Region News

Flash is not supported on this device. If you wish to listen to this audio, you must download and play an mp3 using an mp3 player on your device. CLICK HERE

Press the play button to hear the latest news from THE REGION.

Former Officer Sentenced on Public Corruption Charges

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |16:30

The Times today reports the first of three former county police officers was sentenced for reportedly conspiring to use their police positions to purchase machine guns and laser sights to sell for profit, items meant only for use by the military or law enforcement. Edward Kabella, of Crown Point, a former Lake County Sheriff's Department officer, was sentenced to two years in prison, after pleading guilty to public corruption charges.
# # #...

4.9 Million Pounds of Food Distributed in NW IN in 2012

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |15:45

Due to an increase in non-governmental donations, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana were able to distribute over four-point-one million meals to almost 100 food pantries, soup kitchens, and after school programs throughout Lake and Porter Counties in 2012. Megan Sikes, Communication/Advocacy Manager for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, says the 2012 donations held stead with where they were in 2011, in light of the sizable decrease in the amount of food received from the federal government,...

INDOT Lane Restrictions Tonight on I-80/94

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |14:45

The Indiana Department of Transportation says you can expect overnight lane restrictions tonight on both east and westbound lanes of I-80/94, between the I-65 and the State Road 249 exit. INDOT reports the lane restrictions will occur staring at ten tonight through five tomorrow morning, as crews will be out patching potholes and smoothing rough pavement. The work had been scheduled for earlier in the week but was postponed due to inclement weather.
# # #...

Sex Offender Ban on Facebook Unconstitutional

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |14:28

The 7^th U-S Circuit of Appeals in Chicago has declared a Indiana law banning registered sex offenders from accessing social networking sites is unconstitutional. The Times reports the Appeals Court overturned a decision upholding the law, calling it too broad, and stated that it does not protect children. Published reports say a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Indiana, on behalf of a man convicted of child exploitation, and other sex offenders, restricts those who are no longer on probation.
# # #...

Indiana Flu-Related Deaths Now at 40

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |11:22

State health officials say Indiana has now had forty flu-related deaths this season. The Indiana Department of Health says thirteen adult flu deaths were reported in the past week. Two of the deaths reported in Indiana have occurred in individuals under the age of 18. The department does not report the number of deaths in each county until five deaths have occurred in a specific county, and in today's report, officials say Marion County has now had five reported deaths.
###...

Two Valpo Police Officers Named Officers of the Year

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |11:19

Two Region police officers received the Police Officer of the Year Award from the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police during a presentation in Indianapolis today – Officer Jerame Simpson and Officer Keith Perez with the Valparaiso Police Department. Valparaiso Police Chief Michael Brickner nominated Simpson and Perez for their efforts during a hostage crisis on the north side of the city last May. Perez, who was off-duty at the time, and Simpson who was on-duty arrived immediately at the l...

Indiana Could Get Another Area Code

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |09:59

Evolution of Indiana area codes [Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission website http://www.in.gov/iurc/2703.htm ]
Make room for a possible new area code downstate. The state has scheduled a series of public meetings beginning in March to discuss that possibility for southern and south-central Indiana. Under the so-called overlay proposal requested by the telecom industry, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor says all customers in the 8-1-2 area would keep their current 812 numbers,...

Pump Prices Jump in the Region

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |08:54

Gas prices have jumped in the Region... and they're up around the country, too. According to Triple A's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the current average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the Gary metropolitan area is about $3.38, up twenty-cents from a week ago. On the national scene, ABC reports we're all paying more to fill up -- about a penny more in the past week to an average of $3.32 a gallon for regular unleaded. The Midwest has seen prices rise by 7 cents.The lowest gas...

Three Arrests at Alleged Meth Lab

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |08:51

LaPorte County Police say a twelve-year-old child was removed and three adults, ages 32, 25 and 41, arrested facing felony charges after investigators discovered an alleged meth lab at a mobile home park on East State Road 2. A news release from the police department says the Indiana Department of Child Services and the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section also responded as police say evidence was gathered and the home decontaminated.
###...

Water Main Break in St. John

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |08:35

820am -- In St. John this morning, a water main break at 93^rd and US 41. Repair crews at the scene.
The Times today says Valparaiso had six main breaks between Friday and Tuesday evening, mostly in older areas between Beech Street and Harrison Boulevard. In fact, the article quotes a city official as saying pipes involved in the recent breaks were probably installed around the time of World War Two... or roughly seventy years ago. The lack of snow cover to help insulate against the frigid temps...

Funeral Services for Tuskegee Airman Quentin Smith

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |08:18

Funeral services were held Tuesday at St. Augustine Church in Gary for one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, Quentin Smith, who passed away last Tuesday at the age of 94. Smith was born in Texas, and was a child when his family moved to the Region. He served in World War II as part of a legendary group of America's first black military airmen, and after returning to northwest Indiana, held a number of leadership roles, including principal at Gary's West Side High School and member of the Gary City...

Candy Maker Growing in NW Indiana

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |06:18

A nearly century-old candy maker is growing in northwest Indiana. American Licorice Company has announced plans to expand its operations in La Porte, creating up to 35 new jobs by 2015. The Oregon-headquartered company will invest approximately ten-million-dollars to equip and renovate its facility at 1900 Whirlpool Drive. The expansion, will include the installation of a licorice production line and the addition of a rail spur to allow the company to receive ingredients by rail.
The Indiana...

House Democratic Leader Reacts to State of State

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |06:16

Rep. Pelath
Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath of Michigan City congratuled Governor Mike Pence on his first State of the State address, while at the same time expressing concern over the Governor's plans for education. Regarding the Governor's proposed ten-percent income tax cut for Hoosiers, Pelath said it deserves "the Legislature's fair consideration," but "the Governor must make a strong case that it will truly spur new jobs for the middle class and people trying to get into the...

Gov Pence Delivers State of the State

Wake Radio

Jan 23 |05:09

Indianapolis - Governor Pence's remarks as delivered can be found below. Bracketed material was prepared for delivery, but was not delivered due to time constraints.
State of the State
Governor Michael R. Pence
January 22, 2013
As prepared for delivery:
Speaker Bosma, President Pro Tem Long, Lt. Governor Ellspermann, Senator Lanane, Representative Pelath, members of the General Assembly and Judiciary, distinguished guests, my fellow Hoosiers:
I am honored to stand before you today as governor of all...

Governor Pence's 1st State of the State Address

Wake Radio

Jan 22 |19:36

Governor Mike Pence's State of the State Address as given 7pm EST on Tuesday, January 22, 2013.

"Speaker Bosma, President Pro Tem Long, Lt. Governor Ellspermann, Senator Lanane, Representative Pelath, members of the General Assembly and Judiciary, distinguished guests, my fellow Hoosiers: I am honored to stand before you today as governor of all the people of Indiana and I know that, together, we will write the next great chapter of Indiana history.
Thank you for that warm welcome. To my...

Highland Community Enforcement Zone Results

Wake Radio

Jan 22 |17:48

During a four hour period on Friday evening the Highland, Griffith and Munster police departments joined resources in the Violence Reduction Initiative. According to published reports, nearly 50 traffic stops took place in the target zone; Ridge Road between Colfax and Cline Avenue. Highland police report the stops resulted in 4 arrests one for a traffic violation and three for narcotics in addition, 14 citations and 35 warnings were issued. Police say they will continue to investigate the na...

Region Road Work to Resume Overnight

Wake Radio

Jan 22 |15:50

The Indiana Department of Transportation says scheduled road work for the overnight last night on I-80/94 in Lake and Porter Counties was canceled for the safety of their workers due to the extreme cold . Pothole patching scheduled for overnight tonight , east and westbound on 80-94 between I-65 in Gary and State Road 249 in Portage, (Tuesday night – Wednesday morning) and on I-65 between the Borman and US 30 this Wednesday and Thursday night is dependent on the weather.
Indot Logo color

(/www.in.gov)
# ...

College Shooting in Texas this Afternoon

Wake Radio

Jan 22 |14:39

Multiple shots have reportedly been fired on the campus of Lone Star College near Houston, Texas this afternoon. ABC News is reporting two people are in the hospital in serious condition with multiple gunshot injuries. Police says one person of interest is in custody and another suspect is being sought. Witnesses report the shooting may have started as a fight. The school has reportedly been evacuated with several police units and SWAT teams still at the scene.
1 breaking-news

# # #...

Preventing Frostbite in Frigid Temps

Wake Radio

Jan 22 |12:50

One of the big dangers of bitter cold like we're seeing in the Region, is frostbite. Dr. Daniel Netluch, is Chief of Emergency Medicine at Franciscan St Anthony Health in Crown Point: Here is a link to view Dr. Netluch talk about frostbite, what it is, and how to prevent it (courtesy Franciscan Alliance - Northwest Alliance Facebook page) -
http://www.youtube.com/embed/M4bUYOHPzWU?list=PLD9CA26BAB5B4F12E?rel=0
###...

Ball State Doesn't Renew 7 Charter Schools

Wake Radio

Jan 22 |11:51

Ball State has announced they are not renewing seven charter schools in Indiana – including two in Lake County: Charter School of the Dunes and LEAD (leed) College Preparatory Charter School, both in Gary. The others are in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Richmond.
News Release January 22, 2013: Ball State has notified 20 of the 42 charter schools it currently authorizes of decisions regarding their charter school renewal status with the university. These decisions were based upon a careful...

More Articles...