Local News

The Porter Police Department has released information on a crash that occurred Friday evening on U.S. 20.  At around 7:40 P.M. Friday; members of the Porter Police Department were dispatched to a vehicle collision on U.S. 20, between Tremont Road and the SR 49 bridge. Two vehicles were found to have been involved. Based on witness statements and the preliminary crash investigation, a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer being driven by a 69-year-old Michigan City man was traveling eastbound on U.S. 20 and a 1994 Toyota Corolla being driven by 55 year-old Sandra Rice-Hatch, of Chicago was traveling westbound on U.S. 20. 

A man has been charged with attempted murder in connection to a shooting in La Porte. Police say officers were dispatched on Saturday at around 9:45 p.m., to the 1000 Block of Clay Street in reference to a shooting. Officers located a man inside a residence of the 1000 block who had suffered two gunshot wounds. The suspect, Clifford Wesley, was detained at the scene and subsequently transported to the La Porte Police Station for questioning.  According to the La Porte County Jail’s JailTracker, Wesley is a resident of La Porte. A firearm was also recovered on scene and collected.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is now accepting applications for its new Explore, Engage, and Experience Grant. The grant is available for Indiana’s schools and local partners as they work to expand students’ access to pathways leading to high-wage, high-demand careers. “It’s important that every student has access to pathways throughout their PK-12 education in order to help prepare them for what’s next after high school – whether that’s employment, enrollment, or enlistment leading to service,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Before it’s time for a student to consider the ‘Es’ of employment, enrollment, or enlistment, though,

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps was very busy during March, supporting school and community activities as well as competing in the MCJROTC Regional Drill Championship at Purdue University in West Lafayette on March 5th. MCHS hosted the Boys Regional Basketball tournament on March 14th.  The cadets provided parking support for the semifinal games in the morning and the championship game game at night.  They also provided the Color Guard for the morning and evening games. Of note, with a crowd of nearly 7000 for the championship game between Chesterton and Penn, the

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office Facebook page sent out an update that said "***CANCEL/LOCATED***" on the alert for a missing teen.   Original: The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the disappearance of 17-year-old Emma Whitaker. Emma is described as a white female, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 133 pounds, with blonde hair with blue eyes, and last seen wearing a blue sweater, tie dye shirt, and blue jeans. Emma is missing from Wheatfield, Indiana and was last seen on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 9:00 p.m. She is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

Michigan City Police Friday evening responded to calls for shots fired and that two individuals were shot in the area of Hitchcock Road north of US Highway 20. Officers immediately responded and began gathering information. EMS arrived on scene and immediately transported two gun-shot victims to Franciscan Health Michigan City with non-life-threatening injuries.  Officers canvassed the area and began to look for evidence and witnesses.   Detectives were called to the scene to assist.  Witnesses were interviewed by officers at the scene.  Detectives continue to work the investigation by interviewing witnesses, processing evidence, and gathering video surveillance regarding this matter. The

Indiana State Police are investigating after a Valparaiso man wanted in connection with a double homicide crashed shortly after a trooper attempted to stop his car in Harrsion County, Indiana. Around 5 a.m. Friday, police were advised to be on the lookout for a Buick and its driver in reference to a double homicide that occurred late Thursday night in Evansville. While searching for the car, a trooper spotted a car matching the description backed into a hotel parking spot just north of I-64 in Corydon. The trooper noted that the car was occupied and requested assistance before approaching the

Yesterday (03/24) at approximately 3:18 PM, deputies were summoned to a residence located in the 4700 east block of Michigan Street in Rolling Prairie regarding a shooting. Deputies arrived a short time later and secured the scene. Deputies learned a 36-year-old female shot a 37-year-old male during a domestic dispute. The male sustained an upper body injury and was transported to a regional hospital for treatment. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded and took control of the scene. The investigation remains open and ongoing. No further information is being released at this time.

In the Town of Pines, lane closures will begin on U.S. Highway 20 on or after Monday, April 4, as the contractor commences bridge work between Ardendale Avenue and County Line Road, according to a post from the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. During Phase I of the project, the inside left lanes of U.S. 20 will be closed in each direction. Phase I will be ongoing through mid-June, and then the outside right lanes will be closed for Phase II. INDOT says “Work will consist of a bridge deck replacement and bridge painting for the U.S. 20 bridge over

The Michigan City Police Department Thursday hosted a stress management course put on by Captain Andy Hynek with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department. MCPD says officers are often exposed to traumatic incidents and don’t have a plan in place to cope with the stresses related to these types of incidents. Officers from all around LaPorte County had the opportunity to learn some ways to handle and recognize stressors involved in law enforcement.

In LaPorte County, the Welcome Center on westbound I-94 at mile marker 43 will be closed for approximately 3 days starting Monday, March 28 for a well overhaul project. Parking will remain open, but there will be no access to the facilities. In-depth cleaning will also occur while the building is closed.

The Town of Chesterton recently announced that Chesterton High School will present the 2022 International Baccalaureate Art Exhibit Wednesday and Thursday, April 6 and 7, in the Upper Gymnasium at Chesterton High School. Hours for both days days are 5:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Enter at Door 31.

The City of La Porte is inviting kids to join Heather Boklund and her staff this summer on the newly renovated tennis courts at Kesling Park. The tennis program offers the latest techniques and instruction methods by quality instructors with years of teaching experience. The city says that thousands of children in the community have learned to play tennis in the program. To register or for more information, visit www.laporteparkandrec.com, call 219-326-9600 or stop by the Park Office (250 Pine Lake Avenue) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. For more information, e-mail Recreation Director Pam Carroll at pcarroll@cityoflaportein.gov.  

Governor Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the life and legacy of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Flags should be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset on Sunday, March 27. Holcomb is asking businesses and residents in Indiana to lower their flags.

The Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) initiated a criminal investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an online account had been used for child exploitation. The investigation revealed the owner of the online account to be 29 year-old Thomas Back, from Walkerton. When these crimes occurred, he was a resident of Westville. After reviewing the results of the investigation, the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office requested a warrant for Mr. Back’s arrest. Back was arrested on Monday, March 21, and is being held at the LaPorte County