Local News

INDIANAPOLIS  – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced at Tuesday's State of the State address that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a $250 million grant to help bolster quality of place efforts throughout the state. The grant to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which is the single largest award given in Lilly Endowment’s 86-year history, will be administered in conjunction with the nationally recognized Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). The funds will help accelerate the state’s support for rehabilitating deteriorated or abandoned properties and strengthening varied arts and culture initiatives. The goal is to foster more vibrant and

Press release by Office of Governor Eric J. Holcomb: INDIANAPOLIS- Governor Eric J. Holcomb delivered his eighth State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 9, to a joint convention of the Indiana General Assembly. The governor renewed his promise to conclude his second term in office with vigor and commitment to finish the job he started. He unveiled The Indiana Model, a pathway to create sustainable, generational change that elevates Indiana to the Next Level. The governor reflected on what’s changed over the last seven years, what’s changing and what still needs to change to build a brighter future

The Town of Chesterton is announcing the conversion of the intersection at Broadway and Jackson Boulevard from a two-way stop into a four-way stop at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Stop signs will be placed on east- and westbound Broadway at Jackson Boulevard, based on the findings of a comprehensive engineering study conducted last fall, which included a review of the crash history at the intersection. The Police Commission endorsed the four-way stop at its Dec. 14 meeting and the Town Council voted unanimously to authorize the conversion of the two-way stop into a four-way at its Dec. 26

Press release by La Porte Community School Corporation: On December 28, 2023, the Play for Jake Foundation presented Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to La Porte High School and New Prairie High School. This significant contribution marks a crucial step in enhancing emergency preparedness. The funds for this generous donation were raised during the much-anticipated La Porte vs. New Prairie football game held on August 18, 2023. The event not only fostered a spirit of community and healthy competition, but also served as a platform to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and the importance of immediate and effective response. AEDs play

The Griffith Public School District faced a series of threats targeting its schools, raising concerns for the safety of students and staff. On January 8, 2024, messages conveying potential threats were received by both the Griffith Public Schools and a suicide hotline. These messages, though vague and indirect, were promptly forwarded to the Griffith Police Department and school administrators for thorough investigation. In accordance with established response protocols, all schools within the district were immediately placed on lockdown, and parents were promptly notified by school administrators of the situation. The Griffith Police Department swiftly deployed its resources, collaborating with school

Two New Troopers Assigned to ISP-Versailles Post On December 21, 2023, twenty-eight newly appointed probationary troopers graduated from the 84th Indiana State Police Academy.  Two of those probationary troopers have been assigned to the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post and have recently reported for their next phase of training, a three-month field training period, riding with veteran troopers.  The purpose of the field training is to put into practical application the training received over the duration of the formal academy.  Upon successful completion of field training, the troopers will be assigned a state police patrol vehicle and will begin solo patrol.

As Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch works on settling into her new role, she’s been formulating a strategy for the continued development of Michigan City.   One of the first items on the agenda is to restructure the city’s Planning, Inspection and Engineering departments over the next 90 days.   “Michigan City is on the verge of a lot of exciting new projects,” the mayor said. “In order for us to be successful, we really have to focus on making sure we have the infrastructure we need. We must ensure our existing neighborhoods, including our sidewalks and streets, are scheduled for

Gov. Holcomb unveils One Stop to Start a navigation system connecting Hoosiers to more workforce opportunities and training programs INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced a statewide workforce development campaign – “One Stop to Start” – designed to raise awareness and help connect Hoosiers with existing workforce- and job-related training programs and resources. The campaign’s website, OneStopToStart.IN.Gov, serves as the comprehensive source for individuals and Indiana employers to learn about workforce and education training programs and grants the state offers. The site also provides one-on-one assistance for both Hoosiers and employers through a team of dedicated Navigators who can help simplify the process

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