Local News

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter recently announced the promotion of Master Trooper Detective Michael C. Bailey to the rank of Sergeant to serve as the Investigative Squad Leader at the Lowell Post. Sgt. Bailey earned this promotion through written testing and a competitive interview process. Sgt. Bailey is a native of Hebron, IN, graduating from Andrean High School in Merrillville before studying at Ball State University.  In 2000, he was selected to attend and graduated from the 59th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy located in Plainfield, IN.  After graduating, Bailey was assigned to the Versailles Post, later transferring to the

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter recently announced the promotion of Senior Trooper Davonne D. Barlow to the rank of Sergeant to serve as a District Squad Leader for the Lowell Post.  Sgt. Barlow earned this promotion through written testing and a competitive interview process. Sgt. Barlow graduated from Horace Mann High School in Gary, IN, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana State University.  In 2011, he was selected to attend and graduated from the 70th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy located in Plainfield, IN.  After graduation, he was assigned to the Lowell Post

This morning at approximately 1:07 a.m., the Indiana State Police responded to a single vehicle crash in the area of I-80/94 and Cline Avenue. Preliminary investigation by Trooper Maenza and Trooper Hieb shows that a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer was traveling on the ramp from southbound Cline Avenue to I-80/94 westbound when for unknown reasons, the vehicle left the traveled portion of the roadway. The vehicle continued traveling south down an embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn. As the vehicle rolled down the hill, the driver was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle came to a final uncontrolled rest facing east

This month, the Indiana Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT NOW) is celebrating 15 years of helping thousands of Hoosiers overcome their tobacco addiction and live healthier lives. To mark the anniversary, the Quitline is offering four weeks of free nicotine patches and gum to anyone who enrolls, while supplies last. Since it began in March 2006, the Quitline has helped more than 180,000 tobacco users quit tobacco through its free phone counseling, web-based service Web Coach and supplementary texting service Text2Quit. “The Indiana Tobacco Quitline plays a critical role in efforts to make Indiana a healthier place to live and work,” said

Ashley Dickinson, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Health. Ashley has been the CEO of our Northwest Health hospitals in La Porte and Knox since 2017 and served as the Chief Operating Officer at Northwest Health - Porter prior to that. Check out WIMS FACEBOOK page for more information.

The Michigan City Refuse Department will conduct its Annual Spring Clean-Up beginning on March 22, 2021. Refuse Department requests that all residents separate the debris that is to be discarded into the following three (3) categories: 1. Brush, limbs, shrubs, yard waste, and unpainted concrete (no black-top rubble); 2. Rugs, lumber, furniture, mattress, and box-springs; and 3. Appliances and tires. Tires can be rimmed or un-rimmed, and appliances include items such as stoves, refrigerators, air conditions, water tanks, etc. Please keep the above items separated as described above. Residents may place items on curbside or in the alleys, whichever is

Young people will discover the thrill of the performing arts in  three on-site summer classes at Northwest Indiana’s renowned Dunes Summer Theatre. Kids ages 5-18 have a unique opportunity to explore skills in acting, singing, and mask making through Summer Youth Theatre Classes, beginning in mid-June. Class sizes are limited to give each student a personalized, immersive experience says Amber Zangari, education coordinator for Dunes Arts Foundation (DAF). “We are delighted to be able to introduce children and teens to activities that will tap their imaginations and, hopefully, kindle their love of the performing arts,” Zangari says. “All classes will be conducted on

The Indiana Department of Health announced today that 919 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at state and private laboratories. That brings to 674,430 the number of Indiana residents now known to have had the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s dashboard. A total of 12,482 Hoosiers are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, an increase of 16 from the previous day. Another 411 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record. To date, 3,193,023 unique individuals have been tested in Indiana, up from

Michigan City High School has unveiled its new wolf mascot logo. From left are MCHS Student Council vice president Aviana Garner, Wolfie (Lyric Johnson), Student Council president Reese Attar, Den Leader Lukas Fugate, and Kevin Brown and Nate Ungrodt (designer) from Reprographic Arts, which created the logo and delivered a sign with the final version.   Michigan City Wolves show off new wolf logo

Yesterday, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) granted final approval to administrative rule changes that will allow turkey hunters to use .410 caliber and 28-gauge shotguns in addition to already-legal shotguns. The amendments also include requirements associated with shot size and density for these additional firearms, which includes allowing tungsten super shot No. 9 and 10. This change gives turkey hunters greater flexibility with hunting equipment, particularly for turkey hunting by youth and others who may have been previously hindered by having to use more traditional hunting equipment. By emergency rule, DNR Director Dan Bortner has authorized the rule’s immediate use

The South Shore Line advises passengers of a track project at East Chicago Station beginning this week that will serve to reduce overall train travel times and improve safety. The project is part of SSL’s long-term investment in improving train service, and involves re-alignment of station tracks at East Chicago that will permit trains to operate more efficiently through the area. The track work is occurring in a section of double track in which trains operate simultaneously in either direction. Due to the construction, train movement will be reduced to a single track in the station area, which will require

Michigan City Area Schools will conduct Kindergarten enrollment for the 2021-22 school year online this year. “Kindergarten Roundup” will take place March 22-26 at https://educateMC.net/kindergarten. Kindergarten students must be age 5 by October 1, 2021. During the online enrollment, parents/guardians will be asked to upload .jpgs or .pdfs of: (1) the child’s official birth certificate from the state Board of Health; (2) the parent/guardian’s driver’s license or state photo ID; (3) a record of the child’s immunizations and proof of lead screening; and (4) proof of residency, such as a utility bill, property tax bill, lease agreement on business letterhead,

– As previously released, on 3/12/21 around 6:30 p.m., six year old Grace Ross of New Carlisle was reported missing in the area of Chapman St., New Carlisle, Indiana. At approximately 8:25 p.m., Grace was located in a wooded area near Chapman. She was deceased. Due to the circumstances, CMHU was called to the scene to investigate. An autopsy revealed a preliminary determination of homicide by asphyxiation. Further test results are pending. The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit (CMHU) and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office met with Grace Ross’ family earlier today to explain the autopsy results and

The Indiana Department of Health announced today that Hoosiers age 45 and older are now eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. This expansion of eligibility makes the vaccine available to an additional 415,640 Hoosiers. Additional groups will be added as more vaccine becomes available. Vaccine appointments for this newly eligible population will be available over the next several weeks to align with expected vaccine deliveries to the state. Individuals seeking an earlier appointment are encouraged to look at openings in surrounding counties. To schedule a vaccine, visit https://ourshot.in.gov and select a location from one of more than 400 clinics around the

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City continues to propel businesses and the community forward through strategic planning and partnerships, neighborhood-focused initiatives and growth-centered projects and activity. In 2020, the team carried on its mission and vision as a resource for new and existing businesses facing a turbulent year. “We concentrated on communication by hosting Business Recovery Planning Conference calls that united nonprofit, school, city and business leaders,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “We had the opportunity to help launch an informative website, survey our businesses for what they most needed and offer the Michigan City Fighting Chance Fund program.”

The LaPorte County Regional E - 911 Dispatch Center received a 911 call on March 13th , 2021 at 05:35 P.M. from a person fishing along Trail Creek and near the US Highway 12 bridge. The fisherman reported to a Michigan City Police Department Communication Specialist that he observed an adult male fall off the US Highway 12 bridge and land in Trail Creek a short distance from him. The caller and an other fisherman in the area attempted to assist the male by throwing objects in his direction so he could be pulled in towards the shoreline. Numerous officers

The Indiana Department of Health announced today that Indiana educators up to grade 12 and other school support staff can now sign up for a free COVID-19 vaccine at any Indiana vaccination clinic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eligible individuals include teachers and staff in pre-K through high school, childcare centers, Head Start and Early Start programs, along with licensed childcare providers, including center-based and family care providers. Classroom aides, bus drivers, janitors, counselors, administration staff, cafeteria workers and substitute teachers also are eligible. To schedule a vaccine, visit https://ourshot.in.gov or call 211 if you do not have

On March 11, 2021, at 3:49 PM, Deputies Ryan Doperalski and Shayne Landry were dispatched to a residence in rural Union Township reference a sex offense. While in route, they were advised a male subject, who resides nearby, wished to surrender for the same offense.   Deputy Landry responded to the victim’s residence where he met with the parents and the victim. Several minutes later, Detective Kristina Hynek arrived at the residence to assist.   Deputy R. Doperalski met with the accused, William R. HOAGLAN (42 YOA), at his residence. Shortly after arriving, he transported HOAGLAN to the La Porte

On Friday, March 12th, at approximately 10:30 p.m., troopers responded to Munster Community Hospital for a reported gunshot victim.  The male had been shot while driving westbound on  I-80/94 between Indianapolis Blvd. and Calumet Ave.  The victim was driving a 2002 Pontiac when the back window was shot.  The victim realized he was hit by gunfire in his arm and drove home before being transported to Munster Community Hospital.  The suspect vehicle may be a silver 2005-2010 Audi sedan.  Injuries to the victim were non-life-threatening.  The investigation is on-going.

The La Porte County Association of Realtors donated $2500 to Family Advocates to support the volunteers and staff who advocate for abused and neglected children, at-risk youth and parents in La Porte County.  To become a volunteer go to www.lpfamilyadvocates.com. Representing The La Porte County Association of Realtors is Olga Sanchez(secretary) Karole Myres (treasurer) Tommy Sunn (co-chair for Charity auction committee) and Brad Anderson(President).  Representing Family Advocates is Karen Biernacki, CEO, Lesley Lefeber, Lisa Huber, Maggie Fritzen,  backrow:  April Greetham, Kayla Pedraza, and Rechelle McCray.