Gov. Eric Holcomb has proclaimed this week, April 8-12, as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Indiana, an important reminder for Hoosiers to watch for potentially devastating pests.Ornamental pear trees, most commonly known as Bradford pears, have been a popular landscaping tree in Indiana for decades.So popular that they are crowding out native Indiana trees.For that reason, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources encourages homeowners and landscapers to avoid planting such trees and to replace them when possible. If you are looking for an alternative flowering tree for Indiana, serviceberry trees, which have similar white blooms in the spring and fruits

As part of a joint ‘Move Over Law’ traffic enforcement project Indiana will be working with ‘Six State Trooper’ law enforcement partners in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia during the week of April 14th through the 20th. During this time motorists can expect to see additional patrols looking for distracted driving violations which often lead to motorists failing to move over when they approach an emergency vehicle stopped roadside or at a crash scene. Some violations associated with Driving While Distracted include speeding, following too close, drifting from lane to lane and failing to signal turns or lane

U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) this week introduced bipartisan legislation to improve student safety by examining ways to prevent dangerous, illegal passing of school buses when children are present. The bipartisan Stop for School Buses Act (H.R. 2218) would improve efforts to prevent illegal passing by directing the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to conduct a comprehensive review of existing laws and programs, recommend best practices, and create a nationwide public safety campaign. Walorski announced the bill Thursday at the Rochester School Corporation following a demonstration of recently installed school bus cameras, which engage when the

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces that State Road 10 is closing today in Newton County for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed about a half-mile west of State Road 55 until the end of April.

When Dr. Nils K. Nelson, organic chemistry professor, retired from Purdue University Northwest (PNW) in 1991, he never considered leaving the place he loved. There were opportunities to relocate closer to family, but for Nelson, PNW’s Hammond Campus was home. Leaving an eternal mark at PNW may have been what Nelson, who taught 29 years at the university, had in mind when he planned a multimillion dollar gift from his estate—though he might not have expected his legacy would include a building in his name. The Purdue University Board of Trustees approved the official naming of the Nils K. Nelson

The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) reminds Hoosiers the 2019 individual tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15th. The upcoming weekend allows customers time to file both electronically and through paper forms. Paper tax returns require a postmarked date of no later than April 15th, to be considered on time. Electronic filing can be submitted online any time before April 16, including through the Indiana freefile program (INfreefile).INfreefile offers qualified individuals with an adjusted gross income of $66,000 or less in 2018 several options for filing both their state and federal taxes for free. All vendor options and qualifications for

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have introduced legislation to ensure that Congress has the legislative authority to review all materials related to so-called “Part 810 authorizations” and is aware when the U.S. government authorizes persons or companies to transfer certain nuclear technologies and services to governments overseas.Part 810 agreements authorize the transfer or nuclear technologies and information related to the production of “special nuclear materials” as defined in Title I of the Atomic Energy Act. Some authorizations, which are approved by the

Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson was honored yesterday at an Indiana Volunteer Firefighter’s Association ceremony for his 50 years of service to the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. Greeson was among several firefighters from across the state who were recognized for their longstanding careers in the fire service.In a letter read to Greeson during the ceremony, Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb said, “Your professional achievements are surpassed only by your character and your extensive involvement in your community. We could not be more proud of our first responders, and for 50 years, you’ve been a real

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and 16 other Senators to introduce the Protect Act, legislation that protects Americans with pre-existing conditions, ensuring that Americans have the peace of mind knowing that they and their loved ones will never be denied health care coverage or be charged more because of a pre-existing condition. The Protect Act amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to: -Guarantee the availability of health insurance coverage in the individual or group market, regardless of pre-existing conditions. -Prohibit discrimination against patients based on health status – including prohibiting increased premiums for patients

The Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association will be holding their monthly board meeting on Monday, April 15th at 6 pm.  It will be held at 601 Franklin Street, Suite 100, Michigan City, Indiana. The public is invited to attend.

U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), and Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) introduced the bipartisan Protect Medical Innovation Act, which will lower the cost of life-saving medical devices and create jobs by repealing the 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device sales. The bill is co-sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of 227 Members of Congress. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

Yesterday, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) supported the confirmation of Holly A. Brady from Fort Wayne to serve as United States District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana. Ms. Brady was confirmed by a 56-42 vote in the Senate. Holly Brady’s nomination was announced exactly a year ago yesterday. Last week, Senator Young spoke out with about nominees awaiting a vote during a press stakeout. Brady is a partner in the Fort Wayne law firm of Haller & Colvin, PC, where she focuses her practice on civil, employment, and labor litigation. Prior to joining the firm in

Attorney General Curtis Hill said yesterday the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) has demonstrated responsiveness to states’ concerns by clarifying its recent legal opinion regarding the meaning of the Wire Act and its effect on lotteries. On March 21, Attorney General Hill and 24 other attorneys general sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Deputy U.S. Attorney General Rod Rosenstein arguing that a recent legal opinion issued by the federal government could reach beyond the realms of sports gambling and into areas traditionally controlled by the states, potentially jeopardizing state lotteries. On April 8, the Department of Justice released

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office and La Porte County DUI Task Force are announcing that it will be increasing enforcement and patrols around prom and post-prom sites this spring.  The goal is to deter alcohol use and eliminate alcohol related crashes among La Porte County High School Prom attendees. Proms in La Porte County will begin April 13th and conclude May 18th.  Between these dates, Westville, South Central, La Crosse, New Prairie, La Porte, Michigan City, La Lumiere and Marquette High Schools will all conduct prom events. The Sheriff’s Office and DUI Task Force will saturate the areas around each

The Michigan City Human Rights Commission (MCHRC) is proud to announce that Sydney Starks has been chosen as the Hawkins-Williams Scholarship ($1,000) winner and the Judi Huber Scholarship ($1,000) goes to McKena Moore. Starks is graduating from Michigan City High School and Moore, Marquette Catholic High School.  Both seniors will be recognized at the Michigan City Human Rights Commission’s 2019 Humanitarian of the Year luncheon on Friday, April 26 at Krueger Memorial Hall from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, $200 for a table of eight and can be purchased from Commissioners or at the Michigan

In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, NIPSCO urges customers and contractors to call 811 at least two business days prior to starting any digging project. Calling 811 is not only crucial for your safety and the safety of others— it’s the law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in damage to gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines, which can lead to service disruptions and serious injuries. In addition to the risk of serious injury, not calling 811 could result in fines up to $10,000 and the cost to repair any damages. Last year, NIPSCO

Congressman Visclosky announced this week that the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) under the National Park Service has awarded two grants in Northwest Indiana. First, a $200,000 grant award will support renovations at Imagination Glen Park in the City of Portage.  Specifically, the grant award will support efforts to remodel the concession building and restrooms, and add an open-air shelter to the building.  The grant award will also replace fencing at the existing ballfields, replace lighting fixtures, develop a multi-use trail connecting park facilities, and add benches and tables. Second, a $100,000 grant award will support renovations at Fireman

Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) announced its annual ArtBash gala to be held on Saturday, June 29th with a theme of “Paint the Town.” Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa in Michigan City, IN will be especially dazzling that night, as guests are asked to wear brightly colored clothing and the decor will be bold and lively. Festivities will include dancing, a free photo booth, a silent auction and an elegant buffet with an open bar. Tickets can be purchased online now at www.lubeznikcenter.org/Special_Events/artbash.html, with a discounted rate for individual and table ticket purchases made on or before June 17th.

As the tax filing season winds down next week, the following court actions serve as a reminder to taxpayers, to think before filing a false or fraudulent tax return and to be wary of any schemes that falsify your income or deductions.Randall Stiles, of Fort Wayne, was convicted and sentenced for failure to file a federal tax return and other federal violations.  Stiles will serve 6 months in prison and pay $235,055 in restitution to the IRS.Tara Hightower was convicted for preparing false federal tax returns. Hightower owned and operated a tax preparation service TZH Consulting and collected fees for

The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) reminds Hoosiers the 2019 individual tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15th. The upcoming weekend allows customers time to file both electronically and through paper forms. Paper tax returns require a postmarked date of no later than April 15th, to be considered on time. Electronic filing can be submitted online any time before April 16, including through the Indiana freefile program (INfreefile).INfreefile offers qualified individuals with an adjusted gross income of $66,000 or less in 2018 several options for filing both their state and federal taxes for free. All vendor options and qualifications for