News

The Indiana State Board of Education (Board) met yesterday for its December business meeting and to consider approval of three teacher preparation programs. The Board unanimously approved teacher preparation programs at Holy Cross College, Indiana State University, and Indiana University Southeast. The Board considered additional issues at the meeting. Board members voted 8-1 to approve a resolution regarding Emma Donnan Middle School that is consistent with the other recommendations provided by the Community Task Force. The Indiana Charter School Board will consider the request for a charter for Emma Donnan at its December 13, 2019 meeting. The Board voted to

INDOT has been working on adding a center turn lane between Woodland Avenue and Johnson Road, as part of a larger resurfacing project between U.S. 421 and SR 212. The resurfacing between U.S. 421 & Woodland and Johnson & SR 212 is done for now, needing only the final surface layer that will go down along the entire corridor. The road widening portion for the new center turn lane is not nearly as complete. Work in this area started back in April and was scheduled to wrap up this fall. But, beginning early on, INDOT encountered many delays related to

On December 3rd, at around 6:00 p.m., troopers responded to a single vehicle crash on I-65 at the 261.6 mile-marker about two miles north of I-80/94. An investigation showed that a 1998 Ford Ranger driven by 63 year old James Miller of Markham, IL was northbound on I-65. Witnesses stated that the Ranger was driving normally in the left lane when the vehicle suddenly drove into the median striking the concrete barrier. The vehicle continued over the barrier and into the southbound lanes. The pickup then struck a guardrail and another concrete barrier on the west shoulder of the southbound

Michigan City Police Operation Pull Over Blitz ResultsDuring the month of November the Michigan City Police Department participated in Operation Pull Over Blitz #100 (Safe Family Travel) which focused on promoting seat belt usage and reducing impaired driving. During that time period officers worked over 14 hours of overtime patrols which resulted in 25 citations and 25 written warnings being issued for various traffic violations including occupant protection violations and speeding. Additionally, 1 driver was arrested for operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license. During the remainder of the holiday season the Michigan City Police Department will continue to

Washington Park Zoo celebrates new attendance recordThe Washington Park Zoo has set a new record for attendance during its 2019 season with 103,123 visitors, up from the zoo’s all-time record attendance in 2017 of 100,122. While many of the zoo attendees came from Michigan City, about 88% were from out of town and their impact on the local economy is estimated at $7,734,225.00. 2019 was the zoo’s 91st season and brought with it many other celebrated highlights, including earning its re-accreditation by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). To be accredited, the zoo underwent a thorough review to ensure it

FOOD GIVEAWAY, THURSDAY DECEMBER 5, 2019. CCH has been asked by Food Bank of Northern Indiana to distribute 40,000 pounds of food for Laporte County Bonus Distribution. On Thursday morning, December 5, from 10AM UNTIL NOON, volunteers from Sand Castle Shelter, Keys to Hope and from the community will be outside the Carson Pirie Scott store at Marquette Mall distributing Non-Perishable food items, FREE OF CHARGE. First Come First Served, while supplies last. Please bring bags or boxes to carry items home. We will have volunteers on hand to help anyone needing assistance get your food to your cars!!! SEE

Vibrant Communities of LaPorte County Summit On The FutureJoin your friends, neighbors and the broader LaPorte County Community on December 4th from 6-8 P.M. in the La Porte Civic Auditorium where they will share what theye’ve learned and take the next step in the process. The summit will be a special moment for communities to come together, define their vision and establish a roadmap for community growth and investment. For more information and to register check out www.VibrantLPCounty.org .MCCEC website back up for grant applications

On Monday afternoon, all lanes of US 20 between State Road 39 and Fail Road were closed due to a two vehicle minor personal injury crash. An overturned tractor-trailer near Wilhelm Road was blocking the eastbound and westbound lanes causing the complete closure. One subject involved in the crash sustained a minor injury. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the LCSO. Check WIMS' FACEBOOK for pictures and information.

The state of Indiana has launched an initiative to help adults who didn’t graduate high school earn a diploma. The Indiana Workforce Diploma Program also helps the students earn certain skilled trade certifications for free. Governor Eric Holcomb signed the Workforce Diploma Reimbursement Program into law in May and it launched in October. The program is run by a for-profit education company called Graduation Alliance, but it is overseen by the Indiana Governor’s Workforce Cabinet. Visit: www.indianadiploma.com to learn more about the program.

To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Bears vs. Cowboys home game at 7:20p on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, the South Shore Line plans to stop select trains at Metra’s 18th Street Station, which connects passengers directly to the Soldier Field entrance via a pedestrian walkway. In addition to our regular service to nearby Museum Campus/11th Street, the following trains will also serve 18th Street Station on Dec. 5: Westbound: Train 220 will arrive at 18th St. at 5:27p, and Tr 20 at 6:06p. Eastbound: Train 123 will depart 18th St. at 11:06p, and Tr 101 will depart at 12:51a. These trains

Chesterton Police are now accepting applications for the position of Patrol Officer. This application process will be used to fill two openings in early 2020. A hiring list will then be established for the remaining of 2020. For more information check out the Chesterton Police Department’s Facebook page. 

Governor Eric Holcomb announced several new appointments and reappointments to various state boards and commissions.Locally, Frances Vega-Steele of Portage, a retired associate vice-chancellor of student affairs with Ivy Tech Community College has been reappointed to the Governor’s Commission on Minority & Women's Business Enterprises. The governor made two reappointments in total  to the commission. They will serve until Sept. 30, 2023.Libby Chiu of Ogden Dunes, an adjunct professor at Goucher College, has been reappointed to the Indiana Arts Commission. The governor made three reappointments in total to the commission. They will serve until Nov. 30, 2023. 

La Porte Hospital is welcoming area residents to another installment of its First Friday concert series on Friday, Dec 6 at noon in the La Porte Hospital Chapel, 1007 Lincolnway in La Porte. The chapel is conveniently located on the first floor. The Rusty Nail Crossings gospel group will perform acoustic selections including some sing-a-long Christmas songs. Rusty Nail Crossings band consists of six members who provide the full array of acoustic, bluegrass instrumentation: guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass and dobro.The group is affiliated with Faith Baptist Church in La Porte. La Porte Hospital enjoys opening the doors of its

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been awarded a $592,681 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the first Research Experience for Teachers (RET) site in Northwest Indiana. The RET site will be established at PNW’s Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) and Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC) through the support of the three-year grant. The RET site will focus on simulation and visualization technologies for innovative industrial solutions. It will address critical issues of workforce development and the skills gap in industry, which have a direct impact on the nation’s prosperity. High school and

Interfaith Community PADS is welcoming a challenge from the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte to support its efforts to renovate the Sacred Heart Church into a permanent place to serve the homeless.The foundation’s challenge grant will match dollar for dollar up to $100,000 and then two for one the next $18,750 donated if raised by May 1, 2020, said Ed Merrion of ICPADS.PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) serves the homeless in LaPorte County as a source for shelter, food and connections to move toward a new path. Its programs provide an emergency overnight shelter for men, women and women

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will host its fall commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. A total of 1,225 candidates are eligible to receive degrees during the three commencement ceremonies, including 256 graduate degree recipients and 969 earning undergraduate degrees. Purdue Northwest’s College of Nursing will award three Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. Purdue Northwest will hold ceremonies on its Hammond campus on Dec. 14 at the Fitness and Recreation Center, 2320 173rd St. Graduates in the College of Business and College of Nursing will participate in an 11 a.m. (Central) ceremony. Graduates in the College of Engineering and

Holiday train scheduleWednesday, Nov. 27: A weekday schedule will be in effect on the day before Thanksgiving.Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving Day): A weekend/holiday schedule will be in effect in observance of Thanksgiving Day.Friday, Nov. 29 (Black Friday): A weekday schedule will be in effect on the Friday following Thanksgiving.Extra eastbound serviceWednesday, Nov. 27: Extra will depart Millennium Station at 2 p.m. (Van Buren St. at 2:03 p.m.), run non-stop to Hegewisch and make all local stops terminating at Carroll Ave., Michigan City.Saturday, Nov. 30: Extra will depart Millennium Station at 4:25 p.m. (Van Buren St. at 4:28 p.m.), run non-stop

This past weekend was a successful weekend for State Trooper William Carlson as two separate incidents resulted in handguns being confiscated from different offenders.  On Saturday evening, Trooper Carlson stopped a vehicle for speeding on I-65 at the 247 mile-marker. The vehicle's speed was checked at 87 mph on a 70 mph roadway. After stopping the vehicle, Trooper Carlson detected the strong odor of burnt marijuana emitting from inside the car.  Subsequent investigation revealed a handgun under the driver's seat. The handgun contained an extended magazine which held 20 rounds of ammunition. The driver, 23 year old Kendall T. Vaughn,

As families take to the roads this holiday season, law enforcement is reminding drivers that extra patrols will be cracking down on impaired and dangerous driving behavior and seat belt violations as they attempt to increase safety on our Indiana roadways.This patrol effort has been designated as “Operation Safe Family Travel”, where upwards of 150 extra Troopers will be working overtime hours as part of a comprehensive effort to curb impaired and dangerous driving. Identifying high risk driving behaviors, such as high speeds, following too closely, unsafe lane movements, distracted driving / texting while driving, and failure to properly use

In an update regarding the death of 27 year old Adriana Saucedo, The Portage Police Detectives have located and detained the 17-year suspect from this investigation. He has been brought back to the Portage Police Department. His parents and attorney were there as well.Police have further information with regards to the 16-year old suspect. Reportedly, he was involved in a vehicle pursuit with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday November 20th. He was driving what is believed to be the vehicle-(Pontiac) in which Ms. Saucedo was shot. At the time of the pursuit, the 16-year old was driving the