News

Following reports that gas prices are on the rise, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly on Monday urged President Trump to take an important step towards addressing the price surge by reducing regulatory burdens around the blending of biofuels. Current regulations on Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) prevent most retailers from selling American-made fuels like E15 during the summer months, driving up the cost to consumers at the pump. In March 2017, Donnelly, along with Agriculture Committee members Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. The bill would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP)

Indiana State Troopers Alaa Hamed and William Carlson made a traffic stop at Calumet Avenue and Lyons Street in Hammond on Sunday morning that resulted in the driver and one of his passengers being arrested on multiple charges. After 26 year old Raynard Headd of Gary gave false information initially to the Troopers, he then identified himself and was found to be suspended prior as well as an active warrant through Lake County. A fully loaded 9mm handgun was discovered under the driver’s seat and an open bottle of alcohol was also in the Jeep. They also found two fake/false

On May 25th, The Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food Pantry will honor area veterans. The effort brings food directly Fresh perishable items (dairy, grains, produce and protein) and dry goods are offered free of charge to northern Indiana residents. Mobile food pantries are first come, first served for those in need of food assistance, based on available product, while supplies last. Patrons are asked to bring bags or boxes to transport their items home. If weather conditions are adverse or product is not available, there is a possibility that a mobile food pantry could be cancelled.This mobile will

Governor Eric. J. Holcomb and the Indiana delegation to Europe joined Slovak government officials Monday to discuss opportunities to deepen defense relations and encourage economic cooperation between Indiana and Slovakia. In a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Gov. Holcomb and Slovak Minister of Economy Peter Žiga, Indiana and Slovakia will build on its established defense and academic relationships while advancing collaborative efforts toward two-way investment, trade and workforce development. The two will also share best practices and identify opportunities to partner in advanced manufacturing, defense, automotive, energy, agriculture technology, information technology and cybersecurity. Under the MOU, Indiana will also

National Doughnut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June, harkens back to the days during World War I when Salvation Army volunteers would bring doughnuts – along with spiritual aid and comfort – to American soldiers stationed in trenches throughout France. These days, it is still the mission of The Salvation Army of provide comfort and spiritual aid to those in need, and what better way to do this than by celebrating National Doughnut Day. This year, the local Salvation Army will hold its third annual Doughnut Eating Contest. Four teams will compete to eat the most donuts in

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced that he has appointed Stefanie Krevda to fill a vacancy on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) created by the expiration of Angela Weber’s term. When a vacancy occurs on the IURC, applications are solicited from the public and accepted by a seven member nominating committee. After conducting the public interviews, the nominating committee recommends three candidates to the governor who then names a new member to the commission. For nearly ten years, Krevda has worked in public service and in the non-profit sector. Currently, she serves as the executive director of external affairs at

Regina Biddings-Muro, Ed.D., a 14-year administrator at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) and longtime regional leader, has been appointed vice president of University Advancement at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Calif. "This is an outstanding opportunity for Regina to continue to advance her progressively successful career in higher education," said Purdue Northwest Chancellor Thomas L. Keon. "Regina has proven herself to be the master of many skills and successes. This has made her a much sought after leader by many institutions. She has found the right fit to continue her career journey, and for that we should be pleased for

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a wanted noncompliant sex offender. In 2011, Darell L. ECKWOOD (aka Darrell), 25 years of age, was convicted of Child Molestation, in La Porte County. ECKWOOD is an Offender Against Children/Serious Sex Offender, with residency restrictions. ECKWOOD is currently wanted for two (2) counts of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, both Level 5 Felonies. ECKWOOD is 5’7” inches tall and weighs approximately 190 pounds. ECKWOOD has multiple tattoos, including a star on the front of his neck and a large marijuana leaf on his

The NICTD board has approved the proposed fare increase and it will take effect on July 1st, for the South Shore Line rail passenger service, including July monthly tickets. The new fares would apply to all stations but Hegewisch. Metra controls Hegewisch fares and approved an increase effective February 1, 2018. According to a press release the fare increase will enhance safety on the SSL through supporting implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC). According to the South Shore Line’s website, “PTC is an unprecedented, advanced set of technologies that will automatically stop a train before certain human error incidents occur.

Command staff at the Indiana State Police Lowell District were recently notified by concerned citizens that they had received possible scam phone calls from a phone number that appears as the Lowell District phone number of 219-696-6242. In a statement the police said, “There are many phone scams currently in our area, and know that the Indiana State Police do not serve arrest warrants by phone and will never call you to request money. One popular phone scam in our area currently is the "Jury Duty" or “FBI” where the caller tells you there is an arrest warrant for you

Governor Eric Holcomb named Michael J. Drenth as his appointment to the Porter County Superior Court #3. He will succeed Judge Julia Jent, who retires June 1. Drenth currently serves as a deputy prosecutor in Porter County and has been with that office since 1992. Drenth received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.

Shortly before noon Saturday, Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a call of a drowning in progress on a private body of water known as Chestnut Lake in Porter County. Upon arriving on scene, Conservation Officers found two men on shore being evaluated by Porter EMS personnel. Both men refused medical treatment and were released by EMS to be interviewed by Conservation Officers. According to investigating officers, 48 year old Doug Colvin, and his father 71 year old Anthony Colvin, both of Chesterton, were fishing in a 10 foot aluminum boat approximately 100 yards from shore when one of the men

Team WIMS was broadcasting live from the Spring Out to Sunset Festival at Sunset Hill Farm in Valparaiso on Saturday, May 19th!  The Fest was full of events and fun for the whole family!  The Sunset Hill Colonels played a game of old fashioned baseball while families watched and enjoyed.  Attendees could also check out the exotic animals, the tractor rides, live music by John Derado, a train set up by the Illiana Garden Railway, food trucks, and much more!  The event was also complete with a BBQ Contest and a Homebrew contest!  Team WIMS was also giving out a

U.S. 41 (Calumet Avenue) is closed in Hammond between Michigan Street and Sibley Street. This is the site of a bridge project that has been underway since early April with lane closures in place. Thursday, crews identified a pavement concern that needs to be addressed, requiring a complete closure at this location. It's possible this closure could last through the end of May. INDOT will continue to update the public as details become available.

The LaPorte County Innovation Network is of the 11 Innovation Networks that will be formed thanks to a grant from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s employer-driven Skill UP Indiana! program. The Skill UP program, in its third year, provides funding to form and operate a collaborative group of educational, business and workforce stakeholders charged with developing the talent supply chain in local communities. The LaPorte County Innovation Network will receive $677,000. The group’s goal will be to train adults to meet immediate skill needs, develop strengthened relationships between manufacturing employers and local students for strengthening the talent pipeline. A

At the invitation of the White House, Attorney General Curtis Hill participated in a prison reform summit with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other state leaders this past Friday. In March, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the Federal Interagency Council on Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry. The goal is to provide previously incarcerated individuals with greater opportunities for productivity upon release from jails or prisons -- thereby improving the lives of all Americans by reducing crime, enhancing public safety and increasing opportunity. Other state leaders taking part in today’s discussions included Michigan Attorney General Bill

Command staff at the Lowell District were recently notified by concerned citizens that they had received possible scam phone calls from a phone number that appears as the Lowell District phone number of 219-696-6242. In a statement the police said, “There are many phone scams currently in our area, and know that the Indiana State Police do not serve arrest warrants by phone and will never call you to request money. One popular phone scam in our area currently is the "Jury Duty" or “FBI” where the caller tells you there is an arrest warrant for you because you missed

The NICTD board has approved the proposed fare increase and it will take effect on July 1st, for the South Shore Line rail passenger service, including July monthly tickets. The new fares would apply to all stations but Hegewisch. Metra controls Hegewisch fares and approved an increase effective February 1, 2018. According to a press release the fare increase will enhance safety on the SSL through supporting implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC). According to the South Shore Line’s website, “PTC is an unprecedented, advanced set of technologies that will automatically stop a train before certain human error incidents occur.

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking community nominations for eight awards given during the State of the Chamber Awards Luncheon, to be held on Wednesday, July 18. Nomination forms are available on the Chamber website or can be emailed to you upon request. All nominations are due by Monday, June 18, 2018. All nominations will be reviewed by the Chamber’s Nominating Committee, except for the Duneland Distinguished Woman Award, which will be reviewed by former recipients. All forms must be submitted to the Chamber office by Monday, June 18, 2018. Awards will be presented at the State of

La Porte Hospital will break ground officially on the new hospital in August this year, but the community will start to see tangible evidence of property preparations when demolition of some hospital-owned structures begins next week. The hospital has earmarked six homes it owns for demolition along State Street, between Teegarden and Tyler streets. The homes will be taken down to prepare land for staging and building of the new facility. The exact footprint of the new hospital has not been finalized, but officials expect to build and create space for construction staging in that general area west of the