Region News Source

06/03/2026

🚨 SCHERERVILLE FEST 2026 – RULES & REGULATIONS 🚨
To ensure Schererville Fest remains a safe, family-friendly event for everyone, the following rules will be strictly enforced throughout the festival. Individuals who violate these rules may be denied entry, removed from the event, or subject to arrest when applicable.

Please review the following before attending:

🎟 Admission & Entry
• Non-residents: $10 at the gate / $5 in advance
• Card payment only – NO CASH accepted
• Wristbands are required inside the park, no exceptions
• NO ADMISSION after 9:00 PM for anyone under 21 years of age
• Ride Share/Pick-Up & Drop-Off location: 25 E. Joliet Street (Police Department Lot)

🎒 Security & Bag Checks
• Mandatory bag checks for all attendees entering the festival grounds
• Refusal to submit to a bag check will result in denial of entry.
• No large bags or oversized backpacks permitted
• All bags and items brought into the festival are subject to police discretion

👤 Youth Supervision Policy
• Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+) at all times
• No false chaperones – violators will be immediately removed from the event
• After 9:00 PM, entry is restricted to those 21 years of age and older

🚫 Prohibited Items & Conduct
• No masks, face coverings (except for legitimate medical reasons), or hoods
• No disruptive, disorderly, or unlawful behavior
• Harassment, discrimination, fighting, or threatening conduct will not be tolerated and you will be removed from the event
• Attendees must follow all directions from festival staff, police officers, and emergency personnel

🚬 Smoking & Va**ng
• Smoking and va**ng are only permitted in designated areas
• Indiana law prohibits to***co and v**e sales to individuals under 21

🍺 Alcohol
• Alcohol consumption is restricted to designated areas only
• All state and local alcohol laws will be strictly enforced

🐾 Additional Festival Rules
• No pets permitted inside the festival grounds (service animals exempt as defined by the ADA)
• Help keep the park clean by using designated trash receptacles
• Respect nearby residents by keeping noise levels reasonable
• Follow all posted Parks & Recreation Department rules and regulations

⚠️ ENFORCEMENT NOTICE

These rules are in place to protect the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. Anyone who refuses to comply with festival rules, security procedures, or lawful instructions from event staff or police officers will be escorted from the premises and may be prohibited from returning. If you are told to leave the fest for any reason, and return, you will be arrested for Criminal Trespassing.

Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing everyone at Schererville Fest 2026 – June 10-14! 🎡🎶🎆👮‍♂️

06/03/2026

Making America Safe Again: DOJ to Award $300 Million to Model Cities Dedicated to Restoring Law and Order

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department today announced the Model Cities Initiative (MCI), a whole-of-city approach directing nearly $300 million in federal funding to transform public safety in America’s cities. Through this initiative, two to four cities will be selected to receive awards supporting the implementation of comprehensive and innovative strategies to reduce crime, restore law and order, and enhance public safety. Proposals from qualifying cities are due September 1.

“This administration is leveraging every authority to ensure the safety of all Americans,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Model Cities Initiative will supercharge our law enforcement partners and restore the rule of law to America’s neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Our message is clear: We will help those who help us Make America Safe Again.”

Investments will be made in a variety of areas addressing public safety, behavioral health, and related staffing, equipment, and services with the goal of leveraging federal resources to build capacity, strengthen accountability, and deliver measurable reductions in crime that can serve as a model of innovation for replication nationwide. Eligible applicants include local government entities serving a population of at least 100,000.

The MCI initiative will support a range of allowable activities, including:

Hiring and retention of sworn and non-sworn personnel directly engaged in or supporting violent crime reduction efforts.

Purchase or lease of equipment, tools, or technology that reduce crime and restore law and order including but not limited to real-time crime centers; forensic and DNA tools; body-worn cameras; license plate readers; artificial intelligence systems; small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and counter-UAS; ballistic identification systems; and information technology upgrades.

Training and professional development that support intelligence-led policing, violent crime investigations, crisis response, correctional practices that strengthen reentry outcomes, and coordination with state and federal law enforcement partners.

Facility Costs including lease, rental, or renovation expenses for space directly used in program operations, such as service delivery sites, training facilities, real-time crime centers, or intelligence analysis centers.

Mental health and substance use services that directly support prevention, crisis response, screening and early intervention, treatment, case management, and related services addressing issues linked to public safety outcomes, including services provided in correctional facilities and in the community.

Reentry, transitional support, and recidivism reduction programs and services designed to reduce repeat offending, support transitions from custody, and promote successful reintegration into communities, including operational costs for county jails and state prisons that support reentry preparation.

Victim services for American victims of crime, including, emergency assistance, case management, shelter and temporary housing, medical and dental care, advocacy, transportation, childcare, legal services, and employment assistance.

Youth crime prevention and intervention services that address risk factors for juvenile delinquency and violence, including gang intervention and suppression programs.

Cities will apply through a whole-of-city approach. That means that city leaders, including the mayor, sheriff, county prosecutor, and others will work together to submit one application that proposes a persuasive vision of how this money can be awarded strategically throughout their city to improve law enforcement engagement, victim services, detention and reentry services, and preventive programs.

Additional information about the award is available at www.justice.gov/grants. The planned competition is a multi-phase process. DOJ anticipates making initial award decisions in late 2026. To apply for this award, please submit application materials to [email protected].

06/03/2026

Lake Station Man Charged After Allegedly Biting Woman, Escaping From Patrol Car

Drequain Lemeile Burr, 27, of Lake Station, is facing multiple charges after Lake Station Police alleged he battered a woman during a domestic dispute and later escaped from a patrol vehicle while …

06/03/2026

Three Chicago Men Arrested After Walgreens Theft Spree, I-65 Pursuit, and Drug Seizure in Northwest Indiana

HEBRON — Three Chicago-area men are facing criminal charges after police say a retail theft spree targeting multiple Walgreens stores ended with a vehicle pursuit, foot chase, and the discovery of co***ne and ma*****na.

According to the Hebron Police Department, officers were dispatched to Walgreens, 308 N. Main Street, at approximately 8:49 p.m. on June 1 for a reported retail theft. Store employees reported that three men had stolen merchandise and fled in a blue Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Corporal Wood quickly located a vehicle matching the description leaving the area and attempted a traffic stop. Court documents allege the Jeep, which had Illinois license plates and a malfunctioning taillight, initially stopped twice before continuing to flee from officers.

The pursuit continued through Porter County and into Lake County before entering Interstate 65. Police ultimately ended the chase near Ridge Road and I-65 after executing a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing the Jeep to come to rest against a concrete barrier.

Authorities said all three occupants immediately exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended by responding officers.

During the investigation, officers discovered a white powdery substance on the ground near the vehicle after the suspects fled. According to court records, the substance field-tested positive for co***ne. Ma*****na was also reportedly located inside the vehicle’s center console.

Investigators later determined the three suspects had allegedly committed thefts at two additional Walgreens locations before arriving in Hebron.

Police said a search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 17 grams of suspected co***ne, approximately 6 grams of suspected ma*****na, and a large amount of stolen merchandise. Authorities estimate the value of the stolen property, consisting primarily of cosmetics and alcohol, at approximately $4,133.87.

Arrested were:

Joshua A. Salinas, of the Chicago area, who is charged with:

* Possession of a Narcotic Drug (10 to 28 Grams), Level 4 Felony

* Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony

* Theft, Class A Misdemeanor

* Possession of Ma*****na, Class B Misdemeanor

Christion A. Hudson, 20, of Chicago, who was arrested on:

* Possession of Co***ne, Level 4 Felony

* Theft, Class A Misdemeanor

* Possession of Ma*****na, Class B Misdemeanor

Xavier F. Gonzalez, 20, of Chicago, who was arrested on:

* Possession of Co***ne, Level 4 Felony

* Theft, Class A Misdemeanor

* Possession of Ma*****na, Class B Misdemeanor

All three men were transported to the Porter County Jail following their arrests.

The Hebron Police Department was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Hobart Police Department, and Porter County Dispatch.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/03/2026

Former Clark Middle School PTO Treasurer Charged With Theft And Fraud

Laura Marie Donelson, 39, of Crown Point, is facing felony charges after a St. John Police investigation alleged more than $7,000 belonging to the Clark Middle School PTO was improperly spent or wi…

06/03/2026

Illinois Man Accused Of Theft, Drug Possession And Leading Police On I-65 Pursuit From Hebron

Joshua A. Salinas, 28, of Park Forest, Illinois, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police alleged a Walgreens theft led to a vehicle pursuit and the discovery of co***ne and m…

06/03/2026

Hammond Woman Accused Of Knife Attack After Finding Couple In Bed Together

Yessica Paola Vivas Jacome, 23, of Hammond, is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after police alleged she armed herself with a kitchen knife and attacked a woman inside a residence in the 1500 …

06/02/2026

Lowell Father Charged After Nonverbal Autistic Child Found Wandering Alone Near Railroad Tracks

A Lowell man is facing a felony neglect charge after police found his young nonverbal autistic son wandering alone and partially unclothed late Sunday night. According to the Lowell Police Departme…

06/02/2026

Lake County Jury Convicts Gary Man on Multiple Methamphetamine Dealing Charges Following PCMEG Investigation

CROWN POINT — A Lake County jury has found Dennis Bell guilty on 11 criminal counts, including three counts of Dealing in Methamphetamine as Level 2 felonies, following an investigation that uncove…

06/02/2026

City of Gary Mayor Eddie Melton and Lake County Commissioner Kyle Allen Announce Major Ridge Road Resurfacing and Infrastructure Improvements

GARY — The City of Gary, in partnership with Lake County Commissioner Kyle Allen and Milestone Contractors L.P., is excited to announce Phase 1 resurfacing efforts along Ridge Road, one of the city’s most prominent and heavily traveled corridors. Crucially, the majority of the funding for this project has been provided by Commissioner Allen, whose financial commitment is driving these essential infrastructure upgrades to enhance transportation, improve roadway safety, and strengthen connectivity throughout the community.

“These improvements along Ridge Road represent another important investment in Gary’s infrastructure and transportation network,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “By partnering with Commissioner Allen, Lake County, and Milestone Contractors, we are continuing the work of improving our roadways, enhancing safety, and creating a better experience for residents, businesses, and visitors traveling through our city.”

Beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Milestone Contractors L.P. will begin milling operations on Ridge Road from Colfax Street to Whitcomb Street as part of the Phase 1 resurfacing project. The total cost of the county-led project is $1.6 million, with the primary funding secured directly by Commissioner Allen. Phase 2 resurfacing efforts are scheduled to begin next year and will extend from Whitcomb Street to Hatcher Boulevard.

“Ridge Road is a critical corridor that connects several communities across Lake County and Illinois,” said Lake County Commissioner Kyle Allen. “By committing the primary funding to make these upgrades a reality, we are ensuring travel is safer, smoother, and more efficient for the thousands of residents and businesses that rely on this roadway every day. This significant financial investment reflects our continued commitment to infrastructure, economic growth, and public safety throughout the region.”

In addition to the Commissioner-backed county project, the City of Gary will begin milling and paving Ridge Road from Hatcher Boulevard to Harrison Street. This portion of the roadway improvement project is scheduled to begin in mid-June and comes at a total cost of $393,951.63.

The City of Gary has also contracted with Midwestern Electric to complete traffic signal repairs and install new stop signs along Ridge Road from Hatcher Boulevard to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. These traffic intersection improvements are intended to improve traffic flow and increase safety for motorists and pedestrians traveling throughout the corridor. The total cost for the traffic signal and stop sign improvements is $166,680.

Combined, the City of Gary’s roadway and traffic improvement investments total $560,631.63.
Motorists are encouraged to expect temporary lane closures, delays, and construction activity throughout the duration of the project. Residents are advised to use caution when traveling through work zones and follow all posted signage.

Additional updates regarding construction schedules and traffic impacts will be shared as the project progresses.