Local News

The Michigan departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development today announced the addition of beech leaf disease to the state’s invasive species watch list. Invasive species on the watch list have been identified as posing an immediate or potential threat to Michigan's economy, environment or human health. These species either have never been confirmed in the wild in Michigan or have a limited known distribution. Beech leaf disease is associated with the microscopic worm Litylenchus crenatae, a nematode that enters and spends the winter in leaf buds, causing damage to leaf tissue on American beech and European and Asian beech species. Infestations result

This morning at approximately 1:13 AM, Captain Andy Hynek was traveling south on US 35 approaching Kingsbury Avenue. The area at the time was experiencing heavy snowfall and the roadway surface was completely snow-covered.A sport utility vehicle turned onto US 35 from Kingsbury Avenue in front of Captain Hynek and began traveling south in the outside lane. Captain Hynek passed the vehicle and shortly after doing so, the vehicle passed him but then reduced its speed until he caught up again. It was then the driver of the vehicle began to rev the engine as Captain Hynek could hear the

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City team is welcoming new leadership and a new member to its Board of Directors. Linda Simmons, director of marketing for Visit Michigan City-LaPorte, has taken on the helm as board chair and Seth Spencer, founder and CEO of SERA Solutions, has joined the board as a new member. “We are honored to have such strong leaders serve on our board, especially as we enter a new year and move forward from 2020,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse. “While Linda is now serving as chair, she has continuously been an integral part of our

On January 17th , 2021 at approximately 06:28 P.M. is when officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 responded to the 1700 block of Goldfinch Lane for a report of gunshots being fired. Officers found multiple vehicles and buildings struck by gunfire upon their arrival. No one was reportedly injured as a result of this incident. Officers canvased the area for evidence and located numerous spent ammunition cartridges laying on the pavement. Witnesses were interviewed at the scene by officers to gather more information regarding this incident. Officers learned a dark colored passenger vehicle parked near the 1700 block of Goldfinch

On January 15th, at approximately 7:29 P.M. is when officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 responded to the 500 block of Center Street for a subject that had been battered during a robbery. Officers found a 40-year-old male victim who was severely bleeding from multiple lacerations to his head and right hand up on their arrival. Officers learned the suspect and victim were both together at a residence in the 100 block of Blaine Street earlier in the day on January 15th. It was reported to officers the suspect took personal property from the victim during a physical altercation at

The Valparaiso Police are currently on scene of a personal injury crash, involving a semi-truck and East Porter County School Corporation bus.  The only injury reported is minor, involving a student that was on the bus.  Early reports indicate the bus was traveling westbound, crossing State Road 49 on Burlington Beach Rd., when the semi-truck disregarded the red light while traveling northbound through the intersection.  East Porter County Schools have been notified of the crash and staff is currently on scene. Due to the crash, State Road 49 and Burlington Beach Rd. will experience partial closures, as the vehicles will

For the third time in as many weeks, an Indiana State Trooper has been struck while investigating a prior crash. This morning at 4:07 a.m., troopers from the ISP Lowell Post were investigating a multiple vehicle crash on I-80/94 eastbound at the 1.7 mile-marker.  As a result of this crash, the right three lanes were blocked as one of the vehicles stalled and was unable to be moved from the lane.  Preliminary investigation by Sgt. Dwayne Dillahunty and Trooper Nicole Maenza shows that Trooper Jarah Burgin parked his fully marked police car behind the disabled vehicle with its emergency lights

On January 16, 2021, at approximately 3:45 AM, Sergeant Jon Burger was traveling northbound on Franklin Street, north of CR 400 North.  He began to travel behind a silver Honda passenger vehicle.  The vehicle caught the attention of Sergeant Burger due to a license plate not being visible.   A traffic stop was initiated along Franklin Street, south of US 20.  Once the vehicle had stopped, Sergeant Burger observed a temporary license plate that was not properly secured to the rear of the vehicle.  In addition, the temporary license plate did not belong on the sliver Honda, rather was registered to a green Ford.   The

Northwest Indiana firms that prioritize safety and quality across their operations can now earn recognition for their achievements by submitting a 2021 Safety Awards application. Companies will be judged across a range of performance criteria and the best among them will be honored at a ceremony scheduled to be held in May. Award applications are available at NWIBRT.org/awards. Applications are now available and are due by February 15th.

In pursuit of its mission and vision, Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) invites g rant proposals for health and wellness projects and prog rams through March 5, 2021. HFL’ s mission is to empower residents to live healthy and well to achieve the vision of La Porte County becoming one of the 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030. As of January 15, HFL ’s grant portal i s open . HFL welcomes proposals for Strategic Grants and Responsive Grants . Strategic Grant s are grants that address specific , board -approved , major community needs with a defined

On Wednesday morning at the Sheriff’s January Merit Board meeting, three deputies were recognized for their efforts and actions during 2020.  All three deputies received the annual “Beyond The Expected” award from the Merit Board and Mr. Andy Fox of 1st Source Bank.Major Heath A. Haferkamp, a 32-year veteran of the LCSO, received the award for his exhaustive efforts in securing a body camera grant in excess of $130,000.  During the highly competitive grant process, he waived a scheduled vacation to ensure the grant application was completed prior to the deadline.  Major Haferkamp, a member of the LCSO Administration, oversees

The Indiana State Police is now accepting applications for the 81st Recruit Academy.  Individuals who are interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Indiana State Trooper must apply online at https://www.in.gov/isp/2368.htm.  This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process as well as information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police. *Current Law Enforcement Officers If appointed, strong consideration will be given to the employee’s district of preference. Assignments will be made in accordance with the department’s residency requirements and needs.Must have a minimum of three continuous years of full time, paid, law enforcement experience (sworn or

Northwest Indiana firms that prioritize safety and quality across their operations can now earn recognition for their achievements by submitting a 2021 Safety Awards application. Companies will be judged across a range of performance criteria and the best among them will be honored at a ceremony scheduled to be held in May. Earning an award at this event is a great way for companies to show their clients and the community their commitment to working safely and protecting their employees. Over 60 companies are expected to be honored this year, many of which are leading regional firms. In addition to

A suspect is now in custody following the weekend shooting at Lucky Bar, according to City of La Porte Chief of Detectives Sgt. Jim Ferguson.On the evening of Thursday, Jan. 14, members of the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team took Keith A. Davis into custody regarding the shooting that had occurred previously at Lucky Bar. Davis was taken into custody in Michigan City without issue and charged with attempted murder, a Level 1 Felony, and battery with a deadly weapon, a Level 3 Felony. Ferguson said thanks to the tireless work of Det. Sgt. Victor Aguilar, members of the La Porte

The Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) is warning the public about predatory hemp seed vendors known to be currently active in the state.This year marks the first time hemp will be grown in Indiana as a commercial crop, not a research crop, said Donald Robison, OISC seed administrator. That means that the number of hemp growers around the state is increasing and so, too, are reports of faulty seed and untrustworthy vendors.In some cases, Robison said, people are paying for seed and the product is never delivered. In other cases, the product doesn’t match what is promised by the

More than 250,000 Hoosiers ages 70 and older have scheduled appointments to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of noon Thursday. The total includes more than 125,000 individuals ages 70 to 79 who scheduled their vaccines Wednesday, the first day of their eligibility. It does not include Hoosiers who are being vaccinated in their long-term care facilities. Individuals age 70 and older account for about 11 percent of the state’s population but represent 42 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 78 percent of deaths in the state, according to the Indiana Department of Health. Eligible Hoosiers can register by

Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is thrilled to announce it has received a $12,000 grant through the Youth Program Resilience Fund of Lilly Endowment Inc. Lubeznik Center will use the grant to support after school arts education and outreach programs, including partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club and Safe Harbor in Michigan City, and our Teen Arts Council, which provide safe and enriching environments for our community's youth. Hannah Hammond-Hagman, Education Director, said, "This grant support will help assure that our virtual programming continues to be of the highest quality to support youth's creative expression and social and emotional

The Chesterton Fire Department (CFD) has been given the go-ahead to seek a 90/10 match grant for the purchase and installation of a digital station-alerting system at the CFD station.The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is being made available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Portage Assistant Fire Chief Kevin DeYoung is coordinating the grant application on behalf of the Portage and South Haven FDs, Porter County EMS, the Porter County 911 Dispatch Center, and now the CFD.At its meeting Jan. 11, the Chesterton Town Council voted unanimously to commit funding for the grant match. The estimated cost of purchasing and

With blood donations urgently needed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Franciscan Health Michigan City invites the public to give at one of two blood drives scheduled later this month. The blood drives held by Versiti Blood Center will be 7AM to 1PM on Wednesday, Jan. 27, and 2-6PM on Thursday, Jan. 28, at Franciscan Health Michigan City. Donations will be taken in the Versiti Blood Drive Bus, which will be located outside Entrance A at the hospital at 3500 Franciscan Way. The COVID-19 antibody test is performed on every blood donation. Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled by going online

INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers age 70 and older can now begin scheduling appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Appointments can be scheduled by visiting https://ourshot.in.gov. Those needing assistance with registration can call 211 or one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging. A caregiver or loved one also may make an appointment on behalf of an eligible senior.More information will be provided during Governor Holcomb’s weekly press conference at 2:30 p.m. today. The press conference will be live-streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/356296