Franciscan Health welcomes first babies of new year  Franciscan Health’s Family Birth Centers in Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs welcomed the first babies of 2026 on New Year’s Day. Jacob Robert Patrick Kelly Jr. was born to Mattie Tengdin and Jacob Kelley of Crown Point at 1:29 a.m. at Franciscan Health Crown Point, making him the first baby born at the hospital in 2026. He weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 19.7 inches long. Across the state line in Illinois, Sofia Aylani was born to Maria Navarro and Danis Avila of South Chicago Heights, Ill. at 9:02 a.m.

Ringing in 2026 and great News from the Michiana Humane Society China, our sweet senior who loved lounging around upstairs with squeaker toys, has found her forever home! She reminds us that love and joy, only get better with age. As the year closes, your gift can help more pets like China find their happy endings. Let’s start the new year by giving tails, toys, and forever families! To adopt, foster or donate to a furry friend visit their website at www.michianapets.org or call 219-872-4499. #wims

ThunderBeard: A Tribute to ZZ Top takes the Civic Auditorium stage on Friday, January 30, for an unforgettable show that will have you feeling like you've been transported back to the heyday of one of the greatest Rock bands of all time. ThunderBeard is the ultimate ZZ Top tribute, authentically recreating the live experience of "That Little Ol' Band from Texas." ThunderBeard will have you singing along to classic hits such as "La Grange," “Tush” and "Sharp Dressed Man" as well as many other classics from the legendary band's five decades of music. Get your tickets today! Balcony seats cost

Today-Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Saturday-Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning. Saturday Night-Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind around 5 mph. Sunday-Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Sunday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

On February 7, 2026, the LCSO will present the second subscription concert of the season, The Roaring 20s: A Celebration of America’s Jazz Age, at La Porte High School Performing Arts Center. This toe-tapping program will include songs by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter featuring acclaimed vocalist Rebekah Howell, as well as Shostakovich’s Tea for Two and Jazz Suite No. 2. Travel back in time and celebrate the silent film era as the orchestra plays Roussanova’s The Great Chaplin Suite, an homage to silent film star Charlie Chaplin. For more information visit www.lcso.net or call 219-362-9020. #wims

La Lumiere to host open practice ahead of nationally televised La Porte Invitational   La PORTE, IN - In preparation for the 5th Annual La Porte Invitational January 9-11, the La Lumiere Boys National Basketball Team will host an open practice. Members of the public and press are invited to watch the team scrimmage and will have an opportunity to engage with the coaches and players after the practice.   WHO: La Lumiere Head Coach Pat Holmes, Assistant Coach Brian Tonino, La Lumiere Boys National Basketball players, La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, and La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau

A Reminder from Kankakee Valley REMC about "energy-saving device" scams   Look out for the “energy-saving device” scam. Whether sold on social media platforms or through random emails, consumers have fallen victim to scams where these products claim to reduce or even eliminate energy bills. These products are advertised as devices that will “balance” or “clean” the power in your home, thus saving you money. There is no such device that can simply be plugged in to lower energy use. If you ever have questions, call KVREMC at (800) 552-2622.

On New Year's Day 2026 (Jan 1st), expect banks, post offices, government offices, schools, and the stock market to be closed, as it's a federal holiday, while major retailers like Walmart, Target, many grocery stores, pharmacies (like CVS, Walgreens), and restaurants will generally be open, but often with modified or reduced hours, so check local listings; however, stores like Costco, Sam's Club, Aldi, and Trader Joe's will be closed. #2026

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is now accepting artist applications for the 44th annual Lubeznik Arts Festival this summer. Artists can apply at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13971, and a link to the application can also be found at LubeznikCenter.org/Events. Applications must be submitted by April 2, 2026 to be considered for this 2026 juried festival. Media categories include: Two-dimensional art: Painting, drawing, printmaking, pastels, mixed-media Fine craft: Functional, clay/ceramics, glass, wood, metal, fiber, textile, paper Jewelry Photography: Traditional and digital techniques Sculptural objects: Non-functional, all media Wearable art: Wearable and accessories $3,000 in artist awards will be distributed at this year's festival. The Lubeznik

La Porte Slicers beat the Michigan City Wolves in Boys Basketball 45-42. La Porte Slicers are now the 2025 Steiner Homes Holiday Tourney champs! Sawyer Tonagel scored 19 points grabbing 8 boards! Griffin Ott-Large poured in 17 points going 6-6 from FT. LP moves to 9-1 heading into 2026! Great game by both teams. PHOTO CREDIT: La Porte Slicers Boys Basketball FACEBOOK PAGE

The latest on an early morning fatal crash on from the Indiana State Police-Lowell. At approximately 2:30 am this morning, troopers responded to a fatal crash on I-80 WB at the 8.7 mm (Grant St) involving a semi and a car. The left three lanes were closed for approximately 5 hours for scene cleanup. ISP is requesting if anyone witnessed the crash or may have dashcam of the incident, to contact the Lowell Post and speak with Trp. Hathaway 219-696-6242. The truck was hauling 40k lbs of frozen food. The deceased was driving the car while the truck driver was not

A message from from Portercountyin.gov -see below for Custodian and Maintenance positions sent over to the WIMS newsroom-FEEL FREE to SHARE-New Government Jobs Maintenance (Part-Time) /New Government Jobs Custodian (Part-Time) for www.portercountyin.govww.portercountyin.gov   Custodian (Part-Time) POSITION: Custodian DEPARTMENT: Commissioners WORK SCHEDULE: M-F 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Varies upon building) JOB CATEGORY: LTC (Labor, Trades & Crafts) DATE WRITTEN: Nov. 1996 STATUS: Part-Time DATE REVISED: Sept. 2020 FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt   To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or

Michigan City Area Schools Announces Calendar for the 2026-2027 School Year Michigan City, IN - December 30, 2025 - Michigan City Area Schools has released its calendar for the 2026-27 school year. Highlights include: August 12, 2026 - First Day of School for Students September 7, 2026 - Labor Day (No School) October 7, 2026 - Early Release Day October 15-16, 2026 - Fall Break (No School) November 5, 2026 - Early Release Day and Student-Led Conferences/ Parent Conferences November 23-27, 2026 - Thanksgiving Break (No School) December 21, 2026 - January 1, 2027 - Winter Break (No School) January

Here are the latest happenings at 219 Taproom in Chesterton-stop by family friendly, great food and service and awesome music. Check out www.219taproom.com. LIKE them on FACEBOOK. #wims

Stop by the HotSpot Cafe La Porte IN and check out some of their upcoming events including: Say Goodbye to 25 which will be happening this Thursday January 1st at Noon OR Watercolors 101 every Saturday in January starting January 3rd OR Turtle Beach 3D Art on Saturday January 10th at 10am. Something’s always happening at The Hot Spot Café! 602 Lincolnway, La Porte 219‑325‑8080 www.hotspotcafe.net Looking for great food, great coffee, and great company? Swing by The Hot Spot Café and check out all the upcoming events that are bringing La Porte together! Stay tuned right here for event

Gov. Braun Announces $207 Million Federal Grant to Launch GROW: Cultivating Rural Health  INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana was awarded nearly $207 million for the first year of a five-year federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to improve health outcomes in the state’s rural communities. The funding will support GROW (Growing Rural Opportunities for Well-being): Cultivating Rural Health, a five-year initiative designed to enhance healthcare access and data, quality, and outcomes through system innovation and collaboration. This initial award is more than the $200 million a year the state requested Nov. 4 in its application. The award was based on a variety of factors, including the state’s rural metrics,

Guilty Plea Entered in 2024 St. Joseph County Candidate Petition Forgery Case: Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales Addresses Importance of Election Law Enforcement The Office of the Indiana Secretary of State acknowledges recent developments in the 2024 St. Joseph County candidate petition signature fraud matter, where a 27-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to forging voter signatures on candidate ballot petitions — an election offense charged as a Level 6 felony. In February 2024, the St. Joseph County Election and Voter Registration Office spotted irregularities in a set of 530 voter signatures submitted in support of placing a presidential candidate

LaPorte Community School Corporation Participates in Community Funding Resource Program INDIANAPOLIS – Treasurer Daniel Elliott announced that the Indiana Bond Bank assisted LaPorte Community School Corporation with project financing through its Community Funding Resource (CFR) Program. The funds will be used to finance improvements at facilities throughout the Corporation. “The Community Resource Funding Program gives folks up to 25 years to pay back, with the benefit of Indiana’s strong financial position. It’s got steady payments and helps with new or old projects, so our communities can get the funds they need to get important things done, making life better for everyone,”

Tom Foolery Fun Club is coming back to Michigan City on Saturday 2/14/26 Tom Foolery Fun Club is coming back to Michigan City on Saturday 2/14/25 Returning in February, 2026! Just For Valentine’s Day!! The Tomfoolery Fun Club is back at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City for a special Valentine’s Day celebration filled with laughter, live music, and good vibes! Seating is limited to just 400 guests, and this event always sells out early—so grab your tickets now and don’t miss the fun! For tickets and information call 219-228-0674 or visit www.tomfooleryfunclub.com.

Suspect in South 18th Street shooting charged with attempted murder-from the Town of Chesterton FACEBOOK page The suspect in the shooting on South 18th Street early yesterday morning, Saturday, Dec. 27, has been been formally charged with four felonies, including attempted murder, a Level 1 felony punishable by a term of 20 to 50 years, the Chesterton Police Department is reporting. The suspect, Ian Patrick Toole, 37, has also been charged with aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony, punishable by a term of three to 16 years; battery, a Level 5 felony punishable by a term of one to six