Indiana
Humane Indiana Finds New Home for Sandhill Crane ‘Sandy’
A sandhill crane treated by Humane Indiana Wildlife in Northwest Indiana has a new home on the Eastern Seaboard. A news release says Sandy suffered an injury to her wing and had been in rehabilitation for five years at another wildlife center before being admitted to Humane Indiana late last year and it was determined the past injury resulted in her being unable to fly again. The Region-based nonprofit said sandhill cranes have extremely specific needs, a special diet and a yearning to be around other cranes, and the “optimal permanent home” they said needed to be found since she was unable to be released to nature; the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., Humane Indiana said, came to the rescue.
(Photo provided by Humane Indiana Wildlife)
(Photo provided by Humane Indiana Wildlife)
“This is an incredibly unforgettable moment,” expressed Brian Fitzpatrick, CEO of Humane Indiana, as he welcomed guests to the farewell celebration last month. “We are grateful to be a part of Sandy’s journey and to assist with placing her in an environment suitable for the distinct needs of a sandhill crane.” Members of the Humane Indiana team traveled ten hours to personally escort Sandy to her new home she’ll be sharing with two other sandhill cranes, among turkeys and geese, in an enclosure with a pond and a stream. During the send-off gathering, guests enjoyed coffee, donuts, and views of Sandy in Humane Indiana’s flight training enclosure. Guests also signed a ‘Bon Voyage’ banner for Sandy, writing good luck and well wishes for the crane whose story touched the hearts of so many. Representatives from Chesterton Feed and Garden and the Porter County Community Foundation were also in attendance.
(Photo provided by Humane Indiana Wildlife)
(Photo provided by Humane Indiana Wildlife)
A wildlife supporter built Sandy’s travel crate to precise specifications, using blueprints provided by the International Crane Foundation. Sandy navigated the journey with ease, bellowing the occasional resounding honk that is the trademark call of sandhill cranes, a news release said. “Due to her injury, Sandy had been in captivity for five years and was growing accustomed to being around people during this time. We knew a zoological setting would be the best fit for her, and I am overjoyed the Smithsonian could provide her with an appropriate home,” remarked Harmon. “The Smithsonian gave her a new lease on life.”
(Photo provided by Humane Indiana Wildlife)
“Facilitating the improvement of a wildlife animal’s circumstances is the ultimate reward. Partnering with an organization of the caliber and magnitude of the Smithsonian validates the hard work and dedication our team puts into each injured or orphaned animal, “Fitzpatrick added. “We are truly grateful to everyone who supported and donated to make Sandy’s positive outcome possible.”
“Sandy will always be in the hearts of wildlife lovers in Indiana, and she is now a national treasure, greeting visitors from around the world in the nation’s capital,” said the news release from Humane Indiana Wildlife.
The Humane Indiana Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center admits nearly 3,000 birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians yearly. For information on how to contribute to the cost and care of wildlife species like Sandy, a sandhill crane, visit HumaneIndiana.org/wildlife-donate .
Indiana
‘Foul play’ suspected in death investigation on Indiana-Ohio state line, Wayne County officials say
WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — Police are investigating the death of a person who died in the emergency department of Reid Health in Richmond.
Wayne County Coroner Brent Meadows was notified of the death Wednesday evening, according to a media release. Evidence has reportedly indicated that foul play is involved.
Officials believe the incident may have occurred in the area of the Petro Travel Center in New Paris, Ohio, just across the Indiana-Ohio state line.
The coroner’s office said the deceased person has been transported to the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, for a forensic autopsy and identification.
The office is still working the locate and identify the victim’s family.
This remains an active investigation.
News 8’s Michaela Springer contributed to this report.
Braden Smith spent four seasons with Purdue basketball proving all the power conference programs who overlooked him missed out.
Now the former Boilermaker point guard has a chance to do the same in the NBA.
Smith, a Westfield native, is headed to the Pacers after Indiana traded for him when the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a source confirmed to IndyStar.
Smith is Purdue’s third draft pick in five years, joining lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey among a group of now 11 NBA draft selections to play at Purdue under Matt Painter.
Here’s a look at Smith’s Purdue career and what he brings to the Pacers.
Before capping a career that includes two Big Ten regular season and two Big Ten Tournament championships, along with helping Purdue end a 44-year Final Four drought, Smith broke former Duke guard Bobby Hurley’s all-time NCAA assists record.
Along the way, Smith took home the 2025 Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard in a season where he also was the Big Ten Player of the Year. A two-time consensus first-team All-American, Smith finished his Purdue career eighth in career points (1,932), third in steals (249) and has the top three assist seasons in school history that helped add to his NCAA record total of 1,103.
Smith’s knock is his 5-foot-10 1/2 height measurement, but that didn’t deter him from being one of college basketball’s top players.
What Smith lacked in height, he made up for in basketball IQ. He’s lethal with a midrange jump shot and showcased an unblockable fadeaway that allowed him to shoot over lengthier defenders. He mastered manipulating defenses while playing with marquee big men the last four seasons.
His role in the NBA likely will be not require him to be the team’s primary playmaker immediately. Smith’s awareness of that fact pushed a more defensive-minded approach in preparation for the next level. At the NBA Draft Combine in May, Smith showed he’s capable of defending elite guards.
Smith is an elite competitor who never showed to shy away from the dirty work, which is something that can help him earn NBA minutes as a rookie while trying to find his footing in an unfamiliar backup role.
Nathan Baird and Sam King have the best Purdue sports coverage, and sign up for IndyStar’s Boilermakers newsletter.
The body of a 13-year-old boy was recovered from Lake Michigan during a multiple-day search near a beach in Michigan City, Indiana.
Officials did not provide further details.
A search has been underway since Monday night after witnesses reported seeing a child wearing red shorts enter the water.
Michigan City police said officers responded to a possible drowning just before 5:40 p.m. on Monday near Washington Park Beach.
Police said the child disappeared underwater just south of the lighthouse and did not resurface.
A search was initiated with dive efforts, a fishing boat, drone technology, and a medical helicopter deployed.
The Michigan City Fire Department said three divers suffered minor injuries during the search and are being treated at Franciscan Health. Fire officials said divers encountered “challenging water conditions” before the search was suspended.
Officials have not identified the body recovered.
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