(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man could face time in prison for injuries inflicted on a seven year old girl with a belt.  Marvin Lewis, 35, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 5 felony domestic battery.

According to court documents, authorities became involved in April when bruises on the left leg of a seven year old girl wearing shorts were noticed at school.  The girl revealed a belt was used on her by Lewis for saying “cuss words,” authorities said.   Court documents also revealed the girl claimed Lewis had struck her with a belt previously.

Michigan City Police said the investigation also showed Lewis was the live-in boyfriend of the girl’s mother but was not supposed to be residing with the family again due to him allegedly leaving bruises on another child in the home with a belt.

Lewis taken into custody last week was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.  He could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence.

(Westville, IN) - A ribbon cutting is scheduled for the new lighted pickle ball courts in Westville.  It’s scheduled October 4th at Prairie Meadow Park during the annual Westville Pumpkin Festival.

The pickle ball courts were donated by companies involved in the recent $50 million water and waste water infrastructure improvements brought on by the ongoing construction of the new prison.

The companies included:

Bowen Engineering – Operations, labor, site prep, and crew refreshments

McMahon Associates, Inc. – Design, layout, engineering, plaque, and equipment

LGS Plumbing – Excavation labor and equipment

Smith Ready Mix – Discounted concrete materials

Parkman Excavating – Stone subgrade materials & hauling

      Hoosier Concrete Pumping – Pump truck

      Sweney Electric – Labor & materials for lighting

      Prism Painting – Court coatings

      WhiteCap – Concrete reinforcement materials

      Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 692 – Apprentices and finishers

      Laborers Local 81 – Additional labor support

“This project shows what’s possible when public and private partners come together for the good of the community,” said Mike Albert, President of the Westville Town Council.

Residents and visitors are invited to join the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12 p.m. followed by festival activities throughout the day. For more information on the Pumpkin Festival or the pickleball courts, click here. 

(La Porte County, IN) - An antique Allis-Chalmers tractor and other pieces of old farm machinery made by the same company were taken from a La Porte area museum featuring technology used in agriculture dating back to the 1800’s.

“Somebody knew what they were going after,” said the victim, Paul Rymer of Mill Creek.

 

The thefts happened at the Rumely Allis-Chalmers La Porte Heritage Center along Indiana 2 next to the fairgrounds.

Rymer, a long time Allis-Chalmers collector, said the stolen items included an Allis Chalmers G model tractor probably from the 1950’s and a lawn mower tractor likely produced in the late 70’s or early 80’s.  He said the G model tractor had a full set of cultivators on it.

“It was kind of rare.  You don’t find them usually together,” he said.

Also taken were two sickle bar cutters once used to cut hay, a front axle assembly from a tractor, a portable power unit and a two row planter.

Rymer said he purchased the items from an auction in June of last year and took them to the museum about a year later to display for a show.  He was one of the founders of the museum built in 2014 and still serves on its board of directors.

Originally, La Porte County Police said the items were displayed in the museum parking lot but later moved next to a tree line on the property where other equipment was placed for viewing.  Rymer told investigators the items were still on display two weeks ago but vanished sometime before he showed up at the museum again on Saturday.

“Every piece was gone,” he said.

Since there were no drag marks left on the ground, police said heavy equipment was likely used to pick up the pieces and place them on a trailer for transport away from the site.  Rymer said none of the engines on the tractors were running since they were strictly for display.

“They had to spend some time out there to load this stuff up and take it away,” Rymer said.

Rymer estimated the value of the stolen items at roughly $10,000.  Police are hoping to find surveillance video that may have been taken during the heist to provide a major break in the case.

Rymer said his love for Allis-Chalmers equipment dates back to when his wife, who grew up on a farm, worked at the plant in La Porte for 10 years before the doors shut in the early 1980’s.  He also visited the plant on a regular basis to work on the telephones as an employee of GTE, the General Telephone and Electronics Corporation.

The museum also features tractors and other machinery produced by Rumely, a former leading La Porte based producer of farm equipment beginning in the late 1800’s.  Rymer said the museum owns just two of the many pieces of machinery and memorabilia that came from private owners.   

The museum is open every first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(La Porte, IN) - It appears a motorcycle may have been operating erratically at high speeds moments before the driver and his passenger were killed in a collision with a guard rail.

That’s according to La Porte Police judging by the findings of their investigation into the Saturday night crash.

Dylan Anderson, 31, and Toni Stephens, 32, both of Michigan City perished in the collision on McClung Road east of Indiana 39.

Police said the investigation shows Anderson pulled out of Fox Park and soon veered into the opposite lane of the two lane road to pass a westbound vehicle from behind.

While returning to the proper lane, the motorcycle clipped the front end of the vehicle Anderson was passing, police said.  A few seconds later is when Anderson left the road and struck a guardrail.

Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene while Stephens, who was located at the bottom of a hill against a tree stump, was taken to Northwest Health.

She died a short time later.

Investigators were still waiting for blood test results to determine if alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man whose driving was bad enough to be followed by an ambulance for several miles was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Wenceslao Calderon, 54, had an alleged blood alcohol level just slightly below three times the legal limit.

La Porte County Police said an ambulance driver reported the suspect was not staying in his lane of travel or maintaining a consistent speed and nearly hit other vehicles Saturday night while traveling westbound on Indiana 2 near Rolling Prairie.

The ambulance was still behind the vehicle when it came into La Porte where the erratic driving continued until the vehicle stopped in the area of Lincolnway and Holcomb Street.

Police said Calderon, who was driving with his elderly mother in the front passenger seat, complied with orders to remove a piece of candy he placed into his mouth to try and hide the odor of alcohol on his breath.

An empty bottle of whiskey was found in the vehicle.

The La Porte man could face an up to one year jail sentence on the Class A misdemeanor offense.

(La Porte, IN) - A still smoldering composting pile fire in La Porte flared back up with two separate responses from firefighters after they had wrapped up their five days of around the clock duties at the La Porte County Solid Waste District facility.

Firefighters responded Saturday and Sunday for a few hours each time after the fire knocked down substantially came roaring back.

Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke said much of the pile operated by the La Porte County Solid Waste District had been dismantled, spread out and soaked with water prior to firefighters leaving about 7 a.m. Friday.

The flare ups were in a section of the pile still intact and generating heat from decaying grass clippings, leaves, branches and trees below ground level. What’s left is roughly one-third the original size of the burning pile along Zigler Road near the La Porte County Fairgrounds.

“There’s still quite a bit of material there,” Burke said.

The district is now in charge of contacting local contractors to have their heavy machinery operators return and take apart what’s left of the pile so that burning material can be drenched in water.

“We’re going to try to not be there unless the operators that are there need us,” he said.

La Porte County Solid Waste District Executive Director Clay Turner said he expects the backhoes and excavators used extensively last week to return soon to finish dismantling the pile.

“We’re going to have to probably start that in a couple of days,” he said.

The composting site is open to the public for dumping yard waste and used by the La Porte County Highway Department for disposing of fallen trees and limbs.

No dumping of any green waste has been allowed since the beginning of the fire on September 21st.  When the composting site will accept organic material again has not been decided.

Turner said strategies that could include restricting the size of the pile by accepting less yard waste will be developed to keep such fires from happening again.

Currently, Turner said the amount of compost and mulch sold to the public from the pile along with firewood is far less than the volume of green waste disposed of at the site.

“We take in way more than we can get rid of,” he said.

Turner said another possibility is reducing the number of days the site is open for yard waste disposal from six to three.

“There’s going to be all kinds of options on the table and we’ll review what we think is best for our community and for our site,” he said.

Turner said he’s already begun efforts to see if the district’s insurance carrier will cover the cost of things like the heavy machinery operators for their work at the site.  The amount of that expense was still being tallied.

“Somebody’s got to pay for that and we’re hoping the insurance pays for it,” he said.

The site has reopened for disposing electronics and other things like styrofoam and cardboard in trailers and dumpsters several hundred feet from the composting pile. 

(Michigan City, IN) - Arrests have been made in connection with a weekend armed robbery in Michigan City.

About 1 a.m. on Saturday, police said five males surrounded a car and pointed guns at the people inside the vehicle in the 1200 block of Franklin Street.  Cell phones and a wallet were taken, police said. 

About a half hour later, police said the suspects were located on foot in the area of 11^th and Greene streets.

Marcus Ballinger, 18, and Travon Coleman, 20, were found to have firearms on their possession along with other evidence allegedly connecting them to the crime.

They’re each charged with Level 3 felony robbery and Level 5 felony criminal organization activity.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte firefighters returned to a composting site over the weekend due to complaints of about lingering smoke.

Firefighters were there Saturday night for about two and a half hours and Sunday for a similar amount of time.

They initially left the scene on Friday morning after nearly a week of tearing into much of the pile of old leaves, grass clippings and trees along Zigler Road, spreading out the material and dousing it with water around the clock.

La Porte Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke said the fire hasn’t become any worse.  It’s just roughly one-third of the pile remains intact and continues to produce smoke from material that continues to burn beneath the surface.

The La Porte County Solid Waste District is now in charge of bringing out the heavy machinery again to dismantle the rest of the pile and soak the remainder of the burning material with water.

“We’re going to try to not be there unless the operators that are there need us,” Burke explained.

(La Porte, IN) - Two people were killed in an accident involving a motorcycle over the weekend in La Porte.  It happened Saturday about 9 p.m. on McClung Road inside the La Porte city limits.

According to La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson, the victims were Dylan Anderson and Toni Stephens, both in their early 30’s, from Michigan City.

So far, La Porte City Police have not released any details due to the ongoing investigation.  Swanson said whether alcohol or drugs were involved won’t be known until she receives the results of a blood test.

(Michigan City, IN) – The Michigan City Police Department has made an arrest in a shooting death earlier this month.

Shortly before 5:00 a.m. on September 3, authorities were called to the 1300 Block of Franklin Street where they found Jacob Addison (25) critically injured with a gunshot wound. Addison died at a South Bend hospital the next day.

Following an investigation, members of the MCPD SWAT Team and the Detective Bureau executed a search warrant at a house on 1313 Franklin Street. Police say Tommy Hodges (47) of Michigan City was taken into custody without incident.

Hodges has been charged with Murder (Level 1 Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony), and Criminal Recklessness (Level 5 Felony). He is being held in La Porte County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond, awaiting an initial hearing scheduled for Tuesday September 30^th in La Porte County Superior Court 1.

According to police, the case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Cpl. Brinkman at (219) 874-3221 Ext. 1088 or by email at abrinkman@emichigancity.com.

(La Porte County, IN) - Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) has surpassed a milestone with their most recent round of funding.

HFL recently announced recipients for the second half of 2025 funding. 43 grants were awarded totaling over $2.3 million. The money helps fund various programs and projects that improve health and well-being across La Porte County. Grant categories and recent recipients are listed below.

This round of funding put HFL over the $50 million mark. “Since our first grants in November 2017, we have had the privilege of collaborating with dedicated partners throughout La Porte County working to make this a healthier place to live,” said Eric DeWald, HFL President & CEO. “We are so grateful to all of our nonprofit and governmental partners working together on the community conditions that affect our health. We look forward to the next $50M invested in our community!” 

Healthy Children – 6 Grants Totaling $511,816

Dunebrook: Public Education Program                                                           

$103,464

Dunebrook: Healthy Families La Porte County                                                 

$201,627

Family Advocates: Youth & Family Mental Health Initiative Year 2                  

$93,725

Leadership La Porte County: Youth Program Support                                      

$15,000

NWI Food Council: FarmHer to Mama – La Porte County                                

$73,000

Women’s Care Center: Expanding Access to Critical Services for Moms and Babies                      

$25,000

Healthy Living – 15 Grants Totaling $1,420,121

City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department: Activity  Center for Older Adults 2026

$52,413

Community Food Pantry of Galena, Hudson, Kankakee, Wills Townships: Food Pantry

$5,000

HealthLinc: Food as Medicine La Porte County                                                  

$117,510

Homeward Bound: Karwick Village Phase 1 Expanded Scope                            

$340,000

La Porte Community School Corporation: Health Careers                                  

$600,000

Nest Community Shelter: Operational Capacity Building  Initiative                    

$150,000                                                                               

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church: New Hope Food Pantry                        

$7,500

North Central Community Action Agencies: Weatherization Deferral Program                                

$15,000

Northwest Health – La Porte: Direct Patient Assistance                                     

$30,000

Paladin: Health Equipment                                                                                   

$9,277

Sacred Heart Food Pantry at St. Mary’s: Food Pantry Assistance                          

$10,000

The Salvation Army: Client Choice Food Pantry                                                 

$20,000

Shirley Heinze Land Trust: Boardwalk Replacement at Wintergreen Woods                                      

$23,421

Social and Learning Institute: Health & Wellness Program

$15,000

Town of Trail Creek Parks and Recreation Board: New Playground at Nelson Park

$25,000

Healthy Minds – 8 Grants Totaling $118,303

Amber’s House: Women’s Program                                                                        

$25,000

The Dunes House: Nine Bed Scholarship                                                             

$23,640

The Intrepid Phoenix: Fitness Program for Recovery from Substance Use Disorder                                   

$9,963

La Porte County Drug Free Partnership: Building Community Capacity to Address Substance Use and Positive Mental Health

$10,000

Northwest Health – La Porte: Perinatal Bereavement Program                            

$4,700

Samaritan Counseling Centers: Helping Our Staff to Help Our Neighbors                            

$10,000     

StRides Against Suicide & Overdose: Scholarships for Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment

$10,000

Swanson Center: Compassion in Crisis: Strengthening Mental Health Response                    

$25,000

Healthy La Porte – 14 Grants Totaling $260,703

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary: Save Haven Homeless Prevention                        

$25,000

Center of Workforce Innovations: English as a New Language Classes with a Health and Wellbeing Component

$22,671

City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department: Downtown Ice Rink 2025-26                    

$10,000

City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department: Summer Nature Camp                              

$5,500   

La Porte County Emergency Medical Service: High Functioning Training Mannequin                        

$18,665

La Porte County Health Department: Stop the Bleed                                         

$25,000

La Porte County Public Library: Promoting Literacy through Community Outreach                                           

$15,000

Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department: CPR/AED Training Program            

$4,304

Lubeznik Center for the Arts: Public Art Liaison to Build Capacity                     

$25,000

Noble Township Volunteer Fire Department: Lucas Chest Compression System                                

$25,000

Paladin: Unreimbursed Medical Expenses                                                           

$25,000

Purdue Northwest Sinai Forum: 2025 Season                                                     

$25,000

Reins of Life: Facility Improvements                                                                 

$24,145

Save the Dunes: Bloom Where You Are: Finding and Creating  Nature Connections                        

$10,418

(La Porte County, IN) - A stretch of state highway in La Porte County will be temporarily closed beginning next week.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana 8 will be closed between 875 W and 600 W on or after Tuesday, September 30th.  The two lane highway will be closed through mid-October for a bridge deck overlay project over Bessler Ditch, INDOT said.

Motorists should seek alternate routes.  The official detour will follow U.S. 421, U.S. 30 and State Road 39.  

According to INDOT, Indiana 8 in Porter County is currently closed between 300 East and 450 East for a bridge deck overlay project over Crooked Creek.  That portion of the highway will reopen before the closure in La Porte County begins, INDOT said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A replacement has been named for the outgoing founding president of the Unity Foundation of La Porte County.  Jeri Pat Gabbert will succeed Maggi Spartz beginning November 3rd.

Currently, Gabbert is Executive Vice-President and Chief Philanthropic Officer for the Porter County Community Foundation.  She’s also a faculty member at The Fund Raising School, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the nation’s premier school of philanthropy.  Gabbert has been involved in philanthropy, education and community engagement for over 22-years.

“Her leadership style is collaborative, compassionate and visionary, and we know that she will continue to inspire us all as we move into the next phase of the Foundation’s work,” said Stephanie Oberlie, the Unity Foundation’s Search Committee Chairman.

Gabbert  was previously Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and External Affairs at Indiana University Northwest.

“I look forward to partnering with nonprofits, community members and local leaders to build on Unity’s strong legacy and create meaningful impact for our community,” Gabbert said.

Spartz has been president of the foundation since it formed in 1992. 

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte firefighters wrapped things up this morning at a composting pile fire that's been burning since Sunday.  The decision to conclude firefighting operations was made about 7 a.m.

La Porte Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke said much of the burning pile on Zigler Road near the fairgrounds was spread out by heavy machinery and doused with water.

“We’ve done about as much as we can do,” Burke said.

Burke also said the La Porte County Solid Waste District will decide whether to have the remaining part of the still burning pile spread out.  For now, though, the situation is manageable but firefighters will return, of course, if called back, he said. 

The cause of the fire remains unknown.  Spontaneous combustion from heat generated by decaying grass clippings, leaves and logs along with lightning are believed to be among the possibilities.

(Michigan City, IN) - There will be a car seat safety clinic in Michigan City tomorrow.  It’ll be at the former Franciscan Health hospital at 301 Homer Street on the city’s west side from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For those attending the event, a certified car seat technician will make sure the car seats are properly installed and children are properly seated in them.  There is no cost for this service during the event.

Car seats, if needed, will be given out.  People must make an appointment by calling (219) 488-1380.

(La Porte County, IN) - Two men in the same vehicle were arrested hours apart from each other in La Porte County.

Late in the morning on Tuesday, La Porte County Police said the car was pulled over for traveling partially on the shoulder of the Indiana Toll Road near Rolling Prairie.  The driver was allowed to go, but the passenger, Billy Santiago, 45, of New York City was arrested on a warrant for violating parole.

Several hours later, police said the 39 year old driver, Carlos Velez-Angulo, also from New York City was again pulled over on the Indiana Toll Road near Rolling Prairie for erratic driving and fled on foot, running across the eastbound and westbound lanes.  He was captured later that evening.

Police said vacuum sealed packages of an undisclosed narcotic were recovered from the vehicle.

(La Porte County, IN) - A local woman has received a high state honor for her years of leadership and work for the Unity Foundation of La Porte County.  Maggie Spartz was presented with the "Circle of Corydon Award" on Wednesday night for her contributions to the state.

Spartz, the founding president of the Unity Foundation since 1992, is retiring.

Jon Gilmore, Chairman of the Unity Foundation Board of Directors, said the foundation started with no money and Spartz as its only employee.

“Today, Unity has nearly $60 million in assets, and through Maggi’s vision and dedication, Unity has transformed itself into a power for good for all the citizens of La Porte County,” he said.

 

Spartz was presented with the award by State Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie during an event attended by over 200 community members.

The "Circle of Corydon" is the only award jointly issued and signed by both the Executive and Legislative branches of state government.

“For 33 years, you’ve been my crew and have shown me what is possible when people care deeply about their community. You have taught me, challenged me, and inspired me. I trust you now more than ever to carry this legacy forward,” Spartz told the crowd at the end of the ceremony.

(La Porte, IN) - The American flag will soon fly high above New Porte Landing.  The flag will be on a 40 foot tall pole donated by a local family.

On Wednesday night, the La Porte Redevelopment Commission approved spending just over $9,000 to run electrical wiring to the post so the flag can be lit up at night.

Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said the flag could be flying by the end of the week while the work involved in running electrical wiring to it should be finished by mid-October.

“I think it’ll look great,” Cook said.

The flag pole will be a few hundred feet from the urgent care medical facility at New Porte Landing.

(Indianapolis, IN) - LaPorte County schools have received more than $418,000 in state funds for safety upgrades. 

State Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie said the funding is part of $27 million in state matching grants awarded this year to nearly 500 schools statewide

"These grants provide schools with the additional support needed to ensure safe and secure facilities," Pressel said.

Area schools receiving grants include:

• La Lumiere School, $6,290;
• LaPorte Community School Corp., $72,686;
• MSD of New Durham Township, $46,250;
• Marquette Catholic High School, $9,250;
• Michigan City Area Schools, $69,375;
• New Prairie United School Corp., $47,455;
• Notre Dame Catholic School, $32,375;
• Queen Of All Saints School, $27,750;
• Saint John Lutheran School, $32,837;
• South Central Community School Corp, $41,625
• Tri-Township Schools, $32,375.

The money can be used for a wide range of safety needs like support for resource officers, equipment and technology, active event warning systems, threat assessments and student-parent support service programs.

"Indiana continues to prioritize school safety, partnering with local schools to make sure they are getting the resources they need to keep students safe," said State Representative Jake Teshka of North Liberty.

Teshka is a member of the House Education Committee.

Since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.

(Long Beach, IN) - Police chasing a suspected criminal from Michigan City on foot ended up with police fishing him from a pond.

Cleophis Swanson, 33, is being held in the La Porte County Jail without bond on multiple counts including resisting law enforcement and violating probation.

Tuesday afternoon, officers were called to an apartment complex along Karwick Road just north of U.S. 12 in Long Beach on a report of a disturbance along with the tip that Swanson, who had a warrant for his arrest, was there.

Upon arrival, police said Swanson was outside smoking a cigarette when he took off running.  During a foot chase, Swanson was found hanging on to a log in water up to his stomach, telling officers he doesn’t know how to swim.  A rope was thrown to Swanson, who was pulled to the edge of the pond and taken into custody. 

Police said Swanson, a suspect in recent thefts, was at an apartment where stolen property was recovered during a search after he was pulled from the water.

(South Bend, IN) - A former police officer of the La Porte County Sheriff's office will be spending a long time behind bars for sex crimes against multiple children. 

Neil Lachmund, 46, pleaded guilty in U.S. District at South Bend. He was given a 54 year prison sentence.

Authorities said Lachmund produced images and videos of child pornography over a 10 year period and distributed the material to other people on the internet. Tens of thousands of pieces of child pornography were found on his phone and computer. 

In 2018, Lachmund resigned from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office following his second arrest for drunk driving.

(La Porte County, IN) - Two people were hurt in a head on crash between La Porte and Michigan City on Tuesday.  The crash happened about 6 a.m. in the 5800 block of West Johnson Road. 

La Porte County Police said Vicki Childress, 62, crossed the center line several times before venturing into the opposite lane and striking an oncoming car head-on.  Her Ford Escape overturned and came to rest in the middle of the road.

Police said Childress and the other driver, 35 year old Reimundo Cisneros, both of La Porte, complained of pain but refused medical attention.

That stretch of Johnson Road was closed for about one hour after the crash.

(Indianapolis, IN) - The last free fishing day of the year in Indiana is coming up.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the final "no cost" fishing day is this Saturday, September 27th, where a license or a trout/salmon stamp is not needed to fish public waters in Indiana. 

Free fishing days are meant as an opportunity to learn how to fish, take family members fishing, or introduce a friend to fishing for the first time, DNR said.  People who enjoy free fishing days are encouraged to consider purchasing a fishing license in order to fish throughout the entire year.

The license year runs from April 1st through March 31st of the following year.  DNR said license sales help support research, habitat management, public access, fish stocking, and education programs.

(La Porte, IN) - Firefighters with help from about a dozen excavator and backhoe operators on Wednesday appeared to be getting a better handle on a fire at a public composting pile burning in LaPorte since Sunday.

It could be several more days, though, before the fire still producing heavy smoke is totally extinguished.

LaPorte Fire Department Capt. Zach Kanney said hotspots are being found as much as 15 to 20 feet deep into the pile of old decaying leaves, grass clippings and logs.

Kanney said the hotspots once exposed along with the burning material after its spread on the ground are doused with water mostly from aerial trucks.

“It does seem like we’re getting ahead of it,” he said.

A roughly 150 foot long by 200 foot wide section of the over 1,000 feet in length pile  near the LaPorte County Fairgrounds is burning.

Kanney said it could be up to a week before the fire is totally put out since a good sized portion of the pile on Zigler Road had not been touched yet by the heavy machinery provided by local contractors and operated by their employees.

“There’s just an enormous amount of material to move through and sift through and put water on,” said LaPorte Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke.

Kanney said the fire is constantly manned with firefighters working their days off to bolster manpower.  Help has also been provided by firefighters from other surrounding agencies.

“We bring in fresh guys when we can,” he said.

LaPorte Water Department Superintendent Tim Werner said the total amount of water consumed by the fire had topped seven million gallons.

Werner said there is no risk of running out, though, since the system can deliver up to 12 million gallons of water per day  Only about half of that daily capacity is being used on the fire and service regular customers.

Werner said the higher demand is causing a slight drop in water pressure along with discolored water for just a small percentage of customers.

He said the discoloration is caused from iron built up on the inside of pipes breaking loose from water moving through the system at higher speeds due to the increased demand.

“We’re handling it.  We’ve had no issues,” he said.

The LaPorte County Emergency Management Agency is also providing a trailer housing donations of food and water at the scene for firefighters from local businesses.

In addition, EMA is providing battery charging stations for radios along with spotlights to allow the work to continue throughout the night.

“We’re here just to support everybody,” said La Porte County EMA Director Rob Sabie.

Sabie said an air quality alert he issued Monday for LaPorte County because of heavy smoke from the burning pile drifting into neighboring areas will remain in effect until the fire is extinguished.

He said people with breathing difficulties should close their windows and not go outside until the alert has been lifted.

“Stay out of it if you have respiratory issues,” he said.

The composting pile belongs to the LaPorte County Solid Waste District, which allows residents to dump their yard waste there at no cost.

The site takes in other forms of organic material like fallen trees and limbs removed from roads by the LaPorte County Highway Department after storms.

Compost from the pile is sold at $15 per cubic yard and $20 per cubic yard for mulch.

(Knox, IN) - A former Starke County sheriff’s deputy has been given jail time.

Don Ferguson pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false police report.

In return, he received a 60 day sentence in the Starke County Jail followed by four months on probation on the misdemeanor charge. 

This comes after a jury last month found him not guilty on four counts and came back undecided on the remaining four counts. 

Those charges resulted from an investigation focused on cash and drugs that went missing from the evidence room at the sheriff’s office in 2020.

(La Porte County, IN) - The La Porte County Sheriff's Office has a man in custody after he fled on foot from a traffic stop yesterday.

Indiana State Police assisted in the search.

Police said a vehicle was pulled over on the Indiana Toll Road near the 59 mile marker.

That's when a Hispanic male weighing about 350 pounds took off running from the vehicle without shoes on. 

During the search, police said the man was located about two miles to the east and taken into custody.  We’ll provide further details once they’re made available.

(La Porte County, IN) - There’s an air quality alert for La Porte County due to the ongoing composting pile fire.

Authorities say the heavy smoke may reduce visibility and cause health issues especially for sensitive groups.

Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed and use clean indoor air, if possible, until conditions improve. 

The air quality alert was issued Monday by the La Porte County Emergency Management Agency.

(La Porte, IN) - Firefighters continued efforts today to put out a fire at a huge composting pile near the La Porte County Fairgrounds.

A helicopter from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office flew in this morning and dropped about 50 loads of water with each load containing 250 gallons of water, said La Porte Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke.

Water continued to be applied at ground level and from aerial trucks while excavators kept digging into the pile of decaying leaves and brush and spreading the burning material on the ground to be soaked with water.

“There’s just an enormous amount of material to move through and sift through and put water on,” Burke said.

Burke said burning material in some spots was uncovered 15 to 20 feet deep into the pile.   The area burning is about 150 feet long and 200 feet wide in a pile along Zigler Road that’s at least 1,000 feet long.

“It’s a vast area of brush, grass, leaves and logs that have been piled up here for years,” he said.

Burke said it’s going to be a few more days, if not, a week before the flames in a blaze that started Sunday are extinguished or at least brought to a more manageable level.

The cause has not been determined but spontaneous combustion from heat generated by the decaying material beneath the ground or a lightning strike are among the possible reasons for the fire starting.

The composting pile belongs to the La Porte County Solid Waste District, which allows the public to dump yard waste and other green material at the site.

The composting pile is closed until further notice.

La Porte County Commissioner Steve Holifield is urging drivers to stay away from the site or risk being ticketed for going around road closure signs.

“The people are just getting in the way to be gawkers.  We don’t need gawkers up there,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police are investigating a personal injury crash that occurred this morning just south of Hudson Lake.

The crash involving a utility pole in the 8200 block of E. Indiana 2 left power lines down.

Crews with American Electric Power Company were on scene.

Police are advising motorists to slow down while approaching the accident scene where officers and other personnel are expected to be for an extended period of time.

We'll provide further details once they're made available. 

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County road has reopened following a two vehicle crash with injuries this morning.

The collision happened in the 5800 block of N. Johnson Road.

According to La Porte County Police, the road was closed for about one hour as a result of the accident.   We’ll provide more details once they’re made available.

(La Porte, IN) - Police say the driver of a speeding vehicle that crashed on the downtown La Porte overpass last night was heavily impaired by alcohol.

About 11 p.m., La Porte County Police said an officer clocked the northbound vehicle at 60 miles per hour on Pine Lake Ave.  The officer turned around and tried catching up but the suspect had increased her speed.

According to police, the vehicle soon veered across the center line and struck the concrete/steel divider on the overpass.

The vehicle went airborne, flipped and landed upside down on the overpass in the right northbound lane, police said.

Liliana Magana, 23, had an alleged blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.  Police said the La Porte woman was not injured.

(La Porte County, IN) - A motor vehicle pursuit from La Porte to Michigan City yesterday ended with the fleeing driver on foot getting bitten by a police dog.

Jacob Cooper, 34, of Kalamazoo, Michigan was arrested on multiple counts including resisting law enforcement and operating while intoxicated.

About 3:30 a.m., La Porte County Police said he fled when an officer tried stopping him for speeding in in La Porte in the area of 1st and J streets.

Police said he soon crashed into a fence at the La Porte County Highway Department on Zigler Road and continued westbound until reaching U.S. 421 where he headed north into Michigan City.

Eventually, the man stopped near the lakefront and took off running until bitten by a police dog.

Cooper was taken to the La Porte County Jail where he was being held not just on the charges related to the pursuit but other charges from a downstate Indiana county.

(La Porte, IN) - - Firefighters on Monday were in the second day of trying to put out a large burning public composting pile in La Porte.

The over 1,000 foot long pile of leaves, grass clippings, trees, branches and other yard waste at a 25 acre site on Zigler Road near the La Porte County Fairgrounds drew a response from firefighters about 1 p.m. on Sunday.

“We’ve been here ever since,” said LaPorte Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke.

Firefighters from Center and Coolspring townships were assisting with the roughly 150 foot long, 200 foot wide section of the pile that was burning.

Burke said composting pile fires much like burning peat moss in a bog are difficult to extinguish since water soaking into the ground might not be reaching hot spots deeper into the soil.  That’s why excavators were brought in to reach the burning material below the surface and spread it on the ground to be doused with water.

The pile is about 15 feet deep.  Burke said it was not known yet how deep into the composting pile the fire was burning.

”We’ve just been trying to knock it down, contain it as much as we can.  It is stubborn but we’re getting it,” he said.

Heavy smoke poured from the composting pile while flames often shot up from the ground.

Burke said there was no immediate threat to any structures with the closest being the La Porte County Community Corrections facility several hundred feet away.

Firefighting efforts will continue Tuesday, if necessary.

“We probably won’t get it totally put out but we’ll get it managed here, hopefully, by the end of the day,” he said.

The cause of the fire was not known.

Burke said spontaneous combustion is one possibility because of heat naturally generated below the ground from organic materials decaying.

The composting pile belongs to the La Porte County Solid Waste District, which allows citizens to dispose of their yard waste there at no cost.

Contractors and other businesses are charged a yard waste disposal fee of $7 per cubic yard.

LPCSWW Executive Director Clay Turner speculated a lightning strike also could have been the cause because of storms with lighting passing through the area just a few hours before the fire was reported.

“We’re not sure,” he said.

Turner said compost along with wood chips from grinding up disposed of trees are also available to purchase at $15 per cubic yard while the charge for mulch is $20 per cubic yard.

“It costs us to make it so we got to charge a little bit to try and break even,” he said.

Turner said it was the second compost pile fire during his 20 years at the helm of the solid waste district.

The compost pile is now closed to the public until further notice.

“The grass keeps growing. The leaves keep falling. They need a place to take them so we can’t be closed too long,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A large compost pile near the La Porte County Fairgrounds is burning again today.

The compost pile about the length of two city blocks is at the La Porte County Solid Waste District Recycling Center on Zigler Road.

Police officer Mike Kellems said firefighters were called out to the fire yesterday and again early this morning.

He said the fire doesn’t appear to be posing any immediate threat with fire trucks between the compost pile and nearest building, which is the La Porte County Community Corrections facility.

“There’s certainly a lot of smoke.  You can see it for some distance,” he said.

He estimated the compost pile at 25 to 30 feet tall.

(Fish Lake, IN) - A man was shot by an intruder at his home in La Porte County yesterday.

La Porte County Police were called about 8 a.m. to the 200 block of Lakeview Drive in Fish Lake.

Police said a 66 year old man returned home to find a burglar carrying two rifles inside his garage.  The suspect fled.

Soon, the man encountered a second burglar inside the residence and during a scuffle was shot.

He was taken by ambulance to a regional hospital with a gunshot wound to the upper body.  No light was shed on his condition.

Police searched for an extended period but were not able to locate the two male suspects described as Hispanic.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.

(La Porte County, IN) - A bicyclist lost his life in a roadway accident in northern La Porte County.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, on Friday shortly before noon, a group of bicyclists were riding south on the shoulder of SR 39 approaching CR 900 North. A southbound tractor-trailer moved to the left in a passing zone to pass the cyclists, when one of the riders, Mason R. Anderson (29) of Chicago, began making a left turn onto 900 North. Police say the truck driver, a 64-year-old male from Demotte, steered his rig farther left to avoid the cyclist, but Anderson collided with the trailer.

Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology test results are pending.

(New Carlisle, IN) - Girls’ flag football is catching on, and an area coach has been recognized by the Indianapolis Colts for her efforts.

Shauna Tewell of New Prairie has been named the Colts Flag Football Coach of the Week. Tewell’s Lady Cougars have raced out to a 5-0 record after beating South Bend Riley on Wednesday 59-0. It was the third shutout win of their inaugural season. So far, the team is averaging over 41 points per game, while giving up just over four points per contest.

This season marks the second year the Colts are recognizing outstanding high school girls' flag football coaches throughout Indiana. They say Coach of the Week candidates, who are nominated by other coaches and area athletic directors, are evaluated on various factors including the coach's impact on the team, school and community, and the team's performance.

At season’s end, each winning coach will receive a $1,000 donation from the NFL Foundation, as well as a commemorative plaque.

Tewell attributed her recognition to a true team effort. "I couldn't have done this without my insanely talented team and my assistant coach/husband Matt Tewell,” she said. “Beyond grateful for all the opportunities given to us through the Colts & New Prairie High School."

(Porter County, IN) - A man whose body was recovered from Lake Michigan in Porter County several months ago has been identified.

Adan Carrera Sanches, 20, of Chicago was identified from the DNA of a family member, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Sanches was reported missing in January of 2025 to the Stone Park Police Department near the north side of Chicago. 

The badly decomposed body was recovered in May after found by a fisherman about two miles off shore from Beverly Shores.

According to DNR, a unique ring on the right index finger of the man helped provide clues into his identity.  No light was shed on cause of death.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County man is accused of sexual misconduct with a child for nearly a decade, beginning when she was only six years old.

Patrick Thompson, 34, of Mill Creek is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 1 felony child molesting and four other counts ranging from Level 2 to Level 6 felonies.

On September 12th, the La Porte County Police began to investigate claims of sexual abuse against the now 15 year old girl, according to court documents.  The allegations include picture taking by Thompson and the use of a hidden camera, court documents revealed.

Thompson was taken into custody Thursday on an arrest warrant issued Tuesday, according to court documents.  He could face a 20 to 40 year sentence on the most serious count.

(Indianapolis, IN) - $16 million will be allocated from the Indiana's Department of Correction to the new "Speedway Slammer" ICE detention center.

The State Budget Committee on Wednesday approved the DOC's use of the money for items such as temporary staff housing and security upgrades.

The staffing will come mostly from other DOC facilities across the state.

The Speedway Slammer could house as many as a thousand migrants at the Miami Correction Facility in Peru before they're deported.

According to the DOC, the federal government is promising to reimburse Indiana up to $80 million over the next two years, more than covering the state’s $16 million expense.

(Michigan City, IN) - A landmark in Michigan City has been taken down.

The century old coaling tower on the railroad tracks along U.S. 12 on the city’s east side was demolished earlier this week.

The long abandoned structure was no longer considered safe especially for crew members and passengers on trains passing underneath it.

Councilman Greg Coulter offered some parting remarks during this week’s city council meeting.

“It’s been a fun little thing for me to drive past on my way to work everyday.  A really cool image of Michigan City but definitely something that needed to go to make room for something new,” he said.

Trains used to stop at the tower to fill up with coal, which was used then to heat water until it produced the steam required to power the engines.

It had been well over a half century since the tower was used after steam engines in trains gave way to engines burning diesel fuel.

(La Porte, IN) - A man looking more like the cartoon character, Bugs Bunny, is facing drug related charges.

La Porte Police said officers on Tuesday responded to a report of a man on foot with a rabbit mask on his face wanted for violating probation.

The man later identified as Dustin Mueller was located at Monroe and Harrison streets then took off running, police said.  He had reached a parking lot on Maple Ave. when taken into custody.

Police said Mueller, 39, of La Porte had some methamphetamine and a smoking pipe in his backpack.

(New Buffalo, MI) - A man is facing charges for allegedly forcing his way into a home in New Buffalo without any clothes on.

About 8 a.m. on Tuesday, New Buffalo Police said officers responded to a report of a naked man walking a dog near the railroad tracks on Whittaker St. on the southern edge of the city.

Police said officers were trying to locate the man when he forced his way into a nearby home and assaulted one of the people inside. 

The man also barricaded himself in a bedroom and refused to come out, police said.

At some point, officers forced their way into the bedroom and took him into custody but not without help from the use multiple taser guns to calm his violent behavior, police said.

Police said the occupants of the home refused medical treatment for their minor injuries.   So far, the name of the suspect has not been released. 

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte High School homecoming parade will be in the downtown area this year.

The parade will be on State Street east of the courthouse after the city’s Board of Public Works & Safety on Tuesday granted a request to close that section of street for the October 6 festivities.

LPHS Teacher Nicole Wilczynski said the idea for having the parade and potentially vendors there is to make homecoming more an event for the whole community.

“We want everyone there wearing orange and black,” she said.

The parade will be October 6.  That section of State Street will be closed from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to allow for the parade and clean-up.

“This is fantastic.   Whatever we can do to help,” said Mayor Tom Dermody.

(New Carlisle, IN) - A new stop could be added to South Shore Railroad commuter Line in New Carlisle.

It’s been discussed for years but those talks have become more serious due to the recent growth and development around the community.

On Tuesday, the St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission picked a location about 10 minutes from downtown New Carlisle.  Officials hopes a new train station there will provide access for people to work and increase tourism for the town.

Hudson Lake is another South Shore commuter line stop about two miles away from the proposed new station.  The future of that location is still undecided.

(La Porte County, IN) - A tire came rolling off a moving vehicle Wednesday evening and struck a house outside La Porte.

According to La Porte County Police, officers about 6 p.m. responded to W. 18^th St. and Westwood Dr. near the fairgrounds.  A motorist told investigators he felt his Ford F250 “wobble,” police said.

Once he pulled over and stopped, the driver observed his front left tire continue forward and strike a house.

Police said the tire knocked two pieces of trim off the ceiling of a porch and came to rest next to the steps.  The driver was able to place a new tire on his truck and leave the scene.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Alvin Speakes, 72, was convicted Wednesday on two counts of child molesting and two other related counts.

Authorities said the convictions were for multiple acts over a several year period beginning in 2007.  He could face anywhere from 20 to 40 years on the most serious Level 1 felony count when sentenced next month. 

Currently, Speakes is serving an eight year sentence with the Indiana Department of Correction for causing a drunk driving related death.  That occurred last year when he allegedly pulled out from a stop sign into the path of a motorcycle on U.S. 12 near Mt. Baldy.

The victim was John Crowley from Portage.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte Police are turning to the public for help in locating a fugitive.

David McKee, 46, is wanted for failing to appear in court on a charge of possessing methamphetamine.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to La Porte Police.

People can call or text Sgt. A. Jaskowiak at (219) 380-7868, or ajaskowiak@lpcitypd.com.   Tipsters may remain anonymous, police said.   

McKee could face an up to 30 month sentence.

(Williamson County, TN) - Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will serve four days in the Williamson County Jail and lose his Tennessee driver's license following a plea deal on a drunk driving charge.

Cutler, 42, pleaded guilty Tuesday.

As part of the plea agreement, Cutler will pay a $350 fine, serve four days in jail starting September 29 and be on unsupervised probation for one year.

He is also required to attend an OWI safety class and was driver’s license was revoked.

Police say Cutler was arrested in October of last year after officers during a traffic stop noticed him showing symptoms of being impaired.

According to the arrest affidavit, Cutler allegedly attempted to flee the scene in his Dodge Ram truck and offered the other driver $2,000 not to call the police.

Cutler was the 11th overall draft pick of the Denver Broncos out of Vanderbilt in 2006. He played three seasons there before a trade to the Chicago Bears. After eight seasons there, his career finished in 2017 with the Miami Dolphins.

(La Porte, IN) - Teams for pulling a fire truck are sought for an upcoming fund raiser in La Porte for the Special Olympics.

The third annual Fire Truck Pull outside Walmart is scheduled Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.  The cost is $35 per person or $350 per team.

Event Coordinator Morgan Eggleston said teams must consist of 10 members, who each have to sign a code of conduct.  Participants must be at least 18 years old and wear closed toe shoes.

La Porte County Coordinator for the Special Olympics, Becky Hardesty, said proceeds will go toward the purchase of sports equipment.

“We’re starting new sports such as golf and we’re looking at softball so we need equipment for those and also uniforms,” she said.

To sign up, people can go to specialolympicslaportecounty@gmail.com.

People can also register prior to the event starting at 10:30 a.m.  Questions can be directed to Eggleston at (219) 851-9360.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte will usher in the fall season with its 26th Annual Sunflower Fair this weekend.

The fair will take place Saturday along Michigan Avenue in downtown La Porte from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Over 140 craft and specialty vendors take part in what Mayor Tom Dermody boasted as “one of the largest festivals in the area.”

"The Sunflower Fair has become an important tradition in the heart of our downtown.  We are grateful to the volunteers who pour their hearts into making this happen year after year and look forward to another successful event this weekend,” he said. 

The Sunflower Fair will also feature a lot of activities for families, including a Kids Corner, car show and live entertainment.  The Tom R. Fara Memorial Rib Cook-Off and the Wyatt Wilke Sunflower Contest will also take place.

For more information about the Sunflower Fair happenings, visit sunflowerfair.com.

(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce has officially launched MC Momentum Magazine, a new quarterly publication created to highlight the stories, people, and progress shaping Michigan City’s future.

The first issue debuting this fall has Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch on the cover and is packed with features about the city’s rich history and  forward momentum.

Highlights from the Fall 2025 issue include:

• Yesterday: A look back at Michigan City’s industrial roots and the restoration of the historic Barker Mansion, now featuring a new exhibit on the Haskell & Barker factory.
• Today: An in-depth conversation with Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch about neighborhood revitalization, economic growth, and her vision for a vibrant Michigan City.
• Tomorrow: A feature on the new La Porte County Career & Technical Education South Campus and the Little Wolves Early Learning Center, spotlighting local students preparing for careers that will drive the city’s future.

The magazine also includes the 2025–26 Chamber Membership Directory, making it a resource for networking and connecting with businesses across the region.

"MC Momentum Magazine gives us the opportunity to showcase the innovation, leadership, and collaboration happening in our community. It’s a way to keep members and residents informed while also capturing the energy of Michigan City’s future,” said MCCC President Kurt Gillis.

The next issue scheduled for release is in December 2025.  Both print and digital versions are available.

(La Porte County, IN) - Some people could die if they drank as much alcohol as one alleged drinking driver did yesterday.

About 9:30 a.m., La Porte County Police received a report of a vehicle driving off the road and through farm fields.  Several minutes later, a responding officer located the vehicle on Indiana 39 and 700 South.

Police said the officer witnessed the northbound driver nearly rear end a vehicle and veer over the center line multiple times before pulled over.

Nicholas Rapp, 37, had an alleged blood alcohol level nearly five times the legal limit, an amount viewed as potentially lethal in people without a high tolerance.

Police said his Chevy Silverado suffered an undisclosed amount of damage from driving in the farm fields.

Rapp from northern La Porte County could face an up to one year jail sentence for Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.

(La Porte County, IN) - Several people have been charged in connection with marijuana recovered from a La Porte County residence.

Two weeks ago, State Police went to a home in the area of 500 West and 150 North.

Police said two cultivated marijuana plants in the back yard were found and destroyed.

However, police said there was also marijuana inside the residence like two dozen joints, numerous THC infused gummies of various flavors and vape pens.

Six people have been charged including Roseanne Parsley and Shawn Tate. The charges include maintaining a common nuisance, a Level 6 felony.

(Lowell, IN) - Indiana State Police at the Lowell Post have released the results of their latest traffic enforcement blitz.

Police said 184 drivers were pulled over during the midnight shift over the weekend. 

Seven arrests were made for operating while intoxicated.  Three other arrests were made for things like drug related offenses, police said.

There were also 90 tickets handed out for traffic violations such as unsafe lane movement, following too closely and driving on a suspended license.

“The Indiana State Police remind drivers to adhere to the posted speed limits as troopers continue to see speeds in excess of 100 mph. Also, please do not drive after consuming alcoholic beverages as there are options available such as ridesharing or a designated sober driver,” police said.

(La Porte, IN) - Citizens will be given a chance to meet one on one with the mayor of La Porte every week.

“Minutes with the Mayor” will begin Thursday at City Hall from 8 a.m. top 9 a.m.

Mayor Tom Dermody said he will take one person at a time to address complaints or concerns and listen to any ideas or possible solutions that might be shared.

Dermody said it’s a good way for people who might not want to speak during public meetings and on social media.  

“We just want to make sure your voice is being heard,” he said.

Dermody said people are asked to be respectful during their time with him and must be residents of the city.

“We’ll want to be as specific and to the point as possible so we can get as many people in,” he said.

Dermody said there will be changes in the days and times of the sessions with advance notice given on social media and on the radio.

(La Porte, IN) - Help from the public is sought in identifying some La Porte burglary suspects.

According to La Porte City Police, video footage shows two males, one wearing a light colored hooded sweatshirt with pants and tennis shoes.  The other suspect is wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, a light colored baseball cap and possible camouflage pants with flip flop style shoes.

Both suspects are of average height and build.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detective Reuben Ingram at the police department.  So far, where the burglary occurred and other specifics have not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

(La Porte, IN) - About 300 people turned out for a candlelight vigil outside the downtown La Porte courthouse Saturday evening in honor of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Many participants reflected, grieved and called for an end to the political violence while expressing a commitment to continue on with the message of Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA.

“Thank you, Charlie.   We will keep spreading your word,” said La Porte resident Tom Giglio, who described his reaction to the fatal shooting on the campus of Utah Valley University on September 10 as very emotional.

“I cried.  My heart wept,” he said.

“He was, by far, the best us,” said La Porte County Commissioner Joe Haney, who hosted the event.

Utah resident Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with delivering the fatal single round from the top of a building about 150 yards away while Kirk was giving a presentation under a tent.

La Porte County Republican Party Chairman Al Stevens said the turnout spoke volumes about Kirk and his impact, which he felt was similar to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before and after he was assassinated by a gunman during the Civil Rights movement.

“You can kill the messenger but you can’t kill the message I think is important to remember here,” he said.

Kirk was credited with persuading enough young people with his message about conservatism that it could have potentially decided the outcome of the November presidential election.

He did so while challenging people from the opposite side of the spectrum to express and explain their beliefs.

La Porte County Council President Adam Koronka called the tragic shooting “a call for people to finally come together instead of resorting to violence.”

“Speak your thoughts.  Speak your opinions and be able to talk about them.  That’s what we really have to look for going forward after all of this,” he said.

Since the assassination, republicans and democrats in some states like Rhode Island have already pledged to turn down the temperature of the political rhetoric out of respect for all forms of human life and differences of opinion.

“His entire life was talking, communicating and having a dialogue, which is what we need.   They stole that voice from us and it hurts.  It really does,” said Haney, who’s in the first year of his second term.

(La Porte County, IN) - A very fast moving driver passing a La Porte County Sheriff’s deputy from behind is now facing drunk driving allegations.

Police said David Guyton, 67, passed the officer from behind Thursday night on U.S. 421 just south of Michigan City.

According to police, it wasn’t until the officer reached 116 miles per hour that he started gaining ground on the suspect, who pulled over near Interstate 94.

Guyton told the officer he was heading back to home to Michigan City after visiting family in Indianapolis.

His alleged blood alcohol level was more than two times the legal limit.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police are still investigating a fatal crash over the weekend.

It happened Friday night in the 5700 west block of Schultz Road.

Police said a 2023 Chevy Corvette was eastbound when it went off the road to the right and struck two trees along with a guide wire on a utility pole.  The car then struck a wooden fence before coming to rest in a corn field where it became engulfed in flames.

Police said 32-year-old Richard NAGY of La Porte was pronounced dead at the scene.    He was the only occupant in the vehicle.

So far, police have not shed light on whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident.

(La Porte, IN) - Walmart in La Porte was evacuated Sunday due to a bomb threat.

According to La Porte Police, the store was temporarily evacuated out of an abundance of caution.  The store was allowed to reopen oncer no bombs were discovered.

Police said investigators have determined the source of the bomb threat and another one at one other local business.

“The La Porte Police Department would like to thank the public and their business partners for cooperation during this incident,” police said.

So far, further details have not been provided.

(La Porte, IN) - Dates and featured attractions for the 2025 La Porte Christmas Candlelight Tour have been announced.

As usual, the event will take place the first weekend of December—on Saturday the 6th from 4-8 pm, and on Sunday the 7th from 1-5 pm.  There will be a total of seven buildings open for self-guided touring, with live music at most or all locations and refreshments served at Bethany Lutheran Church.

In addition to four historic downtown homes, the La Porte Railroad Depot on Washington St. will be featured. The solid brick, Prairie-style station with a striking tile roof was built in 1910 and was restored just over 15 years ago. Old Carmel Chapel just west of town will also be open for visitors.

Preserve Historic La Porte organizes the Christmas Candlelight Tour, now in its 30^th year. The sites on this year’s tour include:

Bethany Lutheran Church

102 G Street

Built in 1883

Home of Cindy Weiner

(The Judge Alfred Link House)

616 C Street

Built in 1912

Home of Dr. Jim and Christie Edwards

2114 Woodlawn Drive

Built in 1940

(First appearance on the Candlelight Tour!)

Home of Joe and Kellie Woods

106 Franklin Court

Built circa 1910

Home of Timothy Stabosz

1501 Michigan Ave.

Built in 1894

The La Porte Railroad Depot

809 Washington Street

Built in 1910 

Carmel Chapel 

6200 West 50 South

Built in 1872

Candlelight Tour organizers say ticket information will be provided at a later date, and printed informational brochures are in the process of being produced, which will be available at various supporting businesses in the area, as well as the upcoming Sunflower Fair. Anyone with questions can contact tour chairperson Pam Ruminski at 219-363-2094 or p_ruminski@yahoo.com , or Tim Stabosz at 219-363-7485 or tstabosz@yahoo.com.

Preserve Historic La Porte is the area’s not-for-profit citizens’ group, that seeks to raise awareness of the quality of life and economic development benefits of preserving and protecting La Porte’s unique and special historic built environment.  Besides the Candlelight Tour, the group seeks to promote local historic designations, engages in educational training, and directly saves or restores historic structures through grants or outright purchase.

(St. Joseph County, IN) - Police in St. Joseph County are taking the unusual step of exhuming a body in the hopes of identifying it.

On Monday morning, workers will dig up the remains of a homicide victim known only as “Howard Johnson John Doe.” In June of 1985, the badly decomposed body of a man was discovered behind a motel along 933 and Cleveland Road. The man had apparently been fatally shot, but no other information could be gleaned, and he was buried in Tutt Cemetery about a mile away. That’s where officials, 40 years later, hope to pick up the trail on Monday.

Police say one eastbound lane of Cleveland Road will be closed between 7 and 8:30 am from Ironwood Road to Nadine Street while workers access the grave.

According to Detective Allan Barnes of the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, such extreme measures for cold cases are rarely taken. “This is actually something that, honestly, hasn’t been done a lot,” he said. “We will gather evidence from the bones, and we will send it down to get looked at.” Police hope recent advances in DNA technology and genealogy data will help identify the victim and perhaps even solve the crime.

If you have any information on this case, please call our Detective Bureau at 574-235-9569. You can also message the Sheriff’s Department on Facebook. If you want to remain anonymous, please reach out to Michiana Crime Stoppers.

(Washington, D.C.) - State Rep. Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie is back from Washington, D.C. where he participated in the White House State Leadership Conference. The gathering offered a forum for Hoosier elected officials to share their concerns and top issues with federal counterparts.

Pressel said he met with senior White House officials and Cabinet secretaries, including Vice President JD Vance. State legislators also shared some policy issues considered to be strengths in Indiana, such as education reform, public safety, and reducing bureaucratic burdens.

(Westville, IN) - A teacher at Westville School is no longer employed there following derogatory remarks she allegedly made on social media about Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was assassinated on Wednesday.

In a letter to parents today, Superintendent Brian Ton said the investigation of the matter has concluded and the teacher in question is no longer employed with the Metropolitan School District of New Durham Township.

“The message shared by the former employee does not align with our values and the standards we hold for our staff,” he stated in the letter.

He added “as a school community, we strongly condemn such statements.”

“We remain committed to upholding professionalism, respect and the values that ensure a safe and supportive environment for our students, families, colleagues and community,” he said.

The name of the teacher and what was posted were not disclosed.

Kirk, 31, left behind a wife and two children after dying from a gunshot to the neck during a presentation at a college in Utah.  A suspect is now in custody.

(La Porte County, IN) - Nest Community Shelter, La Porte County’s only emergency shelter for unhoused men, women, and women with children, has donated over 2,000 pair of Bombas brand socks.

The recipient is Michigan City Area Schools, who will distribute the socks to students in need.

The shelter received the premium socks from Bombas and made the donation to the school system from the pairs leftover.

"We are honored to share this generous donation with our local school. We want every student who needs a pair of socks or two to have them," said Harry Holtcamp, Director of Nest Community Shelter.

This is the third year Bombas has donated socks to the shelter.

Michigan City Area Schools will distribute the donated socks to students identified as unhoused or coming from low-income households across all grade levels.

“MCAS is so grateful for the partnership and generosity of the Nest Community Shelter in securing and sharing this donation of socks with our students. When our students feel supported and cared for, they can focus on achieving their full potential,” Associate Schools Superintendent Cathy Bildhauser said.

Nest has shelters in Michigan City and La Porte.

(Beverly Shores, IN) - The future of the iconic pink South Shore Station at Beverly Shores is on a firm foundation for the next century with a new partnership.

Through a long-term 100-year lease between the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) and Indiana Landmarks, the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery will be a long-term tenant in the building, continuing their decades-long stewardship for the community landmark. 

“Partnerships form the backbone of our work across the state to preserve historic places,” said Brad Ward, president of Indiana Landmarks.

Some 35 years ago, the Spanish Colonial Revival-style depot, the last remaining 1920s train depot of the South Shore Line, was slated for demolition before dedicated local supporters rallied to save it and secure its listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

The Town of Beverly Shores partnered with the museum to restore the building using federal funding, and the museum and art gallery began occupying the building in 1988.

Today, the depot, with its iconic scripted neon sign, houses a history museum, boutique art gallery, gift shop, and serves as a vital and dynamic cultural and community center. 

Indiana Landmarks will inform and guide the museum’s board on an as-requested basis, providing access to grants and other forms of assistance.

To facilitate work on the building, NICTD will provide an initial $50,000 grant for needed repairs and an annual contribution to assist with ongoing maintenance. 

"We are thrilled to have the knowledge and resources of Indiana Landmarks behind us as we work to preserve this historic treasure, the depot,” said Monique Rub, Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery board president.

(La Porte, IN) - A candlelight vigil is scheduled tomorrow in downtown La Porte for assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

La Porte County Commissioner Joe Haney will host the event beginning at 6 p.m. outside the courthouse.

“We wanted to do something to remember, honor and also celebrate the life of Charlie Kirk.  I’m expecting quite a large turnout,” he said.

Haney said Kirk was silenced because of what he stood for but his supporters can carry on with his message.

“Free speech is the bedrock of a free republic and he had an unwavering and unapologetic defense of American values and liberty,” he said.

Haney said the candlelight vigil will last for as long as people showing up want to take part.

“We’ll stay for as long as people want to stay,” he said.

Kirk is credited with recruiting enough young people to the Republican Party that it could have swung the November election in favor of President Donald Trump. 

(Orem, Utah) - An arrest has been made for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Authorities say 22 year old Tyler Robinson made the three hour drive from his home in Utah to where Kirk was giving a presentation at a college campus on Wednesday.

A few hours later, Robinson fatally shot Kirk from the roof of a building some 150 to 200 yards away, authorities said.

After driving home, authorities said Robinson, eventually, confessed or gave some indication that he was the shooter and his father contacted the authorities, who arrested him late last night.

During a news conference this morning, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said the assassination was politically driven.

“Investigators interviewed a family member of Robinson who stated Robinson had become more political in recent years,” Cox said.

Cox said family members also expressed a dislike for Kirk describing him as “spreading hate.”

Robinson faces the death penalty, if convicted.

(Hammond/Westville, IN) - Purdue University Northwest reports a six percent increase in the number of undergraduate students this semester.

PNW with campuses in Hammond and near Westville also reported a 70.5 percent retention rate for returning second year students.

University officials gave some of the enrollment increase credit to receiving students from Ivy Tech Community College campuses throughout the region to complete their four year degrees.

“We are proud that students and their families trust Purdue University Northwest for their higher education goals,” said PNW Chancellor Kenneth Holford.

PNW also reported the student athlete population has grown to more than 530 students on campus.

The number of students attending classes in person on campus was just over 6,100.

(Michigan City, IN) - Nominations are being accepted to help a La Porte County senior citizen who has faced hardship in recent years.

The winner will receive an irrigation system valued at up to $3,000 for their home.  The Salvation Army of Michigan City is partnering with Hess Irrigation on the effort.

Michael Hess, owner of the company, said it’s a way of giving back to someone who has had a “tough time but continues to push forward.”

Nominees must be La Porte County residents at least 60 years of age.

Each nomination must come with a donation of $20 or more to the Salvation Army of Michigan City along with a short explanation of how the gift would benefit the individuals and a photo of the nominee.

Nominations will be accepted by email at hessirrigation@gmail.com through the end of September for selection in October.

Questions about the program can be directed to Hess Irrigation at (219) 380-7517.

(La Porte County, IN) - Authorities believe they have recovered the firearm used in yesterday’s assassination of republican conservative activist Charlie Kirk. And as of Friday morning, President Donald Trump says they now have the suspect in custody.

THE FBI has described the weapon as a bolt action rifle found in a wooded area where the suspect is believed to have fled after the shooting on a college campus in Utah.

According to the FBI, a foot wear impression, palm print and forearm imprints were recovered and will be sent in for analysis. Meanwhile, authorities say a family member helped turn in the 22-year-old suspect, who is now being questioned.

Locally, the reaction to the fatal shooting is one of both sadness and anger.

La Porte County Republican Party Chairman Al Stevens said it’s unfortunate guns are too often used now for political retaliation.

“This is kind of becoming the norm.  It’s completely unacceptable,” he said.

Stevens also said the ability of Kirk to bring more young people into the republican party might be the reason President Trump was reelected to a second term in November.  

La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody called the shooting tragic and despicable, and an extension of the hate that now seems too prolific in politics.

“We have to do something different,” he said.  

(Grand Rapids, MI) - A New Prairie High School student is back home four months after badly injured in a school bus crash.

Lucas Bradshaw on Wednesday walked out of the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan with many friends celebrating the progress he’s made in his ongoing recovery.

Bradshaw suffered some brain damage and was in a coma until last month after the collision in May on U.S. 20 at Fail Road just north of La Porte.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul White said preparations are being made for his return to learning once he’s ready.

“It’s a blessing and we’re just so thankful for that,” he said.

People who witnessed Bradshaw leave called him things like an inspiration and a true example of strength and determination in their social media posts.

41 year old Shawn Akison, who’s from the Chicago area, is accused of causing the crash while impaired on fentanyl.

He’s scheduled to stand trial on multiple counts, including operating while intoxicated causing catastrophic injury, a Level 3 felony, beginning October 14.

(La Porte, IN) - A man is facing allegations of drunk driving after he struck an antique vehicle in La Porte.

Erich Alt, 35, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with operating while intoxicated for allegedly driving a Ford Explorer with a blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit.

The charge was upgraded to a Level 6 felony due to the Michigan City man having a prior OWI conviction from 2021.

Police said officers on Saturday were called to the area of Dairy Queen at 1409 Lincolnway after Alt's front passenger side bumper struck the wheel of a 1923 Ford Model T.

Just very minor damage was reported.

Police said a sample of blood taken from Alt had a blood alcohol level of .304 percent. 

Alt could face an up to 30 month sentence.

According to court records, Alt served an 18 month sentence mostly on probation and home detention with an ankle bracelet monitoring his location and any consumption of alcohol, which was prohibited under the sentencing requirements.

(La Porte, IN) - A local financial institution is planning to have a new facility constructed at the same location.

The La Porte Board of Zoning Appeals last night approved a request for zoning variances by La Porte Community Federal Credit Union.

James Suss, who spoke on behalf of the credit union, told board members the current building at 1304 Jefferson Ave. will be torn down, eventually, once construction of the new facility on the same site is completed.

Suss said the variances were sought because the half acre site is zoned residential with setback and other requirements the new building planned there can’t quite meet due to the size of the lot being small for a commercial operation.

The project includes landscaping in areas currently with no vegetation.

“I think for all of our residents over there, they’re going to appreciate the improvements.  This is an exciting project,” said board member Nate Loucks.

(La Porte County, IN) - A house once belonging to a famous La Porte County resident is for sale.

The four bedroom, five bath home was built by Dr. William Scholl.

Scholl, who practiced medicine in Chicago, went on to develop arch supports and other foot aides under the brand Dr. Scholl’s.

The beachfront home in Long Beach is listed at over $3.6 million.

Scholl was born in La Porte.  One of 13 children and the son of a carriage maker and dairy farmer, Scholl learned about foot care and shoes thanks to his grandfather, who was a shoemaker in Germany. 

He passed away in 1968.  Scholl was 85.

(Michigan City, IN) - He was pumping gas and stopped to repeatedly shoot another man standing near the pumps.

That’s the picture drawn by a police investigation of the shooting at a Michigan City gas station this week.

Malcolm Walker, 39, of Elkhart Is charged with attempted murder and two other felony counts.

Additional details obtained from the investigation alleges Walker was at the BP gas station/convenience store on E. Michigan Boulevard putting gas into his vehicle Sunday evening.

The victim, Anthony Gibson, 40, of Michigan City along with a female friend pull up to another gas pump and step out of a vehicle.

According to police, surveillance video shows the woman went inside the gas station while   Gibson and Walker stared at each other.  It’s alleged Walker pulled out a gun and while reaching over the roof of his vehicle started firing at Gibson.

Gibson with his left leg shot multiple times dropped to the ground as more gunfire rang out.  Police said Walker went over and started to kick Gibson then got back into his vehicle and fled.

Gibson is recovering from what police described as non-life threatening injuries.  Walker was ordered held on $100,000 cash only bond to await the outcome of the case.

(Jennings County, IN) - A tree in Indiana is listed as the largest of its species in the country.

The swamp chestnut oak tree is 95 feet tall with a circumference of 318 feet along with a canopy spread of 118 feet.  The tree is on a family farm in downstate Jennings County.

Gov. Mike Braun on Tuesday helped present the owners with a certificate recognizing them for their impressive tree.

“The Schepman family and private landowners across the state deserve high praise for their commitment to growing healthy trees like this giant in Jennings County, which I hope continues to stand tall for generations of future Hoosiers to enjoy,” he said.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the swamp chestnut oak is native to “the Atlantic Coastal Plain from New Jersey and extreme eastern Pennsylvania, south to north Florida, and west to east Texas.  It’s also found from the Mississippi River Valley to extreme southeast Oklahoma, Arkansas, southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, southeast Kentucky and eastern Tennessee.

Indiana’s current state champion trees are posted at on.IN.gov/big-tree.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City officials are formally asking the governor to restore an agreement that would give Indiana State Prison to the city for redevelopment after it closes.

Gov. Mike Braun rescinded the agreement between the city and former governor Eric Holcomb as part of his decision last month to keep the prison open indefinitely beyond 2027.

The city council on September 2 voted unanimously in favor of a resolution that asks the land acquisition deal outlined by a letter of intent be restored. The resolution also denounces any plans to use the prison to house undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation.

“This is extremely disheartening and disappointing.  There is a fear in the public that it will be used as an ICE ((U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention facility,” said Councilwoman Daisy Lee.

The resolution also outlines the city’s effort to narrow down future use of the property since the deal.  

“It’s just wrong.  It’s just wrong,” said Council President Dorothy Tillman.

The Indiana Department of Correction has revealed up to 1,000 available beds at the Miami Correctional Facility will be used strictly to house ICE detainees.

Under the deal, the state intended to transfer ownership of the prison once it closes to the city by January of 2029.  The prison established in 1860 was going to merge with the new Westville Correctional Facility still under construction.

Mayor Angie Nelson Deutich led the push to close the prison on the city’s west side to help revitalize long struggling neighborhoods around it with a more positive development that could attract more new investment.

Councilwoman Nancy Moldenhauer said a hard look was being given at constructing affordable workforce housing for people like police officers, firefighters and teachers. 

“This is very disheartening especially when the revitalization committee has been working so hard and diligently on this for a year and was extremely excited about what the vision could be for the west side,” she said.

Officials consider the prison an economic and social burden on surrounding neighborhoods by limiting opportunities for redevelopment and growth.

There’s also a feeling considerable resources like public meetings and professional services used by the city to begin deciding future use of the prison grounds have sort of gone to waste.

Specifically, the resolution urges decision makers to “honor the spirit” of the agreement and work with the city to ensure the property is “transitioned for redevelopment.”

“I hope this is just a pause and we’ll get through this phase and we’ll be able to get back to what members of the revitalization committee have been planning,” Tillman said.

(Michigan City, IN) - Attempted murder is among the charges filed against a suspect in a gas station shooting in Michigan City.

Malcolm Walker, 39, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 1 felony attempted murder, Level 3 felony aggravated battery and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony.

The charges were leveled after Judge Jamie Oss following her review of the case decided the evidence was enough for Walker to answer to the allegations.

Walker of Elkhart was ordered held in the La Porte County Jail on $100,000 cash only bond to wait for the outcome of the case.

Police said the 40 year old victim was shot multiple times in the left leg Sunday at the BP gas station at 1302 E. Michigan Boulevard.

Police said video surveillance shows the suspect leaving the crime scene in a vehicle located with help from license plate reading cameras at a residence in the 500 block of Tremont St.

A search of the home provided “numerous articles” of additional evidence linked to the investigation, police said.

Further details were not provided due to the ongoing investigation.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man who rolled his car in the Hesston area yesterday was impaired.

That’s according to La Porte County Police, who responded early in the afternoon to 800 North near 150 East.

Upon arrival, police said the driver, Darrell Joseph, 57, was tending to his dog in the car when it rolled.

Police said Joseph, who refused medical treatment, explained he must have been traveling too fast to safely negotiate a curve.

Joseph was arrested for having an alleged blood alcohol level just over twice the legal limit.

(Michigan City, IN) - A new police chief has been named in Michigan City as the community struggles to get a handle on gun violence, including a string of recent shootings.

The announcement Monday came fewer than 24 hours after an individual survived being shot multiple times and less than a week after the city’s second fatal shooting since early August.

Beginning September 14, Marty Corley will return to the rank and file at the department after serving as chief since January of 2024.

He will be replaced by Assistant Chief Steve Forker, who was chief for over two years until replaced by Corley.

In a prepared statement, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, who appointed Corley after taking over as mayor, said her decision reflects the city’s commitment to strengthening things like public safety.

She praised Corley for balancing his work in law enforcement with his duties on the school board and several community organizations.

“While this was a difficult decision, the demands of the Chief’s office require singular focus, especially during this important moment for our city,” she said.

In a statement, Corley said he understands the decision.

“The position of chief demands one be fully absorbed in the role and I respect the mayor’s judgement that this change is in the best interest of the city at this time,” he said.

Corley said he will continue on at the department as a sergeant.

Gun violence, despite ongoing efforts to curb it in recent years, remains an issue at a time when the city appears to be on the cusp of a resurgence.

A 12 story tower containing over 200 apartments is being constructed beside the new South Shore Railroad commuter line train station at 11^th and Franklin streets.

Construction is expected to begin soon on two similar sized towers containing hotel rooms and condominiums about a mile to the north along U.S. 12 just west of Blue Chip Casino.

A key factor in drawing such investment is the anticipated increase in visitors from a one way trip to and from Chicago made roughly 30 minutes quicker from construction of a second rail line last year between Michigan City and Gary.

There have also been concerns expressed about crime possibly having a negative impact on the city’s future growth potential.

Jack Arnett, Executive Director of the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the attention given to headlines about a shooting is not something people in the tourism industry want to see.

However, Arnett said the number of visitors in Michigan City continues to go up and surveys from people attending events here strongly indicate they feel safe.

“Our numbers are growing every year and at a high level,” he said.

According to police, a 40 year old person was shot multiple times in the left leg on the evening of September 7 at the BP gas station at 1302 E. Michigan Boulevard.  A suspect in that shooting has been detained pending the possible filing of charges, police said.

On September 3, Jacob Addison, 25, was shot at a home in the 1300 block of Franklin St. and died the following day.

The previous month, Dante Sellers, 25, was fatally shot outside Matey’s, a restaurant and bar near the lakefront.

In July, Jordan Rose, 20, was fatally shot also outside the BP gas station.

Other recent acts of gunfire include a man seriously wounded in a late July shooting at Michigan Boulevard and 5^th St. and the police station being riddled with bullets the same month.

So far, charges have been filed in one of the three recent fatal shootings.

Deuitch said the city will work closely with Forker and his leadership team to keep public safety at the forefront of Michigan City’s growth, support officers with training and resources to meet today’s challenges, strengthen community-police partnerships and enhance communication and transparency.

“This is a new chapter for the Michigan City Police Department.  Together, with Chief Forker, our officers and our residents, we will continue working toward a safer, stronger and more vibrant Michigan City,” Deuitch said.

(Michigan City, IN) - A suspect is being held in connection with the shooting of an adult at a Michigan City gas station last evening.

Police said the suspect is being detained while prosecutors decide if there’s strong enough evidence to seek criminal charges against the individual.

About 6:30 p.m., emergency responders were called about a shooting at the BP gas station at 1302 E. Michigan Boulevard

A 40 year old individual shot multiple times in the left leg was taken by a witness to the police station for medical treatment.

Officers provided medical treatment until the arrival of paramedics, who transported the victim to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Police said video surveillance shows the suspect leaving the crime scene in a vehicle located with help from license plate reading cameras at a residence in the 500 block of Tremont St.

A search of the home provided “numerous articles” of additional evidence linked to the investigation, police said.

Further details were not provided due to the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with further information about the shooting is asked to contact Michigan City Police.

(Michigan City, IN) - Last week, Save the Dunes brought together representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Todd Young, U.S. Senator Jim Banks, and Congressman Frank Mrvan to tour the Indiana Dunes National Park.

The goal of this visit was to showcase the incredible impact that federal investments from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) are having on the health, beauty, and accessibility of our national park.

Like many public lands, the Indiana Dunes National Park faces challenges ranging from habitat degradation to deferred maintenance of critical infrastructure, which make bills like GLRI and GAOA extremely important.

The pieces of legislation provide resources to restore wetlands, improve water quality, protect wildlife habitats, and invest in much-needed repairs to historic buildings and visitor facilities.

During the tour, staff members of the three federal lawmakers were able to see firsthand how these investments are making a difference.

“We showcased restored habitats that protect native plant species in critically rare ecosystems, collaborative land management on NIPSCO’s Rights-of-Ways that improve habitat connectivity within our fragmented national park, improved public access on the East Branch of the Little Calumet River, and infrastructure updates at historic buildings in the national park which were all made possible with GLRI and GAOA funding,” Save The Dunes stated.

Officials with the Michigan City based organization said the tour was especially meaningful because of the bipartisan support behind it.

“There is a shared commitment to protecting the Indiana Dunes National Park and preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations. Seeing leaders from across the political spectrum come together demonstrates that caring for our parks is a value that unites all Hoosiers,” Save The Dunes officials said.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is continuing to investigate potential labor trafficking in the state.

Mostly recently, Rokita has issued a civil investigative demand to Exodus Refugee Immigration Inc., a nonprofit that provides services to people such as illegal aliens with offices in Indianapolis and Bloomington. 

In addition, Rokita said the demand issued to Exodus Refugee seeks information about possible interference with federal immigration enforcement activities, in which entities in Monroe County may have engaged earlier this year.

Officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement informed the Attorney General’s office that a recent ICE operation in Monroe County faced numerous challenges as a result of what may have been a coordinated effort by entities in Bloomington to help illegal aliens evade apprehension. 

“Hoosier communities are grappling with the consequences of the reckless open-border policies of the previous administration “The mass movement of illegal aliens and others into Indiana has exposed our communities to significant public safety risks, including increased concerns about labor trafficking, as many of them are brought to the state to provide low-cost labor,” Rokita said.

Rokita said the rapid influx of migrants has strained Indiana’s schools, hospitals, housing, and labor markets, with reports of overcrowding in housing facilities where multiple families or dozens of individuals share spaces intended for single-family use.

(La Porte County, IN) - The final 7-IN-1 collection day of the year will be Saturday at the La Porte County Fairgrounds.

From 8 a.m to 1 p.m., people can dispose of household hazardous waste, tires, appliances such as microwave ovens and refrigerators, electronics, paper documents for shredding, styrofoam and cardboard.

The first four standard sized tires will be accepted at no cost.  There is a $1 fee for any additional tires up to 20” in diameter.

The cost is $5 for each tire measuring 21” to 53” in diameter while the fee is $75 for 54” and larger tires because they required special recycling and handling.

Items such as latex paint and old furniture are not accepted. 

La Porte County Solid Waste Executive Director Clay Turner said anywhere from 1,000 to 1,400 vehicles loaded with materials for disposal normally come out for the 7-IN-1 collections held twice annually.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man is behind bars for allegedly damaging a slot machine he struck while playing it.

Anthony Vigil, 38, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 4 with Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief.

According to court documents, security discovered a wagering button on a slot machine cracked in late June at Blue Chip Casino.

A review of surveillance video showed a man later identified as Vigil striking the damaged machine with his fist. When confronted, Vigil admitted hitting the machine but claimed he didn’t know about the damage, authorities said. 

The cost of repairs was estimated at $1,300.

A warrant was issued for his arrest the following week but it took about two months to locate Vigil and take him custody.  He could face an up to one year jail term.

Currently, Vigil is still waiting for drug dealing charges involving heroin from 2023 to be decided in the courts.

(Rolling Prairie, IN) - These days, lasting friendships are hard to come by. Wise men hold on to them. In Rolling Prairie, some lifelong school chums still get together on the regular, 58 years after graduating from high school.

Every third Wednesday for over a decade now, a group of men from Rolling Prairie High School’s 1967 graduating class gather at Jenny Rae’s Restaurant and reminisce.

They call themselves the ROMEO Club: Retired Old Men Eating Out.

“I think it started in 2014,” recalls Bill Adams, one of the regulars. “We were retired, hadn’t seen each other, so we decided this would be a good way.”

In the fall, meet-ups subside a bit, since some of the men spend their winters in warmer climates, but in the spring, they pick up right where they left off. “We even did it over COVID when we could, when restaurants were open,” said Adams. “We’ve lost six people since we started, but our numbers are still holding pretty good.”

“Most of us have known each other since first grade,” said Rich Mrozisnki, a ’67 grad who joined the group a few years ago. “It’s pretty cool,” he said, “that us guys from little Rolling Prairie High School, a school that doesn’t even exist anymore, that we still get together, enjoy each other’s company.”

The Class of ’67 was the next to last class to graduate from Rolling Prairie, before the school district consolidated. Maybe that’s why they’re so tight. They have been faithful with their five-year reunions, which the guys say are always well-attended. They claim a solid 60 percent of their 84-member class participate in reunions, while the national average is only about 20-30 percent.

But there’s no substitute for the monthly gatherings over biscuits and gravy at Jenny Rae’s. “This is the only place we haven’t been thrown out of,” joked Mrozinski. The classic diner on the corner of U.S. 20 and Wiley Road holds a lot of memories for the old Rolling Prairie boys, who hung out there (when it was Bob’s BBQ) sipping ten-cent Cokes as kids.

“We used to talk about girls and cars and stuff. Now we talk about our last doctor’s appointment,” Mrozinksi chuckled, “but we just have a great time.”

At a recent gathering, someone brought a yearbook from their senior year. Conversation flowed casually from one topic to another as they perused the pages: former teachers, football games, boyhood shenanigans, experiences in Vietnam, plans for the winter. Words in the yearbook’s introduction offer a hint at what has kept the men together all these years:

Truth is a fleeting moment of joy in the morning of our life, a moment quickly felt, stubbornly endured, and totally cherished.

To capture every facet of this exciting life, we are constantly on the move. Sometimes we become so busy that we lose sight of what we really want and need in life. So we stop for a moment and look out a window, or listen to the choir practicing, or just run our hand along the smooth wood of a desk, and in our minds, a dream takes shape, a dream with a plan for our future years…

Despite our moments of dreaming, youth is a time of realistic living. We find that to reach our goals, we must first overcome many difficulties… But we take comfort in the knowledge that there is always someone to help and encourage us— a parent, a teacher, a Friend.

But so quickly another year, with its own problems and Joys, comes to an end. Before we realize it, the last chapter in the textbook is completed, and the last class has ended.

(Indianapolis, IN) - $27 million has been awarded to nearly 500 Indiana schools for safety initiatives.

The Indiana Secured School Safety Board doles out the funding through the state’s Department of Homeland Security.

This year, funding increased by 10 percent in the new state budget. Most of the money will go towards paying school resource officers (SROs). Other costs include safety equipment, like classroom barricades and threat assessment tools. A few schools are offering firearms training for school staff members.

Schools and districts in the La Porte County area were awarded a total of over $473,000. Here is a breakdown of who got what:

La Porte Community Schools $72,686.50

Michigan City Area Schools $69,375.00

New Prairie United School Corp $47,455.28

South Central Com School Corp $41,625.00

Tri-Township Schools $32,375.00

M S D of New Durham Township $46,250.00

Marquette Catholic High School $9,250.00

La Lumiere $6,290

Notre Dame Catholic School $32,375.00

Queen Of All Saints School $27,750.00

Saint John Lutheran School $32,837.50

John Glenn $55,500

(La Porte County, IN) - New Prairie United School Corporation is planning a series of public meetings to discuss school facilities.

The focus will be placed on Olive and Prairie View Elementary Schools due to possible future housing developments in Olive Township connected to economic development in the area.

Related topics for discussion will include:

• Recent enrollment trends at all NPUSC schools
• Report of NPUSC enrollment data (including in-district/out of district transfers data)
• Overview of NPUSC yearly budget revenue tied to enrollment
• Report on building classroom utilization rates by school building
• Information sharing related to known and potential housing growth in Olive Township
• Presentation of potential options and challenges in the event NPUSC needs more facility space at the elementary level to meet future enrollment needs

“The school board will be taking in information,” said NPUSC Superintendent Dr. Paul White. “No decisions have been made. We’re just trying to make a really straightforward engagement opportunity with our school community.”

The first meeting will be held on Monday, September 8 at 6 pm (CDT) in the high school auditorium.

Another meeting will take place at Olive Elementary on Monday, September 22 at 6:30 pm (CDT). That follows a regular 6 pm school board meeting at the same location.

A third meeting is scheduled for Monday, October27 at Prairie View Elementary at 6:30 pm (CDT), following that month’s school board meeting.

Each session will feature the same 30-to-40-minute presentation, along with various formats for collecting community input.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte High School has its first girls’ flag football team.

The team defeated 21^st Century Academy last evening at Kesling Field 28-12. The Lady Slicers lost their previous games on the road to Michigan City 20-6 and Valparaiso 46-12.

Kyria Zapala racked up 190 yards rushing during the first two games combined while Josie Smith passed for 100 yards combined in both games.

Steps are being taken to have girls flag football become official sports under the Indiana High School Athletic Association in a couple of years.

Teacher Jeremy Ruff is the Slicers coach.  The team has four remaining games with the next being against Chesterton on Tuesday.

(La Porte, IN) - Military veterans along with those on active duty and emergency responders from past to present will be honored with help from a military helicopter before tonight’s La Porte High School home football game.

It’s the first Salute to Service high school football game in La Porte.

“This special evening is dedicated to recognizing and expressing our deepest gratitude to the men and women who serve and protect our communities,” said Head Coach Austin Epple.

Epple said the military helicopter is scheduled to land on the practice field next to Kiwanis Field at 4:30 p.m.  People can start showing up to see the helicopter after it lands.

There will also be police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances on the practice field for a pre-game ceremony on the playing field beginning at 6:30 p.m.

All service members encouraged to show up in uniform will receive free admission and be recognized on the field before the 7 p.m. kick-off against Valparaiso. 

“We hope you and your team can join jus for this evening of community pride, unity and recognition," Epple said.

(Lowell, IN) - Law enforcement was busy giving tickets to speeding drivers and arresting those impaired during the Labor Day weekend.

Indiana State Police at the Lowell Post, for example, wrote 230 citations and gave out 265 warnings during the special enforcement period where more officers were on the roads.

According to police, 136 drivers were stopped for speeding and 13 of those drivers were traveling over 100 mph.  There were also 11 arrests for operating while intoxicated and 31 motor vehicle accidents investigated,

Police said 63 of the stops resulted in criminal charges for offenses like drug possession, invasion of privacy and neglect of a dependent.

Lt. Terrance Weems, the Lowell Post Commander, credited the officers for being “steadfast” on maintaining safe roads for traveling during the holiday weekend.

“I am proud of their efforts.  They amaze me with their dediciation and resilience in making a difference on a daily basis,” he said.

(Michigan City, IN) - A trail of engine oil from a car involved in a single vehicle accident in Michigan City last evening led police to the suspected fleeing and impaired driver.

Eric Williams, 53, is charged with Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.

He struck a curb about 7 p.m. at Ohio St. and W. Barker Ave. hard enough to cause oil to start leaking from the engine and body parts from the car to be scattered on the ground.

Police said an officer followed the trail of oil to the car parked in the driveway of Williams’ home on Elston St.  Williams, who had a female passenger, told the officer he struck the curb after his brakes went out.

A witness, though, told the officer “they were wasted,” police said.

Williams was taken into custody after he allegedly refused to take a blood alcohol test, which results in the automatic arrest of the driver under state law.

(La Porte, IN) - Money is being raised today outside the radio stations in La Porte for taking deserving children shopping at Christmas.

For the 23^rd consecutive year, our very own Dennis Siddall is broadcasting from the roof until 6 p.m. asking listeners to come and donate to the Deserving Children’s Christmas Shopping Tour.

Several volunteers are outside our studios on State St. at Oregon St. accepting donations from motorists stopping to give.

By 9 a.m., the total amount raised topped $6,000.

“We’re off to a good start,” Siddall said.

The goal is to reach $50,000.   

Siddall said close to $1 million has been raised from the roof sit in all of the years combined.

People are also invited for lunch with items like hot dogs and hamburgers hot off the grill available for purchase during the late morning and early afternoon hours.

(Michigan City, IN) - A financial agreement along with tax abatement have been approved for a data center that recently started being constructed in Michigan City.

The September 2 decision by the city council was made after a more than three hour overview of the project and hearing from supporters as well as opponents.

So far, the operator of the data center has not been publicly disclosed but will be once all of the legal work tied to the project has been completed, said John Peret of Phoenix Investors, the current owner of the property.

Peret described the operator, though, as a U.S. based “Global 50 company in the data center world.”

The agreement calls for one time payments of $5.5 million to the city; $1 million to the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City and $100,000 to the city’s Sanitary District once an occupancy permit has been issued.

There will also be annual payments of $500,000 to the city under the 40 year agreement.

Under the 10 year tax abatement, the amount of money collected from property taxes annually will increase from $22,000 to an estimated $926,000, officials said.  Property taxes collected yearly goes up to an estimated $1.5 million once the tax abatement has expired.

The data center is going in at the former Anco and later Federal Mogul windshield wiper manufacturing plant vacant for nearly 20 years at 402 Royal Road on the city’s east side.

The agreement and tax incentives are viewed as good faith offerings from both sides since a data center already complies with the current land use zoned for manufacturing and the property is privately owned.

“They don’t need the city,” said Council President Dorothy Tillman.

As many as 800 construction jobs are expected to be created until the facility is completed.

“That’s weeks, months and even years of steady business for our hotels, restaurants and retailers,” said Michael Schick, General Manager of 4411 Inns and Suites along U.S. 12 close to where the data center is planned.

Peret said at least 30 people in high skilled positions will work there with other permanent jobs  in areas like maintenance and support.

Supporters spoke about the potential for even more new jobs from other companies that might come to provide the data center with parts and other services.

“I believe this type of development will help us,” said Mark Yagelski, a resident and member of the LaPorte County Council.

“I feel it’s the right decision for all of us,” said City Councilman Tim Bietry.

Opponents expressed concerns over things like noise for nearby residents and NIPSCO electric rates going up to offset the utility’s cost of delivering the large amount of power required for data centers to operate.

Plans call for the creation of a maximum 8 foot earthen berm and other buffers dense with trees and bushes to absorb much of the noise, which will be under the maximum allowed under local codes, Peret said.

Rick Kalinski, Director of Economic Development and Public Affairs for NIPSCO, said upgrades to a nearby substation will allow the utility to provide the facility with ample power.

“These costs will not be passed on,” he said.

Some data centers are huge consumers of water for cooling their high density servers.  However, plans here call for construction of a closed loop system allowing water for cooling to be constantly recycled after the initial fill up.

Opponents also urged the city to do what it can to hold representatives of the data center to their promises for limiting any negative impact it might have on quality of life.

“You have a chance to make it a national model of good so municipal officials from across Indiana and elsewhere will come here to Michigan City to see how data centers are done right, rather than them being an example of how to do them wrong,” said resident Deborah Shore.

(La Porte County, IN) - A suspected drunk driver walking from the scene of a crash and wanting a ride home basically turned himself in last night by flagging down a police officer.

Michael Miller, 52, was arrested for operating while intoxicated and other charges.

According to La Porte County Police, responding officers after 11 p.m. discovered a van resting against a NIPSCO pole in a ditch at U.S. 6 and 900 West.

About a mile away, police said another responding officer located Miller on foot and stumbling trying to flag him down with blood running from his nose.

His pants covered in wet grass clippings.

Miller was asking for a ride home while denying being the driver involved in  the crash when the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, police said.

The Westville area man had an alleged blood alcohol content of .195 percent. He was also arrested for public intoxication and leaving the scene of an accident.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man seems to think his alleged drinking and driving is not a crime even after he nearly collided with another motorist in La Porte last evening.

During his arrest for operating while intoxicated, Brandon Mansfield told the officer he should look for “real criminals” instead, according to La Porte County Police.

His alleged blood alcohol level was .296 percent or nearly four times the legal limit.

About 7 p.m., the 33 year old Mansfield was eastbound on Johnson Road at 300 North when reported to 911 as a reckless driver by another motorist.

A responding officer after he began following observed him veer over the center line several times and almost strike an oncoming vehicle on Severs Road near Indiana 39.

After the officer activated his lights and siren, Mansfield didn’t pull over but stopped completely in the eastbound lane.

Police said Mansfield also told the officer he “should protect the community instead of taking an innocent person” and blamed the government for “just wanting to make money from people.”

The charge was upgraded to a Level 6 felony due to him having a prior OWI conviction from 2021.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police continue to investigate a shooting that left a man critically wounded yesterday.

It happened just before 5 a.m. at a home in the 1300 block of Franklin St.

Police said life saving measures were started on the victim, 25 year old Jacob Addison.  Addison was taken by ambulance and later transferred to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for more advanced care.

So far, no arrests have been reported.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Michigan City Police.

We’ll provide details once they’re made available by police, who aren’t providing more specifics yet due to the ongoing investigation.

(La Porte, IN) - Senior citizens, retirees and caregivers are invited to explore local resources and opportunities at an upcoming event.

The La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults will host A Gallery of Lifestyle & Health Expo for Older Adults and Caregivers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 1 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium

Assistant Director of the La Porte Park and Recreation Department, Emily Archambault. said whether information or assistance is sought, residents are sure to find the resources they are looking for at the event.

“Our philosophy is that by empowering our seniors and caregivers, we strengthen our community as a whole,” she said.

Archambault said the event is free to attend and open to seniors, caregivers and loved ones of all ages with no pre-registration required.  There will be a wide array of activities, speakers, resources, health screenings, giveaways, drawings, and free food and beverages.

This event is made possible through the support of local businesses and organizations, including the following headlining sponsors Center for Hospice Care and Northwest Health.

Residents seeking more information can call the Park Office at 219-326-9600.

(La Porte County, IN) - The City of La Porte is annexing more property.

This time, it’s the Indiana National Guard Armory along Indiana 2 just outside the city’s west side.

Also being annexed is a narrow strip of land from near the La Porte County Fairgrounds to the armory to allow for municipal water and sewer lines to be extended to the facility for an upcoming $11 million expansion and renovation.

The annexation was requested by the National Guard and approved this morning in a unanimous vote by the La Porte County Commissioners.

City Attorney Nick Otis said the request was in response to a 2016 ordinance prohibiting municipal water and sewer line extensions to properties outside the city limits unless they’re annexed into the corporate boundaries.

James Mayhern, who’s with the National Guard out of Indianapolis, said the facility will be modernized with things added like female restrooms along with upgraded training technology and weapons storage.

He said new space will also be added to the front of the building to give it a new look.

“The project is not possible to happen without the utility investment,” he said.

Mayhern said municipal water and sewer is needed to comply with modern fire and drinking water standards.

(La Porte, IN) - Sentencing has been scheduled for a La Porte man who struck a toddler with a car.

La Porte Police said Eric Levine was having a friend repair his vehicle six months ago at a house on Grove St.
 

When finished, police said the 54 year old Levine was backing up in the driveway of the home when he struck the two year old boy, who was behind the vehicle.

Police alleged Levine was under the influence of marijuana at the time.

The boy wound up being airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis but returned home with just a broken arm.  

Details of the plea agreement, so far, have not been revealed.

He’s scheduled to be sentenced on October 3 if Judge Julianne Havens accepts the terms of the guilty plea.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Westville prison worker is accused of accepting money from inmates to bring marijuana into the facility.

Jessica Chalupa is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony bribery and Class A misdemeanor trafficking with an inmate.

According to authorities, she was a supervisor in the kitchen at Westville Correctional Facility and working with an inmate to bring marijuana inside.

The evidence includes 35 cash app transactions with three inmates totaling more than $10,000, authorities said.

Pictures of her allegedly holding a wad of cash are among the other pieces of evidence obtained during the investigation that began in response to a tip.

The Sauk Village, Illinois woman could face as much as six years on the most serious count.

(Michigan City, IN) - Police in Michigan City are investigating a shooting this morning.

It happened just before 5 a.m. near the 1300 block of Franklin St.

Police said one person was wounded.  So far, further details have not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

(Valparaiso, IN) - Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the drowning of a man in a Valparaiso area lake on Monday.

At 6:17 p.m., conservation officers responded to Long Lake on a report of a person going in the water and not resurfacing, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

First responders from multiple agencies arrived on scene and initiated search operations.

Less than one hour later, firefighters in a boat recovered the body of Sean Ryan, 42, of Valparaiso.

Despite lifesaving efforts, Ryan was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.

Other assisting agencies included the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, Chesterton Fire Department, Portage Fire Department, Town of Porter Fire Department, Liberty Township Fire Department, Burns Harbor Fire Department, Northwest Health Emergency Medical Services, and the Porter County Coroner’s Office.

(La Porte County, IN) - Public access to Hudson Lake has been restored after completion of the dredging of a navigation channel from the boat ramp to the lake.

The ramp had been closed since mid-July.  

The project, funded by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program and Hudson Lake Conservation Association, hydraulically pumped sediment from the access channel to an upland area on the northwest end of the lake. 

For more information on the LARE program and its current projects, please see lare.dnr.IN.gov. 

A 30 year old woman found dead in downtown La Porte in late July was the victim of a drug overdose.

That’s according to La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson, who revealed fentanyl and methamphetamines turned up in the blood test results on Jessica Foster.

The official cause of death was ruled a drug overdose. 

The La Porte woman’s body was discovered outside an office building at Lincolnway and Jackson St. between the front doors and some shrubs, police said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A New Carlisle man is accused of threatening sexual violence against two female high school students in numerous text messages.

Teagan O’Neal, 19, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with two Level 5 felony counts of stalking and two Level 6 felony counts of intimidation.

According to court documents, the suspect was behind 92 text messages to one of the victims and multiple text messages received by the other victim in early June.

Some of the messages contained very sexually suggestive language along with threats including rape if they told anyone about the messages, police said.

There were also threats to post images on social media that could be embarrassing to one of the victims.  In addition, indications were given from the suspect that he knew the victims and exactly where they lived.

Police said investigators were able to trace the messages to O’Neal, who was taken into custody last week.

During his initial court hearing on Friday, O’Neal was scheduled for trial beginning on February 2.   Protective orders were also issued against him on behalf of the victims. 

(La Porte County, IN) - A local official is calling on the governor to protect NIPSCO ratepayers.

La Porte County Commissioner Connie Gramarossa is asking the governor to appoint someone who will support ratepayers to the soon to be vacant seat of Utility Consumer Counselor.

She said the outgoing counselor, Bill Fine, failed to stand up to NIPSCO again not just on rate increases but its proposal to create a subsidiary company to provide power to data centers at the expense of ratepayers.

Gramarossa said county government has joined the Citizens Action Coalition and other groups to oppose establishment of the subsidiary.

She said La Porte County used to be able to count on the Utility Consumer Counselor to support NIPSCO ratepayers but not in recent years and hopes the governor fills the soon to be vacant position with a “real bulldog” who will do so again.

“For any governmental entity to stand up to NIPSCO, we need a Utility Consumer Counselor who stands with ratepayers and not with the big, deep-pocket-investor-owned utilities,” she said.  

La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police say it appears a man tried breaking into several residential properties in Union Mills over the weekend.

According to police, a man let his dog out Saturday night.

After the dog started barking, police said the pet owner spotted a man trying to enter his neighbor’s garage.  The man fled and deputies responding to the dog owner’s 911 call were not able to locate the suspect.

The next morning, the man discovered the suspect also tried entering his home Saturday during a review of his home security camera footage.

A few other people seeing a post about the suspect on social media revealed similar experiences with the man described as white, in his mid-20’s and under six feet tall wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

(La Porte County, IN) - Work on U.S. 20 will move on down the road this week. INDOT says there will be alternating lane closures between Fail Rd. and State Road 39 beginning Tuesday, September 2.

Eastbound lanes will be converted to two-way traffic and westbound lanes will be closed. No left turns will be allowed through the work zone, and C.R. 125 W and Range Rd. will not have access to U.S. 20 from the north side.

In a couple of weeks, the left inside lanes will be closed in each direction. Traffic will utilize the right outside lanes. C.R. 125 W and Range Rd. traffic will not be able to cross U.S. 20 but will have right in, right out access.

Then, in October, traffic will be moved to the westbound lanes, and C.R. 125 W and Range Rd. will not have access to U.S. 20 from the south side.

Each traffic configuration will be in place for seven to ten days, INDOT says. It’s a similar process to what has been happening in the Rolling Prairie area over the past month.

According to INDOT, pipe replacement work will be taking place in six locations, along with lane reconstruction.

(Porter County, IN) - A section of highway west of La Crosse will be closed starting Tuesday, September 2.

INDOT says bridge deck overlay work will be taking place on State Road 8 between La Crosse and Kouts. The highway will be closed for over a mile stretch near Kouts through mid-October. A detour will be in place until then.

(St. Joseph County, MI) – A Starke County man died in a fiery car crash south of South Bend over the weekend.

According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, officers responded to a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Kern and Fir Roads around midnight Saturday.

Initial reports indicated the male driver was out of the vehicle and refusing medical assistance. However, upon arrival, first responders found that the vehicle was on fire with the driver still inside. Downed live wires on top of the vehicle made it unsafe for officers, fire crews, and medics to approach until AEP arrived and secured the scene.

Once the wreckage was made safe, the body of 40-year-old Joseph Rush was found inside. Rush was the car’s only occupant.