Local News

The Valparaiso Police Department is seeking the assistance in locating missing teen, Julian Rebeles, of Valparaiso. Julian is described as a 14-year-old male, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, with brown hair, and brown eyes. Rebeles was last seen at his home in Valparaiso by his family on March 12. Police say they “have indicators that he has left Valparaiso; however, may be with friends in the northwest Indiana or Chicagoland region.” Police are looking for any assistance that may lead to Julian’s location, past or present. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Melanie Sheets at 219-462-2135. Information

Vermont Oxford Network (VON) has awarded a “Center of Excellence in Education and Training for Infants and Families Affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome” designation to Franciscan Health Crown Point. The award recognizes that at least 85 percent of the multidisciplinary care teams participating in “Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Collaborative: Improving Care to Improve Outcomes” completed universal training for care of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Infants born with NAS, a drug withdrawal syndrome caused by exposure to opioids while in utero, are more likely to have respiratory complications, feeding difficulty, low birthweights and extended hospital stays. Carrie Renschen, MSN, RNC-NIC, director of

Chesterton Fire Chief Eric Camel accepted a no-match Fire Safety Grant in the amount of $1,250 from Indiana American Water Company (IAWC) on Tuesday, according to the Town of Chesterton. Camel said that the department will dedicate the funds to its Community Risk Reduction Program. The program is an outreach focusing on the usage and upkeep of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as on slip and fall protection, particularly for seniors in Chesterton. More information on this story can be found on the Town of Chesterton Facebook page.

Update: Police have provided an update regarding the two suspects from Gary who are wanted in connection to a fatal shooting in Indianapolis: "Indiana State Police Detectives believe one of the suspects, Briean Brown Jr., drives a black 2006 Mercedes. The photo of Brown's vehicle from a traffic camera was provided to ISP by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Anyone with information about about either Briean Brown Jr. or Dawan Glenn Jr. is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS or online at www.crimetips.org."     Original story: Gary man arrested in connection fatal shooting, 2 others wanted Jasinto

Do you eat while you drive? Maybe you apply your makeup while behind the wheel? Be careful, Police will be looking for you during this one day crackdown event.   The La Porte County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is joining other law enforcement agencies across the country for a one-day targeted enforcement campaign to combat texting and other forms of distracted driving. On April 7, motorists can expect to see increased roving and high-visibility patrols by deputies on high-alert for hands-free violations.    According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 people, or more than 8%

Voters for a Green Indiana (VGI) released its Green Voters Guide for the 2022 primary election. The non-partisan guide is for Hoosiers who want to vote for candidates who accept climate science and will help Indiana transition to clean energy. Recent polls, including one in the Indy Star, show Republican, Independent and Democratic voters support climate action, clean energy and net metering over the economy. Reports show the impacts of climate change are accelerating and getting worse. In February, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its latest report, highlighting the causes, impacts, and possible solutions to climate change. It is a call to governments and the private sector to take action against

Indiana’s first free fishing day of the year is May 1. Indiana residents do not need a fishing license to cast a line and get out on the water on these special days.  There are many free, publicly accessible fishing spots throughout Indiana. Check out the “Where to Fish” page on the DNR’s website to find your next fishing spot.

A Gary man has been arrested and two other men are wanted in connection to a fatal shooting that occured in on I-465 in Indianapolis back in December. On December 13, 2021 at 3:30 a.m. Troopers from the Indiana State Police responded to a shooting that occurred on I-465 southbound at the 15.3 mile maker, near Crawfordsville Road. The victim, 28-year-old Miguel Emery was shot and killed while driving a car on I-465, another adult male in his vehicle was wounded. Since the incident, detectives from the Indiana State Police have been examining evidence and following leads. Earlier in the

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter is hosting a free, in-person Research Updates program at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Michigan City Tuesday, April 19 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The program will include information about the latest facts and figures regarding Alzheimer's and other dementias, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and why early detection and diagnosis are important. Attendees will learn about biomarkers, why they are needed and some of the ways biomarkers are used in dementia research. Those attending will also hear about the latest advances in clinical trials, treatments and lifestyle interventions. Registration for the Research Updates

Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Education today announced the four members of the 2022 Governor’s STEM Team, which honors outstanding high school students for their exceptional efforts and accomplishments in science, technology, engineering or math.  “Just as careers in science, technology, engineering and math are continuing to grow rapidly across Indiana, so is the innovation led in Indiana classrooms,” said Gov. Holcomb. “The students selected this year for our STEM Team represent the next generation of Hoosier innovators, as they’re each already using their scientific and technical knowledge to make an incredible impact in their communities.”

Spring is finally here, which for many people means it is time to fish. Before heading out, remember that 2021-2022 fishing licenses expired on March 31. To renew yours for the 2022-2023 season or purchase one for the first time, visit on.IN.gov/INhuntfish or a local retailer. Your participation helps the Division of Fish & Wildlife increase access, create healthier habitats, and provide more rewarding experiences for anglers across the state.

The Town of Chesterton announced early voting in the 2022 primary election has begun at the Chesterton Town Hall, located at 726 Broadway. Other early-voting locations include:  *North County Complex, 3560 Willowcreek Road, Portage. *Porter County Administration Building, 155 Indiana Ave., Suite 102A, Valparaiso. *United Steelworkers Local 6787 Union Hall, 1100 Max Mochal Highway, Chesterton. Early-voting hours are: *8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. *8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. *8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23; and Saturday, April 30. *There will be no early voting on Good Friday, Friday, April 15. *Early

The following is a new update on the South Shore Line Double Track NWI project:  Gary- Miller Station area:   All buildings have been demolished for the construction of the station and parking lots in Miller. New sewer work has begun in the west parking lot. Parking is available but temporarily restricted while work near Miller Station progresses. Vehicular access from Melton Road (US 20) will be closed, but the driveway from Old US 12/Dunes Highway will remain open.NIPSCO will have periodic lane closures on westbound Melton Road throughout April and May in support of NICTD Double Track project and INDOT

April 4, 2022, at approximately 0630hrs Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift One were dispatched to the 2000 Block of E US Hwy 12 in reference to a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Officer A. Brinkman and Officer D. Abraham arrived on scene and observed a pedestrian lying in the roadway that appeared to have been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian had succumbed to their injuries was pronounced deceased on scene. Investigators are on scene obtaining information, processing evidence, and speaking with witnesses. Additional information pertaining to this incident will not be released at this time in order to protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation. The Michigan City

BBB receiving reports of text scam posing as Department of Workforce Development The BBB serving Northern Indiana has issued a warning to consumers about a new text message scam posing as the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. In previous years, scammers have preyed on individuals who had applied for unemployment benefits. In the new text scam, reported to BBB in March, consumers receive a text from DWD claiming to have a $3,800 payment available for returning to work, as part of a program called “Back2Work.” The message claims that the money will be direct deposited once the user clicks the link

Lane closures will be in place for approximately three weeks starting on or after Monday, for bridge construction and painting work at locations Porter and Lake Counties.  U.S. 20 will be reduced to one lane in each direction with alternating lane closures under I-94 between County Line Road and Dombey Road.  In Lake County, Colorado Street will be reduced to a single lane of traffic on the bridge over I-94, with a temporary traffic signal installed to direct traffic.