Local News

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

MICHIGAN CITY – Three new department heads have been named to Michigan City Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch’s incoming administration.   Darrell Garbacik will be the new Central Maintenance superintendent.   Locals may remember him for the 18 years he put in at the Parks & Recreation Department, where he held several positions including that of superintendent. He left Parks in 2009 to become the projects coordinator for the Facilities Department at Culver Academy, a position he held for 15 years.   "At Culver, we had students and faculty and staff from all over the world,” Garbacik said. “We celebrated our

News release by La Porte Community School Corporation: "In recent years, school districts nationwide have faced the critical challenge of a significant shortage of school bus drivers. This shortage not only disrupts daily transportation for students, but also impacts their access to quality education. To address this pressing issue, we have developed a plan that outlines strategic steps to attract school bus drivers, as well as an evaluation plan to review and adjust our efforts as needed. By implementing these measures, our goal is to hire additional drivers and substitutes to ensure reliable and safe transportation for students. Please help

Three new department heads have been announced for Michigan City Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch’s incoming administration.   Chris Carter will become superintendent of the Refuse Department. Shong Smith will retain his position as director of the Street Department. And Brett Kelley Sr. will become director of Vector Control.   “A clean city is a welcoming city,” Nelson Deuitch said. “It’s imperative that our neighborhoods, streets and sidewalks are in good shape to ensure cleanliness and safety for Michigan City residents and visitors.”   Carter worked for the Refuse Department for 20 years, beginning as a driver and loader and finishing

Please be advised there will be a One Day Delay in the recycling pickup schedule starting Monday, January 1st New Year’s Day.   Friday’s pickup will be on Saturday.     Please remember to have your container curbside the night before or by 5:00 a.m. on your recycling day to insure pickup.   The Office and Compost Site will be closed Monday, January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday reopening Tuesday January 2nd at 8:00 am.  

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is awarding $18.1 million in employer-sponsored child care grants to 64 businesses, community groups and school corporations. The initiative, part of Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda, is mobilizing employers and communities to create or expand child care offerings that address the needs of working Hoosiers. “We wanted those who know first-hand the critical needs of their employees, and those who are best positioned to partner in their communities, to create child care solutions for their workforce, and they delivered,”