(Indianapolis, IN) - A La Porte County Sheriff’s deputy was honored recently at a statewide awards ceremony.

Last week the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute presented their Traffic Safety All-Star Awards at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Deputy Austin Wells was one of 95 officers recognized statewide for traffic safety and impaired-driving enforcement efforts last year. Together all the officers accounted for over 4,500 OWI arrests. 33 of those were made by Deputy Wells, who has been with the LPSO for over nine years.

(La Porte County, IN) - 4-H youth from La Porte County raised more food for the needy than any other 4-H group in the state.

The effort was through the annual “Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer competition presented by Farm Credit Mid-America.  The competition brought together 40 county fairs across Indiana.

Participating 4-H youth collected food for local food banks while earning funds to support their county organizations.

“Programs like Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer reflect the best of rural America, bringing people together to help one another and address local needs,” said Natasha Cox, Farm Credit Mid-America’s senior vice president of agricultural lending in Indiana.

The first place finish means $5,000 for the La Porte County 4-H program.

The La Porte County 4-H youth taking part raised more than 23,000 pounds of food with about half of the amount coming from the animals they showed during the fair and later sold at the fair auction.

The animals were processed into mostly one pound packages of ground meat. 

The remainder of the donated food was in the form of canned goods and other similar products.  The local youth not only raised more than other 4-H’ers from this region but also statewide.

West Central Indiana – 61,392 pounds of food

• First Place: Miami County Fair, 18,298 pounds
• Second Place: Howard County Fair, 10,446 pounds
• Third Place: Benton County Fair, 7,760 pounds

Northern Indiana – 39,406 pounds of food

• First Place: LaPorte County Fair, 23,246 pounds
• Second Place: Lake County Fair, 8,660 pounds
• Third Place: Fulton County Fair, 5,780 pounds

Southeast Indiana – 39,189 pounds of food

• First Place: Jackson County Fair, 14,934 pounds
• Second Place: Harrison County Fair, 6,920 pounds
• Third Place: Clark County Fair, 3,010 pounds

Southwest Indiana – 25,865 pounds of food

• First Place: Monroe County Fair, 9,439 pounds
• Second Place: Morgan County Fair, 4,520 pounds
• Third Place: Putnam County Fair, 3,880 pounds

East Central Indiana – 15,300 pounds of food

• First Place: Wabash County Fair, 8,416 pounds
• Second Place: Wells County Fair, 4,544 pounds
• Third Place: Huntington County Fair, 1,740 pounds

(La Porte, IN) - A passenger vehicle struck an ambulance containing a patient in La Porte’s downtown area this week.

The accident happened about 5 p.m. Wednesday at Lincolnway and Tyler St.

La Porte Police said the investigation shows Jack Parker did not see the ambulance approaching despite its lights and siren activated and, while pulling out into the intersection, struck the ambulance transporting a patient.

Police said the patient was able to be transported the rest of the way to the hospital.  The ambulance was placed out of commission due to moderate front end damage.

No serious injuries were reported.

Police said other drivers as required pulled to the side of the road to allow the ambulance to safely pass before the collision.  Failure to yield by Parker was listed by investigators as the primary factor in the crash.

Total damage was estimated at $5,000 to $10,000. 

(Indianapolis, IN)  -Authorities are reminding drivers to be safe while encountering farm machinery on the roads during the fall harvest.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Transportation are encouraging motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient on roadways this fall.

"As harvest season begins, we caution all motorists to be mindful of all farm equipment that may be on or near the roadways," Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith, who’s also Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. 

From 2020-2024, 22 occupants were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana which resulted in seven deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“We ask that motorists exercise patience and grant our farming community the necessary space to safely navigate the roads as they work to harvest their crops and provide for families across Indiana,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott.

Farm equipment on the roads include tractors, combines, grain carts, grain wagons and large trucks hauling agricultural products.  These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the road, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.

“Drivers must practice patience and courtesy when they encounter farm equipment on the road,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist.

(La Porte County, IN) - The Salvation Army serving La Porte County is now recruiting both paid and volunteer bell ringers for its annual Red Kettle Campaign in Michigan City and La Porte.

Kettles will begin appearing at locations throughout the community in early November and remain in place through Christmas Eve, raising funds to support local families and year-round programs across La Porte County.

Donations collected during the campaign help provide Christmas assistance for families during the holiday season while also supporting ongoing services such as food pantries, weekend backpack feeding programs for children, free summer camp opportunities, emergency assistance, and other programs that help individuals and families facing hardship.

"Every dollar placed in a Red Kettle helps us serve our neighbors in need right here in La Porte County," said Major Dale Simmons of The Salvation Army.

Individuals interested in paid bell ringer positions in Michigan City may apply in person at The Salvation Army, 1201 S. Franklin Street, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Those interested in paid positions in La Porte may apply at The Salvation Army, 3240 Monroe Street, on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Applicants must bring a current photo ID and either a Social Security card or birth certificate.

The Salvation Army is also encouraging community members, businesses, churches, civic organizations, and families to consider volunteering as bell ringers this season.

Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the campaign. Those wishing to ring in Michigan City can register at salarmy.us/MichiganCityBellRinger, while volunteers interested in La Porte locations can sign up at salarmy.us/LaPorteBellRinger.

For more information about paid bell ringer opportunities or the Red Kettle Campaign, contact Major Dale Simmons at (219) 874-6885 or dale.simmons@usc.salvationarmy.org.

(La Porte, IN) -Northwest Indiana continues to garner positive attention on a big stage.

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is honoring the City of La Porte as its 2026 Yamaha Community of the Year for its commitment to strengthening its local economy to enhance the quality of life for its residents and pathways to prosperity for local businesses.

The City of La Porte was selected by an Indiana Chamber panel after a thorough review of all locations under consideration. The group chose the City of La Porte because “its momentum is evident across nearly every measure that matters to community and economic vitality: national recognition for quality of life and affordability, major business investment, new housing to support workforce growth, and revitalization in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders.

“La Porte also continues to invest in the experiences that build pride and connection – events, public art, parks and placemaking – while keeping its focus on long-term opportunity.”

"Over the past five years, the City of La Porte's leaders have embraced a comprehensive strategy to build up its local economy, modernize infrastructure and improve quality of life through collaboration among local government, businesses, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and regional partners.

Its new Microsoft data center project exemplifies this approach. By partnering with one of the world's leading technology companies, the City of La Porte secured a transformative investment that will create high-quality careers in the technology sector, generate significant construction activity and expand the city's tax base for decades to come."

“This recognition speaks to the strength of the partnerships that exist throughout our community,” says Bert Cook, executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership. “The Microsoft project is a great example of what is possible when our city, economic development partners, businesses and community stakeholders come together with a common goal. It took collaboration, creativity and a willingness to work together to make this project happen, and those same qualities will continue to drive our community forward.”

La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody notes, “We are incredibly honored to receive this distinction from the Indiana Chamber.”

He adds, “As a team, we’ve hung our hat on the message and mindset that La Porte is the place to be. This designation reinforces that ideal and recognizes our position as a community that is making big moves. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about the future as we continue to build on this momentum.”

La Porte officials will receive the honor at the Indiana Chamber’s 37th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by SIHO, on November 5 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. This year’s program features CNN’s Scott Jennings, the network’s leading Republican voice, and Jessica Tarlov, Democratic co?host of The Five on Fox News, as featured speakers for a timely presentation titled “The Political Pulse.” A table of 10 starts at $1,995 and individual tickets are $195 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.indianachamber.com/ad or by calling (800) 824-6885.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Farmers in Indiana are allowed to burn tax-free diesel fuel in semi-trucks hauling grain during the fall harvest to help offset the record cost of filling up their tanks.

Governor Mike Braun on September 30 announced the decision to provide financial relief to farmers already squeezed by fertilizer and heavy machinery costs driven up by things like the president’s tariffs on foreign products.

Braun said farmers can expect to save 64 cents per gallon until they’re finished harvesting.  According to AAA, the average price for regular diesel fuel in Indiana in late September was close to $7 per gallon.

“It doesn’t make everything all better, but it helps,” said farmer Matt Schafer, a corn and soybean grower in LaCrosse.

“It’s not huge, but every little bit counts,” said Jeff Mitzner, who raises corn, soybeans and beef cattle in Wanatah.

Farmers, depending on the size of their operation, can easily burn thousands of gallons of diesel fuel during harvest in semi-trucks hauling grain from their fields to silos on their property and to market.

Normally, farmers in the state must use the higher cost diesel in semi-trucks because the fuel is taxed to maintain the roads.   They can use off-road diesel fuel only to power tractors, combines and other heavy machinery used in the fields.

The off-road diesel fuel is dyed while the taxed diesel fuel remains clear so any state government inspectors that show up can tell if farmers are complying with the restrictions.

The move came at the request of State Representative Jim Pressel, whose petition signed by over 50 other state lawmakers was presented to the governor just one day before he acted.  Pressel is also chairman of the House Committee on Roads and Transportation.

“I didn’t expect him to do it so quickly, but I’m very appreciative,” he said.

Pressel said the idea stemmed from a conversation he had with a farmer about high diesel fuel prices during the annual meeting of the La Porte County branch of Indiana Farm Bureau last month.

“It made perfectly good sense,” he said.

Farmer Mark Parkman of Westville said the savings on fuel will also help farmers with yields negatively impacted by a very wet, cool spring and other weather extremes during what was a challenging growing season.

Some of his corn will be difficult for combines to pick-up after the stalks were knocked to the ground from an August storm packing hurricane force winds.

“We got storm damage.  We got high fuel prices. We got high input costs.  It’s not the easiest on everybody right now,” he said.

Parkman said one silver lining is corn and soybean prices are up between one and two dollars per bushel over last year at this time.

However, Parkman said farmers like himself will likely experience somewhat lower yields this year and any extra money collected from higher prices will go toward higher operating costs.

“I think every little bit helps and this is a way we can kind of lessen their burden just a little bit,” he said.

Braun also extended the suspension of the state taxes on gasoline until early November after it first went into effect in April to offset rising prices nationwide on that fuel.

“If Indiana can provide temporary relief to motorists during a period of high fuel prices, we should ensure farmers, who play a vital role to our state, are not left behind,” Pressel said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County high school student was arrested this morning on gun and drug related counts.

Nayden Thornton, 18, of Union Mills was booked into the La Porte County Jail on charges of possession of a firearm on school property, a Level 6 felony; possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor and possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor.

According to La Porte County Police, a sheriff’s deputy about 8:30 a.m. responded to South Central School on a report of suspicious behavior and activity of a student. The deputy met with school officials in the rear parking lot where information was exchanged.

A firearm was found inside the student’s vehicle.  Thornton was being held on $755 cash only bond.  Further details were not provided.

(La Porte County, IN) - A public hearing is scheduled over a proposed roundabout for a major La Porte area intersection.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will host the public hearing set for October 8 at the main branch of the La Porte County Public Library at 904 Indiana Ave. in La Porte.  A presentation will start at 6 p.m.

Citizens will be allow to speak after the presentation, according to INDOT.

The roundabout is proposed at U.S. 35 and Johnson/Severs Road, a traditional intersection with traffic lights in each direction.

According to INDOT, the roundabout would have a double-lane entry from northbound U.S. 35 and a dedicated right turn lane for eastbound traffic on Johnson Road turning right onto southbound U.S. 35. The need for the project is due to the high frequency and severity of crashes at the intersection.  

Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2029.

INDOT is offering livestreams of all public meetings and hearings at bit.ly/US35JohnsonSeversHearing.  Livestream audience comments will only be accepted in written electronic form, not verbally.

A recording of the livestream presentation will be posted on the project webpage and INDOT YouTube page after the hearing and will be available for at least 90 days.

All verbal statements recorded during the public hearing and all written comments submitted prior to, during and for a period of two weeks following the hearing date, will be evaluated, considered and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation. 

Written comments may be submitted prior to the public hearing and within the comment period to Marissa Harless, USI Consultants, Inc., 8415 E 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46216, or mharless@usiconsultants.com.

INDOT requests comments be submitted by October 22.

(Merrillville, IN) - NIPSCO with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation has launched a new grant initiative that supports Indiana’s farming, rural and agricultural communities.

This new $100,000 grant program will support Indiana Future Farmers of America chapters across northern Indiana through investments in agricultural education, student leadership and career readiness.

Grant funding areas include:? work-based learning projects that help students gain hands-on experience, scholarships to help students attend leadership conferences and career development opportunities, supporting agricultural education programs with classroom materials and resources, providing students access to experiences that build confidence and career readiness and assisting students with travel expenses related to educational opportunities and competitions.

Eligible Indiana FFA chapters located within NIPSCO's 32-county service area, as well as Sullivan, Vigo and Gibson counties, are invited to apply for grant funding through the Indiana FFA Foundation.

Applications must be submitted by local FFA chapter students and teachers directly to the Indiana FFA Foundation by September 30.  Following the application period, the Indiana FFA Foundation will review submissions and provide recommendations to NIPSCO.

The grant review committee will evaluate submissions and finalists will be selected in October.  Grant funds are contributions from the NiSource Charitable Foundation.  For more information, visit NIPSCO.com/AgSupport.

(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana will continue to have some of the cheapest gas prices in the nation.

That’s because the governor announced today the state has extended its gas tax suspension for another month.  The gas tax used for maintaining roads has not been collected since April.

The cost to state government, so far, is approaching $1 billion.

State Senator Mike Bohacek of Michiana Shores said the price break is good for consumers, who should know the lost revenue will have to made up either through existing funds elsewhere in the budget to preserve road projects or cutting road projects.

“If this continues, we’re going to be down over a billion dollars in road funding,” he said.

Consumers here are paying about 60 cents less per gallon because of the gas tax suspension, which now runs until early November.  The gas tax suspension is an effort to keep down rising fuel prices nationwide resulting from things like the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

(Michigan City, IN) - She tried cashing a winning sports betting ticket at Blue Chip Casino even though she knew the winnings had already been paid to someone else.

Those are the allegations facing Amanda Czarny, who was arrested Tuesday and later posted bond.

Czarny, 36, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 4 with Level 6 felony cheating at gambling and Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

According to the charging information, the Valparaiso woman was at the Michigan City casino on September 18 with a man who won nearly $1,400 on a $400 sports wager.

The man later reported the winning ticket as lost but was still paid the winnings through a sports betting lost ticket process at the casino. 

Less than one hour later, authorities said Czarny walked away from the man and returned to the sports betting parlor where she presented the winning ticket for payment but was caught.

When approached by casino security, the woman dropped a pipe she admitted using to smoke methamphetamine, authorities said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A second person has died from a head-on collision near Westville last week.

88 year old Elvin Nuest of Francesville passed away yesterday from injuries suffered in the Friday afternoon crash.

He was in a vehicle driven by his son, Ronald. La Porte County Police said they were traveling behind a Fed Ex truck when their vehicle suddenly veered into the opposite lane and into the path of an oncoming driver, 36 year old Kayla Roche.

Roche of La Porte also later died. The 60 year old Nuest of Medaryville was seriously hurt but specifics on his condition have not been released.  Police said the crash remains under investigation.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Invitational featuring some of the best young high school basketball talent in the nation is returning.

10 of the best high school programs from across the country, including La Lumiere, will play games over three consecutive days at the Civic Auditorium beginning January 8.

High school basketball fans can start counting down to another unforgettable weekend of hoops as the La Porte Invitational returns to the historic La Porte Civic Auditorium this January, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.

“This event brings together some of the best programs and brightest young talent in the country, and many of these athletes are on their way to competing at the highest levels of college basketball and even the NBA,” he said.

The historic feel of the near century old Civic Auditorium enhances the experience for players and fans.

“It’s a special experience, and one basketball fans won’t want to miss,” Dermody said.

Over the years, the La Porte Invitational has welcomed more than 30 McDonald’s All-Americans and over 25 players who have gone on to be selected in the NBA Draft, including the 2025 first overall selection Cooper Flagg.

La Lumiere will be the hometown team with a talented roster that includes future Indiana University player Chase Branham.

One of the La Lumiere games will be televised live nationally on Fox Sports 1 (FS1 on Saturday, January 9 beginning at 1 p.m.  A full game schedule and ticketing information is available online at laporteinvitational.com.

(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man could face major time in prison for allegedly seriously injuring a woman during a beating.

Aaron Combs, 50, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with multiple counts including Level 1 felony attempted murder.

Authorities said Combs on September 20 punched, kicked and slammed the head of the woman to the floor multiple times while telling her he was going to kill her at a home on Superior St.  Combs also lifted the woman two to three feet up off the floor by her hair and threw her down in a beating where he landed a dozen or more punches to her face.

The woman was taken to the hospital with injuries like multiple facial fractures and bleeding from a deep cut above one of her eyes.  

Police said Combs and the woman have been seeing and living with each other for over 20 years.    The investigation shows Combs and the woman had been at a bar together and he was upset over her coming home after leaving the establishment with another individual, police said.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte woman was killed in a head-on motor vehicle collision.

La Porte County Police said 36 year old Kayla Roche was struck by an oncoming vehicle Friday afternoon on Indiana 2 near 900 West.

Ronald Nuest, 60, of Medaryville was traveling behind a Fed Ex delivery truck when he suddenly veered into the opposite lane of the two lane highway into the path of Roche, who was airlifted to a regional hospital but later died, police said.

He and his passenger, Elvin Nuest, 88, of Francesville were also taken by helicopter to a regional hospital for more advanced care of their apparent serious injuries.

Police said further details were not released because of the still ongoing investigation.

(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Park Foundation will celebrate one of the community's most beloved gathering places during its annual fundraising gala on Friday, November 13, at the La Porte Civic Auditorium.

The La Porte Park Foundation Gala will take place from 6- 9 p.m.

This year, the gala will highlight the people, memories, events and experiences that have made Fox Park a cherished part of the community for generations.  The evening features a buffet dinner, silent auction, raffles, photo booth, a signature Fox Park cocktail and other themed experiences.

"Fox Park means something different to everyone," said Ben Konowitz, president of the La Porte Park Foundation.

"Whether it's LakeFest, Arts in the Park, Movies in the Park, a favorite trail, a youth ball game, a charity 5K or simply a place to gather with friends and family, Fox Park has a unique way of bringing our community together," he said.

Proceeds from the gala will support the foundation's mission of enhancing parks, programs and recreational opportunities throughout La Porte.

"Fox Park belongs to all of us. This year's gala is an opportunity to celebrate the role it plays in our community while helping ensure it remains a place where La Porte gathers, celebrates, plays and grows for generations to come," Konowitz said.

Tickets, reserved tables and sponsorship opportunities are available.  RSVP is requested by November 1.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the event at the Civic, visit: https://lpparkfoundation.org/events.

(East Lansing, MI) - Michigan farmers raising corn are hoping for an extended growing season because of historically low amounts of corn behind in maturity.

Just 10-percent of corn in the state had reached maturity as of September 21, according to USDA in its most recent crop condition report.                                       That’s far below the state’s five-year average of 34-percent maturity at this point in the season and, currently, last among the top 18 corn producing states tracked by USDA.                                                                                                        

In comparison, USDA reported the corn maturity rate was 69-percent in Illinois; 46-percent in Indiana and 32-percent in Ohio.                                                                                                                                                        Monica Jean, a Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Educator, was not surprised about the unusually high amount of late maturing corn.                                                                                                                                                                                      “It’s probably about right,” said.                                                                                                                                                        Jean said a major factor in the low maturity rate is having a lot of late planted corn because of a very wet and cold spring in many parts, including the southern part of the state.                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                      She said there still could be a decent crop this fall but the key will be a late frost to keep the late planted corn alive for an extended period and enough warm, sunny weather to give the corn time to mature at a time when the number of growing degree days in the season are becoming fewer.                                                                                                                                                       “It’s definitely a concern,” she said.                                                                                                                                 

(Lowell, IN) - Indiana State Police cracked down on aggressive driving and violent crime in Northwest Indiana last week.

According to police,  62 arrests were made during the three day operation and seven of those individuals had a significant criminal history.

Police said 10 high speed pursuits also took place, including two that went across state lines.

53 motor vehicle crashes were also investigated by state police, which also handed out nearly 1,000 citations during the crackdown.

(La Porte, IN) - A man has been sentenced for strangling his stepfather in La Porte.

Breon Ware received a 57 year prison sentence in La Porte Circuit Court on Friday.  A vast majority of the sentence was for murder.

According to prosecutors, the victim, 58 year old Aaron Stingley complained to Ware about the volume of the music he was playing in a home last October in the 1400 block of Jefferson Ave.

A key piece of evidence was the testimony of a nine-year old boy, who reported hearing the two men arguing from his upstairs bedroom.  The boy said he went downstairs and saw Ware punch the victim then put his arm around his neck, according to prosecutors. 

The boy said he went back upstairs but soon returned to the main level to find Stingley lying motionless on the couch.

An autopsy revealed he had been strangled.

(La Porte County, IN) – A Warsaw woman was killed in a car collision Saturday afternoon in Kankakee Township.

According to information provided by the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at 12:15 p.m. Saturday in the 2900 north block of Fail Road. Police said a black 2014 Toyota, driven by Aaron D. Keen, 38, of La Porte, was traveling north on Fail when it veered into the oncoming lane of traffic.

The Toyota collided with a silver 2024 Kia driven by John W. Pratt, 71, of Warsaw. Pratt was transported to a regional hospital for treatment of his injuries. His wife Lana, 77, was taken to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Keehn was transported to a regional hospital for treatment of an upper body injury. Toxicology test results are pending, and police continue to investigate.

(Michigan City, IN) – The license branch in Michigan City has a new home. It’s only a few thousand feet west of the previous location.

The BMV is moving to 1551 S Woodland Ave. That’s at the corner of Woodland and U.S. 20.

The new branch opened on Tuesday, September 22. It has the same hours of operation.

(La Porte County, IN) - Phone scammers may be sinking to a new low, now spoofing the local library.

The La Porte County Public Library issued a statement recently saying a patron received a suspicious text message with a link to renew overdue items.

Problem is, the library doesn’t do that. They generally renew items automatically. They say their texting capabilities are actually quite limited, so a text looking to come from them may just be fishing for you to click something you shouldn’t.

For future reference, the library says, their texts are sent from notifications@laportelibrary.org and will not ask you to click any links. If you have opted to receive texts for account notifications, they will include familiar information, such as the title of an item you have borrowed or put on hold.

You can verify texts or emails from the library by logging into your account or giving them a call at (219) 362-6156.

(La Porte, IN) - An upcoming tour of Patton Cemetery in La Porte has been cancelled due to damage from the major storm last month.

It was supposed to be on October 3rd. However, the Derecho storm on August 11 greatly damaged the cemetery.  Despite efforts to remove a huge number of fallen trees and debris, caretakers report the cemetery is still not safe for the public to enter.

People who already purchased tickets for the tour were given refunds.  The hope is to have the tour again in the future at the cemetery.

(La Porte County, IN) - A La Porte County woman is facing potential time in prison on allegations of physically hurting a toddler she was babysitting and engaging in sex acts with the child in the same room.

Miah Trute, 18, of Kingsford Heights is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony battery and Level 6 felony conducting a performance harmful to minors, a Level 6 felony.

According to the charging information from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on August 31 in response to a child abuse complaint.

Investigators received a video that shows Trute while babysitting at a home near Rolling Prairie allegedly pinching a one year old boy with all four fingers on her right hand hard enough to make him cry and leave red marks on the side and under his left thigh, police said.

Police said the video also shows her and a man engaging in various sex acts while the toddler was in the room with them and Trute attempting to have the child engage in the activity.

Trute is also on video placing her buttocks on top of the child’s face several times while she was fully dressed, police said.

The man, Cole Horvath, 25, of Taylor, Michigan is also charged with Level 6 felony conducting a performance harmful to minors.

Trute, who was taken into custody on an arrest warrant on Monday, was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $755 bond while Horvath has posted bond since his arrest on Wednesday, according to court records.