Local News

Fourteen Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Honors College students participated as presenters at the 54th National Collegiate Honors Council Annual Conference (NCHC) held Nov. 6-10 in New Orleans. The conference highlighted student and faculty research presentations from across the nation, and provided training and development for honors program administrators. The conference theme, “Disrupting Education,” allowed honors faculty and students the opportunity to learn techniques to reconsider current practices and re-imagine them in new ways. The national submission process for the NCHC annual conference is highly selective, with hundreds of students and faculty members nationwide submitting proposals each year. The conference hosted 2,000

Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 1 were dispatched to Lighthouse Liquors (501 Washington Street) on November 10th, 2019 at 12:57 PM for a robbery in progress.  Officers searched the area and were unable to locate the suspect.  Detective Sergeant Kevin Urbanczyk from the Investigative Division was assigned this investigation and worked closely in conjunction with detectives from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department after 44-year-old Michigan City resident Terry Allen West Jr. was arrested and charged with Robbery (Level 5 Felony) for his involvement with a robbery at Horizon Bank in Wanatah, Indiana on November 12th, 2019.  Detective Sergeant Urbanczyk presented

Fugitive Listed On LaPorte County Sheriff’s “Felon Friday” CapturedLast week, Cody J. Davis was the featured fugitive on the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Thursday afternoon while acting on an anonymous tip, the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team, the United States Marshals Service and members of the Michigan City Police Department located and arrested Davis in the 1100 block of Buffalo Street. If you know the whereabouts of any wanted fugitives, you are encouraged to provide your anonymous tip (s) to #FAST Sergeant Brett Swanson. He can be reached by calling or texting (219) 363-9623.

Winter weather is already here and Hoosiers who struggle to pay their heating bills need to take action now to ensure they aren't left in the cold this winter. The state's disconnect moratorium for electric and natural gas utilities starts starts December 1st. However, it is only applicable for those who are already enrolled in the Energy Assistance Program, or if an E-A-P intake office has confirmed their eligibility and notified the utility in writing. Anthony Swinger with the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor encourages low-income households to contact a local intake office to apply for the program

Number of homeless vets in Indiana increases 6.1% since last year but declines by 25.4% since 2010 Veteran homelessness in the U.S. continues to decline according to a new national estimate announced by U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson.  HUD’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report finds the total number of reported veterans experiencing homelessness in 2019 decreased 2.1 percent since last year. View local estimates of veteran homelessness. “Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and now it’s our duty to make certain they have a home to call their own,” said Secretary Carson. “We’ve made

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting overtime patrols during the holidays, thanks to a $49,250 traffic safety improvement grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The funds, distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, are part of the state’s “Click It to Live It” program, which works to promote seat belt usage and reduce impaired driving – in an effort to prevent traffic injuries and fatal crashes in Indiana. “The simple fact is, no matter who you are or what you drive, wearing your seat belt is one of the best ways to keep you and

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced Mary DeBoer as his appointment to the Porter County Circuit Court. DeBoer will succeed Judge Mary Harper, who will retire on Dec. 31. Judge Harper holds the distinction of being the longest serving woman in the Indiana judiciary. Following her graduation from law school, DeBoer served as a deputy prosecutor in Starke and Porter counties. DeBoer has also been in private practice. Since 2011, she has served as a magistrate for the Porter County Superior Courts in Valparaiso.  DeBoer earned her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and her law degree from Valparaiso University School

The press and public are invited to join Paladin at the dedication of Imagination Station Child Development Center on November 21, 2019. The ceremony is in honor of Wendy Rae Englander whose life inspired the mission to fulfill the developmental potential of all children and families. The ribbon cutting will take place at the center (1200 E. Coolspring Ave., Michigan City) and begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Tours will be offered and light refreshments will be available directly after and continue until 6:30 p.m. RSVP’s are encouraged to ensure that there are enough refreshments to accommodate all attendees. Imagination Station,

Tuesday at 10:52 AM, the Horizon Bank located at 113 West First Street, in Wanatah, was robbed. Several minutes later, the LaPorte County E-911 Center received information that deputies from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office were pursuing a vehicle matching a description that was provided by a witness.The vehicle pursuit continued north along State Road 49 before turning west on US Highway 12. At 11:29 AM, the vehicle pursuit stopped along US 12 in Porter County where one subject was taken into custody. A second subject, who had been in the vehicle prior to the vehicle pursuit beginning, was later

The Kiwanis Club of La Porte and the Rotary Club of La Porte are joining forces to raise money for their scholarship programs to benefit the youth of La Porte. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 31st at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. The festivities will begin at 8:00 PM and will go until 12:30 AM. This party is a way for the people of La Porte to celebrate the end of 2019 and welcome 2020 while contributing to a great cause.The Clubs have planned an evening of fun including a photo booth, wine pull, food vendors, tip

Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel Corp. has reduced its staff at two northwest Indiana facilities. An undisclosed number of non-union workers at the company's Gary Works and Midwest Plant in Portage are affected by the move. The layoffs are unrelated to the previously-announced cuts involving 150 workers at the steelmaker's East Chicago Tin. A spokesperson for U.S. Steel says the move is part of an ongoing effort to improve efficiency. U.S. Steel did not specify the number of employees affected by the move, but said they are all hourly workers not represented by a union.

The sights and sounds of Christmas will be in the air at the upcoming “A Very Merry Christmas Market” on Saturday, December 7 from 10AM to 4PM at the Michigan City/Laporte Visitor and Convention Center. Christmas music and refreshments will be offered while browsing among the displays of unique gifts created by artists from the Michigan City Art League and Land of Lakes Art Alliance. There will be a variety of items perfect for gift giving, including ornaments, jewelry, clothing, and much more. Some gifts can be personalized upon request. Some artists may also take commissions for custom artwork. This

Citing an emergency with the state’s propane supply, Governor Eric Holcomb has signed an executive order which waives some of the time restrictions for truck drivers who haul the fuel. Throughout the Midwest, there have been reports of propane shortages and long lines at terminals. The governor’s office says some terminals have run out of the fuel. The forecast for cold temperatures this week will mean additional demand for the fuel as Hoosiers crank up the heat on their homes and businesses. Another draw on the supply is agriculture. Because the Indiana corn crop got planted late, it’s taking longer

Southgate Drainage Improvements Project In Michigan CityThere will be temporary road closings & parking restrictions during the day (7:00am to 5:00pm) on the following roads: Village Road from Ohio Street to approximately 250 feet East of Crestwood Drive; Crestwood Drive from Village Road South approximately 200 feet. This is for new storm sewer installation continuing until the end of November. D&M say they intend to have all roads open for traffic overnight and on weekends.

Hundreds of People Participate in Initial Conversation Series for the Vibrant Communities of La Porte County InitiativePublic input will help shape the future vision of La Porte County’s communities. The Vibrant Communities of La Porte County Initiative hosted a series of community conversations in late October focused on the thoughts and ideas on the future of La Porte County’s communities. The Vibrant Initiative experienced participation from more than 300 residents during the five work shops that were held throughout La Porte County. The Community Conversation Workshops represented the kick-off to the public engagement process to begin a discussion on how

For Counties of LaPorte, St. Joseph IN, Berrien MI, Cass MIURGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Northern Indiana WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM EST /4 AM CST/ MONDAY TO 5 PM EST /4 PM CST/ TUESDAY...* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are expected. Localized amounts up to one foot possible.* WHERE...northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan.* WHEN...From 5 AM EST /4 AM CST/ Monday to 5 PM EST /4 PM CST/ Tuesday.* IMPACTS...Untreated roads will become snow covered and travel difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and

Throughout the weekend, Deputy Paul Adams (New Prairie United School Corporation School Resource Officer), has continued investigating the threat that caused Friday’s “lockout” resulting in the late dismissal at the corporations middle school. Early Saturday afternoon, Deputy Adams received information directly related to the investigation. He immediately acted on the development and proceeded to conduct an interview. As a result of the interview, Deputy Adams was able to identify a suspect. On Sunday afternoon, Deputy Adams conducted an interview with the suspect and her parents. Following the interview, he arrested the 13 year old female New Prairie Middle School student

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) encourages Hoosiers to use Winter Weather Preparedness Week, Nov. 10-16, as an opportunity to properly prepare for upcoming winter weather.During winter, Hoosiers should always monitor local radio, TV stations and social media for weather updates. It is also important to understand the differences between watches, warnings and advisories:Watch: Winter weather is possible.Advisory: Winter weather will begin soon, but conditions are less serious than a warning.Warning: Severe winter weather will begin soon.The National Weather Service reports 36 Americans died due to cold weather in 2018. Prolonged exposure to bitterly cold temperatures increases the chances of cold

La Porte Hospital colleagues from the Birthing and Family Care Center and Wellness Outreach are pleased to invite the community to “’Tis the Season! A Jolly Family Affair” from 5:30-7 p.m., Dec. 3 in the hospital’s main lobby, 1007 Lincolnway, La Porte. The event is a great opportunity for all the babies born at La Porte Hospital in 2019 to reunite with the OB staff and each other to celebrate baby’s first holiday season. Families from across the community are welcome as well. All activities are free! Activities include photos with Santa (a link will be made available to download

To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Bears vs. Lions home game at noon on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, the South Shore Line plans to stop select trains at Metra’s 18th Street Station, which connects passengers directly to the Soldier Field entrance via a pedestrian walkway. In addition to our regular service to nearby Museum Campus/11th Street, the following trains will also serve 18th Street Station on Nov. 10: Westbound: Train 502 will arrive at 18th St. at 9:07a; Tr 504 at 10:10a; and Tr 606 at 11:04a. Eastbound: Train 507 will depart 18th St. at 4:49p, and Tr 509 will depart