Local News

The #LCSO announces amended/additional charges being filed against 41-year-old Shawn Wesly Russell AKISON in connection with the May 8, 2025, serious bodily injury crash (SBI) that occurred at the intersection of US 20 and Fail Road. Agency detectives and crash reconstructionists have continued to investigate the circumstances of the crash, along with analyzing evidence. Investigators recently received the toxicology test results prompting amended/additional charges being filed through the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and La Porte County Circuit Court against AKISON. The amended/additional charges are as follows: • OWI Causing Catastrophic Injury, L4 Felony • OWI Causing SBI, L5

Michigan City Area Schools had to close Tuesday due to around 20-25 catalytic converters being stolen from MCAS school buses. On Tuesday, at around 5:25 a.m., Officer Shane Washluske was dispatched to the Michigan City Area Schools Transportation Department, which is located at 1100 S Woodland Avenue. A Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) employee reported that during the overnight hours the Transportation Department property was unlawfully entered, and approximately 20 to 25 catalytic converters were stolen from school buses parked on the premises. The theft was discovered early Tuesday morning as transportation staff began preparations for daily bus operations. While

Michigan City Area Schools gave the following information how how schools will run on Aug. 20: "We would like to give you an update regarding school operations for Wednesday, August 20.  Little Wolves Early Learning Center will operate on a regular in-person schedule.  Morning Developmental Pre-K will operate on a regular in-person schedule.  All Elementary Schools will operate on a regular in-person schedule.  Grades 7-12: Students will participate in synchronous eLearning. Teachers will provide live instruction and assignments online. Schedules are listed below: Middle School: Live Instruction: 8:30 AM - 11:50 AM Break for Lunch: 11:55 AM - 12:20 PM

The Ogden Dunes Police Department announced at 12:08 p.m. Tuesday that due to the storm and power outages Monday night, Indiana American Water issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory. The advisory is expected to remain in effect for approximately 24 hours. ODPD stated the following: "It is recommended that all water used for cooking and drinking be boiled completely for five (5) minutes before use. You may continue to use water for bathing, washing, and other common activities as usual. "You will receive another notification if further action is needed or if conditions change. "We apologize for any inconvenience this

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. – A Jackson County homeowner suffered serious burns after a structure fire on Sunday night, according to the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department. Shortly before midnight on Sunday, Aug. 17, Liberty Township firefighters and automatic aid units from Westville and Washington Township were called to a structure fire in the 300 block of Cantigny Court in Jackson Township. Chief Brian Duncan arrived on scene and reported a working structure fire with heavy involvement on the attached garage. The intensity of the flames led to a roof collapse within minutes of fire crews arriving. Chief Duncan called for

Press Release, Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has received $1.8 million in renewed federal funding that will support resources for first-generation and low-income students, as well as students living with disabilities, through its TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. The program assists eligible PNW students with comprehensive services that support their college journeys through graduation and preparation for entering the workforce or graduate school. Students benefit from one-to-one mentorship through tutoring, financial assistance and planning, counseling, career exploration and more through TRIO SSS. Eligible students also have group learning and professional development opportunities

In Jasper County, an INDOT contractor will have overnight ramp closures on I-65 at State Road 14 (mile marker/exit 220) beginning on or after Thursday, Aug. 21. The ramps at this interchange will close one at a time for milling operations, reopening after each has been milled. Crews will then close each ramp for resurfacing. The schedule is weather dependent and subject to change, but milling is currently scheduled for overnight August 21 and resurfacing for August 22 through August 25. Only one ramp will be closed at a time, and work will occur during the overnight hours of 8

The Valparaiso Police Department recently thanked Project Linus for their donation of handmade blankets. The Valparaiso Police Department said the comforting blankets will be a great resource for children in crisis situations, helping provide warmth and a sense of security when they need it most.

A new program seeks to create a foundation of entrepreneurship in Michigan City by focusing on underserved residents ready to launch a small business. The Michigan City Entrepreneurship Development Program has its roots in the nationally recognized Urban Poverty and Business Initiative developed by the University of Notre Dame. An informational session will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 9 at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd., in the EOC Room for anyone wanting additional details. “Small businesses have always helped fashion the unique flavor of a community through the exclusive offering of products and services,” said Economic

Over the weekend a truly incredible milestone for a resident of the VNA of NWI— Happy 105th Birthday to Ed! Ed was born to Larson Lee (1892) and Jesse Belle (1894) and grew up with his older brother, Lee. His childhood was shaped by the Great Depression while his father worked as a Game Warden to provide for the family. In high school, Ed played football, but his lifelong passion became fishing. He discovered his love for it on Lake Manataw, spent 25 years as a fishing guide in Florida, and was even featured in Outdoor Life with the article

Over 80 Artists and Artisans were a part of this past weekends Lubeznik Center for the Arts LAF Festival in Michigan City. Thank you to our Event Sponsors NIPSCO Arnett Construction & Roofing and Lubeznik Center for the Arts #wims #whfb #localradio

The Ogden Dunes Police Department says Norfolk Southern has posted a road closure sign at the tracks exiting town toward Highway 12. The sign indicates that the closure will begin on August 20, and is expected to last for five days. The Chief of Police has spoken with the head of maintenance for Norfolk Southern, who informed them that the dates are subject to change based on project progress and weather conditions. Police say to be aware that, during this period, you will need to enter and exit via the frontage road.

In September 2023, Daniel SHAFFER was charged with Attempted Murder, a Level 1 Felony, and Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Level 2 Felony.  In August 2025, the State of Indiana presented evidence in Laporte Circuit Court. Deputy Prosecutors Autumn Ferch and Katie Arnold presented evidence for the State of Indiana over a multi-day trial.  Judge Havens was the presiding judge. After deliberations, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty for Attempted Murder, with a Guilty verdict for the Conspiracy to Commit Murder.  Sentencing will be at a later date. Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said:  “The facts and circumstances of

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is sharing federal eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals or free milk served under the federally-funded National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Programs, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Household size and income criteria, which are used to determine eligibility, are available here. Each local school corporation office and organization participating in a School Nutrition Program or CACFP has a copy of the guidelines that may be reviewed by any interested party.

In Jasper County, U.S. 231 is closed between C.R. 1600 S and U.S. 24/U.S. 231. U.S. 231 is closed through late September for bridge work at Carpenter Creek. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow I-65 and U.S. 24/U.S. 231.

The Valparaiso Police Department have officially welcomed therapy dog Ellie to their team. Last week, Ellie and her dedicated handlers completed their training. The department announced that her comforting services are now available to both their department members and the Valparaiso community. "Ellie’s arrival wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our community, VPD stated on Facebook. "A heartfelt thank you goes out to our anonymous donor whose generosity brought this project to life, to Vale Park Animal Hospital, and to all of our amazing citizens who helped raise funds along the way. We also extend our sincere

Press Release by Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs: Indianapolis, IN – Indiana proudly announces an initiative to enhance support and services for its veteran community. A new standard in consistency and accountability, in the form of a statewide accreditation program, will be created by the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission (IVAC). By January 1, 2026, the IVAC will roll out rigorous accreditation standards for the state's County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs). Subsequently, by July 1, 2026, all CVSOs employed by counties or cities will be expected to meet these standards as directed in Senate Enrolled Act 433 . The responsibility to

One person died Friday after a crash involving two semis in Lowell, according to Lake County Sheriff, Oscar Martinez Jr. At about 9:30 a.m., police officers with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department responded to a crash involving two semis. The crash occurred at Route 2 and Union Street in Lowell. One of the semi drivers was pronounced deceased at the scene. As of Friday, the cause of the crash was still under investigation.

A New York man was arrested in connection with a home invasion that left a woman injured last weekend in Coolspring Township, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office announced. Matthew J. Mayer, 48, of Elmira, New York, was arrested outside the residence in connection with the home invasion. Late in the morning of Aug. 9, deputies were called to the residence located in the 6000 west block of County Road 400 North.  They were advised an individual had forced entry into the home and was attacking the homeowner.  Deputies arrived and encountered aman, later identified as Mayer, outside the residence. 

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Friday according to the Michigan City Police Department. At about 9:15 p.m., MCPD responded to an accident at 6th Street and Pine Street involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. Officers located a man on the ground next to a bicycle, with a vehicle stopped in the intersection. The pedestrian was transported to Franciscan Health Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Streetcar service was briefly interrupted but has since resumed.  No further information was given by police.