LaGrange Standard and News

10/31/2024

10/19/2024

‘Grandma, it’s gonna be OK.’ Those were the last words Becky Patty heard from her granddaughter Libby before the teen girl left for the Monon High Bridge Trail on Feb. 13, 2017. In emotional testimony Friday, Patty shared that Libby had come into her garage office and was sitting on the floor ...

10/13/2024

The Westview girls and boys soccer teams both won sectional championships Saturday in penalty-kick shootouts. Morgan Riegsecker, Kelsie Ward and Janissa Lehman each connected on shots and keeper Breann Cory made a save to help the Lady Warriors win their shootout over Trinity, 3-0. The Westview girls will play at LaVille in regional action Wednesday night. The Warrior boys made all five of their shootout attempts to take down Blackhawk, 5-3. Elijah Zolman, Omar Saleh, Tristan Skudstrup, Ian Bontrager and Kaine Reinhold were the shooters who connected in the tie-breaker for the Warriors, who will play at Lakeview Christian in the regionals on Thursday. The weekend began with the Prairie Heights football team clipping Fremont, 14-7 Friday night for its fourth win of the season.

10/09/2024

Do you have a Halloween/Fall event you'd like to see listed in the LaGrange Standard-News? Let us know about it by emailing [email protected], calling 260-463-3660, or replying to this post. Thank you!

10/05/2024

Two LaGrange County runners claimed NECC Cross Country Meet championships Saturday morning at Prairie Heights. Ashlynn Myers of the host Lady Panthers won the girls race in a time of 19:13.83 and led the PH team to a runner-up finish. Noah Bontrager cruised to victory in the boys race, finishing in a time of 15:24.44. Taking second was Lakeland's Memphis Martin in 16:05.08. The Westview girls team was also crowned the NECC regular-season champion following the two races.

09/25/2024

Tornado confirmed in LaGrange County

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana was conducting a storm survey of damage for portions of LaGrange, Noble, and St. Joseph counties in Indiana today (Sept. 25).
Thunderstorms developed along a warm front Sept. 24, resulting in the development of four tornadoes, the National Weather Service said.
In LaGrange County, near Oliver Lake, at about 5 p.m., an EF1 tornado with winds of 95 mph and a path length of 1.92 miles had a maximum width of 125 yards.
A storm that caused tornadic damage in Noble County intensified again and moved northeast. After initially dropping down around the intersection of 300 S and 300 E, it continued northeastward damaging barns and knocking down trees. It completely destroyed one barn building and ripped the roof off and knocked the walls down from a chicken housing structure. The tornado dissipated shortly thereafter in a field.
A buggy was blown over in the 2900 block of County Road E 300 S, with two occupants suffering minor injuries.
The Noble County tornado occurred between about 4:15 and 4:30 p.m. with winds as high as 105 mph, a path length of 7.47 miles, and a max width of 230 yards.
This tornado started just east of Engle Lake, knocking down some trees in a residential area. As it continued northward, some of the strongest damage was sustained to a house, which had some of its roofing ripped off and a wall pushed in. Other houses and farm buildings sustained roof damage and more trees were knocked down or snapped as it continued on crossing Highway 6. One large chicken building had its entire outer shell removed. It came to an end just before the Noble/Lagrange county line.
In Mishawaka, an EF0 tornado happened around 5:45 p.m. with winds at 70 mph, a path length of .29 miles and a max width of 260 yards.
The combination of video relayed by local media and an NWS storm survey concluded that a weak tornado occurred. The tornado began in the vicinity of the east side of the Meier store parking lot. Medium sized tree branches were downed near the beginning of the tornado path. The tornado tracked east and affected the La-Z-Boy Furniture store and the Potbelly restaurant where some large tree branches were downed. The tornado crossed North Main Street with some additional medium-sized tree limbs downed near Raising Cane's restaurant. The tornado then dissipated over an adjacent field to the west of the St. Joseph Health System medical facility.
The fourth tornado was near Camden, MI, at about 6:20 p.m. The EF0 tornado had winds as high as 65 mph, a path length of .11 miles, and a max width of 50 yards.
Minor damage occurred to two barns on Austin Road, between S. Edon Road and Gilmore Road there.

09/24/2024

Second update from LaGrange County Sheriff's Office:

Alert Details
Severity:
Extreme - Extraordinary threat to life or property
Urgency:
Immediate - Responsive action SHOULD be taken immediately
Certainty:
Observed - Determined to have occurred or to be ongoing
Category:
MET: Meteorological (inc. flood)
Event Description:
Tornado Warning

Alert: Tornado Warning until 06:00PM
Dear Nixle User,
TORIWX The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a

* Tornado Warning for... Northwestern Steuben County in northeastern Indiana... Northeastern Lagrange County in northeastern Indiana... Southwestern Branch County in southwestern Michigan...

* Until 600 PM EDT.

* At 528 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 8 miles east of Lagrange, moving northeast at 20 mph. This storm has a history of producing brief tornadoes. HAZARD...Tornado. SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Steuben, northeastern Lagrange and southwestern Branch Counties, including the following locations... Orland, Gilead, Mongo, and East Gilead. This includes Interstate 80 in Indiana between mile markers 128 and 139.

* AFFECTED AREAS: LAGRANGE, IN ... STEUBEN, IN ... BRANCH, MI

Instructions:
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

09/24/2024

Update from LaGrange County Sheriff's Office:

Alert Details
Severity:
Extreme - Extraordinary threat to life or property
Urgency:
Immediate - Responsive action SHOULD be taken immediately
Certainty:
Observed - Determined to have occurred or to be ongoing
Category:
MET: Meteorological (inc. flood)
Event Description:
Tornado Warning

Alert: Tornado Warning until 05:30PM
Dear Nixle User,
TORIWX The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a

* Tornado Warning for... Eastern Lagrange County in northeastern Indiana...

* Until 530 PM EDT.

* At 458 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Lagrange, moving northeast at 20 mph. This storm has a history of producing brief tornadoes. HAZARD...Tornado. SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near... Lagrange around 505 PM EDT. Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Brighton, Mongo, and Plato. This includes Interstate 80 in Indiana between mile markers 125 and 132.

* AFFECTED AREAS: LAGRANGE, IN

Instructions:
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

09/24/2024

From LaGrange County Sheriff's Office:

Alert Details
Severity:
Extreme - Extraordinary threat to life or property

Urgency:
Immediate - Responsive action SHOULD be taken immediately

Certainty:
Observed - Determined to have occurred or to be ongoing

Category:
MET: Meteorological (inc. flood)

Event Description:
Tornado Warning

Alert: Tornado Warning until 05:00PM

Dear Nixle User,

TORIWX The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a

* Tornado Warning for... Northwestern Noble County in northeastern Indiana... South central Lagrange County in northeastern Indiana...

* Until 500 PM EDT.

* At 425 PM EDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Ligonier, moving northeast at 20 mph. HAZARD...Damaging tornado. SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

* The tornado will be near... Rome City around 445 PM EDT. Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Wolcottville, Woodruff, Eddy, Adams Lake, Cosperville, and Oliver Lake.

* AFFECTED AREAS: LAGRANGE, IN ... NOBLE, IN

Instructions:

To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

09/24/2024

From LaGrange County Parks Department:

Delt Church Park to close for improvements

The LaGrange County Department of Parks and Recreation is continuing improvements at Delt Church Park, located at 6455 S 200 W, Wolcottville.
A concrete entrance drive will be installed by Hochstetler Concrete, LLC.
During this time, Delt Church Park will be closed to the public. The park closure will begin on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, and last through Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. We are grateful for your patience.
In the meantime, please visit nearby county parks for your outdoor recreation needs: Dallas Lake Park at 505 W 700 S, Wolcottville, and David Rogers Park at 2355 W 500 S, Wolcottville.

09/18/2024

Woman, three children found dead in Wolcottville home identified

Wolcottville, IN- Today autopsies were conducted on the deceased adult female and three deceased children found in a residence in Wolcottville Tuesday.
The Noble County Coroner has identified the deceased adult as Rebecca Hughes, 32. The three children have been identified as 8-year-old Evelyn Newell, 6-year-old Allison Newell, and 5-year-old Amelia Newell.
This is an ongoing investigation. The Coroner's Report, to include toxicology, is still pending.

09/18/2024

From LaGrange County Emergency Management:

09/17/2024

Indiana State Police conducting death investigation in Wolcottville

The Indiana State Police is conducting a death investigation in Wolcottville, IN after a welfare check resulted in the discovery of a deceased female and three deceased children.
On September 17, 2024, at approximately 11:20 a.m., officers with the Wolcottville Police Department were dispatched to conduct a welfare check at a residence in the 100 block of South Main Street in Wolcottville, IN. While at this residence, officers located a deceased adult female and three children that were also deceased. After making this discovery, the Indiana State Police was contacted.
The Indiana State Police responded with detectives and crime scene investigators. Information known to investigators and evidence gathered suggests that there is not a threat to the public.
The Noble County Coroner will make positive identification on the deceased adult female and three deceased children. Autopsies are scheduled to be performed tomorrow, September 18, 2024, at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center in Ft. Wayne, IN to determine the cause and manner of the deaths.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, the Noble County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Noble County Coroner’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.

09/17/2024

From the LaGrange County Sheriff's Office:

LaGrange County Sheriff's Office responds to threats against Prairie Heights High School

LaGrange County, IN — On Sept. 14, the LaGrange County Sheriff's Office was alerted to threats made against Prairie Heights High School. In response, a coordinated investigation was launched involving the LaGrange County Sheriff's Office, Steuben County Sheriff's Office, Prairie Heights Police Department, and the LaGrange County Prosecutor's Office.
Through collaborative efforts, law enforcement officials have successfully identified and addressed the juveniles responsible for making the threats. These juveniles have been expelled from Prairie Heights High School, and the criminal investigation remains active.
While it has been determined that there was no immediate threat to students and staff, the LaGrange County Sheriff's Office, Indiana State Police, and Steuben County Sheriff’s Office will maintain an increased police presence at the school as a precautionary measure. This enhanced security is intended to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the school community.
We appreciate the vigilance and cooperation of all involved agencies and the support of the Prairie Heights community during this time.

09/05/2024

LaGrange woman dies following UTV accident

On Sept. 1, just before 4 p.m., Steuben County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area of CR 100 S near CR 1000 W in Steuben County's rural Jackson Township for a report of a 2-vehicle accident involving a utility terrain vehicle (UTV). The initial 911 caller indicated that two crash victims were laying in the roadway severely injured. The second vehicle was off of the north side of the roadway in a field.
When initial responding deputies arrived, they located a male and female critically injured laying in the roadway near a Polaris Ranger UTV. A blue SUV-type vehicle was found off of the north side of CR 100 S in a field resting on its side. The driver of the SUV had to be assisted from the vehicle and appeared to have minor injuries.
Initial crash scene investigation indicated that the green 2023 Polaris Ranger UTV driven by 73-year-old Denny K. Northup of rural LaGrange was traveling eastbound on CR 100 S before making a U-turn in a private driveway. As Northup came back out into the roadway westbound, a blue 2021 Chevy Equinox driven by 59-year-old Mary A. Ridenour of rural Angola crested a small hill just east of the drive traveling westbound on CR 100 S. Ridenour swerved to the north in an attempt to avoid colliding with the Polaris Ranger but was unable to.
The Chevy Equinox struck the Polaris Ranger in the rear causing the UTV to overturn and both Northup and his passenger, 71-year-old Carol Northup of rural LaGrange, to be ejected from the vehicle. Ridenour's vehicle continued off of the north side of the roadway colliding with a utility pole before overturning and coming to rest on its side. Both Northups were flown from the scene by the Samaritan and MedFlight helicopters in critical condition to a Fort Wayne area hospital. Ridenour was treated at the scene for minor injuries by Steuben County EMS.
Mr. Northup suffered a broken leg and was conscious. Mrs. Northup suffered an apparent head injury and was unconscious. Despite all medical treatment measures, Mrs. Northup succumb to her injuries and died later that evening at the hospital.
The roadway was dry and the weather was clear at the time of the crash. No seatbelts were in use in the Polaris UTV. Seatbelts were in use and effective in the Chevy Equinox and airbags did deploy. At this time, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash which remains under investigation by the Steuben County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team (FACT).
Assisting the Sheriff's Office at the scene were the Angola Police, Steuben County EMS, Salem Fire Rescue, Stroh Fire Rescue, Samaritan Helicopter, MedFlight Helicopter, and the Humane Shelter of Steuben County.

08/24/2024

Lakeland hung on to tip South Bend St. Joseph's, 21-20 in the football season opener for both schools Friday night in LaGrange. Laker quarterback Brayden Holbrook completed 16 passes, two of which went Myles Edwards and Levi Cook for touchdowns. Keyan Arroyo returned an intercepted pass 58 yards for the other Lakeland touchdown. Prairie Heights also won its season opener at Whitko, 56-14. Jordan Klumpp caught three touchdown passes, setting a new Panther record.

08/02/2024

From our sister newspaper, Carroll County Comet.

08/02/2024

From our sister newspaper, The Carroll County Comet.

07/05/2024

Fourth of July fun and competition in Topeka!