Local News

MARY YODER, MOTHER OF JUDAH MORGAN, SENTENCED TO 42 YEARS IN PRISON On January 5, 2024, Mary Yoder was sentenced to 42 years in prison for her role in the murder of her 4 year old son, Judah Morgan. Ms. Yoder pled guilty on August 11, 2023 for Neglect for a Dependent (Resulting in Death), a Level 1 Felony, and Domestic Battery (To a Child), a Level 5 Felony. Judge Alevizos heard sentencing arguments from the State and Defense Counsel, resulting in a sentence of 42 years. The State presented evidence and testimony from witnesses, who testified to deplorable conditions

On Friday January 5, 2024 at approximately 6:50 PM, a Porter Police Officer stopped a tractor-trailer being driven southbound on SR 49 in the area of CR 1050 North for a multitude of violations, including no tail-lights and hauling an unsecured load. The semi was hauling an over-sized load of flat steel sheets which had not been properly fastened. The steel sheets shifted forward and impacted the cab of the truck, causing extensive damage to the cab prior to the traffic stop being initiated. While speaking with the driver of the semi, probable cause was developed to believe the driver

Celebrating a 100th birthday is a remarkable milestone. For Mary Ellen Scupham who turns 100 on January 6, it is a crowning achievement in a life filled with love, gratitude, learning and adventure.   From the time she was very young, Mary’s infectious smile, kindness and love of life have been obvious to all who know her. The second of four children, Mary grew up in West Frankfort, Illinois. She has wonderful memories of the house on OakStreet and her family, school, and church activities. In 1941 she left West Frankfort for Southern Illinois University where she intended to study

A new initiative by the Lake County Drug Task Force has led to the arrest of a 34-year-old Hobart man and the seizure of a collection of illegal narcotics.  The initiative, the Lake County Regional Enforcement Team, is a special effort by members of the Lake County Drug Task Force.  It’s focused on rapid response and providing local neighborhoods with tangible results in the fight against drug trafficking, illegal weapons and associated violent crime. Last fall, the units launched an investigation of Matthew Michalak after receiving a tip about him on the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Report-A-Crime Hotline.  Through an

Awesome crowd Thursday afternoon at the La Porte Civic Auditorium for the La Porte Invitational taking place this weekend through Saturday. For tickets and information check out www.laportecivicauditorium.com.

The Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET)– West detectives executed a search warrant Wednesday January 3 on John St. in the city Benton Harbor. During the search, detectives discovered evidence of drug sales seized 44 packages of fentanyl, 31 packages of crack cocaine, and a firearm. Three recently reported stolen street signs were also located and seized. The primary suspect, a 44- year-old Benton Harbor man, was not home, but his wife was found near the drugs. The primary suspect was contacted over the phone, however, he refused to come to the scene to answer for the contraband. Arrest warrants will be

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced Amy Fry as its next dean to lead the College of Nursing, effective Jan. 1, 2024, following a national search process. Fry has served as the College of Nursing’s interim dean since July 2023. Fry is a registered nurse (RN) licensed in Indiana and Illinois and has served in the college since January 2022. She has held positions as a clinical associate professor of Nursing and as director of the college’s nationally recognized online programs, including PNW’s RN-to-BSN program and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online programs. “We are pleased to have Dr. Fry accept the position

DEPUTIES INVESTIGATE US 20 FATALITY CRASH Wednesday Afternoon (1/3) at 3:34 PM deputies responded to US 20, east of CR 525 West, reference a two-vehicle crash with injuries.  The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Jacob Payne and assisting deputies determined the following had occurred.   A grey 2023 Toyota passenger vehicle, driven by Charles A. ADAMS (59 YOA) of Seattle, Washington, was traveling westbound on US 20.  A white 2022 Ram pickup truck, driven by Mark BURCH (55 YOA) of Porter, Indiana, was traveling westbound on US 20 in driving lane. The vehicle being operated by ADAMS crashed into

Mayor Angie Issues First Executive Order   Two days into the official start of her term, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch issued her first executive order Wednesday morning – one that will save the city more than $71,000 annually.   Specifically, Deuitch moved the role of clerk for the Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety out of the City Clerk’s Office and into the Mayor’s Office.   “Thank you to City Clerk Gale Neulieb for her support over more than a decade of handling all the duties for the Board of Works,” Nelson Deuitch said. “She and Deputy Clerk

The Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Michigan City welcomed its first baby of 2024 at 3:36 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Congratulations to everyone. Kallan Casillas was born to Madison and Kyler Casillas of Westville. He weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 inches long. Congratulations to everyone. Franciscan Health #wims #nwi

Lake County- On January 1, 2024, at approximately 8:40 a.m., Master Trooper Lawrence McFarrin was dispatched to a single vehicle crash on I-80, eastbound on the ramp to Calumet Ave. The crash investigation shows that a gray 2020 Chevrolet SUV was traveling eastbound on the ramp from I-80 to northbound Calumet Ave. The driver failed to slow for the curve and the vehicle struck a concrete barrier head-on at a high rate of speed. As a result of the severe impact, the driver was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. Identification of the deceased will be made by the

LA PORTE COUNTY, IN — Unity Foundation of La Porte County is accepting applications for the 2024 cycle of scholarships. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 15, 2024. For the 2023-2024 school year, Unity’s scholarship program awarded $310,000 to 172 local students. “We know that getting certificates and degrees past high school means a happier and healthier life. Thanks to our forward-thinking and caring donors, students can get help, year after year,” said Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President. The Unity Foundation General Scholarship Application simplifies the application process by allowing students to apply for many different scholarships through one

A Car Seat Safety Clinic will take place on Saturday, January 13th from 3:00PM-5:00PM at the MAAC CENTER- 34203 Montdale Park Drive.

Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food Distributions for January 2024   Thursday, January 4, 2024 – St. Joseph County 10 a.m. – Noon ET *While supplies last. Where: Kennedy Academy, 609 N. Olive St., South Bend, IN 46628 *This distribution is provided by Lippert and USDA and will serve 300 households. Friday, January 5, 2024 – Elkhart County 10 a.m. – Noon ET *While supplies last. Where: Mary Beck Elementary School, 818 McDonald St., Elkhart, IN 46516 *This distribution is sponsored by Lippert and USDA and will serve 300 households. Friday, January 12, 2024 – St. Joseph County 11

Community Crossings call for projects now open INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the spring 2024 call for projects for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. The application window is open now through Wednesday, January 31. Community Crossings grants are available to cities, towns and counties in the State of Indiana. Cities and towns with a population of fewer than 10,000 will receive funds using a 75/25 match. Cities and towns with a population of greater than 10,000 will receive funds using a 50/50 match. Counties with a population of fewer than 50,000 will receive

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the American milestone of the Gettysburg Address. To commemorate this momentous speech in American history, Westfield-based The Lincoln Special has initiated a statewide tour (referred to as “roadshows”) of Indiana, tracing Lincoln’s 1865 train route of his funeral train that visited Michigan City in 1865.   A total of 13 cities are included in these roadshows where Executive Director Chris Allen will be staging a free, hour-long symposium that highlights Lincoln’s life and legacy after his assassination at Ford’s Theater. “It’s imperative to remind people in Lincoln’s home state that his story didn’t

PRESS RELEASE   At approximately 3:40 yesterday morning a victim of a car crash called 9-1-1 to report that the vehicle she was in had flipped over in Gary. The caller was one of two females inside the car at the time.   Multiple police and other emergency responders could not find the crash site and after about two hours, Gary police requested assistance with the search.   An off-duty police officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and a Gary police officer responded to assist.   One of the occupants of the car managed to exit the vehicle and

La Porte County GOP to Host Event for Those Exploring Running for Office On Saturday, January 6th, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., the La Porte County Republican Party will be hosting an event at Republican Headquarters, 814 Jefferson Avenue in La Porte, for candidates and those considering running for office this year. Party officials and elected officials will be on hand to answer questions and assist with setting up Candidate Committees, Campaign Finance, and filling out the proper paperwork to run for office, as well as what resources the La Porte County Republican Party offers its candidates. According to

The Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Dyer welcomed the first baby of 2024 at 9:21 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Sophia Kylie Morton was born to Omni Shedrich and Christopher Morton of Hammond. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces. Families with the distinction of having the first baby born in the new year at the Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Dyer receive a gift basket containing items to help parents during their first weeks at home with their newborn. A virtual tour of the Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Dyer is available on the Franciscan Health YouTube channel. To learn more

MICHIGAN CITY – The newest round of appointments to Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch’s incoming administration has been announced. Human Resources Director Ta-Tanesha Clark George will retain her position. Kila Ward will become the Promise Scholarship Director, a position the new mayor intends to rename and restructure. “I’m excited to bring Kila on board, especially because of her background in education,” Nelson Deuitch said. “I plan to transition her position from Promise Scholarship Director to Education and Workforce Director. We want our residents to have the opportunity to be connected with training and higher paying jobs.” Ward is making the move