(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte woman clocked at 95 miles per hour is facing felony drunk driving allegations after convicted of OWI earlier this year.

Alexis Smith, 22, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony operating while intoxicated and Class B misdemeanor reckless driving.

La Porte County Police said an officer clocked her traveling 40 miles per hour above the 55 mph speed limit in the 2200 block of E. Indiana 2.  The officer did a U-turn and caught up to the vehicle, which pulled over at Indiana 2 and 400 East.

Her alleged blood alcohol level was nearly two times the legal .08 percent limit.

According to authorities, the charge was elevated to a felony due to her having a prior OWI conviction in February in St. Joseph County.

(La Porte, IN) - Police say a man who ran a red light with an officer behind him in downtown La Porte is facing an operating while intoxicated charge.

Joshua Montemayor, 44, was booked into the La Porte County Jail early Sunday on allegations of operating while intoxicated.

According to La Porte County Police, an officer was stopped for a red light in front of the suspect, who was also stopped for the traffic light at Lincolnway and Indiana Ave.  Suddenly, police said the suspect proceeded through the light while it was still red.  During a traffic stop, police said Montemayor when asked if he had anything to drink replied he just had a shot at a bar he claimed to own. 

Police said the results of a portable breathalyzer test given to Montemayor showed impairment.  He refused to take a certified blood alcohol test, resulting in his automatic arrest under state law.

Police said Montemayor was argumentative throughout the duration of the traffic stop.

(La Porte County, IN) - A man convicted of drunk driving just over a week ago was arrested over the weekend for allegedly being impaired outside La Porte.

About 1 a.m. on Sunday, La Porte County Police said the man was pulled over for traveling 71 miles per hour in the 4500 block of N. Fail Road and making an illegal right turn on a red light a short time later.

Police said the driver, 49 year old Michael Jenkins, refused to take a breathalyzer test, which resulted in his automatic arrest for OWI under state law.

On April 10, Jenkins was sentenced to 180 days probation for Class C misdemeanor OWI, according to court records.  The OWI charge he’s now facing was upgraded to a Level 6 felony due to his prior conviction.

During his latest arrest, police said Jenkins exhibited various physical symptoms of impairment and had several empty and partially consumed alcoholic beverage containers in his vehicle.

(New Buffalo Township, MI) - People are expected to flock to the marijuana dispensaries today in greater numbers outside New Buffalo

Today is 420 Day, an unofficial national holiday celebrating the consumption of marijuana. 

Last year, there were enough people going to the dispensaries on 420 Day that vehicles were backed up on Interstate 94 at Exit 1 where many of the dispensaries in New Buffalo Township are located.  Vehicles were also parked in the grass and along roadsides due to parking lots outside the dispensaries being totally full.

No parking and U-turn signs were added along with other measures aimed at handling the 420 influx more effectively were taken.

Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit, who was out this morning patrolling the area near the dispensaries, said there were people waiting in lines at the dispensaries before they opened at 9 a.m. but traffic at the time was manageable.

“We’ll be out throughout the day monitoring traffic and taking the necessary enforcement as needed,” he said.

(South Bend, IN) - A La Porte woman has been sentenced in federal prison on drug-related charges.

Just over a year ago, 26-year-old Monica Del Real was stopped in the area of Interstate 94 and U.S. 421 and found to have active warrants for arrest. Prompted by a K9 alert, police discovered 136 grams of pure methamphetamine and 12 grams of fentanyl hidden in a compartment near the gas pedal. Nearly $5,000 in cash was also found in her purse lying on the floorboard of the vehicle.

Following a guilty plea, Real was recently sentenced in U.S. District Court in South Bend to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

“Monica Del Real thought that she could freely traffic in dangerous narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred.  “State and local law enforcement, and their K9 partner, proved her wrong.  Thanks to their excellent work, both the drugs and Del Real are off the streets.  I thank DEA, Michigan City Police Department, the La Porte County Drug Task Force, and the La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan and his office for their partnership.”

(La Porte County, IN) - New Prairie High School has been recognized statewide for its work in preparing students for the future.

The Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education announced New Prairie High School as Indiana’s American College Application Campaign School of Excellence Award winner.

According to school corporation officials, New Prairie High School earned the award for building an increased awareness of the opportunities and benefits of going to college for all grade levels.  In addition to daily trivia contests and a spirit week, the school launched the College Bound Cougars program, which offers grade-specific lessons on college exploration, financial aid, admissions, career planning, and test preparation for all students in grades nine through 12.

Every student completed multiple career interest inventories, as well as preparation sessions for the PSAT and SAT.  During College Application Week, New Prairie’s seniors submitted 376 college applications.

“New Prairie High School has shown a strong commitment to ensuring every student, including those who may be the first in their families to attend college, receives the support and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education.

“Through the College Bound Cougars program, students begin planning for the college application process as early as their freshman year, helping them prepare for colleges and careers. Whether a student chooses to enroll in college, go straight into a career, or serve in our nation’s military, understanding the range of possibilities for their future is essential to being prepared for their unique next step,” she said.

Each year, ACAC partners with coordinators in nearly every state and the District of Columbia to host college application events that encourage students to apply to college. As Indiana’s coordinator, the Commission selects one school to receive ACAC’s School of Excellence Award on behalf of the state.

“We are so excited and honored to receive this award for our state! Our student support services staff at New Prairie United School Corporation has spent a great deal of time preparing and executing an extensive and purposeful K-12 Career Exploration Plan, and this work culminates with our campaign to encourage and support students as they navigate the college application process,” said Tara White, New Prairie High School’s Director of College & Career Readiness.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte area man is accused of having inappropriate contact with a girl over a four year period.

Jacob Nekvasil is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with child molesting, rape and other counts involving a girl beginning when she was 11.  He’s also charged with battery for alleged physical contact that resulted in injuries to two other children.

According to court documents, police began investigating in early March after the girl told family members about her alleged sexual encounters with Nekvasil. 

The 43 year old Nekvasil arrested a week ago was still being held in the La Porte County Jail.

(Merrillville, IN) - NIPSCO and United Steelworkers leadership have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract.

According to NIPSCO, the agreement is not official because it still has to be ratified by union employees of the company.  A two week lockout of 1,600 employees will remain in effect unless the deal is ratified.

Contract negotiations have been ongoing since January 20.  The prior contract expired March 31.

Details of the tentative settlement have not been disclosed. 

Among the major issues in the contract negotiations were the union’s request for double-time pay for hours beyond a regular work shift and settling on the number of continuous hours employees could be expected to work.

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man has been honored for his many years of work in trying to improve the quality of life in northwest Indiana.

Leigh Morris was given the Norman E. Tufford Award by the Northern Indiana Regional Planning Commission yesterday at its meeting near Chesterton.   Tufford was the first executive director of NIRPC and served in that position for 19 years until 1985.

The award is given to individuals who display expert leadership, patience, persistence and honesty in their pursuit of improving the quality of lives in their communities and throughout the region.  Morris has held several leadership positions with organizations like NIRPC over the years and once was the NIRPC board chairman.

He was also mayor of La Porte for four years beginning in 2004.  Morris said Tuffard was an influence for others to begin thinking more regionally in terms of economic development.

“Those of us who have followed in his footsteps, if you will, have been able to capitalize on his regional thinking,” he said.

Morris said he was also humbled by an award that reflects such great personal qualities.

“I’ve had some wonderful opportunities.  I really have enjoyed and appreciated the ability maybe to have some positive impact with my leadership roles,” he said.

Morris, 91, was also president and chief executive officer at La Porte Hospital for over 20 years.  

(La Porte, IN) - A rifle was used to fire gunshots from a vehicle moments before a collision that critically injured a woman in another vehicle in La Porte.

Scott Gembala, 18, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with intimidation and criminal recklessness, both Level 5 felonies, and second count of criminal recklessness as a Level 6 felony.

Police said the investigation shows he was a passenger in a parked vehicle wearing a ski mask when he fired a shot at four juveniles on foot Sunday on Ridgeway St.  One of the juveniles was dating Gembala’s ex-girlfriend, police said.

Police said the vehicle occupied by Gembala fled and was being followed by another motorist concerned about the reckless manner in which the vehicle was being driven.  Gembala allegedly fired several rounds at the vehicle behind him, damaging the windshield and hood on the vehicle following him.

A short time later, the vehicle Gembala was in broadsided a Ford Fusion at Scott and Ohio streets.  Gembala fled on foot but was later captured at Maple Tree Apartments on the city’s west side, police said.

Police said a rifle was recovered from where Gembala was seated in the vehicle, which was driven by a 17 year old boy.  The seriously injured woman was taken to the hospital for treatment.

So far, the names of both drivers have not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

(La Porte, IN) - Eating breakfast at a La Porte restaurant without paying for it has brought the alleged offender more than just heartburn.

Payton Moisan, 27, has been in the La Porte County Jail since her arrest on Sunday.  The Walkerton area woman is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony theft.

Police said Moisan on April 12 ordered eggs, toast and coffee at Mama T’s restaurant in the 600 block of Lincolnway.  After eating the food, police said Moisan walked out without paying for her $7.39 tab. 

Police said responding officers located her about a block away on State St. and took her into custody.  According to authorities, the misdemeanor charge was elevated to a felony due to her having a prior conviction for theft in 2010.  She could face an up to 30 month sentence.

(La Porte, IN) - An initial hearing was held Wednesday in La Porte Circuit Court for a man accused of taking a large sum of money from a gas station.

Timothy Petersen, 42, of La Porte is charged with Level 6 felony theft.  Police said Petersen in late January was in an office with an employee at the BP station at Lincolnway and Tyler St. in La Porte.  He allegedly removed a leather bag containing over $3,000 in cash from a desk drawer before the two days' worth of receipts could be deposited into the bank.

Police said investigators were later contacted when representatives at the corporate office learned the money was never placed into the account.

Petersen, who is out of the La Porte County Jail on $750 bond, appeared for the hearing with his public defender.  The next hearing in the case was scheduled for June 24.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police have made an arrest in connection with a badly injured pedestrian struck by a hit and run driver last year.

Gerral Smith, 31, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with aggravated battery, leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license.

The collision happened in September in the area of Grand and Fairfield avenues. Police said the 26 year old man hit by the vehicle suffered life threatening injuries. Smith was charged two months later after his vehicle was located and other evidence gathered that identified him as the suspect, police said.

He was arrested Monday on a warrant when located in the 200 block of Hopkins St.  The Michigan City man was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $25,000 bond.

(La Porte County, IN) - A candidate for La Porte County Council says he would not welcome data centers with open arms.

Tim Stabosz said data centers belong in the Kingsbury Industrial Park and other heavily industrialized zones so they don’t have a negative impact on the lives of people by locating close to neighborhoods. Stabosz also said he doesn’t want data centers to spoil the beauty of the county and way of life here, while acknowledging the tax money data centers can bring local municipalities.

“Under my leadership, if elected to the county council, we will not compromise the soul of La Porte County,” he said.

Stabosz, the former La Porte County Auditor, said his position is similar with solar farms or any other kind of development.  He also said residents whose lives would be impacted by data centers and solar farms must have a say.

“No secret deals and no non-disclosure agreements which seek to explicitly squelch public input,” he said.

Stabosz also said residents in places like Hudson Lake, Fish Lake and Saugany Lake should not have to tie-in to any water or sewer extensions if their wells and septic systems are in good working order.

“From a planning perspective, if the majority of folks in those communities do not want intensive "Chicago style" development to happen, they should be listened to, and the county, through zoning, should facilitate these communities in preserving their essential character, as it exists now, for generations to come,” he said.

Stabosz is seeking the Republican nomination for La Porte County Council District 4 in the May 5th primary.  He's opposed by Jimmy Pressel, who defeated him by two votes for the seat in a Republican caucus last year when the seat became open prior to the expiration of the four-year term.  

(La Porte County, IN) - Police say a Michigan City man admitted to being “a little high” after causing a head-on collision that caused an 8-year old boy to lose most of the vision in his left eye.

The boy also suffered a broken leg that required surgery to repair. 

Those are among the new details obtained from the case against 21 year old Shallun Culp.  Culp is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 4 felony operating while intoxicated causing catastrophic injury along with criminal recklessness and driving on a suspended license, both Level 5 felonies.

According to the charging information filed with the court, Culp was passing a semi-truck from behind in a no-passing zone at well over 80 miles per hour in October of 2025 on U.S. 421 south of Michigan City.  He was still in the opposite lane of the two-lane highway when he struck an oncoming mini-van operated by Tiffany Robertson.

According to police, Culp apologized for the crash, saying he was “kinda, a little high.”

Court documents also revealed Culp told investigators he had “nodded off” just prior to the crash and consumed a drink mixed with cough syrup.  He allegedly tested positive for marijuana and ecstasy in his system.

The boy in the Robertson vehicle was airlifted to a Chicago children’s hospital where a rod was surgically placed into his broken leg to help it heal, police said.  According to court documents, the woman and one other passenger were taken by ambulance for treatment of their undisclosed injuries.  Culp complaining of a possible broken leg was taken to a South Bend hospital for more specialized care.

Just over two weeks after a warrant was issued for his arrest in March, police said Culp was taken into custody at Walmart in Michigan City where he had just recently landed a job.

(Michigan City, IN) - Washington Park Zoo is mourning the loss of their 16-year-old resident cougar, Willow.

The zoo announced her death Tuesday afternoon.

According to zoo officials, Willow was battling a brief illness forcing the animal care staff to make the difficult decision to euthanize her when it became clear that recovery was no longer possible.

Willow came to the zoo in 2009 as a cub.  She spent most of her life with another female cougar, Baby, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 19.

Cougars, typically, live 8 to 13 years in the wild but they can live over 20 years in captivity.

(La Porte, IN) - A woman was critically injured in a motor vehicle crash stemming from the firing of gunshots in La Porte.

An arrest has also been made.

Prior to the Monday afternoon crash, La Porte Police said an individual fired gun shots at a group of people on the city’s east side and fled in a vehicle.  More shots were then fired at a vehicle following the suspect.  

According to police, it wasn’t long before the suspected vehicle struck another vehicle at Scott and Ohio streets.  The victim's injuries were described by police as life-threatening.  The suspect then fled on foot but was soon apprehended near Maple Tree Apartments.

So far, the names of the suspect and victim have not been released.  Anyone with information is asked to contact La Porte Police.

(La Porte, IN) - Microsoft has revealed plans for a second data center on 1,200 acres of farmland beside the data center the technology giant has just started building in La Porte.

The future expansion hinges on the city council approving a request from the landowners to annex the property so it can be sold to Microsoft for the development.  The council following a heavily attended public hearing Monday night decided to take a vote on the annexation request at its May 18 meeting.

Councilman Tim Franke said the city will likely never be in such a favorable position again given the tens of millions of dollars already projected to be received in property tax revenue annually under a 20 year agreement with Microsoft on the first data center.  Several millions of dollars a year are also projected for the school corporation from the initial agreement.

How much additional money would come from the proposed expansion was not disclosed, but Franke said the amount pledged from the first data center is already a life-changing amount for the community.  “I strongly believe that we will never have an opportunity in front of us like this again,” he said.

La Porte County government left out of the revenue sharing in the first agreement will receive some of the funding from the expansion under an agreement with the city being finalized.  Mayor Tom Dermody urged council members for their support.  “Let’s continue the momentum we have and say yes,” he said.

The data center now going up is on close to 500 acres of what used to be farmland along Boyd Boulevard just east of U.S. 35.  Mike Stockwell, a land development and permitting program manager for Microsoft, said six data center buildings are planned for that site while 11 more data center facilities would go on the other parcel if everything goes as planned.  “All of this is subject to change as we get into detail design,” he said.

Stockwell said tree clearing and other ground work is occurring at the first data center site with building construction to begin in the fall.  According to Microsoft, the data centers through a closed loop system will recycle water brought in on trucks to cool the servers.  At some point, the water will be hauled away for proper disposal and replaced with more water hauled to the site. The only municipal water to be consumed will be for things like restrooms and making coffee for the employees.

Rick Kalinski, Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development for Northern Indiana Public Service Company, said the cost of meeting the huge demand for energy to operate the data centers will not be passed on to existing customers. Instead, Kalinski said Microsoft will bear the entire expense of meeting their energy needs.

“There is no cost shifting. No hidden burdens on current customers.  The businesses that drive the energy demand pay for it,” he said.  According to Microsoft, noise levels from diesel-powered generators running about 15 hours a year will also be minimal.  Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, compared the noise at the property lines to that of a “household refrigerator.”

Cook said an estimated 200 people in good paying high-tech positions will work at the first data center with expansion meaning another up to 50 employees per building.  He said there will also be “thousands” of union workers at the site for the duration of the construction expected to take five to seven years to complete.  “I feel like the impact of that cannot be overlooked,” he said.

A majority of the people in the audience were supporters like La Porte Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood, who felt the new jobs from the data centers can reverse more than a decade of gradual student enrollment declines.

“We have seen students and families leave our community in search of opportunities that simply did not exist here.  This project represents the first real opportunity to shift that trajectory,” she said.  Resident James Baum said the project is another form of urban sprawl not welcomed in what’s still an unincorporated area unless the city annexes.  “You’re taking country land.  People.  They have dreams there. It’s not fair,” he said.

Microsoft announced a public open house of the project will be held April 21 at the Civic Auditorium from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

(Michigan City, IN) - A suspected drunk driver is accused of causing a collision that claimed the life of a man on a motorcycle in Michigan City.

Keith Starnes, 45, of Michigan City was charged Tuesday in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 5 felony reckless homicide and Class A misdemeanor operating while intoxicated.

Police said Matthew Castellanos, 23, of LaCrosse suffered extensive head trauma. He was pronounced dead after the Sunday night collision at nearby Franciscan Health.

According to police, the investigation revealed Starnes turned left into the path of the oncoming motorcycle on Franklin St. just north of Interstate 94.  The motorcycle traveling close to normal speeds ran into the passenger side of Starnes’ mini-van.

Police said the results of a portable breathalyzer along with various physical symptoms from Starnes indicated he was highly impaired by alcohol. 

He refused to take a certified blood alcohol test, forcing a judge to issue a search warrant for a blood sample that was sent to an Indiana State Police laboratory for analysis.  Additional charges could be filed depending on the blood test results, which could take a few weeks to come in, said La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan.

La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson said a blood sample will also be taken from the victim during an autopsy, which is standard procedure in any motor vehicle fatality.

During an initial court hearing, Starnes was granted a public defender to represent him against the allegations.  A personal background check was also ordered to help the court decide the amount of his bail.

(Michigan City, IN) - Michigan City Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash last night.

According to police, the accident happened on Franklin St. west of Barker Middle School.  So far, police have not released details about the crash.

La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson said the deceased was 23 year old Matthew Castellanos.  We'll provide further information once it's released by authorities. 

(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana health officials urge Hoosiers to protect themselves from tick bites as the weather warms up and tick activity increases across the state.

“Hoosiers who work outdoors or spend time enjoying outdoor activities are at increased risk for tick bites and tick-borne diseases,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Jen Brown, DVM, MPH.

“Whether you’re on the job or on the trail, it’s important to take simple precautions to protect yourself when ticks are active from now through the late fall.” 

Last year, IDOH medical entomologists identified Heartland virus in ticks and one human case in southern Indiana, indicating the presence of a new tick-borne disease in the state.  Heartland virus can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Unlike many other tick-borne diseases, Heartland virus is not treatable with antibiotics, making prevention of tick bites especially important.

In addition to Heartland virus, Hoosiers are at risk for several other potentially severe tick-borne diseases. While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Indiana, Hoosiers are also at risk for ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and alpha-gal syndrome, a condition caused by tick bites that can trigger an allergic reaction to red meat.

Ticks that carry diseases can be found in all parts of the state.

Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases. We encourage Hoosiers to take the following precautions:

• Know where ticks are likely to be present (close to the ground in grassy, brushy or wooded areas)
• Treat boots, clothing and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin (NOTE: permethrin should NOT be used on bare skin)
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-dio (PMD) or 2-undecanone
• Treat your pets for ticks in consultation with a veterninarian

Once indoors, people should thoroughly check for ticks on clothing, gear, pets and skin. Tumbling clothes in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes will kill ticks, and showering can help remove any unattached ticks.

Attached ticks may be safely removed by using tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and then pulling outward with steady and even pressure. After the tick is removed, the area should be washed thoroughly. Fingernails should never be used to crush ticks.
 

Anyone who becomes ill after finding an attached tick should see a healthcare provider immediately and alert the provider to the exposure.

(Michigan City, IN) - A child was shot in Michigan City over the weekend.

Emergency responders about 4:30 p.m. Saturday were called to the McDonald’s on E. Michigan Boulevard.  Police said a juvenile shot in the leg in the parking lot was taken by ambulance with what was described as a non-life threatening injury.

It appears the shooting happened during a dispute, police said.

So far, no arrests have been reported.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Michigan City Police.  

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte City Council is expected to consider a request to annex during its meeting tonight.

The owners of more than 1,000 acres of farmland are asking the city to annex their property beside the Microsoft data center construction site on Boyd Boulevard near U.S. 35.

There’s speculation granting the request would mean another data center in the city limits or expansion of the data center that began going up a few weeks ago on farm land previously annexed into the city.  The city council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at City Hall.

A deal with Microsoft calls for the city to receive tens of millions of dollars in new revenue and several million dollars for the schools annually for 20 years.  Another data center on the ground annexation is sought would mean county government sharing in the additional revenue under an agreement struck between the city and countyl council.

(Michigan City, IN) - In response to recent jail cell fires which seriously injured inmates, officials at Indiana State Prison are taking steps to prevent such incidents.

On Thursday they issued a statement saying access to electrical outlets for inmates is being eliminated. This is only for prisoners in the restricted housing unit. They will still maintain their personal tablets, which will be charged outside of cells. The two recent cell fire incidents were caused by inmates tampering with outlets.

The full statement from Indiana State Prison is below:

NOTICE: Following repeated incidents of inmates tampering with outlets, we have made the difficult decision to remove their personal electrical access in ISP’s restricted housing unit.

Our main priority is the safety of both our staff and those in our custody, and reducing fire hazards is critical. While power to individual cells is disabled, conditions are otherwise largely unchanged in D cell house. The housing unit’s main lights, the ventilation system, and all wall-mounted commercial fans are fully operational. We are in the process of installing additional lighting for improved visibility.

Inmates will maintain their personal tablets, which are used for video visits with loved ones and to access entertainment and educational materials. Devices will be charged via a mobile charging cart.

Fans purchased from commissary for added comfort (as well as other personal electronics) will be returned to inmates when they complete their disciplinary stay and exit restricted housing. Adjustments will be made as needed while we determine the least restrictive way to keep everyone safe. We appreciate the patience of our community members and their families during this process.

(Indianapolis, IN) - A Powerball ticket sold in LaPorte County worth $50,000 is still unclaimed.

According to the Hoosier Lottery, the ticket was purchased at a Casey's in Wanatah for the November 3 drawing.  The winning ticket is set to expire on May 4 at 4:30 p.m.

The winning Powerball numbers for that drawing were 3-32-40-43-57 with a Powerball of 18.