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U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) announced yesterday that the Senate has unanimously passed his legislation, the National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act. This bill will update and modernize the charter for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) to better reflect agriculture education in the 21st Century. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act updates the FFA’s charter to allow for regional diversity among student officer vice presidents. Additionally, the legislation provides governing flexibility for national officers in order to reduce operational delays caused by vacant

Last Friday evening, Franciscan Health Hospital, Michigan City campus, contacted the Sheriff’s Office regarding an injured 8 week old infant. Hospital officials advised the infant was being transported to the University of Chicago Medicine – Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office were immediately notified and activated. Throughout last weekend, detectives continued to investigate the matter surrounding the injury to the infant. On Tuesday, it was medically determined the infant had no brain activity and officially declared dead at 11:41 AM. Detectives continue to investigate, and the matter is now being

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery that occurred during the late evening hours on Wednesday. Just after 10 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the Family Express, located at 7687 West US 20, (this is at the corner of Johnson Road) for an armed robbery. Three subjects approached the front of the business. One subject held the door open while the two other subjects entered. The two subjects jumped onto the counter and then over into the employee area. One of the subjects was armed with a hammer. The subjects ordered the clerk to open the

The Indiana State Board of Education (Board) met yesterday for its monthly business meeting.The Board considered intervention for Wendell Phillips Elementary School. The school, part of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), is known as Matchbook Learning at Wendell Phillips 63 and has received six consecutive F ratings. The Board unanimously approved IPS’s proposed plan to improve the school through the creation of an innovation network school operated by Matchbook Learning.Members voted unanimously to approve Gov. Holcomb’s request to name Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski as executive director of the Board. She will serve in a dual role, continuing her work as senior

Oral health is a key component fighting the opioid epidemic, and dental professionals and their patients in Indiana are encouraged to take a more proactive role in prevention. Dentists and oral surgeons write 12 percent of all opioid prescriptions. While often necessary to combat dental pain, opioids come with a high risk of misuse and addiction. That's why UnitedHealthcare Dental is focusing on reducing painkiller prescriptions and promoting proper use. As Chief Dental Officer for the company, Dr. Ted Wong explains there are other alternatives to manage pain. Following C-D-C recommendations, first-time opioid prescriptions written by UnitedHealthcare Dental health professionals

A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 15. Wind chill values as low as -10. 

The Michigan City Police Released the following information and statement on strategies towards reducing neighborhood gun violence:“The Michigan City Police Department announces our strategies towards reducing neighborhood gun violence. To accomplish this mission it is very important that we mobilize the community to accomplish this goal. We ask that city residents assist us by reporting suspicious behavior. Outlined below are strategies that we have implemented. Please share your thoughts, thank you.” 1. Citywide strategy involving Law Enforcement personnel, government officials, schools, minister / pastor alliances, and most importantly family engagement through responsible parenting. Family engagement is a very important component

South Shore Line will be offering 10% discounts on monthly passes during the month of March.During the polar vortex, South Shore Line services were suspended for several days due to the extreme temperatures. Crews ran tests throughout the day and night during this time to determine whether rail lines were safe. Unfortunately, the record-breaking temperatures caused problems ranging from downed electrical lines on South Shore Line’s tracks to damage on Metra Electric District tracks that the SSL runs on in Illinois, resulting in cancelled service on both train lines. Metra and South Shore Line crews worked around the clock to

Portage Police say they received a report of some form of a disturbance involving a gun at a residence on Airport Road, arriving police observed that Kyle Elementary had students at recess and instructed the school to bring the kids inside and initiate a lockdown. They also established a line of police officers across the edge of the school grounds. Chief Troy Williams stated, “ It’s my understanding PTS instructed their other schools to also go on lockout.”After speaking with a woman and her brother, another male subject who was initially reported to be present had left prior to officers'

The Porter County Sheriff's Office 14th Annual Foot Pursuit 5k is currently open for registration online at www.Thtiming.com until 7:00pm February 28th and the day of the race. The race is Saturday March 2, 2019 at 9:00am at Sunset Hill County Park. Proceeds from the race benefit the Timothy Hecht Scholarship, which is given every year to several students pursuing a degree in the field of Law Enforcement.

Michigan City Police made the following statement on Proper Gun Safety, “The Michigan City Police Department along with Chief Mark Swistek, in conjunction with our Violent Crime Reduction Initiative, would like to remind citizens of proper gun ownership guidelines. We have had numerous occurrences of guns being stolen from open areas to include homes and vehicles. Many times, we have discovered that the owners do not know their make, model or serial number of missing or stolen weapons. We also have found that improper, unsafe storage of weapons has been occurring based on the reports that have been filed. TOP

Yesterday Gov. Holcomb announced Aleksandra Dimitrijevic as his appointment to the Lake County Superior Court. She will succeed Judge Jesse Villalpando. Dimitrijevic has served in a variety of positions at the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for more than 15 years, including currently as a violent crimes prosecuting attorney. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Boston University and her law degree from Indiana University McKinney School of Law. Dimitrijevic will be sworn in as Judge of the Lake County Superior Court on a date to be determined.

The Indiana State Board of Education (Board) met yesterday for its monthly business meeting.The Board considered intervention for Wendell Phillips Elementary School. The school, part of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), is known as Matchbook Learning at Wendell Phillips 63 and has received six consecutive F ratings. The Board unanimously approved IPS’s proposed plan to improve the school through the creation of an innovation network school operated by Matchbook Learning.Members voted unanimously to approve Gov. Holcomb’s request to name Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski as executive director of the Board. She will serve in a dual role, continuing her work as senior

Rain, mainly after 4pm. Patchy fog before 4pm. High near 49.  In the overnight hours, temperature will drop to single digits with wind chills of -10.

South Shore Line service updates will be in effect to accommodate passengers wishing to attend the Chicago Auto Show taking place Feb. 9-18, 2019, at McCormick Place. An eastbound passenger extra will run on Saturday, Feb. 9, and Saturday, Feb. 16. The train will depart McCormick Place at 4:52 p.m., run non-stop to Hegewisch and make all local stops terminating at Carroll Avenue, Michigan City. This train will not serve Hudson Lake or South Bend. For additional information on weekday trains for the Chicago Auto Show visit mysouthshoreline.com

For the safety of vehicles and pedestrians the Northbound lane at the Franklins Street Bridge will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time. This is due to unforeseen repairs that need to be completed. La Porte County Highway Department has installed the necessary barricades and signage.

Did you know you may be able to file both your state and federal taxes electronically for free? The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) offers Indiana free file (INfreefile) that allows taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $66,000 or less in 2018 to use question-and-answer style software from trusted vendors to file their taxes online. If you have any questions about your return, you may contact DOR at 317-232-2240, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST or via email at individualassistance@dor.in.gov For more information visit: https://www.in.gov/dor/4578.htm

One year ago this month, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) acquired the 300-acre Taltree Arboretum & Gardens in Valparaiso, Indiana through a donation of the $12 million preserve by founders Damien and Rita Gabis and the Taltree board of directors. The arboretum was soon renamed Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest in tribute to the Gabis family's generosity, and plans to build on the Gabis' founding vision for the arboretum quickly started. "Since accepting the generous gift of Gabis Arboretum, we've realized that the opportunities for expanding Purdue Northwest's vision and impact in Northwest Indiana through this magnificent resource are limitless," said

Mayor Ron Meer is proud to announce the City of Michigan City’s recent inclusion in the State of Indiana’s Lead-based paint remediation program which is sponsored by Medicaid and administered through the Indiana State Department of Health. Home owners, Landlords, and Renters who live in a home, or own a home, built before 1978 can receive a free home inspection to determine if the residents are being exposed to lead-based paint hazards. Homes providing child care are also eligible for this service. If lead-based paint exists, this program will also pay for removal of the lead hazard. To be eligible

Financial aid professionals will be volunteering at 39 sites in Indiana to help college-bound students and their families open the door to financial aid during College Goal Sunday. The event is set for 2 p.m. (local time), February 24, 2019. The free program assists Indiana students in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The FAFSA MUST be filed by April 15 to be eligible for Indiana financial aid. College Goal