Local News

La Porte County Master Gardeners are available via Garden Hotline to help the public with a wide variety of home gardening questions.  The hotline will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until noon CDT, from April 12 through September 29, 2021. Master Gardeners will answer questions on house plants, landscaping, flowers, fruit trees, vegetables, trees, shrubs, lawns, insects, and garden pests.  The answers related to your yard and garden issues will be provided with research-based materials produced by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service or other land grant universities in the region. The Garden Hotline phone number is 219-324-9407.  Michigan

On April 8, 2021, at 2:30 AM, Deputy Jet Balenia was dispatched to the area of Wozniak Road and CR 450 North, rural Coolspring Township, reference a hit and run crash involving a fence. Upon arrival in the area, Deputy Balenia learned of a second crash that had just occurred on Wozniak Road near Surrey Lane. Surrey Lane is located approximately three (3) miles south of CR 450 North. Prior to leaving the area of the hit and run crash, Deputy Balenia located a silver bumper in the lawn of a residence in the 7500 west block of CR 450

The LaPorte County E- 911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call on April 7 th , 2021 at 10:23 P.M. regarding gun shots being fired at Pullman Park on the city’s west side. Multiple officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 3 responded to the scene and learned two victims had been shot. Both victim s left the scene prior to officers arriving and were transported to Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital by third parties with non - life - threatening injuries . The Investigative Division also responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation. Officers met with both victims

On April 7, 2021, at 8:30 PM, Deputy Wade Wallace was stopped southbound on Vail Street near Michigan Boulevard waiting for the traffic control device to cycle. A Major passenger vehicle was also stopped directly in front of Deputy Wallace. HEATH A. HAFERKAMP Once the traffic control device cycled, traffic traveled south across Michigan Boulevard and onto Poplar Street. The vehicle that Deputy Wallace was traveling behind made a right turn into the parking lot of the Go-Lo, a business located at 1133 East Michigan Boulevard. While executing said turn, the vehicle committed a traffic infraction. Deputy Wallace initiated a

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, local bowlers took part in the 20th annual Bowl For The Cure event, raising $8,000 to help pay for cancer tests and treatment for patients in need.   The Michigan City United States Bowling Congress Bowling Association (MCUSBCBA) has held the event since 2002 and has donated nearly $70,000 to the Franciscan Health Michigan City Breast Center since 2008. The funds supplement the cost of mammograms and follow-up treatment for women in LaPorte and Porter counties who are unable to afford tests or treatments on their own or through insurance. The funds also

On April 6, 2021, at 1:45 AM, Deputy Michael Sweet was stopped at the intersection of US 30 and Old US 30. After a westbound vehicle passed by him, he observed an equipment violation (traffic infraction) on the rear of the vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated by Deputy Sweet in the 6300 west block of US 30. The driver identified herself as Angela M. GAINES (27 YOA) and the front seat passenger identified himself as Paul L. HARGROVE (37 YOA). GAINES and HARGROVE, both from Ainsworth, Nebraska, each had suspended driver’s licenses. Deputy Sweet quickly established probable cause that

Renew your hunting and fishing license Your 2020-21 annual hunting and fishing licenses expired on March 31. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to renew. Purchase your license online, at a local retailer, or through the DNR Customer Service Center.   Now is a great time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Outdoor activities can improve mental health and well-being. Treat yourself to a moment of peace or reconnect with family and friends out on the water.     First Free Fishing Day, May 2 Indiana’s first Free Fishing Day of the year is May 2.

On April 5, 2021, at 5:43 AM, deputies were summoned to the intersection of US 35 and CR 250 South, rural Pleasant Township, reference a two-vehicle personal injury crash.  At 5:45 AM, Deputy Josh Smith arrived at the scene and located a deceased male subject in the northbound lanes.  The initial crash investigation completed by Deputy Jake Pisowicz and other deputies determined the following had occurred.   A silver 2016 Nissan, driven by Adam FEDOROWICZ (67 YOA) of La Porte, was traveling southbound on US 35 in the driving (right) lane approaching CR 250 South.  A red 2006 Jeep, driven by Melissa

A two semi crash caused I-94 to be closed for 12 hours in Lake Station on Tuesday Morning. At around 1:30 a.m., troopers from the Indiana State Police Lowell Post were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on I-94 eastbound at the 15 mile-marker.  Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Dodge Dart was traveling east at a high rate of speed when it rear-ended a Toyota Camry.  The Toyota was traveling in the right lane when it was rear-ended.  This impact caused the Toyota to spin and come to a rest in the left lane.  Debris was scattered across the entire

Michigan City High School senior Josiah Miller has been named a 2021 Indiana Academic All-Star. Miller is one of only 40 seniors in Indiana to receive the honor, which is sponsored by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). The students were selected from a field of 270 outstanding nominees from the state’s private and public accredited high schools. Academic All-Star distinction recognizes seniors who excel in the classroom first and foremost, but who also are actively involved in their schools and communities, and take on leadership roles in those activities. The program is produced by IASP, with support from

Northwest Medical Group has opened a new Primary Care location at 3012 Franklin Street in Michigan City where Maribonn Tiangson, M.D., a board certified internal medicine physician is now seeing patients.   “The best thing about practicing medicine is being able to build an alliance with my patients. Identifying their signs and symptoms and listening closely to them makes all the difference in helping them be as healthy as possible.” said Dr. Tiangson.   As a young child, Dr. Tiangson knew she wanted to be a physician because it was the best way she knew to make a difference in

 One in four U.S. adults are sitting for longer than eight hours each day, and this lack of activity is bad for mental and physical health. The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is urging adults to move more and sit less throughout the day. “For too many of us, our daily routines have become more sedentary over the past year due to the pandemic, making it even more important to find ways to increase physical activity in our day,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP, the American Heart Association’s

On April 5, 2021, at 5:43 AM, deputies were summoned to the intersection of US 35 and CR 250 South, rural Pleasant Township, reference a two-vehicle personal injury crash. At 5:45 AM, Deputy Josh Smith arrived at the scene and located a deceased male subject in the northbound lanes. The initial crash investigation completed by Deputy Jake Pisowicz and other deputies determined the following had occurred. A silver 2016 Nissan, driven by Adam FEDOROWICZ (67 YOA) of La Porte, was traveling southbound on US 35 in the driving (right) lane approaching CR 250 South. A red 2006 Jeep, driven by

The LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call on April 5th, 2021 at 03:29 A.M. regarding a person who was stabbed in the 1000 block of East Michigan Boulevard. Multiple officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 3 quickly responded to the scene and located two people with significant injuries. The victim was identified as a 55-year-old Michigan City female resident who was suffering from multiple stab wounds to her body. The suspect was identified as a 67-year-old Michigan City male resident who was suffering from severe head injuries. Both the victim and suspect were transported from the scene

Today, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb issued a proclamation declaring April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Indiana. Now in its 11th year, the national observance is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving, as well as reminding motorists about the importance of paying attention to the road. “There’s only one task we should be focused on when behind the wheel and that’s safe driving – everything else can wait,” Gov. Holcomb said. “By making a commitment to always pay attention to the road, we all work together to save lives.” Distracted driving is considered any activity

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a resurfacing project for State Road 2/Lincolnway in Downtown LaPorte starting Monday, April 12 with ADA ramp and pedestrian work activities. Night time paving operations will begin on or around May 21 and will take place between approximately 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Lane closures or moving flagging operations will occur while resurfacing is taking place. INDOT urges drivers to stay alert near crews and follow traffic directions carefully. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time when driving through this area. Drivers should slow down and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane closures for the State Road 149 bridge over I-80/94 starting Tuesday, April 6.   During phase one, the inside left lanes northbound and southbound will be closed, and the outside right lanes will be closed during phase two. Lane closures will be in place through late-May, 2021 for a bridge deck overlay and painting. These preventative maintenance activities prolong the life of the bridge deck.   INDOT urges drivers to stay alert near crews and follow traffic directions carefully. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time when driving through this area. Drivers should slow

On April 3, 2021, at 4:02 PM, deputies were summoned to the intersection of CR 400 West and CR 1000 South, rural Noble Township, reference a crash involving two motorcycles.  At 4:04 PM, Deputy Ryan Doperalski arrived at the scene and determined two subjects were injured.  The initial crash investigation completed by Deputy Jacob Payne and the other deputies determined the following had occurred.   A group of approximately 60 motorcyclists were traveling south on CR 400 West, slowing down and preparing to turn right (west) onto CR 1000 South.  Nicholas F. KOLOSCI (61 YOA) of Hobart was operating a white

If you’ve put off seeing your doctor for fear of catching or spreading the COVID-19 virus, Northwest Medical Group wants you to know it’s safe and important to come in. Precautions for your safety include masking of all patients and providers, checking temperature of all clinic visitors, screening clinic staff, socially distanced seating in the reception area, and enhanced cleaning of commonly touched surfaces. “It’s important for members of our community to put their health first and to feel comfortable getting the care they need,” said Vinay Tumuluri M.D., internal medicine physician with Northwest Medical Group. “We know it’s been

 INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK:  While working on the Tolleston East Prescribed Fire yesterday, the National Park Service (NPS), was notified of a wildfire in the Miller section of Gary. Engine 5673, a Type 3 wildland interface fire engine, responded and determined the fire was in fact on NPS property. As resources became free from the prescribed fire, they were shifted to the Miller Woods wildfire. As of 6:00 pm last evening, the Miller Woods wildfire was approximately 300 acres burning on NPS property in Gary, Indiana.  Two fire engines and approximately 14 personnel assisted by US Steel Fire and Security