Local News

The Indiana Department of Insurance provides the following information for Hoosiers who are currently enrolled in, or are considering, a short-term health insurance plan. Under current Indiana law, a short-term plan can be no longer than six months. It also may not be renewed. However, this law will change on July 1, 2019.During the 2019 Legislative Session, the Indiana General Assembly passed HEA 1631, which makes several changes to the current law. Starting July 1, 2019, a short-term plan may be renewed for up to 36 months, may be issued for a term of 364 days or less and has

The Valparaiso Police Department is again participating in National Night Out, being held August 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. National Night out is a national event, bringing communities and police together under positive conditions, creating an exchange of ideas, and developing a partnership with citizens. The Valparaiso Police is inviting community members and neighborhood groups to organize events and activities as part of the national celebration. Valparaiso Police Officers and civilian staff will be visiting the planned activities in a variety neighborhoods throughout the city, to show their support of the citizens. Members of the department will include

The Valparaiso Police Department is again participating in National Night Out, being held August 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  National Night out is a national event, bringing communities and police together under positive conditions, creating an exchange of ideas, and developing a partnership with citizens. The Valparaiso Police is inviting community members and neighborhood groups to organize events and activities as part of the national celebration.  Valparaiso Police Officers and civilian staff will be visiting the planned activities in a variety neighborhoods throughout the city, to show their support of the citizens.  Members of the department will include K9,

The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for two Regional Dispatcher’s position at the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center which is located at 1550 East 181st Avenue, Lowell. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 12th, 2019. Specific job information can be found online by clicking here: https://www.in.gov/isp/3627.htm

The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for two Regional Dispatcher’s position at the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center which is located at 1550 East 181st Avenue, Lowell. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 12th, 2019. Specific job information can be found online by clicking here: https://www.in.gov/isp/3627.htm

The Office of the Attorney General successfully defended the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) this month against accusations brought by an inmate.In a federal jury trial in Indianapolis, an inmate accused the IDOC and private medical defendants of denying him adequate medical care for his acid reflux and other diagnosed conditions. The inmate claimed an IDOC official caused him harm by demonstrating deliberate indifference to his constitutional rights.After hearing testimony from the plaintiff, each defendant and two additional witnesses — and reviewing hundreds of exhibits entered at trial — the jury returned a verdict in favor of the state. 

Porter County is now accepting applications for the position of Solid Waste Management Executive Director. Incumbent is responsible for directing, coordinating and reviewing the Solid Waste Management programs for Porter County as outlined in the current approved version of the 20-Year Solid Waste Management Plan. Incumbent ensures compliance with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) policies, standards and specifications. Incumbent reports to the Solid Waste Management Board. Please fill out an application online at www.porterco.org and send to Rhonda Young at ryoung@porterco.org with a resume attached.

U.S. Senator Mike Braun announced his staff mobile office hours in July to better assist Hoosiers.Locations in our area include: La Porte:Thursday, July 11 at 3:00 PM to 6:00 PMLaPorte County Fairgrounds2581 IN-2Walkerton: Tuesday, July 30 at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PMWalkerton-Lincoln Township Public Library406 Adams Street Westville: Tuesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM to 3:00 PMWestville Town Hall 353 W Main Street 

Site work began this week on a new $3 million Franciscan Physician Network pediatric facility that will provide more space to care for Crown Point area families. The new facility will be 10,250 square feet with 18 exam rooms and child-friendly finishes. The FPN Crown Point Pediatrics Health Center, currently located at 1505 S. Court St., will move to the new location, next to the FPN St. Clare Health Center on Indiana Avenue in 2020. The building is expected to be completed in nine to ten months.

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) announced his co-sponsorship of the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act (S. 546). This legislation permanently reauthorizes the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which supports 9/11 survivors and first responders who have experienced health issues following the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Boaters preparing for the Independence Day holiday should be aware that Indiana Conservation Officers will be on high alert for violations of boating-under-the-influence laws as part of national Operation Dry Water. Operation Dry Water (operationdrywater.org), a year-round program, will be in heightened effect July 5-7.Indiana Conservation Officers, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard, will focus on educating boaters about safe boating practices, including keeping alcohol off the boat, for both operators and passengers.Officers will be on the lookout for impaired boaters. Boaters will notice an overall increase in patrols, both

Captain David S. Kirkham has announced his retirement from the Indiana State Police following a career which spanned 25 and a half years, and he has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).Kirkham, was appointed as a Trooper in December of 1993 as a graduate of the 50th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy.  He was assigned to the Lowell District where he patrolled La Porte and Porter Counties, as well as served as a Field Training Officer and member of the Tactical Intervention Platoon. He served as a Gaming Investigator, District

Yesterday, The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced the grant recipients of the Indiana Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program. The DLI Program provides grants to school corporations that establish or expand dual language immersion programs in Mandarin, Spanish, French, or other languages approved by IDOE.Now in its fifth year, the DLI Program distributes financial assistance to school corporations or charter schools for either the establishment of new programs or the introduction of new languages within existing programs. DLI programs must begin in kindergarten or first grade and use an instructional model that provides at least 50 percent of its instruction

Yesterday, Gov. Holcomb announced Stephen E. Scheele as his appointment to the Lake County Superior Court to succeed Judge William E. Davis who retired in April.Scheele currently serves as a magistrate judge in the Lake County Circuit Court, a position he has held since December 2016. Prior to this, Scheele was in private practice and also undertook criminal defense cases in the Lake Superior Courts as well as in federal courts. Scheele will be sworn in as judge of the Lake County Superior Court on a date to be determined.

Monday, July 8th, marks the start of the 18th annual Cops Cycling for Survivors bicycle ride around Indiana. A departure ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. EDT at the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Memorial on the capital grounds in downtown Indianapolis. The cyclists will will meet with several families of fallen officers. The Cops Cycling for Survivors Foundation, Inc. annual bike ride consists of active and retired police officers, law enforcement survivors, law enforcement family members and friends of law enforcement riding their bicycles around the perimeter of Indiana to raise funds and awareness of the sacrifices made by

Deer hunters can sign up for the chance to hunt on land owned by participating landowners with the new Deer Hunt Registry system administered by DNR’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.The Deer Hunt Registry connects deer hunters with landowners, golf courses, parks, land trusts, farmers, or communities. The registry will provide interested parties with a list of hunters in the area willing to help. The Deer Hunt Registry system is replacing the former Hunters Helping Farmers program and incorporating the Community Hunter Access Program (CHAP). To learn more about CHAP, see wildlife.IN.gov/9420.htm. signing up on the Deer Hunt Registry does

Indiana Clearinghouse for Information on Missing Children and Missing Endangered Adults and the North Township Trustee’s Office are hosts for the Missing Persons Day in North Township on Saturday, June 29th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  at Wicker Memorial Park Clubhouse located at Ridge Road & US Rt. 41 in Highland, IN. Family and friends of a person missing more than 24 hours are invited. The event is free. For information on what to bring check out the flyer on the Indiana State Police Facebook page. RSVP to 219-932-2530 extension 331 or email-bridgesk@ntto.net

The League of Women Voters of LaPorte County having Ms. Cheryl Drauer as their July 9th Dinner With The League Speaker.  Ms. Drauer, Executive Director of the LaPorte County Meals on Wheels, will describe how the Meals on Wheels program provides healthy meals to a very vulnerable population in LaPorte County, seniors and the disabled who find it difficult to purchase and prepare healthy meals for themselves.  Meals on Wheels works with volunteers to deliver affordable meals and personal contact wellness checks Monday - Friday.   This event will be at 4125 Franklin Street, in Michigan City. The general public is invited

Indiana American Water announced it is moving forward with its acquisition of the Lake Station water system after a favorable ruling Wednesday from the Indiana Court of Appeals.  The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and two other communities, the City of Crown Point and the Town of Schererville, appealed the August 2018 approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission of the $20.68 million sale. The Court of Appeals agreed with and affirmed the IURC approval.