Local News

Merrillville, Ind. — NIPSCO’s tenth annual Hope for the Holidays campaign, combining company and employee donations, provided more than $75,000 to benefit community-serving organizations throughout northern Indiana this holiday season. NIPSCO employees donated more than 600 toys to be donated to each of the eight Toys for Tots organizations throughout the NIPSCO service area. Counties supported include: • Lake County • North Lake Co. (Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Whiting) • Porter, Starke and Jasper • LaPorte County • Miami, Cass, Howard, Fulton, Wabash, Grant and Tipton • Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Steuben and Wells • Elkhart County • St.

At approximately 2:49 a.m. this morning St. Joseph County Police discovered a grey GMC Sierra sitting in a cornfield with its engine running east of Oak Road and just north of Stanton Road, near the St. Joseph-Marshall County line. Inside the truck a County Police Officer discovered two females both unconscious and without a pulse. Medics and Marshall County Police arrived on scene a short time later. Jennifer Ann Kelley, (f/w) age 30 of Walkerton and Tracy May Burns, (f/w) age 26 of Walkerton were both pronounced dead on scene by medics. No signs of crash, or trauma were visible.

With a blast of snow and arctic air forecast for much of Indiana later this week, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, urges caution when picking up that shovel or even starting the snowblower. Research shows that many people may face an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest after shoveling heavy snow. The American Heart Association’s 2020 scientific statement, Exercise-Related Acute Cardiovascular Events and Potential Deleterious Adaptations Following Long-Term Exercise Training: Placing the Risks Into Perspective–An Update, notes snow shoveling among the physical activities that

The Indiana State Police announced that it will be stepping up patrols as part of the Safe Family Travel holiday enforcement campaign. Starting this week, officers will be out in greater numbers showing zero tolerance for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The department joins more than 200 participating law enforcement agencies in the campaign, which runs through January 1 of next year. While officers will be targeting impaired drivers, they will also be on high alert for seat belt violations and other forms of unsafe driving. Their goal is to help ensure people make it to

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health has awarded nearly $10 million to four community organizations to expand Nurse-Family Partnership programming across the state, helping to provide care and support for pregnant individuals and first-time mothers to promote healthy pregnancies and give children a successful start in life. The funding, appropriated through Senate Enrolled Act 2, will be used to increase the number of families served in existing counties and allow for expansion to new areas of the state. Grant recipients are: Healthier Moms and Babies, for expansion in the Northeast region, $1.1 million Goodwill Industries of Michiana, for expansion in

December 19 marks the 25th anniversary of the DNR Law Enforcement’s K-9 program. The Indiana Conservations Officers’ K-9 program started in 1997 with a pilot program consisting of two teams, Officer Jeff Milner and K-9 Journey and Officer Scotty Wilson and K-9 Judge. Because of its effectiveness, the program grew to a team of 13 K-9 units throughout the state. At least one K-9 unit serves in each of 10 Indiana DNR Law Enforcement districts. The Indiana DNR K-9 program is not only well respected in the Hoosier state, but also is recognized as one of the top K-9 programs

The National Weather Service of Northern Indiana is informing that a major winter storm will bring a variety of hazards to the region for late Thursday into the weekend.  A Winter Storm Watch has been issued.  The NWS says major travel disruptions are expected and to plan ahead and keep up on the latest forecast over the next few days. In a separate statement the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana announced the following: “A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for all of the forecast area from Thursday evening through Saturday morning.  A light wintry mix early Thursday is

The Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. has made the following statement regarding a “thwart of potential armed violence” at Lake Ridge New Tech Middle School in Gary: “Lake County Sheriff’s Department investigators have been working tirelessly this weekend to gather intelligence and locate potential witnesses and suspects after receiving information on possible social media threats against Lake Ridge New Tech Middle School in Gary. “A social media post threatened an active shooter scenario at 9 a.m. Monday at the school.  The post included a photo of several assault rifles, and named a teacher as a potential victim. “Over the weekend,

The pool at the YMCA La Porte branch will be temporarily closed starting Monday Dec. 19 through Thursday Dec. 22 for critical repairs to the ceiling. It will re-open for normal hours on Friday Dec. 23. The Michigan City Elston branch pool is available.

A suspect connected in the robbery of a bank in Michigan City was arrested in New Buffalo on Thursday. At around 1:05 p.m., Michigan City Police  were dispatched to a bank alarm at First Source Bank located at 3905 Franklin St. A preliminary investigation showed that the suspect had received an undisclosed amount of money and fled in a vehicle prior to officers arrival. Officers searched the area and determined that the suspect left in a dark colored vehicle and was traveling south on Franklin Street. A short time later the vehicle was located by a Pokagon Band Tribal Police

The Michigan City Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in a 15-year homicide cold case, involving the homicide of Robert Winters Jr. (RJ). On April 1st, 2007 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Officers from the Michigan City Police Department were dispatched to the 200 Block of E. Fulton St in reference to shots fired. Upon arrival officers discovered that Robert Winters Jr. (RJ) lying on the ground and had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The Michigan City Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in solving this 15-year-old homicide. Michigan City Police stated, “Persons of interests have been made known

The Lakefront Career Network (LCN) recently announced Interfaith Community PADS (Interfaith) as their 2023 Spotlight Organization. Interfaith Community PADS, Inc. is a faith-based organization providing food, shelter, and resource referrals to the homeless population in our community. They have been in operation for over 20 years. Each year LCN, the young professionals committee of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, uses an application process to choose one nonprofit to build a unique partnership with for an entire year. In what is now its sixth partnership, LCN will work with Interfaith to increase awareness of the organization. LCN will do this

The Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department announced that,  “An incredible charter member and founder Robert “Bob” Esserman, 94, passed away peacefully in his Florida home where he spent the last few years of his life.” Esserman was one of 11 founding members of Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department and was instrumental in the fire service in Liberty Township and across the State, the department said. Esserman served the highest rank of Assistant Fire Chief for some years, Inspector, Investigator, as well as an instructor. “Esserman was passionate about teaching LP gas and taught at fire schools across the State and

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) continues to support Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) and community events. The cadets led the Michigan City Festival of Lights parade on Dec. 3, culminating by the lighting of the city Christmas tree in front of the Michigan City Library.  One of the largest MCAS events of the year, the One City One Sound Christmas concert on Dec. 8, was supported by the cadets by helping to transform the MCHS gym into a concert hall. Cadets helped park cars of parents, friends and relatives of students

Twenty-one students in the Automotive Technology program at the A.K. Smith Career Center are wrapping up their first semester of this school year with a combined total of 64 certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Steve Barnes, instructor for the Automotive Technology program, said this sets a new record for his students. Typically, about half of the students enrolled in the program receive ASE certificates, he said. With 38 students this year, Barnes was pleased with the number of students who passed these tests – some earning as many as eight certifications already this year. Adam

Unity Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for La Porte County—Kayla Campbell and Paloma Valdes. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership. Kayla Campbell, a Michigan City High School Senior, has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her school and community through participation in a variety of extracurricular and volunteer activities including: American Legion Auxiliary Hoosier Girls State, Helping Hands Club, Student Council, Teen Arts Council, Trio and more. Campbell wants to ignite and inspire youth, and use her future career platform as a broadcast journalist

Lake Hills Elementary guidance counselor Renee Hall was honored Thursday with the Michigan City Education Award. On an annual basis the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce solicits nominations from local schools, teachers, and community members for its Michigan City Education Award. This year that process began in October and after a review of all nominations the selection committee chose to honor Renee Hall with this year’s award. Presented by Comcast Business, this annual community award recognizes educators or educational programs that have made a significant impact in our community over the last year. “A great teacher can change your life,”

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is increasing patrols as part of the Safe Family Travel holiday enforcement campaign. Starting this week, deputies will be out in greater numbers showing zero tolerance for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The LCSO joins more than 200 participating law enforcement agencies in the campaign, which runs through January 1 of next year. While deputies will be targeting impaired drivers, they will also be on high alert for seat belt violations and other forms of unsafe driving. The goal is to help ensure people make it to and from

The State of Indiana has named the City of South Bend as the state’s 75th Broadband Ready Community. At a press conference Wednesday, representatives from IBO and the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs (OCRA) celebrated the accomplishment. The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created to encourage broadband development throughout the state. The certification sends a signal to the telecommunication industry that a community has taken steps to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment. “We are encouraged that communities across the state are taking the steps to become more connected and enhance their quality of life by becoming Broadband Certified,” Lt.

Michigan City Chief of Police Steven Forker, Asst. Chief Marty Corley, and Asst. Chief Dave Cooney took time at Wednesday’s Police Civil Service Commission meeting to honor and recognize several Michigan City Police Department Officers with awards related to exceptional work that has been produced over the last month. Each of the officers that received an award were nominated by their fellow officers or supervisors. “The actions of each of these officers that received awards reflects the dedication, hard work and compassion that the Michigan City Police Department has for the citizens of Michigan City,” MCPD stated on their Facebook.