Local News

Northwest Health has new visitation restrictions in place at all three Northwest Health hospitals and their outpatient centers. Northwest Health says this change is aimed to protect its patients, visitors and staff from unnecessary exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Northwest Health’s new visitor guidelines state: •For all patients, one visitor is permitted to visit. The following are exceptions: oPediatric patients may have both parents/guardians visit at the same time oMaternity patients may have two visitors at a time oExceptions may be made for end-of-life and other special situations. •Visitors under age 18 are not permitted to visit hospital patients. •Visiting

Although they are often produced by legitimate medical use, discarded needles and other medical sharps present a safety hazard to businesses and individuals throughout Porter County. To assist with safe and proper disposal, the Porter County Substance Abuse Council (PCSAC) is providing free needle disposal collection boxes to any entities or individuals that wish to have a box on site. To clarify, this is not a syringe exchange program. It is a collection for proper disposal program. Anyone wishing to receive a free needle disposal box can simply visit portercountysac.com/safe-needle-disposal and fill out the application form. Applying is free and easy. The

When it comes to enabling success and inclusion, sometimes the best ways to provide support comes down to the fundamentals. It’s even better when you can make someone else’s holiday merry and bright. CLH, CPAs & Consultants, an accounting and business consulting firm with offices in Michigan City and Valparaiso, believes that a space to work and learn is also a space to launch opportunity. That’s why CLH was proud to provide Paladin, Inc. recently with an executive desk set, a staff workstation, and additional office equipment. Paladin, a Michigan City-based nonprofit, has a wide-ranging and vivid history serving children, seniors, and persons with disabilities in Northwest Indiana.

The Indiana State Department of Health Wednesday updated the weekly COVID county advisory levels. LaPorte, Porter, St. Joseph, Starke and Newton counties remain at the highest score of 3, red level. Jasper County has moved up from a score of 2.5, orange level to a score of 3, red level. Lake County remains at a score of 2.5, in the orange level. In the past week positivity has risen in Lake, Starke and Jasper counties and has lowered in LaPorte, Porter, St. Joseph and Newton counties.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) announced Wednesday that more than 200 police agencies will be increasing patrols during the holiday season, as part of a statewide crackdown on impaired driving. Starting this week until Jan. 1, officers will be on high alert for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Law enforcement will also be watching for seat belt violations and other forms of dangerous driving. This is part of the Safe Family Travel campaign aimed at reducing crashes and traffic fatalities around the holidays, when statistics show an increased potential for drunk driving. The high-visibility patrols

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced Wednesday that an estimated 4.3 million taxpayers will receive a $125 refund after they file their 2021 taxes. An estimated $545 million will be returned to Hoosiers after taxpayers file their 2021 state taxes. The Governor is working with leaders of the general assembly on legislation that will streamline the process and make an additional 910,000 taxpayers eligible for the credit. The typical taxpayer liability is approximately $1000. This payment represents a 12-13% one-time tax cut. Once legislation passes, the Department of Revenue (DOR) will begin processing payments for taxpayers. The form of taxpayer payments

Unity Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for La Porte County— Jolie Klimczak and Macy Mrozinski. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership. Jolie Klimczak, a South Central High School Senior, has demonstrated leadership in her school and community through participation in a variety of extracurricular and volunteer activities including Future Farmers of America (FFA), National Honor Society, and 4H. Her lifelong goal of studying veterinary medicine led her to a volunteer opportunity at a local veterinary center, where she was later hired and promoted. Klimczak has excelled academically, including in advanced placement, dual credit and honors courses, and is

Four Michigan City High School juniors are among the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) "Rising Stars of Indiana" Class of 2023. Each Indiana high school was invited to recognize up to four students currently in the 11th grade, based on their academic achievement. Representing Michigan City High School are Destiny Meneweather, Nathaniel Painter, Kayla Campbell and Thalia Karallas. All have GPAs between 4.3 and 4.4. “We’re very proud of these four outstanding students," said Michigan City High School Co-Principal Sarah Hendricks. "They embody academic excellence and are involved in numerous activities at school and in our community. They truly are rising stars -- and an example

A Michigan City man has been charged with murder in connection to a shooting that occurred in May of this year. The Michigan City Police Department provided an update Tuesday to the  shooting investigation that was initially reported on May 20, 2021. Police were dispatched to the 200 block of North Calumet Avenue on May 20, 2021 at 1:36 P.M. regarding a person who was struck by gunfire. Multiple officers responded to the scene and learned that two Michigan City residents were struck by gunfire. Both victims were transported to Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital by different third parties. Officers

An operator of an ultralight aircraft Monday afternoon landed in jail after crashing in St. Joseph County and was found to be operating while intoxicated. Monday at around 4:40 p.m., officers with the St. Joseph County Police Department responded to reports of a single-engine plane that had crashed in the area of Grant Road and Wild Heather Drive. When officers arrived, they found that an ultralight that resembled a small single-engine airplane had crashed at the entrance of Heather Ridge subdivision. The operator of the ultralight was not injured in the crash but was showing signs of alcohol impairment. The

Governor Eric Holcomb, Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Board of Directors approved plans Tuesday to award $500 million to support regional development plans across 17 regions representing all 92 counties. This competitive process considered applications for the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). The total requests tripled the allocated $500 million READI budget, as submissions from the 17 regions amounted to more than $1.5 billion in demand and detailed nearly 800 projects and programs with a potential investment of $15.2 billion. The READI review committee, an external seven-member citizen committee, reviewed

The La Porte County Sheriff's office released video of a subject stealing a package on Sunday evening at a residence in Scipio Township. Police say the freebooter lifted the package from the porch only eight minutes after it had been delivered. Police say if you recognize the subject, to please email Deputy Josh Smith at jsmith@lcso.in.gov. Police also say that whenever possible, homeowners are encouraged to secure their packages as soon as possible after delivery.

The Lakefront Career Network (LCN) has announced a new partnership for 2022, The Michiana Humane Society. Each year LCN, the young professionals committee of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, chooses a non-profit to spotlight through a unique partnership. Lakefront Career Center says that in doing so, they create an increased awareness of the organization and what they do. The organization also says that by connecting to a mission that resonates, volunteers can connect with other people and make a huge difference in the community. To learn more about The Michiana Humane Society, visit www.MichianaPets.org. To learn more about Lakefront

Northwest Health Monday announced the recipients of the health system’s Nursing Excellence Awards. The award recipients are: • Deborah Shepherd, BSN, RN, CEN, a nurse at Northwest Health – La Porte, • Elizabeth Karas, BSN, RN, PCCN, a nurse at Northwest Health - Porter • Diana Fletcher, RN, a nurse at Northwest Health - Starke Northwest Health said the peer-nominated award, given in recognition of the critical role nurses play in treating patients, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence. They were chosen from among

Over the weekend Purdue Northwest University Northwest awarded 995 degrees during two commencement ceremonies in Westville. Mayor of La Porte Tom Dermody was the keynote speaker. On Saturday Dermody advised at both ceremonies that Purdue University Northwest (PNW) graduates should be willing to take risks and seek solutions as they begin their careers. Dermody, a La Porte native who served 10 years in the Indiana House of Representatives and was elected mayor in 2019, told graduates that building relationships and finding common ground with others is the best way to make a difference. “The world does not need another follower.

La Porte County Sheriff's deputies found a wanted person in a peculiar location Sunday night. Deputies were dispatched just before 8:30 p.m. to a residence located in the 2900 south block of US 35, in reference to a 911 hang-up. Eight minutes later, several units arrived and began to investigate. Information was learned that a wanted person, 39-year-old Rabecca R. Rudd was possibly located inside the residence. While inside and seeking the whereabouts of Rudd, deputies observed bedding material that had been transformed into a “sheet rope.”  The “sheet rope” was tied to a lightly weighted kitchen table and extended

This month, calls from scammers to area homes and businesses posing as NIPSCO employees have sharply risen, the company says. Recent, and common reports from NIPSCO residential and business customers state that they have received calls and texts from people claiming to be NIPSCO employees and demanding payment to avoid their service being disconnected. NIPSCO says it wants to emphasize that the company never demands immediate payment via prepaid card, or in cash at a person’s residence or place of business. Scammers have even presented information that only the customer may know in an attempt to gain their trust, according

The La Porte County Health Department is letting the public know that the CDC has issued booster eligibility guidance for ages 16-17. “Based on those recommendations, the Indiana Department of Health supports the administration of booster doses to individuals who attest to meeting CDC guidelines as outlined below. • 16 and older and completed their primary vaccination series of Pfizer at least 6 months ago. • 18 and older and completed their primary vaccination series of Moderna at least 6 months ago or completed their primary vaccination of Johnson & Johnson at least 2 months ago.” Teens 16-17 years old