Local News

Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following statements after signing two Next Level Agenda bills. SEA 141 ensures access to quality treatment by implementing standard requirements for office-based opioid treatment providers. HEA 1269 restructures membership on boards and commissions affiliated with the Professional Licensing Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. SEA 141 Office-Based Opioid Treatment Providers: “Timely access to quality treatment is essential for Hoosiers overcoming addiction. With our goal of most residents being no more than an hour away from an opioid treatment program, it’s important that we have office-based treatment in every community. I am thrilled to

Indiana State Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, D-Munster, delivered the keynote address during Purdue University Northwest's spring 2019 commencement ceremonies. "When I think about the importance of a college degree and the opportunities it has afforded me, I think back to the people in my life who instilled in me a love for education and the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself," said Candelaria Reardon, who went on to share the inspiration she found through her mother. After an uncle advocated for Candelaria Reardon's mother to attend school, her mother channeled a passion for learning into

Local law enforcement officers will be honored at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church on Sunday, May 19 through a blood drive and a Mass. The Red Cross and the church’s Health and Wellness Ministry are sponsoring the Blood Drive from 8:30 am to 2 pm. The drive will take place in the church’s Legacy Center. Donors can sign up in advance by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org, sponsor code “qoas”. Law enforcement will be recognized during the 10:30 am Mass that day. Those working in all branches of law enforcement and their families are invited to attend. A

The South Shore Line announced that construction is set to begin that will add a second entrance/exit to the East Chicago Station platform. The project is expected to continue through December 2019, and will help accommodate the large influx of passengers at East Chicago Station. The improvements include converting the low-level platform to the east of the station into a covered walkway to access a new head house, stairwell and tunnel leading to the eastern parking lot. Additionally, other East Chicago Station projects include improvements to the existing head house, and the installation in 2020 of higher speed track switches

The Indiana State Police Lowell Post held their annual memorial service this past Friday to honor those members of the department who gave their lives in the line of duty. Troopers were brought to attention and prepared for roll call by Lowell Sergeant Dan Leslie. Members of the North Region Honor Guard then displayed the national and state flags as Lieutenant Terry Gose, Commander of the Lowell District and First Sergeant Terrance Weems, Assistant District Commander, read each fallen member’s name, along with a description of the circumstances surrounding their death. After reading the names of the fallen officers, Lake

While the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) kicks off National Small Business Week on May 5th in Washington, D.C., small business owners and entrepreneurs around the country will celebrate with local and regional events. During the week of May 5 – 11, the SBA Indiana District Office will collaborate with resource partners and lenders offering unique opportunities for learning. According to District Director Stacey Poynter, the goal is to help more small business owners become aware of SBA products and services nearby. For more than 50 years, the SBA has taken the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs,

On Friday May 2nd, at approximately 10:15 AM, the Michigan City Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 500 block of Pleasant Ave. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two story 2 unit structure with heavy smoke and flames showing from the second story. The initial arriving fire companies found significant smoke conditions and a fire in the bedroom and living area. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. The fire appears to have started in the bedroom. The cause of the fire was a child playing with a lighter and caught the mattress

Indiana Conservation Officers urge Hoosiers to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when it comes to floodwaters. Over the past few weeks, Indiana has received significant rainfall amounts in some areas, flooding roadways. Many law enforcement agencies have responded to multiple calls for water rescues involving vehicles driving into floodwaters over the last few weeks. With anticipated precipitation still headed our way, drivers must remember to not risk their lives and instead turn around and seek alternative travel routes. Hoosiers are also urged to abide by the posted road-closed signs and barricades. In many instances, drivers have put themselves and their passengers

State Road 55 is closed in Newton County while crews replace culverts and resurface the roadway. The road will be closed between State Road 10 and State Road 14 until mid-July. State road detours must use state-maintained roads only. Southbound drivers on SR 55 will detour east on SR 10, south on I-65 and west on SR 14 back to SR 55. Northbound drivers on SR 55 will detour east on SR 14, north on I-65 and west on SR 10 back to SR 55.

The Indiana State Police Lowell Post held their annual memorial service this past Friday to honor those members of the department who gave their lives in the line of duty. Troopers were brought to attention and prepared for roll call by Lowell Sergeant Dan Leslie. Members of the North Region Honor Guard then displayed the national and state flags as Lieutenant Terry Gose, Commander of the Lowell District and First Sergeant Terrance Weems, Assistant District Commander, read each fallen member’s name, along with a description of the circumstances surrounding their death. After reading the names of the fallen officers, Lake

Sheriff John T. Boyd and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office will be co-hosting the 18th annual Peace Officer’s Memorial Service on Friday, May 10 in the Performing Arts Center of the former Elston High School. The program will begin at noon and last about one hour. Lunch will be served immediately following the ceremony. During the ceremony, the thirteen officers who have been killed in the line of duty in La Porte County will be honored. The keynote speaker for this year’s event will be Cook County (Chicago) Sheriff Thomas Dart. Sheriff Dart was recently named by Time Magazine

Indiana Conservation Officers urge Hoosiers to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when it comes to floodwaters. Over the past few weeks, Indiana has received significant rainfall amounts in some areas, flooding roadways. Many law enforcement agencies have responded to multiple calls for water rescues involving vehicles driving into floodwaters over the last few weeks. With anticipated precipitation still headed our way, drivers must remember to not risk their lives and instead turn around and seek alternative travel routes. Hoosiers are also urged to abide by the posted road-closed signs and barricades. In many instances, drivers have put themselves and their passengers

State Road 55 is closed in Newton County while crews replace culverts and resurface the roadway. The road will be closed between State Road 10 and State Road 14 until mid-July. State road detours must use state-maintained roads only. Southbound drivers on SR 55 will detour east on SR 10, south on I-65 and west on SR 14 back to SR 55. Northbound drivers on SR 55 will detour east on SR 14, north on I-65 and west on SR 10 back to SR 55.

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office charged 33 year old Alan Tarchala, in connection with the St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team (FACT) investigation of a January 26th crash that resulted in the death of 60 year old Sherry Amiel. The crash occurred in the area of Bremen Hwy and Petro Drive.He is charged with:Causing Death When Operating a Motor Vehicle With a Sched. I or II Controlled Substance in the Blood, Causing Serious Bodily Injury When Operating a Vehicle with a Sched. I or II Substance in Body,Possession of Methamphetamine, and  Causing Death When Operating a Motor Vehicle with

Attorney General Curtis Hill this week joined 17 other states in a brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to declare the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. Such a decision would uphold a U.S. District Court decision from last year regarding the act, which is also known as Obamacare.“The Affordable Care Act had previously been determined constitutional because of the tax penalty accompanying the individual mandate, which fell under the taxing authority of Congress," Attorney General Hill said. "When Congress eliminated the tax penalty, the individual mandate lost the constitutional leg on which it stood."This brief argues

375 W just south of 1200 S near Hanna, will be closed from May 6th to May 10th. In La Crosse, Gibson Street will be closed near Oneida Street and Oneida Street will be closed near Gibson Street, May 7th to May 10th 1100 W will be closed between 1800 S and SR 8, after May 10th.

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce along with Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, are hosting a breakfast workshop and networking event featuring a Panel experts who are ready to share their insights. This is an opportunity to learn and collaborate with experts in their industry and your peers. Attendees will be broken into groups, based on the topic of interest selected when registering, to have round table discussions. To wrap up the program, they will comprise a panel of the moderators from the round tables.The panel of experts include, Jim Hubbard of SCORE, Danna Liss of

Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following after signing two Next Level Agenda bills designed to help cultivate a strong and diverse economy. HEA 1010 Military Tax Deductions“Our talented, patriotic veterans are some of the most experienced, focused and loyal workers anywhere. I’m grateful lawmakers approved the exemption of military pensions from our state income taxes. This will give veterans yet another reason to stay in Indiana or move to Indiana after their military service is over.” SEA 563 Economic Development“Hoosiers expect us to keep the economy growing and new jobs coming, so we are modernizing economic development tools to

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) this week sent Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross a second letter in as many months to outline her growing concerns that U.S. manufacturers and small businesses seeking relief from steel and aluminum tariffs are being treated unfairly. Walorski has not yet received a response to her letter dated March 11th, that raised questions about the product exclusion process.

On the final day of National Donate Life Month, Franciscan Health Michigan City honored organ donors and their families with a remembrance celebration and by raising a Donate Life flag in front of the hospital.The celebration was held in partnership with Indiana Donor Network and VisionFirst on April 30 in the hospital chapel. The Donate Life flag raising ceremony was followed by a donor registration drive.