(Northern Indiana) - Wrecked semis clogged up highways east of La Porte County on Monday. 

Around 8:00am, and then about an hour later, two tractor trailers jackknifed on two different stretches of the Indiana Toll Road near Bristol.  Lanes were shut down for several hours.

On the U.S. 20 -31 bypass, just west of South Bend, another semi jackknifed near the Western Avenue exit. That happened shortly after noon.  According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office, the southbound truck was hit by a gust of wind, causing it to swerve and hit a guardrail. That wreck reduced the highway to one lane and took a couple of hours to clean up.

No injuries were reported in any of those accidents.

(Indianapolis, IN) - State officials say Indiana saw a rebound in tourism last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, 83 million people traveled to the Hoosier State in 2024. That was a jump of nearly 2% from the year before.

A report compiled by Rockport Analytics broke down the impact of tourism, which now supports over 210,000 jobs across the state.

Last year, tourism generated nearly $17 billion in visitor spending and nearly $2 billion in state and local tax revenue.

According to the report, 65 cents of every dollar spent stays in the state economy.

(South Bend, IN) - The South Bend International Airport had a banner year in 2025. The airport on South Bend’s west side recently announced several milestones.

41 of the top 50 busiest days in the airport’s history took place last year, including 7 days in the top 10.  For the first time, the airport saw months of over 50,000 passengers, including a period topping 500 passengers per hour. Total air traffic is expected to surpass one million passengers by the end of the year.

South Bend Airport also added two new routes to Florida and had visits from the Goodyear blimp and some military Blackhawk helicopters.

A new development coming to the South Bend Airport in the coming year is the relocation of the train line that services it.  The South Shore Line is working to relocate their route to the west side of the airport and build a new train station.

Recently the South Bend Redevelopment Commission approved $5 million toward the project. South Shore is still counting on a $56 million loan from the federal government to get their plans on track.

(Knox, IN) - A Knox High School football player was honored at Sunday’s Indianapolis Colts game.

Myles McLaughlin, who was recently named Indiana’s Mr. Football, was featured during halftime. A two-minute highlight reel from this past season played on Lucas Oil Field’s Jumbotron. McLaughlin also appeared on the field during the presentation.

This year McLaughlin became the state’s career rushing and scoring leader, also setting national records for yards and touchdowns in a single season.

Knox lost in the semi-state, but McLaughlin will continue his football career next year at Murray State.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County man is accused of crashing his vehicle then stealing a vehicle that he drove home.  Derrick Jackson, 42, was arrested for theft and leaving the scene of an accident.

La Porte County Police were called about 7:30 a.m. Sunday to County Road 150 North near Mill Creek.  A vehicle had struck a tree and wound up overturned in a creek.

Police said Jackson was able to get out of the vehicle by possibly breaking the windshield then walked to a nearby home and stole a vehicle parked in a driveway.

He and the stolen vehicle were found at his residence just over a mile away from the crash site.  Police said Jackson had an odor of alcohol on his breath but he did not seem intoxicated.  It’s believed the crash happened several hours prior to the accident being discovered.

Police said Jackson, who had some cuts and bruising, declined medical attention.   Jackson said he remembered being at a bar that night but did not recall the crash or taking the vehicle, according to police.

 

(La Porte, IN) - A Powerball ticket worth $50,000 was sold in La Porte last week.

According to the Hoosier Lottery, the ticket for the December 22nd drawing was sold at the Family Express at 515 J Street in La Porte.

Other tickets worth $50,000 from Indiana were sold in Rochester and two other cities downstate. Players can check their tickets using the free Hoosier Lottery Mobile App.

(La Porte County, IN) - Today’s wintry weather, including the gusty winds, is producing scattered power outages locally.

According to NIPSCO, there were 39 customers without power as of 9:30 a.m. in the utility company’s La Porte service territory.  Another 26 NIPSCO customers in the Michigan City area were also without power.

NIPSCO was especially busy this morning trying to restore power to the west in places like Munster, which had over 1,700 customers without power.  Highland had more than 600 customers without electrical service.

Indiana Michigan Power Company reports over 200 customers without power this morning in the Springville area.

(Walkerton, IN) - A man was arrested following a single-vehicle crash near Walkerton after deputies say he was driving under the influence of drugs.

According to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a crash near State Road 104 and County Road 700 South on December 21st. Investigators say the driver left the scene but was located by Walkerton Police about one mile south of the accident.  

Police say the suspect showed signs of impairment during field sobriety test.  The suspect also allegedly admitted to deputies that he ingested cocaine prior to the accident, however the police report indicates he refused to take a certified chemical test.

An inventory of the vehicle led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia and approximately 0.28 grams of cocaine. 

The driver, 40 year old Andrew J. Bohaczek, was taken into custody and transported to the La Porte County Jail, where he faces multiple charges, including operating while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance.

(Michigan City, IN) - A traffic stop in Michigan City ended with the arrest of a passenger following a struggle with law enforcement.

According to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office, deputies stopped a GMC Yukon in the parking lot of Love's Travel Stop on North Loves Avenue on December 21st. During the stop, officers say a female passenger resisted deputies and was found to be in possession of a handgun.

Investigators say the situation escalated into a physical struggle, resulting in minor injuries to a deputy. The handgun was recovered and seized as evidence.

The passenger, identified as 48 year old Tai Lyn Mussa, was taken into custody and transported to the La Porte County Jail.  She is facing multiple charges, including resisting law enforcement and unlawful carrying of a handgun.

The incident remains documented as part of an ongoing case file with the sheriff's office.

(Merrillville, IN) - This holiday season marks NIPSCO’s 13th annual "Hope for the Holidays" campaign, which combines donations from both the company and its employees to benefit various community-serving organizations across northern Indiana.  This year, NIPSCO reports raising nearly a quarter of a million dollars and donating hundreds of toys to children in need.

The Merrillville-based utility donated $239,425 to 23 organizations across its service area. NIPSCO employees also contributed more than 800 new toys, which will be distributed through seven local Toys for Tots chapters.

Company leaders say the campaign highlights the generosity of employees and their commitment to helping families during the holiday season. NIPSCO has run the Hope for the Holidays campaign for 13 years, providing support for winter coats, holiday meals, warming centers, toiletries, and other essential items for those in need.

(Michigan City, IN) - The sound of Christmas bells will once again fill Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District on Christmas Eve.

Trinity Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Sixth and Franklin streets, says it will host its 10th annual outdoor Christmas Chimes Concert today at 3 p.m.

The event is open to the public and invites the community to gather and enjoy the holiday tradition.

(La Porte County, IN)- La Porte County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating reports of objects being thrown at vehicles along U.S. 421 over the weekend.

Officials say the incidents happened Saturday between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with drivers reporting frozen water bottles and other objects thrown from a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Several cars were damaged, and deputies say the actions are both criminal and dangerous.

The sheriff’s office has increased patrols in the area as the investigation continues. One victim is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County man is facing multiple felony charges following a child abuse investigation earlier this month.

Court records show 30-year-old Daniel Stevens has been charged with child molesting, a Level 1 felony, and domestic battery resulting in bodily injury, a Level 5 felony. The charges stem from allegations reported in November.

According to police, Michigan City officers were notified by the Department of Child Services on November 19th about a possible abuse case. That same day, investigators met with a DCS case manager and observed visible injuries on the child’s face.

The child was taken to the hospital for further evaluation, where medical staff discovered additional injuries. A pediatric specialist later determined the injuries were consistent with physical abuse and not accidental or self-inflicted.

During a forensic interview, police say the child identified Stevens as the person who caused the injuries and described multiple incidents.  Medical examinations also revealed bruising to the child’s head, eye, lower back, and genital area.

(Indianapolis IN) - The Indiana Court of Appeals has reinstated a jury verdict in favor of former La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz, rejecting efforts by former La Porte County Attorney Shaw Friedman to secure a new trial in a long-running defamation lawsuit.  

The defamation case, which was filed by Friedman in 2021, has centered on claims by Friedman that Stabosz defamed him in public statements and social media posts.  At the root of those public statements has been Stabosz accusations of corruption by saying Friedman acted as an "overlord of La Porte County government, coercing, intimidating, and terrorizing public officials to do his bidding".   In his defense against these allegations, Friedman points to a 2022 La Porte County Grand Jury ruling which found no criminal charges were warranted on any of the allegations reviewed from a seven month investiation into political corruption in La Porte County.

After a week-long trial in June 2024, a La Porte County jury rendered a verdict in favor of Stabosz in the defamation case.  Stephen R. Bowers, the special judge from Elkhart County presiding over the case, later vacated the verdict citing confusion over jury instructions, but he did so three days after the legal deadline for vacating a verdict.  This lead to Bowers rescinding his order for a new trial, which ultimately resulted in the appeal by Friedman for a new trial to the Indiana Court of Appeals.

In the opinion rendered by the appellate court on Monday, it found the belated order by Judge Bowers to be void by rule of law, affirming the original verdict and finding the jury was properly instructed on defamation law.

Stabosz celebrated the decision, calling it a victory for free political speech and transparency in government.

“There could be no better Christmas gift for me, but also for La Porte County government and its people,” Stabosz said, framing the lawsuit as an attempt to silence his criticism of county leadership.

Meanwhile, Friedman continues to maintain the jury was misled and the case should be offered a new trial.

“There is no question they were confused by the jury instructions, which is why Judge Bowers vacated the verdict and ordered a new trial—unfortunately, he did it three days late,” Friedman said.

In a statement to HTNN after the decision by the Court of Appeals, Friedman signaled potential next steps in this legal battle.

"This case has already been up to the Indiana Supreme Court once before and I anticipate we will be headed there again", Friedman said. 

(La Porte, IN) -  The La Porte Civic Auditorium stage has a new name, thanks to a generosity of a local family. At the recent “Holiday at the Pops” concert, the La Porte City Park Foundation announced the creation of the Bowers Family Fund, established to support the Civic Auditorium for generations to come. Edwin and Karen Bowers made a lead gift of $500,000, with more contributions pledged for the future. In recognition, the stage at the La Porte Civic Auditorium has been renamed “The Bowers Family Stage”.

Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber says this contribution could transform the building’s future. He noted that the Fox family provided the original gift for the Civic nearly 100 years ago, and now, the Bowers Family Fund will help ensure it remains a treasured community asset for another century.

The Bowers Family Fund will provide long-term support for maintenance, repairs, and facility improvements. The Foundation is seeking additional donations for the fund and will kick off a fund raising campaign in 2026. 

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City police officers recently completed specialized training focused on emergency response and preparedness.

The Michigan City Police Department says officers partnered with Michigan City High School for a multi-jurisdictional active shooter training exercise. Law enforcement agencies from across the region took part, working through several scenarios that emphasized coordination and effective response.

MCPD says the training shows how strong regional partnerships and preparation can make a difference during critical incidents, and officials say ongoing training remains a priority to help keep the community safe.

(Benton Township, MI) - A man was killed early Monday morning following a fiery crash involving two semi-trucks in Benton Township.

Police say the crash happened around 5:45 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-94 near the 29-mile marker. Investigators say one semi struck another that was parked on the shoulder, causing both trucks to catch fire.

Despite rescue efforts, one of the drivers was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver has not yet been identified.  The second semi driver was not injured.

Police say neither truck was carrying hazardous materials, adding that HAZMAT crews were on scene only to assist with a diesel and oil spill.

The crash remains under investigation.

(La Porte County) - Friday afternoon was the annual Mayor’s "Ring-Off", a friendly fundraiser between La Porte and Michigan City benefiting the Salvation Army.

Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch raised $11,414, while La Porte Mayor Tom
Dermody brought in $5,922, with strong support from both communities.

All of the money raised will go toward Salvation Army programs that help families and
individuals right here in the area.

Michigan City came out on top this year, but organizers say the real win was seeing both cities come together for a good cause.

(La Porte County, IN) - Three area students have been awarded full rides to college through the Lilly Foundation.

Lupita Osornio-Luna, from La Crosse, attends Tri Township Jr./Sr. High School where she is President of the National Honor Society and Student Council Treasurer, among other leadership roles.  She was selected recently as keynote speaker at Hoosier Girls State.

Madeleine McCarther, of La Porte, attends Marquette High School.  She is a two-time recipient of the Presidential Service Award, having completed over 200 service hours through her volunteer work.  She was also a top-five “Outstanding Girl” finalist at Hoosier Girls State.

These students were chosen by Unity Foundation of La Porte County. 

A third student earned a Lilly Scholarship through St. Joseph County.  CeCelia Walls is a New Prairie student who will be attending the University of Notre Dame.

All three students will receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship with a book stipend for the Indiana college or university of their choice.

(New Carlisle, IN) - An essential part of making room for the Amazon data center has been the relocation of a major drainage ditch that runs through that area.

The Niespodziany Ditch used to cut right through the southern portion of the Indiana Enterprise Center. It has been rerouted to allow for industrial redevelopment.

Bill Shcalliol, head of economic development in St. Joseph County, told the Redevelopment Commission that the realignment is nearly complete. 

"There was a lot of coordination on putting material into the old ditch corridor. So, we had aerials flown back in the middle of November and it's amazing to see the new ditch completely grown in and the old ditch is almost unrecognizable", Shcalliol said.  

The work, done by Lawson-Fisher of South Bend, has been ongoing since 2022 at the cost of nearly $1 million.  Over a mile of the ditch totaling nearly 12,000 cubic yards of fill dirt was rerouted.

"It's amazing how this (Amazon) project has transformed that area", said Shcalliol.

(New Carlisle IN) - A new access road for the Amazon data center east of New Carlisle has been approved.

Last week the St. Joseph County Commissioners signed off on the road project. They call it a bypass, although it’s more of a frontage road on Larrison Rd east of the sprawling Amazon campus. It will allow easy and safer access to AWS by future Amazon employees.

According to officials, Amazon will pay for the project while the county will be responsible for maintaining the road.

This is not to be confused with the new interchange that will be built at the corner of Larrison and Highway 2. That project is still in the planning stages.

(Michigan City, IN) - Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City has received another generous donation.  $95,000 has been given to the zoo by the Otto and Margaret Zack Charitable Trust.

The money will go towards upgrading one of the zoo’s backup generators, enhancing exhibits, and purchasing animal care needs.

In recent years, the Otto and Margaret Zack Charitable Trust has donated to the Washington Park Zoo, as well as to the Michiana Humane Society and the small animal shelter in La Porte.

(La Porte County, IN) - A local official is standing firm on his promise to protect residents from the impact of data centers exploring locations in La Porte County.

While La Porte County Commissioner Joe Haney says he’s against data centers interested in locating near homes or private wells, he would consider supporting a data center in the Kingsbury Industrial Park, provided appropriate restrictions are in place.

"Data centers use electricity, which is going to be a strain on the entire county, as well as the potential for water usage, which wouldn't just affect the water tables inside of the park, but could potentially affect water tables in the surrounding communities that are outside of that park", said Haney. 

To date, Haney indicates no data centers have sought permission from county government to build out in the county.   Currently an effort is under way to create a data center ordinance that would impose restrictions on such facilities.

"There's so many different things that we would have to ensure would be right before I'd even consider putting one in Kingsbury Industrial Park", Haney said.

(Union Mills, IN) - A La Porte County school has installed a new public lifesaving device on its campus.

South Central High School recently unveiled an outdoor AED station. It’s located in front of the school building outside door #3.

The new equipment was paid for by Tonn & Blank Construction. South Central also thanked Julie West from the Play for Jake Foundation and Cpt. Derek Allen from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office for spearheading the effort.

The SaveStation is the 6th outdoor 24/7 accessible AED at South Central. The others were provided by Health Foundation of La Porte. The new one will actually automatically call 911 when it is accessed.

The school has a total of 15 potable AEDs on campus now. AEDs are managed and maintained by our certified athletic trainer, Danielle McIntyre, and RN Kelli Soenksen, the school corporation nurse.

(La Porte, IN) - It appears an old school building in La Porte will be torn down to make way for new housing.

The La Porte Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday approved plans to demolish the former Washington school and replace it with 17 town homes at Bach and Roosevelt Streets.

Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said he believes the homes would be a good match for a neighborhood that hasn’t seen new housing construction in decades.  “I do think it looks pretty consistent with what’s there by today’s standards,” he said.

The project received tax credits from the state as incentive to help offset the cost of the work.  The hope is to begin construction in the summer.  Resident Susan Antoszewski said her fears about the project include lower property values and homes not being aesthetically pleasing with existing dwellings.

“I invite all of you to drive through pole town.  They’ll stick out like a sore thumb.  It will not match anything in the neighborhood,” she said.  Cook said the homes will be affordable workforce-type housing offered on a rent to own basis.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Hudson Lake man is once again facing child sex crime allegations.

In April, police were involved when claims were made that Joseph Keller, 31, allegedly touched a young girl in an inappropriate manner.  Keller was charged several months later based on the findings of the investigation.

He’s now facing charges of child molestation and violating the terms of his lifetime parole.  According to court records he was on parole for being convicted of child molesting just over 10 years ago where he received a 7 year prison sentence.

(Michigan City, IN) - Plans for a high rise hotel and condominiums in Michigan City seems to be at risk.

The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission has voted to not renew a development agreement with the company proposing the project.  Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said its been nearly five years and the developer still has not secured financing for the work.

She said the city during that time invested a lot of resources to help get construction off the ground. Since the company doesn’t have financing in place yet, she said the redevelopment commission felt it was best to let the agreement expire at the end of the year should expectations continue not being met.

”When a project is unable to meet those requirements after extensive effort and multiple extensions, it is our responsibility to acknowledge that reality and move forward,” Deuitch said.

The plans included a 14 story hotel and another building similar in size to house condominiums on US 12 near the city’s lakefront.

(La Porte, IN) - There’s a new person in charge of the Civic Auditorium in La Porte.  The city hired Rhonda Ashcraft as the new director of the facility.

Officials cited her over 20 years of experience in management along with her work in other leadership roles in the private sector.  Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said Ashcraft seems to be a great fit for running a facility that has hosted more concerts and other major events in recent years.

“It’s essential to have a leader at the helm who can keep the momentum while ensuring the building’s viability for the next generation,” he said.  Ashcraft will begin her new position after the first of the year.  She replaces Gregory Pietsch, who resigned several months after becoming director in January of this year.  Pietsch was formerly the hospitality director at the Kroc Center in South Bend.

(Michigan City, IN) - The draw bridge at Michigan City’s lakefront will be closed soon for repairs.

The historic Franklin St. bridge will be closed for over two months beginning January 5. Project Manager Andy Skwiat told the La Porte County Commissioners last night the goal is to be done with the work and reopen the bridge by March 15. Officials want the bridge reopened by then so people have easy access to the lakefront again at a time when demand for traveling to the Lake Michigan shoreline begins picking up.

Major work on the bridge has occurred annually during the winter in recent years to keep it working properly since the span over Trail Creek is the main access point to the lakefront.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody is planning an all-out blitz to try and lure the Chicago Bears into the city.

The Bears announced they have reopened their search for a site to build a new stadium and included Northwest Indiana as one of the possible locations.  La Porte officials tried once before to get the Bears to come here before the team announced several months ago that Arlington Heights, Illinois was the site for the new stadium.   The search was just expanded after talks to build a stadium in the Chicago suburb recently broke down.

Dermody said he will firmly make the case again for La Porte.  ”We’re back in the game and, absolutely, I think our community would love to have the Bears here as their home team,” he said.  Dermody said the plan is to first reach out to the Bears to discuss what La Porte has to offer for building the stadium here.

“This is a perfect place for our future and their future together,” he said.

Dermody said he’s already contacted the governor for help in trying to get the Bears to come here.  There’s speculation the city will push to have the stadium built along the Indiana Toll Road in the area the city annexed nearly two years ago.

(Michigan City, IN) - The La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office is asking a juvenile be charged as an adult for the slayings of a man and woman in Michigan City.

Currently, the 14 year old boy is charged as a juvenile.  The man and wife in their 60’s were fatally stabbed about six weeks ago at their home on Schofield Court.  There was a court hearing Tuesday for a judge to begin the process of deciding the request.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said the case under state law has to meet certain requirements to be waived from juvenile to adult court.  “The court will assess certain factors. Look at mental health.  Mental health well-being and what’s in the best interests of the child.  Those kinds of things,” he said.

The victims were foster parents of the boy.   So far, additional details about the killings have not been made available since the case is still in the juvenile court.  Another court hearing on the matter is scheduled next month.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte area man could receive time behind bars for driving across a farmer’s field on a snowmobile.

Brett Schuler is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony criminal mischief.  Authorities said he caused roughly $2,000 in damage to soybeans that were still in the field he cut across on November 11 in the area of Indiana 2 and 600 East.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Schuler told conservation officers he and a friend were riding their snowmobiles when his friend’s snowmobile broke down.  Schuler said he was heading back to a truck and trailer he parked when he decided to cut across the field on his snowmobile out of convenience, DNR stated.

According to Indiana law, misdemeanor trespassing in a farm field can be upgraded to a felony under certain conditions such as property damage ranging from $750 to $50,000.  Schuler could face anywhere from a six month to 30 month sentence.

(La Porte, IN) - Investigators are looking into the cause of a semi-truck fire at a grocery store in La Porte.  Firefighters were called to Kroger before 6 a.m. on Sunday. 

Fire Chief Andy Snyder said a trailer containing frozen food was attached to the still running semi, which caught fire just as the cargo was about to be unloaded.  Snyder said the semi went up in flames but firefighters managed to limit the damage to the trailer and building to almost nothing.

The driver told investigators he started having issues with his engine stalling roughly one hour before arriving in La Porte.   Snyder said what started the fire is not yet exactly known.

“It does not look like that we have a clear determination as to the cause,” Snyder said.

(La Porte County, IN) - LaPorte County officials have approved a partnership with Franciscan’s HEALTHeACCESS to give county government employees and their families access to a variety of healthcare services with no out-of-pocket costs.

“I’m pleased that we have the ability to offer such a wonderful benefit to our employees and their dependents to help address their healthcare needs,” said LaPorte County Human Resources Director Monique Thomas.

HEALTHeACCESS is a regional leader in advanced primary care models with 17 clinics and more than 200 participating employers, like LaPorte County government.

It’s a near-site clinic program that provides a wide network of conveniently located clinics, expanded primary/urgent care access for participating employers, enhances wellness and disease management programs and provides affordable network designs with fixed monthly fees and wellness portal programs.

“Our goal is to deliver exceptional access, continuity and support, whether that’s right here in La Porte or at any of our HEALTHeACCESS locations across the state,” said Tim Ross, Director of Employer Solutions for Franciscan Health.,

A new Franciscan HEALTHeACCESS office opened in July 2024 in the City of La Porte at 400 Legacy Plaza West.  The HEALTHeACCESS office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

More information is available by calling (219) 575-6055.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County woman was scammed by someone posing as a landlord.

According to La Porte County Police, the 61 year old woman reported she was looking for an apartment to rent when she began chatting on Facebook with someone claiming to be the owner of a rental she had available.  As instructed, the victim placed what was supposed to be a $400 deposit on gift cards and a $60 application fee on a cash app.

Police said the suspect using serial numbers and other information given to her by the victim took the money from the app and gift cards before the woman began suspecting it was a scam.  As it turned out, police said not only did the scammer not own the apartment but the apartment was occupied.   So far, no suspects have been identified.

(La Porte, IN) - The mayors of La Porte and Michigan City will try to outdo each other in ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during its annual Christmas fund raising campaign.

The friendly competition held annually in recent years is scheduled Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Mayor Tom Dermody and his  team from La Porte along with Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and her team will staff a red kettle in their respective communities to see who can raise the most funds.

The Dermody team will be outside Kroger during the competition while the Deuitch and her helpers will be at Al’s Supermarket on Karwick Road.  In addition, each mayor will have a red kettle at City Hall along with virtual red kettles for people to donate online.

Online donations for Michigan City can be made at donate.salvationarmyindiana.org/MayorAngieMC. 

Contributions online for La Porte can be made at donate.salvationarmyindiana.org/MayorTomLP.

“We see firsthand the growing needs among local families, and we are incredibly grateful to both Mayor Angie and Mayor Tom for stepping up once again to help raise critical funds,” said Major Dale Simmons, who operates the Salvation Army branches in Michigan City and La Porte with help from his wife, Becky.

Funds raised this time of year help provide food and toys to hundreds of local families during the holidays, and also support year-round services including food pantries, weekend backpack programs, diaper assistance, summer camp, spiritual care and case management.

Community members who wish to volunteer as bell ringers may sign up in either Michigan City or La Porte by visiting www.RegisterToRing.com.

(La Porte, IN) - The City of La Porte will have a new assistant fire chief.  Captain Zach Kanney, a member of the department for 18 years, will take over for Kelly Burke, who recently decided to step down as the second in command.

Fire Chief Andy Snyder complimented Kanney for his work throughout the years.  "Between his many years of valuable experience and the leadership skills he possesses, I know he will thrive in this new role. We congratulate him and are eager to see what he will bring to this position," he said.

Snyder said Burke will remain assistant fire chief until the end of the year before taking the rank of Battalion Chief at the department.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver who struck two mailboxes near Michigan City yesterday afternoon was heavily impaired by alcohol.  That’s according to La Porte County Police, who were called to the 3700 block of N. County Line Road after 2:30 p.m.

Clinton Schroder, 51, told investigators he ran over an icy spot causing him to run off the road and strike the mailboxes in his 2003 Dodge RAM pick-up truck, police said.

Schroder was booked into the La Porte County Jail for operating while intoxicated with an alleged blood alcohol level of .247 percent, well above the .08 percent legal limit.

(Hobart, IN) - A Northwest Indiana man who repaired push mowers to sell while growing up now makes a living primarily fixing and restoring tractors from the early 1900’s.

Justin Click is owner of JC Tractor Restoration and Repair, a company he started about 20 years ago at his shop in Hobart.  He and his five employees work mostly on tractors from 1910 to 1930 along with antique trucks and old semis.

His customers are from all over the nation with tractors and trucks delivered to his shop or picked up and returned personally by Click, who recently came back from California with a farm truck made by Rumely to work on.  On the bigger jobs, it’s not unusual for Click to make the drive to deliver the finished product.

“I like to take it to the customer so I can go over it with them so they’re happy,” he said.

Rumely, famous for its gasoline powered Oil Pull Tractors and other early farm machinery, made trucks for just a couple of years.  Click said only five Rumely trucks are still known to exist.

“We work on the rarest stuff there is,” he said.

His jobs range from full restorations to much less time consuming engine tune-ups.

The 44 year old Click, who did not grow up on a farm, appears to be naturally gifted at a craft he began honing as a young child when he earned money by fixing and selling used lawn mowers waiting to be hauled away as junk.

In his early teens, he moved up to repairing things like engines and transmissions on small, newer model tractors in the garage of his home for a local John Deere dealership.  During that period of time, he also developed a love for antique tractors he’d see on display at shows he went to on a regular basis.

In his late teens, he purchased for about $9,000 a Rumely tractor he fixed up to start his own collection that has since grown to more than a dozen pieces.

A few years later, Click said he was working at U.S. Steel in Gary when he started what was then a part-time business.  His days were spent working on antique tractors and trucks at his shop and at a tractor museum in Illinois before heading to his midnight shift job at the mill.

His business had grown enough in eight years to allow him to quit his job at the mill and work full time at his shop.   Click said he receives a higher percentage of Rumely machines to work on than any other brand.

“I don’t think in the 20 years I’ve been doing this there hasn’t been a Rumely sitting here to work on,” he said.

Other brands he’s worked on from the early 1900’s include Aultman & Taylor, Avery, Flour City and International.

Parts for such old machines are nearly impossible to find so he makes what he can in his shop and contracts with foundries to produce the rest based on diagrams or pictures of the ones that need replacing.

Click, who’s from a family of steelworkers, said he’s always had a talent for fixing machinery and made century old tractors and trucks his specialty because he’s fascinated by how differently the pieces then were designed.

The differences include engines having one to six cylinders, depending on the brand and model year, and some being oil cooled while others were water cooled.

“Today, everything is very similar,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A two liter bottle tossed from a moving vehicle apparently caused some damage between Westville and Wanatah over the weekend.

It was among the seven vehicles on the same highway damaged Saturday from objects discarded from other vehicles heading in the opposite direction.

La Porte County Police said one driver was on U.S. 421 about 6 p.m. when she suddenly heard something strike her car right after she passed an oncoming vehicle. 

After driving home, police said a two liter bottle labeled “Cola” was found stuck in one of her headlights.  There were also cracks on her front bumper and fender.

Police said all of the incidents on U.S. 421 happened between the areas of 200 North and 1800 South.

“These malicious acts are not only criminal but incredibly dangerous,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen.

Anyone with information that might lead to an arrest is asked to contact La Porte County Police.

(St. Joseph County, IN) - A La Porte man was killed in a two-vehicle crash west of Walkerton.  The accident happened late Thursday morning on US 6 near Poplar Rd.

According to reports, an SUV collided with a passenger vehicle driven by 44year-old William Dankert IV of La Porte.  Dankert was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV, 28-year-old Kyle Austin Seals of Walkerton, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.  Police said Seals was swerving and veered over the center just prior to the collision.

Investigators are waiting for the results of a blood test to determine if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the collision.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte youth football team is back to back national champions.  The Pop Warner 11U team won the Division II national Pop Warner football title on Friday in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Head Coach Mike Nelson said his Greater La Porte Slicers team went 60 yards with about a minute to play for the game winning touchdown.  The ball was on the opponent’s 20 yard line when quarterback Ben Nelson threw a pass to Colten Rogers, who after the catch ran the ball four yards into the end zone just as time on the game clock expired.

“The whole place went nuts.  It was fun,” Nelson said.  The final score was 20-14 against Oceanside, California.  The story book ending to the season came a year after the team won the 10U national Pop Warner title 39-6 against a team from Pennsylvania.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte family has turned their house into a holiday light show.

Mike and Kim Schoner live in a ranch house at the corner of Collins and Nowak Drive, which right now is a giant movie screen displaying Christmas magic.

“We’re using high-definition laser technology to project a light show on our house,” Mike told HTNN. “We have six different sets of songs with a variety that I think would appeal to young kids through adults.”

To enjoy sounds with the sights, passersby can tune their radios to 88.9 FM. Schoner says the entire show lasts 30 minutes.

Looking at the display, one would assume Mike has a background in multimedia technology, but he says that’s not so. “I have no background in this,” said Schoner with a chuckle. “I’ve been looking at this technology for quite a few years and seen other people do it.”

Schoner says the display has been up for about a week and is growing in popularity. “Most nights we can even be found outside in our car, waiting for people to clear out to pull into our garage.” But the Schoners don’t mind. They like watching the show as much as anyone. They only ask that observers stay respectful of neighbors and refrain from blocking other driveways.

The display runs Sundays through Thursdays from 5-10 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-11. Collins Drive is just south of CR 250 South, east of the La Porte Airport.

This is the family’s first attempt at a holiday attraction, and they say they intend to build on it. “I think it’s good this year,” Mike said, “but it’s only going to get better from here on out.”

The Schoners will run the Christmas show through January 1. They also plan to have festive displays for the 4^th of July and Halloween next year.

(Michigan City, IN) - Charges have been filed in connection with a man struck more than a dozen times in the head with a baseball bat in Michigan City.

Joshua Finai, 33, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 3 felony aggravated battery and Level 5 felony battery by means of a deadly weapon.

According to court documents, Finai in late October went into a home in the 200 block of Emma St. and spotted a man and woman asleep on the floor. They were fully clothed but the sight angered Finia, who had an off and on relationship with the woman, police said.

In response, police said Finai grabbed a wooden baseball bat and began striking the man in the head.  At some point, the bat broke.  However, Finai kept hitting the man with the broken bat until leaving after informed the police were coming, according to court documents.

The victim was in and out consciousness and lost control of his bowels from the pummeling.  Police said the victim was placed into a medically induced coma at the hospital to assist in his recovery.

Finai could face anywhere from a 3 to 16 year sentence on the most serious count.

(Michigan City, IN) - Three local accounting firms will compete in a friendly bell-ringing challenge to support the Salvation Army in Michigan City.

The annual “Battle of the Beancounters” is scheduled Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Applegate & Company, CLH CPAs, and CBIZ will each staff a kettle location seeking donations during that time period.

Funds raised through the Red Kettles support hundreds of local families with Christmas assistance and help sustain year-round services including The Salvation Army’s food pantry, diaper bank, weekend backpack feeding program, summer camp, free clothing room, spiritual care, and case management.

“We are so grateful to these firms for bringing such creative, outside-the-box thinking to this year’s Red Kettle Campaign,” said Major Becky Simmons, who oversees The Salvation Army of Michigan City with her husband, Major Dale Simmons.

“These funds are critical, not just during the holidays, but throughout the entire year as we work to support families who rely on us for food, emergency assistance, and hope. This friendly competition will ultimately benefit the real winners: the people of Michigan City,” she said.

The event holds special meaning for Applegate & Company, as Paul and Sharon Applegate and their family previously served as Christmas Campaign Chairs for The Salvation Army of Michigan City.

“After serving as the Christmas Campaign Chair several years ago, I realized the importance of The Salvation Army as a safety net for people in need with no other alternatives,” Mr. Applegate said.

The community is invited to visit any of the participating kettles on December 16 or donate online to support their favorite “Beancounter” team.

Those interested in volunteering as a bell ringer still have time to sign up at www.RegisterToRing.com. Red Kettles will remain out in the community through Christmas Eve.

For more information about volunteering, donating, or accessing services, please contact The Salvation Army of Michigan City at (219) 874-6885 or visit www.SAmichigancity.org.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver blamed ice for him striking a tree.

That may or may not be true, but La Porte County Police say he was intoxicated.  The crash happened Thursday afternoon in the area of 300 South and 500 East.

Police said Shawn Miller, 32, told investigators he drove over a sheet of ice, causing him to leave the road and strike the tree head on in his 2014 Dodge Charger.

Fortunately, he was not injured.

Police said Miller had a blood alcohol level close to three times the .08 percent legal limit.

He went on a shoplifting spree at different stores in La Porte before arrested during a foot chase.

Those are the allegations faced by Jacob Brennan, 32, who's charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony theft.

According to court documents, police were called Tuesday night about a man later identified as Brennan running from Rural King with items he allegedly stole from the store.

Police said responding officers spotted him then lost sight of the man seen again a short time later running through the parking lot of a nearby urgent medical care facility.  He was spotted again a short time later outside Biggby Coffee before he started walking beside a long concrete wall.

Police said Brennan soon complied with orders to put his hands in the air and lay down on the ground on his stomach.

A backpack filled with an electric razor and other stolen items from several stores in the immediate area was recovered, police said.

Police said Brennan was recognized by responding officers because of multiple previous encounters with law enforcement.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man could face significant prison time on allegations he broke into the home of a Hudson Lake woman and pointed a gun at her before shooting himself.

Clifford Shoults, 42, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 2 felony burglary.

According to court documents, the woman woke up about 1 a.m. on November 6 to a man she knows later identified as Shoults standing in her bedroom.

Police said she ushered the man out of her home and told him not to return.

Several hours later, police said the woman through her ring camera noticed Shoults trying to open her locked door.  She went over to the door and opened it.  In response, Shoults allegedly grabbed her and forced his way into the residence.

Police said the woman broke free and was followed by Shoults into her bedroom where he pointed a pistol at her.  The woman left the bedroom to get her 10 year old daughter and while leaving Shoults shot himself in the face, police said.

He was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend.  The charge could bring him anywhere from a 10 to 30 year sentence.

(New Buffalo, MI) - A sophomore at New Buffalo High School has made all-state in swimming.

Phoebe Zalewski qualified for all-state honors by finishing in 6^th place in the 100 meter freestyle during a state championship tournament at Oakland University last month. 

Zalewski is on a school coop team consisting of swimmers from larger schools like Bridgman and Berrien Springs.  New Buffalo High School Athletic Director Matt Johnson said the team because of their combined enrollment goes up against some of the best swimmers in the state.

“She’s competing at the highest level,” he said. Zalewski fell just short of qualifying for all-state in other categories with an 11^th place finish in the 200 meter freestyle and her relay team placing 11^th in the 200 meter relay.

“She’s got a really great future as a swimmer,” he said.  Other awards for Zalewski this year included being conference champion in the 100 meter freestyle.  Zalewski also participates during the off-season in USA Swimming, a non-school related sanctioning body that hosts regional and national competitions, and works on power lifting during the winter.  “She’s doing the little things to try to elevate herself, which is awesome,” Johnson said.

(La Porte, IN) - A step aimed at making school sports teams in La Porte more competitive has been taken.

A strength and conditioning coordinator is a newly created position approved this week by the school board.  “As our athletic offerings continue to grow, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need dedicated leadership in this area,” said La Porte Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood

Wood said the coordinator will work with students in grades K through 12.  “A strong, well-coordinated strength and conditioning program is truly foundational to any successful athletic system, improving performance, reducing injuries and ensuring that student athletes are trained safely and consistently across all seasons and teams,” she said.

Wood said whoever is chosen to fill the position will be considered an administrator reporting directly to the athletic director.  She said the goal is to present a finalist for the position to the school board for consideration in January.

(La Porte, IN) - A golf course in La Porte could become a haven for new housing construction.  Close to 300 single family homes are proposed for Briar Leaf Golf Course, which recently informed the city it is closing. 

Officials said the golf course owner wants to sell the property to a housing developer from the Chicago area.  It appears the sale hinges on whether the city approves a few variances in the current zoning laws to allow for the construction.

Attorney Bill Nelson representing the property owner told the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals this week the project would be a good fit since there’s already housing on the golf course and the immediate area.

“The proposed alternative use is consistent, actually, with the surrounding properties,” he said.  The sale price for the homes would range from about $350,000 to around $450,000.  The BZA approved the zoning variance requests involving slight adjustments in setback lot size requirements.  Final approval is now up to the city council.

(La Porte, IN) - A feasibility study will be conducted to help determine the future of Kiwanis Field in La Porte.

The La Porte School Corporation and the group, Preserve Historic La Porte, have agreed to share in the cost of the study. Officials said the 75 year old home of the Slicers football team requires significant repairs to meet the needs of a modern high school athletics program.  The study will reveal the extent of the work necessary for restoring the stadium.

After the study is completed, officials said the findings will be shared and evaluated for a committee to make a recommendation to the school board on how to move forward.  "This partnership allows us to take a thoughtful, informed approach to determining what Kiwanis Stadium needs to continue serving our students and community." said Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Aaron Owney.  No timeframe for making a decision was revealed.

(La Porte, IN) - The owner of a former La Porte scrap yard wants to resume his business at a new location but the city has given his plans a thumbs down.

Spectrum Recycling was forced to close recently to allow for construction of an overpass on Tipton St.  The proposed new slightly more than two acre site is similar in size and just a short distance away from the old location.

However, the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday turned down the request, citing things like disruption to nearby residents.  Spectrum Recycling Owner David Shaw didn’t see much of a difference between the new and former site.

“Basically, we’re moving 200 feet.  We’re in the same neighborhood. We’re doing what we’ve been doing for years,” he said.

Also speaking was James Sullivan, who lives close to where the scrap yard used to operate.  Sullivan said he was never bothered by noise and what some people believe was an unsightly operation especially with homes nearby during his 18 years of living at his residence.

He said the one issue he ever had was quickly addressed to his liking.

“They’ve always been kind, courteous and friendly.  I never had another issue ever since,” he said.

Officials said Spectrum Recycling is currently looking at another undisclosed site.  The scrap yard was at its former location for over 70 years before having to shutdown.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana could have a designated state sandwich.  A bill has been introduced in the Indiana legislature to make the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich the state sandwich.  The crispy, deep fried pork cutlet often larger than the bun is already the unofficial sandwich in Indiana.

The bill was introduced by Indiana State Senator Andy Zay, who represents District 17 between Logansport and Ft. Wayne.  If approved, the designation would take effect on July 1.

(La Porte County, IN) - A local church has given money to help people without a home stay warm at night.

Westville United Methodist Church donated $5,000 to Nest Community Shelter, which runs overnight shelters in Michigan City and La Porte.  The money came from the sale of goods at the church’s resale shop.  Pastor Tony Guill said the monetary donation comes after the church gave food, coats and gloves to the organization the past three years.

Harry Holtkamp, Executive Director of Nest Community Shelter, appeared taken back by the latest gift. “I’m so grateful and thankful. I’m floored,” he said.  Nest Community Shelter with an annual budget of more than $400,000 operates strictly on donations and grants.

Lately, Holtkamp said the shelter in La Porte has served as many as 20 people a night while the one in Michigan City has been accommodating more than 30 people a night.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Lumiere before a packed home crowd jumped out to a big lead and cruised to a 93-58 victory against Michigan City in boys’ high school basketball on Tuesday, December 9.

Devin Cleveland, a 6’3” junior transfer student from Chicago, started the scoring for the nationally ranked Lakers by driving to the rim for a lay-up. Following another Lakers bucket, the Wolves cut the lead to one on a three point shot from senior guard Brian Jackson.

However, the Lakers quickly extended the lead to nine points with help from three point buckets by seniors Jonathan Sanderson, a 6’3” guard from Ann Arbor, Michigan and 6’8” forward Rivers Knight of Durham, North Carolina.

The Wolves were down by eight points before Sanderson sank a three point shot to trigger another scoring burst that included a dunk from 7’0” center Gan Solongo, a senior transfer student from Mongolia.

Sanderson and Solongo are committed to play next season for the University of Notre Dame.  Knight has signed to play at Purdue University.

Michigan City trailing by 17 points began the second quarter with 6’5” senior Terrance McCray grabbing an offensive rebound and with his feet still off the floor slamming the ball through the rim.

Two three point shots from Cleveland triggered another scoring streak by the Lakers that included Cleveland grabbing a missed dunk from Michigan City and taking the ball full court for a lay-up.

The Lakers led 48-25 at halftime.   La Lumiere improved to 8-0 while Michigan City dropped to 1-2.

Solongo and Cleveland finished with 18 points and 16 points respectively while Peyton Kemp, a 6’2” guard from the Detroit area, contributed 15 points for the Lakers.

Wolves Head Coach Larry Upshaw said the game against a nationally ranked opponent was a chance for his players to see how they measure up against better competition and learn what they need to work on to elevate their level of play.

“It’s an experience.  It’s good for the kids,” he said.

La Porte County resident Jack Arnett, who was among the people in the stands, said he’s been to most of the Lakers games this season.

“They’re really good.  Fun to watch,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - The Pax Center has revealed its 2025 Giving Tuesday campaign raised a record $84,157 from 136 generous donors.  The goal was $50,000.

"One week after Giving Tuesday, we are still celebrating and receiving donations," said Pastor Nate Loucks, President of The Pax Center.

"This initiative was not just about fundraising; it was about neighbors helping neighbors. When individuals and businesses come together like this, they show that LaPorte County is a kind and generous community,” he said.

Loucks said the money helps provide food for the needy at a time when demand for food assistance is the highest since early in the pandemic.

The campaign included gifts from longtime partners and new collaborators. Participating businesses and organizations included:

• AIM Water Treatment
• LP Seamless Gutter
• Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Tim Gartland
• Ladybug Laundry
• Steiner Homes
• Osborn Wealth Management
• Braje, Nelson & Janes LLP
• Mitch and Karyl Feikes Family Foundation
• MC Doors
• Committee to Elect Jim Pressel
• The National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 455, Michigan City
• Woodland North Partners
• Whittler & Hesters CPA
• Pavey Excavating

Thee funds will support The Pax Center's core programs throughout the winter and into 2026:

• Food Pantry: Served over 9,501 neighbors in the past 12 months (from November 2024 to October 2025), averaging more than 60 clients per distribution.
• Community Meals: Exceeded the total number of meals served for the entire year of 2024 by early October 2025. 
• The Pax Gardens: Operates three locations that provide thousands of pounds—and dollars' worth—of free fresh produce each year.

"We are grateful for all partners who contributed to keeping LaPorte County and surrounding communities well-fed and supported," Loucks said.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police are hoping a picture of two suspected shoplifters will generate leads that result in arrests.

Police said the two men on November 30 went inside Dollar General in Westville.  One of the men engaged the store clerk in conversation for an extended period of time while the other wandered around placing merchandise into a garbage can.

Eventually, police said both individuals ran out of the store with the garbage can full of stolen products.  While beginning to flee, the thieves discarded the garbage can from a Ford F-150 pick-up truck they were in and ran it over.

Police said some of the stolen merchandise was recovered.  Anyone recognizing either one of the individuals is asked to email Deputy Adam Needles at aneedles@lcso.in.gov.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police is among the law enforcement agencies nationwide beefing up patrols to try and keep traveling safe during the holidays.

The department is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the annual effort.  The campaign from now until the end of the month is focusing on impaired driving, aggressive driving and seat belt violations.

Officers are working overtime to conduct sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols.  “By buckling up, slowing down, and never driving impaired, we can all help make Indiana’s roads safer this season,” said Douglas Huntsinger, Executive Director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute

According to NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, especially during the holiday season and failure to wear a seat belt continues to be one of the most preventable causes of death on the road.

Motorists are encouraged to call 911 to report unsafe or impaired drivers. For more safety tips, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving.     The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office and La Porte Police are among the other local law enforcement agencies taking part in the effort.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office will host its annual Christmas show for children this weekend.

Sheriff Ron Heeg said professional magician Matt Kalita will put on a performance at the show on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

“If you’ve never seen him in action before you don’t want to miss it,” he said.

Children in attendance will also receive gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The show held annually for over 60 years will be in the auditorium of Kesling Middle School.

Tickets are distributed to schools and social service agencies to give to families in need.  The event relies on donations and volunteers with proceeds supporting scholarships.

(La Porte County, IN) - Turnout was strong again for the 28^th annual Christmas at Pioneer Land over the weekend judging by the number of free cups of hot chocolate served to visitors at the new La Porte County Farm Bureau cabin in the 1800’s type village.

“We probably went through 3,000 cups of hot chocolate.  That’s what we did last year. It seemed like it anyways,” said La Porte County Farm Bureau President Mark Parkman.

The village consisting of more than a dozen buildings decorated with lights at the La Porte County Fairgrounds was open Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Each day, Drew Swanson and Jacob Parkman, who are members of the Farm Bureau Young Farmers group, started making the hot chocolate about one hour before the event started and made more during the festivities to keep up with demand.

They boiled the water inside a large container and stirred in the hot chocolate mix in the back of a trailer then carried it a short distance to the cabin where it was served in Styrofoam cups by Farm Bureau members Kayla Myers and Nancy Parkman.  The cabin jam packed at times is where free bags of popcorn were also served to visitors, who sometimes hung around to warm up with help from wood burning in the fireplace.

Members of the Future Farmers of America chapters at New Prairie and South Central high schools helped make the popcorn, which started being popped each day at 12:30 p.m. so there was never a risk of running out.

“If we don’t do that, we can’t keep up with it,” Parkman said.

FFA students from Westville High School were also in the cabin selling beef sticks.

Pioneer Land Manager Darla Quinn couldn’t have been happier with the number of people who came out for what continues to be a popular early in the season tradition.

“It’s still going strong,” she said.

There were also lines of children waiting to see and talk to Santa Claus inside the Artisan Barn.  Santa Claus also made himself available for pictures after each visit, adding to what’s already a special atmosphere throughout the village, whose other structures include a working blacksmith shop, general store and one room schoolhouse.

Cookies and hot cider were served in another log cabin, which was the first structure built in the village founded in 1995.

“They were coming in and out of the cabin as fast as we could serve them cookies,” Quinn said.

The new Amish built Farm Bureau cabin sits exactly where the organization’s old cabin stood.

The old cabin moved a short distance is used now as a diaper changing/breast feeding station for mothers during their visits to Pioneer Land, which is also open during the La Porte County Fair.  Farm Bureau members have continued the long tradition of serving traditional and chocolate milk for .25 cents a glass from the new cabin during the fair.

Turnout didn’t seem to be hurt much on Sunday when the decent conditions on Saturday turned more windy with blowing snow.

“It’s a great experience. I’m looking forward to next year and doing it all over again,” Quinn said.

(Walkerton, IN) - A house was heavily damaged by fire over the weekend in Walkerton.

Fortunately, there were no injuries.

The fire happened Saturday at a two story house on Roosevelt Road.  Officials said the fire was likely electrical but still under investigation.

The family impacted by the fire is being assisted by the not for profit Operation Lend a Hand organization.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver who wound up in a ditch outside La Porte allegedly consumed what’s considered a potentially lethal amount of alcohol.

La Porte County Police about 6 p.m. on Friday were called to the area of Small Road and Timber Ridge Road.  Fortunately, police said 56 year old Holly Hummel was not injured.

She was arrested with an alleged blood alcohol level nearly five times the .08 percent legal limit.

Police said a passerby stopping to check on Hummel called police and stayed with the woman in her vehicle until an officer showed up.

(New Castle, IN) - A former La Porte High School basketball standout is being honored by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Nick Otis has been named to the 2026 Silver Anniversary Team. Every year the Hall honors the state’s best high school basketball players from 25 years before. Otis joins 17 other players from the Class of 2001.

As a senior at La Porte, Otis averaged over 20 points and nearly 8 rebounds per game, racking up 924 points over his high school career. The 6-foot-4 guard scored a career-high 37 points against South Bend Riley on Nov. 22, 2000. He was named 2001 AP high honorable mention All-State, 2001 IBCA third-team Senior All-State, 2001 South Bend Tribune first-team All-Area and two-time first-team all-Duneland Conference. He also was selected to the 2000 Junior All-Stars and played in the 2001 South Bend area All-Star Game and the 2001 North/South Indiana All-Star Classic.

Otis went on to play at Belmont University for four years, where he totaled 477 points, 175 rebounds and 110 assists in 110 games for teams that went 63-54 over four seasons. He averaged 5.1 points and 1.4 rebounds as a junior for a 21-9 team that played in the 2004 NIT.

Following a successful basketball career, Otis turned his attention to law, graduating, magna cum laude, from Valparaiso University in 2008.  He is now a managing partner for Newby Lewis Kaminski & Jones LLP of La Porte and serves as the La Porte City Attorney. In 2014, Otis founded the annual La Porte Turkey Trot 5K, held each year on Thanksgiving Day with proceeds benefiting the La Porte Educational Development Foundation.

Silver Anniversary Team members will be honored at an awards banquet on March 18 in Indianapolis. Prior to the banquet, a midday reception, free and open to the public, will be held at the Hall of Fame Museum in New Castle. 

(Michigan City, IN) - Free bus rides are now in effect for the municipal service in Michigan City.

According to the mayor’s office, a zero fare transit system for all riders approved by the city’s Board of Public Works & Safety last month took effect on December 1.

Michigan City Transit Director Robin Barzoni-Tillman said no cost rides resulted from the leadership of Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

“Her commitment to increasing mobility, reducing barriers for low-income and transit-dependent riders, and expanding economic and community access has guided this effort. The mayor has emphasized that public transit is essential infrastructure, and removing fares ensures that every member of the community can travel freely, safely, and affordably,” she said.  

By eliminating fares, Tillman said Michigan City Transit aims to enhance service efficiency, reduce boarding times, and improve the overall rider experience.

For more information, schedules, and service updates, visit the Michigan City Transit website at https://michigancityin.gov/city-departments/transit/ or contact the Transit Office at (219) 873-1502.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte area man could face prison time on allegations he battered his pregnant girlfriend. Steven Albin, 27, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with multiple counts including Level 5 felony battery of a pregnant woman.

La Porte County Police on November 28 were called to the home of the six weeks pregnant woman.  Police said the investigation shows Albin and the woman were arguing before he started hitting her multiple times in the area of her face over her refusing to have sex.  At some point, he allegedly knocked her to the floor.

In response, the woman grabbed a kitchen knife to defend herself and while slashing it at Albin sliced his upper left arm, police said.  Eventually, police said Albin, who knew she was pregnant, left and crashed a motor vehicle into a tree.  Albin was taken to the hospital and later booked into the La Porte County Jail. 

(La Porte, IN) - A motor vehicle operator fresh from his second drunk driving conviction was allegedly caught impaired in the drive-thru at fast food restaurant in La Porte.  Brandon Ohime, 27, of Union Mills is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony operating while intoxicated.  On the night of November 27, emergency responders were called to the drive-thru of McDonalds at 164 Pine Lake Ave.  Another driver waiting behind him called 911 and reported Ohime was slumped over in his vehicle, police said.

His alleged blood alcohol level was .203 percent, well above the .08 percent legal limit.

Ohime on November 5 was placed on probation for about 15 months for operating while intoxicated and served a similar sentence for an OWI conviction from 2021, according to court records.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man has been convicted of fatally shooting his girlfriend.

John McCaw, 65, was found guilty of murder during a bench trial in La Porte Circuit Court.

According to authorities, he shot Nancy Ainsworth, 57, through a pillow at her residence in August of 2022 in the 900 block of Ridge St. and tried covering up his role in the murder.

A suicide note portrayed to be from the victim in his writing was recovered from the home.  He also called 911 after leaving the residence and reported Ainsworth shot herself, authorities said.

“I want to thank by talented deputies Autumn Ferch, Katie Arnold and Cody Luke for bringing this case to a successful outcome,” said La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan.

Fagan also credited the La Porte Police Department for providing the evidence that allowed the allegations to be proven.

McCaw could face anywhere from a 45 to 65 year sentence.  Sentencing is expected later this month.

(Michigan City, IN) - Sentencing is scheduled for a man who admitted to a fatal shooting in the Michigan City area.

Dawson Mahoney, 24, recently pleaded guilty in La Porte Superior Court 1 to voluntary manslaughter for the 2023 death of Travis Clemons in the 8600 block of W. 400 North.

Police said Mahoney stepped outside a home and fired multiple rounds at a vehicle occupied by Clemons.  In response, Clemons stepped out of the vehicle and was hit with at least one of five additional gunshots, police said.

A motive has not been revealed.

Mahoney agreed to a 24 year prison sentence in exchange for the plea, which calls for a murder charge against him to be dismissed.

The sentencing range for murder is 45 to 65 years.   The terms of the plea agreement were taken under advisement by Judge Jamie Oss, who will sentence Mahoney on January 8 if she accepts the guilty plea.

(La Porte, IN) - The Christmas Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes in La Porte is this weekend.

Seven structures including homes, Bethany Lutheran Church and the old downtown train depot are on this year’s tour Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  The event put on by Preserve Historic La Porte was founded in 1996.

Attendees will take themselves on a self-guided tour inside the buildings with live musical entertainment provided at most locations. A 50 page “keepsake” tour book will be given to all participants.  Advance tickets for $25 are available until the end of business hours Friday at the following locations:

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 

Other buildings on the tour are the Alfred J. Link Mansion 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. and Carmel Chapel at 6200 W County Road 50 South.

Day-of-tour tickets costing $30 will be available at Bethany Lutheran Church at 102 G Street during tour hours only.

“Everyone involved with the tour has been gearing up for several weeks now, to put on a great show.  The tour is a magical beginning to the holiday season. It brings people together and celebrates the unique and special historic architecture of La Porte,” said Tour Chairperson Pam Ruminski.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police are hoping to catch a thief doing some early but illegal Christmas shopping.

Over $1,000 worth of gift and store rebate cards were taken from an unlocked vehicle sometime Tuesday night and early Wednesday outside a home in the area of 500 South and 900 West.

The victim told investigators she realized someone had been in her vehicle because there was snow on the front passenger side floorboard despite nobody sitting on that side of the vehicle for about a month, police said.  Police said another vehicle at that location was also entered but nothing was found missing.  Both vehicles were left unlocked.

A ring camera powered by solar energy at the home would have captured the theft but there hasn’t been enough sun to keep its battery charged.

(South Bend, IN) - Christmas season treats like candy canes could be flavored with the oil from mint raised by a longtime grower in South Bend.

Randy Matthys, a third generation mint grower, said he’s not sure if any of his mint oil winds up in the goodies that come out during the holidays, but one of his major customers is a well- known maker of chewing gum and candy. “I don’t really know where it all goes,” he said.  

Matthys also raises corn, soybeans and wheat on a few thousand more acres in northeast La Porte County.  A slight percentage of his oil is used in homemade treats this time of year by people who sometimes come to his house wanting a 16 ounce or sample size bottle of mint oil for their holiday baking.

Matthys, 71, raises peppermint and spearmint on about 1,100 acres at his main farm on the western edge of South Bend where his grandfather began raising the aromatic leafy herb in the early 1930’s.  One of the largest users of his mint oil is the Wrigley Company, the world’s largest maker of chewing gum.  The Chicago based firm established in 1891 also produces candy such as Lifesavers and the breath freshener, Altoids.

Another good sized percentage of his mint oil winds up in the hands of Colgate, a leading worldwide maker of oral hygiene products like toothpaste and mouth wash.  Matthys said he sells the mint oil under contract to companies who are suppliers to the actual users.

His mint is planted in early spring and harvested beginning in July.  The crop is placed into wagons and hauled to a distillery at the farm that uses steam to extract the oil from the leaves.

Matthys said up to 12 wagon loads at a time can be placed into the distillery, which processes as much as 40 to 50 acres of mint each day.  He still enjoys the strong aroma of fresh mint that escapes during the distillation process and carries for a good distance.  “The neighborhood usually knows when we’re harvesting,” he said.

He places the mint oil into 55 gallon drums his major customers give him and later pick-up once full.  “The mint oil is the crop,” he said.  Matthys said there used to be as many as 30 mint growers in northern Indiana but the number is now in the single digits.  “Right now, we’re one of seven,” he said.

Matthys said he continues to raise mint because contracts to provide it keep coming his way and he makes a good enough profit.  “Historically, it’s been a great specialty crop,” he said.  Matthys also said he still enjoys the work.  “You have to have the passion. We seem to have that, I guess,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A local official is receiving praise for standing up to President Trump.  Republican State Senator Mike Bohacek of Michiana Shores vowed to vote against redistricting after Trump referred to a national political figure as “seriously retarded.”

Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome.  In a social media post, Bohacek stated “his choices of words have consequences.  I will be voting NO on redistricting.  Perhaps, he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority,” he added.

Michigan City Councilman Dr. Vidya Kora, a democrat, thanked Bohacek for his response during last night’s council meeting. “I’m so glad that he stood up for his daughter and stood up for the people with disabilities as an elected official and public servant,” he said.  Bohacek, a former La Porte County Commissioner, has been a state senator since 2016.

(Michigan City, IN) - Contract talks with police officers and firefighters in Michigan City have stalled.

During Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Councilman Bryant Dabney said the city is not in a position to meet their demands due to millions of dollars in revenue losses for the city beginning next year along with rising operating costs.

Attempts to reach a middle ground, so far, have been unsuccessful.  Dabney said his remarks in no way were intended to “pick a fight” with the emergency responders.

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances regarding funding and increased costs, this is where we stand as of now,” he said.

Dabney also said he’s open to continuing the negotiations.

Chris Zibutis, a member of Michigan City Firefighters Local 475, said only two short negotiating sessions have been held over the past month or so despite the current contract expiring at the end of the year.

On January 1, police and firefighters will work under the terms of the 2025 contract if a new agreement is not in place by then.

“We are being told to work more for less,” he said.

The city is offering the same two percent salary increase other municipal employees will receive next year.

However, union officials say the city wants to increase what police officers and firefighters contribute toward their health insurance costs from 25 percent to 50 percent.  

(La Porte, IN) - The public bus service in La Porte will not accept cash beginning in January.

TransPorte is switching to cash less payments.

Mayor Tom Dermody made the announcement during Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Public Works and Safety.

“That’s where the world is going,” he said.

Board member Mark Kosier said cashless payment is a system increasingly being used for concerts and sporting events like a Chicago Blackhawks game he recently attended.

“I think a lot of people might complain that they like to pull out cash.  I still carry cash.  Not a lot but that is the way these types of events work,” he said.

The city has already gone cashless in areas like events at the Civic Auditorium and the refrigerated ice rink downtown.

(La Porte County, IN) - What could have been tragic ended safely thanks to La Porte County Police.  Police said a motorist Monday night reported a vehicle northbound in the southbound lanes of U.S. 421 near 300 North.  That stretch of highway has two travel lanes in each direction along with two additional lanes for turning.

The vehicle was still in the opposite lanes when spotted by a responding officer, who turned on his flashing lights to initiate a traffic stop but the driver kept going.  The driver didn’t stop until he pulled into his driveway about a half mile away, police said. Edwin Amm, 67, had an alleged blood alcohol level of .129 percent.  He’s charged with Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated and Level 6 felony resisting law enforcement.

(La Porte, IN) - A man who drove into a snowbank in La Porte is facing drunk driving charges.

Police said a patrol officer late Monday night witnessed a van drive off the road and hit the snowbank along Pine Lake Ave. outside Pine Lake Resort and Banquets.  According to police, Luis Salas, 30, told the officer he’s staying at the hotel and tried turning into the parking lot but he slid past the entrance and into the snowbank.

The New York man was arrested with an alleged blood alcohol level of .104 percent.  A tow truck removed the van that was stuck in the pile of snow.

(La Porte County, IN) - The overnight shelter in La Porte is taking in a lot more people than last season.

Mayor Tom Dermody said an average of 15 people per night stayed at the shelter during November.  In comparison, the average number of people staying from January when the shelter first opened to when it closed for the season in April was about nine per day.  

He said guests were also served 892 meals last month.  Volunteers last month worked 189 hours at the shelter, which is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. until after spring.

"Thank you to everbody in the community that has given up their time," he said. 

The shelter inside the old train depot along Washington St. is operated by Nest Community Shelter, which relies strictly on donations and grants to meet all operating expenses at its shelter here and in Michigan City.

Nest Community Shelter Director Harry Holtkamp said the overnight shelter in Michigan City is currently serving over 30 people per night.  He expects the numbers to rise in January when demand for shelters goes up as the weather becomes more wintery.

Two of the shelter guests in La Porte last month found new housing while six people at the Michigan City shelter last month are now in new homes.

Guests at both shelters receive help in finding new homes and jobs along with other assistance to help them become self-sufficient again.

“It’s just showing that the need is there,” Holtkamp said.

(La Porte, IN) - There’s a murder trial in La Porte Circuit Court.  65 year old John McCaw is charged in the fatal shooting of his girlfriend.  It happened in La Porte about three years ago inside the victim’s home in the 900 block of Ridge St.

Authorities believe he shot 57 year old Nancy Ainsworth through a pillow found near her body and tried covering up the murder.  A suicide note seemingly from the victim but in his writing was allegedly recovered from inside the home.

Police say McCaw also called 911 after leaving the home and reported Ainsworth shot herself by accident.  If convicted, he could face anywhere from a 45 to 65 year sentence.

(Michigan City, IN) - A blood drive is scheduled later this month in Michigan City.  It’s scheduled December 16 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Elms at Michigan City, an assisted living facility at 4300 Cleveland Ave.

Appointments can be made by going to RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code D198RU or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  People can also download the American Red Cross blood donor app to make an appointment.

(La Porte, IN) - The courthouse in downtown La Porte is back open today.  It was closed Monday due to low 50 degree temperatures inside parts of the historic structure.

The problem is believed to be the heating system not producing enough heat. La Porte County Commissioner Connie Gramarossa said she hopes experts working to come up with a solution do so in the very near future.

“Hopefully, in the next couple of days, we’ll have a plan by the end of the week and we’ll move forward on trying to get this taken care of,” she said.  In the meantime, she said employees at the courthouse are welcome to use space heaters, if they wish.

(La Porte County, IN) - A local state lawmaker is among the latest members of the Indiana Legislature to report being victim of  “swatting.”

Republican State Senator Mike Bohacek revealed today he received threats of a bomb placed at his home in Michiana Shores on Friday.  He said a quick response was given to the threat by multiple law enforcement agencies.

"This recent pattern of threatening behavior and intimidation attempts are not only concerning, but also illegal. I hope to see justice for this type of behavior,” he said.

At least 10 Indiana republican lawmakers have reported being victims of swatting, which are prank calls designed to trigger a large response from law enforcement.

Authorities suspect the calls have something to do with President Trump putting pressure on Indiana republicans to redraw the state’s congressional maps to make it easier for republicans to win House seats now held by democrats.

Bohacek, who has come out against redistricting, said he will not provide any additional information at this time since the investigation is ongoing.

(La Porte, IN) - A man doing donuts in his vehicle unknowingly in front of the watchful eyes of a police officer in downtown La Porte was arrested for driving impaired.

Victor Jordan, 43, of Michigan City is charged with Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.  According to La Porte County Police, a sheriff’s deputy monitoring traffic last night spotted the 2008 GMC Yukon drive completely into the opposite lane before turning into a parking lot at Washington St. and Michigan Ave.

The driver proceeded to do burnouts and donuts for several moments in the parking lot and was stopped when he began to leave, police said.  Police said the officer after walking up to the vehicle detected a very strong odor of alcohol.

Jordan, who was described by pollice as belligerent during his interaction with the officer, was not given a certified blood alcohol test because he allegedly failed to cooperate with the process.  According to police, Jordan when asked by the officer if he was refusing to take the test stated “shut up.  Don’t talk to me.”

(La Porte County, IN) - Fire yesterday heavily damaged a home in the Hudson Lake area.

Thomas Jordan, 59, told investigators he was sleeping in his bedroom in the 7600 block of N. Hudson Boulevard when awakened by smoke, according to La Porte County Police.  Jordan then discovered the smoke was coming from a nearby bedroom prior to him leaving the single story dwelling and calling 911.

Police said flames were showing from the burning bedroom and roof area before firefighters started arriving.  No light was shed on whether the cause of the fire was determined.

(La Porte County, IN) - There were no injuries when two garages caught fire just outside La Porte.

This happened on Thanksgiving night in the 100 block of Judson Road close to the northern edge of Pine Lake.

According to La Porte County Police, a detached garage with a motor vehicle inside was fully engulfed in flames when emergency responders began showing up just before 9 p.m.

Heat from the fire also resulted in some windows on the residence shattering along with the heating and air conditioning system for the home melting.  The fire with help from strong cross winds spread next door to another detached garage, which sustained damage to the siding and roof on the north side of the structure, police said.

Center Township Fire Department Capt. Eric Haverstock said the exterior of the home next door also sustained fire damage. The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is trying to determine the cause of the fire.

(La Porte, IN) - The county courthouse in downtown La Porte is closed today because of a heating system not providing enough warmth inside the structure.

County Commissioner Steve Holifield said efforts are underway to try and get the heating system working better.  He said temperatures in some areas of the courthouse this morning were in the low 50’s.

“It’s better for the staff just to stay home today,” he said.  Holifield said whether the courthouse opens tomorrow depends on how successful the effort today is to get the heating system working properly.  He emphasized all other county government buildings are open today.