News

Attorney General Curtis Hill announced today his office will appeal a Lake County judge’s decision prohibiting the state from recovering funds overpaid to two former administrators in the Munster school district. In 2016, the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) found that former Superintendent William Pfister and former Assistant Superintendent Richard Sopko, both now retired, received annuity payments during their tenure to which they were not entitled. The SBOA designated more than $841,000 as misappropriated -- $463,922.75 of which went to Pfister and $377,475.28 of which went to Sopko. A Lake County judge ordered that the state could not collect any

This morning, just after 4 a.m., Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to an unknown address on Long Lane for a reported structure fire. Members of the Scipio Township Volunteer Fire Department arrived and located the structure fire. The residence, located at the 3200 block of South Long Lane, in rural Scipio Township, was a complete loss. In addition to the residence being a complete loss, two motor vehicles that were in an attached garage, were also destroyed during the fire. Fire Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene and began to investigate. The Fire Investigators successfully made contact with

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is warning Hoosiers about the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids, often called fake weed, K2, spice, OMG, Scooby Snacks, AK-47 or other names, after reports this month that individuals in Illinois and Indiana suffered severe bleeding after using the substances. Healthcare providers, schools and health departments encountering unusual cases of bleeding in individuals should inquire about potential exposures to synthetic marijuana. Anyone who has a serious reaction to synthetic cannabinoids should call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately. Individuals who experience bleeding symptoms should not take themselves to the emergency department but

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that $161.2 million in federal transportation funding is being awarded to 66 cities, towns, and counties in rural portions of Indiana to invest in local road and bridge improvements as well as sidewalk and trail projects. Combined with local funds, approximately $212 million is being invested in infrastructure in communities receiving funds. Types of projects receiving funds include 27 bridge rehabilitation/replacement projects; 31 resurfacing/reconstruction projects; 17 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) projects that include work such as sidewalks, ADA ramps, and trails; and 6 traffic safety projects. A list of all communities receiving funds

Sheriff John T. Boyd is announcing the 39th Annual Indiana Sheriff’s Association North Youth Leadership Camp that will be held in June of this coming summer. The session will be June 26th through June 29th at Pine Creek Camp in Pine Village, located in Warren County, Indiana. The Indiana Sheriff’s Association Youth Leadership Camp is a program provided by the Indiana Sheriff’s Association for boys and girls who are currently in the 7th or 8th grade of school and are interested in learning more about a possible career in law enforcement. The camp provides a very meaningful experience and an

An abortion law that goes into effect in Indiana this summer isn't sitting well with some, and the idea of a legal challenge is being tossed around. Governor Eric Holcomb, who bills himself as pro-life, signed SEA 340 last weekend. It requires doctors to disclose the age, education, marital status and race of the woman who receives an abortion. It also keeps track of the number of abortions each patient has had. Patti Stauffer from Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky says it puts unnecessary restrictions into place and is government intrusion into the sacred relationship between doctors and their

The Michigan City Police began receiving information through citizens of Michigan City of the latest scam attempt. Although this one has been around awhile it still comes up in different variations all of which appear to be an emergency. This scam is where someone’s email account has been “hacked” and the hacker then has access to your “contact list”. With this information the hacker then sends emails out to your friends and personalizes each one using your name. The scam email goes something like this... "Mike, I hope you don’t think I’m crazy but I am in trouble and I

On Tuesday night, officers with the South Bend Police Department were dispatched to the 1300 block of Elwood Avenue in reference to an unwanted party refusing to leave. South Bend police dispatched officers to respond. One officer arrived before any others. Witnesses advised investigators that during the course of the response, the unwanted person assaulted that officer and a physical confrontation ensued. During that confrontation, the officer discharged his firearm, striking the unwanted person. The unwanted person was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The officer was also transported to the hospital. He was treated and released. In order

In St. Joseph County Indiana, an autopsy was conducted on deceased individual, Jessica Yost, who was found March 24, 2018, near the front of Wilson Primary Center after police were called to a house in the 56700 block of Oak Road, South Bend. Initial information provided to investigators indicated that Ms. Yost had been shot. After further investigation, investigators received information that Ms. Yost had been stabbed and not shot. This information was corroborated by the autopsy results, in which a forensic pathologist determined her cause of death to be a stab wound to the chest and ruled the cause

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office announces the recent arrest of David E. ALLEN (71) of Michigan City, Indiana.  In October of 2017, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation when sexual abuse was reported by a family member of a victim.  While conducting the investigation, Detective Jennifer Rhine-Walker, lead investigator in the case, was alerted to other possible victims.  As a result, several more victims of ALLEN were identified.       The investigation continued into 2018 and eventually Detective Rhine-Walker presented probable cause to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office.  On January 30th, 2018 an arrest warrant

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne released a joint statement today following their meeting in Toronto: “Ontario and Indiana share a strong partnership — one that is vital to the success of workers and businesses in both our regions and to our economies. Today, we signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will enable Ontario and Indiana to work together even more closely to build on our economic growth, create a more competitive business climate, foster collaboration in research and technology, and create the good jobs that will help our people succeed in a rapidly changing

As primary elections approach, the Indiana Department of Transportation reminds Hoosiers that campaign signs are prohibited from state right-of-way according to Indiana Code 9-21-4-6.  INDOT personnel are required by state law to remove all unauthorized signs within the state right-of-way. Areas that should remain sign-free include: Intersections Interchanges Rights-of-way that run parallel to highways Where the right of way is not clearly marked, boundaries may be estimated as the fence line, the back of the ditch or behind utility poles. INDOT personnel will remove campaign signs and other illegal signs from right-of-way—pursuant to code —as they are encountered in normal

Barker Middle School seventh grade student Eric Wroblewski competed in the Hoosier State Science and Engineering Fair in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 24. He earned the "Pete Kissinger Entrepreneurial Spirit Award" in the Junior Division for his project, "Till - No Till," which explored the impact of tilling soil on corn yield. Wroblewski won second place in the Junior Biological Division at the Valparaiso University Regional Science & Engineering Fair before advancing to the state event.

The St. Joseph County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office has charged 18 year old Jermaine Newsome, with Robbery Resulting in Bodily Injury. He is charged in the March 22nd robbery and shooting of Dazhon Howard in the 1700 block of N. Elmer St., South Bend. The Prosecutor's Office wants to remind people to please be advised that the charges filed against the defendant are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Michigan City Area Schools will host a dedication ceremony on March 28th to celebrate the completion of a renewable energy project across the District. The project is distinguished as the largest for an Indiana school district and consists of ground-mount photovoltaic (PV) arrays and LED lighting upgrades at seven school property locations. The solar array locations include Joy Elementary, Niemann Elementary, Pine Elementary, Barker Middle School, Krueger Middle School, Michigan City Area High School and the MCAS Administration Building. The ribbon cutting event is scheduled to take place at Krueger Middle School at 9 a.m.

How the environment impacts the health of Americans has long been a heated topic of discussion, and an expert on the subject says the federal government isn't doing enough research on pollution or taking enough action to prevent children from being exposed to it. Lawrence Schell is the director of the Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities. He recently lectured at Indiana State University about how pollution impacts the growth and brain development of children. He says scientists continue to find connections between toxins in the environment and adverse health impacts, but not enough is being done about

The St. Joseph County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office has charged 32 year old Luvell D Neal, with 4 Felonies in connection with a County Metro Homicide shooting investigation from the 300 block of W Marion St that occurred on March 22nd, Neal is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, attempted armed robbery, and dealing in cocaine. probable cause was found. He was ordered held without bail until his initial bail hearing and remains in the custody of the St. Joseph County Jail. He is scheduled to appear before a Magistrate for his initial bail hearing and arraignment this afternoon. The Prosecutor's

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is working with local health departments in southern Indiana to respond to a recent increase in hepatitis A cases, many of which are tied to a large outbreak in Kentucky. In the last month, 17 cases of hepatitis A have been confirmed statewide, including 11 in Clark and Floyd counties. Since Jan. 1, ISDH has confirmed 40 cases of hepatitis A statewide. Typically, fewer than 20 cases are confirmed each year in Indiana. Many of the southern Indiana cases have involved inmates in the Clark County Jail. However, an elementary school in Clark

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Friday sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta requesting approval for a waiver that will allow the new Governor’s Workforce Cabinet to fill the role of Indiana’s federally-mandated state workforce development board. The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet was created this legislative session and outlines a smaller group with more authority to drive collaboration among employers and state and local partners. Highlights of Indiana’s waiver request include: A smaller and more nimble cabinet with the authority to align resources, programs and partners. More direct employer engagement. Finally, urgency and an expressed mission to prepare Hoosiers

The LaPorte County Judiciary announced today that they have chosen attorney John A. Link of LaPorte to serve as the new Magistrate in LaPorte Superior Court No. 4, replacing retiring Magistrate Nancy Gettinger.  A lifelong resident of LaPorte, Link has some twenty three years’ experience as a practicing attorney,  the last thirteen years of which he served as a litigation attorney for State Farm Insurance in their Crown Point , Indiana offices.  Previously, Link worked in private practice with firms in LaPorte County and served with the LaPorte County Public Defender’s office where he defended indigent clients facing prosecution on juvenile,