(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County man has very fond memories of meeting the late president Jimmy Carter.

Jack Arnett even has a picture of him shaking hands with Carter at the White House.

The Fish Lake area man was a representative of organized labor when invited by members of his union to go to the White House with them while Carter was running for reelection in 1981.

At the time, Arnett was president of the La Porte County Labor Council and member of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations also known as the AFL-CIO.  Arnett said he was one of about a dozen of his union colleagues that went on the trip.

“What an honor,” he said.

Arnett said the trip to the White House included lunch with Carter, who also spoke to him for a few minutes.

“He was just so genuine to the whole group.  You could just tell he was going to go on and be just a great person,” he said.

Arnett said he was about four seats away from Carter at the same table during lunch.  One of the things he remembers most is Carter often flashing his signature smile, which seemed to light up the room every time.

He said Carter walked in for lunch and put his hand on the shoulder of every person seated at the oblong shaped table before taking a seat himself.

“He thanked us for coming and then that smile just kept coming the whole time,” he said.

He said Carter didn’t talk politics, though, even though it was an election year.  Instead, Carter discussed things that were happening in the country and aboard.

Arnett had his picture taken with Carter during his several hour visit to the White House and, currently, has the framed photo in his office at the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau where he’s executive director.

“Great guy. The fact I got time to spend time with him is something I’ll never forget,” he said.

Carter was 100 when he passed away Sunday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

(La Porte, IN) - A bus driver who was recently arrested for driving a La Porte School Bus impaired is in a lot more trouble than initially thought. It was initially indicated that Kayla Pier might have been under the influence of alcohol. But now, authorities believe it might have been Heroin!

Pier, 38, of Michigan City, was relieved from driving a school bus full of students in the fall when several of the young riders reported to their parents, and then the authorities that their driver was driving eratically. She was only recently charged with driving while impaired, and redkless driving while transporting children. but now, she could be facing additional charges.

Heroin is what a La Porte school bus driver was impaired by while recklessly transporting dozens of students in the fall.

Pier is scheduled to make her initial appearance on the allegations Friday in La Porte Circuit Court. According to court documents, Pier was transporting 32 students from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary on Sept. 20. Three of the students reported the driver was acting oddly, appeared to be falling asleep and was mumbling, slurring her words, operating the bus erratically and even ran a stop sign.

In response, Cary Brinkman, Director of Transportation for the La Porte Community School Corporation, went to Riley Elementary School where the bus sat empty after unloading the students.

Brinkman, a retired police officer, made contact with Pier. He found her behavior to be similar to what the students described and noticed other potential signs of impairment like bloodshot/glassy eyes and the pupils of her eyes being dilated.

Initially, authorities said Pier denied using any type of alcohol or drugs. Eventually, she consented to a drug test which revealed the presence of 6-Acetylmorphine, a metabolite produced by the body within 24 hours of using heroin. Police said Pier resigned from her positon later that day.

During her initial interview with police in mid-December, Pier continued to deny using any illegal drugs, according to court documents. Five days later, though, she called police and stated “she had taken something” but didn’t know what it was until informed about the results of the toxicology test. Pier then expressed a need for “help,” court documents revealed.

On December 27, Pier turned herself in on a warrant issued for her arrest the previous week and was later released on bond. She could face anywhere from six to 30 months on each count.

Erin Meyer, Director of Communications for the LaPorte Community School Corporation, said the students reporting their concerns about the driver exemplified the “see something, say something” principles taught in the schools. Meyer also said the school corporation maintains rigorous standards for all transportation employees, including mandatory random drug and alcohol testing, regular credential verification and ongoing safety training.

“All drivers must hold a Commercial Driver's License with proper endorsements and undergo regular medical examinations as state and federal regulations require,” she said. 

(New York, NY) - A La Porte County native has signed a lucrative Major League Baseball deal.

Sean Manaea will rejoin the New York Mets on a 3-year, $75 million contract. The nearly-33-year-old leftie pitcher spent most of his career with the A’s, Padres, and Giants, before joining the Mets last year. At the end of the season, one of his best as a pro, Manaea opted out of his two-year, $28 million contract to become a free agent.

In 2024 Manaea recorded the lowest full-season ERA of his career (3.47) and the most number of innings (181.2). He tied a career-high in starts (32) and wins (12), while posting a career-best 184 strikeouts. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America recently named Manaea their “Good Guy” of the year for his friendliness and accessibility to the media.

Manaea is from Wanatah. He played at South Central and Andrean, then at Indiana State, before making it to the Big Leagues.

(Rolling Prairie, IN) - La Porte County police are investigating reports of gunfire in Rolling Prairie over the weekend.

On Sunday evening deputies were called to the central portion of Rolling Prairie, near the public library, where multiple residents reported hearing six gun shots. A resident’s security cameras seemed to catch the sound of a volley of gunfire at around 6:45 pm.

The sounds coincided with reports of a suspicious, dark-colored SUV driving around the area with its lights off.

Police could not detect anything else amiss or any apparent danger to the public.

(Washington, D.C.) - You may have a check coming right to your doorstep. It’s not from Publisher’s Clearinghouse, but from an even more unlikely source: the IRS.

About one million taxpayers are due to receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in coming weeks. The refund is for people who did not claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. In other words, people who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments, or received less than they were due.

The department explained the situation in a statement put out just before Christmas:

“The IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and help taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These payments are an example of our commitment to go the extra mile for taxpayers. Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible. To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, we’re making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it.”

About $2.4 billion is being distributed in total, but the IRS advises not to get your hopes up. Most taxpayers who were eligible for stimulus money have already received it. If the IRS owes you money, a refund will be sent via mail or direct deposit by late January.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte School Board will have two new members when Monica Beaty and Tucker King are sworn in after the New Year.

The school board will enter 2025 without two longtime members, Rhonda Spence and Marie Gilliland.  Spence served on the school board for 18 years while Gilliland held a seat on the board for 12 years. During her final board meeting, Gilliland concluded her service by saying “Go Slicers.” The outgoing members were given plaques in appreciation of their years of service on the board. 

The swearing in ceremony for Beaty and King, who are both La Porte High School graduates, is scheduled prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the school board on January 13. King is assistant city engineer for the City of La Porte while Beaty is a revenue audit manager for Four Winds Casino.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff across the state in honor and tribute to former President Jimmy Carter.

According to the governor's office, flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on from now until sunset Tuesday, January 28. Gov. Holcomb is also requesting businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff. 

Carter, a democrat from Plains, Georgia, passed away Sunday at the age of 100. He also served as a state senator 1963 to 1967 and was governor in Georgia from 1971 to 1975. Carter was the first former president to reach the age of 100. 

The former peanut farmer, not well known outside of Georgia, was considered a longshot to win the presidency when he gained the Democratic nomination in 1976. He went on to defeat incumbent president Gerald Ford in the general election.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man released from a Michigan prison was taken into custody on allegations he was living in Michigan City without registering on the sex offender list.

Nathan Dennis, 42, was arrested Friday on a warrant charging him in La Porte Superior Court 4 with sex offender registry violation, a Level 6 felony. The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan City Police Department had allegedly received multiple tips that Dennis was living in the 300 block of Lafayette St. without his current address on the sex offender registry, as required under Indiana law. Police said Dennis was also in violation because his residence was within close proximity to several day care operations.  After his arrest, Dennis was later released from the La Porte County Jail after posting $755 cash bond.

The Michigan Department of Correctionssays Dennis was sentenced out of Allegan County in 2015 for home invasion and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. He was released by MDOC in September of this year.

La Porte County Sheriff Ron Heeg reminds citizens they can submit tips regarding sex offender registry violations by contacting the sheriff’s office at (219) 326-7700 or emailing svor@lcso.in.gov.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver was arrested for allegedly being impaired following a single vehicle crash near Westville over the weekend.

According to La Porte County Police, a car wound up in a ditch early Saturday on County Line Road near U.S. Highway 6. The driver, Logan Haas, 23, of Michigan City was not injured. Authorities say when given a sobriety test, his blood alcohol level was slightly above four times the .08 percent legal limit.

Haas has been charged with operating while intoxicated as a Class A misdemeanor. Hass could face as much as a one year jail sentence. Police said there was an open case of beer on the front passenger seat of his 2000 Buick LeSabre.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte woman is accused of driving a school bus with children on board while impaired. 

Kayla Pier, 38, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with operating while intoxicated and neglect of a dependent as Level 6 felonies. Authorities said Pier was driving a bus in late September from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School with 32 students on board at the time. During the trip, school officials responded to reports from students about her driving and other behaviors. Pier was removed from the bus and given a toxicology test.  She resigned from her position later in the day.

Two months later, additional evidence, that included witness statements and video surveilance, was presented to a judge who ruled the case the strong enough for Pier to be charged with allegations. Pier could face up to 30 months on each count.

After a warrant was filed for her arrest, Pier turned herself in at the La Porte County Jail Friday. She was later released after bond was posted on her behalf, police said.

“The courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of the accused are publicly commended. Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen.

(La Porte County, IN) - The son of an Indiana state lawmaker will serve the two years remaining on an open seat on the La Porte County Council in what could represent a shift in power within the La Porte County Republican Party.

Jim Pressel, III, of Rolling Prairie defeated outgoing La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz by two votes Saturday in a Republican Party Caucus held to fill the seat of Mike Rosenbaum.  He is the son of Jim Pressel, Jr., who has been the District 20 state representative since 2016. There were 24 precinct committee persons voting for the District 4 seat.

Pressel, 38, said his top priorities include helping to get local government working together again, eliminate deficit spending and restore the county’s A+ credit rating.

“Above all, I believe we need to learn how to find common ground, set aside our differences and put our community first,” Pressell said.

Several years ago, he succeeded his father as head of Pressel Enterprises, a housing construction and remodeling firm.

Rosenbaum, who was on the council for six-years, is vacating the seat to become the next La Porte County Auditor following his victory in the November 8th general election.

Stabosz, who lost in the May primary for a seat on the three member Board of La Porte County Commissioners, has been a central figure in the extreme political fighting over the past four-years.

Before the voting, each of the six candidates gave a speech after introduced by their supporters.  In his introduction of Stabosz, La Porte County Councilman Justin Kiel described him as sometimes “brash” and “stubborn,” but also unwavering from his “principles and his dedication to doing what he believes is right for this county.”

Stabosz firmly told the audience he doesn’t regret shining the public spotlight light over the past four years on “wasteful spending” and what he has alleged are political figures lining their pockets at the public trough.

“I don’t apologize for calling out self-dealing or pay to play which, unfortunately, have been the order of the day in LaPorte County government,” he said.

From the beginning, his Republican and Democrat opponents have strongly disputed what they have repeatedly described as unproven claims.  They also labeled him as unstable and called him out publicly for mistakes in the auditor’s office including one that nearly cost taxpayers $2.5 million in a scam.

In asking for support, Stabosz also told the audience he will never do what some local Republicans have done, including working secretly with Democrats, to “undermine our unity” within the party.

La Porte County Commission President Connie Gramarossa, who has frequently clashed with Stabosz during public meetings, said she felt the outcome of the caucus was a reflection of the desire to move forward in a more peaceful manner.

Stabosz also lost in the May primary in Republican races for Precinct Committeeman and State Delegate. Pressel was declared the winner after he became the first to receive majority support after three rounds of voting.

Stabosz had a 10 to 8 lead over Pressel after the first round of voting but he received just one of the remaining six votes that went to Heather Oake before and after she was eliminated.  Oake was soundly defeated in her bid for the Republican nomination against Pressel’s father in the race for state representative in May of 2022.

La Porte County Republican Party Chairman Allen Stevens believes Stabosz still has a future role to play in the party.  He said Stabosz was a factor in La Porte County going from being slightly Democratic to strongly Republican over the past several years from his ability to recruit candidates and help finance their campaigns.

“He’s been a good partner.  That’s been a big part of our success countywide, his recruiting candidates.  You can’t win if you don’t run somebody and you can’t run somebody if you’re not recruiting,” Stevens said.

(Indianapolis, IN) - A northern Indiana couple found an incredible Christmas present—not under the tree, but between the seats of their car.

It was a winning lottery ticket.

The million-dollar Powerball drawing back on June 29 had gone unclaimed, so the Kendallville couple had been searching for their ticket, which they had purchased in June at a local convenience store. Lottery officials continued to post announcements about the unclaimed ticket, which was set to expire the day after Christmas.

According to a Hoosier Lottery press release, the couple awoke at 4:00 a.m. on Christmas Day determined to find their ticket. After discovering the ticket buried deep between the seats of their vehicle and realizing it matched all the numbers, the couple on Thursday raced from Kendallville, which is north of Ft. Wayne, to the Hoosier Lottery office in Indianapolis just five hours before the ticket expired.

They are now $1 million richer and have asked to remain anonymous. Upon claiming their winnings, the couple simply said, "It was an emotional day for the both of us."

(Gary, IN) - A missing Valparaiso woman has been found dead in Lake County.

Jamie Vlamos-Jones went missing on December 18 in a remote area between Lake Station and Gary near the Little Calumet River. An independent search team found her body on Thursday not far from where she had parked her car.

Police say she died from hypothermia, and there were no signs of foul play. According to Facebook posts from family and friends, Vlamos-Jones had been struggling with mental health issues since the death of her son last year.

(Washington, D.C.) - There’s a new telephone help line for military veterans. The Veterans Health Administration has launched the One Indiana Call Line.

Veterans in need of assistance can call 1-844-IND-VETS (1-844-463-8387). The number is a one-stop connection to a multitude of veteran services and organizations.

The VA says it’s a helpful way for vets to get the help they need when they don’t know where to look for it. The One Indiana line does not schedule appointments or answer questions regarding benefits or cemetery issues.

If you are a veteran in crisis, the easiest and best number to call in an emergency is simply 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

(La Porte, IN) - The soon to be 22^nd judge in the history of La Porte Circuit Court established in 1851 took the oath of office in a packed courtroom on Friday.  Julianne Havens was sworn in by outgoing La Porte Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos and former La Porte Superior Court 1 Judge Kathleen Lang.

Havens, who has spent much of her career as a La Porte County Deputy Prosecutor, thanked members of her family along with some of her past and present colleagues in the legal profession following the swearing in ceremony.

“I’m truly blessed to be here and humbled by everyone who is here,” Havens said.

She also gave thanks to some of the attorneys she went up against in past criminal trials by forcing her to think of ways to overcome the challenges they posed in defense of their clients.

“Thank you for making me a better attorney,” she said.

Havens was unopposed in the November general election after defeating her Republican opponents in the May primary.  Alevizos did not seek a fourth consecutive six year term.

He was a city Councilman in Michigan City before serving three terms as a State Representative from 1992 to 1998.  He was later a deputy prosecutor in La Porte County for several years before elected to his first term as judge.

Alevizos, 63, cited his age and desire to spend more time with his three children, who are 14, 15, and 20, for deciding not to run again for reelection.  Alevizos said he did not want to risk being forced to step down midway through another term from an unexpected downturn in his health and having the state appoint his replacement.

“I wanted the people of La Porte County to decide who my successor was. I think it all worked out great.  I’m very happy,” he said.

Alevizos said among the highlights of his career was having a role in creating three different problem solving courts.  Two of those courts are designed to help people whose crimes stem from things like substance abuse and mental illness.  The other problem solving court is aimed at reuniting families by the assistance provided to try and stop child abuse in the home.

Alevizos said one of the things he enjoyed most about the job was interacting with jurors and discovering how they learned to appreciate the criminal justice system from what they experienced in the courtroom.

As a judge, Alevizos said he wants to be remembered mostly as “fair and knowledgeable.”

Atley Price, who has tried many criminal cases in his over 20 years as a Deputy Prosecutor in La Porte County, said not only was Alevizos “very schooled” and “very knowledgeable” about the law.  Price said he was also was very compassionate toward victims.  He said Alevizos also had a heart for offenders whose first brush with the law stemmed from circumstances like substance abuse, family problems or financial hardship.

Unlike most judges, Price said Alevizos reached out as an advisor outside the courtroom for prosecutors he felt might not be taking the most effective approach in trying to prove a criminal case during a trial.

“It was almost like it was that lawyer in him. A lot of times, he was right,” he said.

Alevizos came across as a common man in the way he acted and spoke many times inside and outside the courtroom.  He was personable and not short of a joke if he felt the situation was right to lighten the mood.

“He has a great sense of humor.  He could laugh and he could laugh at himself,” said attorney Dave Sirugo, who mostly went before the judge in defending suspected criminals.

 

There was no mistaking who was in charge, though, and respected for what seemed to be a photographic memory of the law.

Alevizos was also known for giving offenders a stern lecture or tongue lashing whenever he felt it was needed at sentencing especially in the most extreme cases.

“He certainly left his footprint and will be long remembered,” Price said.

Havens officially begins her duties on January 1st.

(Michigan City, IN) - In response to the inordinate amount of trash and debris placed outside in recent weeks, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch has deployed multiple Michigan City departments to assist the Refuse Department with collection and disposal.

Trucks and operators from the Michigan City Sanitary District and the Street and Vector Control departments have been out this week clearing as much solid waste as they can.

“We understand that people are probably trying to get rid of stuff before they have to start paying for pick-ups, but all these piles are unsightly,” Refuse Superintendent Chris Carter said.

“We’re doing our best to start the New Year with as close to a clean slate as we can, but that’s going to require everyone – residents, businesses and the City – to work together,” he said.  

Special pick-ups for trash collection will be subject to a new fee schedule and other rules beginning January 1st as a result of  recent action taken by the Michigan City Common Council.

Depending on the weight, special pick-ups under three tons will cost a minimum mobilization fee of $25 per trip to a single residential address. For especially large pick-ups, such as those at apartment complexes or businesses, the cost of manpower, equipment and the City’s direct landfill cost will be added to the mobilization fee.

The City will not provide special pick-up for solid waste weighing three tons or more regardless of location. In such cases, the property owner will be responsible for securing their own dumpster and arranging to have it hauled to a landfill or other means of disposal.

Apartment complexes and businesses without space for a private dumpster will pay an annual fee of $120 for each additional cart/toter provided.

“We established this fee structure to offset the rising costs the City has been paying for workman’s compensation and damaged equipment related to our overworked Refuse Department,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

“Public health and safety are priorities, not only for residents but for our employees as well,” she said. 

According to the mayor’s office, a recent rate analysis shows that the cities of La Porte, Chesterton, Valparaiso, Portage, Lake Station, Gary, Hammond and South Bend all charge for special trash pick-ups, return trips, additional trash toters and more.

(Michigan City, IN) - The Fedder’s Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park, which is expected to break ground at Washington Park in Michigan City in 2025, is significantly closer to fruition as a result of a $750,000 grant from the Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL).

“The Fedder’s Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park will offer opportunities for all ages and abilities,” Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason said.

“I am grateful for the support of Health Foundation of La Porte’s generous financial support. This exciting project aligns perfectly with their goals of healthy living,” she said.  

HFL stipulated that $500,000 of the grant award is to be used for construction of the playground and fitness park. The remaining $250,000 is to be used to establish a long-term maintenance fund for the project, the first fund of its kind of the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department.

“Often, we create these legacy projects that are impactful, but we don’t take the time to consider future maintenance. This endowment, this maintenance fund will make sure the playground at Fedder’s Alley endures for a lifetime,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

In September, the City of Michigan City launched a $2 million capital campaign for the project, which is expected to cost about $5 million overall.

"Health Foundation of La Porte is thrilled to partner with the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department on the Fedder's Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park. We are excited about the role this park will play in our community, offering a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members to gather, be active, and make memories together," said Eric DeWald, president and CEO at HFL.

Other commitments to the project include $1.5 million from the Michigan City Common Council, $500,000 from the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission, $1 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan and $50,000 from the Duneland Health Council.

“The benefit of such inclusive spaces extends far beyond mere play and exercise. It sends a powerful message to our community, teaching us all the values of empathy, respect, and understanding.  When community members of all ages and abilities come together in inclusive spaces, they learn to celebrate differences and recognize strengths in one another,” Eason said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man was killed on a stretch of U.S. 20 in La Porte County.

Just after 8 a.m. Thursday, emergency responders arrived in the 5000 block of East U.S. 20 just outside Rolling Prairie to find Caleb Tekker, 20, of Mishawaka dead at the scene, according to La Porte County Police.

The investigation shows Tekker attempted to pass two slower moving eastbound vehicles in the westbound lanes. When he crossed back over the grassy median to return to the eastbound lanes, police said his vehicle went off the road and struck a large concrete barrier on the grounds of the La Porte County Highway Department.

Police said a toxicology report is still pending to determine whether Tekker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

(La Porte County, IN) - The son of a state lawmaker has thrown his name in the hat for the soon-to-be-open seat on the La Porte County Council.

Jim Pressel, III, will be among the candidates who could fill the remaining two years left on the existing term of La Porte County Councilman Mike Rosenbaum. Rosenbaum is vacating his District 4 seat to become La Porte County Auditor on January 1st.

The other candidates are outgoing La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz, Heather Oake, Don Stoner, John Carr and Chris Cleveland.

Pressel is the son of Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie, who has been the State Representative from District 20 since 2016.  He replaced Tom Dermody, who held that seat for 10 years before deciding not to seek a sixth two year term. Dermody has been mayor of La Porte for the past five-years.

More than 20 Republican Precinct Committeemen from District 4 will choose Rosenbaum’s replacement during a caucus Saturday at the La Porte County Complex. The caucus is open to the public, Saturday, December 28th until 10 a.m. when the doors will shut to begin the proceedings that will include speeches from each candidates.

(La Porte, IN) - The senior center in La Porte has returned home after forced to relocate because of water damage three months ago. A plumbing issue resulted in the water damage, which forced the temporary move from Heritage Place at 901 Lincolnway to the Civic Auditorium.

“We appreciate the cooperation and patience of our members as repairs were completed following the building damage at the end of September,” said La Porte Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber.

The La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults operates under the park department after the city assumed control of the organization in April of 2022. The goal was to keep it alive and grow, which had been operated for about three decades by the Swanson Center.  Ever since, Schreiber said membership has increased from below 40 to over 200 members.

“With the return to our home, we are looking forward to continued growth in membership and programming as the New Year arrives,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man driving the wrong way on a four lane state highway outside of La Porte is facing charges of operating while intoxicated.

Michael Mulcrone, 41, had an alleged blood alcohol level between two and three times the .08 percent legal limit, according to La Porte County Police. They received a call at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday of a vehicle northbound in the southbound lanes of U.S. 35 near 300 South.

A responding officer spotted the northbound vehicle still in the opposite lanes at the intersection with Boyd Boulevard and quickly made a traffic stop. Police said Mulcrone explained he was heading home from a holiday party.

He was taken to the La Porte County Jail where officially sayd he failed a certified blood alcohol test. A 40 year old passenger in his vehicle was given a ride home by one of the police officers.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Chicago woman spent Christmas behind bars after she was allegedly caught with cocaine pressed into the size of a golf ball in Michigan City.

Michigan City Police say 28-year-old Michelle Jackson was a passenger in a vehicle authorities caught speeding on Michigan Boulevard about 3 a.m. Monday. During the traffic stop, police said a plastic bag containing nine grams of cocaine about the size of a golf ball was found stuffed between the front passenger seat and the seat belt buckle where she had been sitting. About five grams of marijuana was also allegedly recovered from inside a pocket in her jacket, police said.

Court documents show Jackson denied having any knowledge about the cocaine being in the vehicle. The search was conducted after police detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Jackson was still being held in the La Porte County jail Thursday morning on $15,000 bond and could face as much as a six year sentence.

(La Porte County, IN) - The deadline to apply for property tax deductions in La Porte County is December 31^st.

La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz says his office must receive applications for property tax deductions for the 2024 pay 2025 tax years at the end of the business day at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Applications can be received at the auditor’s office at 555 Michigan Ave., Suite 205 in La Porte.

Stabosz said applications are also available online or by calling his office at (219) 326-6808 ext. 2004 or at tstabosz@laporteco.in.gov. Those mailed into his office must be postmarked on or before December 31, he said.

Stabosz said homestead tax deductions are the most commonly sought for primary residences but there are other deductions for veterans over age 65 and people who are blind, disabled and with other challenges. He pointed out the mortgage deduction was eliminated this year.

(South Bend, IN) - Just before Christmas Notre Dame’s football team capped off a busy week by helping out an important area charity.

Last Thursday 40 of the players squeezed in final exams before defeating Indiana Friday night. On Sunday afternoon they all gathered at the Ronald McDonald House in South Bend to collect donations.

Kelly Montgomery is the director of operations there. Notre Dame student-athletes are no stranger to Ronald McDonald House, but she said this is the first time they have run the “Stocking the House” donation drive. “For two hours, we have the Notre Dame players with us here today,” she said. “We are asking for donations for our pantry that will help get us through the first part of the year next year.”

The Ronald McDonald House provides food and shelter in a cozy, hotel-like environment for families who have children receiving care at Memorial Hospital. Montgomery says they’re especially busy this time of year. “It’s been a busy season,” she said. “Once the kids get back to school, and all the germs start going around, we get lots of sick kids, unfortunately, and it drifts through into the holidays.” Montgomery says the Ronald McDonald House is currently at about 70% occupancy in their overnight rooms, and their day services are “off the charts.”

Every Notre Dame football player was on hand Sunday. Following a convincing win over Indiana, they were in good spirits, offering fist bumps and cheers for everyone who stopped by to make donations.

Ronald McDonald House is always happy to receive donations. Click HERE to see their wish list and see how you can contribute.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County is in need of some civically-minded people to step forward to serve on various public boards and commissions. Many people don’t realize that a lot of important work for the community is done by citizens who serve in these advisory and regulatory roles.

Right now the following positions are open:

• Michigan City Library Board, 4 year term, applicant must have lived in the library district for at least 2 years
• Alcoholic Beverage Commission, 1 year term, applicant must have lived in La Porte County for at least 5 years
• Fair Management and Events Corporation, 1 year term, 2 appointments, knowledge and interest in promoting fairgrounds usage desirable
• Park and Recreation Board, 4 year term
• Property Tax Board of Appeals, 1 year term, 2 appointments, knowledge of real estate and/or real estate valuation desirable
• Redevelopment Commission, 1 year term, 3 appointments, knowledge of business and economic development related matters desirable

Interested parties can provide a cover letter and, optionally, a resume.  Send to the La Porte County Auditor, 555 Michigan Ave., Suite 205, La Porte, IN  46350.   Or email tstabosz@laporteco.in.gov and mrosenbaum@laporteco.in.gov.  (These are the e-mail addresses of both the outgoing auditor, and the incoming one.)  All applications will be forwarded on to members of the La Porte County Council.

The deadline for receiving applications is noon on December 31, 2024.

(New Carlisle, IN) - A New Prairie High School teacher has earned national recognition for her efforts to prevent sudden cardiac deaths.

Tonya Aerts teaches biomedicine at New Prairie. She began her advocacy for AEDs and CPR training in 2019 following the death of New Prairie Senior Mark Mayfield. Mayfield passed away from sudden cardiac arrest after collapsing during an intramural basketball game at the school.

Aerts introduced Project ADAM to Indiana and established New Prairie as the state’s first Heart Safe high school in 2021. Project ADAM is a nationwide program that helps communities prepare for effective response to cardiac events. Currently there are more than 40 designated Heart Safe Schools in Indiana.

Aerts works closely with community organizations such as the Play for Jake Foundation, Heath Foundation of LaPorte, Zac Mago Foundation, Zoll Public Safety, and NW Indiana Area Health Education Center. She has provided more than 500 CPR certifications for students at New Prairie. In addition, she has provided more than 2,000 CPR/AED training sessions to NPUSC athletic teams and spearheaded heart screenings for more than 300 Hoosier students attending the annual HOSA State Conference. Earlier this year, New Prairie staff members saved someone’s life in the middle school parking lot, thanks to proper AED training.

For her efforts, Parent Health Watch has named Aerts their 2025 Hero for Young Hearts Adult Advocacy Champion. Parent Heart Watch is a national organization solely dedicated to protecting children and young adults from sudden cardiac arrest through advocacy and policy change. Each year, PHW honors individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults through impactful actions that advance PHW's mission to protect children and young adults from preventable sudden cardiac death.

Aerts will receive her award at the annual Heart to Heart PHW conference in Portland, Oregon in January.

If you would to learn more about Project ADAM Heart Safe Schools, please email Project ADAM - Indiana at projectadam@iuhealth.org.

(Ft. Wayne, IN) - Two boys fell through thin ice into freezing waters in Ft. Wayne. One pulled himself out, the other may not pull through.

It happened Sunday afternoon at a neighborhood retention pond. According to DNR investigators, an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were playing near the pond when the 9-year-old fell through the ice. The 8-year-old also fell in, attempting to help his friend. He was able to rescue himself and run for help.

The 9-year-old’s dad was unable to locate his son in chest-deep water. Fire department divers pulled him out about half an hour later. Reports did not indicate how long the 9-year-old was under water. He was taken to a Ft. Wayne hospital reportedly in critical condition.

(Indianapolis, IN) - The AAA Hoosier Motor Club is expecting another record travel holiday season.

AAA estimates nearly 2.8 million Hoosiers will be traveling between now and January 1st. Over 119 million people are expected to travel nationwide. “This year, Christmas falls on a Wednesday, which could contribute to the increase of travelers. More people can travel either the weekend before or after the holiday,” said Christina Griffiths, spokesperson for AAA Hoosier Motor Club.

These numbers only reflect those who are traveling at least 50 miles. Add in holiday shoppers and shorter trips, and you’ve got some pretty busy roadways. AAA says about 90% of travelers will be driving.

The choice to drive usually predominates over the holidays, but this year gas prices are lower than last year and other travel expenses are up. Domestic flights are 4% more expensive this holiday season than last year, hotels are 1% more expensive and rental cars are 8% more expensive.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte County man accused of battering a pregnant woman has been found guilty following a jury trial.

On December 1 of last year, a pregnant woman came forward to La Porte City Police alleging violence against her. She reported an altercation with Kyle Mouser of La Porte. Reports indicate Mouser physically assaulted the woman, then rammed his car into hers when she tried to flee.

La Porte Detective Marcos Loza led an investigation, which led to initial charges of domestic battery, strangulation, criminal recklessness, and interference in the reporting of a crime.

Following a two-day jury trial in La Porte Circuit Court earlier this month, Mouser was found guilty of domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman, a Level 5 Felony. He could face between one and six years in prison when he is sentenced on December 27.

Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said, “Domestic violence, especially to those with child, is a terrible crime, and harms our community. My office appreciates the fantastic relationship we have with the Laporte City Police Department. Detective Loza’s investigation and testimony was essential for securing a guilty verdict.” Fagan also credited Chuck Watterson, Chief Deputy Prosecutor, who handled the case.

(Washington, D.C.) - A narrowly-avoided federal government shutdown over the weekend likely foreshadows an ongoing struggle for the Congressional purse strings.

One local congressman looks to be in the middle of it, going forward. Second District Representative Rudy Yakym announced last week that he has been named to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Ways and Means is Congress’ oldest standing committee and has the broadest jurisdiction. It oversees where, and how, the government gets its income. "I am deeply honored and excited by the opportunity to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee in the new Congress," said Rep. Yakym.

"This appointment belongs to the people of Indiana’s Second District and gives hardworking Hoosiers a seat at the table when it comes to some of the most important issues and consequential policy debates affecting Americans’ everyday lives, including a 2025 tax law that builds on the success of the 2017 Trump tax cuts."

Yakym intends to support President-elect Trump’s pro-growth tax, regulatory, and trade policies. “I look forward to hitting the ground running on Ways and Means under Chairman Jason Smith to deliver on President Trump’s mandate of lower taxes, less red tape and regulations, free, fair, and reciprocal trade agreements, and ushering in a new golden age of American prosperity,” Yakym said. “I absolutely believe that with the right policies, commonsense solutions, and President Trump’s leadership, the best for our country is yet to come.”

Yakym’s predecessor, Jackie Walorski, also served on the House Ways and Means Committee. Yakym pledged,

“Above all, I will be working every day to uphold my dear late friend Jackie Walorski's legacy on Ways and Means of fighting for Hoosiers and the unique interests of the Second District."

(Michigan City, IN) - A new all-inclusive playground and fitness park in Michigan City is closer to fruition, thanks to the Health Foundation of La Porte.

Earlier this year, the city announced plans for a $5 million recreational project at Washington Park’s Fedder’s Alley. It will include playground equipment for kids of all abilities, a soft running surface, and all-weather exercise equipment.

Most of the money has already been raised through federal and local sources. A $750,000 grant has now been awarded by the Health Foundation, which gets the project almost to the finish line. Eric DeWald, president and CEO at HFL, said, "Health Foundation of La Porte is thrilled to partner with the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department on the Fedder's Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park. We are excited about the role this park will play in our community, offering a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members to gather, be active, and make memories together."

HFL stipulates that $500,000 is to be used for construction of the playground and fitness park. The remaining $250,000 is to be used to establish a long-term maintenance fund for the project.

“Often, we create these legacy projects that are impactful, but we don’t take the time to consider future maintenance,” Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said. “This endowment, this maintenance fund – it will make sure the playground at Fedder’s Alley endures for a lifetime.”

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department hopes to break ground next year. “The benefit of such inclusive spaces extends far beyond mere play and exercise,” said Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason . “It sends a powerful message to our community, teaching us all the values of empathy, respect, and understanding. When community members of all ages and abilities come together in inclusive spaces, they learn to celebrate differences and recognize strengths in one another.”

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County police are still investigating a fatal auto accident on US 35 north of La Porte Friday evening.

At 6:17 p.m. deputies responded to the 4900 north block of US 35 in reference to a head-on collision between two vehicles. Police say a maroon 2005 Pontiac, driven by 31-year-old Robert J. Kampf of La Porte, was traveling north. A gray 2016 Jeep, driven by 31-year-old Aaron M. Schroeder of Michigan City, was traveling south.

Kampf was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Schroeder suffered a lower body injury and refused medical treatment at the scene.

A cause of the crash has yet to be determined. Toxicology test results are pending.

(Carroll County, IN) -  Richard Allen has received the maximum sentence for the murders of two Delphi teenagers.

Last month Allen was found guilty by a Carroll County jury for the murders of 13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German in 2017. Prosecutors and Allen’s defense team spent Friday morning making their case for a proper punishment.

After hearing arguments and victim impact statements from the families, Judge Frances Gull sentenced Allen to 65 years for each girl’s murder. The sentences will be served consecutively, which means the 52-year-old Allen is looking at 130 years behind bars.

A press conference took place shortly after the decision came down. With a gag order having been in place since the trial started, it was the first time officials involved with the case could speak publically. Carroll County Sheriff Tony Liggett talked about the impact of the tragedy on the Delphi community:

“Carroll County is tight-knit community of about 20 thousand people. It used t obe a place where people didn’t lock their doors. I believe that the verdict and the sentencing will help ease some of that sense of security for the people of Carroll County. I want to thank all of the people of Carroll County and the families for their patience during this investigation.”

However, Sheriff Liggett said today’s verdict does not close the book on the situation; it just starts a new chapter:

“I keep hearing the word closure. People are coming up to me saying, ‘I bet that you’re glad that there’s finally closure.’ There will never be any closure in this case. The Germans and the Williams families lost their daughters, their granddaughters, their siblings. A form of justice was served, but it does not bring Abby or Libby back.”

State Police Superintendent Doug Carter also addressed the media. An emotional Carter stuck up for the integrity of his investigators and blasted defense attorneys for spinning a narrative of conspiracies:

“Over the course of these last many years, there have been many, many, many investigative strategies. Any notion of a cover-up, any notion of us deciding the outcome of this, any notion of any connection to anything else is not correct. It’s not correct. I’ve never been a detective in my entire lifetime, but I get to represent some of the best on the planet earth. And I listened; I listened to them intently. And when they made strategy decisions associated with what the next steps would be, my job is to support them, and I stand by those decisions, every single one of them.”

Allen's attorneys have indicated that they will file an appeal. They have 30 days to do so.

(Michigan City, IN) - Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City has dealt thousands of dollars to local nonprofits, thanks to their annual Trees of Hope contest.

Five area organizations decorated Christmas trees to display at the casino's hotel. Based on votes from visitors, Michiana Humane Society was declared the winner. They received $3,000. Second place Orak Shriners won $2,000. $1,500 went to La Porte County Meals on Wheels. The Independent Cat Society and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts also received $1,000 each.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County official bid farewell last night after many years of public service.

Commissioner Rich Mrozinski cited a host of achievements during his two terms on the county council and later two terms as county commissioner. Among the accomplishments he mentioned was playing a role in starting a program that issues medals to veterans from La Porte County annually, since 2004, and helping with the decision to expand and renovate the courthouse in Michigan City. Mrozinski also mentioned his involvement in things like establishing an ambulance base in Rolling Prairie with help from former La Porte County government attorney Shaw Friedman.

“It took a lot of work but it was worth it,” he said.

Also ranking high on his list of achievements was helping to bring major rail service to the Kingsbury Industrial Park where a second major railroad is expected to begin serving the park sometime in the near future. Mrozinski said he also played a key role in other matters such as extending sewer service to Rolling Prairie, which made construction of the new library possible in the community.

With several members of his family in attendance, he said the extreme political infighting over the past four years made what used to be a fun job no longer enjoyable. He also thanked his wife, Beverly, for being there during the good times and, more recently, the bad times.

“She’s been there for all of the other stuff, too, all of the back stabbing and lying.  She’s been my rock to get us through that,” he said.

He also said being an elected official was a great experience, which allowed him to meet and work with a lot of good, dedicated people.

Mrozinski, a lifelong resident of Rolling Prairie, is a military veteran who saw combat duty in the Vietnam War.  He also represented local veterans in an official capacity that included visits with lawmakers in  Washington D.C. about the needs of retired military servicemen.

(La Porte County, IN) - LaPorte County has hired a new director for the Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center.

Rachel Delaney was announced this week as the new director, and brings a lot of experience that includes being a former executive director of the Humane Society Calumet Area in Lake County. The LaPorte County Commissioners unanimously approved her hiring at the recommendation of the animal shelter’s advisory board. Board member Andy Hynek said her mission is to get shelter beside the La Porte County fairgrounds back into tip top shape.

“We’ve been in a difficult spot with the shelter probably in the last six months or so, as you know, and we’ve gone through some troubling times out there,” he said.

Delaney also cited experience in her brief remarks before the commissioners.

“I know that with my experience and development of the current team in place along with the amazing, dedicated volunteers that we can move the shelter forward in a very positive direction,” she said. 

Emilie Levesque took over as shelter director in September for Eric Hayes, who retired. Haynes had been director since Jane Bernard retired in 2021 after more than 30 years in charge of running the shelter.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police made a large drug bust during a traffic stop Wednesday night in Springville.

Police say the driver was stopped for having just one working headlight in the area of U.S 20 and State  Highway 39.  He was also allegedly speeding and did not have a working light for his license plate. During the stop, a K-9 unit was deployed, and detected the presence of drugs. Police said more than 80 grams of methamphetamine was found in a five gallon bucket behind the center console in the cab of the driver’s pick-up truck.

40 year old Joseph Ramos of Lake Station was arrested and held on a preliminary Level 3 felony charge of possession of methamphetamine. If the charge is made formal, Ramos could face anywhere from a three to 16 year sentence.

(La Porte, IN) - A former elected official and firefighter in LaPorte County has been sentenced for entering the unoccupied home of a woman without her permission, and engaging in lewd behavior inside her bedroom.

John Sullivan, 64, of Wanatah, was sentenced Wednesday in LaPorte Circuit Court to 18 months on work release after pleading guilty to Level 6 felony residential entry.  He could have received an up to 30 month sentence.

LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said the amount of punishment handed to Sullivan negotiated between his office and the defense was “the best possible outcome considering a whole number of factors.”

According to court documents, a 38 year old woman in January of 2023 was alerted by her home security system about an intruder.  On her cell phone screen, authorities said she witnessed Sullivan captured by a security camera in her bedroom performing a sex act. The video recording of Sullivan also contained images of underwear and other garments belonging to the victim, according to court documents.

Officers responding to her 911 call observed Sullivan in his car backing out of her driveway near Union Mills and took him into custody.

According to court documents, the woman knew Sullivan from him being friends with her late father.  He had also been visiting her recently to check on her furnance and perform other handyman tasks, but at no time did she give him permission to freely go inside her residence.

The woman told investigators she just had the security system installed after finding things in her home out of place and having a feeling of being watched,

according to court documents.

Sullivan was previously convicted on similar allegations at the residence of another woman.  In 2018, he was sentenced to one year on GPS home monitoring after pleading guilty to Level 6 felony residential entry. He was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and take part in any recommended treatment.

In that case, authorities said he went inside the home of a 40 year old woman without her permission and rummaged through some of her belongings. That residence was across the street from the Cass-Clinton Township Fire Department where Sullivan was a volunteer firefighter at the time.

After his first arrest, police said he admitted going into the homes of two other women without their permission over the last 20 years. He eventually, resigned during his first term as a LaPorte County Councilman after spending eight years as the LaPorte County Coroner. Sullivan is also a former full-time firefighter in LaPorte and used to drive a school bus for the South Central School Corporation.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Council will now accept the state of indiana giving them the soon-to-be-closing State Prison, and its grounds, following a vote during Tuesday night's meeting.

Tuesday night, the council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of accepting the prison as a donation from the state once the prison closes in a few years. The more-than 150-year-old Indiana State Prison will relocate to the new Westville Correctional Facility once the ongoing construction of that penal facility is completed.

Recently, Governor Eric Holcomb at the request of Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch signed documents declaring intent to gift the well over century old state owned prison to the city. Deuitch said it’s going to cost an estimated $500 million to tear down and clean up the site. However, she told the council, the city will not be going into debt to pay for redeveloping the property and other sources of revenue will be sought.

“There is no debt the city plans on incurring for this property.  It’s really going to be partnership in working with governor-elect Braun’s administration on how we can secure funding after it closes,” she said.

U.S. Senator Mike Braun will become governor on January 1.

Deuitch also said what’s going to be a long process of putting the former prison grounds back to use includes not just demolition but determining how to reuse the site.

“This is not quick thing.  This is a decade long project,” she said.

Since the property is owned by the state, Deuitch said they don't receive property taxes for the land, but it will be a tax revenue producer for the city once it’s redeveloped. Speculation on future use includes possible work force housing construction.

(Michigan City, IN) - Santa and his friends will be collecting donations for The Salvation Army of Michigan City this weekend.

The annual “Red Kettle Take Over” is scheduled Saturday at U.S. 421 and U.S. 20 between 1 and 3 p.m. Volunteers will dress in Christmas-themed costumes, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, snowmen, elves, reindeer, and others.  These friends of Santa will collect cash and check donations in a final push for the Salvation Army and its annual Christmas fund raising campaign. The group enlists the help of local first responders including the Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police Department, La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, and the Trail Creek Police Department.

The Salvation Army of Michigan City set a goal to raise $235,000 this season. The “Red Kettle Take Over” raised about $6,000 last year.

“This is a lot of fun because they have Christmas music and Christmas characters, and the people driving by always smile and wave when they see Santa,” said Major Dale Simmons.

(La Porte, IN) - Five candidates are now vying for the soon-to-be-open seat on the La Porte County Council.

The District 4 seat will be vacated by councilman Mike Rosenbaum when he steps down with two years left on his four-year term to become the new La  Porte County Auditor on January 1. Rosenbaum defeated Chief Deputy Auditor Rhonda Graves in the May primary and was unopposed in the November 8 general election.

La Porte County Republican Party Chairman Allen Stevens said he expects, perhaps, as many as 10 individuals to run.

“There’s been a lot of interest in this one,” he said.  

Already, Tim Stabosz, John Carr, Chris Cleveland, Heather Oake and Don Stoner have met the requirements to seek the position since the caucus was called on December 11. Stabosz is the outgoing La Porte County Auditor, who chose not to seek a second term in order to run for a seat on the three-member Board of La Porte County Commissioners.  He lost in the May primary to Steve Holifield, who defeated his democratic opponent, Mike Kellems, in November. Stabosz has been one of the central figures in the extreme political infighting between democrats and within the GOP over the past four years.

Stevens said division within the party is one of the reasons he anticipates a lot of people vying for the seat.  He said the party is broken into four factions and each one wants their candidate to fill the seat to have more influence over decision making.

“It should be a pretty exciting time here to see who comes out on top,” he said.

To run, Stevens said candidates must be from county council District 4. They also have to submit to him a completed and notarized Form CEB-5 before 10 a.m. on December 25. The seat will be filled by a vote from the 25 Republican precinct committeemen from District 4. He believes the key to victory qualifications and the ability to reach out across the factions.

“Somebody is going to have to do some coalition building here to win,” he said.

Stevens said one reason for the division is meddling within the GOP by Democrats, since La Porte County has gone from leaning Democrat to being solid republican over the past several years. Especially now, He says it’s time for members of the party to get in the same boat and row together since voters in November gave Republicans in government from top to bottom a mandate to lead.

“We’re not all going to agree 100 percent, but it’s time we find that common ground amongst each other to try and move the ball forward.  If we can’t find that common ground and find a way to get along, this boat is going to keep rowing in a circle until we sink,” he said.

The caucus will begin at 10 a.m. on the main level of the La Porte County Complex.  Stevens said the caucus is open to the public until the doors close at 10 a.m.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Pennsylvania man has been arrested, and accused of rummaging through a crashed FedEx truck along the Indiana Toll Road in LaPorte County, taking items from packages he wanted for Christmas.

Robert Campellone, III, is charged in LaPorte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony theft. Officials say an Indiana State Police officer responded Sunday to mile-marker 51, about two miles east of the LaPorte exit, about a pick-up truck parked where a FedEx tractor trailer was lying in a ditch. When he arrived, the Trooper spotted a man later identified as Campellone inside the open trailer.

The trooper made his way down the embankment while concealing himself behind the damaged metal of the trailer.  Eventually, he got close enough to witness the man cutting opening boxes inside the trailer with a knife.

“He would examine the contents and move on to the next box,” said Master Trooper Tim McCormick in his report.

After ordering the man out of the trailer at gunpoint,Campellone told the officer he pulled over to urinate and saw, “all of these Christmas gifts,” and thought he would save money on his holiday shopping. The La Porte County Animal Control was called to remove a rottweiler from his pickup before authorities could search the vehicle. Inside, they found moo than $1,400 in items from the semi, including a case of wine, among other things.

Police said it might be difficult to have the recovered items delivered to their rightful owners due to the number of empty boxes, and not knowing which items were being shipped where.

Campellone could face an up to three year sentence.

(Michigan City, IN) - Indiana’s first state execution in 15 years happened early Wednesday morning in Michigan City.

State Prison officials said Joseph Corcoran was pronounced dead at 12:44 A.M. He was executed by lethal injection for the 1997 killings of his brother and three other men in Fort Wayne. He has been on death row at Indiana State Prison on Michigan City’s west side since his conviction.

According to the Indiana Department of Correction, Corcoran's last words were, "let's get this over with."

Corcoran’s lawyers appealed his death sentence multiple times, even going all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

(La Porte County, IN) - Officials are now confirming a person killed in a work place accident in Kingsbury last week is a La Porte County resident.

La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson identified the victim as Joseph Ehrhart. He died early Monday at a hospital in South Bend after being taken there by medical helicopter. His body was then taken back to St. Joseph County for examination, as state law requires forensic investigations must occur in the jurisdiction where death occurred.

Swanson said she does not know the results of the autopsy, which could take several weeks for her to receive.

“Eventually, I’ll get them,” she said.

The accident happened on Dec. 10 at Alexander Chemical Corporation at Kingsbury Industrial Park.  He was a contractor working on an empty storage tank when he suffered injuries resulting in his death six days later, accordign to company officials. 

So far, the company and local authorities are not disclosing further specifics about the accident due to the ongoing investigation.   

(Kingsbury, IN) - A work place fatality in La Porte County is under investigation.

At around 1 p.m. Tuesday,  an accident occured at Alexander Chemical Corporation at Kingsbury Industrial Park. Matt Gill, Safety and Security Manager at the plant, said unfortunately resulted in the death of a contractor performing work on an empty storage tank. Another contractor and an employee of the company suffered non-life threatening injuries and were treated on site, he said.

Further details about the event were not disclosed by the company. The name and age of the victim and the two individuals hurt in the incident were also not revealed.

“Alexander Chemical extends their deepest sympathy to those who have been affected,” Gill said.

Alexander Chemical Corporation is a chemical production and distribution facility whose products are used for water treatment.

The Indiana branch of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed the agency has initiated a safety compliance inspection at the facility.

“At Alexander Chemical Corporation, one of their goals is to maintain a safe workplace to ensure that all hazards are eliminated and to ensure that each of their employees and contractors are trained to perform his or her daily duties in the safety manner possible,” Gill said.

Gill said the company requested assistance from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, La Porte County Emergency Medical Service, the Kingsbury Fire Department, La Porte County Hazmat, the Kingsford/Union Fire Department, Indiana State Fire Marshal, and La Porte County Emergency Management Agency. The company is cooperating with all agencies in their investigations.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County woman could face time in prison for allegedly assaulting her adopted child.

Laurie Lentz, 62, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with two Level 5 felony counts of domestic battery. According to court records, authorities became involved in late March when evidence of the alleged acts were reported to officials at the child's school.

The evidence includes photographs of nearly a dozen purple marks on the child’s buttocks along with 15 smacking sounds and screams from the child captured on a recording taken during one of the spankings inside the family’s home. Police revealed the injuries were inflicted with a computer charging cord and cooking spoon.

According to court documents, the punishment was over poor grades on the child’s report card and for not returning the charging cord to its place in the home. Police said the evidence indicates the child was whipped about once a month. The father allegedly tried intervening, but wasn’t always home during the punishments.

Lentz, who was arrested on December 12, was still being held Tuesday in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.  She could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence on each count.

(Michigan City, IN) - An inmate at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City will be executed overnight, unless a last minute appeal is approved.

Joseph Corcoran, 49, has been on death row since 1999, convicted in the fatal shootings of his brother and three other men inside his family’s home in Ft. Wayne. Five years earlier, Corcoran was found not guilty in the shooting deaths of his parents by a jury citing insufficient evidence to convict him.

It would be the first execution in Indiana in 15 years if the death by lethal injection happens as scheduled early Wednesday morning. 

The state previously suspended executions because the combination of drugs used in lethal injections was unavailable due to a shortage caused by pharmaceutical companies refusing to sell their products for that purpose. Those companies are mostly in Europe where opposition to capital punishment is strongest. In June, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced the execution could happen since the state acquired a drug used by other states for lethal injections.

The defense has been trying to overturn his death sentence on appeal, arguing Corcoran is severely mentally ill. The Indiana Supreme Court denied the most recent request to stop the execution.

(Michigan City, IN) - A teenager in Micchigan City could face time in prison for allegedly firing a gun at a motorist.

Ladeijanae Dante, 18, was charged with criminal recklessness. According to court documents, a driver pulled to the side of the road last week in the 2700 block of Franklin St.  Suddenly, two men wearing masks began pulling on the doors of his car to try and get inside. Police said the man began speeding away when a gunshot was fired in his direction by Dante, who was in another vehicle.

The investigation shows the victim purchased a hooded sweatshirt for $100 from one of the individuals involved in the incident and promised to come up with the rest of the money later in the day.  However, police said he still owed $75 on the purchase when the encounter occurred two weeks later.

Dante could face anywhere from 1-6 years in jail on the level 5 felony charge.

(La Porte, IN) - The National Champion Pop Warner football team from La Porte is home, and was recognized during Monday night’s city council meeting. Each of the players was introduced by their head coach, Mike Nelson, before a packed council chambers at La Porte City Hall.

“It was a heck of a run.  I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” he said.

The 10U Greater La Porte Slicers went 8-0 during the regular season, then won six consecutive games in the postseason tournament to win the national title last Friday in Orlando, Florida.  The team defeated the Norristown Bengals from Pennsylvania 39-6 in the "Super Bowl" game. The Slicers made it to the national semi-finals last season.

Rush Loftus, a member of the offensive line, told the city council “good team work” was among the keys to their championship season. Nelson held up the football shaped trophy during his brief presentation. All 19 members of the squad along with Nelson and his assistance coaches posed for pictures with the city council and Mayor Tom Dermody while applauded by members of the audience.

(La Porte County, IN) - A high speed chase on I-94 ended with a crash and arrest of the driver in La Porte County.

Late Friday morning, La Porte County Police said an officer attempted to make a traffic stop on US 20 in Springville. The driver didn't stop, and took off. The suspect then turned around on the four lane highway and  veered onto I-94 where the pursuit was discontinued.

Later, an officer from another agency spotted the vehicle and began a pursuit that ended near the Indiana-Michigan state line. Police said the suspect from Milwaukee crashed into a wooded area and fled on foot, but was captured. An undisclosed amount of cocaine and methamphetamine along with a gun were allegedly found on the suspect’s possession.

The driver, Maurice Williams, 29, is being charged with dealing cocaine and dealing in methamphetamine along with other counts regarding the chase. Williams also had several warrants out for his arrest in Wisconsin.

(La Porte County, IN) - The mayors of Michigan City and La Porte are ready for a friendly battle of their respective cities in support of The Salvation Army.

The annual “Red Kettle Ring Off” is set for Friday. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City and Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte will each staff a red kettle in their cities at the end of this week, competing to see who can raise the most funds to support the Christmas campaigns in each city.

In Michigan City, Mayor Nelson Deuitch will staff the red kettle at Al’s Supermarket on Karwick Plaza from 10 am to 7 pm with her staff, family, and friends. Mayor Dermody will do the same at Kroger in La Porte from 9 am to 6 pm.  Mayors of both cities look forward to this annual competition.

“Everyone knows I love a little friendly competition, but it’s even better when it benefits such a great cause,” he said.

“My family and I have always supported The Salvation Army whether by donating, hosting fundraisers, serving on the board. It’s a good cause,” Nelson Deuitch said.

La Porte Salvation Army Major Charles Pinkston said the competition could not have come at a better time with giving this Christmas season being slightly down right now.

“Funds raised by Mayor Dermody in La Porte could help us achieve our campaign goal so we can continue offering services to those in need,” said his wife, Katie, who helps operate the Salvation Army branch.

(La Porte, IN) - Microsoft is continuing work behind the scenes toward future construction of a $1 billion data center on what’s historically been productive farmland in La Porte.

La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook said Microsoft representatives have visited numerous times since a deal was struck in June to build the data center on close to 500 acres of farmland on Boyd Boulevard, just east of U.S. 35. Cook said their visits are standard procedure for getting any construction site approved and ready for ground breaking. The process includes doing all of the necessary work in areas like engineering to obtain building permits from the city and tap into existing water and sewer lines surrounding the site.

Northern Indiana Public Service Company has also been involved in the process to extend natural gas and electrical service to the parcel.

Cook said the hope is start construction on the projected 245,000-square-foot data center by late next year or early in 2026. Microsoft seems to be working to complete the long process quicker than originally anticipated.

“It’s a massive project so it takes quite a bit of time to get all of the details in line,” he said.

The project has been hailed as the largest economic development project in the city’s history and one that will have a noticeable lasting impact on the community of about 23,000 citizens. The center will create as many as 200 jobs by 2032 described as "high wage," and "high tech positions."

Microsoft committed to building the data center after the city council approved its request for a 40 year tax exemption strictly on the high tech equipment to be contained inside the facility. In exchange, Microsoft will refund as much as $2.5 million or 30 percent of its tax savings a year under the lifetime of the agreement. The funds will be divided between the city’s Redevelopment Commission and the La Porte School Corporation.

"It’s just an incredibly exciting project,” Cook said.

According to the La Porte County Assessor’s Office, Microsoft purchased all of the land from the previous owners in separate transactions in 2023 and early this year for a combined $20.8 million. The previous owners were listed as Rhoda Farms and CL Core Rhoda.

The transactions occurred in 2023 and early in 2024 after the land was annexed into the city at the request of the owners, who expressed a desire for their ground raising corn and soybeans to be redeveloped. During his State of the City speech Dec. 9, Mayor Tom Dermody said the landing of Microsoft mirrored his administration’s three guiding principles of “setting high standards, competing with and for the best and expecting to win.”

“When people asked if we ever thought Microsoft would come to La Porte, our answer was yes,” he said.

Cook said working with the Microsoft representatives as they move through the process has been a pleasure and a great opportunity for him, personally.

“Microsoft has been one of the best companies to deal with, incredibly community minded and I think aware and cognizant of the impact their project has on a community like ours,” he said.

About six months ago, Microsoft also purchased more than 900 acres of farm land for a reported $77 million near Granger. That land, still in production, was rezoned from agriculture to industrial to make it eligible for a data center. So far, Microsoft has not made any commitments yet to build a data center at that location.

(La Porte County, IN) - A pole barn fire near Westville may have been the result of a wooden burner left unattended, according to authorities.

La Porte County Police said they arrived at the 7400 block of W. 500 South Thursday night to find smoke coming from a pole barn on the property.  The owner, Nathaniel Loeffler, told investigators he stoked the wood burner inside, then went back to his house and took a shower. About 20 minutes later, police said he looked out and saw smoke coming from the structure then ran inside and spotted the area above the wood burner on fire. 

Loeffler used a fire extinguisher and buckets of water to try and put out the flames. Police said firefighters from Westville arrived and extinguished the remainder of the fire.

Loeffler told us there was just minimal structure damage.

(Michigan City, IN) - A former mayor of Michigan City has passed away. Robert Behler Jr. died at his home in California on December 4. He was 84.

Behler served two terms as mayor in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  He later served as La Porte County treasurer and La Porte County clerk. Behler was a veteran of the U.S. Marines. In 1994, Behler was named La Porte County’s first “Veteran of the Year.”

A Mass celebrating his life will be held in early spring at St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Church in Michigan City followed by the interment of his ashes with full military honors at Greenwood Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Ott Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Michigan City.

(Chesterton IN) - Attorneys for a gravely injured Chesterton man have announced a record-setting personal injury settlement.

In August of 2020, 37-year-old Brad Detert was seriously injured in a Valparaiso construction zone on U.S. 30. Detert, of Chesterton, was struck on his motorcycle by a driver who was allegedly disoriented by improper construction signage.

Lawyers went after Traffic Control Specialists, the company responsible for the signage, and on Friday announced a $37.7 million settlement. It’s the largest pre-trial settlement for personal injury ever reported in Indiana.

Attorney Otto Shragal handled the case for the Allen Law Group. “These cones and traffic control were one hundred percent set up negligently and improperly,” he said at a press conference Friday. “And when these rules are not followed, it is a guarantee that someone will be confused, and unfortunately this is exactly the type of horrible event that can happen.” Shragal added, “These safety rules are not optional. Safety for the travelling public is not optional, and I think we’ve been able to show that in this case.” Shragal said that they were able to present evidence that TCS misrepresented their error, then tried to cover it up.

Attorney Kenneth Allen stressed that because of negligence Detert has been deprived of his career and a normal life. “Those freedoms were taken from him,” said Allen, “and we’re here to say that when companies don’t follow the safety rules and regulations, we’ll hold them to account.”

Detert also addressed the media. Severe head and facial injuries, including the loss of one eye, likely cost him his career as a commercial airline pilot and flight instructor. “The freedom to pursue my passion and enjoyment of life was taken from me,” he said. “It hurts me that there are those that choose to ignore the regulations that are in place to keep us all safe. It hurt me that they also tried to cover it up.”

(La Porte County, IN) - Colton Barnes of South Central High School and Bailey Chavis of Michigan City High School are the 2025 recipients of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for La Porte County. It's one of the most prestigious and generous distinctions that a Hoosier high school student can earn. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

A committee formed by the Unity Foundation of La Porte County narrows down the candidates and makes recommendations to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), which gives out the awards on behalf of the Lilly Endowment. Unity Foundation Director of Operations CC Payne praised the accomplishments of both recipients:

“Bailey and Colton embody the spirit of community and true leadership that the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship seeks to honor. Colton impressed the Scholarship Committee with his dedication to community service, particularly with his role in the Shine the Light Project, which creates inclusive opportunities in theater for people of all abilities, and his leadership in various school organizations like Robotics and National Honor Society. His passion for nursing and serving others reflects his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.”

“Meanwhile, Bailey showcased extraordinary leadership as a student government officer, class president, and athlete across multiple sports. Her work as a student commissioner for Michigan City’s Sustainability Commission and as a volunteer at Tannehill Soup Kitchen highlights her dedication to improving her community and addressing critical issues like food insecurity.”

“Both Bailey and Colton are shining examples of the positive change young leaders can achieve.”

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.

This year’s recipients expressed their gratitude for the honor:

“The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship will enable me to further pursue an education that will allow me to provide for my community to a greater extent. It is with great pride and gratitude that I am able to call myself a Lilly Scholar,” said Barnes.

Chavis shared, “I am so unbelievably honored, and I cannot fully express how grateful I am to be chosen to represent both my school and the Unity Foundation as the recipient of this scholarship. It is the great privilege and responsibility of my life to be engaged in my community, and I am so excited that I will be able to continue this work.”

Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President added, “The Unity Foundation staff and volunteers invest a lot of time reviewing the applications, choosing and interviewing the finalists in person.  The scores are tallied the two highest scores are referred to ICI.  The quality of the candidates makes this task very hard, yet makes us all proud of what our high school students are achieving!”

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program was established 27 years ago. Since then, grant funding in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program.

The Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities since 1992, managing $45 million in assets and more than 350 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $25 million through direct grants and scholarships. For more information on how Unity Foundation serves as a catalyst for social and economic vitality in La Porte County, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

(St. Joseph County, IN) - A bomb threat on Friday halted construction at the new Amazon data center outside New Carlisle.

St. Joseph County Police responded late Friday morning in response to a threatening message left on the wall of a Port-a-John. According to authorities, the message said:

Kill: [first name redacted]
1012
Bomb 12:45

Underneath the message was a smiley face.

A union tradesman told HTNN that workers were alerted via text to report to their foremen for a head count, then sent home. A search by police turned up nothing suspicious, but they continue to investigate.

Workers returned to the jobsite Saturday morning.

(La Porte, IN) - Rock 106.5 in La Porte has a new voice on during the afternoon drive, and his name... is "Meatball." 

Under his real name, Kevin Kerr comes from a rock station in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Prior to that, a rock station in Wichita, Kansas, whivch was close to where he grew up.

“We’re going to have some fun.  In the same vein, we’re going to be playing some awesome rock and roll music,” he said.

One of the primary things Meatball said he wants to do with La Porte's Rock Station, is to bring it to the community, and get the station out into the streets with the people of La Porte County.

“I’m really, really excited to bring the energy that I know I can bring to La Porte, La Porte County and the whole area and really just make Rock 106.5 the premiere rock station in northwest Indiana."

“Meatball” is the host on Rock 106.5 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

He will also have responsibilities with 96.7 The Eagle, 106.5's sister station, but in a more limited capacity, like on-air work and production.  He will also be an editor of stories posted on HOMETOWNNEWSNOW.com.

Before he was hosting radio shows, he worked as a reporter and in other capacities at newspapers in Duncan and Ardmore, Oklahoma. He finally got his start in radio as a board operator for high school football games in Ardmore. That radio station later hired him as their news director and information technology specialist. When those stations were bought by a new company, he became a rock show host on the same airwaves prior to accepting an offer from a rock station he listened to while growing up outside Wichita.

Officially donning the name "Meatball," he was an on-air personality involved in management and programming during his roughly four years at the Kansas radio station before landing next in Kalamazoo, where his radio station duties included being co-host of a morning show.

So far, Meatball says he really likes La Porte, which he described as similar but more unique than other Midwest cities in terms of character and connection between residents and their local radio stations.

“La Porte has such a cool character to it and I’m looking forward to getting to learn more about La Porte,” he said.

(Orlando, FL) - La Porte County is home to a new National Championship Team!

The Greater La Porte Slicers - a 10U football team - won the Pop Warner National Championship "Super Bowl" on Friday. The squad defeated the Norristown Bengals from Pennsylvania 39-6 at Campint World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Last season, they made it to the Pop Warner National Semi-Finals and lost to the eventual Championship team. This year, though, they went undefeated the entire season. Dennis Nelson, Jr., whose son, Dennis, III is a tight end on the 10U squad, said the players worked especially hard since January to make it back to the final four then win the national title game.

“I’m just really proud of them for persevering through a tough bracket and making little ol’ La Porte on the map with a national championship,” he said.

The team could be heard celebrating in the background on a phone call with Nelson where he told Hometown News Now, “they’re the best in the country and it’s not even close.”

(La Porte, IN) - A local church will be feeding needy families again for Christmas.

Frank Humphrey, President of the Men’s Ministry at First United Methodist Church in the 1200 block of Michigan Ave. in La Porte, said each family will receive a turkey, along with perishable items such as bread, fresh produce and non-perishable foods like pasta, spaghetti sauce, and canned goods. They will also receive cookies and other sweets, along with hygiene products such as tooth paste and toothbrushes.

“It’s just something good that the church does,” he said.

This year, they have nearly 30 families on its list.

Much of the food is donated by the congregation while purchases are made from Aldi. Volunteers at the church will package the items for each family this afternoon and deliver them to their homes on Saturday.  Humphrey said the church has given food to 25 to 30 families at Christmas for about the past four years.

(La Porte County, IN) - An opening on the La Porte County Council will likely be filled during a meeting of the Republican caucus later this month. 

Councilman Mike Rosenbaum is vacating his District 4 seat on the seven member panel to become La Porte County Auditor on January 1 after he was elected in November. A caucus of Republican precinct committeemen from District 4 will meet December 28th to elect his replacement.  The caucus will start at 10 a.m. at the La Porte County Complex.

La Porte County Republican Party Chairman Allen Stevens said he believes there could be as many as 10 candidates for the open seat because of high interest in that position.

“I expect, at this point, maybe upwards of 10 people putting their name in the hat for the race,” he said.

Whoever is chosen will serve the remaining two years left on Rosenbaum’s term.

To be eligible to run for the open council seat, a candidate must have voted Republican in the last two primaries and reside in District 4. Stevens said all candidates must submit a completed and notarized Form CEB-5 to him by 10 a.m. on December 25.  Anyone interested in the position can contact Stevens with any questions at (219) 380-4965.

(La Porte, IN) - Downtown La Porte will be bustling Saturday during the 12th Annual Downtown Cookie Walk.

People can visit more than 20 businesses taking part in the event, and fill their 2024 collector’s tins with free sweet treats and, perhaps, do a little holiday shopping along the way.

The Downtown Cookie Walk will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

(La Porte County, IN) - A staple member for Unity Foundation of La Porte has announced that she will be retiring next year.

Maggie Spartz, who helped start the foundation in 1992, is the last remaining founding member. She will step down at the end of 2025 after reaching her goal in 2024 of raising $50 million in assets for the foundation.

“Over the next year or so, I intend to run full steam ahead with Unity operations, programs and special projects while helping transition to new leadership,” she said.

Unity Foundation uses interest generated from its assets to fund scholarships and a variety of other projects and programs benefitting La Porte County. The assets are in the form of donations by people who often want to leave a lasting legacy specifically for their favorite mission or cause.
 

(La Porte, IN) - An alleged methamphetamine dealer in La Porte is scheduled to make her initial appearance in the courtroom Friday.

Brandy Reese, 41, was charged in La Porte Circuit Court with a Level 3 felony, dealing in methamphetamine, and violating probation. Reese is accused of selling 5.9 grams of methamphetamine for $140 in February from a home in the 400 block of D St.

Police say she was caught when she opened the door and carried out an exchange, then went back inside the residence. According to court records, she was on probation at the time for a burglary conviction from earlier this year.

Reese could face anywhere from a 3 to 16 year sentence on the drug related count. Currently, she's being in the La Porte County Jail without bond. 

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Fire Department is taking part in a new program that will help train firefighters with the proper medical training needed to help deliver babies from mothers who have at-risk pregnancies.

“Project Swaddle” is a partnership between the LaPorte Fire Department and Franciscan Health to help combat a high infant mortality rate in LaPorte County. So far, under the new program, nine babies have been born.

LaPorte Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke said the voluntary program, which started in April, involves going to the homes of expectant mothers on a patient list, provided by Franciscan Health. Visits with the soon-to-be mothers are scheduled between check-ups with their doctors, and include checking blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs. The firefighters also provide information on what the expectant mothers should do to help lower the risk of complications during pregnancy, and where to go to address any issues or concerns they might have while carrying the child.

“We’re just there as a guide to kind of help keep them on track and point them in the right direction when needed,” he said.

Burke said one firefighter certified as a paramedic, and three trained as emergency medical technicians, usually visit homes twice during the woman's pregnancy and twice after birth. Visits after birth focus on weighing the baby to make sure their growth rates are normal, educating the mothers on safe sleep for infants, and other safe care methods. Firefighters also look for any signs of postpartum depression in the mother, or other struggles they might be having. Visits are also a source of emotional support for mothers, who are also given advice on matters like car seat safety and breastfeeding,

“Some people just need a little extra help and there’s no problem with that.  We’re happy to be part of the program,” he said.

Burke oversees the program in LaPorte and serves as a liaison between the department and Franciscan Health, who launched the program in 2018 at Crawfordsville. Ever since, the personalized visits have shown to help mothers stay engaged in monitoring their health and the health of their babies.

Participants have also been found to be more likely to follow through on their scheduled medical appointments, maintain a safe home environment, and become more confident as parents.

“I’m thankful that LaPorte County women will have a greater chance at healthier pregnancies and raising healthier babies through this partnership with the LaPorte Fire Department,” said Tristan Kirby, Franciscan Health Prenatal Assistance Program Director.

Factors resulting in patients being classified as high-risk can include diabetes, hypertension, being younger than 17 or older than 35, a pregnancy with multiple babies, previous pre-term labor along with a previous pregnancy loss and substance use disorder.

Burke said 17 mothers have enrolled into the program since its inception.

“There were some growing pains putting it together but I think it’s off to a great start,” he said.

Burke said participants also receive gifts such as car seats and diapers.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, the infant mortality rate in LaPorte County at 11.1 for every 1,000 live births is the third highest among the 92 counties in the state and double the national rate.

(La Porte, IN) - A smiple traffic violation this week resulted in a large drug bust by authorities in the City of La Porte.

Joseph France, 48, was stopped Tuesday night for making an improper turn in the area of Boyd Boulevard and Glenview Ave., according to La Porte Police. Police say during the stop, their K-9 dog unit, Jimy, alerted on the vehicle, detecting the presence of drugs.

The vehicle was searched, and authorities found more than a half-pound of methamphetamine inside a disposable cup. The Michigan City man could face anywhere from a 10 to 30 year sentence on Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine.

France was being held in the La Porte County Jail without bond.

(South Bend, IN) - A Northern indiana man who sold Fentanyl to a person, resulting in their death, has been sentenced with more than two decades in a federal prison. Jarin Noojin of Mishawaka, 26, was given a 24-year federal prison sentence in U.S. District Court at South Bend this week.

“The evidence in this case established that this defendant was a dealer, who was responsible for one of those deaths,” he said.

Authorities say Noojin was making and selling fentanyl he would press into pills to look more like prescription medication. Even after his product resulted in the death of one person, he continued to sell his product.

"There is no room in Michiana, or anywhere across the region, for those who think dealing illicit fentanyl is a way of life," Johnson said.

U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said more than 76,000 people are estimated to have died in 2022 from drug overdoses involving fentanyl.

(Orlando, FL) - The La Porte Slicers youth football team is headed to Florida to play for the Pop Warner National Title.

The 10-and-under players will compete in the championship game in Orlando on Friday, Dec. 13th, against the Norristown Bengals from Pennsylvania. Kickoff is at 9:45 a.m. (Central Time) and can be watched on the FloSports App, or at no cost on the Facebook page of Dennis Nelson, whose grandson - Dennis Nelson III - is on the team.

Head Coach Mike Nelson said his team has been on a mission since last year’s defeat in the national semi-finals. The team advanced to the national title game with a come-from-behind victory in overtime Monday, against the defending champions - the Coconut Grove Cowboys, who are from Florida.

“The kids were jumping up and down and were excited,” he said.

Nelson says the team's offensive line, who play bigger and stronger than their age would say, are a critical part of their success.  He says they are excellent at protecting quarterback, Ben Nelson, and creating holes for the ball carriers to run through.

“We’ve got the best offensive line in the country. They’re hungry.   They’re after it,” he said.

The offensive line consists of Eli Nimtz, Cruz Dominguez, Rush Loftus, Grant Sanders, Drew Pumroy, and Manny Avila. Nelson said his players felt they were the best team last year, and have been out to prove that is the case this year.

“They just want a shot at redemption. We’ll get to prove whether we’re number one or number two on Friday,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - A timeline has been established for closing Lincoln Elementary school in La Porte.

Beginning next school year, students who would normally attend Lincoln Elementary will be divided between Riley, Hailmann, and Handley Elementaries. Under the timeline, new district boundaries will be established this coming January, while transportation zones will be finalized in March.

The suggested timeline is available for review by the public on the school corporation website.

La Porte Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood told the school board this week that any changes to the current schedule will be updated as it further evolves throughout the remainder of the school year.

“We expect there to be additional items added.  Our stakeholder groups can reference that as we move through,” she said.

At this time, plans are to have everything finalized by May.  The Lincoln School building will become the site for the districtwide pre-school program. 

The decision for the move stems from a need to reduce operating expenses as a result of declining revenue during more than a decade of gradual reductions in student enrollment throughout the school corporation.

(La Porte, IN) - The Pax center in la Porte announced it will host its annual Christmas Day Community Meal again this year on Christmas Day. The dinnger will be from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at their facility at 605 Washington St., La Porte, IN.

Pastor Nate Loucks said the free meal is open to everyone in the community.

“We’re grateful for the generous support of Sons of the American Legion Post 297 in New Carlisle and Groceries by Joe, who helped make this meal possible through their donations,” he said.

The community is also invited to contribute homemade desserts for the dinner. Loucks said dessert donations can be dropped off on Saturday, December 21, between 9 and 10:30 a.m., or on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to Noon. If you're bringing desserts, they should be packaged in containers that do not need to be returned. 

The Pax Center is affiliated with State Street Community Church where Loucks serves as pastor.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Street Department is taking on pot holes more aggressively than ever. In fact, officials say in 2024 alone, they've filled close to 10,000 potholes, and more are on the list.

That’s according to Mayor Tom Dermody, who reiterated his mission of keeping the city pot hole free during his State of the City speech on Monday.

“Thanks to the residents who take pride in our community and report potholes, we’ve repaired over 9,600 this year with the majority of being filled without our goal of 48 hours,” he said.

Last year, Dermody said more than five thousand pot holes were filled in the city, meaning the number fixed nearly doubled in 2024. 

(La Porte County, IN) - Repairs to the La Porte County Jail continue following recent water damage are still ongoing. 

Roughly two weeks ago, a hot water heating pipe sprung a leak and caused damage on nearly every floor of the jail. Commissioner Joe Haney said the cost of repairs is not fully known yet, however it was nowhere close to the extensive damage caused to the county complex by another broken water line in late December of 2022.

Project Manager Scott Cooley told the commissioners Monday some of the water damage on the fourth floor has been repaired.

“We have removed some of the floor tile and a ceiling that needed to be removed.  We still have some pipe installation to remove and replace,” he said.

Haney said the damage and repair work is not hindering the operations of the jail, however the leak in the hot water system limited its avbailability in parts of the jail. Inmates in those locations were moved to locations unaffected by the heating loss.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City High School graduate Braden Fiske has been named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for November.

Fiske went to Florida State after high school and was the 39^th overall draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams. This season, he has 36 total tackles, six sacks and forced two fumbles with two fumble recoveries. His success at defensive tackle has earned him a spot on the 2025 Pro Bowl ballot.

Fiske, a 2018 graduate of Michigan City High School, went to play at Western Michigan University and later at Florida State University.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody touted a long list of accomplishments during this year's State of the City Speech on Monday, ranging from major infrastructure upgrades to more new housing development. However, despite the many achievements, Dermody said his vision for what La Porte can be has not fully materialized.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” he said.

Dermody began his 30 minute speech at the Civic Auditorium by saying his administration operates every day on the guiding principles of “setting high standards, competing with, and for, the best, and expecting to win.”

One of the major items he addressed was adding sidewalks as part of the reconstruction of Truesdell Avenue. He says it has turned Fox Park into more of a summer destination for things like annual concerts and use of the walking trail around Clear Lake.

Dermody also said another dent was placed into the estimated $100 million needed, to replace aging water and sewer lines. Work is now completed on I Street, and adjacent neighborhoods. Additionally, more “ancient” water and sewer lines will start being replaced next year on Indiana Avenue with help from a $1 million federal grant along with state funding the cost of repaving.

Another project Dermody mentioned was the $2.5 million in federal funds secured to improve drainage on Boyd Boulevard, making it possible for the city’s industrial base on the east side to further grow.  That work is expected to begin in the spring. 

“This is what government should be, putting politics aside and getting things done,” he said.

Dermody also brought up the new construction on more than 200 new homes at all price levels, and draws closer to breaking ground on other residential developments that include the more upscale Beechwood Lakes, a 110-unit subdivision planned beside Beechwood Municipal Golf Course. He also revealed more than 40 affordable homes should begin going up next year on a portion of Scott Field and inside the old Washington School building.

But Dermody said the biggest new investment was landed in June when the city struck a deal for Microsoft to construct a $1 billion data center on nearly 500 acres on Boyd Boulevard just east of U.S. 35. Other commercial successes included the ongoing construction of a Chipotle restaurant on Pine Lake Ave. along with an agreement to start building a huge family fun center next year at nearby NewPorte Landing.

Dermody also mentioned the annexation of the 39 North Conservancy District and the new residential and industrial growth starting to occur there already. He said keeping the city clean remained a top priority with over 3,400 code violations issued, so far, this year along with 250 loads of furniture and other unwanted materials in public use dumpsters taken to a landfill.

Regarding the roads of La Porte, Dermody said 9,600 pot holes were filled in 2024, an increase of 4,000 from the previous year. His goal is to fill each pot hole within 48 hours after one is reported.

Dermody did bring up crime, said the 79 drug related arrests made by the police department in 2024, is an extension of his commitment to eliminate drugs locally as a major problem.

“People will doubt our ability to win this war but why would we not set our standards high when it comes to protecting our youth and the community,” he said.

Demody is wrapping up his fifth year as mayor following ten years in state legislature.

City Attorney Nick Otis said the word “RELENTLESS,” which Demody puts on shirts he likes to gibve away to the community to promote pride in the city, describes the mayor’s work ethic and what he demands from his administrators.

“Some department heads may, occasionally, use the word exhausting.  The mayor is truly relentless when it comes to improving our city,” he said.

(Michigan City, IN) - An arrest has been made in connection with a suspected full-scale drug lab inside a Michigan City residence.

William Riser, 48, is facing charges of dealing in a Schedule-One substance, and possession of methamphetamine.

Last week, police officers entered a home in the 100 block of Earl Road wearing Hazmat suits, and discovered a fully operation drug lab while executing a search warrant. Riser, who lived at the residence, was allegedly making the hallucinogenic drug DMT. Police said the drug is dangerous when ingested and very risky to make.

"This operation was a sophisticated setup designed to produce and distribute dangerous substances," said LaPorte County Drug Task Force Commander Sgt. Kyle Shiparski.

The arrest follows a two-month-long investigation. Riser is currently being held in the La Porte County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

(La Porte, IN) - A woman who set fire to a storage unit in La Porte is going to prison.

Britany Lawson, 38, of Mill Creek was given a six-year sentence with the Indiana Department of Correction for arson. Just over two years ago, police said she was staying in a unit at Slicer Storage on E. Lincolnway, and had been for at least two days, when police finally told her to leave.

Police then say about 30 minutes later, she placed a lit cigarette on a couch inside the unit, then left on her bicycle once the couch was engulfed in flames. Total damage was estimated at $15,000.

Lawson initially denied setting the fire when confronted by police, but admitted to the allegations after failing a lie detector test. Lawson was found guilty during a trial last month in La Porte Circuit Court.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police say an impaired driver struck a parked car in the driveway of a home just outside of La Porte early Sunday morning.

Charles Tibbs, 23, of Hamlet was arrested for operating while intoxicated. Police say the incident happened after 4 a.m. Sunday when Tibbs struck a mailbox then a 2007 Ford Taurus in the driveway of a home in the 2800 block of W. Small Road outside La Porte.

Tibbs told investigators he was returning home from Michigan City when he fell asleep at the wheel in his 2014 Jeep Cherokee. His alleged blood alcohol level was .23 percent, well above the .08 percent legal limit.  Neither Tibbs, nor anyone else was injured in the accident.

(La Porte, IN) - A home in La Porte received considerable damage after a motor vehicle crashed into it on Thanksgiving morning.

The accident happened about 3:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at 324 Pine Lake Avenue.  According to a La Porte Police Department, the front of home was struck by a sport utility vehicle driven by 69-year-old  Kenneth King. He was reportedly driving southbound on Pine Lake Avenue, when he veered off the right side of the road and struck the front porch of the residence.

The vehicle sustained heavy front end damage.  King suffered minor injuries and complained of pain.

Police said conditions at the time were clear and the pavement was dry. The total damage in the accident is estimated between $50,000 and $100,000.

The official report claims King had been drinking, and was given a field sobriety test.  No blood alcohol level was listed. So far, no charges have been filed.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County government is getting directly involved in challenging a proposed 31-percent hike in NIPSCO electrical rates.

In a 2 to 1 vote on Monday, the La Porte County Commissioners voted to hire the law firm, Friedman & Associates, as an extra voice for NIPSCO customers without room for a rate hike in their already tight budgets.

“Our state now has the 12^th highest electrical bills in the country and NIPSCO charges the highest rates in the state,” said attorney Shaw Friedman.

Citing a report from the not-for-profit Citizens Action Coalition, Friedman said the rate hike would mean the average NIPSCO residential customer's monthly electric bill increasing by just over $42, to nearly $179. CAC said the request for a rate hike comes at a time when more than 40 percent of Hoosiers are struggling to pay for basic necessities.

After last year’s increase in NIPSCO electrical costs, Friedman said the current rate charged by NIPSCO for 2,000 kilowatt hours of electricity is nearly $100 more than the state average. He added, NIPSCO has some of the longest power outage service restoration times for investor owned utilities and is below average in scoring under the latest J.D. Powers Customer Satisfaction report for utilities in the Midwest.

“If you’re paying the highest rates in Indiana and some of the highest in the nation, shouldn’t you have customer satisfaction that is the highest as well,” Friedman said.

Steve Holifield will begin his first term as commissioner on January 1st, and is urging La Porte County to challenge the rate hike proposal.  A number of residents on fixed incomes have called him to express concerns about potential higher utility bills.

“I just hope you guys do the right thing to help keep NIPSCO in check,” Holifield said.

Business owner Ed Arnold suggested the commissioners join the rate hike challenge, and eventually compete with NIPSCO by forming their own La Porte County Rural Electric Membership Corporation to offer lower rates.

“It would take a lot of work.  We do have that option,” Arnold said.

Commission President Connie Gramarossa said there are people wanting to open small businesses in La Porte County, but they’re discouraged by what they would have to pay in utility costs.

“It’s important to me we do something to help folks,” Gramarossa said.

La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz spoke up during the Department Head portion of the meeting in opposition of hiring Friedman & Associates to fight the NIPSCO rate increases.

"As the auditor, my recommendation to [the Commissioners] is that you independently evaluate the merits and demerits of the proposed NIPSCO increase," said Stabosz.  

Stabosz continued, "If you choose to go with an attorney, my recommendation is that you get RFP's and RFQ's and consider other attorneys,"

Friedman has taken on NIPSCO multiple times in the past and helped secure rebates to customers and also assisted in reversing its decision to close its customer service facility in La Porte.

“La Porte County has shown over the past two decades one county can make a difference,” Friedman said.

In September, NIPSCO filed a request for a 22 percent increase in electric rates with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. According to NIPSCO, the increase generates $368 million annually needed for transitioning from coal-fired power plants, to renewable energy sources. It would also support sustainable energy investments and upgrades to aging infrastructure throughout its transmission and distribution system.

NIPSCO said the rate increase would be fully implemented in March of 2026. CAC said the rate increase would actually be 31 percent when including hikes in other fees.

(Michigan City, IN) - The Indiana University football team will stay overnight in La Porte County before their playoff game at the University of Notre Dame. Jack Arnett, Executive Director of the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the team has booked hotel rooms at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City.

“They’ve already confirmed.  They’ve locked everything in,” he said.

During the regular season, Arnett said local hotels are already busy for Notre Dame home games. He expects them to be even busier for this game following Indiana's storybook season and the in-state storyline for this first-round matchup in the new College Football Playoff format. 

“That brings a pretty good entourage of following of fans that want to be around all of the hoopla.  So, the fact the team is coming up and staying here, is probably going to add quite a few room nights,” he said.

The game between the Hoosiers and Fighting Irish is scheduled December 20^th at 7 p.m. (central time).

(Starke County, IN) - A man is accused of murdering his father in Starke County.

Police said officers Friday night were called to a home in North Judson on a welfare check of a man not seen for several days.  Upon arrival, police said there was a heavy odor of gas from inside the residence.  When it was safe to go inside, the man, Landin Minix, was found dead.

Police said his son, Timothy Minix, developed as a suspect and was taken into custody the following day at a residence in Fulton County.

So far, police have not released further details about the case because Minix was being held on a preliminary charge of murder. More information will be available if formal charges are filed in the case.

(New Carlisle, IN) - Historic downtown New Carlisle is turning over a new leaf with the opening of several new businesses recently. One of them is a craft brewery that’s tied to local history.

Since 2018 Studebaker Brewing Company has been operating out of Tippecanoe Place in downtown South Bend. The swanky location has been a useful launch pad for the company, but, ironically, limited space in the 24,000 square-foot venue became an obstacle for growth.

Owner Kevin Jakel partnered with former toy designer and brand developer Steve Wehmeyer to expand Studebaker Brewing. Recently they brought their brand to New Carlisle, where they’ve opened a new location in the building where Miller’s Home Café operated for many decades. About four years ago, the town’s history museum rehabbed the space and has been looking for a suitable business to occupy it ever since.

Wehmeyer, of Culver, said finding a location tied to Studebaker auto lore was a key ingredient in their location search. “We looked at several spaces in South Bend prior to this,” he told HTNN.  “It was important to us that there be some historical connection with Studebaker.” New Carlisle was a good fit, since Studebaker’s “proving ground,” where they tested vehicles, was located just outside of town at what is now Bendix Woods County Park. “For us to possess the space we do at Tippecanoe Place, which is the home of the Studebaker family, and now have a space in New Carlisle tied to the proving ground is very cool to us,” added Wehmeyer.

He says the building in New Carlisle has allowed them to expand their brewing capacity, giving head brewer Josh Goins more freedom to develop new brews. The brewery keeps about a dozen original Studebaker-themed beers on tap. Wehmeyer says you don’t have to be a car buff to appreciate offerings like “Wagon Wheel” American wheat, “Avanti” American amber, or the “Indy Special” milk stout. They also offer a full menu of pub food.

“Absolutely no regrets coming to New Carlisle,” said Wehmeyer. “We love the community. We’d like to become the neighborhood watering hole.” You can’t miss the place when you drive into town. There’s a 1949 Studebaker pickup truck parked right outside.

(Michigan City, IN) - The original Michigan City Public Library has been transformed into apartments.  Dubbed Casa del Libri (“house of books”), the old library on the corner of E. 8^th and Spring Streets now features five new, luxury apartments.

The Indiana limestone structure opened to the public in 1897. It was designed by architectural firm Reed & Stem, which also designed Grand Central Station in New York City. John H. Barker and George Ames spearheaded an effort among local residents to raise the $30,000 needed for construction. Atop the cornice of the neoclassical building they inscribed, “PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILT BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN CITY.”

After sitting vacant for decades, the building has been returned to the people, finding another life as housing. Distinctive architectural features have been preserved, including marble-clad walls and fireplaces and the iconic 12-foot-high Tiffany-style stained glass window depicting the Shakespearean figures Rosalind, Portia and Ophelia.

For Bernie DelGiorno, one of the developers, maintaining the historical features of the building was an essential part of the project. “We look forward to creating a unique community of residents all living under one historic roof,” he said. “By transforming the property into residential apartments, it revitalizes a once-forgotten work of art that can now be enjoyed by full-time Michigan City residents.”

Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch helped DelGiorno cut the ribbon on the new apartments, joined by over twenty onlookers.

The renovation has taken three years to complete. According to Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse, the time is right to turn the page on the historic structure. “Reviving the former library into livable space truly bridges the past and the future as we honor our city’s foundation with new housing options,” he said.

(Plymouth, IN) - The Plymouth Police Department is trying to crack a scrap metal heist that took place at a supermarket earlier this week.

Police say sometime overnight Monday a person or persons climbed onto the roof of the Martin’s Supermarket on East Jefferson Street in Plymouth. Copper and aluminum was cut from the refrigeration units on top of the building.

Anyone with information connected to the theft is encouraged to contact Plymouth Police Detective Derek Workman at 574-936-2126 Ext. 1209, or email dworkmanppd@plymouthin.com.

You can also submit tips through Michiana Crimestoppers about this or any other crime or fugitive.

(Michigan City, IN) - Restrictions on flying drones are being proposed in Michigan City.

The idea is to keep drones away from areas like Washington Park Zoo where they bother some of the animals and the municipal airport to avoid a risk to airplanes.

During first time discussion of the proposal at this week’s Michigan City Common Council meeting, Councilman Bryant Dabney said restrictions are needed because drones are increasingly becoming an issue due to their popularity.

He also said there are no restrictions, currently, in the local ordinance books.

“People are buying them and doing whatever they want with them,” he said.

The proposal includes a 1,000 foot set back from certain locations such as the zoo and airport.  More details should be unveiled when the proposal comes up for discussion again at the next city council meeting on the December 17.

There could be a vote that night but a decision is more likely in early January.

(La Porte, IN) - Tickets are on sale for the upcoming basketball extravaganza featuring some of the best young talent nationwide in La Porte.

The annual La Porte Invitational at the Civic Auditorium features nearly a dozen college prep teams from schools like nearby LaLumiere.

La Porte Civic Auditorium Director Brett Binversie said tickets sales have been rather brisk for the three day event, which begins on January 9 with three games.

There are four games on each of the next two days. 

Binversie encourages the public to get their tickets early.

“The last three years, we had to turn people away on Saturday and we really don’t want to have to do that,” Binversie said.

Tickets are $30 and $20 apiece for as many games as people want to watch each day.  They can purchased at laportecivicauditorium.com or at the Civic Auditorium box office.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City has received an early Christmas present in the form of a preliminary agreement donating the Indiana State Prison grounds to the city.

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, who began pushing for the state to close the prison a few years ago, made the announcement at this week’s city council meeting.  She and Governor Eric Holcomb signed the documentation making the transaction possible.

“This was a significant step for us,” she said.

 

Deuitch said the agreement calls for the city to be given the property in January of 2029.  The prison will relocate to the new Westville Correctional Facility once the ongoing construction of that penal institution is completed within the next few years.  The current prison on that parcel, which was originally a state mental institution, is going to be torn down.

Deuitch also told the city council there were plenty of skeptics when she began her push for the over 150 year old state prison to close, believing such a facility was not a fit for the long term economic revitalization efforts now planned for that area of the city.

“People didn’t believe it would happen but it’s going to happen,” she said.

No formal decisions have been made on what to do with the state prison property on the city's west side, but demolition is anticipated with construction of new workforce housing believed to be part of the vision.

(Indianapolis, IN) - The first execution of an Indiana prisoner in 15 years took another step closer to happening.  The Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday denied a request by inmate Joseph Corcoran.  His execution is set for December 18th at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.  His defense argued it’s against federal law to execute someone with an intellectual disability.

Corcoran, 49, is diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic.  However, judges in the state’s highest court ruled there is nothing in the federal law books, though, on whether an intellectual disability applies to someone on death row who is severely mentally ill.

Corcoran can still appeal the governor and the U.S. Supreme Court.  He was convicted of killing four people in Ft. Wayne in 1999.

(New Buffalo, MI) - A member of this season’s New Buffalo High School girls’ volleyball team was recognized at the state level for her play as a specialist on defense.

Senior Maegan Fatter was named an all-state honorable mention player in the statewide post season coaches’ poll.  She was also named an all-region and an all-conference player.  Fatter was a libero, a position on the back row where the main responsibilities are keeping the ball alive with accurate passing and doing whatever possible to stop the ball from hitting the floor.

New Buffalo Head Coach Bruce Molineaux said her ability to move toward the ball quickly was one of the reasons she was effective in that position.

“She was kind of a leader back there,” he said.

Fatter led the team with 511 digs.

Seniors Riley Tertel and Cassidy Saunders made all conference honorable mention.

Molineaux said Tertel finished the season with more than 500 assists as the team’s setter while Saunders was among his strongest players on both offense and defense.

Saunders was third on the team in kills with 148, trailing only Benita Puskinigus and the team leader in kills, Josie Humphrey, who had 169. Molineaux aid Saunders also had among the highest number of digs on the team with 354.

Humphrey was named by her teammates as the squad’s best player on offense.  Fatter and Tertel shared “Most Valuable Player” honors.

The Lady Bison won more than 20 matches this year and finished third in their conference.  The team also won the tournament at Bridgman and finished second place in two other tournaments.

“It turned out to be a pretty good year,” he said.

The Lady Bison were swept by Our Lady of the Lake in the semi-finals of the District 4 tournament, but two of the three sets went down to the wire.  Our Lady of the Lake went on to the District 4 state finals, losing to last year’s champion, Clarkston Everest Collegiate, in four sets.

“We probably gave them as tough a match as anybody,” Molineaux said.

(La Porte County, IN) - 2024 has been a year of milestones at the Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County.

According to BGCLPC officials, the highlights include:

1. Serving a record 1,000 children – a 33% increase from 2023 – through free afterschool and summer programming.

2. Growing from 8 Clubs to 10, with locations in Michigan City, La Porte, Westville, Kingsford Heights and Rolling Prairie. BGCLPC now partners with 4 different school districts to more easily reach children throughout the county.

3. Deepening connections with families by welcoming them into the Club for Slime Science, Family Art Night, a Club-wide talent show and other events.

According to BGCLPC officials, the organization is celebrating its recent success while preparing to respond to new challenges and opportunities through its ongoing year-end fund raising campaign.

The organization has set a goal of raising $75,000 by December 31 to support its expanded operations.   To date, it has received $13,270 in individual and corporate donations, including a $5,000 Giving Tuesday kick-off donation from local partner Centier Bank.

Donations to BGCLPC’s year-end campaign can be made at www.bgclpc.org/give/ or by mail to 321 Detroit Street, Michigan City, Indiana 46350.

“We are very excited for this opportunity to celebrate our organization’s expanded reach and impact. It has been a true joint effort between our team members, families, partners and supporters. However, the more we grow, the more important our community’s support becomes. Having a robust year-end campaign will be critical as we transition from start-up grants to community support at several Clubs, said Michelle Shirk, BGCLPC CEO.  

Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a nationwide affiliation of more than 5,000 autonomous Club organizations. For more information about BGCLPC and its programming, visit www.bgclpc.org.

(South Bend, IN) - The United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Indiana announced 54-year-old Gregory Morrison, of Michigan City, was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Morrison was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison followed by six years of supervised release.

Court documents state in the summer of 2023, Morrison distributed a total of 122 grams of cocaine on eight separate occasions.  A search of Morrison’s home in September 2023 resulted in an additional 148 grams of cocaine and $1,700 being located.

This is Morrison’s fourth conviction for a drug distribution offense, authorities said. 

(Lowell, IN) - Indiana State Police are asking people not to drape Christmas lights over their vehicles and drive. 

Police said the lights look great but can serve as a distraction for other drivers taking their eyes off the road to gaze at the shining colors.  The lights can also blend in with taillights, making them difficult to see for drivers traveling behind vehicles hitting their brakes.

State Police said they’re not looking to ticket any drivers but just encouraging them not to place Christmas lights on their vehicles, which seems to be a growing trend.

(La Porte, IN) - Two former La Porte High School basketball standouts coached against each other last night.  Steve Drabyn and his team from Bethel University defeated Indiana Wesleyan University coached by Greg Tonagel.  Down by 15 points early, Bethel came back to win 97-89.

Drabyn and Tonagel were on the 1997 Slicers team that made it to the final four of the state high school basketball championship.

La Porte resident Mike Kellems, who attended last night’s game in Mishawaka, was a police officer escorting the team to their post season games that year.  He said that experience “made the 10 top highlight reel of my law enforcement career.”

That year, the Slicers lost out on a chance to play for the state title by just one point.

Before last night’s game, Drabyn and Tonagel came together and posed for pictures with Joe Otis, who was the head coach during that deep state title run along with one of his assistant coaches, Steve Drabyn, Sr.

(Michigan City, IN) - An arrest has been made in connection with a hit and run driver in Michigan City having a gun with its serial number illegally removed.

Duane Mitchell, 22, of Michigan City was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.

According to Michigan City Police, emergency responders about 5 p.m. yesterday were called to a motor vehicle accident at 138 E. Barker Ave.

Upon arrival, the driver had fled the scene of the crash but recovered from the scene was a firearm with an obliterated serial number. 

A woman was injured in the accident but her injuries were not believed serious. Further details about the accident, so far, have not been made available.

The alleged driver later identified as Mitchell was soon located.   He admitted being the driver and possessing the firearm knowing its serial number was no longer legible, police said.

Mitchell is being held on preliminary charges of Level 5 felony possessing a firearm with a removed serial number and Class A misdemeanor leaving the scene of a property damage crash with injury.

The charges will be made formal if a judge rules sufficient enough evidence exists for Mitchell to answer to the allegations in a courtroom.

(La Porte, IN) - The ESPN televised basketball invitational in La Porte next month is going to have sort of a Hollywood kick off.

The school bus from the 1986 basketball movie “Hoosiers” is going to be at the historic Civic Auditorium where some of the best young basketball talent in the nation will compete over a three day period.

In the movie, the 1939 Chevy bus carried the “Huskers” players from downstate Hickory High School to their basketball games during their small school state championship season.

Jack Arnett, Executive Director of the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the bus will be parked outside the Civic Auditorium for people to go inside prior to the start of the first game of the La Porte Invitational on January 9.

“It’s the real bus,” he said.

Arnett said there will also be a speaker on the bus sharing some of its nostalgia.

Hoosiers is based on the team from small Milan High School winning the Indiana High School basketball championship at a time when all schools, no matter how big or small, competed together in a single tournament.

The bus was actually used as a school bus from 1939 to 1949 in the Indianapolis and Lebanon school districts.

Arnett said the bus should fit perfectly with the very much old school Hoosiers-like atmosphere of the Civic Auditorium, which opened nearly a century ago. 

(La Porte, IN) - They were teammates on the La Porte Slicers final four high school basketball team from 1997.

Tonight, they’ll be coaching against each other on the hardwood.

Steve Drabyn, head coach at Bethel University in Mishawaka and Greg Tonagel, head coach at Indiana Wesleyan University, will have their squads competing against each other.

La Porte resident Mike Kellems is going to the game at Bethel College to take pictures as a professional for one of the programs.

Kellems said the coaching match up brings back a lot of fond memories of the last season the Slicers basketball team made it to the state semi-finals.

At the time, Kellems was a La Porte County Police Officer, who helped escort the team to its post season games in the sectionals, regionals, semi-state and state finals in Indianapolis.

“Those are days I’ll never forget,” he said.

Kellems said he has been to games where both men have coached but never to a game where they were coaching against each other.

“It’s a great opportunity. A real treat go to. I look forward to shooting some photos tonight,” he said.

La Porte fell just short of a chance to win the state title that year losing in the semi-finals to Delta 57-56.

(North Webster, IN) - A winter weather advisory will go into effect at 4 p.m. today in portions of northern Indiana such as La Porte County and southwest Michigan.

According to the National Weather Service, there could be 3 to 5 inches of lake effect snow along with wind gusts as high as 45 mph.

A winter storm warning has been issued for eastern St. Joseph County, Elkhart and other counties in that portion of the state where lake effect bands are expected to be heaviest.

The advisory and warning are in effect until midnight or 1 a.m. Friday (EST).

Police Officer Mike Kellems of La Porte said drivers should check current weather radar conditions before leaving for their destinations because of how lake effect snow bands can move with any change in wind direction.

(La Porte, IN) - Sentencing is scheduled for a Mill Creek woman convicted of arson.

Britany Lawson, 38, was found guilty by a jury last month of setting a blaze in November of 2022 at Slicer Storage in the 200 block of East Lincolnway in La Porte.

Several storage units along with contents were damaged in the fire.

Lawson faces anywhere from a 2 to 12 year sentence on the Level 4 felony charge. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled Friday in La Porte Circuit Court before Judge Tom Alevizos.

La Porte County Deputy Prosecutors Julianne Havens and Brody Shoffner presented the evidence to jurors in the case, which was investigated by the La Porte Police Department and La Porte Fire Department.

“Having great relationships with our law enforcement partners makes our job that much easier,” said La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan in thanking everyone involved in the guilty verdict reached during the three day trial.

(La Porte, IN) - The man in charge of the La Porte Civic Auditorium and special events in the city is heading to what he feels are greener pastures.

Brett Binversie has resigned to accept a role with the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Binversie will step down after the La Porte Invitational in January, said La Porte Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber.

“The Civic Auditorium has come alive under his guidance and been positioned to thrive for years to come. We wish Brett continued success in his future endeavors and look forward to collaborating with him in his new role with the CVB,” he said.

Binversie first began his career with the City of La Porte in November of 2014 as the Civic Auditorium Director. He was promoted to Civic & Events Director in 2022.

During his tenure, Binversie oversaw a $6.1 million renovation to the historic Civic Auditorium, including an updated HVAC system as well as seating, roof and lighting replacements.

Binversie also began the Civic Concert Series which has attracted thousands of patrons and increased revenues.

Schreiber said the City is now accepting applications for the Civic & Events Director position.  To learn more and apply, contact mschreiber@cityoflaportein.gov.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County Police officer likely saved the lives of two dogs up to their necks in water after falling through the thin ice of a pond.

According to La Porte County Police, officers about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday responded to 1099 Stevens Road in Pleasant Township.

Melissa Worthington, 41, reported her dogs were not in the area of her residence and while looking for them discovered her medium sized collies in the nearby pond.

Police said the dogs seemed to be standing on the bottom of the pond up to their necks in water but were not able to get out from where they crashed through the thin ice.

Sgt. Scott Boswell, who’s trained in ice rescues, arrived a few minutes later and ventured out wearing a cold suit for protection against the elements.

Police said Boswell was sliding out to the dogs while lying on his chest when he broke through the ice, which allowed water to rush into the neck area of his thermal suit.

Eventually, he reached the dogs who were dried off and taken back to their residence seemingly in good shape. 

Police said Boswell was seen by medics at the scene for cold water exposure but required no further medical treatment.

(La Porte, IN) - A man running a stop sign at a high rate of speed in La Porte’s downtown area over the weekend allegedly had a blood alcohol level more than four times the .08 percent legal limit.

Reynoldo Perez, 42, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony operating while intoxicated.  The charge was upgraded to a felony due to two prior OWI convictions within the past two years.

According to court documents, a La Porte County Police officer late Saturday night observed Perez traveling fast when he ran a stop sign at Tyler and State streets.

Police said Perez slammed on his brakes after he spotted the officer and veered over the center line on State St. before pulling over.

Perez, who was described by police as “extremely unsteady on his feet,” is accused of having a blood alcohol level of .374 percent. 

Police said the La Porte man’s driver’s license was also suspended.

(Michigan City, IN) - Community leaders turned a shovel on Woodland Ridge, the first new neighborhood to be developed in Michigan City in 50 years, at a recent groundbreaking ceremony.

The event marked the Allen Edwin Homes development, which will include homes from 1,252 to 2,735 square feet on South Woodland Avenue, just south of West Pahs Road.

The homes will start at $295,900 and will include plans for two to five bedrooms, one to two bathrooms and two garages with many options for homeowners to select and build.

Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said she has personally watched the project progress.

“When the road went in, I was so excited that the project was on the right path to offer our residents another option for homeownership,” she said. “We are staying the course in this process with all of our partners and look forward to Phase 1 of Woodland Ridge taking shape.”

“Housing has been a hot topic in my years at the EDCMC, and our team is honored to be part of helping bring this project to its groundbreaking and development,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “Homeownership has a rippling impact on communities that creates a more inclusive and prosperous space for all to thrive.”

The first phase includes about 33 homes on the 32-acre property with Phases 2 and 3 adding additional homes in the future.

(Portage, IN) - Police in Portage are still investigating the fatal shooting of a school secretary apparently by her estranged husband inside their marital home.

According to police, a 911 call made from the residence Friday night indicates there was a domestic dispute with the alleged shooter, Charles Manville, being intoxicated.

The 911 dispatcher heard a man saying everyone was going to die and then the sound of gunfire.  Responding officers also heard gunshots from inside the residence, police said.

Manville, 46, along with his 45 year old wife, Brandy, were dead at the scene.

The wounds suffered by Mr. Manville were self-inflicted, police said.

A 21 year old woman inside the home was also shot and transported by helicopter to an outside hospital.  Mrs. Manville was an administrative assistant in the main office of Portage High School.

According to court records, she filed for divorce in July and sought a restraining order against her estranged husband.

(La Porte, IN) - A strictly online fund raising drive will be held on Tuesday to help fight hunger in La Porte.

The PAX Center, affiliated with State Street Community Church, is staging the annual event.

Pastor Nate Loucks said more than $60,000 was raised online last year to purchase food at a significant discount for the pantry, which serves about 9,000 people a year.

The food purchased with the funds includes meat, fresh produce and dairy items to go along with the traditional non-perishable items.

“We try to do all of that and in order to do that we need help from the community,” he said.

The goal this year is to raise at least $60,000.

Loucks said the food is purchased from the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, which is able to offer prices low enough for a $500 donation to feed 67 families for a week.

To donate, go to thepaxcenter.com and click Giving Tuesday at the top of the page. Loucks said people can actually start donating now in advance of the event.

He said people who prefer to donate in person can also show up at The PAX Center at 605 Washington St. with their monetary gifts.

(Porter County, IN) - Two Illinois residents traveling over 100 miles per hour in an Interstate 94 construction zone in northwest Indiana were captured early Monday following a chase.

Confiscated after the pursuit was an altered rapid fire handgun along with more than $15,000 in cash, according to Indiana State Police.

Brandan Williams, 19, of Rockford was being held in the Porter County Jail on preliminary charges of Level 5 felony possession of a machine gun, Level 6 felony resisting law enforcement and Class A misdemeanor reckless driving.

Marega Yussuf, 19, of Chicago was locked up on a preliminary charge of Level 5 felony possession of a machine gun.

Police said a trooper about 4 a.m. clocked their eastbound vehicle at 110 mph. in a construction zone between Portage and Lake Station.  The driver pulled over near Burns Harbor but, as the trooper approached on foot, the vehicle drove off at a high rate of speed.

A short distance later, the vehicle stopped again.  The trooper was walking up to the driver a second time when he took off one more time. 

Police said the driver traveling across all lanes of travel was struck by a semi-truck also traveling eastbound.  The men were taken into custody after the damaged fleeing vehicle came to rest at the Burns Harbor/Porter exit.

The semi driver was not injured.  Police said the confiscated handgun contained a switch turning it into a fully automatic weapon.

(Berrien County, MI) - A New Buffalo, Michigan woman is accused of providing more than just a massage as advertised by her business.

Prostitution is among the charges filed against the 47 year old suspect.

According to Michigan State Police, the woman operated Rose Spa on Red Arrow Highway in nearby Union Pier, Michigan.

Numerous tips from the community resulted in a four month long investigation leading up to her arrest, police said.  Her arrest and immediate shut down of the establishment came after a search warrant was executed at the operation.

Police said a number of pieces of evidence related to the performance of sex acts were also seized during the search.

“This venue, advertised as a massage parlor, is suspected of engaging in illicit sexual activity,” said Michigan State Police in a prepared statement.

She’s also charged with keeping a house of ill fame, soliciting prostitution and disorderly conduct, police said.

So far, the name of the woman has not been released.

(La Porte, IN) - A good sized crowd braved the first wintry-like conditions of the season for the annual Santa Parade in La Porte on Saturday.

Josh Corey and his family helped stay warm with a fire inside a barbecue grill fueled by charcoal and pieces of wood in front of his home along the parade route on State St. near the courthouse.

“It’s chilly.  It is chilly,” he said.

Santa Claus in 20 degree temperatures waved to onlookers from a sleigh attached to a team of robotic reindeer with Christmas lights draped over them.

Through a microphone, Santa Claus also greeted the crowd verbally with well wishes for the season along with his familiar bellowing of “ho, ho, ho.”

“The kids just really seem to love it,” said Karen Vandervelden, who helped create the unit Santa rode on during the parade.

The parade later ventured down Michigan Ave. then Lincolnway before ending at Plaza 618 where a long line of children with their parents waited to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside their chalet.

There was also a lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree at the plaza at Lincolnway and Monroe St.

Among the most popular of the 30 or so units in the parade consisted of two three wheeled go carts powered by lawn mower engines zig zagging their way along the route.

“It’s like being a kid on a big wheel,” said Kip Piper, president of the Michigan City-based Guardian Riders organization.

Among the dignitaries in the parade was State Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie, who walked the parade route with a pair of artificial reindeer antlers on his head.

“It’s really nice seeing Santa during the parade,” he said.

Helping to lead the way in the parade was LaPorte County Sheriff Ron Heeg, who seemed to take delight in waving to the crowd.

“To see the kids smile as you’re going by and waiting for Santa is what it’s all about,” he said.

LaPorte High School sophomore Bella Stroud rode in the parade on a horse wearing candy cane striped wraps she placed around the ankles on his front legs.

Stroud rides the chestnut colored American Quarter Horse, “Bo,” in other parades and shows him during 4-H and other youth competitions during the year.   She said the horse can get a bit antsy during parades but she knows how to settle him down.

“You just talk to him and you stay calm and just give him some love and he does pretty good,” she said.

(La Porte County, IN) - Thanksgiving feasting is over, but the Food Bank of Northern Indiana still has food to give away. Two stops are scheduled for La Porte County in the coming days. Here is a list of upcoming food distributions:

Monday, December 2, 2024 – LaPorte County

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: HOPE Community Center, 222 McClelland Ave., Michigan City, IN 46360

*This distribution is sponsored by the City of Michigan City and will serve 200 households.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 – LaPorte County

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 W. IN 2, LaPorte, IN 46350

*This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 350 households.

Friday, December 6, 2024 – Starke County

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield St., Knox, IN 46534

*This distribution is sponsored by MHS and will provide USDA product and will serve 250 households.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – LaPorte County

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: Midwest Electronics, 1247 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, IN 46360

*This distribution is sponsored by the City of Michigan City and will serve 200 households.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – LaPorte County

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: Marquette Mall, 201 W. US 20, Michigan City, IN 46360

*This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 350 households.

Assorted food items offered free of charge. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged. First come, first served, while supplies last for those in need of food assistance. One box/bag per household.

Distributions are drive through. Please remain in your vehicle and open your trunk to receive items. An area will be available for self-loading if your trunk does not open.