The Lake County Coroner's Office and Gary Police are investigating the death of a 44 year old Portage man. The Coroner's Office reports an investigative team was dispatched just before 9 this morning to the 11-hundredth block of Benton Street in Gary, where a body identified as that of Norman Klaus was pronounced deceased at 9:45 this morning. Authorities report injuries and the cause of death are pending, and no further information is available at this time.

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If you plan on traveling south towards Lafayette or Indianapolis today, you may want to reconsider those plans due to the weather. Indiana State Police are dealing with another multiple vehicle crash, this time though on northbound I-65, on the east side of Lafayette, south of the State Road 25 exit. At last check no injuries were reported, but at least two semi-tractor trailers and six to seven vehicles were reportedly involved, and traffic there is expected to be shutdown for some time. This...

The Lake County Coroners office says a death investigative team from their office was dispatched to the 19-hundred block of Columbus Drive in East Chicago at 6:45 Tuesday night. Police say a 58-year-old man of the same address where they responded was pronounced dead , and manner and cause of death were reported as pending. East Chicago Police are investigating.

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Photo/Indiana State Police: Master Trooper Chris Hagar assisting Master Trooper Larry Mote with the investigation of this crash.  

11:20am Central Time: UPDATE ON I65:

Indiana State Police say one lane of southbound I-65 at mile marker 179 north of Lafayette has opened, but troopers say it will probably take more than two-hours to clear the backup from the multi-vehicle accident that happened about three hours ago. Troopers will be checking the area for anyone stranded or out of gas in the...

New photo of backup on I-65 south at mile marker 179 (Photo/Indiana State Police)

Indiana State Police are urging people to be safe and stay home as the Blizzard of 2012 crosses the Hoosier state. Southbound I-65 has been closed for hours today after a crash near mile marker 179, north of Lafayette, north of State Road 43.

Units in the area have also responded to numerous other property damage crashes, responding to calls for assistance, checking on vehicles that have slid off the road, and...

[Photo from Crown Point Fire Rescue Canine Unit Facebook page]

The Crown Point Fire Rescue Department is starting a search and rescue canine program, but they need help from the community.  Firefighter/paramedic Ryan Cusack says they would like to have a search and rescue canine team ready by the middle of 2013, and they're looking for donations from individuals and businesses to acquire the dog and necessary equipment. Cusack says the specially-trained canine would serve not only Crown Point,...

[Photo/Indiana State Police-Lafayette District]

9 am (Central Time) -- Indiana State Police report I-65 southbound near the 179 mile marker in Tippecanoe County north of State Road 43 is closed due to a serious personal injury crash with entrapment. Police are advising motorists on I-65 to exit at the 188 mile marker, go east on State Road (SR) 18 to Brookston, IND. Go south on SR 43 and re-enter I-65 south bound from SR 43.

Troopers say the crash involves six to eight vehicles.

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Here are some images from highway cameras around the Indianapolis area this morning, courtesy Indiana Department of Transportation.

Here's the link to the website: http://pws.trafficwise.org/ipws/ci/#

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Indiana Department of Homeland Security News Release (Dec 26 2012):
INDIANAPOLIS - With high winds and significant amounts of snow in the forecast for much of Indiana, state officials are warning Hoosiers to prepare now.

Preparations include charging cell phones and other items in case power is interrupted, evaluating whether driving is necessary, taking your time if you decide to drive, and gathering items for your car and home in case they're needed.

State of Indiana agencies, including the...

Five churches in Gary will serve as drop-off sites for the city's next Gun Buyback scheduled this Saturday, December 29th, 8am-4pm. City officials announced the drop-off locations are Grace Unity C.O.G.I.C. 3435 West 21st Ave., Beyond 4 Walls Christian Center, 875 South Lake Street, New Beginnings Fellowship Church 4500 Harrison Street, Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1301 West 21st Ave. and Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 1831 Virginia St. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson's office says Wal-Mart Gift...