(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City woman could get some time in prison for allegedly doing things like posting naked pictures of a man.

Kimberly Richardson, 45, is charged with stalking and distribution of an intimate image.

Authorities said she made about 40 social media posts containing photos and a variety of personal information about the man over a recent two month period. 

Some of the images were of the man nude or partially nude.

At the time, authorities said the woman was still under a protective order the man received from a judge due to past harassment from her a few years ago.  Richardson could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence on the most serious count.

(Porter County, IN) - One person died following a fire this morning in Porter County.

Emergency responders about 3 a.m. were called to a home in the 400 block of Shorewood Court between Valparaiso and Merrillville in Union Township.

According to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, police officers and firefighters were able to remove residents from the burning structure.

One person was transported for treatment but, unfortunately, ended up passing away, police said.

The name of the victim and other details, so far, have not been released. Police said the cause of the fire and death remain under investigation.

(La Porte, IN) - Food and other needs like diapers along with candy will be available for the needy during trick or treating this evening at a house in La Porte.

Emily Archambault and her sister-in law, Taylor Martin, will have a table outside for people to walk up to and grab whatever they need.

Archambault said the effort stems from people whose SNAP benefits could stop tomorrow due to the federal government shutdown.  They’ve been out collecting donations and spending their own money on goods so there’s enough to offer.

“This is an easy way for people to just grab a simple something,” she said.

Archambault said the idea came from a post on Facebook about including food with candy during trick or treating.

“So, I reached out to my sister-in law and I said, hey, I think we can do this,” she said.

Archambault said she once had to temporarily leave the workforce because of a difficult pregnancy and for two years received assistance from the federal government and, now, it’s her turn to help those in need.

The free items during trick or treating will be at 1506 Greenway Street.  The designated time for trick or treating is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte will play its first high school football sectional game of the season tonight. 

The Slicers (3-6) will be at Chesterton.  The Trojans (5-4) defeated the Slicers 34-14 in September.  Our very own voice of the Slicers, Ben Davis feels La Porte can come out on top if they limit mistakes and keep the game close.  “I think we can beat them and I know the team feels that they can beat them as well,” he said.

Michigan City also plays in the sectionals tonight at home against Valparaiso.  Ben said the Vikings (2-7) are better than what their record reflects but feels the Wolves (6-3) will advance.

“Michigan City is extremely fast and they have some good size up front.   When you combine those two things offensively and defensively, you get a good product,” he said.  The La Porte game will be broadcast live on 96.7 The Eagle beginning with the pregame show at 6:45 p.m.  Wins by La Porte and Michigan City would mean the two teams meeting again next week for the sectional championship.

(La Porte, IN) - Basketball fans can watch some of the best talent in the nation again in La Porte.  The La Porte Invitational returns for its fifth year with three consecutive days of games beginning January 9.

The nationally recognized basketball showcase at the nearly century old Civic Auditorium will feature 12 of the best high school programs in the nation, with dozens of ESPN’s top-ranked players.  Dermody called the atmosphere “electric.”

“This event gathers the best of the best from across the nation and draws the attention of greats like Carmelo Anthony and Coach Calipari all in a gym that replicates the energy and atmosphere of the classic basketball film Hoosiers,” he said.

Anthony, a former NBA superstar, attended last year to watch his son play while John Calipari, the head coach at the University of Arkansas, has also been there to scout talent.  “You’ll be hard-pressed to find an event like this anywhere else in the Midwest. This is one basketball fans of all ages won’t want to miss,” he said.  

Dermody said the event has welcomed more than 25 McDonald’s All-Americans and over 20 NBA Draft picks, including the 2025 first overall selection Cooper Flagg.  A full game schedule and ticketing information is available online at laporteinvitational.com.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man has been voted tops in the state for his work as a paraprofessional at a local grade school.  David Renner is this year’s Indiana State Teacher Association’s “Educational Support Professional of the Year.”

Renner, 76, has worked at Indian Trail Elementary School for the past several years and previously was a volunteer at the former Lincoln Elementary School.

He began with the school corporation after retiring from Indiana State Prison.

Occasionally, Renner, a beloved figure at the school, will hold signs containing funny or positive messages at the school.  He once held a sign with an encouraging message while dressed as his grandmother.

He said the award caught him by surprise and credited his parents for the way he conducts himself.

“I just treated people and did my job the way Lester and Mickey Renner taught their children.  I just hope that wears off on my students,” he said.

Renner was nominated for the award by his daughter, Andie, a paraprofessional at Pine Elementary School near Michigan City.  The ISTA awarded her with a community service award.

Renner said her father also attends the club and sporting events of his students to show his support for them.  She also recalled a time when her father’s commitment to the students was obvious while he was in the hospital.

“He just kept asking the doctor when he could go back to work, not when he was going to be released or even anything about himself. No, he was worried about getting back to his students,” she said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A check of convicted sex offenders living out in the community was conducted today as a safety precaution for trick or treating. 

La Porte County Police said four of the 37 sex offenders were found in violation of the sex offender registry.  Violations can include not living at the address listed on their registry.  Police said the violators are now under investigation for possible filing of criminal charges.

Today’s compliance check with Halloween tomorrow was in addition to the ones that normally occur throughout the year.  The sheriff’s office uses a system to manage and monitor the whereabouts of sex offenders.  Citizens can access the system to find out if any sex offenders live near them or reside in areas they plan on trick or treating by visiting www.laportecountysheriff.com.

Questions can be directed to Melissa Unger, coordinator of the watch program, at (219) 326-7700 ext. 2320 or at munger@lcso.in.gov.

(Michigan City, IN) - A local lawmaker says most Indiana homeowners will pay more in taxes despite cuts in their property taxes.  State Representative Randy Novak, a democrat from Michigan City, said a majority of homeowners will save anywhere from $150 to $300 a year in property taxes.

However, Novak said many local governments will raise local income taxes or adopt new taxes and user fees to make up for the lost revenue.  He said that will be more costly for Hoosiers than the property tax savings pushed through by republicans at the statehouse earlier this year.

Westville Town Council President Mike Albert said he let a republican state lawmaker from the area know his feelings on the matter.  “You’re killing your constituents.  You’re hurting schools.  You’re hurting county government, police, fire. You know. Local government,” he said.  They were among the people who spoke during a recent town hall meeting at City Hall in Michigan City.

La Porte County government is facing revenue cuts of more than $2 million in each of the next three years, officials said.  The La Porte County Council has not raised the countywide income tax or adopted any new taxes yet while the city council in Michigan City recently adopted a wheel tax on vehicles to help cover the projected revenue losses.

(Michigan City, IN) - Charges have been filed in connection with a recent stabbing in downtown Michigan City.  Bertrell Randle, 43, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 1 felony attempted murder and Level 3 felony aggravated battery.

According to court documents, an older man was walking his dogs Monday night when approached by Randle in the area of 9^th and Franklin streets.  At one point, police said blows were exchanged and the victim was stabbed in the chest and jaw.

The victim was transferred by helicopter from Franciscan Health to a South Bend hospital where he managed to speak to investigators about the attack.  Police said the suspect was located on foot just a few blocks from where the stabbing occurred.  Video surveillance shows he was holding a knife while walking up to the victim, court documents revealed.  Randle, who's from Trail Creek, could face anywhere from a 20 to 40 year sentence on the most serious count.

(La Porte, IN) - A playground in La Porte has been given a much-needed face lift.

Hastings Park on the northeast corner of Boyd Blvd. and Monroe Street was re-dedicated at a special ceremony today.  The purpose was to showcase its newly installed playground equipment.

La Porte Park Foundation President Jim Magnuson said the new pieces replaced the wooden play structures that were no longer safe for children to play on due to exposure to the elements over time.

The cost was $60,000 split between the park foundation and Big Comedy La Porte.

A founding member of Big Comedy La Porte, Amanda Sorg, was involved in the development of Hastings Park after the land was given to the city in 2013.  Sorg lost her battle with cancer in 2020.

“We are beyond grateful for their commitment to our parks,” Magnuson said.

(La Porte, IN) - Street improvements will occur where a brew pub is planned in downtown La Porte. 

The La Porte Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday approved a slightly less than $250,000 contract for the work to be done on Perry St.

Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said the work outside the establishment will involve new sidewalks and better storm water drainage to eliminate issues with standing water and basement flooding.  City Engineer Nick Minich said the goal is to have the work at least substantially completed by the time Blockhead Beerworks opens on the main level of the Carpenters Union Local No. 1485 building at 1100 Lincolnway.

Cook said the original summer opening of the establishment has been pushed back to February due to issues that kept the remodeling and other work from happening as quickly as anticipated.  “The project has taken a little longer than we had hoped, which is not uncommon,” he said.  Cook said construction is well underway on what will be the second location for Block Head Beer Works, which has an operation already in downtown Valparaiso.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte heroin dealer will not get out of prison for a while.  Thomas Anderson has been given a 13 year prison sentence on the Level 2 felony charge of dealing in a narcotic drug.

He was arrested about a year ago at his home in the 900 block of Ridge St. following a several month investigation triggered by tips of drug dealing activities at the residence.  Anderson was specifically charged with selling 6.7 grams of heroin, authorities said.  According to court records, the 49 year old Anderson has a prior conviction for dealing cocaine from 2020.   His criminal history also includes an adult conviction for a homicide in the Chicago area that occurred when he was 17, authorities said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A woman traveling the wrong way on a four lane highway in La Porte County was arrested this morning for impaired driving.  Marjorie Mayes, 54, was booked into the La Porte County Jail on Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.

Police said officers about 12:15 a.m. responded to a report of a vehicle eastbound in the westbound lanes of U.S. 30 from Porter County with no headlights on.  Several minutes later, the vehicle was still in the wrong lanes with the headlights now activated in Wanatah, police said.  The vehicle was drifting between the two westbound lanes before pulled over near Hanna.  Police said Mayes claimed she was trying to return home to Calumet City, Illinois but was lost.  Her alleged blood alcohol level was .208 percent.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man has admitted to killing a missing woman whose body was found in La Porte County.  Lynn Ware , Jr., 43, was about to stand trial Monday in La Porte Superior Court 1 when he pleaded guilty.  He agreed to serve a 45 year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and a firearms violation.

Five years ago, the body of 46 year old Laura Wolfe was found by a farmer in Springfield Township along 800 North.  Wolfe was from southern Illinois where she was reported missing.  La Porte County Police joined the investigation after informed by police in Illinois that Ware had recently traveled in the La Porte area.  She died from a gunshot wound, authorities said. 

Ware, who’s from Tennessee, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 25.  “The citizens of La Porte County can and should expect that law enforcement and prosecutors are working hard and diligently to protect this community. Our strong relationship with law enforcement does just this,” said La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan.

(Michigan City, IN) - Some business owners in Michigan City are appealing for a crackdown on problems stemming from homeless people hanging out and sleeping in the downtown.  The problems cited range from customers and business owners feeling unsafe to human waste outside storefronts.  “Downtown safety, cleanliness and vitality affect everyone who lives here, works here or visits here,” said Monica O’Donnell, the owner of North Star Properties, a real estate firm at 5^th and Franklin streets.  She and several other downtown business owners pleaded for action during the October 21 meeting of the city council.

“I don’t know what we need to do but we need to work together and we need to work together fast,” said Amy Bowman, owner and operator of Good News Vintage, an antique store at 613 Franklin St.  Bowman said she regularly has to clean up feces, watch drinking from open containers of alcoholic beverages and, most recently, was sexually harassed.

“I’m done.  I’m done,” she said.  O’Donnell asked that a downtown safety ordinance be drafted and reviewed within 30 days then submitted to the city council for its consideration.  She said the ordinance should set a standard and allow for enforcement without violating people’s rights. 

Specifically, O’Donnell suggested the ordinance prohibit things like people blocking entrances to businesses, creating unsafe and unsanitary conditions and refusing to leave private property after receiving written notice to do so.  “It’s consistent with Indiana law and gives law enforcement a balanced, constitutional framework for a response,” she said. 

Allison Dent, a mortgage lender with an office at 613 Franklin St., said she keeps her door locked and opens it only when a client shows up because of homeless people coming inside asking to use the bathroom or warm up.  “It’s pretty uncomfortable for me to have to ask them to leave especially if I’m the only person in that office,” she said.

Dent also said there were homeless people sleeping on the outdoor furniture of a restaurant behind her business during the summer.  Jessie Cundiff said he’s been dealing with the same issues related to homeless for 12 years since opening his higher end consignment shop, Hoity Toity at 731 Franklin St.  He said the problem has lingered long enough for him to start losing customers.  “This has been the slowest year for my business ever.  If it continues this way I might not be there anymore,” he said.

The only response from the council was from Don Przybylinski, who expressed support for the business owners.  Przybylinski said he personally spotted people sleeping behind the old Rodeo Bar next to some concrete barricades at 11^th and Franklin streets.  “There was clothing there.  There was garbage there.  There was feces there. To me, it’s getting out of control,” he said.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man found dead along a highway Monday in Michigan City was struck by a motor vehicle.  That’s according to Michigan City Police, who are trying to identify the driver who fled the scene.

Police said the victim was 31 year old Gregory Wyse of Michigan City. He was found by a pedestrian, who called 911.  Police said the investigation, so far, reveals Wyse was walking along the four lane highway when he was struck by a southbound vehicle who fled the crash site.

The vehicle has not been identified, police said.  A section of the highway was closed for several hours to allow investigators to collected and process multiple pieces of evidence.  Police said no additional information is being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.  Anyone with additional information is asked to contact lead investigator Officer Daniel Revoir at (219) 874-3221 or drevoir@emichigancity.com.

(Michigan City, IN) - A 25 year prison sentence has been given for a fatal shooting in Michigan City.  David Wilson, Jr. was sentenced after pleading guilty in La Porte Superior Court 1 to voluntary manslaughter. Originally, he was charged with murder for the shooting death two years ago.

Police said the victim, 58 year old Susan Simmons was inside an SUV with her husband in the 200 block of Calumet Ave. when Wilson pulled up, stepped out of a vehicle and fired multiple shots into the SUV.  The victim’s husband, Thomas Simmons was also shot but his injuries were described at that time as not life threatening.  La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said he was pleased with the outcome based on the evidence in the case and the law.

“Sometimes, a case takes a different path than when we originally charged it.  After speaking with victims, their families and law enforcement, we get a result that everyone thinks is fair and just,” he said.

(Michigan City, IN) -  Police are investigating a stabbing last night in Michigan City's Uptown Arts District.  Officers about 7:30 PM responded to the 800 block of Franklin Street and found one individual who was injured.  Police did not provide any further details, saying the matter is under active investigation.

(Michigan City, IN) - Authorities in Michigan City are investigating a death.  About 3 p.m. yesterday, police said emergency responders were called to Indiana 212 on the city's far east side and found an individual there deceased.  So far, police have not released any further details.  However, witnesses report part of a ditch was roped off with crime scene tape just north of Tryon Road. 

Cass County, MI) - Farmers on tractors killed and injured in separate collisions in recently in southwest Michigan should serve as a reminder for drivers of passenger vehicles to exercise patience so they’re not in such a life threatening hurry.

The latest crash happened Thursday, October 23 in Howard Township in Cass County.

About 5:30 p.m., the driver of the tractor, Michael Studer, 55, of Niles was slowing down on Leet Road to turn left onto Worrell St., according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

Police said Studer was in the process of turning but wound up in the path of a vehicle in the opposite lane attempting to pass him from behind.  The passenger vehicle then struck the tractor.

Studer was taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with undisclosed injuries.

In early August, fifth generation farmer, Paul Burns, 73, of Cassopolis, Michigan was killed when rear-ended on his tractor by a pick-up truck also in Cass County.

According to Michigan State Police, both drivers were southbound on Calvin Center Road when the crash happened about 5:30 p.m.

The driver of the pick-up truck, whose name has not been released, along with his passengers suffered only minor injuries.  Police said distracted driving is believed to be a factor in the collision.

According to family members, Burns had a passion for preserving the farm that has been in his family since 1843.

Michigan State Police Lt. DuWayne Robinson said drivers should expect slow-moving farm vehicles during harvest season, which is beginning to wind down.

“Obey the speed limit to allow time to react to large, slow-moving tractors.  Keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road to minimize distractions and ensure safety,” he said.

Bill Field, a farm safety expert from Purdue University, said drivers should be more cautious during harvest not just to avoid death and injury to themselves and others but to prevent potentially very costly lawsuits.

Field said some drivers might not have enough coverage on their insurance policies to completely cover judgements from lawsuits awarded to injured farmers or families of farmers killed in such crashes.

Field said any judgements over insurance coverage limits could result in drivers at fault having to pay the difference.

“That’s where the real money comes from.  They’re going to go after everything,” he said.

Field said the risk of injury and death to drivers in passenger vehicles from collisions with farm machinery is also higher nowadays because of how the equipment has grown in size enough over the years for the force of impacts to be greater.

In addition, Field said more pieces of equipment are wide enough require traveling partially in the opposite lane of a two lane road or on the shoulder.

He said the travel safety risk is not helped during a period when a higher percentage of drivers seem more aggressive behind the wheel and less likely to avoid a collision at the unexpected site of a tractor or combine a short distance away on the road.

Field said the chances of a collision also go up from the use of cell phones.

“The next thing you know you’re right into the rear end of a piece of equipment,” he said.

Field, who operates a small farm, said he was once involved in a collision when a drunk driver after rounding a curve plowed into the rear his small tractor.

Field said he was spared by a 300 gallon tank containing sap from maple trees strapped to the back end of his machine.

“What saved my life was that maple sap.  It acted like a huge shock absorber,” he said.

Despite public reminders for drivers to be courteous while encountering farm machinery, Field said fewer drivers seem not to consistently practice it as they did in the past.

“There needs to be a mutual respect.  The farmers are not out there to irritate you.  They just got to move from field to field,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police broke up a large underage drinking party and arrested an adult for allegedly contributing to the delinquency of minors.

According to La Porte County Police, officers Friday night responded to an anonymous tip about the party in the 3600 block of S. Indiana 104 near Stillwell. Police said officers spotted over 50 people who all seemed to be underage surrounding a bonfire in the back yard.  Juveniles holding cans of beer and red Solo cups containing alcoholic beverages dropped their drinks and began fleeing on foot.

A man later identified as Jesus Bermudez, 47, was found hiding behind a tree in a goat pasture.  Police said Bermudez told officers he was invited to the party by the homeowner and ran because he was scared.  Two full cases of beer and one empty case of beer along with a cardboard box containing unopened bottles of hard liquor were confiscated, police said.

Bermudez was booked into the La Porte County Jail on the Class A misdemeanor charge.  Police said the investigation is continuing to determine if the homeowner had anything to do with the underage drinking party.

(La Porte County, IN) - A traffic stop by La Porte County Police on a vehicle returning from Michigan resulted in an arrest and seizure of a large amount of marijuana products.

Nearly two grams of methamphetamine were also confiscated.  Verna Grove, 46, was booked into jail Friday on charges of dealing in marijuana and possession of methamphetamine.  Police said Grove was the driver of a vehicle pulled over for speeding and tailgating on Interstate 94 near U.S. 421.  Grove told the officer she rented the vehicle in Iowa to make what she described as a 12 hour trip to Michigan, polce said. 

An odor of marijuana from the vehicle resulted in a free air sniff by a K-9 dog, which alerted to the presence of drugs.  During a search, police said 900 THC cartridges along with two jars of what appeared to be marijuana wax were located inside two suitcases and a duffel bag in the trunk of the vehicle.  Police said the methamphetamine was found during a strip search at the jail.

(Hamlet, IN) - The Oregon-Davis School Corporation is having an e-learning day today in response to the death of a student in a single vehicle crash. 

Officials say the e-learning day will allow students, staff and the community to attend the funeral services of Logan Cooke.  Cooke, 18, was killed in a motor vehicle accident last week.  Police said he struck a tree and was later found dead inside an abandoned residence near the crash site in Starke County.  Speed was blamed as a contributing factor in the crash.  Those looking to donate and help the family cover expenses related to his death can donate to a GoFundMe page.

(La Porte County, IN) - The Unity Foundation of La Porte County has narrowed down the ten finalists for their prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

A committee of local volunteers reviewed the applications in a blind process. Finalists were selected based on their academic achievement, service to others, extracurricular activities and, to a lesser extent, financial need.

Two winners will each receive full-tuition towards an undergraduate degree at any accredited public or private Indiana college or university, plus an annual book and equipment stipend.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has provided approximately $6 million in tuition and book stipends to benefit 76 La Porte County students since 1998.

Names of this year’s finalists are listed below. They will all receive at least $2,000 in scholarship money. The two winners will be announced in December.

The finalists, their places of residence and respective schools are:

• Alia Nix, Rolling Prairie resident, attends New Prairie.
• Guadalupe Osornio-Luna, La Crosse resident, attends Tri-Township.
• Joshua Jaracz, La Porte resident, attends La Lumiere.
• Kenneth Hurni, Union Mills resident, attends South Central.
• Liam Neary, Long Beach resident, attends Marquette.
• Liberty Scanlin, Rolling Prairie resident, attends New Prairie.
• Madeleine McCarther, La Porte resident, attends Marquette.
• Mia Palomo, La Porte resident, attends Michigan City.
• Milad Mroueh, Michigan City resident, attends Michigan City.
• Mylee Moser, Hanna resident, attends South Central.

(Chesterton, IN) - All active-duty military personnel and veterans are invited to ride South Shore Railroad commuter trains for free next month.

The rides at no cost will be offered for five days beginning November 7.

“We are proud to continue this annual tradition of honoring our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members,” said Amber Kettring, Manager of Customer Service and Communication at the South Shore Line.

“Their courage and commitment inspire us every day, and offering free rides is one way we can show our appreciation for their service,” she said.

People eligible for the free rides are asked to inform train personnel they are active or veterans of the military. No identification will be required, officials said.

Up to three children 13 years of age and under may ride free with each military personnel/veteran during off-peak rides scheduled to arrive at Millennium Plaza in downtown Chicago after 9:30 a.m. and depart from the same location before 3:30 p.m. and after 6:30 p.m. (CST).

The South Shore Line is a commuter rail line operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and the South Bend International Airport.

(La Porte, IN) - A man is accused of breaking into a La Porte church and stealing from its food pantry.

Anthony Gasaway, 22, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony burglary.

According to court documents, Gasaway on Sunday broke into St. Joseph Church and School in the 100 block of C St. by shattering a glass panel on a door with a brick at the entrance to the building.

Police said another glass panel on a door to the food pantry inside the structure was also broken out with a brick.  He allegedly left with three grocery bags of food.

Police said his actions were captured on surveillance video, allowing investigators to identify and find him at his residence several blocks from the church.

Gasaway could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence.

(La Porte County, IN) - A stretch of Interstate 94 was shut down for a couple of hours last evening due to a three vehicle accident outside Michigan City.

The crash happened a few miles east of the U.S. 421 exit.  Coolspring Township Assistant Fire Chief Warren Smith said a semi-truck hauling plastic recyclable bottles came to rest on its side with the trailer blocking the eastbound lanes.

“It was across all of the lanes,” he said.

He said a pick-up truck ran into the trailer and a passenger car went down an embankment to avoid a collision.  Smith said the driver of the pick-up suffered what seemed to be a fairly bad leg injury but he was alert and talking.  He said the semi driver and driver of the passenger vehicle refused medical attention.  So far, police have not released any details but they are investigating whether the semi driver consumed alcohol. 

(Merrillville, IN) - Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is warning customers to prepare for higher natural gas costs this winter.

According to NIPSCO, residential heating bills are projected to rise about 16 percent compared to last winter.  That’s roughly an increase of $18 per month for the average household.  “Projections are based on market forecasts, supply trends, and storage levels, as well as normal weather forecasts. If temperatures are colder or warmer than normal, usage amounts and bills could differ,” NIPSCO said.

To help ease the impact, NIPSCO is encouraging residents to look into assistance programs to help with energy costs now available for the winter months.  NIPSCO reminds customers that usage makes up most of the average heating bill, and energy-saving habits can still help keep costs manageable.

(La Porte County, IN) - The Salvation Army is now accepting applications for assistance from individuals and families in La Porte County who need help with holiday food and/or toys this Christmas.

Those needing assistance are encouraged to apply online at www.saangeltree.org now through December 5.  In-person applications will also be accepted on select dates.  At the La Porte location (3240 Monroe Street), residents can apply on Friday, November 7 and 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and on Friday, November 14 and December 5 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At the Michigan City location (1201 S. Franklin Street), application dates are Wednesday, November 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Monday, December 1 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Applicants must provide a photo ID, proof of address, and proof of name and birthdate for each child ages 0–14.

All household members should be listed to ensure accurate food distribution. Families without children may apply for food assistance only. Those applying online should select “no” when asked for an invitation code.  Major Becky Simmons, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army, explained the importance of the Angel Tree and food assistance programs during the holidays.

“For many families in our community, Christmas is a time of stress, not joy. The rising cost of living has made it even harder for parents to afford gifts or extra food. “Our goal is to relieve some of that burden and bring back the joy of the season for children and families who need it most,” she said. 

(La Porte County, IN) - The Salvation Army of La Porte and Michigan City is gearing up for the annual Christmas fund raising campaign.

The traditional Red Kettle Kick Off is scheduled November 3.

For three hours beginning at 7 a.m., the public is invited to join the celebration at McDonald’s in the 3500 block of Franklin St. in Michigan City. 

The celebration will include a children’s choir, celebrity coffee pourers and check presentations from campaign sponsors.

The goal of the Christmas fund raising drive this year is to raise $250,000 to support programs and services in Michigan City and another $200,000 for the remainder of La Porte County.

Officials said people can start volunteering to ring the bell at Salvation Army kettles throughout the season at www.RegisterToRing.com or by calling the organization at (219) 874-6885 (Michigan City) or (219)-326-5342 (La Porte).

Applications can also be submitted in person in La Porte (3240 Monroe Street) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and in Michigan City (1201 S. Franklin Street) on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man has been given a deadline to remove what appears to be dozens of mostly junk vehicles.

The vehicles are beside the Norfolk Southern tracks near Brighton St. on the land owned by the railroad, which had three of the vehicles towed Wednesday, said La Porte Code Enforcement Director Jeff Batchelor.

Batchelor said there were still over 40 vehicles illegally on the property and the owner of the automobiles was given until Monday to move the rest.

“Hopefully, they cooperate and can do it or we’re going to be busy on Monday,” he said.

Batchelor said the man placed a similar number of vehicles at the same spot a few years ago and complied with requests to remove them.  He said the man is running a towing service but leaving the vehicles beside the tracks.

Many of the vehicles have been in accidents.

Mayor Tom Dermody spoke highly of the railroad for working with the city on the issue.

“We’re cleaning it up.  It’s a great partnership,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - The half way point is being declared on the U.S. 35 pavement replacement and utilities project in La Porte. 

The work on a more than two mile stretch from Indiana 2 to Boyd Boulevard has been ongoing since early last year.  Completion is on track by the end of 2026.

“La Porte continues to invest in long term growth and this massive U.S. 35 road project is central to that vision,” said Mayor Tom Dermody.  Old water and sewer lines below the road surface are being replaced before new pavement is laid. 

The project is being managed by the Indiana Department of Transportation, which is paying for a majority of the cost.   Other financial contributors include the city and federal government.  “Projects like this one on U.S. 35 show what’s possible when local, state and federal partners stay focused.  It’s real progress for La Porte County,” said State Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie.

(Indianapolis, IN) - A former La Porte County Councilman has taken the oath of office for his seat at the Indiana Statehouse.

Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) was sworn in Wednesday by Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark Massa as the Indiana State Representative for House District 9.

The district covers Michigan City, northern LaPorte County and portions of eastern Porter County.  Novak ran unopposed for the seat vacated by Pat Boy, who retired with just over a year and two months left on her term.

“Public service has been my life’s passion. From my years as a firefighter and fire chief to my time on the LaPorte County Council, I’ve always believed in working hard, staying accountable and putting people first. I’m proud to call La Porte County home, and I’m committed to representing our community with integrity, transparency and a common-sense approach,” he said.

Novak said he’s hopeful of getting things accomplished despite a republican supermajority at the statehouse.  He cited a history of reaching across party lines during his over 10 years on the county council.  “I believe in reaching across the aisle to find common ground that benefits Hoosiers. Quality of life starts with local government, and I’ll continue working to create an environment that encourages smart economic development, living-wage jobs and opportunities for every resident,” he said.

Novak on Saturday will join State Senator Rodney Pol Jr. at Michigan City City Hall for a town hall discussion over redistricting efforts in Indiana. The event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(Berrien County, MI) - More than a dozen people were arrested in a sex and human trafficking sting in Berrien County, Michigan.  The multi-agency sting operation was an effort by the Berrien County Sheriff's Office, Pokagon Tribal Police Department, Michigan City Police Department, and the Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team.  15 people were arrested for sex exploitation-related crimes, as well as one arrest for outstanding warrants. 

According to the Berrien County Sheriff's Department, the priority of these operations is not just to make arrests, but to identify and help victims and send a clear message trafficking will not be tolerated.  “These operations are as much about saving lives as they are about enforcing the law. Every person we reach represents an opportunity to intervene, support, and protect,” police said.  More specific information about the alleged activity and names of the suspects have not been released.

(Michigan City, IN) - Solutions to problems in the downtown caused by homelessness are being sought in Michigan City.  During Tuesday night’s city council meeting, several business owners cited issues such as homeless people defecating on their properties, drinking alcohol and creating an atmosphere of feeling threatened.  One business owner told about a note on her property from a homeless man pledging to have his way with her sexually.

“Downtown safety, cleanliness and vitality affect everyone who lives here, works here or visits here,” said Monica O’Donnell, the owner of a business at 5^th and Franklin streets, She’s asking that a downtown safety ordinance be drafted and reviewed within 30 days before submitted to the city council for consideration.

O’Donnell said the ordinance should set a standard and allow for enforcement without violating the people’s rights.  Specifically, she requested the ordinance prohibit things like blocking entrances to businesses, refusing to leave private property after receiving notices and creating unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

“It’s consistent with Indiana law and gives law enforcement a balanced, constitutional framework for a response,” she said.  Another business owner almost cried while talking about the hard work she has invested in her business only to feel unsafe from being approached by homeless people on multiple occasions.  “I would really appreciate the people that take this serious,” she said.

No response was immediately given to their concerns expressed during the public comment portion of the meeting.

(Michigan City, IN) - The annual fall leaf pick-up in Michigan City is scheduled to begin November 3.  According to the mayor’s office, residents wanting weekly pickups of their leaves may use compost/yard waste bags, which are available from area merchants.

Leaves can also be placed in trash cans or left in piles.  Officials said leaves in front of residential properties will be picked up on a citizen’s regular compost day until November 21. The Street Department requests that residents cooperate by following these rules:

v No plastic bags are to be used

v Crews cannot pick up leaf piles that contain other green waste debris, branches, rocks, animal waste, or metal.

v Branches should be kept separate from leaf piles

v If a leaf pile contains any unacceptable materials, crews will place a notice on your door and leave the leaf pile in front of your residence for you to remove.

v Leaf piles should be loose in large piles in front of the property as close to the curb as possible, but away from the sewer drains, utility equipment and Fire hydrants.

v Please do not use totes, leaves will not be picked up in those containers

v The Street Department will pick up leaves on Saturdays in all areas as needed but not on Veterans Day.

(La Porte County, IN) - A trip to Michigan could be costly for a La Porte woman accused of driving while impaired on marijuana.  Nicole Rodriguez, 37, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony operating while intoxicated.

An officer began following Rodriguez last week after clocking her speeding on Crescent Dr. in La Porte and witnessing her run a stop sign at U.S. 35, according to La Porte County Police.  Police said Rodriguez seemed to accelerate rapidly after heading southbound on U.S. 35 where her estimated speed topped 70 miles per hour.  During a traffic stop, the officer noticing signs of impairment was told by Rodriguez that she smoked marijuana about a half hour before leaving Michigan.

The sale and possession of dispensary marijuana is legal in that state but not in Indiana.  According to police, the charge was elevated to a felony due to her having a prior OWI conviction from 2019.  She could face anywhere from a six month to 30 month sentence.

(Indianapolis, IN) - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to report sightings of Mediterranean geckos, an exotic lizard species observed at several locations across the state.

According to DNR, the species is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and northern Africa.

They are 4 to 5 inches long and tan or pink with brown blotches on their body.  They can also be identified by their warty skin, banded tail, and large, bulging eyes that have vertical pupils.

DNR said the lizards are not dangerous and most active at night.  They can be observed near outdoor lights, feeding on insects during the warm season, or inside buildings at any time of year, according to DNR.
 

Any sightings especially those backed by photographs can be sent to to HerpSurvey@dnr.IN.gov.

(La Porte County, IN) - A former Republican Party chairman in Chicago is running for a local seat in the Indiana Statehouse.

Chris Cleveland, a La Porte County businessman, has announced his candidacy for State Representative from District 9.  The district covers northern La Porte and Porter counties, and includes communities like Michigan City and Chesterton.

"Costs are going up and people are tired of it. Rising utility and healthcare costs are making life difficult and government is making it worse with rising local income taxes, property taxes, wheel taxes and tolls," said Cleveland.

"It's time to tell the politicians to grow a spine and stand up to those who are driving up the cost of living. As a business owner, I have to control my costs or I go out of business. Government should do the same," he said.  Cleveland is an entrepreneur who builds software startups.

He is a former chairman of the Chicago Republican Party, former state chairman for Ted Cruz's presidential campaign and former District Director for the Trump presidential campaign. Cleveland is a graduate of Princeton and the University of Chicago.  District 9 was represented until recently by democrat Patricia Boy, a former member of the Michigan City Common Council who decided to retire.  The more than one year and two months left on her term will be served by Randy Novak, who resigned from the La Porte County Council to accept the position.

(La Porte, IN) - The compost site in La Porte where a fire burned recently for over a week is open to the public for free wood cutting.

That’s according to the La Porte County Solid Waste District, which runs the compost pile at 724 Zigler Road near the fairgrounds.  The compost pile had to be dismantled with heavy machinery and doused with water to put out the fire discovered at depths beneath the ground of 15 feet or more.

As a result, officials said there is an abundance of logs and wood for the public to cut on site, SWD officials said.  Splitting of cut wood at the site, though, will not be allowed.  Residents will be required to stop in the nearby solid waste district office at 2857 W. Indiana 2 to sign or drop off a liability release prior to cutting wood at the site.  The waiver can also be found in advance at www.solidwastedistrict.com.  If you have any further questions, please contact the Solid Waste District office at 219-326-0014 Ext. 1.

(Michigan City, IN) - The victims of a double homicide in Michigan City have been identified while a juvenile suspected in the killings remained in custody waiting for possible filing of formal charges.

Eddie Nixon, 67, and Sylvia White, 66 were found dead at a residence in the 100 block of Schofield Court, according to Michigan City Police.  Authorities did not reveal how the murders were carried out yet due to the ongoing investigation.

Police said a suspect in the case emerged after La Porte County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash involving the juvenile early Sunday, October 19 at Johnson Road and W. County Road 300 North.  Michigan City Police were notified and responded to the home to check on the welfare of the victims, who were found deceased, authorities said.

Police said the juvenile and victims knew each other but the nature of their relationship was not revealed.

The suspect was being held in the La Porte County Juvenile Services Center pending the filing of formal charges.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said no decision had been made yet on whether to try and pursue adult charges in the case because there are many things to consider such as the age of the suspect.

“Those are the kinds of things that we need to talk about within my office as to how to best look at this case for the best options and the best outcome,” he said.

The age of the juvenile was also not disclosed.

Police said additional information will be released at some point as the investigation continues.  Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Michigan City Police.
 

(La Porte County, IN) - Charges have been filed in connection with a camper being shot at the La Porte County Fairgrounds.  This happened about 10 days ago in the campground at the fairgrounds along Indiana 2 just west of the La Porte city limits.

Michael Davis, 42, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with criminal recklessness and intimidation.  La Porte County Police said the investigation shows Davis and the victim know each other from working together at the Amazon data center going up outside New Carlisle.

Police said Davis was apparently upset with the victim for not sharing his drugs with him.The investigation shows Davis allegedly went to where the victim was staying and fired at least two gunshots into his camper at close range.  Fortunately, the victim was not there at the time, police said.

Davis, who has a current address from Cassopolis, Michigan, drove to the campground in a vehicle with Tennessee plates.  He was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - No decision was made last night on a proposed government merger locally. The merger is proposed between Center, Springfield and New Durham townships.

During a public hearing last night at the Springfield Township Fire Department, board members from each township chose not to vote.  The dozens of people who turned out wanted the township officials to take more time to consider the proposal before deciding the matter.  "We listened to the residents," said Center Township Trustee Lisa Pierzakowski. 

The merger is being looked at to reduce costs in response to projected revenue declines from statewide property tax reform and avoid any mandates to merge that might come from the state.  Pierzakowski said a vote by each of the township boards must occur before the end of the year or the proposal under state law cannot be considered again until 2027.

(La Porte, IN) - Turnout was tremendous for a No Kings Rally in downtown La Porte over the weekend. La Porte County Democratic Party Chairwoman Julie Sinclair

estimated the crowd at 1,500.  There were demonstrators outside the courthouse, along both sides of Lincolnway and a block or two to the east.  Sinclair said she was very impressed with the turnout.

“People are concerned about the dramatic slip into authoritarianism.  They’re upset about the brutality and the lack of due process in the activities of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).   They love our country.  They see it slipping into authoritarianism and they wanted to protest that,” she said.  Sinclair said the demonstration was peaceful from start to finish.

(La Porte County, IN) - A longtime member of the La Porte County Council will have a seat now in the Indiana State Legislature.

Randy Novak of Michigan City ran unopposed for 9^th District State Representative during a caucus of democratic precinct committeepersons.

Novak will serve the just over one year and two months left on the term of Pat Boy, who decided recently to retire.  She had held that seat since 2019.  Boy was previously a member of the Michigan City Common Council from 2004 to 2018.

La Porte County Democratic Party Chairwoman Julie Sinclair said Novak has a reputation as a hard worker during his over 10 years on the council and service as fire chief in Michigan City before he retired from the department in 2020.  “We’re really proud of Randy and we’re really excited to have him represent District 9 down in Indianapolis,” she said.

Sinclair also pointed to Novak’s history of working with republicans, which could help bring more bi-partisan support to his proposals since republicans have a super majority at the statehouse.  Democrats now have 30 days to hold a caucus to elect Novak's replacement on the council. 

(Starke County, IN) - A teenager following a motor vehicle crash in Starke County was later found dead nearby during a search. 

Police said the driver struck a tree yesterday in the area of Range Road and 250 North but was nowhere to be found.  During the search, the driver, 18 year old Logan Cooke, was found dead inside an abandoned home close to where the crash happened.  Police said speed appears to have been a factor in the accident.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police are investigating a double homicide. Michigan City Police said a motor vehicle crash happened Sunday at Johnson Road and W. County Road 300 North.

Police said investigators at the accident scene learned a juvenile involved in that crash was suspected in the double homicide that occurred at a home in the 100 block of Schofield Court.  Two adults were located deceased inside the residence.

Police said the juvenile is being detained pending the filing of charges.  So far, the identities of the victims and juvenile along with other specifics are not being released due to the ongoing investigation.

(Fort Wayne, IN) - Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has announced major upgrades to their power grid in five area counties, including La Porte.

Here locally, I&M plans to rebuild approximately 68 miles of Extra High Voltage transmission lines starting at the Olive substation on U.S. 20 near New Carlisle. With improvements to that substation and more line work in White County, the investment will total about $266 million.

According to I&M, the equipment being replaced dates back to the 1950s. They will install BOLD Lattice structures, an innovative design from American Electric Power engineers, which will be more robust and meet higher standards. Construction is expected to begin in late 2027 and conclude in spring 2031.

I&M says the upgrade will keep up with increasing power demands. “The Olive-Reynolds 345 kV Transmission Line Rebuild reflects the growing Indiana landscape.” said Mona Livingston, I&M customer services manager. “In recent years, there has been an upward trend in economic development adding new residents and businesses in the area.”

(Merrillville, IN) - NIPSCO says gas prices are likely to go up this winter.

The utility announced this week that bills for residential natural gas customers are estimated to be 16 percent higher than last year. That means homeowners can expect to pay about $18.00 per month more on average from November to March.

NIPSCO says the increase is driven by the cost of the natural gas itself, which the company does not control. To offset market price volatility, they say, NIPSCO tries to purchase gas throughout the summer months and put that gas into storage for use during the winter.

Assistance programs are available, so check with NIPSCO (NIPSCO.com/assistance) if you can’t afford to stay warm this winter.

(Indianapolis, IN) - A new report from the state’s Legislative Services Agency suggests that teacher pay isn’t exactly making the grade.

Although teachers’ salaries have risen 4% in the past year, when adjusted for inflation, their wages have actually decreased 2% since 2024 and 3% since 2020. Salaries of administrators have dropped relative to inflation by between 7-10%.

The average public school teacher salary in Indiana is over $63,000. School administrators are making just under $100,000, and corporation admins pull in over $116,000 per annum on average.

Public school teachers and administrators receive an average of about $12,000 in benefits. According to the study, health insurance accounts for about 80% of the expenditures public schools make for benefits. Bonuses account for an extra $2,800 per educator.

Most districts also dish out about $17,000 on average to pay school board members, some of whom also take health insurance.

The study also reveals that class sizes have shrunk a bit in recent years. The teacher-student ratio is currently a little over 15 to 1.

For better context, findings of the Legislative Service Agency break down the expenses relative to various types of school: city/town, suburb, rural, and charter. The complete study can be found HERE.

(La Porte County, IN) - The Food Bank of Northern Indiana will be making four stops in La Porte County soon, three of them in the next week. Details below:

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – La Porte

9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: Salvation Army, 3240 Monroe St.

Sponsored by Indiana OCRA and will serve 150 households.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – La Porte

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: First Church of God, 2020 E Lincolnway

Sponsored by Indiana OCRA and will serve 150 households.

Thursday, October 23, 2025 – Michigan City

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: High Praise Outreach Ministries, 301 E. 9th St., Michigan City

Sponsored by The City of Michigan City and will serve 250 households.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – La Porte

10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT, or while supplies last.

Where: La Porte County Fairgrounds, 2581 Indiana 2, La Porte

Sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 300 households.

(La Porte, IN) - More details have been obtained about the shooting of a man in La Porte on Wednesday and the arrests that followed.

Jordan Jackson, 23, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with attempted murder while his father, Larry Jackson, both of Michigan City, is charged with aiding, inducing or causing an attempted murder.

Each crime is a Level 1 felony.

The shooting happened about 1 a.m. at Maple Tree Apartments at 1405 W. 18^th St.

According to police, the investigation shows Jordan and the victim, Adam Fredenburg, argued before getting into a physical confrontation that night and later resumed arguing.

At one point, Jordan told police he told his father in a text message to bring his gun before they met in a store parking lot just a short walk from the apartment complex, according to authorities.

Jordan allegedly returned to the apartment and shot Fredenburg in the neck. After the shooting, police said Mr. Jackson drove his son back to his residence.

Police said one of the children inside the home where the shooting occurred claims Jordan told him a few days prior to the gunfire that he will have to shoot the victim.

According to family members of the victim, the bullet chipped a vertebrae, struck a major artery and ruptured his sinus cavity.  Fredenburg was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend where he continues what could be a long recovery.

(La Porte County, IN) - There’s a push to force data centers wanting to go up in the unincorporated areas of LaPorte County into zones designated strictly for industrial use.

The LaPorte County Commissioners on Wednesday voted unanimously to request an ordinance containing such a requirement be adopted by the La Porte County Planning Commission.

Commissioner Steve Holifield said the idea is to prevent a data center from locating near residential neighborhoods and on productive farmland.

Holifield said he would also like to have limits on water consumption in such an ordinance to ease fears over the impact a data center might have on water tables given their need for water to keep their servers from overheating.

So far, LaPorte County government has not received any formal proposals to construct a data center, officials said.

“There’s a lot more questions than answers right now.  We want to make sure it’s done correctly and the people of LaPorte County are protected,” he said.

The request will be considered at the next planning commission meeting on October 28 at 6 p.m. at the La Porte County Complex, said Holifield, who’s the planning commission’s vice president.

Any ordinance adopted by the planning commission would go before the county commissioners for final approval, which is standard procedure.

During the commissioners meeting, there was a strong turnout of concerned residents from the area of Indiana 39 and 400 South near Kingsbury.

Their concerns are driven by several nearby landowners reportedly being contacted about any interest they might have in selling their farmland.

One of the concerned residents, Ken Layton, suggested Kingsbury Industrial Park just a few miles to the east as a perfect location for a data center.

Layton, a former La Porte County Commissioner, said the huge park already has municipal water and sewer service and a NIPSCO substation that could meet a data center’s high demand for electricity. 

In addition, he said there’s already a buffer zone keeping the inside of the park out of public view.

“You can’t see what’s going on inside the K.O.P. unless you go inside the K.O.P., he said. 

The park was once known as the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant where ammunition was made several decades ago for military use.

“We don’t want it in our backyard either,” said Carolyn Tole, who lives in an old subdivision near the entrance to the industrial park.

Tole, who moved there about 10 years ago, said a lot of people apparently don’t realize there are residents like herself along the park’s boundaries.

“Our neighborhood has been out there since 1942.  I don’t know why you’re so quick to throw something out there,” she said. 

Don Laskowski expressed fears a data center near his home across from Luhr Park Nature Center would especially have a negative impact on ground water levels.

“I’m just worried all of our water wells are going to get sucked dry,” he said. 

Commissioner Joe Haney encouraged residents to again turn out in great numbers and speak their minds at future meetings addressing the issue.

“That’s exceptionally important,” he said.

Right now, Haney said he’s opposed to any plans for a data center given his high level of uncertainty about their impact.

He pointed to a data center presently going into a former windshield wiper making plant at 402 Royal Rd. in Michigan City and one planned in the city limits of La Porte in the area of Boyd Boulevard and Indiana 39.

“Until we see how those perform, I’m not in favor of seeing any data center at all in our unincorporated areas,” he said.

(Michigan City, IN) - Another step forward has been taken on a major housing/grocery store development planned in Michigan City.
 

An economic development agreement with a Chicago based developer has been approved by the city’s Redevelopment Commission.  More than 500 multi-story housing units along with a grocery store, other retail space and parking are planned at 5^th and Pine streets on the city’s north end.  Antoine Rezco with the development group, DAC, told the redevelopment commission Thursday the plan is for all of the construction to occur in three separate phases.

The second phase calls for nearly 300 housing units in a nine story structure that includes plenty of parking and a grocery store.  He said a letter of intent has been signed by Tony’s Fresh Market based in Chicago to occupy the grocery store.

Construction could begin late next year or sometime in 2027.  The agreement makes the developer eligible to apply for additional grants and other financial incentives, officials said.

(La Porte, IN) - A manufacturing company is closing its operations in La Porte which will result in the loss of more than 170 jobs. 

Freudenberg Residential Filtration Technologies on Factory St. is relocating to a new facility in downstate Lebanon.

In a letter to state and local officials, the company revealed the plant will officially close on December 5.  The company based in Germany makes things like filters, seals and cleaning products for over three dozen markets worldwide.

Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said the city was not in a good position to compete for keeping the plant here.

He said there were not many incentive programs left for the city to offer since incentives provided by the city to the company in years past cannot be offered again once used.

“Most of those incentives are centered around new investment like attracting companies to your community.  There are less tools for retaining companies once they’re in community,” he said. The company employs more than 52,000 people in 60 countries. Cook said he likes the odds of another company once the plant closes occupying the facility at some point.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man is accused of leading police on a high speed chase on a motorcycle in La Porte County.  Justin Austin got away but, eventually, he was caught.  He’s scheduled for an initial hearing Friday in La Porte Circuit Court on a charge of resisting law enforcement.

In late June, La Porte County Police said Austin, 32, was doing circles on the roundabout at Indiana 2 and U.S. 20 on a Harley Davidson motorcycle.  The officer after discovering his license was suspended tried making a traffic stop, but the South Bend man fled at speeds topping 120 miles per hour, police said.  Eventually, police said the westbound chase was terminated a few miles down the road.

(La Porte County, IN) - An ordinance governing data centers is being sought in La Porte County.  The La Porte County Commissioners Wednesday night voted unanimously to request an ordinance allowing data centers strictly in areas zoned for industrial use be adopted by the La Porte County Plan Commission.

The meeting was packed with residents from the area of Indiana 39 and 400 South in response to speculation there’s interest in building a data center on what’s currently farmland in that part of the county.  Ken Layton, a former La Porte County Sheriff and once a La Porte County Commissioner, suggested Kingsbury Industrial Park for a data center.

Layton said the park is already equipped with water, sewer and utility service with the Kankakee River close enough to draw more water from for a data center, if necessary.  In addition, he said there’s already a buffer zone keeping the inside the park out of public view from the outside.

“You can’t see what’s going on inside the K.O.P. unless you go inside the K.O.P., he said.  The park was once known as the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant where bombs were made decades ago for military use.  So far, officials said no data centers have officially come forward with any proposals but there needs to be restrictions in the books just in case a developer formally requests permission to locate one in the county.

Resident Don Laskowski expressed fears a data center would negatively impact private wells like what’s been reported as happening outside New Carlisle where an Amazon data center is going up.  “I’m just worried all of our water wells are going to get sucked dry,” he said.  Commissioner Joe Haney suggested residents also turn out in great numbers whenever the process begins for the planning commission to consider a data center ordinance.  “That’s exceptionally important,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A stretch of state highway in La Porte County was temporarily closed Wednesday afternoon for a vehicle fire.  According to La Porte County Police, a 2000 Dodge Ram pick-up truck was southbound on Indiana 39 and traveling at a slower speed due to the vehicle having issues.

He had borrowed the truck and was on his way to returning it when the airbags deployed close to the registered owner’s home near 900 North, police said.  Police said the driver also reported seeing smoke and stepped out after parking on the west side of the two lane highway.  A short time later, he noticed more smoke then flames and called 911.  The fire damaged vehicle valued at $2,500 was a total loss, police said.  The highway was closed to allow firefighters to put out the blaze. 

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte city employee has been fired over words in a street written with a crack sealing machine.  The firing along with suspensions involved members of a street department crew.  “Sherry’s House” along with a pointed arrow were written in crack sealant on McClung Road in front of the La Porte’s Best Kept Secret store.

Mayor Tom Dermody said the use of city property on city time for something not related to work cannot be tolerated.  “This is unacceptable.  Our residents deserve better,” he said.  Dermody said the disciplinary action was taken yesterday not long after the city was notified about the situation.

“I take full accountability and want to personally apologize to our residents for this incident. We are working with Human Resources and our Street Department to ensure this does not happen again,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - Police say two men have been arrested for a La Porte shooting yesterday.  It happened about 1 a.m. at Maple Tree Apartments on W. 18^th street.

La Porte Police said a formal attempted murder charge is being pursued against 23 year old Jordan Jackson while a formal charge of assisting in an attempted murder is sought against Larry Jackson. 

Both men are from Michigan City.

Police said they were involved in the shooting of a man, who was taken to an area hospital for treatment.  So far, the name of the victim and what led up to the shooting have not been disclosed.  Police said there were no suspects present when emergency responders found the gunshot victim.  Jordan Jackson was taken into custody that morning at another location while Larry Jackson emerged as a suspect during the course of the investigation.  Anyone with information is asked to contact La Porte Police.

(La Porte, IN) - Tickets are now available for the 2025 Christmas Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes in La Porte. 

According to Preserve Historic La Porte, which sponsors the annual event, ticket outlets for this year's tour include the following:

La Porte --  Coachman Antique Mall, CO-OP Shoppes, Freckle Farm Primitives, Hot Spot Cafe, La Porte County Historical Society Museum, Meridian Title, Thode Floral, Town & Country Florist

Michigan City --  The Antique Market, Hoity Toity

New Buffalo --  Meridian Title

New Carlisle --  Historic New Carlisle

Valparaiso -- Meridian Title 

Tickets are available from the above establishments during their regular business hours.  The tour itself will be held, as usual, on the first weekend in December on the 6th from 4-8 pm, and on the 7th from 1-5 pm.  There will be a total of 7 historic buildings open for self-guided touring. 

Those sites include Bethany Lutheran Church at 102 G Street, the home of Cindy Weiner at 616 C Street, the home of Dr. Jim and Christie Edwards at 2114 Woodlawn Drive, the home of Joe and Kellie Woods at 106 Franklin Court, the home of Timothy Stabosz at 1501 Michigan Ave.,  the La Porte Railroad Depot at 809 Washington Street, and Carmel Chapel at 6200 W 50 S. 

Live musical entertainment will be provided at most or all locations, and refreshments will be served at the church.  "For those willing to buy tickets in advance, which aids in our planning, the cost is only $25 per person.  Day of tour tickets cost $30, and are available at Bethany Lutheran Church, during tour hours only," said Tour Chairperson Pam Ruminski.

For more information, contact Ruminski at 219-363-2094 or p_ruminski@yahoo.com; or Tim Stabosz at 219-363-7485 or tstabosz@yahoo.com.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte teacher fell just short of being named Indiana teacher of the year.  Martin Briggs was one of three finalists for the award supported by the Indiana Department of Education.  Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood recognized him at Monday night’s school board meeting.

“Even though he’s not the winner, making it to the top three is a phenomenal feat,” she said.Briggs is a teacher at Crichfield Elementary School. “He’s known for his creative, hands-on approach to teaching math and science.  We are tremendously proud of Marty,” she said.

Briggs, who was named La Porte’s elementary school teacher of the year, has been with the school corporation for 47 years.  The teacher of the year award went to Graciela Miranda, an English teacher at Pike High School in Indianapolis.

(La Porte, IN) - Annual declines in student enrollment in the La Porte School Corporation continue. Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood during Monday night’s school board meeting reported the official student head count in all grades for this school year is 5,561 students.

Wood said that’s 68 students less than last year with just over half of that loss coming at the kindergarten level.  “The trend of declining enrollment continues,” she said.

Wood said other school districts in the area and across the country are also seeing enrollment declines she attributed to lower birth rates nationwide.  Another factor is school of choice where parents have the option to send their children to other school districts.  Fewer students mean reductions in state revenue for schools since those dollars are based enrollment.  In 2008, enrollment in La Porte Schools was about 6,300 students.

(St. Joseph County, IN) - Major developments outside New Carlisle will also mean change for travelers.  What called a diverging diamond interchange will be constructed at Indiana 2 and Larrison Road beginning in March with completion in November of 2027. The St. Joseph County Commissioners approved the $50 million dollar project yesterday. Officials said the interchange is in response to more traffic expected from the Amazon data center and electric vehicle battery making plant.  Both facilities are now under construction.

Traffic along that stretch of Indiana 2 is already heavy so the interchange is viewed as a way to keep traffic flowing and improve safety.  Federal dollars will pay for a majority of the project, officials said. 

(La Porte, IN) - An arrest has been made for an overnight shooting in La Porte.

La Porte Police said emergency personnel just after 1 a.m. responded to a report of a person shot at Maple Tree Apartments on W. 18^th street.

Police said the victim was transported to the hospital for treatment and the department's SWAT team was also activated. La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said the suspect is being held on preliminary charges.

Those charges will become official if a judge once given the case agrees there’s strong enough evidence against that suspect. But, Fagan said there are time restrictions to meet.

"We have about 48 hours to come up with some kind of charging information where we provided to the court this is why  this person should be charged with these crimes.  That's part of what we're doing as part of this case.  Not meeting the deadline would result in the suspect being released. 

So far, further details have not been provided but police say the shooting was an isolated incident.  The case remains under investigation.  We'll provide more details once they're made available. 

(La Porte, IN) - Over two days, all seven elementary schools in the La Porte Community School Corporation took part in an event led by a hip hop recording artist and motivational speaker.

C.J. Luckey is founder of the Celebrating All Persevering Students group based in Texas.

Since founded in 2017, Luckey has impacted over 100,000 grade school students and educators nationwide with his unique approach to teaching growth mindset concepts through music.

"My students respond so positively to C.J. Luckey's music and message in the classroom that I knew we had to find a way to bring him here in person," said Katie Talbert, a Project Lead the Way teacher at Crichfield Elementary School.

Talbert regularly incorporates Luckey’s videos and songs into her PLTW lessons.

"Watching our students experience that energy and encouragement live was even more powerful than I imagined,” she said.

Luckey’s work is grounded in Dr. Carol Dweck’s research at Stanford University, which focuses on changing the way students think about struggle, failure and their ability to persevere under challenging circumstances.

One of his signature songs, "The Power of Yet," encourages kids not to give up by embracing the idea that just because they can't do something now doesn't mean they never will.  They just can't do it yet.  All of his presentations in La Porte were at the Educational Services Center.

(La Porte County, IN) - A semi-truck hauling passenger vehicles burst into flames in La Porte County overnight.

It happened on Interstate 94 outside Michigan City.  Coolspring Township Assistant Fire Chief Warren Smith said the trailer was fully loaded with used passenger vehicles when the semi caught fire. 

The flames then advanced to some of the vehicles, which were all damaged either from burning or the heat.  “It was a mess.  Lots of flames.  The fuel on the ground was burning,” he said.

Firefighters from Michigan City and The Pines also responded to the blaze. No injuries were reported.  The cause of the fire was not known but remains under investigation.

The westbound lanes of I-94 were shut down for a few hours to allow firefighters to safely put out the blaze and for a clean-up.

(La Porte, IN) - A ribbon cutting was held today for a new business in downtown La Porte.  Studio 7:14 is a wellness clinic at 714 Lincolnway offering massage therapy, infrared saunas and other things such as products for good nutrition.

The owner of the faith based health facility is Jennie Lee Riddle, who helped cut the ribbon for the clinic several years in the making.

Other services include 30 day sabbaticals at the home of Riddle, who resides in the historic Ruth Sabin home on Michigan Ave.  She's also a grammy nominated Christian song writer.  “I’m grateful to the Lord and to each one of you that here we are five years later continuing to expand by faith, by good will as a result of true love and community,” she said.

Riddle also owns A Whole World of Good, a boutique across the street offering other things like coffee and a lounge for customers to drink their beverages or relax during their stay.

Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said the wellness center represents another positive change in the downtown. “This block has probably seen more change than almost any other block in the downtown.  It’s exciting to see the building finished,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver who crashed into a tree in the Kingsbury area last night was arrested for allegedly being impaired.  Eunique Jackson, 30, was booked into the La Porte County Jail with an alleged blood alcohol level close to three times the .08 percent legal limit.  The crash occurred about 11 p.m. in the 3100 block of S. 150 West near Luhr Park Nature Center. 

La Porte County Police said responding officers discovered Jackson still seated in her 2019 Jeep Cherokee, which was in a ditch resting against the tree it struck.  The Kingsbury area woman was taken by ambulance with small cuts on her hand and chin while complaining of pain to her head, police said.

While at Northwest Health, police said Jackson was verbally abusive to nurses on several occasions while they were trying to treat her.  Police said she also refused to cooperate with officers, who were forced to put shackles around her legs after she tried to kick one of the officers and used her legs to keep from being placed into a squad car.  She was arrested for operating while intoxicated and resisting law enforcement, both Class A misdemeanors.

(Berrien County, MI) - About 4,000 bushels of freshly harvested corn were ruined when a dryer about the height of a 10 story building caught fire Monday in Berrien County, Michigan.  It was about 4 a.m. when firefighters from multiple departments responded to D & S Farms outside New Troy.

Weesaw Township Fire Chief Ted Nitz said it took about 10 hours to put out the fire contained within the structure consisting of five dryers stacked on top of each other.  “That’s the way they’re built,” he said.

Nitz said firefighters were taken to the top of the dryer on a lift belonging to the farm and used a hose to spray water down onto the burning corn.  It took so long to put out the fire because water had to be applied slowly to avoid causing the thin metal in the dryer from warping.  Nitz said heated thin metal coming into contact with too much cold water at once can distort the metal and even result in a collapse of the structure.  “We just put a little water on each time,” he said.

Nitz said dryer fires are caused by a spark created somewhere in the dryer making contact with dust from the corn. The dust is created from the fine skin on the kernels coming off as the kernels are shrinking a bit from drying, he said.

Nitz said the owner, Dale Seyfred, shut off the augers that send corn once it has dried down to three silos on the farm to prevent any of the burning kernels from getting into the corn already in storage.

He said just a small percentage of the corn in the dryer was burnt but the rest was contaminated by the smoke, which created a plume that rose several hundred feet into the air.  “Pretty much everything is shot,” he said.

Nitz said there was some damage to the dryer, which had been running around the clock, but not enough to keep it from being used again once all of the corn was removed and the machine cleaned.  “He will have to rebuild the machine after a while, probably in the spring, but Dale told me he would probably have it up and running yet that evening,” he said.

Dryer fires don’t happen often but they’re not uncommon.  Nitz said he worked two previous dryer fires in his 30 year firefighting career.  Firefighters from Baroda, Buchanan Township, Galien and New Carlisle assisted by shuttling water in tankers to the farm since there were no hydrants nearby at the rural location.

(Wayland, MI) - A southwest Michigan farmer broke his own record in defending his title for winter wheat yields against other growers from near the Great Lakes and beyond.

Nick Suwyn harvested 182 bushels of wheat per acre.

He outdistanced the second place finisher by 12 bushels per acre in the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network contest.

He was also the first place finisher in the same contest last year with 173 bushels of wheat per acre, which was the previous high mark in the five year old competition.

“I’m excited about it and looking forward to improve on it next year,” he said.

Suwyn, 42, of Wayland was also the overall winner against other growers in the state for the second year in a row in the 2024 contest held annually by the Michigan Wheat Program.

His latest yield was also a personal best for Suwyn, who has finished as high as second place in the national wheat yield competition.

He credits his success to closely monitoring his crops from beginning until end in order to apply nitrogen fertilizer, if necessary, to quickly help his wheat overcome any stress it might be under due to factors like weather.

“You got to feed it.  You got to continue to study it and try new things and see where you can improve,” he said.

He believes Mother Nature was the difference maker in pushing his yields to their highest ever.

“We had good weather.  A great spring,” he said.

Suwyn raises over 500 acres of wheat along with about 3,000 acres of corn and soybeans on ground in Allegan and Barry counties.

The Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network contest included growers from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Washington and Ontario, Canada.

Dennis Pennington, a Michigan State University wheat specialist and member of the GLYEN steering committee, said the network is about discovering how the top producing wheat growers raised their crops.

The data is then posted online for farmers to access and use in their fields to try and improve their results.

Pennington said wheat growers from outside the Great Lakes were allowed into the contest because they heard about the network and wanted access to the information such as how much nitrogen each top producer put on their crops.

How growers from the more distant areas raised their crops is then obtained to expand the amount of data available at greatlakesyen.com, he said.

“It’s kind of a network with the goal of farmers helping farmers grow better wheat.  We just try to put all of the pieces in place to make that happen,” he said.

Suwyn also finished in first place in the GLYEN contest for the amount of wheat produced above the potential of his crop.

His yields were 118 percent above their potential based on factors like amounts of sunshine and rain received during the growing season and water available to irrigate.

Suwyn also credited everyone from his agronomist on down to workers planting and spraying the crop for his achievements.

“It’s a whole team of people that come together to make this all happen,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver who nearly struck several oncoming vehicles while traveling the wrong way on U.S. 30 is facing allegations of being impaired.  James Prahlow, 56, of DeMotte is charged with operating while intoxicated as a Level 6 felony due to a prior OWI conviction, which elevated what’s normally a Class A misdemeanor offense.

According to La Porte County Police, an officer monitoring traffic spotted the man early Saturday westbound in the eastbound lanes.  Police said the officer tried stopping Prahlow, who nearly collided head-on with multiple vehicles while traveling six miles before pulling into a gas station in Porter County where he was approached by law enforcement.

Prahlow told the officer he was in the opposite lanes because he’s not familiar with the area.  His alleged blood alcohol level was .14 percent or nearly twice the .08 percent legal limit.  Prahlow is also charged with Level 6 felony resisting law enforcement.

(La Porte, IN) - An estimated 1,500 children took part in the annual trick or treating in downtown La Porte over the weekend.  For two hours Saturday, children in Halloween costumes went to over 30 businesses handing out candy during Spooktacular, which also featured games and a hay maze at Plaza 618.  

“So much fun.  Everybody was in a good mood getting candy,” said Charity Hlavsa, owner of Hotspot Café and president of the La Porte Small Business Coalition, which sponsors the event.  “It’s just a great way for the small businesses of La Porte to give back to the community,” she said.

Businesses along Lincolnway and State St. took part in the event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Hlavsa said the downtown was crowded at times with trick or treaters, who were for the most part spread out throughout much of the central business district.  “There were some packed sidewalks from time to time, which just made my heart happy,” she said.

(La Porte, IN) - Charges have been filed in connection with a recent motor vehicle collision with injuries in La Porte.  Daniel Torres, 23, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with operating while intoxicated.

According to La Porte Police, Torres was heading back from Chicago when the accident occurred just after 2 a.m. late last month on Pine Lake Ave. at Lakeside Street.  Police said a witness reported Torres was southbound in the northbound lanes just prior to the collision.  The La Porte man suffered an injury to his hand and arm.

Torres had an alleged blood alcohol level just slightly above the legal limit. The charge was upgraded to a felony due to a prior OWI conviction, authorities said.

Police said the other driver, Casey Childers, was taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with a major laceration to her left leg while a passenger, Jessica Stalling, was taken to Northwest Health complaining of pain to her leg and back.

Police said Childers also consumed alcohol but whether she was intoxicated remained under investigation.

(Michigan City, IN) - Firefighters battled a blaze at a vacant Michigan City retail store.

On Friday security personnel at Marquette Mall reported visible and smoke and fire inside the former JCPenny store. According to the Michigan City Fire Department, the fire was located in a storage room and was quickly knocked down by five responding units.

Firefighters used extra precaution since the sprinkler system was not in use and conducted a thorough search of the store under smoky and low-visibility conditions.

With no electrical service active in the store, authorities currently consider the fire to be suspicious in nature. However, the official cause and origin remain under investigation.

As a precaution, operating businesses within the mall were temporarily evacuated due to smoke spreading throughout the complex. No injuries were reported.

(Indianapolis, IN) - The state’s bank account is even more in the black, thanks to a new license plate promotion.

Recently new “blackout” plates were introduced. For an additional $45 Hoosier drivers can sport the all-black plates with white lettering. You can also swap an existing plate for a Blackout plate before its expiration by going into their local BMV branch and paying a $9.50 replacement fee.

BMV officials say over 40,000 people have ordered the plates, generating an extra $1.3 million. $34 from each plate goes directly back to the BMV to improve services.

“This new Blackout plate is a win, win for Hoosiers,” said BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey. “Hoosiers have a stylish new plate that they are very excited about and, as an added bonus, the revenue generated from their purchase is going right back into improving future BMV experiences, not only for themselves, but for all Hoosiers.” Among the improvements will be modernizing the BMV’s digital tools, expanding self-service options and streamlining transactions across the agency.

According to the BMV, in the first month of sales, Indiana drivers purchased nearly 22,000 Blackout plates, outpacing first month sales in similar states. They’re trying to keep the interest going by rolling out a new Emo-inspired ad campaign to promote the all-black aesthetic.

(Michigan City, IN) - The City of Michigan City has confirmed a computer network disruption was an attempt by whoever was responsible to take money from taxpayers.

The September 23rd ransomware attack affected a portion of the city’s data and impacted municipal employees online along with telephone access, according to the mayor’s office.

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch told the city council Tuesday night that no money was given and she’s confident the breach will be able to be fixed internally. Currently, Nelson Deuitch said the focus is on safely restoring system and ensuring critical city operations continue to function.

“I would like to thank our IT Team for working around the clock these past two weeks to make sure we can still provide services,” Deuitch said.

A forensic investigation is still underway by the External Incident Response Team, which is comprised of IT professionals from Michigan City along with outside agencies to determine the full scope and impact of the event.

She said law enforcement is involved, making the matter an active investigation and limiting what the city can share publicly at this stage.

“We will continue to provide updates as we are able and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through this carefully and responsibly,” she said.

(La Porte, IN) - A traffic stop led to a cocaine bust in downtown La Porte early yesterday.

About 1 a.m., La Porte Police said Norman Tracy, Jr. was pulled over for making a wide turn at Monroe Street and Lincolnway.

With help from a K-9 dog, police say the 42 year old La Porte man was found with nearly four grams of cocaine.

Police say a passenger, Sherry Drudge, 47, of Walkerton was found with close to two grams of cocaine in her bra. 

Both people were taken to the La Porte County Jail on Level 6 felony possession of cocaine charges.

Tracy was also arrested for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Michigan City, IN) - A woman was arrested for drinking and driving this morning after found passed out behind the wheel of her vehicle in a stranger’s front yard in Michigan City.

Before 1 a.m., officers responded to a home in the 2900 block of Cleveland Avenue, according to Michigan City Police.  A man reported hearing an engine revving then discovering a vehicle stopped but still running in his yard and the driver slumped over the wheel.

Police said the man was not able to wake up the woman, who did open her eyes later to the sound of an officer knocking on her front driver’s side window.

Tiffany Rasco, 37, of Michigan City was arrested for Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated after refusing a breathalyzer test and operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a driver’s license.

An open bottle of tequila was found in the cup holder of her vehicle, police said.

(La Porte, IN) - A driver, who was too young to drink alcohol legally, was arrested early on Friday for drunk driving after clocked at nearly three times the speed limit in La Porte.

It was after 2 a.m. when Brenden Perry, 19, of Hanna was caught traveling 70 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone on Lincolnway near Tyler Street, according to La Porte County Police.

During a traffic stop, police said Perry denied consuming alcohol at first but later admitted consuming “more alcohol than he should have for his age.”  His alleged blood alcohol level was .223-percent or nearly three times the legal limit.

Perry was booked into the La Porte County Jail on Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated and Class C misdemeanor minor consumption of alcohol, police said.

(Michigan City, IN) - Another offender at Indiana State Prison has been executed.  53 year old Roy Lee Ward was put to death by lethal injection just after midnight. 

Ward was convicted over 20 years ago for the rape and murder of a teenage girl in a small town near Evansville.

Officials say his last meal included a hamburger from Texas Corral.

It was the third execution at the state prison since Indiana resumed executions last year.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man was back at Wrigley Field Wednesday night for Game 3 in the playoffs between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.

Dave Pendergast was also there with his wife, Rhonda, when the Cubs facing elimination held on to win 4 to 3.

“It was a fabulous game. It was a very, very, very fun evening,” Pendergast said.

 

The longtime Cubs season ticket holder also has tickets for the entire post season and went to the two previous playoff games at Wrigley Field against the San Diego Padres.

Pendergast, a retired financial advisor, was at Wrigley Field during the post season in 2016 when the Cubs won the World Series for the first time in over 100 years.  He said the Cubs winning the remaining games to advance won’t be easy, but like most Cubs fans, he is optimistic.

If the Cubs tie the series Thursday night, the deciding game will be played on Saturday in Milwaukee.

Pendergast, who once served on the La Porte City Council, is currently a member of the La Porte Park Foundation Board.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Park Foundation is announcing the return of its annual “Picnic Under the Stars” gala.  It’s scheduled November 21st from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the La Porte Civic Auditorium.

According to the mayor’s office, this year’s event will feature a romantic, garden-inspired atmosphere with music, art and meaningful community connection in support of the parks in the city.

The event is designed to be both elegant and accessible with pricing that reflects the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity, according to the mayor’s office.

Individual tickets are $50 while a Date Night Special offers two tickets for $75.

Guests will enjoy dinner and desserts catered by Downs Family Catering, a live performance by American Idol alum Marriani Fleming and a curated art gallery auction featuring photographs of La Porte’s parks taken by members of Corvilla, a nonprofit serving adults with disabilities.

The evening also includes the debut of the Signature Scent Experience, a custom candle created exclusively for the gala and inspired by the city parks.

Tickets, donations, and sponsorship opportunities are available by CLICKING HERE.  Contributions are tax-deductible.  For those unable to attend, donations can also be made through the same link.

(La Porte County, IN) - A large fentanyl bust was made during a traffic stop in La Porte County.  Raekwon Riley, 25, of Bolingbrook, Illinois is charged with Level 2 felony dealing in a narcotic drug and Level 3 felony possession of a narcotic drug.

According to Indiana State Police, a trooper patrolling the Indiana Toll Road on Tuesday stopped a vehicle for speeding.  An odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle resulted in a search turning up 50 grams of fentanyl concealed in the driver’s pants, police said.

Riley, who was taken to the La Porte County Jail, is scheduled for his initial appearance on the allegations Friday in La Porte Circuit Court.

(Berrien County, MI) - A woman is dead after a two-vehicle crash early Wednesday in Berrien County, Michigan.

According to Berrien County Police, the accident happened on Red Arrow Highway south of Bridgman.   Responding officers found one car had rolled over and an 89 year old female driver was unresponsive.  She later died at a hospital.

The 59 year old driver of the other vehicle and their passenger were taken to the hospital for their injuries.  No light was shed on their conditions.

So far, the names of the people involved in the crash and other details have not been released.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man is accused of striking his ex-girlfriend’s house with gunshots.  Jeffrey Primm, Jr., 32, is facing charges including Level 5 felony criminal recklessness.

About three months ago, police said Primm hit the house with multiple gunshots in the 100 block of Hancock Avenue on Michigan City’s west side.  Prior to the gunfire, police said Hancock was spotted trying to open a window at the woman’s residence but stopped when confronted by a man inside the home.  A short time later is when shots rang out.

Primm was taken into custody Tuesday, about a month after a warrant was issued for his arrest.  He could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence.

(La Porte, IN) - The City of La Porte has taken a step aimed at reducing the amount of trucks downtown and improving the condition of streets. 

The La Porte Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday approved a contract with a downstate company called “Avenue.”  One of the tasks for the company will be to come up with a plan to remove trucks from downtown.

Mayor Tom Dermody said a member of the company is a former mayor in downstate Franklin, who used existing highways to remove trucks from the downtown there in eight months.

Another task for the company will be finding ways to pave more streets and extend the life of the new asphalt.

“They will even look at your road needs and fund some of that upfront while we pay over time.  The public wants to see more roads done and this gives us an opportunity to do so,” Dermody said.

$45,000 was approved to pay the company on an hourly basis for the rest of this year and all of the next year.

(Chesterton, IN) - Flock cameras were used to quickly find an armed robbery suspect from Michigan City.

Nicholas Taylor, 23, allegedly displayed a knife at an antique store in downtown Chesterton on Monday and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash from the register.

Information about the fleeing vehicle was entered into a flock camera system, which helped police in Chesterton locate a car suspected to be involved in the hold-up.  Taylor is the registered owner of the vehicle, police said.

Police said his driver’s license photo matched an image of the suspect captured by a witness.

(Michigan City, IN) - Authorities say pet cats and stray ones, too, are being trapped and poisoned in a Michigan City neighborhood.  It’s been happening in the area of Gardena and Superior streets.

Animal Control Officers believe the cats are being poisoned with antifreeze, which has a sweet taste despite its toxic ingredients.  It’s also suspected that whoever is doing it has a history of such criminal acts.

Animal Control officers are advising that any suspicious activity be reported and for residents in that neighborhood to keep their cats inside for now.

(Michigan City, IN) - Fire heavily damaged a former longtime place of lodging in Michigan City Tuesday.  At about 5 p.m., firefighters responded to the former Christy’s Motel on U.S. 20 near the city’s fire station No. 4.

Fire Department spokesperson Tia Free said two rooms were fully engulfed in flames, which were put out before the fire could spread to other rooms in the single story structure.

Free said the investigation shows the two burning rooms and other areas of the structure were being lived in by vagrants.  It’s believed the fire is somehow connected to the illegal occupancy of the building.

“We think that has to do with the cause of the fire,” Free said.

Free said the fire was pretty much out within 30 minutes after the arrival of firefighters, who remained on the scene for over two hours making sure there were no lingering hotspots that could lead to a rekindling.

No people were located during a search of the entire building.

(Westville, IN) - Firefighters had to put out a fire that engulfed a vehicle Tuesday  afternoon in Westville.

The burning car was at Indiana 2 and U.S. 421.

We'll provide more details once they're made available by local authorities.

(La Porte, IN) - The door has opened for more new housing construction in La Porte. 

On Monday night, the city council approved a zoning change to allow townhomes to be part of the residential development.  Over 100 units are planned in the area of Monroe Street and Boyd Boulevard with nearly half of those planned to be townhomes.

Despite the construction of several new housing developments in recent years, City Councilman Drew Buchanan said the need is still there.

“Several housing studies and stuff have noted that we’re lacking in this type of development,” Buchanan said.

The developer has agreed to preserve what’s now a wooded area as much as possible in response to concerns from existing residents in that area, said Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership.

“It’s an incredibly unique parcel because of the fact that it has some great trees and the aesthetic that creates,” Cook said.

The city council’s decision was unanimous.

(Michigan City, IN) -  Franciscan Health Michigan City is hosting a free "Way to Grow" baby shower for expectant families and new parents.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. October 25 at Franciscan Health Michigan City, 3500 Franciscan Way in the Maria Theresia Conference Room across from the cafeteria on the first floor.

Information and education on car seat safety, prenatal care, safe sleep and community resources will be offered along with tours of the Family Birth Center, a breakfast buffet and giveaways.

Attendees will have the opportunity to win a Doona stroller and a Jeep stroller wagon.

The event is free, but registration is required. Registration is available online or by calling 1-800-931-3322.

(La Porte County, IN) - Five people are recovering from injuries sustained in a head on collision caused by a driver choosing to pass when it wasn’t safe.

Both vehicles came to rest upside down after the October 1 collision on Indiana 39 at 675 North.

La Porte County Police said Tayshaun Williams, 19, of La Porte was in the process of passing a vehicle from behind when he encountered an oncoming driver.

He and Khadijah Allen, 31, of Michigan City swerved but their vehicles still collided head-on, police said.

Allen and a six-year old girl riding with her along with a 16 year old girl in the other vehicle were taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend.  Two others involved in the crash were taken to Northwest Health.

According to police, Williams was given a breathalyzer test but whether there was any alcohol in his system was not disclosed.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Sheriff Ron Heeg has been named chairman of the 2025 Christmas funding raising campaign for the Salvation Army.

“The holidays are a time for community, for service and for generosity.  I’m honored to be part of something that supports local families when they need it most,” he said.

Heeg is the first chairman of the Christmas fund raising drive with the Salvation Army branches in La Porte and Michigan City under one leadership team.

Majors Dale and Becky Simmons, who previously were in charge of strictly the Michigan City location, are now in charge of each branch making the organization countywide.

Heeg will be officially introduced as this year’s campaign chairman during the annual Red Kettle kick-off event on November 3 at McDonald’s at 3507 Franklin St. in Michigan City from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

“I choose to be the Christmas Chair because I appreciate the work Majors Becky and Dale have done for the Michigan City Salvation Army.  I’m excited to see what they do now that this is becoming a countywide Salvation Army,” he said.

Heeg, who’s been with the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office for 28 years, is nearing the end of his third year as sheriff.

(Indianapolis, IN) - A local state lawmaker is retiring.

State Representative Pat Boy, a democrat from Michigan City, has chosen to step down with just over a year left on her current two-year term.

She was first elected in 2018.  Boy called her decision bittersweet but one she’s making to focus on her family.

"Serving the people of Northwest Indiana has been the honor of a lifetime and one of my most meaningful experiences,” she said.

Her last official day in office will be October 17.

Boy has served on the House Environmental Affairs Committee, the House Elections and Apportionment Committee and as the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee.

Boy says she’s especially proud of the role she played to protect the environment, strengthen public health and safety and give a voice to those who too often go unheard.

"Although I am stepping away from elected office, my heart will always be with the people I had the privilege to serve. I wish my colleagues in the General Assembly continued success and thank them for their friendship and partnership throughout the years,” she said.

Boy was on the city council in Michigan City for well over a decade prior to taking her seat at the statehouse.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man has admitted to allegations that include trying to sexually assault people inside their homes.

Demarcus Williams was about to stand trial today when he pleaded guilty to charges including attempted rape, child molesting and burglary.

In July of 2020, Williams was arrested following several 911 calls about a suspect breaking into home and attempting to sexually assault several victims during a two hour time frame.

In one instance, police said neighbors heard the screams of a woman and stopped the attempted rape by yelling at Williams, who took off running.

Williams could face up to 40 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.  A date for sentencing has not been set.

“Deputy Prosecutors Meghann Chonowski and Harry Peterson prepped hard for weeks on this case, and were going into trial with a strong case.  Preparing for trial takes a lot of time and focus, but having the Defendant plead Guilty at the very last moment is a satisfactory outcome.  I’m glad to have Meghann and Harry on my team,” said La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan.

(Westville, IN) - Pumpkins were eaten and even hurled from a huge sling shot during a long and still heavily attended tradition in Westville.

For over 30 years, the annual Westville Pumpkin Festival has delighted crowds with one of the highlights being the parade heading north Saturday morning on Flynn Road from Westville Farm Supply to Main St.

There are no shortages of pumpkins in Westville this time of year with Coulter Farms being one of the largest growers in the area with a 20 acre patch.

“Just bringing the community together to have a fun day,” said Kayla Meyers, a member of Westville Tri Kappa, the organizer of the event the group uses as a major fund raiser to promote charity, education and culture in the community.

The festival, which included food and craft vendors, games, live music and a car show was anchored at Prairie Meadow Park at U.S. 6 and U.S. 421.

Meyers estimated the annual attendance at about 3,000.

She was in charge of running the Pumpkin Sling, a huge sling shot-looking device made from wooden posts six inches in diameter with a bungee cord fastened to the top.

For $1, each participant was given two tiny pumpkins to place in the bungee cord one at a time for launching by pulling back on the strap and letting go of it.

The objective was to send the pumpkins through a hula-hoop or hit a tree. A number of pumpkins missing their mark landed in a woods about 75 feet away.

For one hour, Meyers said about 20 children and adults took part with some playing more than once.

Only three of the 100 tiny pumpkins obtained from Burek Farms near Kingsbury were left when the chance to play was over.  

“The kids loved it.  They just kept getting back in line and doing it over and over,” she said.

Other festival attractions included a pumpkin pie eating contest, a pumpkin bake-off and fireworks at the nearby campus of Purdue University Northwest.

There was also a contest for people to guess the weight of a 161 pound pumpkin from Coulter Farms and displays like over a half dozen pumpkins grown in the backyards of local children given seeds to plant in the spring.

The car show consisted of dozens of vehicles, including a 1947 Studebaker pick-up truck not driven for more than 50 years until this past June.

The owner is Ray Griffin, who obtained the truck with its original paint job after the death of his father and spent a year getting it ready to be on the roads again.

“It’s definitely been sitting for a long time,” he said.

Griffin said his father purchased the truck in 1969 and parked it in his garage five years later after the steering went out.  His father, for some reason, never fixed the truck but took it with him 17 years ago when he moved to Alabama.

“I loaded it up and brought it here,” he said.

Griffin said he rebuilt the brakes and fuel system on the truck, rewired the entire back end and did other things like put new tires on it.

He said driving the truck with 71,000 miles on the odometer is like going back in time with the top speed from its three speed engine at just over 40 miles per hour.

“It’s pretty much like driving a tractor,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - The once burning composting site in La Porte reopened today to individual members of the public.

The La Porte County Solid Waste District, which operates the composting site, said the public can dispose of their grass clippings, leaves and other green waste at the site on Zigler Road near the fairgrounds.

However, green waste from contractors still cannot be accepted right now, SWD officials said.

The composting site recently burned for just over a week until the entire pile was taken apart with heavy machinery and doused with water due to flames as much as 15 to 20 feet deep in the organic material. 

(Michigan City, IN) - A Fish Lake woman was allegedly impaired in a crash that resulted in her vehicle bursting into flames last night.

This happened in Michigan City in the 300 block of Woodlawn Ave.

Police said it appears Saleena Dietrich, 32, struck a mailbox then two vehicles parked in the driveway of a home before her car stopped and caught fire.

An officer tried putting out the fire with an extinguisher but it wasn’t enough to extinguish the flames, which engulfed the vehicle, police said.

Police said Dietrich was walking away from the scene of the crash when located and soon taken into custody after refusing a certified breathalyzer test.

According to police, a nearby homeowner reported hearing the screeching of tires before the collisions which had enough force to knock both vehicles several feet from where they were originally parked.

Her passenger, Gregory Kovach, 35, was arrested on multiple counts including public intoxication.

(Michigan City, IN) - A woman pulled from a pick-up truck submerged in Trail Creek at the lakefront in Michigan City has died.

Sherawn Chappel, 50, of Corbin, Kentucky passed away Sunday at a Chicago hospital, according to Michigan City Police.

She and a man also pulled from the truck were listed in critical condition when rescued late Saturday afternoon by divers, who found them in about eight to ten feet of water, police said.

Police said officers responded to a 911 call about a pick-up truck that drove into Trail Creek.

Chappel and the man, whose identity was not released due to the ongoing investigation, were discovered in the rear passenger compartment of the truck, police said.

They were taken by ambulance to Franciscan Health and later transferred to the University of Chicago Hospital for more advanced treatment. Police said the man was still hospitalized, but no light was shed on his current condition.

It is not known yet if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the crash, police said.

Anyone with information or video of the accident is asked to contact Michigan City Police.

(Elkhart County, IN) - A police chase that spanned four northern Indiana counties raced through La Porte County Thursday morning.

Police say it began shortly before 7:30 a.m. when a State Trooper tried to pull over a speeding westbound 2025 Kia K4 on the Indiana Toll Road in Elkhart County.

The chase continued west, with the driver avoiding spike strips in La Porte County before exiting onto SR 421. Continuing onto I-94, then SR 49, the Kia reportedly reached speeds of about 120 mph before spike strips in Porter County finally brought it to a stop. In all, police say the chase spanned nearly 70 miles.

28-year-old Daniyal Zaidi of New York was arrested for resisting law enforcement, reckless driving, and possession of marijuana. His Kia was impounded, and he was transported back to Elkhart County, where he later posted a $120,000 bond. According to police, Zaidi told officers he is Schizophrenic and has bipolar tendencies. He is scheduled for an initial hearing in Elkhart’s Superior Court 4 on October 10.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte resident was among the women from the region chosen for being a most impactful leader.

Organized by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association, 258 finalists were chosen from 517 nominees.  Each finalist received a medallion during a recent banquet.

“As this event continues to grow each year, we are reminded of the extraordinary talent thriving across all industries in our region. We are continually inspired by the passion, resilience, and leadership of these women,” said Andrea Pearman, executive director of NWIIWA.

Among the recipients was La Porte City Councilwoman Julie West for her work with the Play for Jake Foundation, an organization she started following the death of her son, Jake, in 2013.  He collapsed and died on the La Porte High School football practice field from an undetected heart condition.  The Play for Jake Foundation uses fund raisers and other donations to pay for heart screenings of school children in the area to prevent similar deaths.

West also led a successful effort at the statehouse for legislation requiring automated external defibrillators, which are designed to restart the heart of someone under cardiac arrest, at sporting, band, drama and other events in the schools.

(Michigan City, IN) - People can purchase food for the Salvation Army while doing their grocery shopping Saturday.  This will happen at the Al’s Supermarkets on Lincolnway in La Porte and on Franklin Street and Karwick Road in Michigan City.

$5 meat vouchers and pre-packed bags of groceries for $6 will be available to purchase then loaded into Michigan City and La Porte school buses for distribution to the Salvation Army locations in both communities.

The event called “Stuff A Bus” will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“What better time is there to do our part and help feed our own community,” said Salvation Army Major Becky Simmons.

The food will be available to people in need at the pantries at each Salvation Army location in La Porte and Michigan City. 

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City woman could face time in prison for using a belt on her six year old autistic son.

Ashlen Heitkamp, 25, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with domestic battery and neglect of a dependent, both Level 6 felonies.

According to court documents, authorities became involved in July after the grandparents discovered marks on his buttocks and stomach when changing his clothes to take him swimming.  Police said Heitkamp told investigators some of the marks were from neighborhood children kicking him but the others were from the belt she used on him for pooping on the carpet and trying to cover it up with laundry.

According to court documents, her home on Kentucky Street was also covered in mold and contained an odor of ammonia and cat feces strong enough to burn the nostrils of one of the investigators.

There was also the smell of suspected marijuana in the residence, police said.

Heitkamp could face anywhere from six months to 30 months on each count.  

(La Porte County, IN) - A man is behind bars after having what could be described as sex with a La Porte County Police vehicle.

Allen Gallacher, 41, is charged with resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.

Police said officers Wednesday afternoon were dispatched to Family Express at U.S. 20 and Indiana 39 due to Gallacher allegedly becoming hostile toward an employee asking him to leave.

The investigation shows he had been there off and on throughout the day asking customers at the front doors for money, police said.

Upon arrival, police said officers located him outside a nearby church and were met with profanities from Gallacher, who refused to answer their questions.

At one point, his penis became exposed when a jacket wrapped around his waist fell to the ground, police said.

Police said he placed his appendage on the front of the police vehicle and began humping the area between the front bumper and headlight while loudly uttering words of pleasure.

He also repeatedly ignoring orders to stop, police said. 

Police said Gallacher, who's address was not known, was placed into a segregation unit at the La Porte County Jail after becoming belligerent with staff.

(Michigan City, IN) - A jury came back with guilty verdicts Thursday in connection with the shootings of two men in Michigan City.

Javan Brown, 23, was convicted in La Porte Superior Court 1 on two counts of Level 1 felony attempted murder and other charges like Level 3 felony aggravated battery.  The shootings occured in July of 2023 in the 400 block of York Street.

According to police, Brown stepped out of a car, fired shots and ran back to the vehicle.  Then more shots rang out from the vehicle as it was fleeing the scene.

Both victims were found with gunshot wounds outside a residence.  The most seriously wounded victim was shot in the head but, fortunately, the bullet did not penetrate his skull, police said.  The other victim had gunshot wounds to both legs.

Brown is scheduled to be sentenced October 30^th.  He could face anywhere from 20 to 40 years on each of the two attempted murder counts, which are the most serious of the charges Brown was found guilty of committing.

In 2019, Brown was given a five and half year sentence for reckless homicide for the accidental fatal shooting of a friend, according to court records.  Click Here for more details on that story.

(La Porte County, IN) - Due to dry conditions, an open burning ban is now in effect for southern parts of La Porte County.  A 14 day ban was approved Wednesday by the La Porte County Commissioners at the request of local firefighters and farmers.

Commission President Connie Gramarossa said the ban is in effect in New Durham, Cass, Clinton, Noble, Hanna, Prairie and Dewey townships.  Cass-Clinton Fire Chief Jeff Mitzner said any open burning would pose a risk to dry crops waiting to be harvested, since it hasn’t rained much, if any, lately.

“It’s just a hazard out there right now to be burning things next to a corn field or a bean field.  It would go up pretty fast,” Mitzner said.

Gramarossa said the commissioners will decide whether to lift the ban or keep it in place at their next meeting on October 15th.

(La Porte County, IN) - A local farmer has been recognized for being friendly to the earth.

Mark Parkman has received an award for raising crops in a manner designed to keep his soil from getting washed into rivers and streams.

The River Friendly Farmer certificate is for food producers who go above and beyond in those efforts.

“It’s a nice honor to be recognized for the stuff that we’re trying to do,” he said.

Parkman, who’s from the Westville area, practices things like no till farming and planting cover crops to prevent soil erosion.  He raises mostly soybeans, corn and beef cattle.

Parkman is also president of La Porte County Farm Bureau.

The award is issued every year to growers statewide by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

(La Porte, IN) - A downtown La Porte business will be celebrating its 5^th anniversary while offering door prizes and sales.

A Whole World of Good at 711 Lincolnway is a boutique which also offers items like gourmet coffee and a lounge for customers to drink their beverages or simply relax.

The owners are Darrin and Jennie Lee Riddle, who purchased and renovated the building prior to opening the doors.  Mrs. Riddle said the celebration October 13-19 will also feature open houses, live music, a children’s story hour and drawings.  The prizes will include a large cowhide rug.

Currently, the couple is the process of opening another new business in downtown La Porte called Studio 7:14, a wellness clinic at 714 Lincolnway.  Riddle said the date for the grand opening will be revealed during the week-long celebration for A Whole World of Good.

Studio 7:14 will offer counseling, massage therapy and other things like infrared saunas along with programs about nutrition.  30 day sabbaticals will also be offered for business owners and leaders at the residence of the Riddle’s, who live in the historic former Ruth Sabin home in La Porte.

“We’re excited,” Riddle said.

(La Porte, IN) - A man accused of killing his stepfather in La Porte was scheduled to make his initial court appearance Friday on the allegations.

Breon Ware, 36, of Gary is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with murder and other counts in the Sunday night strangling at a home in the 1400 block of Jefferson Avenue.

Police said the investigation shows Ware and his stepfather, Aaron Stingley, 58, were arguing in the living room over some speakers.  A child inside the residence told investigators he witnessed the suspect punch the victim and place his arm around his neck before going upstairs, police said. 

The child also told investigators he soon returned to find Stingley face down on a couch and not moving, police said.

After the strangling, police said Ware went to his mother’s workplace and told her she needed to check on the victim, explaining that he “laid him out.”  She returned to the home and couldn’t find a pulse on Stingley, who was taken to Northwest Health where he later died.

Ware was taken into custody in the hospital parking lot during a struggle with police.  He could face a 45 to 65 year sentence just on the murder charge.

According to authorities, Ware has a prior conviction for dealing cocaine from 2013.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte High School Coffee Club is again brewing up success with its annual Grand Opening celebration.

The student run business in its third year of operation continues to be a popular campus destination and valuable learning space for aspiring entrepreneurs, according to school officials.

The Coffee Club operating under the guidance of business teacher Angie LaRocco has also evolved from a grant-funded startup to a self-sustaining enterprise.

"What makes this program special is that while we celebrate a Grand Opening each year to welcome new students to the class, we also have continuity from students who've been with us since the beginning," she said.

According to school officials, seniors Ethan Messacar, Sawyer Tonagel, and Ethan Gussman have been integral to the Coffee Club's journey, participating in the business venture since its very first day of operation three years ago.

Messacar hopes his experience will serve as a launching pad for starting a business leveraging his passion for producing music.

"I have worked on all sides of the business at this point, from promotion and marketing to management," Messacar said.

Students in their second and third years of the entrepreneurship program share responsibilities with advanced students in handling operations, finances, inventory management, drink preparation and marketing.

Currently, the class is preparing for their next venture, a school store that will provide Slicers apparel and snacks to the school community.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte woman pulled over for speeding is facing a variety of drug related charges including possession of methamphetamine.

Kaitlin Mannia, 35, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with one felony count for allegedly having four grams of methamphetamine along with three misdemeanor counts for marijuana, pills and drug paraphernalia like narcotic smoking pipes allegedly found in her vehicle.

According to court documents, she was pulled over August 27th for speeding on Weller Avenue and failing to use her turn signal while veering right onto Pine Lake Avenue.

Police said other drug paraphernalia on her possession included a marijuana grinder and scale.  She could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence on the most serious count.

(La Porte, IN) - Construction near Stone Lake in La Porte is beginning.  Starting Wednesday portions of Weller Avenue and Craven Drive will be closed for utility work, according city officials.

After that work is completed later this fall, officials said Lake Shore Drive will also be closed for similar construction into November.

People wanting access to the Stone Lake boat ramp or Lions Field should follow the recommended detour and enter the park off Orchard Avenue, officials said.

La Porte Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said the work involves running line from intake wells in Soldiers Memorial Park to the water treatment plant. 

That work is a continuation of work already started along Central Ave., he said.  

(La Porte County, IN) - A woman who drove into a La Porte County ditch is facing allegations of drunk driving and physically assaulting a police officer with her teeth.

Officers were at the scene of the accident waiting for a tow truck to arrive when 44 year old Wendi Joseph emerged from the ditch on foot soaking wet and muddy, according to La Porte County Police.  This was last Friday morning in the area of 1500 South and 700 West.

Police said the Monticello woman appeared highly intoxicated but refused to take a breathalyzer test, which resulted in her automatic arrest for operating while intoxicated.  At one point, police said she became very emotional and during a struggle kicked then bit a sheriff’s deputy.

Police said there were alcoholic beverages, including a lemonade flavored vodka, in her vehicle.

(La Porte, IN) - A man has been arrested for the Sunday night strangling death of his stepfather in La Porte.

On Sunday night, La Porte Police said officers responded to a home in the 1400 block of Jefferson Avenue near Tyler Street and found Aaron Stingley, 58, unconscious.  Stingley was taken to nearby Northwest Health where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy Tuesday revealed he had been strangled, police said.

Breon Ware, 36, of Gary is charged with murder and other counts. 

Based on infromation from Police, there were eyewitness accounts of Ware strangling Stingley.  That information lead to Ware being taken into custody during a struggle with Police, which occurred at the hospital after Ware showed up following the arrival of Stingley.

A search of the home produced a shotgun Ware allegedly had possession of during the strangling.   It was illegal for him to have a gun due to a prior serious violent felony conviction from 2013, police said.