Traffic tipstes are reporting smoke blowing across the Borman near Chase Street this evening. Dispatch reports the Gary Fire Department received a fire call just before 6pm, in an abandoned area of town. No further information is available at this time.
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STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2013) — State Sen. Vaneta Becker’s (R-Evansville) bill aimed at improving health-care access for Indiana’s rural residents is one step closer to becoming law after receiving approval today from the Indiana House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 554, which passed the House 94-0, would require the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning to reimburse health-care providers for telehealth and telemedicine services offered to Medicaid recipients.
Telehealth and telemedicine services use telecommunications and information technology to provide remote access to health assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, supervision and information. Becker said using this technology reduces re-admissions to hospitals and saves lives as well as health-care costs.
“It’s my goal to help Hoosiers, especially those in rural areas, have better access to high-quality medical care,” Becker said. “Telehealth networks are expanding in these regions, and we need to ensure patients have the opportunity to take advantage of the resources they offer.”
SB 554 now returns to the Senate for further consideration.
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Authorities continue to investigate the shooting death of a 17 year old male from South Holland from over the weekend. Published reports say Tyshaun McClurge was pronounced dead at 9:15pm Saturday at a Harvey hospital after Calumet City Police responded to a call of a shooting on Oglesby Avenue, just after 9pm.
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Authorities were awaiting toxicology results at last check after a Wanatah man was injured in a crash and flown to a South Bend hosptal for a head injury and a broken arm. Published reports say the 57 year old reportedly drove into the back of a parked semi around 11pm Saturday, at 700 West and Volk Road.
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The flu season that has killed 65 Hoosiers at last check is winding down. According to the latest information available from the Indiana State Department of Health five deaths have been reported in Lake County, with ten in Marion County,  and deaths are only reported for a county when the number hits five.
26 of the reported deaths occurred in those vaccinated with a 2012/2013 influenza vaccine, with 61 of the 65 deaths occurring in those with underlying medical conditions. Four Indiana residents under the age of 18 have died during this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 105 children died in the U.S. this flu season, which is about average.   It also took its toll on the elderly, and overall has been deemed by the C-D-C as moderately-severe.
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GARY, Ind. — U. S. Steel Yard will play host to college baseball on Tuesday night at 5:35 p.m., when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish face the Kent State Golden Flashes. Fans will be admitted to the game free of charge.
Kent State played at the Steel Yard in 2012 in the first-ever NCAA Regional at the ballpark and advanced to the Super Regional before eventually reaching the College World Series. The Flashes also played the longest game ever at U. S. Steel Yard, a 7-6 victory over Kentucky in 21 innings last June 1 in the opening game of the Regional. The Irish last played at U. S. Steel Yard on April 28, 2010 against Valparaiso. 
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Indianapolis - Governor Mike Pence today announced the appointment of Elizabeth C. Hurley to the St. Joseph Superior Court. The appointment of Hurley will fill an upcoming vacancy on the St. Joseph Superior Court that will occur on March 31, 2013 when Judge Roland W. Chamblee, Jr. retires.
"I'm pleased to appoint Elizabeth Hurley to the St. Joseph Superior Court where she has already proven to be a valuable part of the court system," said Governor Mike Pence. "She has the character, life experiences and professional skills that make her a good fit for the position. Undoubtedly, Judge Hurley will continue to be a strong leader when she assumes her new role as Superior Court Judge."
Hurley is well known for her courageous fights in the courtroom against child predators. She recently assumed her current position as St. Joseph Circuit Court Magistrate Judge on January 2, 2012, after she was appointed by Circuit Court Judge Michael Gotsch. Hurley's career also includes nine years in the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office in child support, family violence special victims unit, and major crimes divisions. She spent five years in private practice handling family law, appeals and general civil litigation. Hurley serves on the Violence Fatality Review Team and Bench and Bar Committee and Civility Subcommittee of St. Joseph County Bar Association.
Hurley graduated cum laude with a B.A. from Villanova University with an English major and minors in French and Political Science. She earned her J.D. from University of Notre Dame Law School.
The St. Joseph County Superior Court Judicial Nominating Commission submitted Hurley's name along with four others to Governor Pence for his consideration and appointment. 

Union Fire officials say State Road 130 is now open, from County Road 475 West/Sedley Road to County Road 625 West, after a crash. One individual was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, after losing control of their vehicle and hitting a utility pole, shearing it in half, and knocking down wires. The accident happened around 10, just east of the Union Fire Station, near Wheeler.
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One person was taken to the hospital after a passenger vehicle traveling eastbound on State Road 130 lost control and struck a utility pole just outside of Wheeler today, shearing the pole in half. Wires are also down.  Union Fire Department Assistant Chief Tim Beach tells the Region News Team that extrication was not necessary, and the individual was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.  The accident happened around 10 am just east of the Union Fire Station in Union Township on State Road 130.
Union Fire officials say State Road 130 is shut down from County Road 475 West/Sedley Road to County Road 625 West, and may be closed a couple of hours to clear the crash scene and replace the pole.
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Union Fire officials in Union Township say State Road 130 is being shut down as crews respond to a single-vehicle crash in Wheeler.  Officials say a passenger vehicle struck a utility pole.  State Road 130 is closed between County Road 475 West/Sedley Road to County Road 625 West.
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