Local News

The Indiana DNR confirmed that it has intercepted plants containing a fungal pathogen that kills oak trees, sudden oak death (SOD), for the first time in about 10 years. Inspectors from the DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology detected SOD (Phytophthora ramorum) in several varieties of rhododendrons being sold in Columbus, Noblesville, South Bend, Sullivan and Tippecanoe. SOD has killed large tracts of oaks on the West Coast. SOD has not been established in the Midwest, to date. SOD can kill standing oak trees, which could happen if SOD-positive rhododendrons were planted within about 6 feet of a standing

The City of Michigan City will spend the summer collecting information about community-wide greenhouse gas emissions as one of thirteen communities selected to be a part of Indiana University’s first Resilience Cohort. Findings from the community-wide greenhouse gas inventory will be used to help residents andlocal officials understand Michigan City’s current emissions profile and to help city government employees create an action plan to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and improve air quality. Findings from the local government operations inventory will be used to help city employees identify greenhouse gas reduction strategies for municipal activities. Mayor Ron Meer said on

Attorney General Curtis Hill joined 46 other attorneys general across the country this week to ask Congress for the third time to amend the Communications Decency Act in order to make sure state and local authorities are able to protect citizens online and take appropriate action against criminal acts. The Communication Decency Act of 1996 (CDA) was designed to encourage the growth of the internet by promoting free expression, particularly on online message boards. The Act was intended to allow companies that sponsor message boards to remain immune to repercussions from inappropriate posts, but, due to a misinterpretation of Section

The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) is holding its annual public hearing on June 18th in Indianapolis. The annual public hearing provides customers and stakeholders the opportunity to hear DOR’s latest initiatives and provides the public an opportunity to give feedback and share their ideas on how the agency can improve policies, processes and procedures. Individuals interested in the hearing who are unable to attend have the opportunity to watch on DOR’s Facebook page where it will be streaming live. The public may also submit feedback via email correspondence if they cannot attend the hearing. Emails sent to media@dor.in.gov with the subject

Eastbound Train 205, departing at 6:48a from Millennium Station to Gary Metro Center, will be canceled due to construction near the East Chicago Station that will impact track availability. The temporary cancellation of Tr 205 is expected to last through mid- to late June 2019. Recommended alternative service during this period includes eastbound Train 203 or Train 207. Indiana Department of Education Announces 2018-2019 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program School of the Year

The Michigan City Police Kiddie Parade will be taking place on Saturday June 22nd. This year’s theme is “Candyland” so MCPD is urging participants up to age 12 to dress as their favorite candy or a candy theme entry. Trophies and ribbons will be awarded. A host of celebrity judges will present. After the parade ice cream will be served to all participants. Registration begins at 1pm at Healthlinc located at 7th & Franklin St. Treat bags will be given to all participants. Judging will be at 1:15 pm through 1:45 pm. The parade begins at 2pm and runs north

Scammers often strike after severe storms, taking advantage of homeowners needing repairs. Reputable contractors also visit storm-ravaged neighborhoods offering their services, Attorney General Hill noted, but consumers must do their homework to make sure to hire trustworthy companies. Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Office of the Indiana Attorney General about any suspected scams. You can file a complaint by visiting indianaconsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516.

Indiana’s labor force grew again in April, extending a record streak of improvement over the past year to hit another new peak last month. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development recently reported that the state’s labor force now stands at 3,415,523. The measure is considered an important indicator of economic growth because it counts both those who have a job or are actively searching for one. The new peak for the state is preliminary and could be revised later. Year over year, 37,495 more Hoosiers have joined the labor force since April 2018. Also, Indiana’s labor force participation rate in

The Indiana Department of Education kicked off the 2019 Summer Food Service Program yesterday. In partnership with nearly 250 school and community sponsors, children 18 and younger across the state will have access to free meals and snacks throughout the summer break. June marks the busiest month for the summer food program when many families seek help for additional nutrition resources. As a result, Governor Eric J. Holcomb has issued a statewide proclamation declaring the week of June 10-14 Summer Food Service Program Week. Site locations and meal service times vary throughout Indiana, and locations range from parks and community

In separate judgments this month, Attorney General Curtis Hill successfully defended the State of Indiana against challenges brought by two Indiana Department of Correction inmates. On May 10th, the Indiana Court of Appeals denied inmate Hubert Williams’ appeal of a LaPorte Circuit Court decision. The circuit court earlier denied Williams' petition for writ of habeas corpus, in which he argued among other things that the conditions of his parole did not apply since he refused to sign his parole agreement. (A writ of habeas corpus is a court order requiring officials to prove that an inmate’s imprisonment is valid.) The

The La Porte County Extension Homemakers are again hosting Lend A Hand Day. The date is Tuesday, June 4th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Community Building at the La Porte County Fairgrounds, 2581 W. St. Rd. 2, La Porte. We will be assembling quilts, bags, backpacks, lap robes, wheel chair totes, birthday bags, hats and many other items that will be donated to La Porte County residents through local service organizations. Donations of fabrics, notions, thread, yarn and supplies are always welcome! Bring your own sewing machine or use one provided. A light meal will be provided

A new study shows America's beer industry has a major impact on the Indiana economy. The Beer Saves America study, commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute, says the beer industry contributes $5.5 billion to the state's economy annually and supports nearly 36,000 jobs throughout the state. According to the study, the jobs impacted by the industry account for $1.5 billion each year in wages and benefits. The industry is broken down to three categories: brewers and importers, independent beer distributors, and licensed retailers. The study says the industry generates $680 million in business, personal, and

According to a press release, Attorney General Curtis Hill recently obtained a one-year suspension of the medical license of Dr. Faizuddin Shareef, a Lake County physician who gave prescriptions to patients battling addiction without regard to proper procedures and safeguards. In an administrative complaint against Shareef’s license filed in March, Attorney General Hill alleged that Shareef provided substandard care to patients, eight of whom died of overdoses. Among other things, Shareef routinely ignored urine drug screen results indicating patients were using non-prescribed medications and illicit substances. Some urine tests also showed patients were not using all the drugs prescribed to

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) receives wage reports and new hire data from Hoosier employers documenting who is employed and receiving compensation. The agency’s unemployment insurance fraud investigation taskforce examines claims of individuals who intentionally provide false, misreported or unreported information in order to fraudulently claim benefits. As a result of the taskforce’s investigations, local courts recently found these individuals guilty of unemployment insurance fraud: 48 year old Alejandro Galvan, of Crown Point was sentenced to 18 months of probation and ordered to repay DWD $6,246 for the benefits he fraudulently collected. 37 year old Jason Howard, of

Portage Police have received a few reports of some vandalism and destruction of equipment at local playgrounds (Hannah's Hope and Countryside). Police are working on a long term plan to address this, but they say they need your eyes and ears as well. What police suspect are some middle school and high school aged kids who have committed these acts. Some of the destruction is occurring by some teenagers playing on the playground equipment and jumping/bouncing up and down on it; when it was not designed for that kind of weight/use.

The northbound right lane and shoulder are closed on SR 49 at U.S. 30 in Valparaiso while crews work on a patching and resurfacing project in the area. As a result, the ramp connecting northbound SR 49 to eastbound U.S. 30 is also closed until mid-June.

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Mike Braun announced his staff mobile office hours in June to better assist Hoosiers.Braun stated, "My staff will be holding mobile office hours around the state to better assist Hoosiers in these areas and other concerns.”La Porte’s will be Wednesday, June 12 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at LaPorte County Courthouse, Suite 104Michigan City’s will be on Wednesday, June 5 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Michigan City City HallSenator Braun will announce further dates and locations for regular mobile office hours through his website, Facebook, Twitter, and email list.

Michigan City Paper Box Co. will invest nearly $500,000 for new equipment into its Michigan City operations, according to the Economic Development Corp. Michigan City, Ind.The investment also will help the company retain eight jobs, EDCMC said.Al Hoodwin, CEO of Michigan City Paper Box Co., is appreciative of the support the city has given to the company. According to a press release EDCMC is the oldest manufacturer in Michigan City.

The annual ritual known as “Signing Day” that occurs at many high schools across the country typically involves student-athletes agreeing to play a sport at a college or university that has recruited them, usually in exchange for a scholarship. But now more high schools are lending the term to recognize graduating seniors who have “signed on” to work for local employers instead of attending college—a career path that has gone largely ignored by school corporations. Some schools around the state held symbolic 'Signing Day' events in May to honor those seniors who have chosen to go straight into the workforce,

The Michigan City Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 1:46 AM on Thursday. The call came in as a confirmed fire in the 200 block of East 8th Street. Engine Company #1 located at 10th & Ohio was the first to arrive on scene. Upon arrival they found a three bay detached garage fully engulfed with flames along with a utility pole east of the structure on fire as well. It was reported that the fire had destroyed most of the structure prior to arrival. Engine Companies #2 & #4 responded as well and