Local News

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and John McCain (R-Ariz.) today announced that a bipartisan Senate resolution condemning the Burmese campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya and calling for the “safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable return” of the refugees who have been displaced by this violence was voted out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on a bipartisan vote with unanimous support. The senators introduced the resolution in January, as planned repatriation from Bangladesh to Burma was postponed amid fears that the repatriation as planned would be neither safe nor voluntary.

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today introduced legislation to strengthen Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accountability for the billions of taxpayer dollars it spends each year to develop and maintain information technology (IT) systems. “The IRS exists to serve taxpayers, and they need modern technology and a strong IT infrastructure to do that effectively,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “However, after repeated mistakes, failures, and excuses, the American people have lost confidence that the IRS can get it right. This bill will help close the trust gap by restoring accountability, reforming the acquisition process, and improving long-term strategic planning so taxpayers once again have

An Indiana State Police trooper recovered two handguns that had been reported stolen only an hour before. Early Tuesday morning, Trooper James Brasseur stopped a car on I-80/94 west bound one mile west of Grant Street for doing 93 in a 55 mile per hour posted speed zone. The driver, later identified as 22 year old Tywoun D. Nixon of Gary was found to have never been licensed. A search of the car revealed two Glock 9 mm handguns found under the front passenger seat. One of the handguns was loaded and one was not. Two fully loaded magazines were

U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today introduced bipartisan legislation that would permanently authorize a program to allow for dedicated funding for review of permit applications with the Army Corps of Engineers for some infrastructure projects. Under current law, public utilities, natural gas companies, and railroads can provide financing for permitting reviews to potentially speed up the process, however the authorization for that financing mechanism is scheduled to expire in 2024. The Donnelly-Portman bill would permanently extend this authorization.  

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today signed two workforce-focused bills at Cummins Global Distribution Center in downtown Indianapolis. The bills—HEA 1002 and SEA 50—were among Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level priorities for the 2018 legislative session. “These two bills position us to transform the state’s current approach to workforce development,” Gov. Holcomb said. “In the months ahead, we’ll assess our current programs, align them better to the needs of real job creators, and make them more accessible and easier to use.” This new legislation will expand access to training funds for Hoosier adults and employers via the state’s Next Level Jobs initiative.

The Indiana Supreme Court, Office of Admissions and Continuing Education, has an immediate opening for a full-time Support Specialist/Processor. The salary for the position is $35,000 and higher based on qualifications and experience. The Indiana Supreme Court, Disciplinary Commission, also has an immediate opening for a full-time Administrative Assistant. The salary for the position is $32,000.00 and higher based on qualifications and experience. State of Indiana benefits apply. Deadline to apply for these positions is March 30, 2018. For more information visit: www.in.gov/judiciary/2621.htm

During the 2018 session, House Republicans successfully passed legislation boosting K-12 school funding, strengthening the workforce, attacking the opioid epidemic and increasing government efficiency. House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) discussed advancing these top priorities and continuing to move Indiana forward. Bosma also talked about new policies including House Bill 1002 and Senate Bill 50. these bills are now heading to Governor Eric Holcomb for consideration as new laws.

A sobriety checkpoint will be held somewhere in Lake County during the evening hours of Thursday, March 22nd, 2018, in conjunction with this month’s Operation Pull Over Blitz 43 Campaign," Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." Motorists entering the checkpoint are asked to have their driver’s license and vehicle registrations readily available to minimize the amount of time they are delayed. Motorists can expect short delays of only two to three minutes during the checkpoint. Troopers will be out in force before and after the checkpoint looking to get impaired drivers off the roadways. Troopers encourage all motorists to call

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today introduced legislation that would make permanent a pilot program that currently allows officers and enlisted service members to take a short “sabbatical” in order to improve work-life balance. The Career Intermission Program (CIP) currently allows officers and enlisted service members to temporarily transfer out of the active duty component and into the Individual Ready Reserve for up to three years while retaining full health care coverage and base privileges, as well as part of their salary. This transfer extends their active duty service requirement by twice their

The Women United annual “Power of the Purse” dinner and auction of new and gently used purses, held on Thursday, March 15 at 6 PM at the Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City, IN, raised nearly $10,000 in support of collective impact projects in LaPorte County. This year’s fundraising efforts topped last year by more than $1,300. 160 new and gently used purses were donated to Women United by local supporters and partners for the silent and live auctions. 81 people attended the event. Celebrity emcee, Ric Federighi of 95.1 FM and AM 1420  WIMS kept the crowd laughing and

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) spoke on the Senate floor on Tuesday about the path forward in Yemen and his legislation with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), S.J.Res.55, to pressure the Saudi government to end the civil war in Yemen and to take additional steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis there. Senator Young thanked Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Corker for his commitment to markup Yemen legislation in the committee next month. “As many know, over the last year, I have focused persistently on the humanitarian situation in Yemen,” said Senator Young. “Given the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and our national security interests there,

Three people were ejected from their car when they rolled their vehicle on the I-65 southbound to Ridge Road exit ramp. Preliminary investigation by Trooper William Stancy revealed at approximately 5:13 a.m. on Tuesday morning, a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox was exiting from south bound I-65 to Ridge Road when it failed to negotiate the curve.  The Chevrolet went off the roadway, down the embankment and rolled numerous times. All three occupants were ejected from the Chevrolet.  They were identified as Breanna Johnson, 24 of Chicago, who was taken to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Hobart with non-life threatening injuries.  Darrell A. Jones, 29 of

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for Merit Patrol Deputy. Applicants who successfully complete and pass the various stages of the hiring process will be ranked on a list for any future vacancies that may arise within the Merit Division of the Sheriff’s Office. The hiring process will include the following stages: application phase, physical agility testing, written examination, computerized voice stress analysis examination, background investigation, Merit Division interview panel and a Merit Commission interview. Applications can be found online by accessing the Sheriff’s Office website: www.laportecountysheriff.com or by picking them up at the front desk of the

INDOT is warning drivers to obey 'Road Closed' signs and barricades after witnessing numerous motorists driving around closure warnings on roadways that have been closed due to flooding. If you see a 'Road Closed' sign, it is there for a reason. Driving around signage and barricades, even if you're simply following another driver who bypassed the warning, puts you at risk for injury, puts the road at risk for potential further damage and could land you a citation from law enforcement. Current INDOT Northwest Closures Due to High Water/Damage Assessment include: Starke/LaPorte County - SR 8, between CR 600W and

The Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association (MCUEA) announced their 2018 Business Grant Program. This grant is intended to provide funding assistance for existing businesses located within the Enterprise zone for exterior or interior rehabilitation of their property including machinery and equipment, signage and structural enhancements. The MCUEA will reimburse 50% of the eligible costs up to $ 7,500 per grant. There has been $75,000 appropriated for this program. The application must be mailed to: Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association P.O. Box 43 Michigan City, IN 46350 or emailed to: MCUEA1984@gmail.com Please contact Diane Wilczewski, Director at 219-561-6991 if you have questions

On Monday Morning, officers from the Indiana State Police Department responded to a two vehicle crash on I-65 northbound at the 232 mile marker (2 miles north of the Demotte exit), in which an Elkhart woman died. 23 year old Anastasia J. Chapman was pronounced dead at the crash scene where traffic was backed up due to pothole repair taking place one mile north of the crash location.

Enertech, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and Utility Resource Group will present the video and photo friendly Valparaiso Safety Day on Wednesday, March 21st, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Porter County Expo Center 4-H Building, 215 E. Division Rd., Valparaiso. This free event brings first responders, utility, oil & gas, municipal, and county personnel together to take part in dynamic hands-on scenario safety training of a staged pipeline rupture – as close to the real thing as possible. A presentation on the Indiana Dig Law begins at 8:30, going over rules and regulations and the need to call

The Indiana Historical Bureau has agreed to designate the site of La Porte University with an Indiana State Historical Marker. The University was founded in 1838 and included the state’s first medical and law schools as well as a literary department. The medical school was the most robust, department, and it flourished until the early 1850’s. Its alumni included W. W. Mayor, MD., who collaborated with his sons, Drs. Charles and Will Mayo to found the Mayo Clinic. Dedication ceremonies for the historic marker will be held at the corner of Clay and Harrison Streets in downtown La Porte at

Governor Eric J. Holcomb will depart on a three-day economic development trade mission to Canada next week, where he will work to build relationships with one of Indiana’s largest economic partners. Indiana is home to more than 70 Canadian businesses, including global companies like CN Railway, Dorel Juvenile Group, KIK Custom Products and Magna Powertrain. Together, these businesses provide more than 15,600 jobs for Hoosiers, accounting for 8 percent of all Indiana jobs supported by foreign-owned businesses.

The Michigan City Police Department will be filling nearly 55,000+ Easter Eggs on Wednesday March 21st starting at 8:30am at the Michigan City Senior Center and they are looking for volunteers to fill the eggs. Breakfast will be served and at 11:30am Galveston Restaurant and Dominos will be providing lunch for all of the volunteers. The MCPD are 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 other great gifts. All donations can be directed