News

Indiana State Police are investigating an inmate death at the Westville Correctional Facility. The ISP says on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division Lowell Post was contacted by the Westville Correctional Facility to investigate an inmate death that had been discovered at 8:00 a.m. Preliminary investigation shows that 35-year-old John R. Taylor, from Greene County, Indiana, died from blunt force trauma as determined through an autopsy by the LaPorte County Coroner. The investigation is ongoing and once completed, the case will be turned over to the LaPorte County Prosecutor for consideration of charges.

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana State Police is requesting the public’s assistance to gather information on an interstate shooting that took place on the Indiana Toll Road (I80/90) in Elkhart County on the Tuesday evening. At about 6:00 p.m. Indiana State Police Dispatch received a 911 call from the driver of a white Freightliner semi that believed he was shot at by the driver of an unknown make passenger car. State Police investigators believe that the driver of the semi and the driver of the passenger car got into a road rage incident at approximately the 94.5 mile marker,

A Valparaiso University student has died as a result of injuries in a stabbing that occurred Oct. 29, the City of Valparaiso announced Wednesday. The City of Valparaiso released the following statement: The City of Valparaiso joins Valparaiso University in mourning the loss of VU student Varun Raj Pucha. “Our hearts go out to Varun’s family and friends in this heartbreaking loss. The Valparaiso community has been shocked by this senseless tragedy and is united in support for this young man and his family,” said Mayor Matt Murphy. “I ask all of Valparaiso to continue to keep Varun and his

Press release by office of U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan: Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced federal grant awards in Northwest Indiana, including for the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Hobart, Lake Station Community Schools, and Valparaiso Community Schools under the Department of Justice’s COPS Office. According to the Department of Justice, the Porter County Sheriff’s Office will receive $125,000 from the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to hire additional law enforcement officers in an effort to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Additionally, the City of Hobart will receive $500,000, Lake Station Community

On Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced that multiple municipalities will receive Community Crossings Matching Grants to fund road and infrastructure improvements throughout the region. Rep. Pat Boy’s (D-Michigan City) district received the following funding: $41,430.90 for Beverly Shores $545,062.77 for Chesterton $998,930.75 for Michigan City $1 million for LaPorte County $561,310.11 for Porter $125,876.48 for Porter County Boy issued the following statement regarding the grant allocation: “The ability to build and maintain roads and infrastructure is a key component to a thriving community and public safety. I’d like to thank INDOT for this generous grant which will

Press release by Healthcare Foundation of La Porte: Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) announces that 33 grants totaling $1,416,149 have been awarded in cycle 2 of 2023. Each year, HFL makes grants during two grant cycles to advance the strategic priorities of Healthy Children, Healthy Living, and Healthy Minds. Additionally, HFL makes Healthy La Porte grants to respond to community needs outside of the strategic priorities that demonstrate a connection to HFL’s mission and vision: empowering La Porte County residents to live healthy and well so that La Porte can be one of the top 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030.

Press release by United Way of LaPorte County: Attention All Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserves! United Way and Al’s LaPorte/ Michigan City will distribute $20 gift certificates to the first 100 Veterans in the store on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023 from 9am-11am CT or until supplies last. On this special day, any active or retired military personnel are invited to come into the store near the customer service desk and receive their gift certificate. You must show valid Military Identification or DD Form 2. One gift certificate per guest, and you must be present to receive the

PORTER COUNTY, Ind — The Indiana State Police said Tuesday its Crash Reconstruction Team was contacted by Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon to investigate a fatal crash on U.S. 12 in Porter County. Preliminary information is the Porter County Sheriff's Department was in pursuit of a stolen 2022 Toyota Rav4, westbound on U.S. 12 from the area of the Pines. The pursuit continued on U.S. 12 when just west of S.R 49, the suspect vehicle crossed the center of the roadway and struck a 2003 Pontiac Vibe that was traveling eastbound.  The driver of the Pontiac sustained fatal injuries as

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) hosted a military drill competition on Saturday, November 4th.  The Wolves earned 3rd place trophies for Color Guard and Exhibition, and a 2nd place for Regulation in the Armed Division.  They also earned a second place for Color Guard in the Unarmed Division.  The University of Notre Dame Navy/Marine Corps ROTC provided the judges. “For being this early in the year, our cadets drilled very well,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath.  “Particularly since most of our Drill Team are also on our Raider Team,

The following are the unofficial 2023 election results for LaPorte County:

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office has identified the motorcyclist who died in Monday's fatal crash as 45-year-old Michael Thomas Nowicki,  from Edwardsburg, MI. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Original story: NEW BUFFALO, Mich. — The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motorcycle that left one person dead Monday night in New Buffalo Township, Michigan. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident at around 9:24 p.m. local time on West U.S. 12 and Red Arrow Highway. Police say the incident, which was not reported when it occurred, was brought to their attention by an

On Saturday, Nov. 11, Purdue University Northwest is honoring our veterans with a celebration breakfast. This celebration is open to all of the PNW community and the public. This year’s event will be held at the PNW branch campus in Westville, Indiana, and will include breakfast and a keynote address. More information can be found below, on the flyer for the event and at www.pnw.edu/event/veterans-day-celebration/. Schedule of Events 8:15 a.m. – Registration 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast Buffet 9 a.m. – Program Starts Keynote Speaker Retired State Senator Jim Arnold Senator Arnold was born and graduated from Michigan City Elston High

Mayor of Valparaiso Matt Murphy released a statement on Monday regarding the stabbing of Valparaiso University Graduate student Varun Raj Pucha, which occurred Oct. 29 at Planet Fitness: "All of Valparaiso was shocked to learn of the recent stabbing of Valparaiso University graduate student Varun Raj Pucha. He was preparing to receive his master's degree in computer science in December. I have been in regular contact with Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla and have offered City assistance, as needed. I have also been working with Sen. Todd Young’s office to secure emergency visas so that Varun’s family can travel to

NEW BUFFALO, Mich. — The Berrien County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal motorcycle that left one person dead Monday night in New Buffalo Township, Michigan. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident at around 9:24 p.m. local time on West U.S. 12 and Red Arrow Highway. Police say the incident, which was not reported when it occurred, was brought to their attention by an observant off-duty BCSO deputy who noticed a motorcycle on its side adjacent to a parking lot, well off the roadway. Recognizing the suspicious nature of the situation, the off-duty deputy  contacted an on-duty

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation announced urgent roadway repairs for I-65 northbound near mile marker 244. I-65 northbound will be reduced to one lane through this area (north of State Road 2) while repairs are being made. These lane closures are expected to be in place through Friday morning. Motorists should expect delays during peak times and are encouraged to seek alternate routes.  

Press release by Healthcare Foundation of La Porte: LA PORTE, IN - Playon (playonapp.com), a unique web platform built to make active living easy, and Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) are delighted to announce their new collaboration in support of HFL’s Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Initiative. The partnership, kicking off this November, seeks to promote active living options available throughout the county, making it easier for residents to get and stay active. Having launched its Beta in June, Playon has been steadfast in its commitment to centralizing information related to community activities, from local park profiles to diverse

On Friday, November 3, 2023, Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) held its second AED Celebration in 2023 at the HFL Conference & Learning Center. Each year, HFL provides grants for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) as part of its When Seconds Count: AED Initiative. The initiative helps ensure the La Porte County community has access to life-saving devices. When Seconds Count: AED Initiative Partnerships  HFL works closely with La Porte County EMS through the AED Collective to educate the community on the importance of routine AED maintenance, AED registration, and CPR training. This work ensures our community has a safe,

A motorist died in hospital following a single-vehicle accident on County Road 200W in Liberty Township on Thursday evening, Nov. 2, according to a Facebook post from the Town of Chesterton. According to the PCSP, at 6:13 p.m. officers were dispatched to the 900 north block of County Road 200W, after a witness reported seeing a vehicle hit a tree and possibly rolling. Officers located the vehicle in the middle of the roadway, which was occupied by a male driver. “All airbags had deployed and the vehicle had major damage,” the PCSP said. “The male was conscious/alert and was speaking

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - Canadian National Railway plans to close State Road 53/Broadway at their railroad crossing between 66th Place and Carolyn Drive beginning on or after Friday, Nov. 10. State Road 53 will be closed for around one week in this location while they replace their at-grade crossing. Motorists should seek an alternate route. The local detour will follow 61st Avenue, State Road 55 and 73rd Avenue. Through traffic is encouraged to use I-65.

Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry’s Office announced that Meijer Drive has been repaved. The office said they had received numerous complaints over the conditions of Meijer Drive in front of the three big box stores. “Mayor Parry and the city aggressively worked to take over ownership of this roadway and with the assistance of the Redevelopment Commission, the Board of Works, and engineer Brad Minnick,” the Parry’s office said in a press release. Within two weeks of acquisition of the roadway, the City has repaved it entirely. “These same groups are actively pursuing permissions with the State and property owners