(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man has been arrested by Indiana State Police on multiple charges related to child exploitation.

Early Thursday morning Keith Allen Wilson, 58, was taken into custody at his home in the 800 block of Ohio Street.  Police said an investigation was launched when detectives received a Cyber Tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to Wilson’s online activities on a specific Google account.

Wilson was booked into La Porte County Jail, where he is facing the following preliminary charges:

• Possession of Child Pornography, Level 5 Felony (4 Counts).
• Possession of Child Pornography, Level 6 Felony (1 Count).

Authorities say additional charges may be considered by the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office, pending further investigation.

According to police, several items of suspected narcotics evidence were also seized during the execution of the search warrant.

ISP’s North SWAT, Homeland Security investigators, and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the investigation.

Please visit https://internetcrimesagainstkids.com to learn more about the efforts of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

(St. Joseph County, IN) - First responders near Lydick were relieved, but a little chagrined, when a water rescue turned out to be a false alarm.

On Tuesday morning members of the St. Joseph County Fire Territory responded to Chain Lake for a report of a watercraft in distress and possibly sinking.

After a thorough check, no occupants were found onboard, and it was determined that the boat had been intentionally stripped and abandoned in the middle of the lake—an apparent attempt to dispose of an old watercraft.

County Police Department are investigating who might be responsible for the less-than-prudent boat disposal.

Authorities are reminding the public that dumping watercraft or any debris in public waterways is not only dangerous but also illegal.

(Michigan City, IN) - Police are looking for a sports car stolen in Michigan City.

On Tuesday morning, county police were called to an apartment complex near Woodlawn Ave. and U.S. 20, where a resident reported a car stolen.

He told police that he was in the process of purchasing a 2018 Dodge Challenger Hell Cat from his girlfriend’s daughter. The Hell Cat had been delivered Monday night to the apartment parking lot.

The next morning, it was missing, with nothing left but some shattered glass.

Flock cameras caught images of the stolen car in Monday’s overnight hours in Porter County, then later in Dalton, IL. Police are still trying to track it down.

The Hell Cat was valued at $65,000.

(La Porte County, IN) - A local manufacturing company has plans to expand.

The 2M Shop Group is looking to relocate from 11 Pine Lake Ave. in La Porte to the Kingsbury Industrial Park where it plans to build a new facility on 13 acres at Third Line Road and Hupp Road.

Such a move would mean seven additional people being hired on top of the seven that currently work there.

Matt Reardon with the La Porte County government Office of Economic Development said the building would contain an over 50,000 square foot shop/assembly area and an over 20,000 square foot office.

The metal fabricating business is expected to see tax abatement from the La Porte County Council next month on its proposed $8 million investment.

Reardon said the average yearly salary at the company is about $70,000.

(Michigan City, IN) - The Flock camera system is credited with the arrest of a Michigan City murder suspect.

Quashawn Jenkins, 25, of Michigan City is charged in LaPorte Superior Court 1 with murder, felony murder and Level 2 felony robbery.

According to police, Jenkins was taken into custody Sunday after receiving a tip that he was in a moving red Ford Fusion automobile in the 4300 block of Franklin St.

Police using the Flock camera system to track the whereabouts of the car arrested Jenkins after the vehicle was located within 30 minutes.

Jordan Rose, 20, also of Michigan City died from a gunshot wound to the chest delivered on July 12 outside the BP gas station at 1302 E. Michigan Boulevard.

According to court documents, both men were among an estimated 400 people earlier that night forced by police out of Pullman Park along U.S 12 due to complaints about disruptive behavior and some of them having guns.

A short time later, many of the people moved to the area of Holliday and Grace streets where responding officers had water bottles and fireworks thrown at them and their vehicles.

Several individuals were also blocking traffic and refusing to move out of the roadway.

A number of arrests were made before police responded to the gas station about 1:30 a.m. in response to the shooting.

According to court documents, the crowd about half of its original size had been there for over an hour before Jenkins punched Jordan. 

After Jordan fell to the ground, Jenkins took the victim’s gun and shot him with it, police said.  Jordan was taken by ambulance but died at the hospital about one hour later.

Jenkins, who was taken into custody on Sunday, was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $1 million bond.

During his initial court hearing on Tuesday, a hearing was scheduled August 8 for the judge to decide the defendant’s request for a lower bond.

Jenkins was also given a December 1 trial date.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting and with information or surveillance video of the incident to contact Detective Corporal Kay Pliske at (219) 874-3221 ext. 1086 or kpliske@emichigancity.com.

(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Police Department is reminding citizens and visitors that golf carts are not allowed to be operated on public roadways.

The reminder and vow to enforce the law are in response to complaints about golf carts traveling on the public roadways at the city’s lakefront.

Police said golf carts, along with other off-road vehicles such as ATV’s and 4-Wheelers, are not equipped with the same safety features as an automobile.

Therefore, police said serious injury can and will occur in the event of a collision between a golf cart and an automobile.

Police said violators can be fined and have their drive license suspended. 

Off- road vehicles are allowed to be operated on private roads or private property.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan is joining prosecutors, the Indiana Department of Child Services/Child Support Bureau and child support services agencies throughout the country to recognize August as Child Support Awareness Month.

Fagan said he wants to the general public to know about the existing child support services provided his office.

His office can help determine paternity, establish and modify child support, medical support and assist with health insurance orders.

Fagan said his office also helps with calculating past due child support, locating parents, collecting and disbursing child support and other related services.

“I take the issue of children’s well-being seriously and believe that consistent child support payments can help custodial families achieve economic stability,” he said.

This full range of prosecutor-provided services is available to all Indiana parents and guardians free of charge.

The Indiana child support program, carried out locally by county prosecutors, serves more than 200,000 families statewide.

Last year, Indiana’s county prosecutors, county clerks, and the Indiana Child Support Bureau collected and distributed more than $498 million to Indiana families.

Fagan said his office collected and distributed over $6 million last year.

For more information about child support services, call the Laporte County Prosecutor’s Child Support office at 219-874-5611 Ext. 7823, or the Child Support Bureau’s KIDSLINE at (800) 840-8757 or (317) 233-5437.

Parents can enroll in child support services free of charge in person at the Prosecutor’s Office or online at Home Page - Child Support Services Enrollment Form.

Contact information for every county prosecutor’s child support office and general information about child support is available at childsupport.in.gov/county.

(La Porte, IN) - Another historic home or two are sought for this year’s Christmas Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes in La Porte.

This will the 30^th year for the tour hosted by Preserve Historic La Porte.

Tour Chairperson Pam Ruminski said houses on the tour need to be high-styled, mid-century modern homes that are at least 50 years old.   Homes on the tour are typically at least 100 years old  

Owners of homes on the tour will have the history of their dwellings thoroughly researched and documented.

"To open your home to fellow members of our community, and tourists from the region, is truly an uplifting experience, and a great honor for our past tour homeowners,” Ruminski said.

Homeowners on the tour are also provided the keepsake of a professional artist's pen and ink rendering of their home and are recognized at a dinner gathering of all tour workers and volunteers on December 7.

The tours this year are December 6^th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the December 7^th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

People interested in becoming part of the tour can contact Ruminski at (219) 363 2094 or p_ruminski@yahoo.com or Tim Stabosz at (219) 363-7485 or tstabosz@yahoo.com.

(Michigan City, IN) - Some residents near the lakefront in Michigan City have gone to extremes to keep visitors from parking outside their homes.

Police are now asking residents to be patient and visitors to be mindful of people living near Lake Michigan.

“If you are parking in a neighborhood, do so respectfully,” said Michigan City Police Lt. Steve Westphal.

Westphal said some residents have placed homemade “No Parking” signs and even barricades in the public right of way outside their homes.  Some residents have also arranged for vehicles to be towed without legal authority to take such action.

Police said such decisions create confusion, violate city and/or state codes and expose homeowners to potential liability.

Visitors walking to the lake are asked not to block driveways with their vehicles or ignore authorized posted city signage.

“Officers will be out in these areas and will enforce the parking regulations,” Westphal said.

Anyone with a parking issue is asked to contact Michigan City Police at (219) 874-3221.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man was there when the late Ryne Sandberg was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Dave Pendergast has had season tickets at Wrigley Field for a long time even when Sandberg was playing for the Cubs.

He said being in Cooperstown, New York for Sandberg’s Hall of Fame induction and speech in 2005 was an incredible experience.

“It was quite a great event,” he said.

Pendergast, 67, said Sandberg fans who haven’t viewed his speech should find it online and watch it.

“It really talks about what kind of a person he was and what kind of a player he was for the Cubs. If you’re of an age, all you can remember is how good Ryne Sandberg was,” he said.

Sandberg passed away yesterday.  He was 65.

Pendergast said he also once waited in line to meet Sandberg when he came to South Bend as manager of the Peoria Chiefs for a minor league game.  He was just a half dozen or so people away from Sandberg when he had to leave.

“That’s as close as I got,” he said.

Brian Johnston, a board member at the Biggest Little Baseball Museum in Three Oaks, Michigan, was at the unveiling of the Ryne Sandberg statue outside Wrigley Field last year.

The 40 year old Johnston, who became a Cubs fan during Sandberg’s last two seasons in 1996 and 1997, said Sandberg hit a home run while he was enjoying his first game as a child at Wrigley Field.

“So that was kind of the one highlight from that day that I’ve taken with me throughout the rest of my life until now,” he said.

Johnston said Sandberg’s death from cancer was expected since the return of his cancer was announced in December but he still feels a loss.

“I felt like part of my own childhood was dying or a chapter in my life had closed,” he said.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City officials might consider adopting a wheel tax to help make up for projected revenue declines from the recent statewide property reform.

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch has called for a workshop session with the Common Council to discuss a proposed wheel tax ordinance.

The workshop is scheduled August 18 at 5:30 p.m. on the lower level of City Hall.

A wheel tax is a fee typically about $40 or less that's assessed on vehicles that local municipalities can impose and collect to help with revenue flows.

The City of La Porte has had a wheel tax for many years with that revenue used to assist with local street maintenance.

La Porte County government officials have not shed much light on whether a wheel tax will be imposed on vehicle owners in the unincorporated areas here.

Other municipalities in the state are expected to adopt a wheel tax or increase existing local income taxes to make up for dwindling dollars from property taxes.

(La Porte County, IN) - A stretch of Interstate 94 will be reduced to one lane in each direction at night for ongoing road work.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, one lane travel for eastbound traffic will be from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on July 31 and August 1 from U.S. 421 to U.S. 20/35.

There will be one overnight westbound lane between the same locations on August 7 & 8.

Currently, the six lane interstate in that area is down to two lanes in each direction because of ongoing patching and bridge deck overlay work just west of 400 North.

The work that began about three months ago is scheduled to be completed in mid-December.

INDOT encourages drivers to consider safety for all by slowing down, using extra caution and driving distraction-free when travelling in and around all work zones.

(Michigan City, IN) - An arrest has been made for a fatal shooting that occurred before a large crowd outside a Michigan City gas station.

Quashawn Jenkins, 25, of Michigan City is charged in LaPorte Superior Court 1 with murder, felony murder and Level 2 felony robbery.

Jordan Rose, 20, also of Michigan City died from a gunshot wound to the chest delivered on July 12 outside the BP gas station at 1302 E. Michigan Boulevard.

According to court documents, both men were among an estimated 400 people earlier that night forced by police out of Pullman Park along U.S 12 due to complaints about disruptive behavior and some of them having guns.

A short time later, many of the people moved to the area of Holliday and Grace streets where responding officers had water bottles and fireworks thrown at them and their vehicles.  Several individuals were also blocking traffic and refusing to move out of the roadway, police said. 

A number of arrests were made before police responded to the gas station about 1:30 a.m. in response to the shooting.

According to court documents, the crowd about half of its original size had been there for over an hour before Jenkins punched Jordan.  After Jordan fell to the ground, Jenkins took the victim’s gun and shot him with it, police said.

Police said Jordan was taken by ambulance but died at the hospital about one hour later.

Jenkins, who was taken into custody on Sunday, was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $1 million bond.

During his initial court hearing on Tuesday, a hearing was scheduled August 8 for the judge to decide the defendant’s request for a lower bond.

Jenkins was also given a December 1 trial date.

LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said murder is when someone acts with intent to take a life.  Felony murder is when a killing happens during a crime even if the death was by accident or not intentional.

“Things as we allege got a little hectic and, unfortunately, involved the death of a young person,” he said.

Both charges carry a potential sentencing range of 45 to 65 years.

(La Porte County, IN) - The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the position of patrol officer.

The hiring process includes turning in an application, physical agility testing, a written examination, computerized voice stress analysis examination, background investigation and interview along with a psychological examination.

Applications are available at the sheriff’s office website or at the front desk of the sheriff’s office. 

The starting salary for a patrol officer is $56,000 but increases to $65,000 after the first year, police said.

Completed applications can be dropped off at the front desk of the sheriff’s office or sent via standard email to dallen@lcso.in.gov or traditional mail.

People with current or prior law enforcement experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

(La Porte, IN) - A stretch of U.S.35 in La Porte will be closed for an extended period beginning next week.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, the highway also known as Indiana Ave. will be closed beginning on or after Monday between Marion St and Crescent Dr.

U.S. 35 will be closed through the end of November for reconstruction of the intersection of Kingsbury Ave, Woodlawn Dr and U.S. 35 and road reconstruction of U.S. 35 in that area of the city.

Road reconstruction will include pavement replacement, storm sewer, water main, and sanitary sewer work.   The official detour will follow Indiana 2, Indiana 39 and U.S. 6.

According to INDOT, the work is part of the U.S. 35/Indiana Ave pavement replacement and utilities project from Boyd Blvd to Indiana 2.

Construction will continue in 2026 with closures on U.S. 35 between Marion St and Indiana 2.

(La Porte, IN) - A 30 year old woman found dead in downtown La Porte has been identified.

According to the coroner’s office, the body of Jessica Foster of La Porte was discovered Friday afternoon.

Her body was outside an office building at Lincolnway and Jackson St. between the front doors and some shrubs, police said.

La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson said this morning cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests.

(La Porte, IN) - Rain followed by threatening skies didn’t seem to hurt attendance for the musical entertainment Saturday evening during Lakefest.

Many people danced in front of the stage at Fox Park during the opening act followed by Pop star Jesse McCartney, who had a number of hit singles in the late 90’s to early 2000’s.

Sierra Brown, who’s in her 30’s, came from Michigan City to see McCartney.

“Absolutely,” said Brown when asked if she was big fan of his while growing up.

Brooke Jasinski of New Carlisle said she came with her mother, who is also a McCartney fan.

“Back when I was a teenager, he was hot back then so we listened to him a lot,” she said.

Rain, which led to a number of Lakefest events being cancelled Saturday, stopped for the rest of the evening before the live music started playing about 6 p.m.

“So far, so good, tonight,” said La Porte Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber.

The threatening skies resulted in the fireworks show that night being postponed.  Schreiber said the fireworks show will be rescheduled but when has not been decided yet.

(La Porte, IN) - City Police are investigating the discovery of a dead woman in downtown La Porte.

According to police, at about 1 p.m. Friday afternoon, patrol officers were dispatched to 414 Lincolnway, an office building at the corner of Jackson Street, in reference to a deceased female. Officers found a body outside the building positioned between the entrance and the front hedge bushes.

The identity of the 30-year-old female has not been released, nor any further details. Although there is an active investigation ongoing, authorities say this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no known threat to the public.

Police are, however, cautioning the public against rumormongering:

“We are aware of false and misleading speculation being circulated on social media regarding this incident,” they said in a statement issued Saturday morning. “Specifically, rumors involving a 10-year-old boy are completely untrue. We urge the public not to spread misinformation. We respectfully ask the community to be mindful and considerate of the deceased and their family during this difficult time.”

(Plymouth, IN) - The Plymouth Motor Speedway has paid tribute to one of its beloved racers, who recently died in a motorcycle accident.

Earlier this month, 31-year-old Brandyn Ross of Lakeville was reported missing. On July 8, using drones, police located him about eight miles northeast of Warsaw. He had been thrown into a cornfield after crashing his motorcycle. According to reports, he had been there for about 30 hours. Suffering major injuries, Ross was flown to a hospital in Ft. Wayne, where he later died.

His funeral was Wednesday in Lakeville, with a graveside service in North Liberty. In between, Ross’ funeral procession made a pit stop at the Plymouth Motor Speedway, where his family has been involved with racing for years. They took a lap around the speedway, passed under waving checkered flags, and stopped briefly in front of pit pad 12, where Ross often park his race car. A fellow racer, Evan Verduin of North Liberty, had worked into the night to paint a #12 at the spot and decorate it. That pad will stand as a memorial for Ross for the rest of the year, the Speedway said.

Ross leaves behind an 11-year old son and a 4-year old daughter.

(La Porte, IN) - This week a blank brick wall in downtown La Porte was tagged with spray paint. It wasn’t graffiti, but the beginnings of a massive work of art.

Hot Spot Café will soon be home to La Porte’s newest downtown mural, measuring approximately 113 feet long by 25 feet tall.

The artist is Cheri Lee Charlton, a renowned illustrator and muralist from Chicago. She recently completed the second largest mural in Chicago on the side of a five-story building. On Tuesday, she went to work on Hot Spot’s blank wall facing Clay Street. Taking a concept drawing, she created a series of spray-painted shapes known as a doodle grid. What looks like random markings will, with the artist’s touch, become an eye-popping mural. The finished product will feature a colorful aquatic scene with water lilies, a frog, dragonflies, and a butterfly.

“It’s really cool that we were able to get her,” café owner Charity Hlavsa said of Charlton. “The Lubeznik Center had contacts with her, and chose her specifically. They thought that she would be a good fit, and they were right. We’re beyond excited.”

The mural is one of two commissioned this year by the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Health Foundation of La Porte, and the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association. The other mural is in the planning stages for the old downtown fire station.

Hlavsa says Charlton has been making regular trips to Kabelin’s Ace Hardware to replenish supplies as the work progresses, which should be complete in the next couple of weeks.

(St. Joseph County, IN) - Two fugitives from the law in Lake County apparently thought they’d be funny by taunting police.

According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, last week, their crime tip line received messages from 31-year-old Emaun Ishmon and his mother, Ebony Pennington. They both had active warrants out for their arrest. Ishmon was wanted for failing to appear in court for OWI with a prior conviction. Pennington had warrants for charges related to felony deception, check fraud, and theft.

According to police, the messages, peppered with laughing face emojis, bragged that the pair couldn’t be caught since they no longer in the area.

“Catch me if you can lol,” one message read. “I don’t live in South Bend you idiots. Have a nice day.”

Catch them authorities did, less than two days later, in Lake County, with the help of the Fugitive Task Force and Lake Station Police Department.

(La Porte, IN) - Medical debt is a major financial barrier for hard-working Hoosiers across the state. To help people navigate crippling medical expenses, two upcoming information meetings are scheduled.

The Health Foundation of La Porte is teaming up with the Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute to host “Medical Debt Know Your Rights” workshops. They will offer step-by-step strategies Hoosiers can take to respond to mounting medical bills and possibly reduce them, as well as additional tools to assist them with addressing their healthcare costs.

The first workshop will take place Wednesday, July 30 at 9 a.m. Another one is scheduled for Thursday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. They’re both virtual meetings online. Registration links are below.

The state legislature recently announced that lawmakers will be studying medical debt in this year's interim study session.

Register for the workshops:

Wednesday July 30th, 9am-11am CST https://tinyurl.com/JulyMedDebtKYR

Thursday August 7th, 5:30pm-7:30pm CST https://tinyurl.com/AugustMedDebtKYR

(Porter County, IN) - An out-of-state man died on the Indiana Toll Road after being hit by a semi.

On Thursday at about 12:42 p.m. Indiana State Police were made aware of a man running in and out of traffic on the tollway about one mile east of the Valparaiso/Chesterton exit.

On the shoulder of the tollway, ISP said a trooper made contact with the man, an unidentified 36-year-old from St. Charles, MO. After a brief interaction, the man ran into eastbound traffic and was struck by a gray 2019 Volvo semi. According to authorities, the man was not only alert, but combative with police who tried to render medical aid. The man was flown by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A vehicle determined to belong to the deceased male was located approximately a half mile west of the location where he was found walking.

Eastbound lanes of the Indiana Toll Road were shut down for about an hour Thursday afternoon for crash reconstruction.

The driver of the semi, a 34-year-old from Pikesville, MD, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

(Indianapolis, IN) - The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is offering residents a new, all-black license plate design.

"We designed the Blackout plate with every Hoosier in mind—from the daily commuter to the classic car enthusiast," BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey said.

The plate will become available on August 8 while disability plates with the design will be available later, according to the BMV.

The plate will be available for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, RVs or trucks under 11,000 pounds. 

The plate can be personalized for an extra charge of $45.  Customers purchasing the plate before their renewal date will also be charged a $9.50 replacement fee, according to BMV.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man with a prior history of lewd behavior is now accused of exposing himself to a female gas station clerk in Michigan City yesterday afternoon.

Immanuel Means, 33, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 4 with indecent exposure and theft, both Level 6 felonies.

According to court documents, Means was asking a female clerk at the Meijer gas station personal questions and called her pretty before exposing himself.

Police said he even placed his bare private parts on the counter and professed his love for her then followed her whenever she attempted to walk away.

Eventually, police said he left without paying for six packages of condoms, four bottles of lubricant and two other store items without paying for them.

Police said investigators recognized Means from prior encounters with him in surveillance camera footage of the incident.

Several hours later, police said officers responded to the nearby BP gas station where a man later identified as Means was reported to be naked.

Police said Means has prior convictions for public indecency in December of last year and from a case filed more than a decade ago.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man shot multiple times in La Porte County this week is the boyfriend of the 72 year old suspected gunman’s daughter.

Those are among the new details to emerge in the case against Timothy Pochron.

Pochron is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 1 felony attempted murder and Level 3 felony aggravated battery.

He’s accused of shooting James Langner at a home Tuesday night in the 10-thousand block of S. County Road 1150 West near Wanatah.

Langner, 63, was taken by ambulance to a hospital and later airlifted to a regional trauma center with injuries described by police as life threatening, according to court documents.

According to court documents, the investigation shows the two men and suspect’s daughter had consumed alcoholic beverages together.

Langner and the woman were in their downstairs bedroom with the door open when Pochron while standing in the doorway opening displayed a handgun.

Court documents show Pochron made his way over to the foot of the bed where he sat down on a stool and stated “you waited too long.”  He then began firing the gun at Langner, who responded “you shot me,” according to court documents.

Police said the woman was applying pressure to the gunshot wounds when she told a 911 dispatcher Langner was shot in the chest and back by her father, who has “mental issues.”

A motive for the shooting was not revealed.

Police said Pochron was legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of .09 percent.

According to court documents, a .38 caliber revolver containing four spent shell casings was recovered from the residence.  Pochron could face anywhere from a 20 to 40 year sentence on the most serious count.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver apparently crashed in La Porte County before getting arrested for being impaired.

Sara Jerde, 25, is charged with Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.

La Porte County Police said she was pulled over about 2:30 a.m. yesterday in the 6100 block of W. Joliet Road for veering over the center line and not having her taillights on.

The officer then realized her car was damaged from what appeared to be a crash.

Police said the La Porte woman could not remember being involved in a collision and nearly fell several times after stepping out of her car.

Her alleged blood alcohol level was .284 percent, well above the .08 percent legal limit.  Poilce said it appears the car struck some type of "circular device" at some point before stopped.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man is accused in a La Porte County shooting.

Timothy Pochron, 72, is charged with Level 1 felony attempted murder and Level 3 felony aggravated battery.

The shooting happened Tuesday night at a home on County Road 1150 West between Westville and Wanatah.  Authorities said the 63 year old victim was shot multiple times and airlifted to a trauma center.

So far, the name of the victim and what led up to the shooting have not been disclosed.

Pochron of Portage is scheduled for an initial hearing this morning in La Porte Circuit Court.   He could face an up to 40 year sentence on the most serious count. 

(La Porte County, IN) - A data center committee in La Porte County met for the first time yesterday.

The 12 member committee was formed to try and steer any data centers to Kingsbury Industrial Park or some other industrial zoned area and make sure the county is compensated fairly since data centers are not major job creators.

Many data centers are also large users of water and electricity.

So far, no data centers have submitted any formal proposals to county government.

La Porte County Commissioner Connie Gramarossa said forming the committee was about being ready to respond and negotiate just in case a data center officially makes a request to come here.

“What we’re looking to do is get a balanced approach,” she said.

She said a desirable offer from a data center would also have to include things like money to offset any burden on taxpayers and use of union labor in the construction.

Recently, Michigan City officials expressed a lack of interest in a data center wanting to go on the city’s east side because of the company during early discussions falling short in the incentives.

She said the committee will serve in an advisory capacity with the final decision on any requests from a data center to be made by the county commissioners. 

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City is now offering tools for the public to use to clean-up after litterbugs.

A new mobile tool trailer has been obtained to support neighborhood groups and other local organizations in hosting community clean-up events.

The trailer is fully stocked with shovels, rakes, gloves, litter pickers, safety vests, cones and other clean-up supplies.

According to the mayor’s office, the trailer is available by reservation with at least two weeks of prior notice. 

Interested groups must submit a reservation agreement through the Parks Department outlining details of their clean-up event and their commitment to tool safety and accountability

“The trailer can be checked out at the Park Department by organizations who want to host cleanup events in their neighborhoods,” said Michigan City Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason.

The trailer and contents were paid for with federal dollars.

“By investing in these kinds of grassroots efforts, we’re not only beautifying our city but we’re also building stronger connections between neighbors and creating a culture of shared responsibility,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

To ensure the trailer and equipment are used effectively and safely, groups must agree to supervise all volunteers, return all tools in good condition and report the total number of volunteers and hours worked within 48 hours after their event.

The Parks Department will deliver and pick up the trailer from the designated location.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte High School graduate and current nursing student has received help paying for college.

Tristen Poe is this year’s winner of the Franciscan Health Michigan City Maria Petti Memorial Scholarship.

Petti served at Franciscan Health Michigan City for 35 years as a nurse and peri-operative director. She died of cancer in 2008 at 53.

Poe is studying nursing at Indiana University.  After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctoral degree and become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Poe said he always knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field but wasn’t sure which one until feeling inspired by his mother and aunts, who are all involved in nursing.

“Having learned their experiences and gains from their careers opened my eyes to a path I could see myself pursuing,” he said.

Poe has worked at the hospital outside Michigan City in a number of areas including patient companion and patient care novice while pursuing his nursing degree.

"To be a recipient of the Maria Petti Scholarship is an absolute honor, as it not only makes me feel valued for my hard work and commitment to being the best student, co-worker and neighbor I can be, but also gives me strength to continue my nursing journey and reach for greater opportunities,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - About 20 dogs were removed from a home in La Porte for exceeding the city’s four dog limit per residence.

Animal Control Officer Paula Stokes said three dogs not able to reproduce were allowed to remain inside the dwelling on Planett St.

She said all of the dogs were Pomeranians.

Stokes said over 30 Pomeranians were taken from the same home last year in six different visits to the residence.   She said it appears the owners of the Pomeranians allow them to reproduce but don’t sell or give away the puppies.

She said the dogs confiscated each time were taken to a no-kill animal rescue group that makes their animals available for adoption.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City residents not wanting large gatherings of strangers on their property can have police disperse the crowds.

According to the Michigan City Police Department, a number of residents have expressed concerns and frustration over groups as large as 50 or more people congregating in their yards.

The complaints have included loud music playing at night, people using their lawns as a public restroom and fear about confronting the individuals.

Police said law enforcement under state law can act on behalf of property owners to remove trespassers without the owner being present.

Property owners must first complete a consent form available at the front desk of the police department or from any officer.

“This authorization is designed specifically to help address spontaneous or large-scale gatherings that interfere with private use and public safety,” police said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Heat Advisory has been issued until 8 p.m. Thursday due to the return of hot and humid conditions.

The temperature in La Porte at 1 p.m. today was 90 degrees with the high temperature forecast to reach into the low 90’s.

The high temperature predicted Thursday is 95 degrees.

To prevent heat related illnesses, experts said people can do things such as limiting their time outside and staying hydrated as much as possible. 

Individuals who have to be outside should wear lightweight clothes, take frequent breaks and not overexert themselves, experts said.

The forecast is calling temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s with continued high humidity for the weekend with scattered showers a possibility tomorrow night and a better chance for rain Friday and Saturday

(La Porte County, IN) - A shooting occurred last night in the Wanatah area.

La Porte County Police said the gunfire happened inside a residence in the area of 1000 South and 1150 West.

Police said male subject was taken by ambulance and later airlifted to an outside trauma center for advanced treatment.

So far, no arrests have been reported.  Further details were not provided due to the ongoing investigation.

(La Porte County, IN) - A traffic stop by La Porte County Police yesterday turned into a good-sized drug bust.

Donyell Mayhew, 45, of Michigan City is charged with Level 2 felony dealing cocaine.

Police said he was pulled over before 3 p.m. on Interstate 94 outside Michigan City for following a semi-truck too closely.  A K-9 dog detecting the presence of drugs resulted in the vehicle being searched.

During the search, police said Mayhew fled on foot but he was apprehended a short distance away.  Two bags of compressed cocaine were later found in the vehicle, police said.

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

Police said no bond has been set in the case yet because Mayhew was already out on bond for a previous offense.

According to court records, Mayhew was given an eight-year prison sentence in 2021 for possession of methamphetamine.

(Michigan City, IN) - People can now obtain season passes for parking at Michigan City’s lakefront throughout the season.

Previously, no parking stickers for Washington Park were issued after July 3 to save on the cost of manpower at North Point Pavilion where stickers were available prior to the deadline, said Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason.

Now, people coming in for a sticker after the deadline can get their parking passes for the rest of the season at City Hall but they will have to pay a $35 late fee.

Eason said the deadline was heavily promoted but people still unaware it were coming in after the deadline for season passes.

“We did get a lot of complaints,” she said.

Prior to the deadline, parking stickers are free for Michigan City residents and $35 for all other people living in La Porte County.  The cost is $100 for other Indiana residents and $150 for people living out of state.

Eason said a late fee is still a good deal for people wanting to visit the park multiple times before summer ends because the only other option is to pay the $20 daily fee to park without a sticker.

(Valparaiso, IN) - Charges have been filed in connection with a woman on a Snapchat date jumping out of a moving car.

Damion Stewart, 21, of Knox is charged with criminal confinement.

Authorities said Stewart and the victim agreed to meet on June 18 in Valparaiso after communicating together on Snapchat for two days.

After getting into his vehicle, police said the woman told investigators Steward sped off and ignored her repeated demands to stop to let her out of the vehicle.

At one point, Stewart hit a curb and was heading toward a roundabout when the woman opened the passenger side door and jumped out.

No injuries were reported. 

(La Porte, IN) - Where people going to the 5^th annual Lakefest this weekend in La Porte can park along with some road closures during the festivities were announced today.

Lakefest from Friday through Sunday will offer a wide array of activities to be held at Pine, Stone and Clear lakes.

Featured events will include a free concert performed by global pop sensation Jesse McCartney, a special Friday Night Live at Fox Park, a Family Beach Bash at Stone Lake, fireworks, kids’ activities, an artisan market, physical activities and more.

With events spread throughout the city, La Porte Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said residents should take note of nearby parking.

“Our team has worked very hard to provide a weekend of memorable experiences, and we expect quite a crowd. We encourage concert goers to arrive early and beware of road closures.”

Parking for LakeFest attendees will be available at the following locations:

• Friday through Sunday at Fox Park: Parking will be allowed in all the lots surrounding the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater and Ron Reed Field. Opening at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, the south lot off McClung Road will be available for Premier Parking Pass holders only. Also on Saturday evening, parking will be allowed at Scharf Field and auxiliary lots off Truesdell across from The Banks and off Clear Lake Boulevard across from Dunes Event Center.
• Saturday through Sunday at Soldiers Memorial Park: Parking will be allowed in the Stone Lake Beach House lot, the Cummings Lodge lot, and along Grangemouth Road from the beach house to Lakeshore Drive on the east side of the road. Overflow parking will be allowed along Veterans Parkway and at the Park Office.
• Additional parking: The Steam Through History on Pine Lake excursions launch from Unity Park Friday through Sunday, with overflow parking available at the Health Foundation of La Porte Conference & Learning Center on East Shore Parkway.

The following roads/trails will be closed for events:

• Truesdell Avenue, from Clear Lake Boulevard to McClung Road, will be closed to through traffic from 7-10 a.m. on Saturday for the Bolt for the Hear/Play For Jake 5K Run/Walk.
• The southwestern portion of the Chessie Trail (formerly Hoelocker Drive) will be closed to pedestrians from 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. on Saturday for fireworks staging.
• Truesdell Avenue will be closed from 8:25-9:10 p.m. on Saturday for the safety of the fireworks spectators.

Schreiber also noted that festival attendees should plan to bring credit/debit cards with them. He said some food and craft vendors may accept cash, but all LakeFest-run bars, merchandise tables and event registrations will be cashless.

To learn more or view the full schedule of events, visit laportelakefest.com.

(La Porte County, IN) - A stretch of Indiana 39 in La Porte County will be closed soon for construction related work.

According to Indiana Department of Transportation, the two lane highway will be closed between 1750 South and 1800 S beginning on or after July 29. 

State Road 39 will be closed for approximately five days to allow a railroad crossing to be worked on, INDOT said.

The official detour will follow Indiana 8, U.S. 35 and U.S. 30.

(La Porte, IN) - Four La Porte City Police officers have been recognized for saving the life of a man who seems to have made a full recovery.

Life Saving Awards were presented to Andrew Luse, Nelson Lopez-Diaz, Brett Fisher and Wesley Walls during last night’s La Porte City Council meeting.

Police Chief Matt Drangmeister said the officers about 4 a.m. on June 12 went to a home in the 300 block of Cable St. in response to a 911 call from a woman about her 58 year old husband not breathing.

Drangmeister said the officers lifted the man off a couch and placed him on the living room floor where CPR was performed.

The man was also hooked up to an automated external defibrillator, a machine that can deliver a shock to a patient’s heart, if necessary, to try and restart the blood pumping muscle.

Drangmeister said the man regained consciousness while being prepared for placement into an ambulance.

“Due to their efforts, that man is alive today, has recovered and is back to work,” he said.

Each of the officers appeared to appreciate the awards and applause from the audience.

“I couldn’t ask for anything better than to work for this department,” Walls said.

(Michigan City, IN) - A driver blamed for a two vehicle crash with injuries in Michigan City is accused of being impaired.

Fred Washington, 53, of Michigan City is charged with multiple counts including operating while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident.

Police said the investigation shows Washington turned into the path of an oncoming vehicle just before 12 p.m. Sunday at Michigan Boulevard and E. 9^th St.

Washington was walking away from the scene of the crash when stopped by police, who found evidence of drug use in his vehicle, police said.

Police said Washington, who exhibited symptoms of using narcotics, had abrasions on his face and possible dislocated shoulder but refused medical attention.

In the other vehicle was a man and his two nephews, who were taken by ambulance complaining of pain.

Washington was also cited for not having a driver’s license and having improper plates and an expired vehicle registration.

(La Porte County, IN) - Some La Porte County residents were trapped in their subdivision from a road covered by four feet of water after the heavy rain storm Saturday.

This was on Otis Road between Michigan City and Westville.

Rob Sabie, Director of La Porte County Emergency Management, said there’s a creek in that area and it appears the high water was from a partially collapsed old railroad line restricting flows from a drainage culvert below.

Pumps were used to help lower the water.

“It took over a day to get the water back down,” he said.

Fortunately, Sabie said none of the roughly 24 homes in the subdivision were flooded.

La Porte Waste Water Department Superintendent Jerry Jackson said a number of intersections in the city were flooded from the storm.

He said the storm water drainage system was backed up from the 3.5 to 4.5 inches of rain that fell in less than two hours.

Jackson said the treatment plant has about a 10 million gallon daily capacity but the storm brought peaks flows that were at the rate of 150 million gallons a day.

The excess water was diverted into an outdoor storage lagoon for slower release into the plant after the storm.

(Michigan City, IN) - She was involved in a motor vehicle crash yesterday but kept driving until arrested in Michigan City for operating while intoxicated.

About 6 p.m., police said officers were called about a possible intoxicated driver and located the suspected vehicle outside Virk’s Liquors in the 1900 block of E. Michigan Boulevard.

Officers were present when a woman later identified as Brittany Sardi, 36, entered the car with visible damage and was speeding when pulled over.

The Osceola woman refused a blood alcohol test, but officers noted she had a strong odor of alcohol on her breath along with symptoms of impairment and a six pack of beer cans in the vehicle.

Police did not reveal where the crash happened but flock cameras showed pictures taken during the afternoon of her car without damage and three hours later with significant damage.

Another picture from a flock camera shows her car that same evening almost off the roadway and traveling on rumble strips, police said.

Police said the OWI charge was upgraded to a felony due to her having a prior OWI conviction from 2019.

(La Porte, IN) - A man is facing potential time in prison for allegedly firing gunshots inside a residence in La Porte.

Danny Roldan, 50, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony criminal recklessness.

According to court documents, the investigation indicates Roldan was upset about a political ad on TV and fired multiple shots from inside the home in the 2900 block of Oakdale Ave.

Multiple rounds penetrated an interior wall and flew into a room occupied by a family member.

Responding officers formed a perimeter around the home while trying to speak with Roldan, who emerged several times from the front door before going back inside each time.

At one point, Roldan was outside sitting on a porch when rushed by officers, who took him into custody.

Rolden was still being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.  He could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence.

(Michigan City, IN) - Two people were rescued by lifeguards in Michigan City yesterday.

Authorities say they were caught in a late morning rip current at Washington Park beach.  The individuals were being pulled into deeper water when lifeguards jumped in and brought them to safety.

So far, further details have not been provided.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County man is accused of running from the police on a four wheeler after having too much to drink.

La Porte County Police said Matthew Wilson, 33, was in the area of Fail Road and 700 North early Friday when he fled from a sheriff’s deputy trying to make a traffic stop.

Police said the pursuit went a few miles to the south and west on U.S. 20 then back north until the four-wheeler traveled into a soybean field.

With officers approaching, Wilson stepped off the machine and fled on foot but soon he was taken to the ground by an Indiana State Police trooper.

Wilson is facing several counts including operating while intoxicated,

Police said he had an odor of alcohol on his breath and refused to take a blood alcohol test, which led to the automatic OWI charge.  The investigation shows his girlfriend riding with him during the chase tried several times to get Wilson to stop, police said.

(Washington, D.C.) - A small piece of La Porte firefighting history is hanging on the wall of a Washington, D.C. Congressional office.

Unveiled this week in the office of 2^nd District U.S. Representative Rudy Yakym was a piece of art that blends the American Flag with the state flag of Indiana. It’s made out of fire hoses, one of which came from right here in La Porte.

Griffin Nate, a Yakym spokesperson, described how the project came together. “We got fire hoses from every single county in the district,” he said, “including La Porte County, specifically from the La Porte Fire Department. So we’re able to have a little piece of the people who save lives every single day sitting in the Congressman’s office in D.C.”

Nate says the fire hose flag creation is the work of Brotherhood Designs Corporation in McCordsville, near Indianapolis. Brotherhood Designs was started in 2022 by two firefighters as a way to recycle retired fire hoses. Used material is either given to zoos and animal sanctuaries, or made into flags. Proceeds from their non-profit efforts help provide support for families of fallen first responders.  Brotherhood Designs is currently helping raise money for a memorial to volunteer fireman Corey Comperatore, who was killed at the presidential rally in Butler, PA on July 13th, 2024.

In May, after being contacted by Yakym’s office, Brotherhood Designs co-founders Scott Carr and Rob Demlow made a road trip through northern Indiana collecting retired fire hoses from nine fire departments. On Wednesday they hung the finished product in Yakym’s office in Washington, D.C. In a Facebook post describing their experience, they said that Yakym’s reaction was one of “pure emotion and pride.” They said, “The Congressman can now point to each section of hose and share its story—the roots of the flag, and the heroes behind them.”

They also left a digital picture frame depicting the full journey from hose collection to installation. “It includes story documentation, photos, and even the names and contacts of every department involved,” they said, “so Congressman Yakym can reach out and thank the very firefighters this flag represents.”

(Las Vegas, NV) - A local college student is overcoming obstacles, literally, to combat hunger.

University of Notre Dame student Austin Baron is competing on American Ninja Warrior, the popular NBC show that pits physically fit contestants against an obstacle course.

The 19-year-old, originally from Virginia, will be a sophomore at Notre Dame. When he was 12, Baron founded a non-profit called Knot Perfect that sells knotted fabric dog toys to raise money to feed the hungry. $10, he says, will provide over 30 meals to people in need. Two years ago on American Ninja Warrior, Baron raised enough money to feed 40,000 people.

On Monday he was one of nine people to complete the show’s obstacle course and advance.

You can see him tackle the course again this coming Monday evening on NBC. To check out Austin’s hunger-fighting doggie toys, go to www.knotperfect.org.

(La Porte County, IN) - Dinners will be available to purchase as a fund raiser for the family of a New Prairie High School student badly hurt in a school bus crash in May.

The dinners consisting of pulled pork, potatoes, carrots, coleslaw and a roll will be available for pick-up only at New Prairie High School on July 27th.  Farmer Jeff Baltes said the suggested donation for each dinner is $15.

The pork will come from a hog or two Baltes and a few of his friends will be roasting.  The rest of the food will also be donated.

Baltes said the idea to help the family financially came after learning that student, Lucas Bradshaw, was transferred from Memorial Hospital in South Bend to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Every little bit helps,” he said.

Baltes said the dinners will be available for pick-up from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. to people who paid in advance for their meals.  Any remaining dinners will be handed out to people showing up from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Bradshaw, who will be a junior in the fall, remains at the facility in Michigan where he’s been for the last five weeks.  According to the latest posted update by his family, Bradshaw awake now from a coma is speaking at times in a whisper.

Lucas was given a motorized wheelchair recently for him to operate and wrote a list of goals he wants to achieve in the next 12 months.  According to his family, he’s also enjoying the cards and letters he’s been receiving from well-wishers.

The family also revealed they are cautiously optimistic now about his recovery due to the progress he’s been making slowly, but gradually.

“His baby steps are starting to add up,” the family said.

Bradshaw was the most seriously injured passenger in the crash resulting from a box truck striking a school mini-bus on U.S. 20 at Fail Road outside La Porte.

Shawn Akison, 41, of Romeoville, Illinois is facing charges of criminal recklessness for allegedly causing the crash.

(La Porte County, IN) - Two men are accused of having over 80 pounds of marijuana while passing through La Porte County.

Robert Prister, 47, Spencer Szostak, 37, are charged in La Porte Circuit Court.

Authorities said the men were traveling from the Detroit area to Minnesota when stopped by Indiana State Police for a traffic violation Tuesday on Interstate 94 outside Michigan City.

Quickly, the officer smelled raw marijuana.

During a search, police said more than 80 various sized bags of marijuana were recovered from the vehicle along with large amounts of THC gummies and THC wax.

The investigation indicates both men from Michigan were apparently being paid to make the delivery. 

Now, they each could face an up to six year sentence on allegations of Level 5 felony dealing marijuana.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man is now facing charges for a purse snatching nearly six years ago.  It happened at a nursing home in La Porte.

Police said a woman walking up to the front doors had her purse pulled from her hand by a man driving a red pick-up truck.  About an hour later, police said one of her credit cards was used to make $600 in purchases at a Walmart in Valparaiso.  The suspect captured on video was quickly identified as Eric Slayton.

A warrant was soon issued for his arrest but it wasn’t until this week Slayton was located and taken into custody. 

Slayton could face an up to six year sentence.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte woman is facing allegations she used fentanyl while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.  Ashley Blazek is charged in La Porte Circuit Court.

Nearly two weeks ago, La Porte Police said officers were called on a report of a driver slumped over the steering wheel in the 600 block of East Lincolnway. Upon arrival, police said Blazek was conscious with a smoking pipe in her hand and claiming to be fine.

Police said just over 12 grams of fentanyl were found in a bag on the passenger side floorboard.

Blazek could face anywhere from a two to 12 year sentence for Level 4 felony possession of a narcotic drug and an up to 60 days jail sentence on Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

(La Porte, IN) - There’s now a statue at Fox Park in La Porte.  Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said the newly arrived abstract statue is near the amphitheater and comes under a two year lease with the creator, Luke Achterberg.

“It looks great.  We're excited to have it here,” Schreiber said.

Achteberg works and lives in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. 

Schreiber said the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association is paying the $3,000 cost of having the statue for two years.  The statue was last on exhibit in Green Bay, Wisconsin as part of the arts program in that city.

Schreiber said the park department was approached on whether it was interested the leasing the statue by the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City, an organization that’s been involved in the recent emergence of art in downtown La Porte.

“I think it not only beautifies the city but it draws people in and it creates interest,” Schreiber said.

(Porter County, IN) - A jury found a Michigan City man not guilty in connection with an alleged drug related fatal motor vehicle crash. 

Ronnie Borolov, 72, was on trial for the death of Sandra Rice-Hatch, 53, of Chicago.  The crash happened on U.S. 20 near Indiana 49 north of Chesterton in March of 2022.  Authorities said Borolov was found with multiple drugs in his system after the collision.   His SUV collided with the victim’s oncoming car.

The defense claimed there was not sufficient evidence to prove Borolov caused the accident and was impaired at the time of the collision.

The jury reached its not guilty verdict on Wednesday after more than three hours of deliberation.

(La Porte County, IN) - A scholarship named after the late founder of Pioneer Land at the La Porte County Fairgrounds has been awarded.  Zoey Parrett-Hock is this year’s recipient of the $1,000 scholarship. 

Parrett-Hock is presently a student at Purdue University studying pre-agricultural and biological engineering.  The former 10 year member of 4-H youth program was presented with the scholarship during the La Porte County 4-H Livestock Auction during the fair last week.  The scholarship was awarded by the La Porte County 4-H Council.

The scholarship is named after Richard “Dick” Reel, the founder and chief caretaker of Pioneer Land until his passing in 2022.  Pioneer Land began in 1995 with construction of a log cabin. 

About a dozen other buildings went up in future years with Reel, a retired Purdue Extension educator at the time, leading the development and operation of the 1800’s village.

(La Porte, IN) - Flock cameras helped La Porte Police recover a stolen vehicle and make an arrest.  Joshua Murray, 35, of La Porte is charged with theft, resisting law enforcement and driving with a suspended license.

On Tuesday, Police said officers were dispatched to E Street on a reported theft of a van by a witness who saw the male driver flee about 6:30 a.m.  Flock cameras helped police locate the vehicle on McClung Road and arrest Murray during a traffic stop.

Police said the van was returned to the owner with minor damage and two officers sustained minor injuries during the arrest.
 

Murray has at least one prior theft related conviction, police said.

(La Porte County, IN) - The well over century old courthouse in downtown La Porte has over 80 stained glass windows.  A former mayor of La Porte is asking they be restored.

Leigh Morris told the La Porte County Commissioners on Wednesday night the last window restored was nearly 50 years ago despite the collection having significant value.  Morris said experts reviewing the windows have found a need for maintenance and repairs.

“There were cracks in the windows, gaps in the glass, frames rotted and that many of them needed maintenance rather badly,” Morris said.

Morris said another expert suggested developing a 10 year maintenance plan for the windows “so that over the 10 years we would gradually get all of the windows up into good condition and do it in a priority order.”  Morris said a formal study of the stained glass windows would cost anywhere from three to fifteen thousand dollars. 

In response, the commissioners voted 2-1 against providing any funding to conduct the study.  Commission President Connie Gramarossa said money is tight from a projected loss of more than $2 million in revenue for county government next year from statewide property tax reform.  Gramarossa said the budget squeeze is happening at a time when necessities such as leaking showers in the jail and bathrooms in a county office building need fixing.

Gramarossa suggested the group Morris represented, Preserve Historic La Porte, raise the money to pay for the study.

(La Porte County, IN) - Two people were injured in a motor vehicle collision Monday afternoon outside La Porte.  The drivers, Eric Higgins, 35, of Michigan City and Juanita Quirk, 69, of La Porte were taken away in ambulances, according to La Porte County Police.

Police said the investigation shows Higgins was traveling Fail Road in a 2020 Ford Fusion when he turned left into the path of an oncoming 2022 Ford F-150 pick-up truck driven by Quirk at U.S. 20.

Higgins complained of head pain from whiplash suffered from the impact.  Police said Quirk was bleeding from an open wound on her left arm.

Both vehicles with heavy front end damage were towed.

Higgins was issued a summons to appear in court on a charge of never receiving a driver’s license, police said.

(Westville, IN) - The Town of Westville is having two pickle ball courts put in at absolutely no cost.  Town Council President Mike Albert said the work at Prairie Meadow Park would have cost an estimated $125,000 to $150,000 had there been a bill.

Bowen Engineering is leading the "give back" effort.  The company has been doing major work at the water treatment plant related to the new prison which is under construction.

The cement for the two pickle ball courts, which will feature lights for playing at night, was poured Tuesday.  Albert said the anticipated opening of the courts is late August.

The water treatment plant in Westville is roughly doubling in size to accommodate future demand from the new Westville Correctional Facility, which will also house the Indiana State Prison.

The $1.2 billion prison is expected to be completed in early 2027.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Police Department SWAT team was involved in an arrest on Tuesday. 

Police said Kyron Meriweather-Burks, 21, was taken into custody on multiple felony warrants.  The alleged crimes include domestic battery and armed robbery.  Police said he was arrested without incident.

The SWAT team was activated as a precaution due to his extensive history of committing crimes and carrying guns, police said.

“Yesterday’s operation exemplifies the level of dedication and preparedness our officers demonstrate every day.  Our SWAT Team and law enforcement partners acted with precision and restraint, ensuring the safety of all involved and the surrounding community,” police said.

There were no injuries.  So far, further information has not been revealed.

(La Porte County, IN) - Big money was paid for a guitar belonging to a country music star who played at the La Porte County Fair last week. 

The guitar, which sold for about $10,000, belonged to Warren Zeiders, whose hits include “Pretty Little Poison.” 

The guitar also contained the signature of Zeiders, who also performed before the fair during the 250^th anniversary of the U.S. Army parade in Washington D.C.

Money from the sale went to the La Porte County Fair scholarship fund.

“So that was great.  Great for the scholarship fund,” said La Porte County Fair Board President Steve Mrozinski.

Mrozinski said roughly four to five thousand people attended the Warren Zeiders concert in the grandstands.

(La Porte, IN) - There’s a new principal at Kingsbury Elementary School.  Kyle Dean was formerly the principal at Michigan City High School since 2021 and previously was assistant principal at the high school/middle school in Westville.

“I have a genuine appreciation for elementary students and miss the meaningful interaction that comes with supporting their unique developmental needs,” he said.

The La Porte Community School Corporation cited things like significant improvements in academic performance and graduation rates during his tenure at Michigan City High School for his selection.

“His proven track record of student success and commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments make him an excellent fit for our Kingsbury Elementary community,” said La Porte Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood.

He replaces Liz Wiesemann, who was principal at Kingsbury since 2015 until promoted to associate principal at La Porte High School for the upcoming school year.

(Westville, IN) - Two pickle ball courts are going up in Westville with much of the work today performed at no cost.

The cement for the courts at Prairie Meadow Park was poured this morning then crews began smoothing it out.

Bowen Engineering, which has been doing some major water related work involving the new prison in Westville still under construction, is leading the give back effort with help from others like union cement finishers.

“The town came to us and asked if we could help with the community pickle ball court and we thought we’d lend a hand,” said Jake Wade of Bowen Engineering.

Some of the union workers were apprentices using the opportunity to further hone their cement finishing skills.

The pickle ball courts to be under lights could be ready to start using this fall.

(Michigan City, IN) - Construction of an over $800 million data center is proposed in Michigan City, but local officials right now are not interested.

The Indiana Economic Development Commission last month approved a 35 year data center sales tax exemption as an incentive for the unidentified company planning a data center at the former Anco windshield wiper plant on Royal Road.  The exemption would save the firm over $40 million in taxes over the lifespan of the agreement. 

According to the IEDC, plans for the data center will be finalized once an agreement has been reached with the city.  However, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said the city is not pursuing the project since no formal agreement has been presented by the company for the city to consider. 

Deuitch said initial talks were held with the firm in May, but data centers are not huge job creators and nothing else substantial enough in long term value to the community was offered during the previous discussions, she said. 

About 30 jobs are projected to be created by the proposed data center, according to IEDC.  

“Unfortunately, the developer did not present any binding commitments that would ensure lasting benefits for Michigan City residents,” she said.

She indicated the project could still gain support from the city if an offer is presented that meets the criteria her administration uses to evaluate major developments.

“Michigan City welcomes innovation and responsible investment, but our administration will always advocate for economic growth that is equitable, transparent and in the public interest,” she said.

Data Centers have generated considerable opposition in communities like Valparaiso due to limited job creation and the huge demand data centers have for water and power to operate. 

(Porter County, IN) - The body of a man paddle boarding on a lake in Porter County has been recovered.

At about 5 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to Sagers Lake near Valparaiso on a report of a missing paddle boarder.  According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, a diver recovered the body of the 63 year old Illinois man about an hour later.

So far, the investigation shows the man had a life jacket with him, but he was not wearing it, according to DNR.  The name of the man was being withheld until next of kin have been notified.

(La Porte, IN) - Plans for more than 400 new apartment homes in La Porte have crossed their first hurdle. 

The city’s Board of Public Works & Safety last week recommended approval for changing the existing zoning from business to residential at a site along the east side of Indiana 39 near Briar Leaf Golf Course.  This is an area annexed into the city over a year ago.

As many as 17 higher end apartments would be inside each of the buildings, which resemble upscale houses.  

Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said construction would occur in phases over a several year period.  Cook said it’s too early, right now, to estimate the monthly rent to be charged.

“I think the developer understands the market well.  They have a desire to make those units as affordable as possible,” Cook said.

Some of the adjacent landowners have already expressed concerns like additional traffic from what they believe would be too many homes added to the residential area.  Resident Kathleen Lang also said there hasn’t been sufficient time for she and her neighbors to review the plans to form an opinion.

The city council will make the final decision on whether to change the zoning.

If approved, Cook said the project still has to cross a number of other steps in the approvals process before it can break ground.

“There are a whole host of other things that have to occur in order for this to be a real project,” Cook said.
 

(Michigan City, IN) - A skydiver was injured in a hard landing in Michigan City on Sunday.

It happened about 10 a.m. at the municipal airport.

According to the fire department, an experienced skydiver landed hard on the concrete.  The individual was airlifted to a trauma center with undisclosed injuries to the lower extremities.

Fire officials said the injured person was conscious and alert at the time.

(Fish Lake, IN) - A man grabbed a garden hose but it wasn’t enough to keep his burning garage from being heavily damaged in Fish Lake.

Just after 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 12th, volunteer firefighters from Pleasant and Lincoln townships responded to the 100 block of Arney Drive. 

La Porte County Police said a husband and wife smelling smoke went outside and made the discovery.

Kenneth Heuer, 42, told investigators he grabbed a garden hose but he was overwhelmed in his effort to put out the flames, police said.  Firefighters soon arrived and began putting out the fire.

Police said the fire produced thick black smoke from the man’s Jeep and several gas cans burning inside the garage.  The cause of the fire was still investigation.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police say a man was impaired when he rear ended another vehicle and fled the scene.  Nathan Veach, 24, was booked into the La Porte County Jail after the late Saturday afternoon crash at Johnson Road and 625 West.

Police said Veach struck the back end of a vehicle that was stopped to make a left turn.  After checking on the other driver, Veach got back into his SUV and fled despite a tire falling off one of the rims of his vehicle.

A trail of gouge marks in the pavement made by the rim of his wheel helped officers locate his vehicle with front end damage abandoned behind a barn in the area of 900 West and 300 North, police said. 

Veach was found a short time later with broken teeth and a hole in his lip from his face striking the steering vehicle in the collision, police said.

The other driver, Jennifer Nallenweg, 35, complained of pain to her left arm and severe headache from whiplash, police said.

His alleged blood alcohol level was .125 percent.  Police said Veach admitted drinking alcohol and using marijuana prior to the crash.

(La Porte, IN) - A man is accused of knocking out a woman’s teeth with a punch at a downtown La Porte establishment.  Paris McCoy, 32, is charged with Level 6 felony battery in La Porte Circuit Court.

Police said McCoy and the woman were at Monty’s Pool Hall at 1004 Lincolnway early Thursday, July 10th, when they began arguing over the bar tab.  At one point, McCoy allegedly knocked out four of the woman’s teeth with a blow to the mouth and hit the owner of the bar in the face.

McCoy left before officers showed up but he was soon taken into custody at his residence on Weller Avenue, police said.

He could face as much as a 30 month sentence on the Level 6 felony charge. Police said the owner of the bar did not suffer any obvious injuries.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Jake West’s lifesaving legacy lives on in a bill signed into law this week by Indiana Governor Mike Braun.

House Bill 1515 requires that schools have a cardiac emergency response plan for all events. The new legislation strengthens a version of Jake’s Law passed two years ago addressing the presence of AEDs at school events. The 2023 legislation, advocates said, lacked certain mandates, including requirements for staff training, and they kept fighting to make heart safety as strong a priority in schools as storm and fire drills.

La Porte’s Julie West led the charge. Her son Jake died of sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 17. Her goal is to create a life-saving culture in schools. “It’s not just about AEDs, but about educating people,” She told HTNN.

But in the recent legislative session, not all lawmakers shared her enthusiasm. According to West, the topic was left out of Appropriation Committee meetings last year which was a blow to her hopes. “It was always hard for me to understand,” she said, “as a grieving mother, that side of the political world, but we were able to get to the right people this time.”

Her persistence led to a last-minute victory.

“I never gave up," West said. "I kept talking to as many people as I could, just to share Jake’s story, share my thoughts on the importance of this.”

West found a willing partner in State Senator Linda Rogers (R) of Granger, who has championed AED legislation in recent years. They were able to convince Rep. Robert Behning (R-Indianapolis) and Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) to include AED training mandates as a piece of a larger education bill, HB 1515. That legislation passed the House and Senate on the last day of their session.

“I’m forever grateful to a lot of people who helped make this happen,” said West. She also credited former New Prairie High School biomedical teacher Tonya Aerts, Project Adam, and the American Heart Association for spreading awareness.

After many trips down to the statehouse, West stood at the governor’s side Tuesday as he signed the bill.

“I think my biggest emotion is relief,” said West, “just knowing that everyone on those school grounds in the state of Indiana will be better protected. A lot of emotions were going through me, but I think relief was the biggest one, and I really soaked that in, because I think it goes without saying the loss of a child is devastating, and it never goes away.”

Friday, by the way, was Jake’s birthday. He would have been 29. He died nearly twelve years ago after collapsing on a La Porte High School football field. But his memory lives on. If you would like to know more about being prepared for a sudden cardiac emergency, go to playforjake.org.

(La Porte, IN) - Last weekend the parking lot of the La Porte County Historical Society looked like the time lines of all three Back to the Future movies collided— minus Marty and Doc.

On Saturday not one, not two, but three authentic DeLorean automobiles rolled up to the museum. “They were part of a car club,” Assistant Director Savanah Jackson said of the unexpected visitors. “I know one is from Elkhart. They were Kevin, Keith, and Danny, and they wanted to see our DeLorean.”

La Porte’s 1982 DMC DeLorean, with stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, is housed on the second floor of the museum. Just over 6,000 DeLoreans still exist. On Saturday four of them were in La Porte. Jackson said they were able to determine that at least one of the visiting cars was manufactured within a few months of La Porte’s car, which was collected by Dr. Peter Kesling and his wife Charlene.

Even more vintage cars—who knows, maybe a DeLorean or two—will be featured at the museum this upcoming Saturday, July 19, for the La Porte Historical Society’s annual car show.

(La Porte County, IN) - A record price was set on Friday during he hog auction at the La Porte County Fair.  A male hog shown by a 4-H'er went for $17,000 in the bidding.  In comparison, the market price for a hog is about $150.

Farmer Matt Schafer of LaCrosse, who was working the auction, said it’s not unusual for bidders to go way above market price to benefit 4-H youth raising the animals.

“It’s people looking to support the kids not necessarily the merit of the animal,” Schafer said.

The owner of the hog was Madison Scarborough, 16, of LaCrosse. 

Schafer said the winning bid was cast by Kraft Auction Service.

The auction was run by Lestinsky Auctioneers out of Hanna.

(Portage, IN) - Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a man drowning after electrocuted in a body of water leading to and from Lake Michigan.  The body of Gabriel Gonzalez, 21, of Hebron was recovered from Burns Waterway by divers in Portage after disappearing beneath the surface late Thursday morning.

According to DNR, Gonzalez entered the water to retrieve an undisclosed object belonging to a boat owner that fell into the channel.  After retrieving the object, Gonzalez was swimming to where the boat owner was docked when he apparently entered a field of electricity and slipped beneath the water’s surface, DNR said.

His 23 year old brother was along the water’s edge and he jumped in for a rescue attempt when he also was affected by the electrical current.  Fortunately, he was thrown a floatation device and pulled to safety.

With help from a licensed electrician, DNR said the likely source of the electricity in the water was determined to be a piece of equipment belonging to a nearby slip holder.  DNR did not reveal the type of equipment providing the current due to the ongoing investigation.

An autopsy revealed cause of death was drowning secondary to electrocution, according to DNR.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte School Board meetings will no longer be available to view on Comcast Channel 98.  According to school officials, the corporation has transitioned to exclusive YouTube live streaming of the meetings.

The meetings can also be viewed live on the school corporation website.

Residents can also view past meetings through YouTube searches of archived school board sessions.

“Whether you want to watch live or on your own schedule, we've got you covered,” school officials said.

(LaCrosse, IN) - An outdoor plastic cigarette disposal container appears to be linked to a Thursday evening fire that destroyed a longtime business in La Porte County.  The fire occured at Heinold & Feller Tire Company & Lawn Equipment, located at 16 South Washington Street in LaCrosse.

On the company’s Facebook page, officials say the structure appears to be a total loss.  About a dozen volunteer fire departments and hazmat experts responded.

"God bless all of the incredible people at the 14 fire departments that were involved in getting this out.  We are sorry for the disruption this will cause at our LaCrosse location but we are thankful for all of your prayers and patience as we sort this out and move forward" said owner Joe Feller in his post.

No injuries were reported. 

LaCrosse Fire Chief Aaron Rust said the business had been closed for about two hours when an individual showed up at the fire department across the street and reported the cigarette disposal receptacle next to the structure was burning.

Once the flames from the container were extinguished, which were shooting up to six feet into the air, Rust said he and a few other firefighters discovered a charred stretch of foundation made of wood on the building.  It wasn’t long before “we had smoke puffing from the eaves” and flames shooting from the half barrel-shaped roof.

Rust said the receptacle was just inches from an outside wall made of wood and covered by sheets of tin.  He said it appears the fire spread from the container to the foundation and worked its way underneath the metal to the wood of the exterior wall then spread rapidly once reaching the roof.

About a dozen other fire departments were called and responded to help protect nearby structures.

Rust said the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office will assist in trying to officially determine the cause of the blaze.  He said a cigarette butt produces enough heat to melt hard plastic but another possibility is a piece of paper or something else flammable was placed into the container and made contact with a burning cigarette butt.

In addition to selling new tires and lawn equipment like mowers and weed eaters, the business offered tire replacement, front end alignments, oil changes, brake replacement and other lower level service work on passenger vehicles.

The shop was also heavily used by farmers for similar purposes.  A service truck which would be dispatched to farms to repair tractors along with other machines and related equipment was also lost in the blaze.

Joe Feller said his family owned business along with a much larger site in Valparaiso where it was founded in 1958 by his father, Lynn, and uncle, Ray.  A year or two later, Feller said both men were joined by another one of his uncles, Orie, in opening the LaCrosse shop.

Feller said his plan right now is to rebuild depending on how much he’s compensated for the loss.

“I’m just hoping I get good results from my insurance company so things can happen,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - The South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative will host walk-in interview sessions for classroom aide positions on Tuesday and Thursday of next week.

The interviews will be at the La Porte School Corporation Educational Services Center, which is at the former Boston Middle School, at 1000 Harrison Street.

Key Details:

• No appointment necessary for walk-in interviews
• Positions serve students with special needs across five regional school districts
• Hourly wages range from $13.50 to $15.50
• Interview times: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM both days

According to school officials the sessions are an opportunity for job seekers to join teams making a meaningful impact on students requiring special education services throughout the region.

The cooperative provides special education for La Porte, New Prairie, Westville, South Central and Tri-Township school corporations.

(La Porte, IN) – A ground breaking was held today at New Porte Landing.  The dirt was moved for the new Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union location at Truesdell Avenue and North Madison Street.

Once construction is complete, the financial institution will relocate from its present facility at 201 Koomler Drive in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park.  Construction is scheduled for completion during the first or second quarter of next year.

“Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union is celebrating more than just a groundbreaking.  We are celebrating a commitment to our members and our community.  This new location represents our investment in the future, a place where we can better serve our members and new members,” said CEO Jeri Hesters.

The new building will contain over 3,100 square feet of space and includes an additional 990 square foot drive-thru canopy with three lanes on the one acre site.

Other features will include five private offices, a welcoming lobby with a teller line, a conference room, workroom, breakroom, and restroom, all designed to enhance staff efficiency and member experience, officials said.

“It’s a wonderful thing to have a business set up shop in our community, but it’s all the more special to watch them excel and expand,” said Mayor Tom Dermody.

(La Porte County, IN) - An elected La Porte County official has been cited for alleged open dumping by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.  La Porte County Surveyor John Matwyshyn received a letter from the state agency about alleged violations it discovered outside his residence in Hudson Lake.

According to IDEM, the material on his property included construction and demolition waste, at least a half dozen microwaves, five televisions and numerous containers of cooking oil.  He was ordered to stop the dumping and clean up the mess within 30 days.

Matwyshyn said the construction and demolition waste is from a nearby home that was remodeled by the owner, who he allowed to dispose of the waste on his property temporarily as a favor.

Matwyshyn also said the cooking oil is there because he stores it for use in heating his home.  The surveyor said he plans to work with IDEM to resolve the issues.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police say a man was badly impaired when he wiped out on a moped late yesterday afternoon.

Michael Hobson, 57, of La Porte was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Police said the investigation shows Hobson about 5 p.m. fell to the ground after his eastbound moped went off the edge of the pavement in the area of 150 North and 350 East.

His blood alcohol level registered .306 percent on a portable breathalyzer test, but he refused to take a certified test, police said.

Police said Hobson suffered a small open wound on his wrist from the spill. The charge was upgraded to a Level 6 felony due to a prior OWI conviction from 2021.

(Michigan City, IN) - A driver fleeing police in Michigan City yesterday was seriously hurt in a crash.

Police said officers were called to the 1200 block of Elston St. on a shots fired complaint, but the suspect was gone when they showed up.

The suspect was later located in a vehicle, though, in the area of Broadway and Fairfield.

During a traffic stop, police said it appears the suspect pointed a gun at the officer and drove off at high speeds.  The pursuit ended when the fleeing vehicle struck a garage at S. Roeske and Killdeer avenues.

So far, the name of the suspect, who wound up being transferred to a hospital in Chicago with life threatening injuries, has not been released.

The investigation was turned over to Indiana State Police at the request of the Michigan City Police Department.

(La Porte County, IN) - Three men could face prison time for numerous gunshots that include some fired toward homes just outside La Porte.

Dane Hathaway and Ryan Graf were among the men charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony criminal recklessness.

According to court documents, the gunshots on July 3rd and July 4th came from what one of the complainants described as “the biker house” on West McClung Road near Fishtrap Lake.  Another complainant expressed fear about how close the rounds with some landing in the water were coming to his residence, police said.

Following the most recent complaints, police said officers responded to the suspected residence and located the men near multiple firearms and numerous spent shell casings that included shotgun shells.  According to police, the men explained they were shooting off fireworks, but one of the suspects stated just two or three rounds were also fired from a pistol.

Given the evidence, though, police said the men were quickly taken into custody and booked into the La Porte County Jail.

03/03/26 UPDATE:  This story was updated to remove the name and likeness of the third man initially charged in this case.  The court ruled his case as "dismissed without prejudice" and his charges were expunged by the court. 

(Michigan City, IN) - A K-9 dog biting a police officer in Michigan City last night quickly made up for his mistake by catching a suspected thief fleeing on foot.

Lamar Parker, 32, is being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000.

According to police, officers after 11 p.m. responded to a report of a man wearing a mask breaking into a vehicle in the 300 block of Cloud St.

Police said officers spotted the Michigan City man running on Hendricks St. then after losing sight of him located and stopped him for a short period of time before he fled on foot again.

One of the officers pursuing him with a dog was mistakenly bit by the animal. However, the officer and his dog regrouped and within minutes located the suspect last seen entering a wooded area.

Police said Parker was arrested but not until bitten on his left arm by the dog. Parker is also suspected of entering or trying to enter vehicles in that same area earlier in the day.

Police said the K-9 officer suffered a “moderate injury” from the bite inflicted by his dog.

Parker is charged with resisting law enforcement and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte man could get prison time for taking his young son on a motorcycle ride and crashing after allegedly drinking too much alcohol.

Dakota Griffin, 27, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with neglect of a dependent and operating while intoxicated, both Level 6 felonies.

Just over two months ago, Griffin went for ride on a Harley Davidson motorcycle with his six year old son on the backseat despite the child’s mother begging him to not take the boy, according to La Porte County Police.

Police said Griffin was northbound on Fail Road when he failed to negotiate a curve. 

The motorcycle wound up on its side and slid about 50 feet on the pavement before stopping in the southbound lane near Division Road just outside the La Porte city limits.

Police said the helmet wearing boy with road rash on his arms made his way on foot to a nearby home and informed the resident about the crash.  Griffin, who was not wearing a helmet, was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with severe road rash to the right side of his body, police said.

He was later diagnosed with bruised lungs, fractures to his skull and collarbone along with bleeding on his brain, according to authorities.

Police said the boy did not sustain any other injuries.

Charges were not filed until July 3 because the hospital in response to a search warrant did not provide the results of a toxicology test and hundreds of pages of other medical records related to the crash until late last month, police said.

Griffin’s alleged blood alcohol level was .157 percent or nearly twice the .08 percent legal limit.

According to police, the test results also indicated possible use of fentanyl and marijuana, which is being further looked into for potential filing of enhanced or additional charges.

Griffin, who was taken into custody Monday, was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $755 cash bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man and his family are making homemade butter at Pioneer Land during the ongoing La Porte County Fair.

Dennis Mann on the front porch of the log cabin takes turns with his wife and granddaughters turning the handle on a butter churn that can hold as much as six quarts of heavy cream.

“They made the last batch of butter,” he said.

Mann said it takes about one hour of manually turning the handle on the antique churn for the cream to turn into butter.  He said it takes another hour or so to remove the whey from the mixture for the butter to be ready to eat.

Mann said the butter is used at Pioneer Land for things like cooking and spreading on crackers given to passersby to taste at no cost.

He didn’t know exactly when the glass butter churn with a metal lid was made but said it was an antique when his wife purchased it about 30 years ago.

He said every three quarts of heavy cream makes about 2.5 lbs. of butter.

(La Porte County, IN) - The 179^th La Porte County Fair continues today.

Today’s highlights include shows by the Extreme Raptors Birds of Prey at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  More than a dozen exotic birds like a vulture and various breeds of owls will perform during the shows.

The carnival rides begin operating at 1 p.m.

There’s also the Silly Safari at Pioneer Land at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. along with the mini 4-H Pee Wee Pig Show at 4 p.m.  The Bears Hollow Wood Carvers will also be at the entrance to Pioneer Land at 1 p.m, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

For a complete fair schedule go to www.lpfair.com.  The fair runs through Saturday night. 

(Michigan City, IN) - An expired license plate resulted in a Michigan City man winding up behind bars again on drug dealing allegations.

Michigan City Police said 64 year old Harold Johnson was stopped over the weekend because the license plate on his vehicle expired over a year ago.

Police said he had over two grams of cocaine and some marijuana in his pants pocket along with 55 prescription pain killers underneath the front passenger seat of his vehicle.

The items were found during a search triggered by a K-9 dog alerting officers to the potential presence of drugs.

Johnson could face anywhere from 10 to 30 years on the most serious count, which involves the painkillers he allegedly had without a prescription.

According to court records, he has a prior drug dealing conviction from 2018.

(La Porte County, IN) - An open burning ban is in effect for parts of La Porte County.

The ban is for Cass, Clinton, Dewey and Noble Townships along with LaCrosse and Westville.

Cass-Clinton Township Fire Chief Jeff Mitzner said there’s been less than an inch of rain in those southern areas of the county over the past 30 days or so.

Mitzner said the ban is in effect until further notice as a precaution to prevent brush fires.

“It’s going to take quite a little rain to be able take this ban off,” he said.

Mitzner said he and a few other fire chiefs from that area exercised their authority to impose the ban, which could result in a maximum $500 fine for any violators.

Mitzner said another reason for the decision was to prevent a wheat field during the ongoing harvest from catching fire.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man could face prison time in connection with the firing of gunshots during a fight last week.

Anthony Neal, 36, is charged with Level 5 felony criminal recklessness and Level 4 felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

According to police, the shots were fired in response to juveniles fighting on July 3 in the area of Edward and Thomas streets.

Police said the investigation places Neal during the firing of gunshots next to a pick-up truck where a live round and bullet cartridge were recovered. 

The seized items were from the same caliber gun found inside a residence occupied by Neal prior to him coming out to talk to the police, according to court documents.

Police said Neal told investigators his daughter was among the juveniles involved in the altercation.  A least one of the rounds fired was recovered from the front porch of a nearby home.

According to court records, Neal has a prior conviction for dealing cocaine from 2023.

(Michigan City, IN) - Prescriptions for fresh fruit will be given to people completing a chronic disease management program at Franciscan Health.

The free, six week program focuses on managing all chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer, according to Franciscan Health officials.

Participants successfully completing the program will receive vouchers for fresh fruit every month for six months.

According to Franciscan Health, participants do not have to be patients within the Franciscan Health system.  Participants must have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, have moderate to high food insecurity as determined by a screening process and complete a six-week Cooking Matters course.

The program will be in session every Monday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. from July 21 August 25 at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus at 301 W. Homer St.

The registration deadline is July 15.  To register and for more information, contact Selena Tinoco at Selena.Tinoco@FranciscanAlliance.org or call (219) 221-4153.

(Michigan City, IN) - A traffic violation in Michigan City resulted in a chase and capture of the driver last evening.

Curtis Taylor, 53, is charged with resisting law enforcement.

About 6 p.m., an officer spotted him make an improper right turn from a left turn lane on Barker Ave., police said.

Police said the officer tried making a traffic stop but Taylor accelerating and driving erratically ran two signs before stopping in the 200 block of South St. and fleeing on foot.

After Taylor jumped a rot iron fence, he was hit with a single probe from a Taser gun.  However, the officer noticing he was not totally incapacitated fired again striking Taylor with both Taser probes.

Police said he fell on his back and rolled onto his stomach before placed in handcuffs.

According to police, Taylor at the time had active warrants for his arrest through the Michigan City and La Porte police departments.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man is facing charges following a lengthy police chase from Michigan City.

Devonte Williams, 33, was still being held today in the La Porte County Jail on charges that include resisting law enforcement.

On Friday, police said an officer tried stopping him for reckless driving on U.S. 20, triggering a pursuit into Porter County. Eventually, the chase ended near Westville.

At least one of the tires on the fleeing vehicle was flattened with stop sticks and the vehicle after traveling through two yards crashed into a ditch near U.S. 6., police said.

Police said Williams of Michigan City had an active warrant for his arrest from downstate.

(La Porte County, IN) - A plaque featuring a bronze likeness of the beloved late founder and head caretaker of Pioneer Land was unveiled Sunday during the LaPorte County Fair.

Dick Reel was a longtime Purdue Extension educator in LaPorte County before setting out to realize his dream of Pioneer Land, which started in 1995 with construction of a log cabin.

There are now more than a dozen buildings such as the blacksmith shop, general store and one room schoolhouse in the popular 1800’s village on the northwest side of the fairgrounds.

Pioneer Land made possible from donations of money and labor comes to life with volunteers dressed from the period manning the buildings and grounds during the fair, school tours and early December for the holidays.

LaPorte County Farm Bureau President Mark Parkman said the plaque was a well-deserved and fitting tribute to Reel, who passed away in 2022.

Reel was 74.

“I’m not saying Dick is the only person that created Pioneer Land, but I do believe had it not been for Dick pushing like he did we wouldn’t have the Pioneer Land that’s out there right now,” he said.

The unveiling of the plaque costing $8,500 occurred during the annual Ham and Bean dinner at Pioneer Land.  Proceeds from the dinner attended by an estimated 700 or more people go toward future maintenance of the structures.

His wife, Mary, was very impressed with how the plaque on the fireplace in the log cabin turned out.

“It looks just like Dick,” she said. 

His likeness was created by artist Rich Kiebdaj of Michigan City.

"I'm thankful and honored to be part of this," he said.

Mrs. Reel said her late husband came up with the idea for Pioneer Land after spending years showcasing his wood crafting skills at an 1800’s village during the Indiana State Fair.

She said he also contacted people who could help make construction of the first buildings a reality.

“He wanted something like that here,” she said.

Mrs. Reel said not only was Pioneer Land her husband’s passion but it represents a way of life he naturally gravitated to.  Even when Pioneer Land wasn’t active, she said it seemed like he went there every day just to drive through the property or check to make sure the buildings were locked.

“I’ve always said he should have been born in 1840 instead of 1947.  He was born 100 years too late,” she said.

“This is where he felt most at home,” said his daughter, Kristin Gerber.

She was a teenager and volunteer at Pioneer Land when the village first started taking shape.  Her appreciation for what’s considered her father’s legacy and the joy it’s brought to others has grown much deeper over time.

“You don’t realize the importance of everything until you grow up and see what it means to people,” she said.

Her husband and their two sons, Evan, 15, and Grant, 10, are now volunteers doing things like making bowls in the wood shop from the same tools once used by her father.

She also recalled how her father and Evan would sit on the front porch of the log cabin during the fair and play the spoons together.

Mrs. Reel said her husband would be very happy and relieved knowing that what he started is being carried on for future generations.

“He would love it.  He was always worried if something happened what was going to happen to Pioneer Land.  So, this is wonderful,” she said.

Reel was also highly regarded for treating even strangers as friends and his ability to make people laugh or simply brighten their day.

Farmer Steve Jensen, a volunteer server during the ham and bean dinner, said he first met Reel over a decade ago during a successful effort to save a historic barn just outside the city limits of LaPorte.

They hit it off and wound up taking several trips together.  Jensen said he thought so much of him that he kept a voice mail from Reel before his passing.

“Every now and then I’ll play that back and just kind of smile.  He was a really good guy,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man could face jail time on allegations he urinated on the floors and walls of bathrooms at a La Porte County park.

Joshua Christian, 42, is charged with malicious mischief.

On multiple occasions, Christian urinated on the floors and walls of the men’s and women’s bathrooms at Bluhm County Park near Westville, according to La Porte County Police.

Police said the evidence shows he was there riding his bicycle on the trails during his deplorable acts of mischief.

About two weeks ago, officers responding to another complaint pulled him over after spotting his vehicle near the park.

Police said the evidence includes video of him entering and leaving the bathrooms just prior to a park employee making at least one of the discoveries.

The Valparaiso man could face as much as six months in jail and an up to $1,000 fine on the Class B misdemeanor charge.

(La Porte, IN) - A man accused of pointing a gun at two police officers in La Porte is scheduled for an initial court hearing this week.

Corterius Crawford, 23, is charged with five counts including pointing a loaded firearm, a Level 6 felony.

According to police, two officers about a month ago responded to Pine Lake Resort and Banquets on a report that Crawford pulled a gun on a friend at the hotel.

Police said the officers knocked on the door of a room.  Crawford opened the door and allegedly pointed a handgun at the two officers, who quickly took cover.

Soon, Crawford left the room through a rear sliding door and was last seen running from the hotel across Pine Lake Ave., police said.

He was taken into custody last week.

Police said a large amount of marijuana along with the stolen gun were recovered from the room.

His initial hearing is scheduled Friday in La Porte Circuit Court.

According to court records, Crawford is also charged with Level 4 felony possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon due to a prior robbery conviction.

(La Porte, IN) - 50 years after leaving the military, a La Porte man received a well-deserved promotion this weekend. 91-year-old Charles Martin was the Grand Celebration Marshal in Friday’s 79^th annual La Porte Fourth of July parade.

Born in Wanatah, Martin spent 22 years with the U.S. Army, retiring in 1975 as a Master Sergeant. This year the Army celebrates 250 years, and Martin has been around for over a third of it.

While in the military, Martin had enough experiences to fill multiple lifetimes. Starting in Japan, he went on to serve tours of duty in Ethiopia, France, and Vietnam, plus a temporary duty in South Wales. He served two life-changing tours in Korea, where he arranged for the adoption of a little girl.

Martin returned to La Porte and raised two daughters with Mary, his wife of 39 years. He worked at Howmet until retiring in 1995.

Martin has remained active with veterans’ groups, serving the VFW Post 1130, Post 83 American Legion Honor Guard, AMVETS (Secretary), Vietnam Veterans (Secretary),  and American Legion Post 403 (Service Officer). He is also a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans and the VFW, and belongs to the 40 & 8 (an honor society of military veterans).

Four of Martin’s five brothers also served in the Army. Martin said that, after retiring from the armed forces, he and his brothers started an American Legion Color Guard in La Porte and marched in almost every parade until just a few years ago.

On Friday morning, smartly decked out in his Army Service Uniform, Martin looked the part, ready to lead a battalion of over 100 parade entries. Sitting behind the wheel of a vintage Willys Army Jeep, he expressed his humility and surprise at being named Grand Marshal.

“I’m surprised that they should choose me,” Martin said, “when you got colonels—I know a colonel, my neighbor, he could have been [picked]—or captains, sergeant majors, even privates who do lots of things. But they chose me, and I’m very happy about it.”

(Michigan City IN) - A business bootcamp will be offered next month in Michigan City for budding young entrepreneurs.

The camp utilizes activities, conversations, field trips, resources and tools to showcase the entrepreneurial process. Different age-appropriate topics will be covered for two different groups: Ages 7-13 and 14-17. The no-cost business bootcamp will last for two weeks starting July 14.

Antonio Conley, founder of the Kidpreneur Program and bootcamp, believes exposure to an entrepreneurial mindset is a platform for self-confidence and skills development.

“Youth entrepreneurship is very important to our community. Many kids haven’t been exposed to the role of entrepreneur,” Conley said. “They don’t understand how the ideas that they sit and daydream about daily can truly become reality. Our community leaders need to ensure youth are given the exposure to the concept and resources to work toward their goals.”

He added, “I hope camp participants are exposed to the atmosphere that’s needed to help them succeed, believe in themselves, and most importantly, open their minds to the possibilities of accomplishing whatever you put your mind to.”

The Youth Entrepreneurship Summer Bootcamp unites the Kidpreneur program and and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City through the Vibrant Michigan City initiative.

“Engaging youth in entrepreneurship and community activities is a component of the Vibrant Michigan City plan,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “By introducing youth to the concept of entrepreneurship as well as the elements of that role, we are helping open doors for our youth and encouraging additional career pathways.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available to support the summer bootcamp. Contact Conley for more information at conleyantonio433@gmail.com or 219-210-1863.

Youth wanting to participate in the camp can also connect with Conley or sign up online.

(Rolling Prairie, IN) - A veterinary clinic in Rolling Prairie has closed its doors.

Back in May, the New Prairie Small Animal Clinic on U.S. 20 announced it would close in July. Owners Scott and Melissa Baldwin cited rising overhead costs, making it difficult to run two animal clinics in La Porte County.

They will continue to operate Woodland Veterinary Center in Michigan City. Pet records from the Rolling Prairie clinic are available there.

(Michigan City, IN) - An altercation between two men in front of the Meijer store in Michigan City resulted in a serious beat-down for one and criminal charges for the other.

On Sunday afternoon Michigan City police responded to a grassy area near the Meijer entrance on Franklin St. where a man was lying motionless face-down on the ground.

An ambulance was called for Ryan Perrin, who slowly came to. He was disoriented and had facial bruising and bleeding from a gash over his right eye, police said.

Perrin identified John Willis Randall as the assailant. Witnesses told police that they saw Randall punch Perrin repeatedly and choke him until he stopped moving. Perrin later said that he was panhandling at the roadway when Randall approached him asking for money and showed a gun. That’s when the fight started.
 

Officers knew Randall to frequent a homeless encampment in the woods near Menards, and they had been called there the day before regarding his violent behavior. Randall was soon rounded up and charged with Battery and Robbery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Intimidation, and Strangulation. He had an initial hearing in La Porte Superior Court 1 on Tuesday.

(New Carlisle, IN) - A religious instruction program proposed for students in the New Prairie United School District is under scrutiny by school officials.

The status of the program was explained in a public statement issued by the superintendent’s office on Tuesday.

In the Fall of 2024, New Prairie was approached by LifeWise Academy, an Ohio-based nonprofit that provides Bible education to public school students during school hours.

Local members of the group initially proposed to hold the religion class for elementary students at the New Carlisle Library, across from Olive Elementary School. State law allows for such instruction during school hours, as long as it is completely optional, not on school grounds, and not using school money. LifeWise then changed the location to a Christian church about three miles away, with volunteers transporting students back and forth.

Administrators expected the program to start next school year, but hit a snag with LifeWise regarding background checks. The school district requires all volunteers to complete background checks through the Indiana State Police. Administrators said they would allow LifeWise to complete their own checks and share them with the school district. According to school officials, LifeWise balked at both options.

“After nearly six weeks of waiting,” their statement said, “LifeWise informed NPUSC they would not share background check results of their volunteers with NPUSC, would not require their volunteers to participate in our volunteer background check process, and are under no legal obligation to cooperate with the request.”

Under these circumstances, citing safety concerns as a top priority, the school board is pulling the plug on the program, unless LifeWise complies.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porteans who have been on pins and needles awaiting confirmation of a military flyover for this year’s 4^th of July Parade will be thrilled with this announcement made Wednesday by the La Porte Kiwanis Club:

While the annual tradition of a flyover is never certain until it’s certain, this year’s plans and logistics have come down to the wire and delayed the Kiwanis Club’s ability to confirm the flyover before today.

The Kiwanis Club of La Porte is pleased to announce that there will be a flyover – in fact, two flyovers, at the 2025 La Porte 4th of July Parade.

Courtesy of the 122nd Fighter Wing (122 FW) unit of the Indiana Air National Guard, stationed at Fort Wayne Air National Guard Station in Fort Wayne, Indiana, two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft are scheduled to grace the skies on July 4th with an estimated flyover time between 9:50 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

In addition, Kiwanis is pleased to announce a second flyover which will feature pilots with a connection to our hometown. We have 3 pilots flying in from the Lima Lima Flight Team based out of Lake City, Florida. Additional details will be provided with posts to the Kiwanis Club of La Porte Facebook page.
 

The parade will not begin from its starting point at Tipton Street in La Porte until both flyovers have completed their respective runs.

For up-to-date information on Parade Day, visit the parade website at: www.Kiwanis4thofJulyParade.org.

(Jasper County, IN) - A semi loaded with laptops caught fire and closed down southbound lanes of I-65 Wednesday morning.

Accordint to State Police, the semi hit an object in the roadway and caught fire about six miles south of the Rensselaer exit in Jasper County. Extinguishing the blaze was made more difficult, authorities say, due to lithium ion batteries in the computers igniting as fire crews worked.

The blaze was so hot that it destroyed the roadway surface, closing the southbound right lane and shoulder for hours. By 11:00 a.m. INDOT crews were resurfacing that section of road.

No injuries were reported in the accident.

(Cook County, IL) - 24-year-old Sarah Gudeman of Kouts died in a motorcycle accident Friday night. It happened on an Illinois expressway near the south Chicago suburb of Glenwood.

According to reports, Gudeman was riding one motorcycle when another one driven by 22-year-old Justin Fasnacht rear-ended her bike. Fasnacht, of Crown Point, died later at a hospital. Gudeman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gudeman graduated from Michigan City High School in 2019, where she excelled at swimming, setting several records and earning a swimming scholarship. For a couple of summers, she worked as a lifeguard at Washington Park Beach. Gudeman had just graduated from Purdue Northwest with a nursing degree and was working in the Emergency Department of St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart.

(La Porte County, IN) - Two volunteer fire departments in this area recently received a potable present from Anheuser-Busch.

The fire departments of North Judson – Wayne Township and Lacrosse are two of just 638 across the state to receive the donation. Each department took delivery of a pallet containing 2,352 cans of delicious-- not beer, but--drinking water.

The program is run by the National Volunteer Fire Council, in partnership with Anheuser-Busch, to support the needs of small fire departments that handle wildfires. The supply ensures firefighters have the critical hydration they need during extreme heat.

According to a statement, Anheuser-Busch has donated 1.5 million cans of drinking water for distribution to volunteer firefighters this year.

(La Porte County, IN) - Both women involved in last Friday’s fatal crash outside of Michigan City had their initial hearings Tuesday morning.

29-year-old Deondra L. Moore of Ft. Wayne and 26-year-old Felisha A. Stout of Westville each appeared separately via Zoom in La Porte’s Superior Court 1. The women are accused of engaging in acts of road rage on a La Porte County road, resulting in a fiery car crash in which Moore’s 10-month-old daughter perished.

Moore’s charge is Level 5 Felony Reckless Homicide, which carries a possible prison sentence of 1-6 years. Stout is charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident resulting in death to another person, a level 4 Felony, which could get her anywhere from 2-12 years behind bars. Both women entered not Not Guilty pleas.

Their next hearing is scheduled for August 21.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Someone must think we all got raises in June. A number of price increases go into effect today.

The first phase of a NIPSCO electric rate hike totaling nearly 17% kicks in today. The average customer will see an increase of approximately $23 per month, or $276 per year. The increase will be gradually phased in through early next year.

The South Shore Commuter Rail Line has also raised prices this month. Starting today basic ticket prices go up 10%, which means a one-way trip from Michigan City to downtown Chicago has risen from $10.25 to $11.50.

The price of gasoline is now about two cents higher after a tax increase. The state’s gasoline sales tax and excise tax went up roughly a penny each. Sales tax on gas now sits at over 17 cents, and excise now accounts for 36 cents per gallon. For reference, federal taxes of over 19 cents bring the total taxation of gas in Indiana to nearly 73 cents per gallon. According to AAA, the price of gas in the Hoosier State is about six cents above the national average.

And if you’re a smoker, you should have stocked up on cigarettes yesterday. They’re $2 more per pack now, thanks to state legislators who raised the tax. Taxes on other tobacco products also went up.