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Authorities Seeking Info Regarding Hammond Fugitive

(Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)
The U.S. Marshals Service, Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force, is seeking information regarding 34 year old Orlando Maurice Mitchell, who was last known to reside in the 57-hundred block of Erie Street, in Hammond. Mitchell is wanted by the Lake County Sheriff's Department on a felony charge of dealing marijuana, and is wanted by Jacksonville, Florida, authorities for trafficking in stolen property and probation violation. Orlando Maurice Mitchell, this week's “fugitive of the week”, is described as a black male, five-foot-nine-inches tall, with black hair, and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on Mitchell's whereabouts may contact task force investigators by calling toll-free (888) 805-6119 or by texting “capture” to Tip411 (847411). All tipsters will remain anonymous.
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New Trial Date For Man Accused of Killing His Mother

A new trial date has been scheduled for a man who was suppose to go to trial on Monday, accused of killing his 94 year old mother in October of 2010. The Times reports George Knezevic will now go to trial on August 6^th, after reported problems with a key witness cause the prosecution to ask for a postponement. According to the article, the 61 year old is alleged to have choked his mother outside of the home they shared, in the 47-hundred block of Buchanan Street, spraying her with a garden house, and dragging her into the house by her hair.
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Another Abandoned House Fire in Hammond

Hammond FD
In Hammond, firefighters were called another abandoned home fire this morning. Chief Jeff Smith says they received the call at three this morning and spent about an hour and a half at the scene, located in the 800 block of State Street, one block from Sunday's abandoned house fire on Sibley Street, which was two blocks from another vacant house fire on April 1^st. Chief Smith says this time though there was power at the two-story home. The fire is believed to have originated in an enclosed wooden back porch area, and when crews arrived the back of the home was engulfed in flames. Chief Smith says this is the sixth fire in the last week, and their inspection department is investigating the fire, which at this time is being considered suspicious, and asks anyone in that area to report any unusual activity to report it.
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Six New Troopers Patrolling ISP Lowell District

(Photo Courtesy of the Indiana State Police Lowell Post)
Indiana State Police Lowell Post is welcoming six news troopers to their district. Public Information Officer Ann Wojas says Zach Beaver, Brandon Bohling, Nick Daly, Rogelio Escutia, Eric Kocinski, and Jason Madison graduated from recruit school just before Christmas, and received their patrol cars on Monday. Troopers Daly and Escutia are assigned to work Porter and LaPorte Counties, while Troopers Beaver, Bohling, Kocinski, and Madison have been assigned to southern Lake, Jasper, and Newton Counties.
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2nd Person of Interest Being Saught in Austgen Death

austgen suspect
(Photo Courtesy of the Times)
Authorities now say there may be a second person of interest regarding the death of 76 year old Mary Austgen of St. John. The Times reports investigators say a suspect caught on surveillance cameras with the victim inside the parking garage at the Majestic Star Casino, where the victim was later found dead in her vehicle, was also captured on camera getting into the passenger side of a black vehicle at the casino. According to the article, it remains unknown at this time if the victim knew the suspect, as still photos show her getting into the her vehicle with man, described as wearing a black jacket, a black Harley-Davidson hat with an orange flame, black sunglasses, and holding a black backpack. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gary or Griffith Police.
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Crash on I-94 in Porter County

A crash this morning on eastbound I-94 in Porter County, west of the weigh station, reportedly has the center and outside lanes blocked due to a crash. Authorities reported the incident, possibly involving two-vehicles occurred around 5:30 this morning. No further information is available at this time.
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Health Screenings at Barbershops This Saturday

Barbershops in a dozen Indiana cities this Saturday including Gary are hosting a special event. The Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males in conjunction with local commissions and community partners will provide health screenings at more than fifty barbershops to help African American men better understand cardiovascular diseases. Recent figures from the Indiana Department of Health show African American men have the highest mortality rate of any group in Indiana, and also suffer from prostate cancer at a higher level in Indiana than any other racial or ethnic group. For more information follow this link, http://www.in.gov/icssbm/2378.htm.
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Gary Airport Bd Green Lights Public-Private Plan

The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority is moving ahead on a public-private partnership plan they hope will bring in at least 100-million dollars for airport development. The board today voted six-to-one to the idea of seeking private investors by this August, according to the proposed timetable. A joint city/airport committee will seek out the proposals. On June 15^th, the Gary Airport control tower is among 149 towers across the country slated to close due to sequester cuts. The closure date, which was originally later this month (April 21), was extended by the Federal Aviation Administration last Friday.
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EC Town Hall Forums on City University Campus

In East Chicago, the first of a series of public meetings is scheduled tonight (Mon April 8) on a proposed City University Campus – what would be the city's first community college. The facility would be at the site of the former Eugene Field Elementary School. Other town hall meetings are coming up this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to get public input.
Meeting schedule:

TOWN HALL MEETINGS

MON., APRIL 8, 2013
HERITAGE HALL
@ 5:00 PM

WED., APRIL 10, 2013
ROXANNA
@ 5:00 PM

THUR., APRIL 11, 2013
RILEY PARK
@ 5:00 PM

FRI., APRIL 12, 2013
FIELD SCHOOL
@ 5:00 PM
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Gary Death Ruled Homicide

The death of a Gary man whose body was found at 37^th Avenue and Tyler Street in Gary Sunday night has been ruled a homicide. The Lake County Coroners office says 40-year-old Pierre Dennis suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene just before 11 pm. Gary Police Public Information Officer Corporal Gabrielle King says a concerned citizen driving past the alley saw what appeared to be someone in the alley and dialed 911. When police responded, they found Dennis unresponsive, authorities say. Gary Police and the Lake County Crime Lab are investigating, and anyone with information is asked to contact Gary Police\ and ask for Corporal James Nielsen.
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Input Sought on Portage US 20 Plan

The city of Portage is beginning the process of creating a Highway 20 Corridor Plan between the Interstate 94 viaduct and Salt Creek Bridge... looking at streetscape, signage, economic development and other elements... and the community is encouraged to attend a vision workshop tonight [Apr 8]. Portage Mayor James Snyder told us during a recent Region Newsmakers interview that some work is already underway. Tonight's interactive workshop starting at 7 at Woodland Park will allow attendees to map out their concerns, and talk about what they like now and what they'd like to change.
To hear more about the Corridor Plan from Mayor James Snyder, visit Region Newsmakers for our interview here at our website.
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Cline Ave Closure in Griffith for Sewer Work

In Griffith, town officials say the 400 block of North Cline Avenue will be closed to traffic today [Monday April 8] through the end of June (Jun 30) for storm sewer installation.
Truck detour route will be Wiggs Avenue to the West. Northbound truck traffic should utilize West Main St. to Wiggs, proceed North on Wiggs to 45th Ave., East on 45th to Cline.
Southbound truck traffic should utilize west 45th to Wiggs, proceed south on Wiggs to Main St., east on Main St. to Cline Ave. Questions can be directed to Griffith Public Works at (219) 924-3838.
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Governor's Statement on Death of Margaret Thatcher

Indiana Governor Mike Pence today issued a statement regarding the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
"Today, we mourn the loss of Margaret Thatcher, a dynamic leader who devoted her career to advancing economic freedom and individual liberty. At a time when the world needed bold vision and principled leadership, she inspired a generation to confront economic malaise and threats to freedom everywhere. Her passion and vision helped reshape the course of history and helped end the Cold War.
Along with millions of Hoosiers, the First Lady and I extend our utmost gratitude for Margaret Thatcher's work, and, during this difficult time, we offer our prayers and deepest condolences to her family, friends and all those she held dear."
A spokesperson for the Thatcher family said the 87-year-old baroness died peacefully this morning after suffering a stroke. Thatcher was Great Britain's first female prime minister.
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Abandoned House Fire in Hammond Sunday Morning

In Hammond, firefighters spent about two-hours at the scene of an abandoned home in the 800 block of Sibley Street on Sunday morning. Fire Chief Jeff Smith says they were called out before 3am, and at this time, the cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation. Chief Smith says when crews arrived they noticed the back of the home was engulfed in flames, and that this incident follows another vacant house fire on April 1^st, about two-blocks west of this incident. Chief Smith says the house, which was boarded up at the time of the fire, was a total loss and that all utilities had been shut off.
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11th Annual HS Challenge Continues This Week

The 11th Annual High School Challenge continues again this week. As of 10am this morning, here is their most recent schedule of start times.
...

Monday, April 8^th
5:30 p.m. - *Guerin Prep vs. Chicago Christian

Wednesday, April 10^th
4:30 p.m. - *West Side vs. Gavit
7:30 p.m. - *Hales Franciscan vs. St. Patrick

Friday, April 12^th
4:30 p.m. - *TF North vs. TF South
7:30 p.m. - *Westville vs. Hammond Academy

Saturday, April 13^th
4:00 p.m. - *Kankakee Valley vs. Thea Bowman
7:00 p.m. - *Bishop Noll vs. Lowell

Monday, April 15^th
4:30 p.m. - *Lake Station vs. River Forest

Wednesday, April 17^th
6:30 p.m. - *North Newton vs. South Newton

Friday, April 19^th
4:30 p.m. - *Lew Wallace vs. Roosevelt
7:30 p.m. - *East Chicago vs. MC Marquette

Saturday, April 20^th
1:00 p.m. - *Michigan City vs. Boone Grove
4:00 p.m. - *Chesterton vs. Griffith
7:00 p.m. - *Victory Christian vs. Calumet Christian

*indicates home team

11 Million Dollar Expansion for Hanson Logistics in Hobart

Construction is scheduled to begin this week after the Hobart City Council recently approved a tax abatement extension for Hanson Logistics's Northwind Parkway plant. The Times reports the 11-million dollar expansion for the Michigan-based refrigeration company will reportedly consist of a new 90-thousand square-feet building that would house an additional ten to twelve employees.
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Public Forum in Hobart Thursday at Community Center

Residents of Hobart are invited to a community forum later this week. Police Chief Rick Zormier says the purpose is give residents an opportunity to meet him, Fire Chief Brian Taylor, Mayor Brian Snedecor, and other city officials, and discuss and answer any questions, concerns, or offer comments on services provided by the city.
Chief Zormier says originally the forum was to be held at Fire House Number 2, but that location has now been moved to the Community Center, at 111 East Old Ridge Road, at 6pm, this Thursday.
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Reminder: Tax Filing Deadline is Next Monday

INDIANAPOLIS (April 8, 2013) –The tax filing deadline is FAST approaching! You only have until April 15 to file your taxes.
Filing online is the fastest and easiest way to make sure your return gets processed quickly. Indiana has a free method for filing both your state and federal taxes. It’s Indiana freefile. About 1 million Hoosiers qualify for this free service. Go to a rel="nofollow" href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwNDA4LjE3NDM4MDExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDQwOC4xNzQzODAxMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDkzMDg2JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmV3c0ByYWRpb29uZWluZGlhbmEuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uZXdzQHJhZGlvb25laW5kaWFuYS5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&104&&&If you’re not going to make the April 15 deadline, you will need to file an extension of time to file.
To file an extension, first determine whether you are going to owe state taxes, receive a refund or break even. If you are going to owe taxes:

Download https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=10873">Form IT-9 from the state’s income tax form list.
Figure how much you owe and mail your payment with the IT-9.
Pay at least 90 percent of the tax you are going to owe.
You will have until June 17 to file your return along with the rest of your payment.

Note: Penalties for late filing are waived, but you will still be liable for interest accrued or any unpaid amount.
If you are not going to owe taxes and will receive a refund or break even, you will need to keep the following in mind:

If you have filed for a federal extension of time to file (IRS a rel="nofollow" href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwNDA4LjE3NDM4MDExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDQwOC4xNzQzODAxMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDkzMDg2JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmV3c0ByYWRpb29uZWluZGlhbmEuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uZXdzQHJhZGlvb25laW5kaWFuYS5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&106&&&
If you don’t have a federal extension, complete Form IT-9, get it postmarked by April 15 and file your tax return by June 17.

Even if you owe no tax liability, you still must file. You can still be charged late filing penalties if you don’t file on time.

If you are in the military, Indiana has special filing considerations. The Indiana Department of Revenue’s a rel="nofollow" href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwNDA4LjE3NDM4MDExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDQwOC4xNzQzODAxMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDkzMDg2JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmV3c0ByYWRpb29uZWluZGlhbmEuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uZXdzQHJhZGlvb25laW5kaWFuYS5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&107&&&http://www.in.gov/dor/4734.htm">www.in.gov/dor/4734.htm for helpful information for military personnel.
The Department of Revenue offers a short video to help taxpayers understand how to file an extension. To watch the video, please visit a rel="nofollow" href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwNDA4LjE3NDM4MDExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDQwOC4xNzQzODAxMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDkzMDg2JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmV3c0ByYWRpb29uZWluZGlhbmEuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uZXdzQHJhZGlvb25laW5kaWFuYS5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&109&&& And for more information about filing an extension of time to file, visit a rel="nofollow" href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwNDA4LjE3NDM4MDExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDQwOC4xNzQzODAxMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDkzMDg2JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmV3c0ByYWRpb29uZWluZGlhbmEuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uZXdzQHJhZGlvb25laW5kaWFuYS5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&110&&&# # #...

Mother and Son In Fatal LaPorte Co Crash Identified

A mother and her son were killed in a crash late Saturday morning after their vehicle struck a tree in LaPorte County's Springfield Township, about a half-mile from their Michigan City home. The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office reports deputies were dispatched just after 11:30, in the 51-hundred block of North County Road 600 West, and upon the arrival, found the pair dead in the vehicle. Coroner John Sullivan says 39 year old Shay Heddens and 7 year old Matthew Heddens both died due to blunt force trauma. According to a witness statement, the vehicle was heading south and while attempting to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone, lost control while in the northbound lane, then crossed back into the southbound lane, left the west side of the road and struck a tree. Sullivan says it is still unknown why she lost control of the vehicle, and are waiting toxicology results. The Coroner says this was the third and fourth traffic fatality in the last two-weeks.
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Man Calls 911to Report Himself as a Drunk Driver

A Logansport man called 9-1-1 to report himself as a drunk driver early this morning. Indiana State Police Lowell Post report 24 year old Matthew Devore contacted the Jasper County Sheriff's Department, just before 12:30am, and was located on northbound I-65, four-miles south of the DeMotte/Roselawn exit. A preliminary investigation revealed Devore lost control of his vehicle and went into the median but was able to drive out, and then contacted authorities after he realized he had a flat tire. Devore reportedly had a blood-alcohol level of point-zero-nine, and was taken to the Jasper County Jail in Rensselaer.
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