Local News

Speed is often not associated with the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR)—that is, until it’s tax refund time. The DOR has already processed over 1.4 million individual tax returns this season—processing over 100 per minute. As the 2019 individual tax season reaches its halfway point with a filing deadline of April 15, The DOR has been busy issuing over 930,000 tax refunds with over 87 percent being issued within 14 days or less. Those who file electronically are receiving refunds even quicker with an average processing time of fewer than 11 days. Individuals filing by paper are receiving refunds in

The American College of Cardiology has recognized La Porte Hospital for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. La Porte Hospital was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in March based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the

The Indiana State Board of Education (Board) met Wednesday for its monthly business meeting. Based on community feedback gathered at five public meetings over the course of six months, the School Transition Task Force assembled recommendations for next steps for three turnaround academies located in Indianapolis. The schools, currently operated by Charter Schools USA (CSUSA), are: TC Howe Community High School, Emmerich Manual High School, and Emma Donnan Middle School. The Board heard testimony from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) leaders and CSUSA, as well as numerous community members. A majority of community members spoke in favor of the Task Force’s

Work is set to begin Monday, March 18, on an intersection improvement project at U.S. 20 and SR 2 in Rolling Prairie. This project will see a “dogbone” interchange built at this location, eliminating the traffic signal and creating a bridge carrying motorists north-south with east-west traffic passing underneath. Roundabouts will be placed at the north and south ends of the bridge, creating the so-called “dogbone”. During the project, the corridor will be closed to north-south (LaPorte to New Carlisle) traffic between CR N 500 E and Oak Knoll Road, while east-west traffic (Michigan City to South Bend) will be

The driver of the passenger vehicle had been identified as 30 year old Augustin J. Carreon, of Porter, Indiana. He was driving a 2017 Mazda CX9 at the time of the crash. Family has been notified.

Queen of All Saints is hosting an event Called Made For More on March 20th. A press release stated “Where do we come from and where are we going? These questions are decisive for understanding what it means to be human and how to orient our lives and our actions toward authentic fulfillment. Made for More is an international event which aims to answer these questions on a personal level.” The event is coming to Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Michigan City on Wednesday, March 20 from 7-9:30 pm. Join internationally-recognized Catholic speaker and author Christopher West and

La Porte County Historical Society Museum is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with beautiful Irish linen, literature, crystal and more. Their St. Patrick’s Day exhibit is on display in the Period Rooms throughout the month of March.

This year the Michigan City Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday April 13th. nearly 55,000+ Easter Eggs will be filled on Wednesday April 10th starting at 9:00am in the morning at the Michigan City Senior Center and they are asking for your help. Breakfast will be served compliments of Walmart and at 11:30am lunch will be provided for all of the volunteers. MCPD is seeking donations to cover the cost of the event and to purchase additional gifts for the children. Special coins will be placed in various plastic eggs that entitle the kids to sporting equipment and

Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) in a Ways and Means Committee hearing called for a focus on boosting financing to revitalize our nation’s infrastructure and addressing burdensome regulations that hinder infrastructure projects. Earlier this week, Walorski introduced bipartisan legislation to bring billions of dollars of investment to state and local governments to help grow and repair America’s aging infrastructure. The Move America Act of 2019 would create Move America Bonds to expand tax-exempt financing for public-private partnerships (P3s) and Move America Credits to leverage additional private equity investment at a lower cost for states. States will have the flexibility

Get ready for the 21st Annual Michiana Humane Society Spring Fling. This year the theme is "Spring Time in Paris", and it will be held at Traditions Event Center at 2107 Welnetz Road, in Michigan City on Saturday, April 13. There will be cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and live music beginning at 5pm central, dinner by Froehlich's beginning at 6:30pm, and a live auction conducted by Scheerer McCulloch Auctioneers at 8pm. More information will be coming soon at www.michianahumanesociety.org, and other sources, so keep an eye open within the next few weeks for this exciting and fun event. All proceeds benefit the

State Rep. Jim Pressel recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse. As House pages, these students toured the governor’s office, the House and Senate chambers, and the Indiana Supreme Court. They also helped staff with their daily tasks and met with Pressel to learn more about the legislative process: Jonah Goodwin, from Union Mills, attends South Central Elementary School; Emma Hannon, from La Porte, is a homeschooled student; Amber Oldham, from La Porte, attends La Porte High School; Andrew Schrock, from La Crosse, is a homeschooled student; Brayden Schrock, from La Crosse, is a homeschooled student; and Connor Schrock, from

Monday morning, members of the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Division conducted an unannounced “free air sniff” of hallway lockers and gym lockers at La Crosse High School. Deputy Andy Morse, along with his K-9 partner Jager and Deputy Jon Samuelson, along with his K-9 partner Bosco, performed the detail. K-9’s Jager and Bosco both alerted on one locker. That locker was searched by a school administrator who later reported that no illegal substances were located. The K-9 detail was requested several weeks ago by members of the Tri-Township Consolidated School Corporation Administration. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring that all

Frost Law Vehicle Weight Restrictions will be in effect from Monday, March 11th thru Friday, March 15th for roads in unincorporated Porter County. Check out porterco.org to read the full Frost Law Ordinance including weight restrictions, exempted vehicles, applying for a special permit, and fines for violations.

Michigan City High School, Barker Middle School, and Krueger Middle School will open their doors to middle and elementary school families as they host “Wolf Pack Roundup” on Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature presentations, tours, and exhibits, and will give families an opportunity to meet teachers, counselors, and administrators. Information about the Michigan City Promise Scholarship will be available at all locations.Students in grades 7 and 8 and their families are encouraged to visit Michigan City High School, 8466 W. Pahs Road. MCHS will provide information on Dual Credit and AP programs, Early College, Honors

Tax season is upon us and while that may sound scary to many, dealing with a ghost tax preparer is downright frightening. Ghost tax preparers are dishonest individuals who mislead innocent taxpayers to unintentionally commit tax fraud. Often, ghost preparers promise a big refund or charge fees based on the percentage of the refund, by claiming fake deductions or filing false information to make a quick profit.How does it work? A ghost tax preparer completes a tax return for a customer but will refuse to sign it electronically or manually using their Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Preparer Tax Identification

Tuesday morning the Berrien County Public Safety Dispatch Center received information of a pursuit involving the Hobart Police Department and LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office that occurred on I-94 eastbound. The pursuit of a Silver Ford Taurus was terminated on eastbound I-94 at the state-line. As officers got off at Exit #1 in New Buffalo Township to turnaround they observed that the suspect vehicle had crashed into a sign post in front of McDonald’s. Information was obtained that the driver of the vehicle left the scene of the crash and had fled on foot and may have gotten into a pick-up

Yesterday, Attorney General Curtis Hill urged the U.S. Senate to enact the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act, legislation to curb illegal robocalls and spoofing. A coalition of 54 attorneys general sent a letter to the U. S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation supporting the TRACED Act. The legislation is sponsored by Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Ed Markey, D-Mass. In their letter, the attorneys general state that the TRACED Act enables states, federal regulators and telecom providers to take steps to combat these illegal calls. The legislation will require voice service providers to participate

Several of Indiana's state parks, state-forest and state-recreation properties are looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts in exchange for free camping during their service.Hosts work a minimum of 20 hours per week. The volunteer period length varies at properties based on the number of applicants and on the amount and type of work required.Properties are looking for dedicated campers who enjoy working outdoors, as well as with people and DNR staff. A complete list of site availability and detailed information about hosting duties is online or you can contact the property where you would like to serve as

The Michigan City Police Department announces the 2019 Easter Egg Hunt. Join them April 13th at 11am in beautiful Washington Park - Fedder's Alley again for this great family & community event. The men and women of the MCPD are proud & committed to outreach events & partnerships within this great city and look forward to seeing everyone there.