to court documents, Wood confessed to the crimes and described Puentez as his girlfriend.  He also told police she was with him each time he stole the name plates and sold them for scrap.

Court documents also revealed that replacing each name plate would cost anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000.    

Wood was still being held Monday in the LaPorte County Jail on $15,000, according to jail records.  No bail was set for Puentez.

Court records show Puentez was out on a previous bond for still undecided possession of methamphetamine charges filed in LaPorte County last year.

(La Porte, IN) - A golf outing Friday raised $10,000 for parks in La Porte.

There were 88 participants in the La Porte Park Foundation’s first-ever golf outing Friday at Beechwood Golf Course.

“We are beyond thrilled with the outcome of our inaugural golf outing,” said LPF spokesperson Emily Archambault.

Key sponsors who helped make the event possible included Northwest Health, Jess and Lisa Denger, and David Pendergast.

“The incredible support from our sponsors, volunteers, and participants made this event a great success, and the funds raised will significantly impact the ongoing enhancement of our parks,” she said.

La Porte Park Foundation officials said the plan is to host the golf outing again next year along with other community fund raising events.  The LPF was founded in 1984 to help the park and recreation department promote, improve and develop parks in the city.

For more information about the LPF and how you can support its mission, visit https://laporteparkandrec.com/laportecityparkfoundation/ or follow the foundation on Facebook.

(Kingsbury, IN) - A teenager was taken by medical helicopter last night after a fall in La Porte County.

According to La Porte County Police, emergency responders were called to Kingsbury Industrial Park.

The investigation shows 19 year old Kalvin Korbel was scaling the wall of an abandoned tire factory at Hupp Road and 4th Line Road when he fell with his flashlight on.

Police said he was there with two friends because they wanted to see graffiti artwork that had been done on the structure.

While waiting for emergency responders, police said Korbel only responded "yes or no" to questions and was flown to a hospital in South Bend with a possible head injury.

The rest of his injuries were described as minor. Sources said he fell about 20 feet to the ground.  

(La Porte County, IN) - A motor vehicle crash with serious injuries happened this morning in La Porte County.

The collision occurred around 6:30 a.m. in the area of Indiana 2 and 900 West near Westville. 

A medical helicopter was called because of multiple injuries described as serious on one of the people involved in the crash. The injured person was taken by ambulance to Franciscan Health to wait for the arrival of the medical helicopter.

A stretch of Indiana 2 was temporarily closed because of the collision but late reopened.

We’ll further details once they’re made available.

(La Porte, IN) - Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales was in La Porte this week to deliver a ceremonial check to the County Clerk’s office.

Recently Clerk Heather won a federal grant through the Help America Vote Act. Morales visited La Porte on Wednesday to deliver a check for over $19,000. Stevens says the money will be used for delivery equipment for La Porte’s voting centers, along with prominent signage alerting the public where the voting centers are located.

Present for the ceremony were County Commissioner Joe Haney, State Representative Jim Pressel, County Election Board President Brody Shoffner, Elections Deputy Taylor Van Sickle, and Chief Deputy Clerk Kari Barenie.

This year, Morales has handed out about a million dollars’ worth of checks in over 85 counties around the state. “These funds ensure that local counties have the needed resources to safeguard our elections,” Morales said. “Providing these resources is key to helping our county clerks enhance their operations and deliver safe and secure elections statewide.”

Secretary Morales strongly encourages every eligible Hoosier to register to vote prior to the upcoming October 7^th registration deadline and vote in the November 5^th General Election.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte’s football team traveled to Valparaiso Friday night looking for their first win of the season. Knocking off the Vikings was a challenge the Slicers weren’t quite up to. Down 28-0 at halftime, La Porte lost the game 42-7.

Michigan City was also on the road, visiting Duneland Conference foe Chesterton. The Wolves prevailed, 20-0. It was their first shutout since defeating La Porte last October. Senior Jamorieon Gee ran for 109 yards, while junior quarterback Trinaston Hart tallied153 yards through the air. Each scored a touchdown, with the third score coming from sophomore Jamin Harvell.

Out in the county, New Prairie had scored 89 points in their first two games. But on Friday night at Amzie Miller Field, it was a defensive struggle between St. Joe and the host New Prairie.

Down 7-0, on the last drive of the game, the Cougars needed 80 yards to tie it. They came up about 20 yards short and were turned away on 4^th down. St. Joe emerged with the 7-0 upset.

(Chesterton, IN) - The South Shore Line is looking into pedestrian safety, following a tragic death this summer.

On July 25, 22-year-old Grace Bentkowski was struck by a South Shore train and killed at the commuter station near Hammond. Bentkowski was a recent Ball State grad who had just started a career with News Nation out of Chicago.

This week, South Shore announced that it has hired an engineering firm to conduct a thorough study of safety at pedestrian crossings. "We expect to receive the diagnostic report within the next 90 days and are committed to securing the necessary funding to implement safety enhancements as soon as possible," the statement read.

They have already placed additional warning signs at crossing walkways, including the message “See Tracks, Think Train.”

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte County Police have arrested two people for the thefts of bronze grave markers many of which belonged to deceased veterans.

Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentez, 25, are charged with Level 5 felony theft and Level 6 felony criminal mischief.

Originally, the recent thefts were reported at cemeteries in Rolling Prairie and Union Mills.

Stolen bronze name plates later turned up as stolen at Carmel Cemetery near Westville, Pinola Cemetery along with Greenwood and St. Stanislaus cemeteries in Michigan City.

On August 28, the sheriff’s went public with the thefts and began developing leads on tips from citizens that began coming in the following day.

Wood was taken into custody this morning at a residence in the 400 block of Andrew Ave. in La Porte.  Puentez was arrested later in the day at an undisclosed location.

So far, police said 15 bronze grave markers of veterans have been reported stolen along with one that was damaged.

Police did not reveal if any of them were recovered but they say "additional evidence" was recovered at the home where Wood was taken into custody. 

“Hopefully, U.S. veterans, both deceased and living, can find peace and comfort with these arrests.  We salute them for their service,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen.  

(Michigan City, IN) - A visitor at Indiana State Prison is accused of trying to bring tobacco into the facility.

A large amount of methamphetamine was also allegedly discovered in her vehicle outside the prison.

Debra Doyle, 56, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 2 with trafficking with an inmate and dealing in methamphetamine.

According to court records, Doyle on August 30 was found with a package of tobacco in her pants while going through a body scan at the prison on Michigan City’s west side.

During a search of her vehicle outside the prison, a bag containing 65 grams of methamphetamine was allegedly discovered.

Doyle denied the methamphetamine was hers and told investigators she forgot about the tobacco in her pants which was meant for her to take to a friend at a halfway house, according to court documents. 

She could face anywhere from 10 to 30 years on the Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine charge and a one to six year sentence on the Level 5 felony count of trafficking with an inmate.

Doyle was still being held today in the La Porte County Jail on $50,000 bond.

(La Porte, IN) - More details have been revealed in connection with the investigation a private party the La Porte County Prosecutor had for pre-school children of three members of his staff at his office in Michigan City during business hours.

At Wednesday’s La Porte County Commissioners meeting, La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan dismissed the claims.

When questioned by Commission President Connie Gramarossa, he admitted using a county government credit card to purchase supplies for the party.

However, Fagan also said he made things right by reimbursing taxpayers as he intended to do from the beginning with a money order purchased with his own funds.

Fagan said he presented it to the La Porte County Auditor’s Office about a week after the August 27 party.

“In the end, no public funds were used for this event,” he said.

Fagan also said his staff continued to work during the party, which started at 2:30 p.m. and lasted for about one hour.

He revealed using a county government credit card while being questioned by Commission President Connie Gramarossa, who said the cost of supplies for the party was about $260.

“Why didn’t you pay with private funds to begin with,” she said.

Fagan said the party was kind of a “spur of the moment decision” on his part to reward staff members with children entering pre-school for their recent hard work on two murder cases and other serious crimes.

So, Fagan said he gave a staff member permission to use the card for standard office supplies needed at the time and pick up whatever was needed for the party.

He then found space in his office he felt would be appropriate for the gathering he also viewed as a morale booster for his workers.

“We try to have an office culture that is family friendly,” he said.

Gramarossa said there’s no place for any private party or function in a public facility whether it’s during or after business hours due to the risk for liability if someone got hurt and the distraction posed to employees in their taxpayer funded positions.

She said further upsetting were things like balloons and cups left on the floor and tables for an extended period after the party was over.

Gramarossa said one reason for the investigation is to determine exactly what happened and whether any laws or county government policies were violated.

“That’s something the legal team is going to have to look at,” she said.

She said Fagan reimbursing county government for the cost does not soften her stance  on the matter.

At the very at least, she said it’s a bad example she doesn’t want followed by other department heads because of the potential for fraud and extra work created to keep the financial records in order.

“Government can’t function like that,” she said.

She said the investigation began when a county employee complained about the party and “mess” left afterwards.

“We have to address all whistleblower instances,” she said.

In September of last year, Gramarossa was cleared of alleged wrongdoing connected to her taking a county owned car after hours to Chicago without permission and having a fender bender type accident with it.

At the time, Gramarossa said she was in too much of a rush to take the extra time to drive home and get her personal vehicle after notified her son had just been admitted to a hospital.

She also was cleared of wrong doing for signing the name of Commissioner Joe Haney on a document.  A special prosecutor ruled she committed the acts but there was no intent on her part of breaking the law.

(La Porte County, IN) - Once again, police are showing drug related arrests on local highways are in no short supply.

The latest involved a driver pulled over for speeding and erratic driving Wednesday on U.S. 20 near Fail Road.

According to Indiana State Police, a trooper after approaching the vehicle became suspicious from a bag of methamphetamine in plain view inside the vehicle.

Not only that, police said the passenger had what appeared to be methamphetamine on his face and sweatshirt.

Police said a large amount of meth and suspected heroin along with pills were seized from the vehicle along with two used syringes.

The driver, Bryan Johnson, 58, of South Bend was arrested on a variety of drug counts.

His passenger, Matthew Toth, 36, of Wyatt, a small community in southern St. Joseph County, was taken into custody and held without bond on a warrant from another jurisdiction.

(La Porte, IN) - The 22^nd annual roof sit is happening today at the Broadcast Center to raise money for taking children shopping for Christmas.

Our very own Dennis Siddall is broadcasting on 96.7 The Eagle from the roof of our studios at State and Oregon streets.

He’s asking people to come and give to volunteers in the street accepting donations.

It didn’t take long for people with money to begin showing up shortly after Dennis took to the airwaves early this morning.

“Thank you to the person who just drive by and gave $45,” he said.

Originally, the goal was to raise $40,000 by the time Dennis finishes his broadcasting at 6 p.m. However, Dennis decided to shoot for the stars at the request of his partner on the Morning Mayhem show, Jo Happel.

“If you remember earlier this week, Jo did mention $60,000.  You know what?  We’re going to try that.  Why not,” he said.

Money will also be raised from lunch to be served outside the Broadcast Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Menu items include sloppy joes, hot dogs, chips and soda. 

The proceeds go to the Deserving Children’s Christmas Shopping Tour.  Each year, the funds are used to take hundreds of children shopping for clothing and other necessities at Walmart in La Porte and Meijer in Michigan City.

More than $900,000 has been raised from the roof sit since it began.

(La Porte County, IN) - The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the disappearance of Ronald Bowling.

The 66 year old La Porte man was last seen Wednesday afternoon wearing a cowboy hat with polka dots along with a white shirt and black shorts, police said.

Bowling is further described as 5’7” tall and weighing 160 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes.

He was reported missing from La Porte.

According to police, the man is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.

Anyone with information on Bowling is asked to contact the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office at 219-326-7700 or call 911.

A statewide Silver Alert has also been issued in hopes of locating the man. 

(La Porte, IN) - Two bomber planes from World War II are available for tours and flights as part of Air Fair 2024 at LaPorte Municipal Airport.

The 5^th annual event featuring a B-25 and B-17 along with food trucks and other attractions like an antique car display and crafters opened Thursday and runs through Sunday.

The planes have been to the Air Fair previously but never together.

“This is the first time they’ve both been here, which is really exciting,” said La Porte Municipal Airport Planning and Outreach Manager Rachel Boulahanis.

Originally, the B-17 was scheduled to touch down here Thursday but its arrival was pushed back until Friday because of the need to replace a tire on the aircraft in Cincinnati, where it appeared with the B-25 for a similar event, said Mitch Counce, a member of the flight crew for the Arizona Commemorative Air Force.

The organization run by volunteers with a love for aviation owns the planes and museum containing other wartime aircraft and memorabilia in Mesa, Arizona.

Counce said the B-25 with a capacity to hold as many as seven passengers flew 15 combat missions during a one month period in 1944 mostly to bomb railroad bridges in Italy and Yugoslavia.

There were attempts to shoot down the plane, which managed to safely return despite a number of bullet holes that were later repaired.

“We’re lucky to have it here,” he said.

He said the B-17 holding a maximum of eight passengers never saw actual combat duty because the war ended prior to its first scheduled mission.

The plane was used away from combat during the war, though, in the South Pacific for mapping and reconnaissance missions and collecting data in the clouds from atomic weapons testing.

Boulahanis said the roughly 30 minute flights that include discussion about the history of the planes are offered primarily on mornings and tours during the afternoon.

She said the cost of each flight depending on the plane and seating ranges from $375 to $850 per person.  Flights can be booked in advance. Tours cost $15 per person or $30 for a family of four.

The money is used by the AZCAF to cover the cost of fuel and maintenance of the aircraft.

“They’re a non-profit organization so these are the funds that help them keep these planes up in the air,” she said.

Helicopter rides for $65 apiece will be offered by another organization Saturday and Sunday, she said.

The gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. each day.  Admission and parking are free of charge.

Counce said there are 500 volunteers with AZCAF doing tasks ranging from going on tours with the planes, maintaining them and doing administrative work.

In May, he said the planes started flying to 26 different event locations in the United States and Canada for the summer.

He said La Porte is among the final stops before the planes return to the museum for heavy maintenance and being on display for winter, the busiest time at the museum because of the number of retirees heading to Arizona to escape the cold.

Counce, who’s a general aviation pilot, said he became a volunteer from a visit to the museum after he retired in 2015 as manager of an agricultural consulting and laboratory firm in Kansas.

“That summer I was on tour and I’ve been doing it ever since,” he said.

Counce said he especially appreciates his visits with World War II veterans showing up at tours since there are very few still alive.

“They’re the greatest generation ever and it’s our responsibility with these airplanes to educate, honor and preserve their memory and the sacrifices they made to keep us the free country that we are,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - More new housing construction is on the verge of happening in La Porte.

A housing developer has placed two separate bids of $1.8 million and $2.5 million dollars for the 35 acres owned by the city beside Beechwood Golf Course.

In exchange, the city would pay at least one half of the cost of putting in water and sewer lines and possibly streets depending on which bid is chosen.

The bids were taken under advisement Wednesday by the La Porte Board of Public Works and Safety.

City Planner Craig Phillips said he could come back with a recommendation on the bids at the next Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on September 17.  He said the bids appear to meet the city’s requirements.

The land was donated to the city years ago.

Mayor Tom Dermody, who has a seat on the board, gave thanks to the Dan and Tricia Luck family and the Hiler family for donating the land to the city.

“That’s a big donation. Without them, where would we be,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - Trick or treating hours on Halloween in La Porte this year have changed.

The La Porte Board of Public Works and Safety on Wednesday unanimously voted to establish trick or treating hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In previous years, trick or treating was held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Annette Loeffler, the city’s administrative assistant, said the move was in response to complaints that too much of the trick or treating occurred in the dark.

“About a half an hour, forty minutes where it’s not pitch black to trick or treat with small children is kind of where the concern lies,” she said.

Mayor Tom Dermody said the change should also alleviate concerns about young children being out trick or treating until close to their bed time.

Loeffler added many other communities have moved back trick or treating in their communities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The decision was unanimous.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man is accused of leading police on a high speed chase on a motorcycle in Michigan City while impaired by alcohol with cocaine on his possession.

Michigan City Police said an officer tried pulling the man over for not having a license plate on the motorcycle last week.

Tyrone Morris, 45, allegedly reached speeds of about 100 miles per hour in the pursuit from the city’s west side to about Huron St. He was captured during a foot pursuit with help from a K-9 dog in the 800 block of W. 7^th street.

Police said a bag of cocaine weighing nearly 10 grams along with a loaded handgun were recovered after he dropped the items during the foot pursuit.

Morris, who had an odor of alcohol on his breath, refused a blood alcohol test resulting in his automatic arrest for OWI, police said. 

The Michigan City man is also charged with possession of cocaine, resisting law enforcement and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon due to a 2002 conviction for dealing in cocaine.

(La Porte, IN) - Police officers and a 911 dispatcher involved in the recent apprehension of a fleeing suspect in a fatal stabbing were recognized at Tuesday night’s meeting of the La Porte City Council.

Nikki Nixon, a La Porte County 911 dispatcher for 13 years, was especially singled out for her work in relaying police radio updates on the suspect’s location before and during a motor vehicle pursuit.

“Honest to God. She was so calm.  It was remarkable.  It sure helps,” said La Porte Police Chief Dick Buell.

Nixon seemed, obviously, humbled in her response.

“The officers made it pretty easy for me to do my job,” she said.

Francisco Camarillo, 29, is charged in last month’s fatal stabbing of his father, Valentin, at the home of his uncle on Lawndale Ave. on the city’s southeast side.

Information from a cell phone tracking app kept being shared by a family member of the suspect and victim with Nixon, who relayed the information each time to officers in their search for the man shortly after the early morning stabbing.

Eventually, officers near Stillwell caught up to Camarillo, who was pursued to South Bend before doubling back and captured in North Liberty.

Buell also thanked each of the officers involved in the stabbing investigation and pursuit.

“Each of them played a critical role in working as a team,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte City Council unanimously approved a purchase agreement last night with the 39 North Conservancy District.

City Attorney Nick Otis said the city will pay $2 million to the 150 property owners in the district for existing underground lines the district paid to have installed to provide municipal water service from the city of La Porte.

Water service is credited for the noticeable growth in industrial and residential development that’s occurred since the district was formed in the late 1990’s.

Otis said payment from the city will be in the form of credits on the utility bills of district property owners.

In some cases, Otis said the amount of monthly credits will vary greatly depending on whether a customer is a heavy industrial user or property owner with more invested from being in the district for a much longer period of time than other property owners.

Otis said the payment is not being made with cash because doing so for a municipality in such arrangements is prohibited.

“We can’t give cash out to property owners by law,” he said.

The credits will be given from anywhere between five years and 15 years depending on the amount owed to each district property owner.

Under the agreement, the city will receive $500,000 from the district’s existing $660,000 cash balance.

The 39 North Conservancy District Board will consider the agreement at its meeting on Friday.

In March, the city annexed the district after a majority of property owners signed petitions supporting the move.  In exchange, the city will make an estimated $12 million in upgrades to the existing infrastructure for the purpose of increasing water flows.

Demand for water caused by development has left the system unable to serve additional customers, which held back plans for more industrial and residential development in the district.

A distribution center and assisted living facility have been approved since the annexation went into effect because of the city’s commitment to improve water capacity.

Mayor Tom Dermody said the annexation will be something looked upon favorably in the years to come because of district landowners receiving better water capacity and the additional land that’s opening up for development as a result.

“This is something for the future that will be remembered,” he said.

Otis said the annexation also lifts a financial burden from property owners no longer facing the possibility of paying for the water system improvements themselves.

(La Porte County, IN) - Charges are filed in connection with a man confronting several home invaders during the early morning hours in the Rolling Prairie area.

One of the suspects is also accused of trying to force his way into another nearby home that same morning, but was driven away by the property owner pulling a gun on him.

Christopher Henderson, 37, is charged with burglary and attempted burglary. Cory Horton, 26, and Melissa Locquiao, 39, are each charged with burglary.

According to court documents, a husband and wife on August 31 woke up about 4 a.m. and with flashlights confronted the individuals inside their residence in the 3300 block of E. Division Road.

The suspects left without incident but were found by police walking along County Road 50 North after an attempted home invasion. 

Investigators learned Henderson had just tried forcing open a door at another home in the 4300 block of E. 50 North, according to court documents. 

Henderson then made his way to the back yard and while trying to force open another door was confronted by the home owner at gunpoint, police said. 

Two of the suspects are from Portage while the other suspect is from Hobart.

It appears they came here on motorcycles judging by the two wheeled vehicles left in the driveway of the home they were chased from by the homeowner as he threatened to call the police, according to court documents.

(La Porte County, IN) - Charges are filed in connection with a La Porte County Jail inmate seriously injured when punched and hit with a lunch tray by another offender.

Jordan Wasy, 24, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony battery.

According to court documents, Kenneth Keller was taken to Northwest Health in La Porte after a jail officer after the alleged attack noticed him vomiting blood.

Keller, 55, was transferred to Community Health Hospital in Munster where he began receiving treatment for a fractured orbital, which are the bones that make up the eye socket, along with a minor brain bleed and laceration to his eye, court records disclosed.

The investigation revealed Keller on Monday walked from his cell to a table where Wasy was eating his dinner. During an exchange of words, Wasy allegedly stood up and struck Keller in the face with his plastic lunch tray.      

He then punched Keller twice to the head area, police said.

Wasy suffered a laceration to his right eyebrow during what turned into a fight between the offenders.

In January, Wasy wound up in the jail on allegations of using a counterfeit $50 bill to purchase three packs of cigarettes at the Speedway station at U.S. 35 and U.S. 20, police said.

Wasy, listed as homeless at the time, was given a pre-trial release on his own recognizance several days later.

However, he was taken back into custody on separate occasions for repeated violations of the terms of his court ordered release, according to court records.

Keller of Knox was in the jail on allegations he violated the terms of his probation on a child molesting conviction from 2022, court records showed.

Wasy could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence.

(La Porte County, IN) - A fire Tuesday afternoon claimed a piece of heavy machinery belonging to the La Porte County Highway Department.

According to La Porte County Police, a highway department employee operating a tractor/mower was cutting grass along the edge of a roadway when he heard a “loud boom.”

The driver, Lee Wood, then discovered large flames shoot out from underneath the Kubota brand tractor.  Wood safely climbed down from the tractor before the rest of the machine caught fire, police said. 

Members of the Noble Township Volunteer Fire Department put out the blaze.

La Porte County Hazmat responded to the scene to clean up oil and other contaminants from the charred tractor/mower, which burned in the area of 800 South and Indiana 39.

No light was shed on the cause of the fire. 

(New Durham Township, IN) - Two more bronze grave markers have been reported stolen from another La Porte County cemetery.

One of the stolen name placards belonged to a deceased veteran.

According to La Porte County Police, a woman on August 31 reported the grave markers were missing from the headstone of her parents during a visit at Carmel Cemetery in New Durham Township.

Police said one of the bronze name plates identified her father as a Korean War veteran.

Both plaques also listed the names of her parents along with date of birth and when they died.

Police said a pry bar could have been used to steal the name plates because of scratch marks left where they were fastened to the headstone.  An officer walked through the cemetery but did not find any other bronze name plates missing.

The thefts occurred sometime after July 4 when the woman during her last visit noticed the grave markers were still there.

Several bronze grave markers previously turned up missing at cemeteries in Rolling Prairie and Union Mills.

Police said investigators have been contacting area scrap yards to see if any of the name plates were brought in and sold as scrap.

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.

(Michigan City, IN) - Work will begin soon on converting Franklin St. on Michigan City’s north side from one way to two way travel.

The realignment will occur from 11^th to 4^th streets.

According to the mayor’s office, there will be a series of meetings for the public to review and express any concerns about the plans beginning today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Global Engineering first floor conference room at 601 Franklin St.

Global Engineering is the city’s project manager.

The other meetings at the same time and location will occur this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Monday and Tuesday of next week.

The work is scheduled to begin the week of September 16.

According to the mayor’s office, the purpose of reverting to  two way traffic is to improve traffic flow and allow for angled parking between 10^th and 8^th streets.

(LaCrosse, IN) - A recent fire caused considerable structure damage in LaCrosse.

According to La Porte County Police, a man living on the property along U.S. 421 heard a loud bang Thursday afternoon then his power went off.

A building used as a work shop and for storage caught on fire, but the flames spread too quickly for the man using a garden hose to bring under control.

Police said the fire spread and heavily damaged the home lived in by the man and his wife.  A number of personal items like a tractor mower, two all-terrain vehicles, motorcycle and a collection of old toys and magazines also went up in flames.

Right now, the cause of the fire might have something to do with a nearby transformer possibly blowing, police said.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Park Department Superintendent is facing allegations of driving impaired after pulled over during the Labor Day weekend.

Mark Schreiber, 55, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 3 with operating while intoxicated as a Class A misdemeanor.

Schreiber before 12:30 a.m. on Monday was traveling Pine Lake Ave. in La Porte without headlights on, according to La Porte County Police.

A short time later, the officer initiated a traffic stop outside the La Porte Park Department office.

Schreiber, who was driving a 2017 Chrysler minivan, stopped across multiple parking spaces in the well-lit asphalt parking lot, police said.

His alleged blood alcohol level was .165 percent.

According to the police report, Schreiber was fully cooperative with the investigation.  He’s been the La Porte Park Department Superintendent since 2010.

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

Firefighters just after 5 a.m. were called to 508 W. 11 St. near Handley Elementary School.

La Porte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said nobody was living in the home being renovated after a fire about two years ago.

He said the flames were in the process of engulfing one side of the two story structure when firefighters arrived within minutes after the call.

“Crews found fire through the entire east side of the structure.  There was fire through the roof at the time,” he said.

The fire also burned a large hole through one side of the exterior.

Flames shooting from the hole generated enough heat to melt the vinyl siding on one side of a house next door.

There were no injuries.

Snyder said the owner of the fire damaged dwelling was there earlier in the morning but had left for work prior to a neighbor discovering the blaze.

He said there was no natural gas or electrical service at the house since it was not being lived in during the ongoing renovation.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in trying to determine the cause of the blaze.

Snyder said a curling iron left on was believed to be the cause of the previous fire at the house.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County is close to having a new set of standards for solar electricity developments. Last week La Porte County’s Plan Commission passed a revised ordinance regulating future solar farm projects. It updates the original solar ordinance codified in 2021 and tightens requirements for setbacks, screening, and land conservation.

County Commissioner Joe Haney says it’s one of the strictest solar ordinances in the state. “We really put as many restrictions as were feasible,” he said. “And we’re still trying to protect the rights of everybody involved here—the people who want to lease their land and the people that maybe aren’t too keen on it. The key here is to strike that balance, and I think we did.”

The new rules will require a 250-foot setback from property lines. According to Haney, other counties allow shorter setbacks measured off from residential structures, not property lines.

The revised ordinance also seeks to hold solar companies more accountable for taking care of the land that their equipment is on. Companies are now responsible for all decommissioning obligations for the duration of the project, not just the first twenty years. They also have to maintain, not just install, fencing and screening. Trees and bushes as a visual barrier must be at least six feet tall at planting and grow to at least twelve feet in height. Moreover, any change to the land must be approved by the Building Commissioner, and it must be returned to its natural condition, protecting topsoil down to a depth of four feet. If adjacent homeowners wish to forgo any of these stipulations, they may do so, if compensated by the solar company.

Haney expects other counties will be taking notice of the new restrictions. He said there has already been pushback from solar companies regarding the setbacks. “They were extremely unhappy with that,” he admitted. “I think they’re scared there will be a domino effect of other counties strengthening their ordinances to match what we’ve done here in La Porte County.”

Not everyone is as confident in the new-and-improved solar ordinance. Local farmer Steve Holifield is skeptical.

“I’m sure they put a lot of effort into it; I’m not debating that,” he told HTNN. “I’m glad they updated it, but I still don’t think it’s strict enough.” Holifield said he would have preferred a 500-foot setback. He doesn’t think other solar companies will be deterred and says at least six others are still pursuing properties in the area.

He says the process for solar companies to repurpose land is far easier than what famers have to go through. “As a farmer, if I wanted to add cows to my property, increase the herd of my hogs, chickens, dairy farm, the hoops we would have to jump through are unbelievable and would probably a minimum of two years to get accomplished,” he said. “We’ve already lost one dairy farm because of this.”

Mostly, Holifield is concerned about the lowering of neighboring property values, which was not addressed in the ordinance. “We have never denied the fact that [landowners] have the right to do what they want with their property,” he stressed, “but what right do they have to devalue my property?”

At last week’s meeting, attorney Doug Biege advised the Plan Commission that there is no legal precedent for county government to enforce property value regulations. “There’s plenty of law on diminution of property values,” Biege told the commission. “But there’s no law on the county enforcing diminution of property values on behalf of a private individual. And I’m not sure we could do it, and it will certainly be challenged if we try to do it.” Haney and Biege agreed that property value is a valid concern, but the county is not the proper entity to address it. “I’ve spent a lot of time on it,” said Biege, “and I don’t see any way that we can get anything that’s going to be viable on that issue.”

Holifield is also concerned that the ordinance does not put a cap on the total acreage of land potentially occupied by solar panels, and he’s not convinced that solar companies will be around long enough to fulfill their obligations. He thinks a ban on solar projects is more appropriate, at least until after the upcoming elections, in case federal backing for such projects suddenly fizzles. A moratorium on solar projects was once again considered by the Plan Commission, but was voted down 7-2.

The already-approved RWE Bluestem solar project will not be bound by the new ordinance, which is expected to be finally approved by the County Commission later this month.

Time will tell if other solar companies seek to set up operations in La Porte County.

“We desperately need power in northwest Indiana,” Haney said, noting the planned closing of the coal-fired power plant in Michigan City. “This power has to come from somewhere, and right now, this area is dependent on power coming from a lot of outside areas.”

(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Police Department is receiving $180,000 in federal funding to upgrade technology and equipment.

Congressman Frank Mrvan joined Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and Police Chief Marty Corley Friday to make the announcement.

According to Chief Corley, the money will be utilized to acquire license plate readers, a tool that has been used to solve multiple crimes in recent years. Police say that, nationally, seven out of ten crimes involve the use of a motor vehicle, either driving to or from a crime scene.

In a statement, Congressman Mrvan said, “Congratulations to Mayor Nelson Deuitch and all of the leaders with the Michigan City Police Department on the success of this collaborative effort to ensure law enforcement officers have the technology and equipment they need to keep our communities safe.”

The money was part of a larger appropriations bill that funded multiple projects in the 1st District, including La Porte’s Indiana Avenue sewer separation project, maintenance work at Michigan City Harbor, and a playground upgrade at Fedder’s Alley in Michigan City.

(St. Joseph County, IN) - Outside of New Carlisle, construction on the Amazon data center is going strong. But the General Motors battery plant seems to be losing its charge.

Last week GM and Samsung finalized their partnership on the project, but said that production will be about a year behind schedule.

According to St. Joseph County Economic Development Director Bill Schalliol, GM is adjusting its production timeline to meet market demands. “They opened three battery plants all about the same time and didn’t have a lot of vehicle product to put the batteries into,” he said. “So I think they had to kind of let the market catch up.” GM is already producing batteries at new plants in Ohio and Tennessee, with another under construction in Lansing, Michigan. “It’s a huge learning curve,” said Schalliol. “I think their expectations for moving faster maybe didn’t meet the market demands.”

Other automakers are also pulling back on EV production. Two weeks ago, Ford announced that it is modifying plans for a large electric SUV and pushing back production on an electric F-150. Industry experts say EV sales are up, but not as brisk as anticipated.

Battery production in New Carlisle was expected in 2026. Schalliol says December of ‘07 is now more likely. In the meantime, he says work is continuing at the 680-acre site, just at a slower pace. “They’ve never stopped work on the site,” he noted. “They’ve stretched the work out a little bit." Schalliol says contractors are meeting milestone agreements for progress on construction: “They do have people on site doing site grading, doing site work.”

The $3.5 billion plant is the largest EV investment in state history. When it opens, GM expects to employ 1,600 workers at an average wage of $24 an hour.

(La Porte County, IN) - An overnight crash north of Rolling Prairie claimed the life of a Michigan woman.

Just after 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning, police responded to the scene of a single-vehicle accident on CR 500 East, just north of the tollway overpass in the Saugany Lake area.

They found a beige 2005 Buick Century that had collided with a tree. Upon investigation police say the northbound Buick traveled off the east side of the road, crossed back over, and struck a tree on the west side of the roadway.

The driver, and lone occupant, was identified as 29-year-old Brandy B. Hardaway of Buchanan, Michigan. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology test results are pending.

(La Porte County, IN) - A suspected drunk driver led La Porte County police on a chase that ended in a front-yard collision.

Shortly after midnight Friday night, a Sheriff’s deputy pulled over a vehicle near the National Guard Armory for having a headlight out. The driver, later identified as Alex Dekock, took off as the officer approached the car.

A chase ensued, which went south on SR 39, then east on CR 400 South. At the intersection of US 35, police say Dekock crossed the highway and crashed into an SUV and a portion of the residence where it was parked. That would be just a couple of houses north of the Family Express.

Dekock was taken into custody. Reports indicate he refused medical treatment at the scene, but was taken to Northwest Health for medical clearance. Police say an adult female inside the house suffered a lower body injury from the crash. They did not reveal her identity or the severity of the injury.

Dekock has been charged with OWI, resisting law enforcement, and reckless driving. He bonded out of jail on Saturday.