Local News

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.

Officer Zachery Wells conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East 11th Street on March 14th, 2021 at approximately 12:59 A.M. for an infraction. Another motorist sped past Officer Wells during the traffic stop at a high rate of speed. He also heard the tires on the speeding vehicle squeal loudly as it turned north onto Pine Street from East 11th Street. Officer Wells quickly finished his traffic stop in the 300 block of East 11th Street and began to locate the speeding vehicle so a traffic stop could be performed for the driver’s reckless driving behaviors that

Michigan City Area Schools announced 8th or 7th grade students can now sign up for the 21st Century Scholars program. You may qualify for 4 years of paid tuition. The deadline to apply is June 30th. Read more about the 21st Century Scholars Program and see if you qualify at https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars .

Michigan City Area Schools announced 8th or 7th grade students can now sign up for the 21st Century Scholars program. You may qualify for 4 years of paid tuition. The deadline to apply is June 30th. Read more about the 21st Century Scholars Program and see if you qualify at https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars .

The South Shore Line announced that eastbound Train 203, departing Millennium Station at 6:10 a.m. and arriving at Gary Metro Center at 7:07 a.m., will be canceled for approximately four weeks, Tuesday through Thursday.The temporary cancellation of Train 203 will begin on Tuesday, March 16, and occur every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through early April.Train 203’s temporary schedule change is due to track construction at East Chicago Station that will impact track availability. Monday and Friday service for Tr 203 will operate as regularly scheduled.Recommended alternative service during this period includes eastbound Train 205 or Train 207.Residual delays may occur

Thursday at 2:30 PM, Deputy Jake Pisowicz was working Operation Pullover - a grant funded traffic enforcement project. While traveling eastbound on US 20 east of Meer Road, he began to travel behind a blue Dodge Neon. While nearing the intersection of US 20 and US 35, Deputy Pisowicz observed the vehicle suddenly merge from the passing lane to the driving lane. While making said lane change, the driver committed a traffic infraction.Deputy Pisowicz initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the parking lot of a service station located near the intersection of US 20 and US 35. After

Horizon Bank has made supporting individuals and families through COVID Relief efforts a priority during the pandemic. Building on previous gifts and services, the bank has just announced an additional $30,000 gift to United Way of LaPorte County to extend the local Homelessness Prevention Program. In October, local funders including Duneland Health Council, Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, Unity Foundation of La Porte County, and United Way of LaPorte County came together to address the most pressing community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of this partnership a pilot project took seed to help La Porte County residents stay

Since delivering the first shot into an arm in LaPorte County on Dec. 18, the staff at Franciscan Health Michigan City has administered 13,279 doses at its COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Vice President of Clinical Support Services Jill Nygren, RN, MHA, said that clinic staff are delivering vaccines to five people every 10 minutes, or about 240 doses each day of operation. The clinic currently operates in the hospital’s Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel Community Room, Monday through Thursday and Saturdays. On April 1, the clinic will be open 8AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday. A multidisciplinary team makes sure the vaccines

As many residents are aware, Striebel Pond was conceived as a dual-path project to control flooding along the Striebel Arm Ditch and provide a very popular 40-acre recreational park. The pond was completed in 2006 with native wetland plants. Since that time, the native plantings have been almost completely overtaken by non-native invasive species dominated by Phragmites australis. This invasive vegetation is not only unsightly, it impairs the biodiversity of the habitat and view of the pond and the many beautiful birds it attracts. To restore the native vegetation and biodiversity of the wild life habitat, the Michigan City Sanitary

Youth hunters may apply for reserved turkey hunts during the special youth wild turkey hunting season on DNR properties from March 15-26.The youth turkey season is April 17-18. Youth hunters who are under age 18 on the day of the hunt are eligible to apply. A limit will be placed on the number of youth hunters allowed to hunt a respective property on each hunting day in order to improve the quality of hunts for participants. Interested hunters or an adult representing them must register in person or by phone during the normal office hours for the property they wish