(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man is accused of trying to prevent his gambling winnings from going toward back child support.

Lance Halderman, 44, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 4 with Level 6 felony cheating at gaming.

According to court documents, Halderman on March 22 won just over $2,000 on a slot machine at Blue Chip Casino.  However, he allegedly made arrangements for another man at the casino to collect his winnings and give him the money.

In return, he’d give the man $100 and the money he would have to pay in taxes on the income to collect, authorities said. 

According to court documents, Halderman knew his winnings would be garnished to pay down the child support he owed because of a previous seizure of his winnings at the casino for back child support.  That seizure occurred in June of last year when his child support balance was $2,218, authorities said.

Halderman could face an up to 30 month sentence.

The man who agreed to collect was not charged after he told authorities he didn’t know the arrangement was against the law and he was just trying to help someone.

(La Porte, IN) - La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, along with first responders, will compete in a fundraising basketball tournament this evening at the Civic Auditorium, the money raised to help pay for a mission trip to New York City by a select number of teenagers with the Agape Christian Church in La Porte.

Church member Cassie Lipscomb said the teens are with La Porte Youth Unite, a group that meets every Thursday morning and now every Sunday night at the church for Bible study and devotions. She said eight of the teens have signed up so far for the trip they want to take to help the homeless and other unfortunate people.

“They want to stop in every state from Indiana to New York to drop off blessing bags to homeless people or those who might need something,” she said.

The blessing bags will contain items like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and granola bars.

The mayor has a team in what’s called the “Battle of the Badges” tournament. Other teams consist of police and firefighters from La Porte, members of the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, and the New Carlisle Fire Department. The first game of the tournament is between the mayor’s team and the La Porte Police Department team at 5 p.m. The championship game will start around 9 p.m.   

The cost of admission is a donation of whatever people want to give.  

Lipscomb said the trip is planned from July 21st-28th.

(Three Oaks, MI) - Freshman Jeff Tertel pitched a complete game but one bad inning from the mound was enough for River Valley to defeat New Buffalo 7-5 in the first game of a doubleheader in high school baseball on Tuesday.

The Bison took an early first inning lead at River Valley when Vaughn Nikkel after a walk stole second base and came home on a throwing error to first base on a ground ball to the shortstop from Nick Wolfe.

Starting pitcher D.J. Freehling struggling with his control was taken out of the game and replaced by Shawn Driscoll, who got the Mustangs out of the first inning jam with no additional runs scored.

The Bison scored again in the third inning.  Ethan Lijewski was hit by a pitch and stole second base.   Lijewski came home on a bad throw by the catcher into left field while he was attempting to steal third base.

Tertel had not given up a hit until the third inning when the Mustangs reached base on two consecutive bunts for infield singles from Owen Slavens and Driscoll.  The runners then advanced on a wild pitch.

Trey Ackerman drew a walk to load the bases.  Three runs then scored on a ground ball into the hole at second base followed by two consecutive singles to left field by Cooper Lynch and Jack Seifert.

Two more sharply hit balls to left field by the next hitters, Matt Moore and Kayden Gibson, drove in another three runs. 

Tertel managed to get out of the inning on a fly ball to right field and strike out from the next two hitters.

Driscoll with two outs in the fourth inning found himself in a bases loaded jam after giving up a single to Nick Messinger and striking two batters with the ball.

New Buffalo didn’t score again until the fifth inning when Hagen Davis drove home a run with a single to right field.   The Bison pulled to within two runs in the sixth inning when Messinger scored on a fielder’s choice to second base after he reached base on a walk.

The Mustangs scored again when Ryder Wolnik singled to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning and stole second base then came home on a passed ball from Tertel to the catcher.

The Bison opened the seventh inning with two straight singles, including a line drive up the middle from Tertel.  One of the runners crossed the plate but nobody else in the line-up could reach base.

River Valley (8-3) won the second game 8-0.  The Bison fell to 7-6 on the season.

(La Porte County, IN) - A solar energy company is officially seeking permission to draw energy from the sun across 2,600 acres of La Porte County farmland.

Opponents of the proposed facility packed the LaPorte County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday hoping for a moratorium until there was a better understanding gained about industrial solar farms. However, they were disappointed to learn it’s too late to place a moratorium on the current proposal, since the request to build and operate it had already been submitted on Tuesday for consideration by the LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals.

“That’s my interpretation of the law,” said Scott Pejic, the attorney for the commissioners.

RWE Clean Energy, LLC is seeking a special exception to the current agricultural zoning of the land in the area of 600 East and 200 North in Kankakee and Wills townships.

Renewable Development Manager Emily McDuff, who works out of the company’s office in Chicago, said the amount of electricity produced by the solar panels would at least equal what’s needed to power every home in LaPorte County. McDuff explained that the power would help replace the electricity lost when coal-fired generating plants in Indiana, such as the NIPSCO facility in Michigan City, shut down in the next couple of years.

She said about a dozen landowners would no longer have to worry about selling their properties with the supplemental income they’ll be paid for via the use of their land under a 35-year lease. The solar farm would also mean about $100 million in property tax revenue for local governments over the lifetime of the operation.

After 35 years, McDuff explained, the solar farm would be decommissioned and the property restored to farmland. Barriers, consisting of plants and other natural growth, would also be created around each of the sites.

“Our application exceeds LaPorte County and the state requirements in areas such as vegetative screening and setbacks from residential neighbors,” she said.

Heather Oake of 3306 North 50 East said the county government’s solar farm ordinance adopted in 2021 should be amended to prohibit solar farms from being anywhere near residential neighborhoods. Oake also said she understands the desire of landowners not wanting to be forced into possibly selling one day for retirement income.

“I think we just need to be looking at both sides and really what the majority of the people want. Maybe we should do polling to find out,” she said.

Landowners like Cindy Kusper of 5253 East 150 North defended what they felt was a right to do what they wish with their properties.  She and her husband stand to be compensated handsomely from about one-third of the solar operation resting on their 950 acres of productive farmland.

“We have a vision of making that land go back to where it is now. But, in the meantime, it helps us financially and secures us for the future,” she said.

Rhonda Haverstock, of 2591 North 600 East, said her husband, Jack, is now retired from farming and they rent the ground to other farmers using it to grow crops. Haverstock said a solar farm lease would prevent any possibility of her having to sell land that’s been in her family for generations.

“We’ve got children, grandchildren that we’d like to see benefit from this also.  I’m asking everyone to consider our property rights,” she said.

Oake said she believes there are limits to the rights of someone owning property.

“I do have empathy for the farmers that want to lease their land. On the flip side, we have zoning laws. If we didn’t have any zoning laws then sure you can do whatever you want with your property but we do have zoning laws,” she said.

Critics also pointed out that the hundreds of construction jobs created would be gone, with just a few workers remaining to operate the facility once it’s built. However, Susan Thomas, Director of Legislation and Policy for the group “Just Transition Northwest Indiana,” said a new industry is being created from the move toward cleaner energy. Thomas said workers are being trained now to repair and maintain solar panels while receiving a livable wage.

“These are union jobs. It’s very exciting,” she said.

The BZA is expected to begin considering the proposal at its next meeting on May 21st.

(South Bend, IN) - A high-speed chase in the area wound up with a driver receiving federal prison time, as Martin Devalois was given nearly eight years in prison at the U.S. District Court in South Bend.

Authorities said the 40-year-old man led police on a 30-minute chase throughout La Porte County in March of 2021, ending in the City of La Porte when he crashed into a snow bank.

A loaded handgun was reportedly recovered from the vehicle, with it being against the law for him to have a gun because of multiple prior felony convictions.

Devalois is from Romeoville, near Chicago.

(Elkhart County, IN) - Two people were killed in a small-engine plane crash last evening in northern Indiana.

Authorities state that two people were aboard the aircraft, which crashed into a wooded area near Bristol in Elkhart County. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Further details have not been released.

(Hammond, IN) - A new state record has been set for the size of a perch caught in the region as, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, a 3.2 lb. perch caught by Blas Lara shattered a 43-year-old state record by more than a half pound.

The monster perch was caught in Lake Michigan during a recent fishing derby in Hammond.

Yellow perch are native to Lake Michigan and popular with anglers because of their taste and the ease with which they're caught. The perch population in Lake Michigan is not what it used to be several decades ago, but they are growing faster, as per the DNR.

“Perch growth rates have accelerated over the past few years, with many reaching true trophy sizes at younger ages than in the past,” said Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan fisheries research biologist Ben Dickinson.

“Many anglers have been catching true ‘jumbo’ perch, in the 14- to-17-inch size class over the past two years.”

(Michigan City, IN) - Franciscan Health has received funds to support healthcare-related programs for non-profit, health, and human service organizations in at-risk communities The funds will be allocated through Franciscan’s Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP).

SIPP funding applications will be accepted until May 31st while agencies receiving the money will be announced in mid-July, officials said. Each applicant can request as much as $10,000.

Qualified non-profit agencies must benefit vulnerable populations in communities served by Franciscan Health.

Organizations selected to receive funding must participate in an orientation session on July 31st and will be expected to submit progress reports at six-month and one-year intervals.

“This cornerstone initiative by Franciscan Health is aimed at creating strong partnerships with community organizations to enhance the health and wellbeing of those we are privileged to serve,” said Caitlin Leahy, senior vice president for the Franciscan Health Foundation and Community Health Improvement.

For more information about the SIPP and assistance in applying for monetary support, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Director Danielle Crowder at Danielle.Crowder@franciscanalliance.org.

(La Porte, IN) - The main level of the near century-old La Porte Civic Auditorium is now air-conditioned for the first time, with the recently installed air conditioning system having been tested last week and used for a fundraising event over the weekend, per Civic Auditorium Director Brett Binversie.

“It worked perfectly, so we’re happy about that,” he said.

The air conditioning was installed primarily to host more major events during the summer at the Civic Auditorium, which has been used more extensively in recent years, mostly for tribute band concerts and major acts like country music stars Sara Evans and Josh Turner.

A new, more efficient heating system was also recently installed, joining additional improvements like new cushioned balcony seats wider than the auditorium's original all-wooden seating arrangement, along with LED lights, wider aisles, guardrails, and accessible seating in the balcony.  A new roof was also placed on the building two years ago.

“It really makes the Civic more ready for the next 100 years,” he said.

The cost of all of the improvements was about $6 million, with some of the expenses paid for with American Rescue Plan dollars approved by the federal government to help the entire country recover economically from the pandemic.

(La Porte, IN) - Charges have been filed against a completely naked pedestrian in La Porte, with Durand Willis, 31, having been arrested this past Saturday for Public Indecency and Public Intoxication.

According to police, at about sunrise officers responded to a report of a naked man running down the road in the area of Boyd Boulevard and Ohio Street. Willis was soon located by officers, who placed him in handcuffs for safety purposes until they figured out what was going on.

Willis, who seemed very confused with his speech, revealed he had taken psychedelic mushrooms.

He was booked into the La Porte County Jail on the misdemeanor counts. During an initial court hearing on Monday, the La Porte man revealed he would hire legal counsel instead of accepting a court-appointed public defender. He later posted $300 cash bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - A number of local and statewide farmers are behind in their planting due to what, so far, has been a wet spring.

On average, Indiana farmers have eight percent of their corn and soybeans in the ground, according to the latest report from USDA. The five-year average at this point over the past five years in Indiana is 13 and 9 percent respectively.

Farmer Matt Schafer of LaCrosse said just three percent of his over 1,600 acres of soybeans were planted, while none of his 1,200 acres of corn are in the ground.

“We are wet down here,” he said.

Schafer said he was only able to plant 56 acres of soybeans recently during short periods when some of his ground relatively close to the Kankakee River was just dry enough to operate heavy machinery. He explained how none of his fields were dry enough to where he thought he could navigate completely across in a tractor without leaving tire tracks in the soil.

Usually, Schafer said, he has more soybeans and at least a small percentage of corn planted before May 1st. However, he’s not expecting to get much more if any planting done this week because of the ground being too wet to dry out before the next chance of rain predicted for this weekend.

“The ditches are full. The river is pretty full and there’s some ponding in the fields.  We’ll see how it goes,” he said.

Farmer Mark Parkman, out near Westville, noted that about 20 percent of his over 1,000 acres of soybeans are in the ground, but no corn.

“On our farm, it’s awfully wet,” he said.

Parkman said he went ahead and started planting soybeans because they’re more capable than corn of germinating in the ground with higher moisture levels. To him, it’s a bit early in the planting season to worry too much, but he is concerned about a weather forecast calling for a wet early May. “If things dry out, we can get going fairly quickly. I just don’t know if things are doing to dry out,” he said.

Schafer said he’s also not too concerned right now, but will be if things don’t dry out enough within the next few weeks, since farm equipment nowadays can make up for lost planting time quickly.

“We can put a lot of acres in the ground in a hurry if conditions get favorable. We can still catch up,” he said.

Ideally, Parkman said, he wants to be done with planting before the first or second week in May. He believes he can still finish up by then depending on Mother Nature.

“We’re in a wet spell right now. If it dries out a bit, we can cover quite a bit of ground fairly quickly,” he said.

On the flip side, Parkman said, any loss of yields from a late planting season could help corn and soybeans prices, which are down a bit from current supplies being higher than demand.

“Whenever you have a weather scare it tends to help the markets. If it stays wet for a while it might be to our advantage. We’ll see what happens,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police are now saying that two men stole a large amount of items before turning the merchandise into cash.

Dean and Kevin Woodruff have been charged with Burglary after they reportedly forced their way into a shed earlier this month on West Rukmin Trail near 700 West and Bleck Road. From the scene, a pressure washer, snow blower, chainsaw, and power rake were among the numerous pieces of equipment taken.

According to court documents, police were alerted after the men received cash for the equipment from pawn shops in Michigan City and La Porte. What they received for the equipment was not revealed, but all of the items were valued at slightly more than $7,000. 

Per authorities, the men, in their 30s, lived close to the shed they broke into. They each could face an up to six-year sentence on the Level 5 felony charge.

(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce has announced Kurt Gillins as its new President.

Gillins, who brings over 15 years of chamber experience from his previous role at the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, has also collaborated with other chambers and businesses regionally, statewide, and nationally to exchange best practices according to chamber officials.

They also cited his understanding of economic trends and dedication to fostering partnerships, which they feel will also help him to propel the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce toward continued success.

“Stepping into the role of President of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce is an honor and privilege. I look forward to working together with the chamber board, staff, business members, and community leaders to continue the incredible momentum the Chamber has been experiencing under the previous leadership of Katie Eaton," he said.

As President, Gillins will focus on advancing the Chamber's mission to promote economic vitality, advocate for local businesses, and bring in new ideas to enhance every aspect of the Chamber.

Gillins will officially begin on May 13th.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch presented 13 local youth programs with one-thousand-dollar checks before a sold-out crowd during her first charity gala on April 19th.

Through sponsorships and ticket sales, the mayor raised $113,000, the funds to benefit Michigan City organizations that offer youth services and programming.

“Before I was mayor, I was a coach, a teacher, and a mentor,” Nelson Deuitch said.

“I’m as committed now as I’ve ever been to our young people, and saw my first mayor’s ball as the perfect opportunity to raise the money our community needs to help our kids grow and develop into the leaders Michigan City will turn to in the future,” she said.

Several youths volunteered their services throughout the evening by distributing programs, escorting guests to their tables, and even speaking on stage to a crowd of nearly 800 people.

“Everyone there was really nice and welcoming, so that took away my nerves,” said Joshua Vaughn, an eighth-grader who took the stage during the dinner program to welcome gala attendees and recognize the elected officials in the room.

Check recipients at the gala included the Fly High Youth summer program, Salvation Army of Michigan City summer camp, Boys & Girls Club of Michigan City summer program, Diamonds and Pearls, the Drifters college readiness program, Essence Rare scholarships, JUMP, the YMCA of Michigan City summer camp, Kidpreneurs, Lubeznik Center for the Arts pop-up youth events, Monster Bowling, the Michigan City Soul Steppers, and the Stepping Stone Shelter youth program.

According to the mayor’s office, Horizon Bank provided the seed that got the ball rolling on the record-breaking fundraising initiative. Law firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP and Blue Chip Casino then upped the ante by signing on as Gold Sponsors for the event. NIPSCO, HealthLinc, Purdue University Northwest, American Structurepoint Inc., Harris Law Firm, Hoosier Equipment LLC, ACME Print Copy Design, Global Engineering & Land Surveying LLC, Meticulous Design + Architecture, Wessler Engineering, and La Porte County Project Management rounded out the event’s Silver Sponsors. Dozens of more businesses, service clubs, church groups, and individuals from throughout the region pitched in to sponsor tables and tickets as a means of supporting Michigan City’s youth.

“I am so grateful to all of our sponsors and everyone who attended the gala or donated tickets, time, or talents to help us pull this off,” the mayor said.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte woman could face prison time for Possession of Methamphetamine, as Sadie Christy, 21, has been charged in La Porte Circuit Court.

According to court documents, officers were called to her residence on April 18th on a report of disruptive behavior from Christy, who was found in the bathroom of the home on Farrand Avenue. There, she reportedly began yelling and screaming at officers, struggling against them as they attempted to place her in handcuffs due to her growing hostility. Amid the fracas, A bag containing over two grams of methamphetamine was located in the bathroom sink.

Christy was given a dose of Narcan to ease her overdose symptoms before being taken to Northwest Health where she was later medically cleared.  She was booked into the La Porte County Jail a short time later and could face an up to 30-month sentence on the Level 6 felony charge.

(La Porte County, IN) - A Michigan City man caught squealing his tires has been accused of leading police on a short vehicle pursuit while impaired over the weekend. Christopher Mays, 22, has been charged with Level 6 felony Resisting Law Enforcement and Class C misdemeanor Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.

According to La Porte County Police, at about 12:20 a.m. a sheriff’s deputy heard the squealing of tires from a car turning from Johnson Road onto 400 North in Coolspring Township, before spotting a 2021 Honda Accord accelerating rapidly and fishtailing.

The officer, with his lights and siren activated, then caught up to the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, only for the suspect to run a stop sign before rapidly accelerating.

Mays allegedly veered onto 450 North before 660 West, ultimately turning into the driveway of a residence. He told the officer he fled because he didn’t want to receive another ticket for his driving behavior.

Mays had an alleged .099 percent blood alcohol level at the time of the incident.

(Michigan City, IN) - The Los Angeles Rams will be heading into the next season with a piece of Michigan City among their ranks, as local football player Braden Fiske was drafted in the second round this past weekend.

Fiske, along with family members and friends, were at Zorn Brew Works on the city’s north side when he received that fateful phone call from the Rams.

Fiske is a 2018 graduate of Michigan City High School.  He spent six years in college, his final year at Florida State. He is also a defensive lineman who helped lead Michigan City to the Class 5A regional title in 2017.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County planners are deliberating possible restrictions for solar developments. The planning commission held a workshop prior to its regular meeting last Tuesday.

An interested crowd spilled out of the County Complex meeting room into the hallway.

County Attorney Doug Biege advised the commission that he needs to review state regulations to make sure that anything the county decides does not supersede them. Contrary to claims by some remonstrators recently, Biege reiterated multiple times that a county ordinance cannot be more stringent than state regulation.

Lori Johnston, a resident in the area of the proposed solar installation, objected to the plan, saying that her home would be completely surrounded by solar panels, ruining her view and property value. She said that she has talked to a resident in St. Joseph County whose house was recently surrounded by solar panels and has had trouble selling his home. She also testified that she was offered $20,000 by the solar company to sign a non-disparagement agreement.

A spokesperson for the solar company acknowledged that monetary compensation offers have been made to residents adjacent to the solar panels. She also stressed that they have already planned for 250-foot setbacks plus screening, which is according to state standards.

Biege reaffirmed that the planning commission only drafts a proposal. The Board of Zoning Appeals will have the final say on any solar projects. But he added that a careful handling of all matters concerned may take a while. He compared it to the process of approving a battery storage facility near Walkerton a couple of years ago. "It may take more than one meeting," he said. "The law is changing very quickly, as you can see. And so I want to make sure we've got concerns covered. I’m not advocating either side; I’m trying to do it the right way.”

Resident Steve Holifield suggested that a moratorium on solar projects is the most sensible thing to do. With elections on the horizon, he cautioned that the political winds may shift in the coming year.

The planning commission voted not to add moratorium consideration to their regular meeting agenda. In the meantime, attorney Biege is researching state statute, and a special planning commission meeting will convene this upcoming Tuesday, May 30th at 6 p.m. to reconsider the matter.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City firefighters fought a three-story blaze near the lakefront.

Just before 7 a.m. last Friday morning first responders were called to 305 Beachwalk Lane where a home was engulfed in flames.

The residence was empty at the time. Three firefighters fell through the porch while containing the blaze, but luckily they were not injured. According to a spokesperson for the fire department, it took a couple of hours for crews with three engines and a tower truck to maintiain the fire. They had to return later to deal with hot spots.

The State Fire Marshal brought in a chemical-sniffing dog to detect any possible accelerants that might have been involved. That investigation is ongoing.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Gary man faces a litany of charges after throwing a bit of a tantrum for police officers.

It happened in Michigan City last Sunday evening. When an Indiana State Police trooper pulled over a 2004 Cadillac Escalade, its passenger, 19-year-old Nadan Stallings was found to have an active La Porte County warrant for Criminal Mischief.

Rather than go peacefully, Stallings created more mischief, according to police. He allegedly resisted officers and caused extensive damage to a squad car by trying to kick out a window. Michigan City officers helped subdue Stallings; one of them was assaulted.

Stallings was eventually transported to county jail where he now faces a felony charge of battering a public official, in addition to five other misdemeanor charges:

• Battery on a public safety official-Level 6 felony
• Resisting law enforcement-Class A misdemeanor
• Criminal mischief-Class B misdemeanor
• Disorderly conduct-Class B misdemeanor
• Possession of marijuana-Class B misdemeanor
• Possession of paraphernalia-Class C misdemeanor

(South Bend, IN) - A carload of people were injured in a crash on the Indiana Toll Road Monday night.

The accident happened in the westbound lanes near the Notre Dame exit in St. Joseph County. Around 7:00 Central, Indiana State Police say a box truck slammed into the back of a Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

According to police, a 25-year-old woman in the back of the minivan was ejected from the vehicle, suffering extensive injuries. Four others were also slightly injured. At least two of the injured are residents of the United Kingdom. The group is participating in a balloon sculpture event in Elkhart which is raising money for Memorial Hospital’s Ronald McDonald House. Now the family of the 25-year-old victim is staying at the Ronald McDonald House while she recovers.

The 47-year-old Nebraska man who was driving the box truck was not injured in the crash. Police are still investigating.

(La Porte County, IN) - It appears a happy ending is in store for a La Porte County man who had his flag pole and the two flags on it stolen from his yard.

According to La Porte County Police, at bout 10 a.m. on Monday, officers were called to a home in the 2700 block of South 425 West in Scipio Township. There, the victim told officers his up-to-25-foot tall flag pole was taken from the front of his residence sometime between 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

He said attached to the pole was the State of Indiana flag and the American flag. However, he could not provide any suspects and did not have any working surveillance cameras. He estimated the loss at $450.

The man filed a police report the next day at the request of the flag pole company, which offered to replace everything as long as he reported the crime to authorities, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.

(Michigan City, IN) - The superintendent of schools in Michigan City is retiring, with Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins leaving her position effective August 2nd.

Watkins originally accepted the job about 14 years ago after originally coming from Chicago, where she was nationally recognized as a principal. She later became chief education officer in the Chicago Public Schools.

School Board President and Michigan City Chief of Police Marty Corley said her dedication to the community was unwavering and she laid down a foundation for the future success of the school corporation.

“I think she has done a remarkable job,” he said.

Corley said Watkins came to Michigan City at a time when the school corporation needed strong leadership and an uplifting, tasks for which he gave her an excellent grade.

“She’s moved us forward in the right direction and brought us to a point of stability, promise, and productivity when it comes to the education of our kids,” he said.

Corley also praised her for having a heart for educating children and improving leadership skills in young people. He said her loving personality and respect shown to others was infectious, not just in the schools, but out in the community.

“There’s only one Dr. Watkins. Even though she’s retiring on paper, I think when it’s all said and done, she will still be a cheerleader and advocate for our kids and our community when needed. I’ll still have her on my speed dial,” he said.

(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz denied allegations made in a complaint from a county government employee who claims he harassed her.

Stabosz said he acted cordially in verbal and text message exchanges with Human Resources Director Monique Thomas, who he described as “having an ax to grind.”

On Thursday, Thomas filed a written complaint about Stabosz with the La Porte County Commissioners and La Porte County Council. She alleged that Stabosz, over about a two week period, kept asking her if she leaked incorrect information about high turnover from his office that aired on a local radio talk show. Eventually, Thomas said, she hung up on Stabosz and blocked him from contacting her on her phone.

Stabosz said about half of the employees who left his office since becoming auditor in 2021 were promoted to other departments, alleging that Thomas and others are just playing dirty politics to make him look bad prior to the May 7th primary.

“Let’s get Tim Stabosz, Let’s get Tim Stabosz.' A professional would not do that. It’s completely inappropriate. So, this is the way the game is played and I just appeal to the public to look at this for what it is,” he said.

Stabosz is running for the Republican Party nomination for a seat on the La Porte County Commissioner against Steve Holifield and Martin C. Smith.

Stabosz also said Thomas stepped out of bounds in her official job capacity from her complaint finding its way to the news media when such complaints are supposed to be kept in-house as a personnel matter.

“It’s a terrible reflection on her,” he said.

Stabosz and Thomas have sparred in the past over Stabosz opposing her hiring as the permanent human resources director. She was previously the interim human resources director for about two years.

(La Porte County, IN) - A complaint alleging harassment has been filed against La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz. 

Monique Thomas, Human Resources Director for La Porte County government, alleges in her complaint that Stabosz has repeatedly called and texted her since April 15th regarding a report of high turnover in his office since he became auditor in 2021. In the complaint, Thomas said Stabosz wanted to know if she leaked the number “13 employees,” which was the amount reported on a local radio talk show as the number of workers that had left his office during his tenure. She alleged Stabosz also came to her office wanting to know who gave out the figure.

During one conversation, Thomas also said Stabosz was accusing her of lying and that the reported figure was “making him look bad,” according to the complaint. In a phone call, Thomas said she hung up on Stabosz, who responded by texting several messages to her.

“As HR Director, I should not be used in his political antics,” Thomas said in her complaint.   

In her complaint filed on Thursday with the La Porte County Commissioners and La Porte County Council, Thomas said she had blocked him from contacting her on her personal phone and directed him to call her on her work phone should he have any employee-related concerns.

"He’s irrational, and this type of behavior should not be tolerated towards any employee as far as I’m concerned," Thomas said. 

Stabosz and Thomas were previously at odds with each other over her hiring as HR director, which led to a heated exchange between them during a La Porte County Commissioners meeting earlier this year. 

Stabosz is currently the elected La Porte County Auditor and is seeking the Republican Party nomination for La Porte County Commissioner during the May 7th Primary Election.

So far, attempts to reach Stabosz for a response have been unsuccessful.