(La Porte County, IN) - A teenager is charged in connection with objects damaging motor vehicles on a La Porte County highway. 

Phillip Duffus, 18, is charged with four counts of Level 6 felony criminal recklessness and four counts of criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor.

On December 13, police said several motorists reported damage to their vehicles on U.S. 421 between 200 North and 1800 South.  The victims reported the damage was from objects thrown from a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, police said.

Duffus was located recently in Lake County and taken into custody on warrants for his arrest.  Police said another person could have been involved but the investigation is ongoing.

The objects were not identified.

(La Porte County, IN) - The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to increase patrols aimed at reducing speeding and distracted driving on roadways.

Deputies will work overtime beginning April 4 through April 13 to identify and stop drivers who are speeding or violating Indiana’s Hands-Free Law.

“Distracted driving and speeding are preventable behaviors that put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” said Douglas Huntsinger, Executive Director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. 

“This campaign is a reminder that these actions have real consequences, and law enforcement officers are actively working to keep Indiana’s roads safe,” he said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023 and distracted driving accounted for 47 fatal crashes.   However, limitations in data collection suggest that the actual number of deadly crashes caused by distracted drivers is likely higher than reported.

“Distracted driving and speeding remain major contributors to serious and deadly crashes,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek J. Allen.

“These actions are illegal and endanger everyone on the road.  Deputies will step up enforcement and ticket anyone caught violating these laws,” he said.

Indiana’s Hands-Free Law, which took effect in 2020, prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle.  Calls may only be made using hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth, headset, or any other hands-free technology.

(La Porte, IN) - The annual flushing of fire hydrants in La Porte is scheduled to start in a few weeks.

According to the mayor’s office, the flushing is scheduled to begin on April 12 and take four to five weeks to complete.  The flushing will occur every Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Water Department Superintendent Tim Werner said the flushing is a critical part of maintaining the city’s water quality and infrastructure.

“We know it can be an inconvenience to residents, but it is an important part of making sure our infrastructure is primed to continue high-quality water service both now and in the future,” he said.

Werner said discolored or rusty looking water may occur in some areas during the flushing but the water is safe to drink but may affect clothing in washing machines. To avoid staining clothes, Werner said residents should check their water before doing laundry. Should clothes have some staining, avoid drying and call the Water Department for free rust removing solution.

Residents with questions can contact the Water Department at 219-326-9540.

(La Porte County, IN) - Early voting for the May 5 primary in La Porte County begins next week.

It starts on April 7^th at the La Porte County Complex.  A week later, the early voting site will move to the Community Building at the La Porte County Fairgrounds for the remainder of the early voting period, which expires the day before the May 5 primary at 12 p.m.

The early voting site in Michigan City is at 8^th and Wabash streets.

La Porte County Clerk Heather Stevens said the two other early voting sites at Wanatah Town Hall and the Wills Township Community Center won’t open until April 21.

Stevens said voter turnout is not expected to be high enough for those sites to operate during the entire early voting period.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man is accused of causing a serious injury motor vehicle crash last year while impaired in La Porte County.

Shallun Culp, Jr., 21, of Michigan City is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 4 felony operating while intoxicated causing catastrophic injury; criminal recklessness and driving with a suspended license, both Level 5 felonies.

La Porte County Police said Culp on October 16 was passing in a no-passing zone on U.S. 421 just a few miles south of Michigan City when he crashed head on into a mini-van.  The most seriously hurt was an eight year old boy whose injuries were described by authorities as catastrophic.

Culp was arrested two days ago following a several month long investigation.  He could face anywhere from a two to 12 year sentence on the most serious count and one to six years on each of the two remaining counts.

(La Porte, IN) - There’s an effort to block a convicted sex offender from ever marrying a 22-year old handicapped woman after their plans to exchange wedding vows suddenly were stopped.

The steps were taken by LaPorte County Clerk Heather Stevens, who filed a motion in LaPorte Circuit Court.  A hearing on her request was held Monday before Judge Julianne Havens, who took the matter under advisement.

“It is in the hands of the court.  I’m confident they are going to do the right thing,” she said.

Her request was in response to the woman and 66-year old Bradley Armstrong having their wedding plans at the courthouse in La Porte interrupted on March 17 just moments before the ceremony was supposed to begin.  Armstrong was arrested and charged with Level 6 felony providing false information on his marriage license application.

He was released from the La Porte County Jail the next day on $750 cash bond, according to court records in the case.

Armstrong was accused of failing to report himself as a sexual violent predator as required on the marriage license application for a 2002 child molesting conviction. Stevens, who has been the county clerk since 2021, said she doesn’t normally get involved in any cases but did so this time out of concern for the woman, who is 10 weeks pregnant with Armstrong’s child.  Armstrong is categorized as a lifetime sex offender, who is ordered not to be with anyone under the age of 18.

“There were a lot of red flags in this one,” she said.

In her court filings, Stevens cited her authority under state law to seek action from the court as “superior guardian” over the woman as an officer of the court.  The woman’s parents have been her legal guardians since the court ruled her “incompetent” from in a case filed in 2021.

The ruling was based on her medical history that includes Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, functional movement disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, delayed speech and depression.  Stevens said the “ultimate guardian” over any protected person under state law is the court.

In this case, Stevens said her parents as legal guardians are agents acting under the court’s supervision and subject to the court’s overriding authority.  Stevens said how the parents feel about her daughter marrying Armstrong is not known but the court may at any time review, modify or override any decision from a guardian considered not in the best interest of the protected person.

Another legal guardian for the woman could also be appointed by the court.

For now, Stevens said her office will not issue them a marriage license under a state law that prohibits a clerk from doing so to any person legally judged as incompetent.  Havens decided to have a hearing in May to address concerns related to guardianship.

Stevens said all she wants is for the parents or whoever is the legal guardian to look out for the best interests of the woman.

(La Porte, IN) - Residents are invited to enjoy breakfast with their local firefighters while supporting a good cause.

The City of La Porte Fire Department will host their annual pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on May 2 at Fire Station 3 at 710 Daytona St.  Tickets include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and eggs, as well as an entry into their $100 cash giveaway. 

Fire Chief Andy Snyder said the department will also be selling $1 raffle tickets for a wide variety of prizes donated by local businesses, including memberships, gift baskets and the chance to be “Firefighter for the Day.” 

All proceeds from both the breakfast and raffle will benefit the Arnold J. Devereaux Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships for eight to ten graduating seniors from local high schools each year.  

“The pancake breakfast has become one of our favorite days of the year.  “Not only do we get the opportunity to engage with our community over a shared meal, but we do so for the benefit of a cause that our team holds dear. We look forward to yet another successful event.” he said. 

Devereaux, 37, was a La Porte firefighter off duty when electrocuted while giving CPR to a man also electrocuted after his truck made contact with a power line at a job site in 1980.  Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. 

Tickets for the breakfast are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Station 1 at 809 W 18th St.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Children ages 4 and under eat free. For more information, call (219) 362-3456. 

(La Porte, IN) - A driver who crashed into an oncoming ambulance in La Porte and died was found with toxic levels of multiple drugs in her bloodstream.

That’s according to La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson, who would not reveal the specific drugs a blood test detected in the driver’s system.  Swanson said the blood sample taken from the victim during an autopsy contained no alcohol. 

Rachel Johnson, 44, was pronounced dead at Northwest Health in La Porte about one hour after the February 21 crash.  La Porte Police said there were no patients in the ambulance returning from a service call when it was struck by an oncoming passenger vehicle around 7 a.m.

Police said Johnson of La Porte crossed the center line on Rose St.  The driver of the oncoming ambulance veered to the right side of the roadway but was not able to avoid the collision.  An emergency medical technician inside the ambulance suffered only minor injuries, police said.

A second ambulance was called to take Johnson to the hospital because the ambulance struck was disabled from the crash.  Swanson said cause of death was ruled from both drug use and blunt force trauma to the head and chest resulting from the crash.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police are investigating the death of a man found outside a church.

Police say 57 year old Erik Johnson was found unconscious about 10 a.m. on Friday outside Temple Missionary Baptist Church on Wabash St.  Life saving measures were applied but Johnson was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine cause of death, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Michigan City Police.

(Michigan City, IN) – Officials with Indiana Dunes National Park have released the following details regarding ongoing work affecting access to Mount Baldy:

The Mount Baldy Access Site will be closed from late March through mid-June, 2026, while the National Park Service carries out an important sand management and shoreline stabilization project. Over time, windblown sand has buried portions of Mount Baldy’s parking area and sanitary infrastructure. This work will help protect those facilities and maintain long term visitor access to this popular site.

Crews will move approximately 40,000 cubic yards of sand from and nearby the buried parking area and relocate it to Crescent Beach, where it will support shoreline/beach nourishment efforts in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. No natural dune habitat or archaeological resources will be disturbed during this project.

Visitors can expect localized closures around the Mount Baldy Access Site and occasional truck traffic or brief access limitations at Crescent Beach during sand placement. We appreciate your patience as we safeguard access and infrastructure at this iconic park destination and strengthen shoreline resilience along Lake Michigan. Visitors are encouraged to explore other beach areas within the park during this closure.

(Michigan City, IN) - Plans for a large lakefront playground expected to be a regional destination has moved a step closer to construction in Michigan City.

The city council has unanimously approved $600,000 toward the $5 million projected cost of the Fedder’s Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park.  The money coming out of the city’s Riverboat Fund is in addition to the close to $3.9 million previously secured through a combination of local, state, federal and private sources.

The playground will feature equipment for people of all ages and abilities.

“Fedder’s Alley and the surrounding shoreline have long been a gathering place for our community.  Now, we’re investing in that space for the future where children parents and grandparents of all abilities can play, connect and share the joy of our park together for generations to come,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

She said it’ll be the only such lakefront playground in Northwest Indiana.  The park will also feature fitness stations, a paved walking trail and gathering places.

“In many of our communities, children with disabilities face challenges that can prevent them from engaging in this essential aspect of childhood. Our playground was thoughtfully designed with one core principle in mind. Everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to play,” said Park Department Superintendent Shannon Eason.

Construction is anticipated to begin sometime this year.  Donations can be given by contacting the Unity Foundation of La Porte County or the park department office.

(Michigan City, IN) - Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City opens for its 98^th season tomorrow.

An opening celebration that will include remarks from Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch is scheduled at 10 a.m. in the Bear Fountain Plaza.  Officials with the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan City Zoological Society will join the festivities.

The zoological society will have a station to welcome visitors, provide guest support on memberships and serve coffee.  The society will also be accepting donations and hosting a drawing to win an annual zoo membership pass.

More information on what the zoo has to offer can be obtained at washingtonparkzoo.com or connect with the zoo on Facebook for updates on events, promotions and more.

(Michigan City, IN) - A convicted sex offender from Michigan City has been found guilty of assaulting a 14 year old girl.

A La Porte Superior Court 1 jury Thursday convicted 62 year old Randy Hurt on three counts after about two hours of deliberation.

About a year and a half ago, authorities said Hurt was a passenger in a motor vehicle in Michigan City when he climbed into the back seat with the girl and assaulted her.  The girl told investigators she kept pushing him off but, eventually, she was not able to.

The girl was at school two days later when she reported the incident.  Hurt could face anywhere from a three to sixteen year sentence on the most serious count.  A sentencing date has not been set.

(Starke County, IN) - A La Porte man has been arrested for allegedly stealing tools from a farm.

Tony Call, 37, is charged with burglary.  Authorities said he took an undisclosed amount of tools just over a month ago from a shop at the farm outside Knox. 

A security camera on the property captured a vehicle that was traced to Call, who had an active warrant for his arrest out of La Porte for theft, police said.

Police said some of the tools were recovered from a vehicle and a residence.  Call was being held on $10,000 bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - An interim executive director has been appointed for the La Porte County Solid Waste District.

Robin Havens, office manager at the district for the last six years, will serve as director until there’s a permanent replacement.

Clay Turner has been executive director since 2006.  He’s retiring effective April 3.

Turner was also a city councilman in La Porte from 1984-1995, a La Porte County Commissioner from 1997-2004 and served on the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety under three different mayors.

Havens has worked closely with Turner on things like payroll, human resources and contracts dealing with recycling.  It could take several months to name a replacement, officials said.

(La Porte, IN) - Runners and walkers planning to participate in an upcoming 5K in La Porte are encouraged to register before the April 9 deadline in order to secure an official race t-shirt.

The La Porte City Park Foundation’s Earth Day 5K Family Fun Run/Walk will take place on April 25 at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater at Fox Park.  Participants who register by end of business day on April 9 are guaranteed an official event t-shirt.  Registration will remain open after April 9 but t-shirts cannot be guaranteed after the deadline.

The Earth Day 5K features a scenic course around Clear Lake with an out-and-back section on the Chessie Trail, beginning and ending at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater.  The event is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels.

To learn more or sign up, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/LaPorte/EarthDay5KFamilyFunRunWalk

For sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact Assistant Park Department Superintendent Emily Archambault at 219-326-9600 or earchambault@cityoflaportein.gov.

(La Porte, IN) - Plans for a large family fun center in La Porte have taken another step forward.

Last night, the La Porte Redevelopment Commission voted to go out for bids on work related to the environmental clean-up that’s occurred on the property at New Porte Landing. 

Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said the project involves grading the dirt in a way that prevents disturbing the remaining underground contaminants during construction.

“I understand it’s building up from the ground as opposed to digging down as an environmental remediation technique,” he said.

New Porte Landing is a former longtime industrial site that’s been cleaned up enough to redevelop.

Cook said he expects construction of the over 30,000 square foot facility to begin sometime in the coming months.  Plans call for the facility to contain 100 arcade games, 40 pinball machines, 12 bowling lanes, outdoor and indoor miniature golf, a laser tag course and other amenities like virtual darts.  A restaurant/bar inside the building is also proposed.

(South Bend, IN) - A La Porte man will serve time in a federal prison for selling methamphetamine and having a loaded gun.

Edwardo Trevino has been sentenced in U.S. District Court in South Bend to eight years in prison and three years on community corrections.  Authorities said the 43 year old Trevino during a traffic stop was found with a backpack containing methamphetamine and a pistol.  It was against the law for him to have a gun due to a prior felony conviction.

U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said the case was prosecuted with help from local authorities.

“This case is an example of how collaboration between state, local and federal law enforcement can achieve the most effective available response to drug and gun offenses,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - Registration is now open for The Salvation Army’s annual free summer camp opportunities.

Children ages 6 to 17 who reside in La Porte County are eligible to attend camp through The Salvation Army, including six different camps that will take place at Hidden Falls Camp in Bedford, IN.  The experience will be a three- to six-day overnight visit, depending on the camp.

Kids Camp will be held June 8 to June 10 for children ages 6-8 (registration deadline is May 25); Discovery North Camp for children ages 8-14 will take place June 15 to June 19 (registration deadline is June 1); High Adventure Camp for children ages 13-17 will take place from June 22 to June 26 (registration deadline is June 8); Tween Camp for children ages 9 to 12 will be held June 29 to July 2 (registration deadline is June 15); Music Camp for children ages 9-17 will be held July 6 to July 11 (registration deadline is June 22; Teen Camp will take place July 13 to July 17 for ages 13 to 17 (registration deadline is June 29).

To register, a parent or guardian must stop by The Salvation Army of Michigan City, 1201 S. Franklin St. (Monday through Thursday 9am to 3pm) or The Salvation Army of La Porte, 3240 Monroe St. (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday 9am to 3pm) to pick up the parent packet and pay a $10 deposit per child per camp.
 

There is no cost to attend camp – including transportation to and from camp, meals, lodging, and activities – however this $10 deposit per child is required to hold that child’s spot at camp. This deposit will be refunded when the camp takes place.

Parents/guardians can also contact Major Dale Simmons at (219) 874-6885 ext. 1006 in Michigan City; (219) 326-5342 ext. 2011 in La Porte; or via email at dale.simmons@usc.salvationarmy.org to receive a registration packet. Space is limited to the first 100 children to register.

Simmons, who operates The Salvation Army serving La Porte County, along with his wife, Major Becky Simmons, said this camping experience is a great opportunity for all children, especially those who have not yet experienced going away to summer camp.

“Hidden Falls Camp gives kids a chance to get out of La Porte County to enjoy a few days away from their normal, everyday life,” he said, noting that children from all over the state attend camp in Bedford, IN through The Salvation Army.

“Time spent at summer camp is all about having fun and meeting new people, but we also focus on leadership, teamwork, and other character-building skills so it’s a great overall experience for children,” he said.

The Salvation Army summer camp program in La Porte County is made possible due to grant funding provided by the Duneland Health Council and other generous donations from the community.

More information about summer camp and other Salvation Army programs is available by calling (219) 874-6885 or (219) 326-5342 or by following The Salvation Army of Michigan City or The Salvation Army - La Porte on Facebook.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police say a man was caught drinking and driving again after his car caught fire last night.

42 year old Joseph Scott of Michigan City pulled over on U.S. 20 near Interstate 94 before a state police trooper stopped and extinguished the flames.  Police said Scott told investigators he recently worked on several components of his 2001 Buick LeSabre but he wasn’t sure what caused the fire.

Scott had an alleged blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit.

Police said the charge was upgraded to a Level 5 felony because he was convicted 20 years ago of killing someone while driving impaired in Lake County.  He could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence on the latest charge.

(La Porte County, IN) - A local lawmaker is asking Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita to investigate NIPSCO for potential deceptive consumer practices in its natural gas bills.

State Senator Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) said he’s requesting the investigation because more than 3,500 customers were billed for twice as much natural gas as they consumed due to incorrect meter readings.

"The possibility that NIPSCO knew about the meter problem and didn't immediately disclose it to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is extremely alarming,” he said.

Bohacek made the request in writing.  His letter calls upon the attorney general to investigate whether the practices carried out by NIPSCO fall under Indiana's deceptive consumer sales statute, which allows the courts to impose fines on businesses that engage in unfair or misleading practices against their customers. 

"Utility rates have been increasing around the state, especially in northern Indiana, and having faulty information resulting in incorrect billing is unacceptable,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - Police say a man caught speeding in La Porte County was found with a lot of dispensary marijuana products purchased outside New Buffalo.

According to La Porte County Police, the man was clocked at 77 miles per hour on U.S. 20 near Range Road just before noon yesterday.   An odor of marijuana triggered a search of the vehicle.  More than 60 THC vape cartridges were allegedly found along with three bags of THC infused chocolates and about a half dozen pre-rolls.

Police said the items were just purchased at one of the dispensaries near I-94 in New Buffalo Township.  Marco Cardoso, 23, of South Bend man was arrested for possession of marijuana and driving on a suspended license.

(Indianapolis, IN) - The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission held an investigative inquiry today into investor-owned utilities in the state like NIPSCO.

The inquiry stems from complaints about recent skyrocketing utility costs.

State Representative Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) attended the investigative inquiry and thanked the IURC for holding it and upcoming listening sessions with NIPSCO customers about costs.

The first IURC listening session is scheduled Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium in La Porte.  Novak said the inquiry and listening sessions are good first steps toward more affordable utility costs but the conversation should not end there.

“The average NIPSCO customer has seen their utility bill jump roughly 26 percent over the past year.  They need action taken right now to ensure their utility bills don’t get further out of control,” he said.

(South Bend, IN) - A former Michigan City Housing Authority official is facing federal charges in connection with an alleged bribery scheme.

Rodney McCormick is charged in U.S. District Court in South Bend with three counts stemming from a grand jury indictment.  According to court documents, McCormick in 2023 accepted two payments totaling $13,000 in exchange for awarding bids to certain contractors for renovating housing units in the jurisdiction of the housing authority.

At the time, McCormick was chairman of the Michigan City Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.  In 2018, a then 51 year old McCormick was arrested for alleged threats made to Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer.  The case was dismissed about a year later after no probable cause was found.

(Michigan City, IN) - A new site has been chosen for an offender recovery home planned in Michigan City due to extensive push back from people living close to the original location.

The former location across from the former St. Anthony Hospital on the city’s northwest side drew considerable opposition the past two years from nearby residents concerned about things like safety of a recovery home in a heavily residential area.

The new location is at Coolspring Ave. and Woodland Ave., an area close to Joy Elementary School with fewer residences and more professional office space nearby.

“We have what we believe is a good location,” said LaPorte Superior Court 4 Judge Greta Friedman, who’s directly involved with creating what would be the first recovery home anywhere in the county.

The plan is to build a two-story, 12,600 square foot facility with 16 beds.

Friedman said the recovery home would be a place for lower level LaPorte County Jail offenders recovering from substance abuse to live for up to two years after their release.  She said the temptation to start using alcohol and drugs again might be too great for many offenders returning to the streets if they’re homeless or residences in their old neighborhoods.

Tonn & Blank Construction has pledged more than $200,000 worth of labor toward the projected $2.2 million cost of building the facility spearheaded by the La Porte County Drug Free Partnership organization.  The LaPorte County Council and Health Foundation of LaPorte have each pledged $750,000 apiece toward the construction while Franciscan Health is committed to donating the land, said Jon Gilmore, President of Tonn & Blank Construction.

He said the goal is to raise the remainder of the funds and start construction in June of 2027.

Councilman Mark Yagelski suggested notifying property owners close to the new site in writing about the plans as soon as possible, something he felt could prevent another huge wave of opposition.

“There’s nothing wrong with having a little community input on this one,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man taken by medical helicopter last week after a tree he was cutting fell on him at a Scouting America camp in La Porte County is now home.

That’s according to James Hulgan, Scout Executive and Chief Executive Officer for the LaSalle Council of Scouting America based in South Bend.

“He is home now.  We are in communication with the family and are providing our full support during his recovery,” he said.

Kenneth Coleman, 63, was flown to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for more advanced care of his undisclosed injuries, according to La Porte County Police.  Police said officers about 8 a.m. on March 19 were called to Camp Topenebee off U.S. 421 a few miles south of Michigan City to assist medics with Coleman on his back with a tree on his left leg just above the ankle.

Coleman, a caretaker of the over 160 acre heavily wooded grounds, told investigators he was cutting down a large pine tree with a chainsaw when the tree snapped close to where the blade was near the base.  Police said Coleman shoved backwards onto the ground wound up with his leg pinned beneath the tree described as rotten on the inside.

Fortunately, police said he had a cell phone and used it to call 911.  Emergency responders dug his leg out from under the tree and placed him into the medical helicopter several minutes after it landed, police said.

Camp Topenebee is owned by the LaSalle Council of Scouting America based in South Bend.  The council has youth members from Indiana and Michigan in eight counties such as La Porte and Berrien.

Hulgan said he would not release further details about Coleman’s medical condition out of respect for his privacy.

According to the organization’s website, Coleman is a past recipient of the district’s prestigious President’s Award given to individuals who exemplify the South Oath and Law in their personal and professional lives.

Coleman was directly involved in building three storm shelters at Camp Topenebee with help from U.S. Marine reservists in 2023.

(La Porte, IN) - A world famous recording artist will be the headline performer at the annual LakeFest in La Porte this summer.  Uncle Kracker will be on the stage at Fox Park on July 25.  He started as a member of Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band then shot to fame with his debut hit single, Double Wide, in 2000.  Other top 10 and #1 hits followed like Follow Me and Smile.

La Porte Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said Uncle Kracker is a perfect fit because of a sound blending country, rock, pop and a splash of hip hop that "feels like summer."

“With a long catalog of hits that people know and love, we know this show will be a hit for fans of all ages,” he said.

Admission to the concert is free, but there will be a limited number of front stage passes available for sale beginning at 10 a.m. on March 27 at laportelakefest.com. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. with a pair of opening acts that will be announced later in the week.

(La Porte, IN) - A convicted drug dealer from La Porte County could go back to prison on allegations he sold narcotics again.

Sherman Arnett, 39, of Michigan City is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 3 felony dealing in methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Arnett in early January sold 2.3 grams of methamphetamine at Country Acres Apartments in La Porte.  Police said Arnett carried out the exchange next to the vehicle the buyer drove to that location.

According to prosecutors, the charge was upgraded to a higher felony because the sale occurred near children stepping off a school bus and within 250 feet from Allesee Park.  Another factor in upgrading the charge was Arnett having a prior conviction for dealing in methamphetamine from 2018.

He served an over four year sentence split between prison and community corrections, according to court records.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man accused of being at a church with bombs to kill a parishioner is still being held in the La Porte County Jail on $100,000 bond.

A hearing is scheduled March 31^st in La Porte Superior Court 1 for a judge to decide his request to lower the amount of his bail. 

Matthew Schutz, 41, had his initial court hearing last week on charges that include attempted murder.  On March 11, authorities said the man went to Full Gospel Church in Michigan City on a report that Schutz wanted kill a church parishioner seated several rows in front of the suspect.

Acting on a tip, police went there and searched Schutz, who was allegedly found in possession of five cylinder shaped objects with wicks in his pockets.  According to authorities, a woman through a text message notified the male parishioner that Schutz was on his way to the church to kill him.

She identified Schutz as her husband, who had a still active protective order sought by the woman against him  

It’s alleged Schutz made the bombs at his residence after materials used to make explosives were found inside his residence, police said.  Schutz was given a trial date of August 17.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man was found dead inside his La Porte area home full of smoke.

La Porte County Police along with firefighters on Friday responded to the area of U.S. 20 and Wilhelm Road in Springfield Township.  Police said a man who takes care of his 82 year old father returned to find the home full of smoke.

He called 911 after being unable to go inside due to the smoke heavy enough to make breathing difficult.  Police said emergency responders found the man deceased on the livingroom floor.

According to police, one of the possibilities is the man died from natural causes while smoking a pipe that could have caught his chair on fire.  The case remains under investigation.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County juvenile has been arrested for alleged crimes against children.

An investigation that began on December 19 culminated Friday with the arrest of a 16-year-old.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives discovered concerning images and videos believed to be that of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). With search warrants obtained for Google and the social media platforms Snapchat and X, authorities identified a rural La Porte County juvenile as the suspect.

The unnamed juvenile is currently charged with the following:

• Conspiracy to Commit Rape, L3 Felony

• Seven Counts of Child Exploitation, L4 Felony

• Six Counts of Possession of CSAM, L5 Felony

• Four Counts of Exploitation, L5 Felony

Police say the investigation is still ongoing.

(La Porte, IN) – Streets near two La Porte lakes will be closed temporarily for construction projects.

Two streets near Stone Lake in La Porte will be closed starting Tuesday, March 24. Central Ave. will be closed from Weller Ave. to Lake St., and Lake St. will be closed from Central Ave. to Hawthorne St. Area businesses will still be accessible.

The closure will last approximately one month and will allow crews to lay the raw water supply line for the Soldiers Memorial Well Field project.

Two other closures will take place south of Clear Lake beginning Monday, March 23^rd. Washington St. will be closed from Linwood to Tipton, and Adams St. will be closed from State to Washington. Area businesses will still be accessible.

City officials say this will be the first of many area closures over the next several months as crews relocate utilities for the state's Tipton Street Overpass project.

(La Porte, IN) - The City of LaPorte has received a request to annex more than 1,000 acres of farmland.

The request from all of the property owners is triggering speculation that it’s for construction of another data center beside the one Microsoft just started constructing on the city’s south side.

“I don’t buy for one minute that there’s not an offer from either Microsoft, Amazon or one of the big data centers to add on to his project,” said LaPorte County Commissioner Steve Holifield, who’s against the proposed annexation.

LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook said signed petitions from the property owners seeking annexation were submitted to the city council on March 16.  A public hearing on the request is scheduled April 13 during the La Porte City Council meeting at City Hall beginning at 6 p.m.

Drawing concern from nearby property owners is the site being next to farmland where Microsoft recently started moving dirt for a data center it’s constructing on Boyd Boulevard just east of U.S. 35.  Cook would not reveal if there are any ties between the annexation request and Microsoft or some other technology firm looking to put up a data center.  He preferred allowing other information the public is seeking to come out later as it normally does while following the standard procedures involved with this or any other formal request.

In general, Cook said annexation is sought from landowners wanting their properties served by municipal water and sewer since the city no longer extends lines to areas outside the corporate boundaries.  Cook said utility service makes vacant ground, for example, more valuable to prospective buyers looking to develop the property.

The data center now under construction is on nearly 500 acres of was historically farmland purchased by Microsoft a few years ago from the former owners, who also sought to be annexed into the city.  The city granted their request for annexation not long before a deal for a data center with Microsoft was announced.

In recent months, residents in the area have gone to multiple La Porte County Commissioners’ meetings to express concerns about having their lifestyles damaged from another data center possibly near the Microsoft site.

Their speculation has been fueled by things like the occasional presence of surveyors in the area of the Microsoft site.  Holifield, a farmer from the Mill Creek area, said surveyors were out there again on March 16 in vehicles that had their company names and logos covered.

Two days later, the commissioners voted to research whether an ordinance can be adopted to prohibit such pieces of identification from being concealed, feeling residents have a right to know who’s near their property.

Holifield said he’s not opposed to data centers here as long as they go into the more secluded Kingsbury Industrial Park about four miles south of the city.  He’s strongly against them being placed on farm land, though, and near existing homeowners.

Holifield said he supports landowners’ rights except when it comes at a cost for other residents nearby.

“You can do what you want with your property but you do not have the right to destroy your neighbor’s enjoyment of their property,” he said.

Holifield said there’s probably nothing county government can do to stop the city from potentially annexing the property, but “it’s about time someone stood up.”

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte woman could face prison time for allegedly selling methamphetamine from her home.

Jessica Meadows, 38, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 4 felony dealing in methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Meadows is accused of selling over four grams of methamphetamine last month at her residence in the 400 block of C St.  Police said the sale arranged in chats on social media was for $60.

Meadows arrested on March 13 was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $20,000 bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man was taken by a medical helicopter after having a tree he was cutting fall on him Thursday at a La Porte County boys scout camp.

Kenneth Coleman, 63, was flown to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for more advanced care of his undisclosed injuries, according to La Porte County Police,

Police said officers about 8 a.m. were called to Camp Topenebee off U.S. 421, a few miles south of Interstate 94, to assist medics with Coleman on his back with a tree on his left leg just above the ankle.  Coleman told investigators he was cutting down a large pine tree with a chainsaw when the tree close to the area he was cutting snapped.

Fortunately, police said Coleman with his leg pinned between the tree and ground had a cell phone and used it to call 911.  Emergency responders dug his leg out from under the tree and placed him into the medical helicopter several minutes after it landed, police said.

Coolspring Township Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Warren Smith said the man had not cut very deeply into the tree when it snapped from being rotten on the inside.

“As he was cutting it, it broke,” he said.

Camp Topenebee is used by the LaSalle Council of Scouting America based in South Bend.  The council has members from La Porte and other counties in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

(La Porte, IN) - A man from another country has been sentenced in La Porte but he's not at risk of serving any of that time as long as he doesn’t come back to the U.S.

Stefan Rankovich was given a one year jail sentence on charges of intimidation and pointing a firearm in connection with a pellet gun he held during a road rage incident with another driver.

After his arrest about 18 months ago, authorities said information developed that he was not a U.S. citizen and was later deported.  Rankovich later pleaded guilty and appeared for sentencing in La Porte Circuit Court on video from his home country.

He was advised by the judge he would need to serve his time should he ever return to the U.S.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan credited deputy prosecutor Autumn Ferch for achieving what he called a “just result.”

(La Porte, IN) - A familiar face in the La Porte School Corporation is leaving for a similar position with another school corporation.

Ben Tonagel is becoming an assistant superintendent with the Duneland School Corporation.  Tonagel spent 13 years here as principal at La Porte High School then later assistant superintendent of elementary education and student learning.

Tonagel was a student and standout basketball player for the Slicers.  He was a member of the team that made it to the state semi-finals in 1997.  Tonagel called the time he spent here as a school administrator a “true privilege.”

“I am deeply grateful for the relationships built, the experiences shared and the opportunity to support continued growth and improvements in La Porte’s schools,” he said.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood said maintaining stability is the top priority until the open position is filled.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana University football coach Curt Cignetti will be part of this year’s Indianapolis 500 ceremonies on the track after a perfect national championship season.

He will drive the honorary pace car to start the race scheduled for May 24.

Cignetti will drive a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, touted as the most advanced Corvette ever made.

“Coach Cignetti will have our field in a special victory lap formation as he leads the stars of the NTT IndyCar Series to the green flag at this year’s Indy 500,” said Doug Boles, president of both the series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“His Hoosiers have been nothing short of remarkable, and their national championship run inspired our entire state,” he said.

In two years, Cignetti took a long suffering program to a national championship this year and the first perfect season in college football since the 1890’s.

(St. Joseph County, IN) - The Indiana Department of Transportation will host a hearing to offer the public an opportunity to review and comment on preliminary design plans regarding a proposed intersection improvement near New Carlisle.

The project is proposed at Indiana 2 and Larrison Blvd/Strawberry Rd.  According to INDOT,  the project involves converting the existing two-way stop-controlled intersection to a grade-separated interchange with a design referred to as a diverging diamond.

The interchange will include constructing two bridges carrying Larrison Blvd/Strawberry Rd over Indiana 2,  four single-lane interchange ramps, widening Larrison Blvd/Strawberry Rd approaching the interchange, and installing traffic signals north and south of Indiana 2 to control traffic on Larrison Blvd/Strawberry Rd when crossing over the diverging diamond interchange.

Indiana 2 will remain a four-lane divided highway with two lanes in each direction, according to INDOT. 

The hearing is scheduled March 30 at New Prairie High School beginning at 6 p.m. (Central Time) with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.  A formal presentation will be followed by an opportunity for verbal statements for the record.

The proposed improvements would be a short distance from where an Amazon data center campus and a General Motors electric vehicle battery making plant are going up.

(Starke County, IN) - The National Weather Service has confirmed a second tornado in Starke County during the March 10 storms.

According to the NWS, the discovery was made from analyzing satellite and storm chaser data that shows a second tornado touched down for a short period of time.

That tornado produced winds of up to 85 miles per hour compared to the 115 mile per hour winds from the first tornado that traveled more than 12 miles before dissipating.

The NWS said there were two other tornadoes from the storms confirmed downstate in Jay County and Wells County.

(Michigan City, IN) - An Indiana State Prison inmate was being treated for serious burns suffered in a fire inside his cell.

According to the Indiana Department of Correction, the preliminary findings of the ongoing investigation show an inmate may have tampered with something that caused a spark inside the cell.  Staff members, including inmates with the prison fire department, extinguished the Sunday night fire, which was contained to the cell where it started.

So far, the name of the hospitalized inmate has not been disclosed. Two inmates died from fires in their cells at the Michigan City prison in 2023 and 2017.  Governor Mike Braun said there will also be an investigation into why the past fires occurred in hopes of preventing more in the future.

“We will be looking to see what was behind this.  Do a full investigation of it and look to improve our prison system in all of the ways we need to to make it better,” he told WTHR-TV out of Indianapolis.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver who struck a tree outside Michigan City is accused of driving impaired.

Cassaundra Ramsay, 49, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony operating while intoxicated.  La Porte County Police about 8 p.m. on Friday were called to Love’s Truck Stop on U.S. 421 just south of Interstate 94.  Police said the Ohio woman struck the tree while turning into the parking lot of the establishment.  Ramsay denied consuming alcohol but showed major symptoms of impairment, police said.

She was taken into custody after allegedly refusing to take a breathalyzer test.  The charge was upgraded to a felony due to Ramsay having a prior OWI conviction.

(Berrien County, MI) - An arrest has been made for a shooting at a Michigan rest stop along Interstate 94.

Noah Ditchie, 26, of Kalamazoo is being held in the Berrien County Jail on $1,000,000 bond on charges including assault with intent to murder.  Police said the 34 year old man was shot Monday evening at a rest stop beside the westbound lanes near Watervliet.  He was taken to Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph with a non-life threatening gunshot wound, police said.

Ditchie is also facing charges related to a carjacking and assault of another victim, who was identified during the shooting investigation.

In recent weeks, a number of semi-trailers with drivers sleeping in their cabs were broken into and items stolen at the rest stop along Interstate 94 outside New Buffalo.  Those cases remain investigation.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Chicago woman is accused of driving impaired with a lot of dispensary marijuana in her vehicle.  La Porte County Police said an officer yesterday evening monitoring traffic on Indiana 39 about a mile south of the Michigan state line stopped Jocelyn Jimenez because her windows were too tinted, police said.

Police said Jimenez, 24, had been drinking and likely smoked marijuana judging by the odor coming from the vehicle.  There were also about two dozen marijuana pre-rolls in the vehicle along with a large amount of marijuana wax and gummies containing THC, police said.

Police said the marijuana products had just been purchased at dispensaries in New Buffalo Township.  She was booked into the La Porte County Jail on charges of possession of marijuana and operating while intoxicated.

(La Porte, IN) - A man was about to get married at the courthouse in La Porte when police crashed the festivities by arresting the groom.

66 year old Bradley Armstrong was arrested Tuesday before he could say his wedding vows.  La Porte County Police said Armstrong on his marriage license application failed to mention as required that he is a classified violent lifetime sex offender.

The question is asked on the application but Armstrong’s answer was no, police said.  According to authorities, the address he listed on the application was also different than the one he listed on the sex offender registry.  He’s charged with providing false information on a marriage license application, a Level 6 felony.  Armstrong’s conviction was from 2002.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man went to a church in Michigan City with several concealed bombs and a gun to kill a parishioner but was intercepted by law enforcement before carrying out his plans.

Those are the allegations faced by Matthew Schutz, 41, of Michigan City.  Schutz is charged with Level 1 felony attempted murder, Level 2 felony possession of a destructive device or explosive, Level 5 felony stalking and Class A misdemeanor resisting law enforcement.  He was ordered held in the La Porte County Jail on $100,000 cash only bond.

On March 11, a woman told a 911 dispatcher that Schutz, who she identified as her husband, was going to Full Gospel Church at 2700 Ohio St. to kill a parishioner, according to the probable cause affidavit in La Porte Superior Court 1 where the case is filed.  At the time, there was a still active protective order prohibiting Schutz from having contact with the woman, authorities said.

Upon arrival, police said officers located Schutz seated in back of the chapel and the male parishioner he targeted sitting in a pew closer to the front.

The parishioner had already been warned about Schutz threatening to kill him in a text message from the woman while the defendant was on his way to the church, authorities said.  

During a pat down search, police said Schutz started running toward the church exit, but officers managed to grab and place handcuffs on him before he made it outside.  Five cylinder-shaped objects with wicks were removed from his pockets, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Police said Schutz described one of the bombs as having enough force to potentially cause “serious bodily injury.”

According to authorities, the woman also showed police her cell phone containing messages allegedly from Schutz that he was also going to kill her and her family. Police said a search was soon conducted of the suspect’s home at 210 Brinkman St. where evidence of bomb making materials like flash powder was discovered.

Authorities said the parishioner told investigators he didn’t know why Schutz would want to kill him.  Schutz said he made the threats out of anger triggered by the woman’s “personal decisions,” according to the probable cause affidavit.

LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said an attempted murder charge can be filed if substantial steps are taken toward killing someone.

“We believe, essentially, that he took substantial steps.  Thankfully, he did not complete the crime,” he said,

Schutz could face anywhere from a 20 to 40 year sentence on the attempted murder charge and another 10 to 30 years for possession of a destructive device or explosive.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man is facing major drug dealing charges after allegedly caught rummaging through a vehicle with a ski mask on. Kevin Kissam, 45, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with three counts including dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony.  According to court documents, Kissam on February 16 was spotted by police using what appeared to be a flashlight inside a vehicle in the 300 block of J St.  When approached, police said Kissam ran inside a nearby home and stood in front of the door to keep officers from going inside.

Eventually, he was taken into custody.  Police said Kissam had over 50 grams of methamphetamine along with more than $1,000 in cash and a similar amount in counterfeit bills.  More than a dozen prescription pills were also allegedly found on his possession.

Kissam was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $50,000 bond.  He could face anywhere from a 10 to 30 year sentence if convicted on the drug dealing charge.

(La Porte, IN) - A Michigan City man is facing charges in connection with the theft of an antique firearm and other items during a burglary at a senior living facility while it was under construction.

Christopher Amstutz, 49, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with burglary and theft of a firearm, both Level 5 felonies.

According to court documents, the break-in happened on February 24 at Bella Largo Senior Living in La Porte on Indiana 39 near the Toll Road.  The items taken included an antique four barrel .22 caliber Derringer pistol, two other antique firearms, a Nepalese Kukri knife, a brass Mark V diver helmet and three scrimshaw whale teeth, police said.

Among the other missing items were a 55 gallon barrel containing electrical wiring and power tools.

According to court documents, security camera footage showed a vehicle pulling a trailer entering the property and leaving less than two hours later with a large barrel secured on the trailer with straps.  Amstutz emerged as a suspect after a license plate reading camera system about 15 minutes later detected the vehicle entering Michigan City where it was found less than two weeks later in the 1000 block of E. Michigan Boulevard.

After finding the vehicle, police said Amstutz drove off in it and was pulled over with the stolen diver’s helmet just behind the front seats.  Each count contains a sentencing range of one to six years.

(Starke County, IN) - Police in Starke County are trying to identify a man who tried robbing a Dollar General.  This happened about 8:30 yesterday morning outside Knox.  Police said the suspect handed a note to a cashier demanding money from the register, but he fled empty handed when told there was no money.  The man was described as black and thin wearing a green baseball cap and a dark colored hoody, police said.  He was last seen getting into a vehicle that fled westbound on State Road 8 toward Knox.

(Westville & Hammond, IN) - Open houses have been scheduled at both campuses of Purdue University Northwest.

Prospective college students and their families at no cost can go to the campus near Westville on April 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the campus in Hammond on April 25 starting at 8:30 a.m.

According to PNW officials, the events will provide valuable information about the university’s academic programs, admission process and paying tuition.  Guided campus tours will include visits to classrooms, hands-on laboratories and collaborative workspaces.  Guests will also have the opportunity to meet faculty and staff.

Admissions counselors and financial aid professionals will be available throughout the day to answer questions and assist in the application process. Application fees will be waived for prospective students who attend an admissions presentation and complete an application during the event. Complementary refreshments will be available.  

To register, visit pnw.edu/preview.

(La Porte County, IN) - Two upcoming La Porte County government meetings have been rescheduled.

They are the La Porte Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Tuesday and the La Porte County Planning Commission meeting on March 24.

County Commissioner Steve Holifield said the next BZA meeting will be on April 21 while the next Planning Commission meeting will be on April 28.

“We just got some legal issues we have to work through so that’s why we’re postponing them for a month,” he said.

A proposed data center ordinance was among the issues the planning commission was expected to address next week.  La Porte County Commissioner Joe Haney said the meetings were pushed back due to the resignation of Doug Biege, who was the attorney for both governing bodies.

Efforts are underway to find a replacement 

(La Porte County, IN) - A man has admitted to driving impaired when he crashed into a New Prairie High School bus last year, badly injuring a junior varsity baseball player and assistant coach.

Shawn Akison, 42, pleaded guilty Friday in La Porte Circuit Court to operating while intoxicated causing catastrophic injury, a level 4 felony and operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, a Level 5 felony.

The Romeoville, Illinois man agreed to serve an eight-year prison sentence for the injuries suffered by then 16 year old Lucas Bradshaw and one additional year in prison for the harm to assistant coach and school board member Richard Shail.

Akison, who tested positive for fentanyl in his bloodstream after the crash, would also serve three years on probation.  The sentence will be handed down on April 29 if Judge Julianne Havens accepts the terms of the plea agreement, which she took under advisement.

Bradshaw was in a coma for an extended period with a brain injury but walked out of a rehabilitation center with little assistance four months after the crash.

Shail suffered a broken vertebrae, fractured ribs and other injuries but recovered enough to attend the high school graduation ceremony as a school board member about a month after the accident.

His wife, Nancy, said her husband continues to improve but “still struggles with some of his mobility.”

According to authorities, Akison fled from a police officer in St. Joseph County who tried stopping him for erratic driving just prior to colliding with the back end of a mini-school bus stopped for a traffic light in La Porte County at U.S. 20 and Fail Road.  Bradshaw was ejected from the mini-school bus, which flipped over.

Akison then struck the back end of a semi-trailer before hitting the side of a second mini-school bus carrying the rest of the team at the traffic light.  The team was on its way to a game in Hobart at the time of the crash.  Police said Akison was traveling at high speeds and using a cell phone at the time of the crash.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said the plea agreement, if accepted, will keep the victims and others on the bus from having to relive the experience by not having to testify at trial.

“To potentially take this to trial and have them retraumatized is not something we want to do and it’s not in the best interest of the victims, the injured, the young men, the coaches in this case,” he said.

Fagan said he also felt the plea agreement achieves justice by containing a sentence similar to what he would have received had he been found guilty at trial.

(La Porte, IN) - Indiana Ave. south of downtown La Porte will have an additional closure.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, on or after Monday, March 16, Indiana Ave./U.S. 35 will be closed between South and Kingsbury Avenues.

The intersection at Kingsbury will be closed until the end of April. The four intersections north of Kingsbury will be closed through August.

INDOT says the project team will be working closely with businesses and home owners to maintain access to their properties during construction.

Indiana Ave. remains closed between Lincolnway and Maple Ave, including the intersection at Jefferson Ave, through late May.

(South Bend, IN) - A Michigan City man has been sentenced to time in federal prison for a firearm offense.

According to court documents, 29-year-old Dontia Grant was pulled over for speeding in Michigan City. He reportedly fled from police both in his vehicle and on foot. Once apprehended, Grant was found to be in possession of a loaded pistol with a 20-round extended magazine.

This became a federal matter since he was a prior felon. Grant had other convictions for the illegal transfer of a firearm and resisting arrest.

For the recent gun charge, Grant received a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte man was killed in a single vehicle crash this morning.  The victim has been identified as 50 year old Jose Jenkins.

According to La Porte County Police, Jenkins about 4 a.m. was driving a 2006 Hummer southbound on U.S. 35 when he veered off the right side of the roadway north of Stonehedge Way.  The vehicle traveled along a grass-covered shoulder area then made contact with a gravel surface before going airborne and coming to rest, police said.

Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene.  Police said an adult female passenger and three juvenile passengers were all transported from the scene for treatment.  Their conditions were not disclosed.  U.S. 35 was closed for several hours between Johnson Road and U.S. 20.  Police did not comment on whether alcohol or drugs may have been involved in the crash.

(La Porte County, IN) - Gusty winds today are causing power outages from fallen trees and utility poles.

A semi truck and trailer were also blown over late this morning between Westville and Wanatah on U.S. 421 near 800 South.  La Porte County Emergency Management Director Rob Sabie said the overturned trailer was blocking both lanes of the highway, but a tow truck was there to upright and haul away the semi.  “They’re going to try and upright the semi to get it out of the way,” he said.

U.S. 421 was closed between U.S 6 to U.S. 30.  Sabie said another tractor trailer blew over this morning on Indiana 39 near Union Mills, but that rig came to rest off the highway.  The trailers on both semis were not hauling any cargo.

NIPSCO reports more than 800 power outages late this morning in its La Porte service territory and over 300 in the Michigan City area while over 160 customers in the Mill Creek area were still without power. 

According to NIPSCO, the over 500 outages in its Westville service territory early morning were down to less than 20.

La Porte County Police reported sustained winds of more than 30 miles per hour with gusts of up to 54 miles per hour. 

(La Porte County, IN) - A wanted man was arrested after forced off a residential property by police in Springfield Township.

La Porte County Police said officers Thursday morning responded to a complaint that 44 year old Charles Wilson was no longer welcome to stay there and he refused to leave.

Police say Wilson was inside a recreational vehicle on the property where he had been living but wouldn’t come out.  Eventually, officers with help from a chemical agent forced Wilson out of the RV in the 6800 block of N. Indiana 39. 

He was arrested for resisting law enforcement and illegal possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.  Police said a hold was also placed on Wilson for authorities in Porter County, which had a warrant out for his arrest for resisting law enforcement.

La Porte County, IN) - Strong winds this morning have resulted in power outages throughout the area.

According to NIPSCO, there were more than 500 customers without power in its Westville service territory while over 200 customers were without power in the Michigan City area.  Over 160 customers were  also without service in the Mill Creek area.

Indiana Michigan Power Company reports over 100 customers without service in parts of northern La Porte County.   Outages are impacting more than 3,000 Indiana Michigan Power customers in the South Bend and Niles area.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for La Porte County and surrounding areas throughout the rest of the day with gusts reaching 50 miles per hour or more. 

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police arrested a suspected child predator this morning.

Joseph Yaw, 34, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 3 felony promotion of sex trafficking, Level 5 felony child solicitation and Class A misdemeanor inappropriate communication with a child.

Police said the investigation began just over two months ago when a 13 year old girl reported she received inappropriate messages.  Evidence of Yaw being a suspect was obtained over the next several weeks and a warrant was issued for his arrest on Monday. 

Yaw was being held on $25,000 bond.  No additional details about the alleged crimes were released.

(La Porte County, IN) - Two juveniles in La Porte County have been arrested on rape allegations.

According to La Porte County Police, the case was opened when an individual came forward in early January to report witnessing sexual acts being performed on November 1 at a rural La Porte County residence.

The investigation over the next several weeks included an interview with the alleged 17 year old victim and collection of additional evidence.  Eventually, police said suspects, also 17, were identified.

The case was given to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office, which presented the findings to a judge who found probable cause to have the suspects charged with Level 3 felony rape.

Police said both juveniles were taken into custody earlier this week.  The teenagers are charged as adults and were being held in the La Porte County Juvenile Services Center.

(La Porte County, IN) - Over 900 school children in La Porte County learned more about where their food comes from and the work involved in getting it to their dinner tables.

This occurred Wednesday and Thursday during the annual Ag Days put on by La Porte County Farm Bureau.  The children all in the fourth grade were bused from their respective schools to the event inside the Community Building at the La Porte County Fairgrounds.

The children spent about 10 minutes at each of the nearly one dozen stations learning about things like milk production and the process involved in getting food to consumers from start to finish.

Dairy Farmer Frank Minich informed the students just one dairy cow drinks the equivalent of a “bathtub full of water” daily and can produce as much as 10 to 12 gallons of milk every 24 hours.  Minich said it takes about eight hours to milk all of his 800 head of Holstein cows and nearly five hours to feed them at his farm near Kingsbury.  The milking and feeding are done twice a day.

Minich also revealed he uses gummy bears from a candy factory in Merrillville in his grain mixture as a nutritional supplement, a longstanding practice in the dairy industry.  He said the gummy bears are made available because they didn’t make the candy maker’s grade for quality, but they contain sugars that mirror the ones in corn and are less costly.

“It’s a smart business move for us to do that,” he said.

Farmer Jeff Mitzner of Wanatah played a video showing how freshly harvested cucumbers are loaded into trucks and shipped to plants to be turned into pickles.

“They are going to be put in a can or a jar like that for you to use to buy at the grocery store,” he said.

The video also displayed how tomatoes are planted and harvested then put through a shaker to remove any rocks or other debris before hauled away to food plants. 

Farmer Paul Herrold from the Westvile area said the students in his presentation seemed most surprised that flour comes from the grinding of wheat.  He also told how his soybeans a few years ago were taken to an elevator in Union Mills for shipment to China.

“Literally, crops grown here in La Porte County could end up anywhere in the entire world,” he said.

Each student was also given a chance to pet a lamb born just a week ago and other animals like a chicken. 

La Porte County Farm Bureau President Mark Parkman said the event is an important learning experience since a vast majority of school children nowadays don’t live on a farm.

Teacher Linda Nelson, who brought her fourth grade students from Kingsford Heights Elementary School, agreed.

“We are surrounded by farm land but I don’t think they really understand what that entails and what it takes to maintain and run a farm.  It’s a great opportunity for them to get that,” she said.

Jessica Frankowski, a fourth grade teacher at Hailmann Elementary School in La Porte, said the event helps students know where their food comes from and everything involved on a farm in caring for the animals.

“I think it allows kids to understand parts of agriculture they don’t always get exposed to,” she said.

(Michigan City, IN) - There are plans for a car wash where the Red Lobster restaurant used to be in Michigan City.

Attorney Chris Willoughby, who represents the property owners on Franklin St. south of U.S. 20, said six million dollars would be invested in building the car wash.

He told the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday the owners have a solid reputation in other communities they operate.  Willoughby said the owners are from a family owned business since 1948.

“They have a vast number of awards as well as recognition from communities in terms of their involvement,” he said.

The owners’ request for a zoning variance resulted in a tie vote from the board, which is expected to vote again on the proposal next month when an odd number of zoning board members should be in attendance to decide the matter.

(Starke County, IN) - A tornado in Starke County during Tuesday night’s storm has been confirmed by the National Weather Service, which classified it as an EF2 tornado.

The maximum wind speeds were up to 115 miles per hour.

No deaths or injuries were reported, but there was widespread damage.

The NWS said the tornado was about 1,000 yards wide and traveled about 15 miles before dissipating near the Starke County Airport.

(La Porte County, IN) - A woman who seriously injured a man in a head-on collision outside La Porte was extremely impaired by alcohol and possibly marijuana.

Those are among the latest details obtained from the Sunday night crash on Indiana 2 just west of County Road 100 South.

Mackenzie Miller, 21, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury.  She hit Franklin Lile, 47, of Wanatah.

La Porte County Police said he was unconscious after the collision and airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. 

According to court documents, Lile, who’s employed at the La Porte County Highway Department, was still in a coma and on a respirator Monday with a brain injury.

Police said the collision occurred after the Walkerton woman veered across the center line, striking the oncoming vehicle head-on.

According to court documents, Miller told investigators she dropped off her two year old son at his father’s house and was traveling to a friend’s house when the collision happened.

She admitted to consuming alcohol and using a marijuana vape pen before the crash, authorities said.  Miller was treated at a local hospital and later booked into the La Porte County Jail where she was being held on $15,000 bond.

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

(Porter County, IN) - Sandhill Cranes are gathering at the Indiana Dunes National Park thanks to a habitat restoration.

The Great Marsh where migratory birds and other wildlife historically took refuge was destroyed in the 20^th century.  Since 1998, though, the National Park Service and its partners have done extensive restoration work in the Great Marsh consisting of about 4,000 acres.

As a result, Sandhill Cranes began returning in recent years and have come back in “staggering numbers” this year to use the marsh during migration, said Katie Hobgood, Program Director for Save The Dunes, one of the partners in the restoration.

“It’s a powerful example of how restoring wetlands creates the conditions wildlife need to return,” she said.

People wanting to see the Sandhill Cranes can do so near Cowles Bog along Mineral Springs Road.  Visitors are reminded to give the birds plenty of space, stay on designated trails and viewing areas, keep noise low and use binoculars or a zoom lens rather than approaching the birds.

(La Porte County, IN) - It appears La Porte County was not impacted much from storms last night that produced tornadoes as close as Starke County.

Cass-Clinton Township Fire Chief Jeff Mitzner said there were high winds, heavy rain and pea-sized hail in the Wanatah area but he wasn’t aware of any tornadoes in that immediate area.

He said 1.6 inches of rain came down at his residence in less than a half hour.

"I think we dodged a bullet," he said. 

A lightning strike apparently was to blame for a house fire that left an outside wall charred in LaCrosse.

Coolspring Township firefighter Warren Smith said conditions were similar during the storm at his residence near Pinola.

“We had lots of wind.  Lots of rain and a whole lot of hail,” he said.

Smith said the hail was the size of a nickel or dime.

La Porte resident Bob Wellinski was out storm chasing for the National Weather Service in southern La Porte County when a tornado appeared to have touched down.  Wellinski said he didn’t see the tornado because it was so dark but spotted it later in pictures he took of lightning and other elements produced by the storm.

He estimated the tornado was about a mile away from him and possibly on the Starke County side of the county line with La Porte County.

“It was running pretty much parallel to me,” he said.

Not much storm damage was reported in La Porte County.  La Porte Street Department Supervisor Ian Eldridge said the only damage he knows of was a fallen tree branch his crews removed from Waverly Road.

NIPSCO reported just a handful of power outages in the La Porte area this morning and 55 customers without service in the Michigan City area. 

(La Porte County, IN) - Impairment is alleged in a head-on collision that caused serious injuries to the other driver outside La Porte.  21 year old Mackenzie Miller is now facing charges. 

La Porte County Police said the Walkerton woman veered across the center line, striking a vehicle head-on Sunday night on Indiana 2 near 100 South.  47 year old Franklin Lile of Wanatah was airlifted to a regional hospital with injuries described as serious.

Miller was treated at a local hospital and later booked into the county jail.  She was being held on $15,000 bond.

Miller could face anywhere from one to six years on a charge of operating while intoxicated causing serious injury in La Porte Circuit Court.

(Indianapolis, IN) - NIPSCO has been fined nearly a half million dollars for violating the state’s minimum pipeline safety standards.

According to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, utility companies by state law are required to provide the location of their underground facilities when asked. 

The IURC said it found 190 violations where NIPSCO failed to timely or accurately locate its buried lines and pipes when excavators requested the information. The information is sought in advance to avoid rupturing buried natural gas pipes and electrical wiring.

NIPSCO was credited by the IURC with taking steps to address the problems.  The utility company agreed not to challenge the penalty, according to IURC.

(Michigan City, IN) - The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Michigan City is scheduled Saturday.

Beginning at 1 p.m., the 60 units will travel northbound on Franklin St. from 9^th St. to where the parade ends at 4th St. 

“Whether you are Irish or not, pull out your best green attire and come celebrate our community,” said Terry Greetham, Director of Special Events.

This year’s line-up will include bag pipe bands, dance teams, local businesses, organizations and a few surprises.  Anyone wanting to participate in the parade can still do so at no cost by registering at michigancityin.gov.

More information about the parade, including the parade line-up, can be found on the Michigan City Special Events Facebook page.

(La Porte, IN) - An employee of the La Porte School Corporation has been recognized statewide for her job performance.

Dawn Sprouse , secretary at Kingsbury Elementary School, was named secretary of the year by the Indiana Association of School Principals.

“Recipients are recognized for taking initiative and demonstrating the courage to try new approaches that make their school better,” said Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood during her announcement at last night’s school board meeting.

Anyone who knows Dawn understands how deserving she is of this honor,” she said.

Wood also described Sprouse as being an essential part of the Kingsbury community who consistently goes above and beyond for students, families and staff.  Sprouse officially received the award on February 27.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Chicago woman wound up behind bars after allegedly found in the Michigan City area with dispensary marijuana.

La Porte County Police said the woman was pulled over during the afternoon on Sunday for traveling 10 to 15 miles per hour below the speed limit on Indiana 212 along with erratic lane movement.  During the traffic stop, police said an officer detected an odor of marijuana.

In response, police said the driver, Uylanda Gaston, admitted there was marijuana inside a bag on her front passenger seat.  Initially, she didn’t want to hand the bag over to the officer, saying she purchased the marijuana in Michigan and was heading back to Illinois.

Marijuana can be legally purchased from dispensaries in both states.

However, when informed marijuana was still against the law in Indiana, Gaston gave the officer the bag containing more than two ounces of the leafy substance in two separate packages, police said.   The bag contained the name of a dispensary along U.S. 12 a few miles west of the New Buffalo city limits.

Gaston, who was booked into the La Porte County Jail, could face an up to six month jail sentence on the Class B misdemeanor offense.

(La Porte, IN) - A Kingsford Heights area man who allegedly tried hiding a large amount of methamphetamine in his mouth is facing multiple charges.

Brock Lindsey is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony possession of methamphetamine; Level 6 felony operating while intoxicated and Class A misdemeanor driving on a suspended license.

According to La Porte Police, Lindsey was stopped early on February 27 when clocked traveling 82 miles per hour on U.S. 35 on the city’s south side.  After questioned about the odor of alcohol on his breath, police said the officer spotted Lindsey place something in his mouth large enough to make his right cheek bulge.

Police said he repeatedly refused to remove the item from his mouth but after taken to the ground he spit out what turned out to be six grams of methamphetamine in the shape of a ball.  He was arrested for OWI after allegedly refusing to take a breathalyzer test.

The next hearing in the case was set for March 20 for a judge to decide whether to lower his bond. 

(Lansing, MI) - Marijuana dispensaries produced over a million dollars in tax revenue for New Buffalo Township government last year.

Newly released figures from the state reveal New Buffalo Township received just over $1.4 million from 26 licensed dispensaries near Interstate 94 and along U.S. 12.

The Village of Three Oaks received slightly more than $54,000 for one licensed dispensary.  The cities of Niles and Buchanan collected over $324,000 apiece from the six dispensaries in each community.

Statewide, local municipalities combined received more than $46 million from 868 licensed dispensaries in Michigan, according to the figures.

(La Porte County, IN) - The life of a police officer was at major risk during a two state high speed chase last week.

According to police, the chase on Thursday began on Michigan City’s east side when the driver of a stolen vehicle picked up by a license plate reading camera refused to pull over.   Police said the pursuit veered onto U.S. 12 and east into New Buffalo then back to Indiana on Interstate 94.

At one point, police said an officer ran out into the highway to place stop sticks on the pavement in hopes of flattening the oncoming fleeing vehicle’s tires.  However, police said the officer fell and was on the pavement when the fleeing driver and other motorists safely veered around the officer.

Soon, police said the fleeing driver, Alejandro Diaz of Chicago stopped and surrendered, telling officers he didn’t want anyone to get hurt. 

Police said Diaz, who is homeless with mental health issues, was taken into custody without further incident.

(Michigan City, IN) - A man wanted for armed robbery and other crimes in Michigan City has been taken into custody.

Jayden Owens was arrested Friday afternoon.  Police said Owens and Deshannon Driver, both 18, were suspected of pointing a gun at someone in the 400 block of Ridgeland Ave. when located soon at Walker Park.

They allegedly fled and were apprehended in the 500 block of Springland Ave.  At the time, Owens had warrants out for his arrest on charges of armed robbery, battery with a deadly weapon and other counts, police said. 

Police said Owens was also arrested for Level 6 felony pointing a firearm and Class A misdemeanor resisting law enforcement.  Driver was arrested for resisting law enforcement.

(Cass County, MI) – At least one casualty has been reported in the aftermath of tornadic storms that ripped through Cass County, Michigan Friday evening.

On Saturday morning the Sheriff’s Office there issued this statement:

 “It is with a heavy heart that Sheriff Clint Roach reports that a young man from the Edwardsburg area has lost his life in a weather-related incident. Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 3:12 pm on 03/06/2026. Information received indicated that a possible tornado touched down in the 68000 block of Conrad Rd. North of US 12 Edwardsburg, Michigan, Milton Twp. The caller advised that they could not find their son. Upon arrival of First Responders, it was determined that he had been located and his parents were providing first aid. 12 yr old Silas Anderson was taken to South Bend Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Silas was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. Sheriff Roach asks that you respect the family's privacy as they try to comprehend and deal with this tragedy.”

Other injuries were reported in Cass County, in addition to severe damage to homes and businesses. A state of emergency has been declared there, and the American Red Cross is in the area providing assistance.

As the storms traveled east, other areas in southern Michigan were also affected. A tornado in Three Rivers damaged the Menards and a nearby storage facility. Thousands of people were left without power. Three other people were reported killed and at least a dozen injured in Branch County, north of Angola.

(South Bend, IN) - The South Bend International Airport is going next-level with its parking lot procedures. This week the airport installed a new ticketless system that utilizes license plate recognition technology.

Now travelers simply drive into the lot and park, then scan a QR code to register their vehicle. QR codes are posted throughout the parking lot and inside the airport. No app download is necessary. Payment via credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay is processed when the car exits the lot. For travelers in a hurry, a vehicle can be registered any time prior to leaving the lot.

The company running the parking lot will have helpers on hand to assist customers throughout this transition.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Hunters in Indiana can now apply for reserved hunts.

This can be done by using the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves Activity Hub at GoOutdoorsIN.com.  Private and public land turkey hunts are included in this round. 

According to DNR, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18.  The online application method is the only way to apply for the hunts listed.

No late entries will be accepted, DNR said.

Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they are applying.  A $1.00 tech fee is charged for each hunt application purchased. 
For a complete list of hunts available, visit on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.

Hunters at each participating property will be selected through random computerized draws and will be able to view results at GoOutdoorsIN.com.  An email will be sent to all applicants when the drawings are complete, according to DNR.

(Michigan City, IN) - A designated non-smoking area at the beach in Washington Park is being proposed.

At this week’s Michigan City Park and Recreation Board meeting, Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason said the 200 foot wide area in front of the lifeguard stations would be marked with signs.

“I would hope it would draw families to that area,” she said.

Vaping would also not be allowed in the proposed designated non-smoking area. Some park board members expressed concern how people violating the rule would respond if asked to stop.  Resident Scott Melon doesn’t feel that should not be an issue since there aren’t as many smokers and restrictions on smoking in society in general began in the 1970’s.

“We’re worried about a fraction of a fraction of a percent who are going to be unruly when we’re to attract out of towners and people with families,” he said.

The board decided to consider the matter again at some point in the future.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Several students from the area recently served as pages at the Indiana Statehouse.

The Senate pages were Zuri Staley, a New Prairie Middle School student, Amelia Jackson and Samuel Smith, both from Urey Middle School in Walkerton, Plymouth High School student Eva Macey and Lacy Hahn, a homeschooled student from Knox.

Pages spend a day touring the historic statehouse, observing debates from the Senate floor and interacting with their state senator.  They were welcomed by State Senator Mike Bohacek, a republican from Michiana Shores.

"I appreciate those who made the trip down to the Statehouse and encourage all students throughout Indiana to take advantage of this great opportunity," he said.

Students in grades six through 12 participate in the page program on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during the legislative session.  The session for this year ended last week.

Parents interested in learning more about the program should visit www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Page-Program.  Applications for the 2027 program will be available at the end of 2026.

(La Porte County, IN) - There’s a new person in charge of an emergency services position in La Porte County government.

Matt Deckard is now director of the E-911 dispatch center.  He was the assistant E-911 director for the past five years.  Deckard’s hiring was approved unanimously Wednesday by the La Porte County Commissioners.

“We’re almost back to full staff now.  That’s our number one priority.  We’re the closest we’ve been in a long time, so, knock on wood we keep that going,” he said.

He replaces Barb Huston, who came out of retirement in 2021 to accept the job. Huston is running for La Porte County Assessor.  She is unopposed in the Republican May primary.

Incumbent Mike Schultz, a democrat, is also without a primary challenger.

(La Porte County, IN) - A driver fleeing police at high speeds from La Porte County into Michigan was captured yesterday afternoon.

Shortly before 5 pm., officers were in pursuit of the vehicle on U.S. 12.  Eventually, the chase ventured into New Buffalo then Interstate 94 where speeds reached well over 100 miles per hour.

Reports indicate stop sticks were deployed to try and flatten the fleeing vehicle’s tires. The driver was soon taken into custody.

We’ll provide further details once they’re made available from local authorities.

(Michigan City, IN) - The mayor of Michigan City will host her third annual charitable gala next month.

Last year, the event raised close to $150,000 to help children and do other things like improve parks and perform neighborhood projects.

The charitable gala this year is April 17 at the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa.

“Each year, the gala brings our community together around a shared purpose,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

Tickets sold out last year for the event, which had more than 700 people in attendance.  Deuitch said the evening will feature dinner, live entertainment and opportunities to celebrate the partnerships and organizations helping shape Michigan City’s future.

For additional information, contact the mayor’s office at (219) 873-1400 ext. 2002.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte County government should receive a cut from a lucrative new deal with Microsoft over the data center it’s about to construct in the city of La Porte.

That’s according to La Porte resident Goot Logwood, who spoke during Wednesday’s La Porte County Commissioners meeting.

Early estimates indicate the deal has the potential to bring the city as much as $30 million or more per year in property taxes from the data center.  The school corporation stands to receive several million dollars annually.  The agreement between the city, school district and Microsoft is for 20 years.

Logwood said county government should get some of that revenue especially at a time when property tax reform in Indiana is squeezing the budgets of local governments statewide.  He said extra dollars could eliminate the possibility of new countywide taxes being imposed to make up the financial difference.

“That kind of money spread around the county could benefit everybody.  Not just the city,” he said.

The Microsoft data center is about to start construction on nearly 500 acres of farmland on Boyd Blvd. just east of U.S. 35.

County Commissioner Steve Holifield said he approached Dermody several weeks ago about sharing in the funding prior to the agreement particularly when the land for the data center was outside the city limits until annexed a few years ago.

He said Dermody gave no indication then on whether he’s willing to entertain such as a proposal.

Dermody seemed reluctant to discuss the idea then mentioned the concerns expressed about data centers by a number of officials in county government.

“I respect their focus on opposition to progress. We’re focused on the city,” he said.

County Commissioner Joe Haney is not optimistic about the city sharing the jackpot.  Normally, he said county government and other agencies like libraries and schools would have received a percentage of the funding through standard property tax allotments. 

The city is able to keep all of the funds, except for the amount they agreed to give to the school corporation, because the Microsoft site was placed into a Tax Increment Financing District.  That allows the city to keep those dollars and use them for improvements within all TIFS in the city.

One of the TIFS encompasses the downtown area.   Haney alleged the city is “basically, holding all of that money hostage for their own purposes.  It’s unfortunate.”

(Michigan City, IN) - New portable radios for police officers and firefighters are being considered in Michigan City.

The request calls for nearly 150 radios to replace the ones police officers and firefighters use out in the field.  Fire Chief Barrett Taylor told the city council Tuesday night the current radios work well but they are on borrowed time since parts are no longer made for the 11 year old devices.

“If we need to fix them, once we can’t find parts the radios are useless,” he said.  

The radios would acquired under a three year lease for about $1.1 million.  The city council took the request under consideration for a decision later this month or in early April.

(La Porte, IN) - The late Lou Holtz inspired a lot of people when he was the head football coach at Notre Dame.  He was also a source of inspiration for La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.

Dermody said he met Holtz in La Porte County several years ago when he was here to give a speech and engaged in some brief conversation with him after his presentation.  He said he followed the Irish when Holtz was their head coach and the players seemed like “they would run through a brick wall for him.”

“I always loved his leadership style.  His motivating as a coach for his team and he has high expectations.  He just was inspiring,” he said.  Holtz, who coached the Irish to their last national championship in football in 1988, died yesterday.  He was 89.

(Michigan City, IN) - Reports of gunshots fired went down last month in Michigan City.

The number of shots fired complaints from January and February went from 31 to 23, Michigan City Police Chief Steve Forker told the city council last night.  Forker said most of the shots fired reports last month at 7 were in the city’s Third Ward.

Police in Michigan City have focused on reducing gun violence the past few years and it could be working based on crime statistics compiled by the department.  Shots fired complaints throughout the entire city dropped from 502 in 2023 to 417 the following year.

The number of murders dropped from eight in 2020 to three in 2024.  There were nine non-fatal shootings in 2024 compared to 24 in 2020.

(Merrillville, IN) - NIPSCO is offering bill support for its utility customers through the end of the month to help offset bills that doubled and even tripled for many customers over the previous month.

According to NIPSCO, the temporary measures include waived late and reconnection fees, a pause on service disconnection for non-payment, and reduced reconnection deposits for gas customers.

These measures will last until March 31.

NIPSCO also offers payment plans, budget billing and income based assistance programs year-round.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte begins sectional play tonight in boys’ high school basketball.

The Slicers take on a very strong South Bend Riley team considered one of the best in this part of the state.

Our very own voice of the Slicers, Ben Davis feels La Porte has an outside chance but it’s going to take a near perfect game, starting by limiting the opportunities the opponent’s fast moving guards have to swiftly move up and down the court.

“We have to rebound the ball and we’re going to have to shoot the ball well and you can’t afford to turn the ball over hardly at all tonight because Riley will be heading the other way,” he said.

La Porte (16-7) was blown out by Riley (19-5) during the regular season.  The game is at Mishawaka High School, which is hosting the sectional tournament.  We’ll broadcast the game on 96.7 The Eagle beginning with the pregame show at 6:45 p.m.

(La Porte County, IN) - A familiar face at New Prairie Middle School will be the next principal at the school.

Heidi West has been the assistant principal at the school for the last three years.  She replaces Justin Holmquest, who became director of finance for the school corporation about a month ago.

New Prairie Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul White said West is a very good replacement for Holmquest, who led the school with distinction over the past eight years.

“It was critical to identify the right leader to move the school forward. Fortunately for New Prairie United School Corporation, that leader was right there,” he said.

West helped guide the school to national recognition as a Model Professional Learning Community School in 2024.  West is under contract as principal for two years.

(New Buffalo, MI) - The boys’ basketball team from New Buffalo High School led at halftime but lost in the first round of the regionals Tuesday night.

The Bison were defeated by Colon High School 50-43 at Marcellus.

Colon with three players at well over six feet in height focused on stopping the leading scorer for New Buffalo, senior center Lucas Forker, who was held to just 12 points.  Forker had 25 points when the Bison won the District 4 title over Eau Claire by six points on February 28.

The Bison also had problems with turnovers and giving Colon second chance points at critical moments in the second half from offensive rebounds.

New Buffalo Head Coach Nate Tripp said the loss had more to do with his players beating themselves from lack of execution on both sides of the court especially in the third quarter when Colon outscored the Bison 16 to 8.  He also felt his players never regained their composure after Colon came back from an eight point second quarter deficit to trail by two points at halftime.

“We just kind of panicked and freaked out. We’ve never shown this whole year that we can play with poise and it really cost us,” he said.

The Bison trailing by six points at the start of the fourth quarter pulled to within three points with about three minutes left on the clock on a jump shot from the corner by sophomore Colten Lijewski.  However, New Buffalo could not get any closer.

Senior Trevor James led the Bison with 17 points.  Lijewski added 10 points while senior Sam Tripp contributed five points.  

Colon improved to 21-4 while New Buffalo, winners in 12 of their last 15 games, finished 16-9 on the season.

(La Porte, IN) - What was described as historic levels of new funding in the tens of millions of dollars a year will be coming to the city and schools in La Porte from a renegotiated agreement with Microsoft over its upcoming construction of a data center.

The money stems from a decision by Microsoft in January not to seek property tax relief on its projected $1 billion investment in LaPorte and other data centers the technology giant builds elsewhere.  

“We’re committed to being a good, responsible neighbor and we’ll pay our full and fair share of local property taxes, adding revenue to local towns and cities,” said Mike Stockwell, a Microsoft land development and permitting program manager.

Stockwell was among three other Microsoft representatives at a Tuesday press conference to announce the new deal.

Officials in La Porte were pleased with the original agreement from June of 2024 that called for the city and school corporation to share about $2.5 million annually over a 40 year period.  At the time, Microsoft was planning to seek tax abatement on the very costly equipment inside the facility but pay full property taxes on the building and the nearly 500 acres of farm land the data center will go up on along Boyd Boulevard just east of U.S. 35.

The new agreement calls for the city to collect 85 percent of Microsoft’s entire property tax bill with the remaining 15 percent going to the school corporation over 20 years.  Officials did not release specific figures, preferring to wait for the facility to be assessed once it’s constructed before estimating the total amount of new property tax funding.

However, City Councilman Tim Franke said the yearly property tax collections from Microsoft has the potential to “double or triple” the city’s annual $30 million budget.

“If you do the math, it’s a significant amount of money. We’ll see how it all shakes out,” he said.

La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook called the influx of new funds “unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

Franke said it was Microsoft that approached the city about striking a new deal, which was given final approval Tuesday by the city’s Redevelopment Commission and school board.

LaPorte Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood said the amount of new revenue for the school corporation from Microsoft was the maximum allowed by the state for educational programs.  She also described the new agreement as “significantly more lucrative” than the previous deal and the amount of new funding it contains “unprecedented for a public school corporation in our state.”

Wood said there are no strings attached to the funding, which will be spent at the discretion of the school corporation.

Officials expect some of the funds to start being received in 2028 with full payment in 2029.  How the funds are spent will be decided later at some point.

But, Mayor Tom Dermody said a lot of the city’s money could go toward major needs such as repairing and upgrading infrastructure like streets that “we’re going to focus on as much as possible.”

“I think it will completely change our community,” said City Attorney Nick Otis.

School Board President Ryan Seaburg thanked Dermody for his leadership over the new deal and commitment to include the school corporation in the windfall.

“Your vision mayor Dermody to help our schools is appreciated by everyone in the community,” he said.

(La Porte, IN) - A driver who caused a crash and fled in La Porte yesterday was soon found intoxicated.

That’s according to La Porte County Police, who arrested 38 year old Ronald Davis.  About 4 p.m., police said he struck the back end of a car stopped for a traffic light at Indiana 2 and Fail Road.

Police said Davis was followed by the victim, who stayed with the suspect until an officer spotting him traveling fast pulled him over at Severs Road.  Davis had an alleged blood alcohol level of .128 percent.  There was just minor damage caused by the collision.

(New Buffalo, MI) - The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team won the District 4 championship in a thriller against Eau Claire, which stormed back from an 18 point second quarter deficit.

The Bison won 69-63 on Friday, February 27 at River Valley High School where the post-season tournament was played.  New Buffalo led the entire way until the Beavers mostly on three point shooting and turnovers converted into points evened the score with two minutes left in the game.

New Buffalo Head Coach Nate Tripp said the Beavers’ full court pressure defense contributed to the rally by wearing down his players in the second half.  The Bison still had a 10 point lead early in the fourth quarter but a quick burst of consecutive three point baskets helped the Beavers get back into the game.

“They can shoot the lights out.  You get a hand in their face and they’re still hitting it,” he said.

New Buffalo seemed to look nearly defeated when the Beavers off a steal tied the game, but senior Trevor James after fouled put the Bison up for good by making both of his free throw shots.  The game was practically sealed with less than 30 seconds left when senior Lucas Forker after making a free throw missed his second attempt from the line.  However, sophomore Colten Lijewski going up for the rebound tipped the ball into the net.

Eau Claire after missing their next field goal attempt fouled senior Nick Haskins, who made both free throws with seven seconds remaining on the clock.  Haskins said the speed and quickness of the Beavers gave them problems but he was never worried about the outcome.  He’s among the players who played on the varsity team as freshmen and won just a single game during a major rebuilding year.  The team kept becoming more competitive and made it to the District 4 championship game last year but lost to Michigan Lutheran.

“It’s just a cool story.  We started low and then we’re here now.  We’re winners.  We’re champions,” Haskins said.

Haskins finished with 12 points.

The strategy for the Bison was to take advantage of the Beavers’ lack of height by feeding the ball as much as possible to their 6’4” center Forker, who dominated with 25 points and 17 rebounds.

Forker, who predicted victory before the game, was double teamed and forced to go strong up to the rim for many of his points.

“I feel great.  I feel so good.  I’m so happy for my team,” he said.

Senior Trevor James had 15 points.  He said the victory was especially sweet after last year’s loss in the District 4 title game.

“It feels great,” he said.

Lijewski contributed eight points while senior Sam Tripp added four points and senior John Bradshaw had three points.

New Buffalo scored the first eight points of the game and led 33-15 late in the second quarter but the Beavers off steals scored six quick points to trail by 11 points at halftime.  The Bison open the regionals Tuesday at Marcellus against Colon.

(La Porte County, IN) - Invasive plant species most often found in landscaping are posing a threat to the nation’s forests but the public can help stop the spread.

That was the message of A.J. Popovic, a specialist with the State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management organization during his speech at the annual meeting Thursday of the La Porte County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

Unless the problem is fixed, “our kids won’t see our forests.  Our grandchildren won’t see our forests,” he said.

Popovic said 25 percent of all plants in Indiana are invasive.  Popovic said many invasive plant species were brought to the nation from other countries in the 1700’s and 1800’s for landscaping, preventing soil erosion and medicinal purposes.

Invasive plants such as Burning Bush and Garlic Mustard often spread from their seeds being taken and dropped by birds while in flight.  The result can be invasive plants taking root in forests and quickly multiplying until they choke out the native species.  He said the burning bush looks nice and harmless but the species able to penetrate into undisturbed forests has “done a lot of damage.”

Popovic said Asian Bush Honeysuckle, for example, can grow with such density that native plants and young trees below them don’t receive sufficient enough sunlight to survive.  Eventually, the number of large trees receiving sunlight perish from age but only the invasive species are left from no longer having native plants to reproduce due to sunlight not reaching the ground.

“If you got infestation, your forest is at-risk because it does not have trees to replace the ones there currently,” he said.

Another invasive species, Round Leaved Bittersweet, has vines that can wrap around trees and kill them by restricting the flow of nutrients.  Tree of Heaven is another invasive plant species that spreads quickly from new growth emerging from their roots, which can grow 50 feet long in either direction.

Popovic said that species thrives in areas like former industrial sites like the old Studebaker plant on the south side of South Bend where one Tree of Heaven plant reached 80 feet in height.

He said 85 percent of invasive species spread from landscaping while 14 percent of invasive plants migrate from agricultural areas. 

Popovic also cited examples of what organizations like his have done to try and curb the spread of invasive plants.  He was directly involved several years ago with restoring the Lydick Bog property where burning bush took over the entire back half of the 200 acre site acquired in 2017 by the Shirley Heinze Land Trust.  Popovic said the restoration involved taking out the burning bush and other invasive seed producing plants.

“We were able save that forest,” he said.

The Shirley Heinze Land Trust is dedicated to preserving and restoring natural areas throughout northwest Indiana and has about 4,000 permanent protected acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall and Starke counties.

Popovic also talked about a trip he took to Boston before Thanksgiving where he discovered major infestation of invasive plants.

“Every single forest I saw was completely overrun with burning bush. It was a complete take over,” he said.

He said individuals can also do their part in the battle by educating themselves about invasive species so they can recognize and take action against any that might be in their yards or landscaping arrangements.  Popovic said individuals should replace invasive species with native plants and manage the property correctly to prevent the emergence of invasive plants in the future.

He said people should also report the presence of any invasive species and their location.  About 200 people attended the meeting and enjoyed a free dinner in the Community Building at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds.

Fulton County, IN) - A North Judson man was killed in a hunting accident over the weekend.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, it happened Saturday night in Fulton County.  The early results of the investigation indicate several individuals were raccoon hunting when one hunter fired a shot at a raccoon climbing a tree, DNR said.

According to DNR, it appears the fired round ricocheted off the tree, striking Andrew Boots, who was nearby, in the abdomen.  Boots, 31, was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend where he later succumbed to his injuries.

DNR said the case remains under investigation.

(La Porte County, IN) - A semi-trailer caught fire this morning while traveling in La Porte County.

According to La Porte County Police, an officer arrived to find the rear half of the trailer fully engulfed in flames along Indiana 2 near 900 East.  Police said the driver after noticing sparks coming from the trailer pulled over a few minutes later onto the shoulder and noticed flames emerging from the back of the trailer near the back wheels.

He tried putting out the flames with an extinguisher but was unsuccessful.  Police said firefighters from New Carlisle and Kankakee Township were able to extinguish the fire.

What the trailer might have been hauling was not disclosed.

(La Porte County, IN) - An attempted murder charge has been filed for the stabbing of a Westville prison offender.

Caleb Cain is an offender accused of stabbing another offender, Nicholas Medalen, in the neck with a homemade knife in July of 2024.  Authorities said Cain followed the offender into a bathroom then stabbed him.  Cain then walked out and allegedly told a prison guard that he committed an act of violence and he would find the victim in the bathroom, authorities said.

The victim had surgery but later complained of partial paralysis from the knife making contact with his spinal cord, according to court documents.  

Cain was serving time for attempted murder out of Hendricks County at the time of the stabbing.  The victim was in prison for a child molesting conviction in Hamilton County.