The Regional News, La Crosse, IN (2025)

07/20/2025

The Regional News is the voice of Southern LaPorte County, and this week’s issue is one you won't want to miss! We're celebrating our local kids and covering the news that matters to our community. Here's a look at what's inside:

• Fair Results are In! Full coverage and photos celebrating the winners from the 2025 LaPorte County Fair. See if your favorite 4-H'er is featured!
• A Devastating Loss in LaCrosse: Complete coverage of the massive fire that destroyed the beloved Heinold & Feller tire shop. Read how it started and see photos of the incredible 14-department response.
• ILEARN Scores Released: We break down the 2025 results for local schools and what they mean for students in math and English.
• New Pickleball Courts for Westville! A generous team of partners has broken ground on new courts at Prairie Meadow Park.
• New Leader at Tri-Township: Meet Dr. Paige McNulty, the experienced educator named as the new interim superintendent.
• Ruff Ride Success! Despite a rainy forecast, the 7th annual charity ride raised thousands for Silverstray Social.
• Tragedy at the Marina: A Hebron man is dead after an electric-shock drowning at Burns Waterway.
• Homicide Investigation: Police are investigating after a 20-year-old man was killed at a Michigan City gas station.
• Air Quality Alerts: NWI faces multiple days of alerts due to ozone and wildfire smoke.

Don't miss out on the stories and photos that capture the heart of our community. Find The Regional News at your local retailer today! Find The Regional News at your local retailer, including in Wanatah at Casey’s or Dollar General, in Westville at the Casey's General Store, the Family Express, Dollar General, or BP, in LaCrosse at the Dollar General, BP, or LaCrosse Public Library, in Hanna at the Marathon Plaza 30 Truck Stop, and in the Kouts Family Express.

You can also enjoy the convenience of having The Regional News delivered right to your door. This isn’t your Facebook newsfeed. For just $45 a year—only 87¢ a week—you'll receive over 500 pages of in-depth local coverage for Southern LaPorte County. Subscribe today by visiting https://kielmedia.com/shop/.

07/19/2025

WEATHER ALERT: Flash Flood Warning for La Porte County in IN until 6:15 pm CDT Saturday.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include La Porte, Westville, Kingsbury, Pinola, Stillwell, Pinhook, Fish
Lake, and Otis.

LP Co Weather Alert:

Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 19 at 4:12PM EDT until July 19 at 7:15PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
FFWIWX

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Northern La Porte County in northwestern Indiana...

* Until 615 PM CDT.

* At 312 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. http://www.weather.gov

07/18/2025

It was a huge week for our 4-H families! This week's edition of The Regional News is packed with the 2025 LaPorte County Fair results (and photos), celebrating the hard work and achievements of our local kids. We're also cheering on the community spirit in Westville, where ground has been broken on brand-new, donated pickleball courts at Prairie Meadow Park! And a huge thank you to the 140 riders and supporters who made the 7th Annual Ruff Ride a massive success, raising over $5,500 at The Hangar for animals in need.

A tragedy struck the heart of LaCrosse last Thursday, and we have the full, in-depth story. A massive fire destroyed the historic Heinold & Feller tire and equipment shop, a community staple for 68 years. Read how a seemingly small flame escalated into a devastating inferno in minutes, see photos of the massive response from 14 different fire departments, and hear from owner Joe Feller about the community's incredible support and his hopeful plans to rebuild from the ashes.

This issue also has the education news of the full breakdown of the 2025 ILEARN results and what they mean for our schools. Plus, we're introducing the new interim superintendent tapped to lead Tri-Township Schools, Dr. Paige McNulty. We're also reporting on the tragic electric-shock drowning at Burns Waterway and the latest in the investigation of a fatal shooting at a Michigan City gas station.

From fair ribbons to fire hoses, we've got Southern LaPorte County covered. Pick up your copy of The Regional News today to see all the photos and get the full stories!

Find The Regional News at your local retailer, including in Wanatah at Casey’s or Dollar General, in Westville at the Casey's General Store, the Family Express, Dollar General, or BP, in LaCrosse at the Dollar General, BP, or LaCrosse Public Library, in Hanna at the Marathon Plaza 30 Truck Stop, and in the Kouts Family Express.

You can also enjoy the convenience of having The Regional News delivered right to your door. This isn’t your Facebook newsfeed. For just $45 a year—only 87¢ a week—you'll receive over 500 pages of in-depth local coverage for Southern LaPorte County. Subscribe today by visiting https://kielmedia.com/shop/.

07/17/2025

The Regional News would like to offer its condolences to the family and friends of Bobby Riley.

Bobby Ray Riley, 81 of Wanatah, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He was born on July 10, 1944, in Royalton, Illinois, to the late Edward B. and Sarah J. (Tindall) Riley. A Veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bobby made his career at Bethlehem-ArcelorMittal, retiring as a millwright. He was a member of the American Legion Post 502 of South Haven and the United Steelworkers Local 6787. Bobby enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time with family, especially watching his grandchildren play sports. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.

On August 14, 1965, in Brighton, IL, Bobby married Sherry J. Beach, who preceded him in death on February 4, 2018. He is survived by his children, Sheila (Rich) Minton, Bobby J. Riley, Dustin (Tiffany) Riley, and Zachary Riley; grandchildren, Candace and Callie Minton; great-grandchildren, Abigail and Theo; sister, Melissa Ruff; nephew, Terry Johnson; niece, Jessica Northcutt; special niece, Ashley; and his furry friend, Milo. Bobby was also preceded in death by his sister, Alice Carol Huisman.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wanatah Funeral Chapel, 309 N. Main St., Wanatah, with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to AseraCare Hospice of Valparaiso.

07/16/2025

Let's hear it for these Tri-Township leaders! A huge congratulations to Lupita Osornio, Riley Schultz, and Maddy Clark for distinguishing themselves at the 83rd session of American Legion Auxiliary Hoosier Girls State.

From being elected Mayor to winning scholarships and serving in key government roles, these students represented our community with excellence. Read all about their specific achievements and experiences in the July 10th edition of the newspaper! Pick up your copy in stores today or subscribe to stay connected with all the positive news happening in our community!

The newspaper is available in our in-store sales locations until Thursday in Wanatah at Casey’s or Dollar General, in LaCrosse at the Dollar General, BP, or LaCrosse Public Library, in Hanna at the Marathon Plaza 30 Truck Stop, in Westville at the Casey's General Store, the Family Express, BP, or Dollar General, or at the Kouts Family Express.

Don't miss a single story about the people making a difference—subscribe today to stay connected! For just $45 per year (yes, that’s really just 87¢ per week), you can get over 500 pages of the most comprehensive local coverage Southern LaPorte County has to offer. Just visit https://kielmedia.com/shop/ to subscribe to The Regional News.

07/15/2025

Congratulations to the newly installed 2025-2026 officers at Westville American Legion Post #21! 🇺🇸 From running the community food pantry to hosting fish fries and breakfasts, the Post is a cornerstone of the Westville community.

Learn more about the new leadership and their commitment to the Westville community! The full story and list of officers are in this week's edition of the paper, which is available in our in-store sales locations until Thursday in Wanatah at Casey’s or Dollar General, in LaCrosse at the Dollar General, BP, or LaCrosse Public Library, in Hanna at the Marathon Plaza 30 Truck Stop, in Westville at the Casey's General Store, the Family Express, BP, or Dollar General, or at the Kouts Family Express.

Don't miss a single story about the people making a difference—subscribe today to stay connected! For just $45 per year (yes, that’s really just 87¢ per week), you can get over 500 pages of the most comprehensive local coverage Southern LaPorte County has to offer. Just visit https://kielmedia.com/shop/ to subscribe to The Regional News.

07/15/2025

The Regional News would like to offer its condolences to the family and friends of Minnie Clemons.

Minnie Lou Clemons, 91, of rural LaCrosse, Indiana, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at her home. Minnie was born on August 7, 1933, to the late Ebert White and the late Martha (King) White in Salyersville, Kentucky, moving to Indiana in 1944. Together as husband and wife for 75 years, Minnie married her husband, Charlie Clemons, on September 17, 1949, in Winamac, Indiana.

Minnie worked as a self-employed tax preparer. A member of the Calvary Baptist Church, she loved to sing gospel music and served as a Sunday School Teacher. Her other passions included gardening, canning, baking cakes, and being with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Charlie, two sons, Kenny (Lynn) Clemons, of La Porte, Indiana, and Michael (Alissa) Clemons, of Wanatah, Indiana, a daughter, Angela Thomas, of La Porte, Indiana, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Minnie is also survived by three brothers, Don (Helen) White and Byron (Betty) White, both of North Judson, Guy B. (Maggie) White, of Knox, Indiana, and a sister, Sue Patrick, of Crossville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her son, Dennis, brother, Johnny White, brother Paul Edward White, and sisters Millie Ann and F***y Roselene White.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 5 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Braman & Bailey Funeral Home in North Judson, with Rev. Brian Pinson officiating. Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025. A private committal service will follow at Highland Cemetery in North Judson.

Contributions may be made to Pop's Park in Minnie's memory.

07/14/2025

The Regional News would like to offer its condolences to the family and friends of Jim Porch.

James Ray Porch, 75, of Valparaiso, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 11, 2025. He was born on June 25, 1950, in Hobart, Indiana, to Howard Lawrence “Curley” and Marie Frances (Miller) Porch. A graduate of Purdue University, Jim started his career at US Steel while farming with his father. He never left the industry, eventually retiring from Great Lakes Stamping as a purchasing manager. Jim enjoyed vacations, especially to Vegas and Walt Disney with his kids and grandkids, working in the yard, helping his boys with construction projects, and was a huge Purdue fan. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

On October 15, 2005, Jim married Pamela (Merkel) who survives along with his children, Josh (Jenny) Porch, Joel (Claire) Porch, and Tasha Porch; step-children, Deanna (Greg) Smolek and Brian (Kelli) Bos; grandchildren, Sam, Maggie (Riley), Abby, Cory, Allison, Ashley, Gracia, Shelby, Tucker (Savannah), Cooper, Maggie, Molly, Lilly, Kadence, and Colten; great-grandson, Mason; sister, Patricia (Tom) Kruger; cousin, Howard “Howie” Comer; and was “Unc” to Tiffany (Michael) Alexander, James (Kim) Docherty, Daniel “Bear” (Jessica) Comer, and Brittany (Michael) Butler. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Corissa Leah Porch.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service on Friday, July 18, at 10:00 a.m. Following cremation, a private family graveside will be held at Angelcrest Cemetery.

07/14/2025

It was a week of celebration, community, and important news in Southern LaPorte County! Grab this week's edition of The Regional News to see all the familiar faces and get the stories that matter to you. Here's a look at what's inside:

Parade Pride: Full coverage and photos from the spectacular 79th Annual LA PORTE 4th of July Parade!

A New Royal Court: Meet Leila Peksa and Rebecca Tuholski, your newly crowned 2025 LaPorte County Fair Queen and Princess!

Leading the Way: Three Tri-Township students shine at the 83rd Hoosier Girls State program.

School Shutdown Ordered: The state legislature has voted to close the tiny but wealthy Union School Corporation.

Immediate Burn Ban: Four local fire departments issue a ban on all outdoor burning due to dry conditions.

Tragedy on the Lake: A father and son have tragically drowned in Lake Michigan near Dune Acres.

A Storied History: Learn about La Porte County pioneers Arba and Betsey Heald.

Singing Sands is Coming: Get the full lineup of master sculptors for the upcoming festival!

New Officers Installed: Westville American Legion Post #21 holds its 102nd installation ceremony.

Kids Weekend: The Farmed & Forged Market is launching a new "Curious Chefs" program for kids.

Don't miss out on the stories and photos that capture the heart of our community. Find The Regional News at your local retailer, including in Wanatah at Casey’s or Dollar General, in Westville at the Casey's General Store, the Family Express, Dollar General, or BP, in LaCrosse at the Dollar General, BP, or LaCrosse Public Library, in Hanna at the Marathon Plaza 30 Truck Stop, and in the Kouts Family Express.

You can also enjoy the convenience of having The Regional News delivered right to your door. This isn’t your Facebook newsfeed. For just $45 a year—only 87¢ a week—you'll receive over 500 pages of in-depth local coverage for Southern LaPorte County. Subscribe today by visiting https://kielmedia.com/shop/.

07/14/2025

The LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department is partnering with the LaPorte County Health Department and Franciscan Health to host its first-ever Booster & Car Seat Safety Event on Friday, July 18.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department station, located at 100 S. Washington St.

This needs-based program is designed to equip families in LaPorte, Porter, and Starke counties with properly installed car seats and provide crucial safety education. During the drive-through event, certified technicians will be on hand to install new booster or car seats for families.

The program is available to Indiana residents only, and appointments are required. The child must be present in the vehicle at the time of the car seat check. For qualifying families, car seats will be provided.

Interested residents can book an appointment by calling (219) 851-5417, scanning the QR code on the event flyer, or visiting https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bkspjcb/lp/4c1a6fd0-d17e-4c2d-9894-4345787a56b5.

07/12/2025

What a week for community pride! This week's edition of The Regional News is bursting with photos and stories from the 79th Annual LA PORTE 4th of July Parade, from the incredible F-16 flyover to the smiling faces along the route. We're also thrilled to introduce you to the new 2025 LaPorte County Fair royalty, Leila Peksa and Rebecca Tuholski, who were crowned Queen and Princess! We're also celebrating the achievements of three Tri-Township students—Lupita Osornio, Riley Schultz, and Maddy Clark—who excelled at Hoosier Girls State.

Alongside these celebrations, we're covering the major news impacting our state and local communities. We have the full story on the state legislature's vote to close the tiny Union School Corporation and its multi-million dollar online school, the immediate burn ban issued by four local fire departments amidst dangerously dry conditions, and the tragic drowning of a father and son in Lake Michigan.

From community spirit to critical news, we have Southern LaPorte County covered. Pick up your copy of The Regional News today to see all the photos and get the full story! Find The Regional News at your local retailer today: in Wanatah at Casey’s or Dollar General, in Westville at the Casey's General Store, the Family Express, Dollar General, or BP, in LaCrosse at the Dollar General, BP, or LaCrosse Public Library, in Hanna at the Marathon Plaza 30 Truck Stop, and in the Kouts Family Express.

You can also enjoy the convenience of having The Regional News delivered right to your door. This isn’t your Facebook newsfeed. For just $45 a year—only 87¢ a week—you'll receive over 500 pages of in-depth local coverage for Southern LaPorte County. Subscribe today by visiting https://kielmedia.com/shop/.

07/11/2025

Later in the fire.

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