Local News

Yesterday, Governor Holcomb announced the volunteer citizen members of the Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission as a part of his effort to make teacher pay competitive with surrounding states. The commission has been tasked with determining what constitutes competitive teacher compensation in Indiana and with providing recommendations for how to achieve it. The commission will deliver the recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly prior to the 2021 legislative session. In addition to creating the commission, Gov. Holcomb has proposed increasing K-12 funding by two percent in the first year of the state’s budget and then an additional 2

Students at more than 800 Indiana schools will participate in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge in February as the association marks its 40th year offering educational programming in schools. The Kids Heart Challenge focuses on whole body wellness, offering activities like jump rope, basketball skills, dance and an obstacle course, while also supporting social and emotional learning. The program also encourages students to develop heart-healthy habits and to give back to their community. The Kids Heart Challenge provides enhanced give-backs and incentive opportunities to participating schools as well as curriculum for teachers supporting whole-child centered learning. Funds raised

Attorney General Curtis Hill announced that Indiana has joined the United States, the District of Columbia and other states in settling two qui tam (whistleblower) lawsuits against Walgreens Boots Alliance (Walgreens).The agreements resolve allegations that Walgreens knowingly engaged in fraudulent over-dispensing of insulin pens to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and billed Medicaid for certain prescription drugs at rates higher than its usual and customary rates. Walgreens, headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., and incorporated in Delaware, operates the largest retail pharmacy chain in the United States with 8,309 locations across all 50 states. Attorney General Hill, through his office’s Medicaid Fraud Control

The City of Michigan City, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, WorkOne, and the Blue Chip Casino are continuing their partnership to host the 4th Annual Michigan City Community Job Fair on Thursday, April 18, at Blue Chip Casino. Over the last four years, these organizations have come together to provide the community with a job fair that has employers, educators, training providers, skilled trades organizations, and community groups all under one roof. This annual event continues to provide jobseekers the opportunity to connect with a variety of employers that have available

Monday morning, Midnight Shift Deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Spruce Street, Westville, reference suspicious activity. Deputies were advised that a dark colored (SUV) had possibly dropped off two subjects who may be entering vehicles in the area.Deputy Josh Smith was first to arrive in the area. At 3:04 AM, Deputy Smith initiated a traffic stop on an SUV matching the description at Ash Parkway and CR 300 South. The driver, identified as 19 year old Quinn M. Daley, admitted to Deputy Smith that he had indeed dropped off two subjects in the area who were stealing from

A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 31. Windy, with a west wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

Mayor Ron Meer is proud to announce the City of Michigan City’s recent inclusion in the State of Indiana’s Lead-based paint remediation program which is sponsored by Medicaid and administered through the Indiana State Department of Health. Home owners, Landlords, and Renters who live in a home, or own a home, built before 1978 can receive a free home inspection to determine if the residents are being exposed to lead-based paint hazards. Homes providing child care are also eligible for this service. If lead-based paint exists, this program will also pay for removal of the lead hazard. To be eligible

On Monday, Representatives Lisa Beck (D-Lakes of the Four Seasons), Pat Boy (D-Michigan City), Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), and Carolyn B. Jackson (D-Hammond) outlined bills they’ve co-authored and introduced this legislative session that would help close the gender pay gap in Indiana during the Equality Pay Coalition Press Conference at the Statehouse, which was hosted by the Indiana Institute for Working Families.According to the Indiana Institute for Working Families, in 2016 in Indiana, the median earnings of full-time male workers were $12,717 higher than the median earnings of full-time female workers. This is a 26-percent wage gap. As the nation’s wage

The Valparaiso Police initiated a traffic stop Monday, on eastbound I-94, while working criminal interdiction on local highways that lead to a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle, occupied by four subjects, was discovered to be reported stolen out of Elkhart, IN shortly after the traffic stop began. The vehicle continued to evade police as it traveled from I-94, taking U.S. HWY 421 to State Road 2 in Valparaiso. At this time, the vehicle stopped and the occupants fled on foot in the area of Cain Dr. and Engle Dr. , which is just east of Eastport Centre Dr. Four subjects were

This week, U.S. Senator Mike Braun unveiled his full official website, www.braun.senate.gov, along with announcing details regarding regional offices located in Fort Wayne, Hammond, Indianapolis, South Bend and Washington D.C. Through the website, Hoosiers will be able to send Senator Braun messages, request meetings, access critical services for veterans, receive help with federal agencies, and plan a trip to Washington. Local Offices: Hammond5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 3200Hammond, IN 46320Phone (219) 937-9650 South Bend205 W. Colfax AveSouth Bend, IN 46601Phone (574) 288-6302

On Sunday evening, MCPD officers were dispatched to the 700 Block of E 10th Street regarding an Armed Robbery that had taken place. It was learned that an employee of Domino’s Pizza was making a delivery in that block when he was approached by multiple juveniles. One of the juveniles displayed a handgun and a demand was made for the delivery person’s currency. Currency was obtained by the suspects as was the would be delivered food.The responding Officers canvased the area and were able to track the suspect’s footprints in the recent snow to 707 E 10th. The investigation continued

With the recognition that the new Franciscan Health Michigan City healthcare facility will be a community gathering place as well as a hospital, Horizon Bank and NIPSCO have sponsored two of the areas that will be used by the public.Horizon Bank’s $25,000 gift goes to support the Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel Community Room, a meeting space on the hospital’s first floor. NIPSCO’s $25,000 gift supports the Dunes Café, the hospital’s dining area.Franciscan Health Michigan City President and CEO Dean Mazzoni said, “We’re thankful for the generosity of Horizon Bank and NIPSCO. Their sponsorships help support our shared mission of service

The South Shore Line will delay the start of morning service today, Feb. 12, until further notice. A significant ice storm has made train operations especially difficult at this time, and all service will be temporarily delayed beginning with westbound Train 102.  SSL employees are working continuously to minimize the severe weather impact, and ice-breaker trains are preparing to de-ice overhead wires. The inclement weather has created extremely icy conditions; therefore passengers should allow extra travel time to get to destinations, and to exercise caution in parking lots and train platforms. Please watch for service resumption messages on our homepage

Monday morning, Midnight Shift Deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Spruce Street, Westville, reference suspicious activity. Deputies were advised that a dark colored (SUV) had possibly dropped off two subjects who may be entering vehicles in the area.Deputy Josh Smith was first to arrive in the area. At 3:04 AM, Deputy Smith initiated a traffic stop on an SUV matching the description at Ash Parkway and CR 300 South. The driver, identified as 19 year old Quinn M. Daley, admitted to Deputy Smith that he had indeed dropped off two subjects in the area who were stealing from

In class 1-A the Michigan City Marquette Lady Blazers have reached semi-state after beating South Central and then Freemont later this past Saturday night. Marquette will take on Northfield this Saturday at noon in La Porte. In class 4-A Crown Point also advanced and will play Hamilton Southeastern in La Porte Saturday at 3.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CSTTUESDAY... * WHAT...Mixed precipitation. Total snow accumulations of up toone inch and ice accumulations of up to two tenths of an inchexpected. * WHERE...In Indiana, Lake IN and Porter Counties. In Illinois,Grundy, Kendall and Will Counties. * WHEN...Until 4 AM CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Strong westerly winds are expected to develop Tuesdayafternoon and continue Tuesday night. These strong winds mayresult in patchy blowing snow later Tuesday, as well as increasethe threat of power outages, especially for areas that see moresignificant ice accumulations tonight. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Thehazardous conditions

This Friday, there will be an all you can eat fish fry from 5-8PM at American Legion Post #21 on Highway 421 in Westville. Dinner includes: Hand Breaded Pollock, chicken strips, french fries, creamy coleslaw, salad, rolls and Free Homemade Desserts. Special veterans and senior pricing: Adults-$9.00, Seniors(60yrs+) & Vets-$8.00, Kids 12 & under-$5.00, Preschoolers-Free. Carry-outs are available.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded nearly $23 million to support new homeless programs across Indiana. The amount awarded reflects an increase of nearly $3.4 million from the amount awarded last year. Last month, HUD also announced nearly $18.4 million in grants to renew funding to 82 of local homeless assistance programs throughout Indiana. Combined, this funding represents a record investment to support state and local efforts across the nation to reduce and end homelessness. HUD Secretary Ben Carson made the announcement in Akron, Ohio Friday during a visit to the Battered Women's Shelter, a HUD-assisted local

Mayor Ron Meer is proud to announce the City of Michigan City’s recent inclusion in the State of Indiana’s Lead-based paint remediation program which is sponsored by Medicaid and administered through the Indiana State Department of Health. Home owners, Landlords, and Renters who live in a home, or own a home, built before 1978 can receive a free home inspection to determine if the residents are being exposed to lead-based paint hazards. Homes providing child care are also eligible for this service. If lead-based paint exists, this program will also pay for removal of the lead hazard. To be eligible

The Valparaiso Police Department arrested two subjects yesterday, stemming from an investigation initiated by a traffic stop. The vehicle, operated by 43 year old Chad Prince, of South Bend was stopped for various traffic violations, including a loud muffler and illegal lane usage.  During the contact, Prince was deceptive with officers regarding his actions and admitted having a suspended driver’s license. It was also learned that Prince had provided a false name to officers during the initial investigation. A department K9 was utilized and alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor emitting from the vehicle.  The subsequent search of