A Wednesday evening turned tragic in Hammond when a 7-year-old girl was fatally struck by a vehicle. Local authorities, guided by a Lake County Coroner’s Office release, identified the young victim and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

A Spooner man, charged with first-degree sexual assault for allegedly injuring a 5-year-old child on October 27, stood mute at his arraignment. In response, a judge recorded a not guilty plea, setting the stage for continued legal proceedings.