Local News

Indiana trial courts can now send text and email reminders, cancellations, and rescheduling notices to jurors. The Supreme Court’s Office of Court Technology added these enhancements to its Jury Management System, used by courts in 81 counties. As jury trials resume, trial courts are adapting to ensure a safe environment for staff, the public, case participants, and those called for jury duty. Measures may include social distancing, videoconferencing, more frequent cleaning, and now real-time communication with potential and selected jurors. Jurors opt in for the text and email notifications by responding to a USPS mailed questionnaire sent with the summons

The Salvation Army of Michigan City is seeking bell ringers to help staff the iconic Red Kettles that will soon make an appearance around the city. Given the tremendous financial impact of COVID-19, The Salvation Army has set a lofty goal of $200,000 for this year’s Christmas campaign, and they are hopeful that community members will help by ringing bells this year. There are two ways a person can become a bell ringer, according to Major Dale Simmons, who oversees the local  Salvation Army office. Those interested in applying to become a staff bell ringer this season can visit The

The Indiana Department of Health is encouraging Hoosiers to get vaccinated against influenza to help protect them from the contagious respiratory illness that sickens thousands of Hoosiers each year and claimed more than 130 lives in the 2019-2020 flu season. The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. State Health Commissioner Dr. Box said that because infants under 6 months can’t be vaccinated, it’s important that anyone in a household where a young baby lives or visits get a flu shot to protect the child. Healthcare workers also are urged to get

On Monday, October 5, Duneland Schools  say they will move to Level 3, with students attending in-person coming to campus on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Students selecting the remote learning model will continue to receive instruction without coming to campus. In an effort to provide families with choices throughout the pandemic, students were able to change their learning model preference prior to this level change. 631 students moved from remote to an in-person learning model and 325 students moved from an in-person to remote learning model. Schedule changes for the Level 3 transition are a work in progress and

Thursday morning, just after 10:30 a.m., a two-vehicle crash on the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) claimed the life of a 7-year-old Illinois resident.  Preliminary Investigation shows that before the crash, several vehicles were reportedly stopped partially in the right lane near the 12 mile-marker.  This portion of interstate is a bridge consisting of three lanes without berms (shoulders).  People were reportedly standing outside of their vehicles attempting to capture a stray dog that had run onto the interstate.  A Chevrolet Volt, driven by 38 year old Anthony M. Swanson, from Chicago, IL, was eastbound in the center lane approaching the

Captain Jeff Loniewski has identified the make and model of the suspect vehicle involved in the hit and run accident that took the life of Tara Stevens in front of Creekside Bar and Grill on September 12th. The suspect vehicle is a dark colored 2010-2017 GMC Terrain. The suspect vehicle should have damage to the right front headlight assembly. Damage could possibly be present on the hood and right front fender as well. If you see a vehicle matching this description, please contact Captain Jeff Loniewski at 219-874-3221 Ext: 1008 or Lieutenant Kevin Urbanczyk at Ext: 1042. Police would also

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced 479 organizations will receive almost $10 million through the Arts, Cultural and Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) grant program. This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) and the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), providing operational support to local organizations whose operations were disrupted by COVID-19. "These organizations help enhance the quality of life here in our great state," Crouch said. "I am pleased to see the arts and cultural sector, which adds to Indiana's tourism economy, get this funding." A list of the awardees can be found here.

Yesterday Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-45 to extend the temporary licensing of health care workers who do not currently hold an active license. The following workers will be permitted to practice for an additional 90 days: -medical professionals who retired or became inactive in the last five years -medical professionals who hold licenses in other states -certain medical students and graduates These professionals must register with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency via their website at www.in.gov/pla. They will be able to assist in screenings, telemedicine and other basic procedures to allow regularly licensed medical professionals to be

South Shore Line mobile app users are advised that a new app update is now available for download for iOS and Android via the App Store and Google Play Store. The update will modify the appearance of SSL tickets, and includes new features to improve the user experience: Revised ticket display;New tabs showing active tickets and ticket history;"Submit a Report" feature in the menu section, to be used for non-app related passenger comments/complaints/suggestions/questions;The "App Support" link is now an embedded submission box in the menu section, to be used for all app questions/comments (previously the link opened the phone’s email client).

The City of La Porte unveiled today its new logo and branding, according to Mayor Tom Dermody. "Our team has worked diligently over the last several months to create this new look and identity for our community, and we could not be more thrilled to finally share it today," Dermody said. "La Porte is a special place, and we believe these efforts will help to set us apart and make our community attractive as we look to bring in new businesses with high-wage jobs." Inspired by La Porte's natural resources, Dermody said the new logo is focused on the access

La Porte Hospital to be known as Northwest Health – La Porte La Porte, IN –Today, La Porte Hospital announced it is part of Northwest Health, a new healthcare system that will help residents look forward to more doctors, more locations and easier access to healthcare in Northwest Indiana. The local hospital’s name will change to Northwest Health - La Porte when the new $125 million replacement hospital opens in downtown La Porte on October 24. The new Northwest Health system combines the resources of the La Porte, Porter and Starke hospitals in a comprehensive system of in-person and telehealth

Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) applauded a partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the RV Industry Association (RVIA) to help RV manufacturers boost exports to international markets. RVIA was awarded a grant and technical assistance through the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) to reduce trade barriers and regulatory hurdles in order to expand exports of American-made RVs to China, South Korea, and Japan

Last week, Officers from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit and Crime Scene Investigators completed training with the new Faro S70 3D laser scanner. This scanner was purchased partly with grant funds awarded to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office through the Porter County Substance Abuse Council. It will assist the specialty units with processing scenes more efficiently and to provide the Prosecutor’s Office with enhanced ways to present fatal crashes and high profile criminal cases.  The scanner will provide views from the scene with overview maps, 3D video walkthroughs, and 360-degree photographic documentation.

The City of New Buffalo recently received news that will result in the expansion of the City’s municipal marina operations. Through the generosity of the William J. Deputy Endowment Fund, the Pleasure Isle Marina adjacent to the City’s municipal marina is being donated to the City of New Buffalo. The City will be receiving 26 slips, a parking area, and boater services building. This marina is valued at $3.1 million.  

With Governor Holcomb advancing Indiana to Stage 5 of the Back on Track Indiana plan, La Porte Hospital announced that it is reopening it’s Wellness and Fitness Centers to members as of Monday, October 5th.  Masks are required, except when working out and all members will be screened upon entry. 

This past Friday the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) arrested 19- year-old, Demario Emmanuel Williams-Anderson of Michigan City on a La Porte County Warrant for Murder. Williams-Anderson’s warrant stems from the August 11th shooting death of Darius C. Mitchell in the Pinetree Court apartment complex. Williams-Anderson was taken into custody without incident near the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis by FAST and the United States Marshals Services’ Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF). Information was obtained that Williams-Anderson had fled to Indianapolis after the shooting and once the arrest warrant was obtained for his arrest, FAST followed up on those

Nearly 220 area residents participated in this year’s Lake County Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants walked as individuals and small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across the Lake County area, raising over $45,000. The money raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s funds local education programs and caregiver support groups, as well as the 24/7 Helpline, which is staffed by licensed social workers who provide around-the-clock support to those who need it. It also funds research into new ways of treating and preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

During the evenings through Thursday, Oct. 1: South Shore Line passengers utilizing Millennium Station in the evenings will temporarily board/detrain at the Metra Depot (Tracks 5 and 6), located northwest of the SSL platform. During this time, work will be ongoing in the SSL depot overnight beginning at 7pm. The depot switch will not impact daytime trains, and those passengers should continue to use the SSL platform. Trains impacted by the depot switch include EB Tr 19, 121, 123 & 101, and WB Tr 20, 222 & 22.

On Friday September 25th at approximately 1:45 P.M.; the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) arrested 19-year-old, Demario Emmanuel WILLIAMS-ANDERSON of Michigan City on a La Porte County Warrant for Murder. WILLIAMS-ANDERSON’s warrant stems from the August 11th shooting death of Darius C. Mitchell in the Pinetree Court apartment complex. WILLIAMS-ANDERSON was taken into custody without incident near the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis by FAST and the United States Marshals Services’ Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF). Information was obtained that WILLIAMS-ANDERSON had fled to Indianapolis after the shooting and once the arrest warrant was obtained for his arrest, FAST

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced several appointments to various state boards and commissions. Governor’s Workforce Cabinet The governor made six reappointments to the cabinet, who will serve until September 30, 2022: •         Sue Ellspermann (Indianapolis), president of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana •         Chuck Johnson (Owensville), president of Vincennes University •         Teresa Lubbers, commissioner of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education •         Blair Milo, Secretary of Career Connections & Talent •         Fred Payne, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development •         Jim Schellinger, Secretary of Commerce The governor also made five new appointments to the cabinet, who will serve until September 30, 2022: