For Immediate Release: For Questions, call Deb Varnak, HCLC, at 219-363-6923 or Dr. Tammy Gierke Button, Dunebrook, at 219-369-0317. Jointly, the Boards of Directors of Healthy Communities of La Porte County and Dunebrook, Inc., both located in La Porte County, announce that as of January 1, 2024, Healthy Communities of La Porte County (HCLC) has begun the process of dissolution and Dunebrook, Inc. has become the lead agency for the Covering Kids & Families program for La Porte and Porter Counties. The Covering Kids & Families program provides free, expert assistance with healthcare coverage and insurance. Indiana Department of Insurance

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is hosting two additional meetings to hear from community members on how to best use funds awarded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program. "IDEM has received many ideas and novel solutions from other meetings throughout the state. We're looking forward to incorporating feedback from Gary and Evansville in our upcoming proposal to the EPA," said IDEM Commissioner Brian Rockensuess. The CPRG program provides federal funding to state governments, municipalities, tribes and territories to plan strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants. Through

The City of Portage is informing the public that a warming center has been activated at Woodland Park (2100 Willowcreek Road) for citizens in need. The warming center is open during normal Parks Department business hours during this cold streak. Additionally, if you need the services of the warming center outside of these hours, please call the police department non-emergency number 219-762-3122 and the center will be opened. The city says if you are in need of transportation to the warming center, arrangements can be made to assist you. The city says your local Portage Fire Stations are also available

The City of Michigan City has announced that in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15. Trash collection will resume on Tuesday and run through Saturday, postponing normal pick-up throughout the city by one day for the week of Jan. 16-20. Those with questions are asked to contact Milorad (“Mike”) Milatovic at (219) 874-7799.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Walker Street Park at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, when the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department launches its Pantries in the Parks program. The brainchild of Recreation Coordinator Kayla Sheblosky, Pantries in the Parks will provide nonperishable food and toiletries for those in need by allowing citizens to both take and donate items at self-serve stations that are set to be installed at Walker Street and Gardena parks. “I’m a mom with young kids, so I’m in the moms groups on Facebook,” Sheblosky said.

The statement is from Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO): Temperatures are expected to drop significantly next week, and NIPSCO wants to ensure customers are prepared. Here are some tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout this winter and especially as we approach the anticipated extreme cold temperatures. Inside your home Space heaters can provide comfort but should be used with caution. When using, ensure they are placed on a hard, non-flammable surface away from furniture and flammable materials/products. Ensure appliances and heating equipment – such as a furnace, water heater and stove – are inspected and operating

The following  is a statement regarding Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch declaring a snow emergency in Michigan City until 6 p.m. Sunday:    

La PORTE, IN (Jan. 12, 2024) – With snow and sub-zero temperatures coming, Mayor Tom Dermody said the City of La Porte will be opening warming centers for those in need. “While we’ve been incredibly fortunate so far with mild temperatures, harsh winter weather is on its way,” Dermody said. “It is important that our residents know there are places available to get in out of the cold. I encourage everyone to share this information and be sure to check in on elderly neighbors who may need some extra assistance.” The following locations will be open to the public as

The Indiana Toll Road has issued a Winter Weather Ban starting from the Illinois state line to the Ohio state line. The ban is in effect now  until Saturday Jan. 13 at 6:00 p.m. CST / 7 p.m. EST. This ban only impacts: Triple-tractor-trailers, long-doubles (high profile only), high-profile oversize permit loads. The Indiana Toll Road says to use extreme caution if you are out on the road and remember to reduce speed in hazardous conditions.

The following statement is from the City of Valparaiso Facebook page regarding the city's plan for dealing with the expected snowfall in the city: “Starting early Friday morning, we are anticipating a snow event lasting 24-36 hours followed by bitter cold and strong winds (up to 50 mph) that will affect daily business for Valparaiso and residents. Valparaiso City Services has a plan, based on weather forecasts and will continue to monitor weather patterns. Events like this demand significant labor and machinery. City Services will be rotating our labor force appropriately for safety and efficiency and utilizing ALL resources (Public

Press release by Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO): Katie Eaton has been named Manager of Public Affairs and Economic Development for NIPSCO. In this role, Eaton will manage external public affairs and lead the company’s charitable giving efforts in six counties including Elkhart, LaPorte, Marshall, Porter, Starke and St. Joseph. She will also work with local communities and economic development organizations to support new business investments and job creation in northern Indiana. Katie will be replacing Denise Conlon, who is retiring after 23 years of working at NIPSCO. “We are so pleased to welcome Katie as part of the

The following is a statement from the City of Michigan City about warming centers in the area: In addition, Chesterton Town Hall, located at 726 Broadway has been declared a warming center. This is a a 24/7  warming center that will remain available through Sunday, Jan. 21.

The following are statements from the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana and National Weather Service of Chicago:   ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ FRIDAY TO 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ SATURDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph late Friday night into Saturday. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Friday to 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread

Some more Closings. Feel Free to send over Closing informations to ric@wimsradio.com or text 630-975-0970. If you need a password for Closings, etc..email ric@wimsradio.com. This is constantly changing. Check Comments sections as well. Continue to monitor the WIMS FACEBOOK page and www.wimsradio.com. BE SAFE IF YOU ARE ON THE ROADS-CHECK YOUR FLIGHTS *****St. Patrick's (Chesterton) Table of Plenty's Duneland Community FREE Dinner, will be CLOSED today, January 12. *****Due to hazardous weather conditions, we regret to inform you that Porter County Government offices and courts will be closed today. We will resume normal operations on Tuesday. Thank you and stay

A winter storm watch has been issued for portions of the WIMS listening area for a possible winter storm Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. The following statements were given Wednesday night from the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana and the National Weather Service of Chicago. From the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana: ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations in excess of 6 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 to 45 mph. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From Friday

The Lake County Sheriff's Department says it has recently become aware that "unknown subjects may have attempted to rob local residents using another warrant scam." Police say multiple victims have reported that when the fraudsters call on the phone, the number on caller ID appears to be from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.  The scammers tell the person on the phone there’s an active warrant for their arrest and they demand a cash payment. The scammers say they will only accept cash and they try to force the victim to call their bank and transfer the funds. Police say they’re

Press release by Health Foundation of La Porte: LA PORTE - Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) announces the opening of its grant portal for 2024 Cycle 1 grants. To advance its mission and vision, HFL invites grant proposals for health and wellness projects and programs starting January 12, 2024, to March 1, 2024 HFL is a private, independent foundation dedicated to empowering La Porte County residents to live healthy and well to achieve the vision of La Porte County becoming one of the 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030. HFL welcomes grant proposals that address HFL’s strategic priorities of Healthy Children, Healthy

An SUV that was involved in a police pursuit on I-94 caused a semi to rollover on Wednesday morning according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. Sometime just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, a police officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Highway Interdiction Unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Ford SUV on westbound I-94 near the Chesterton area. Police say the driver had committed several traffic infractions including speeding and lane violations.  The driver of the suspect vehicle refused to stop for the officer, according to police. The officer began to pursue the SUV as it continued

Representative Frank Mrvan announced Wednesday a federal grant award for the Town of Burns Harbor from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant program. According to the DOT, the Town of Burns Harbor will receive $120,000 under the SS4A Grant program, which aims to improve roadway safety by supporting communities in developing plans to implement infrastructure projects designed to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries. Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to the leaders of the Town of Burns Harbor for their successful efforts to secure this federal resource. I appreciate that this funding will enhance

INDIANAPOLIS  – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced at Tuesday's State of the State address that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a $250 million grant to help bolster quality of place efforts throughout the state. The grant to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which is the single largest award given in Lilly Endowment’s 86-year history, will be administered in conjunction with the nationally recognized Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). The funds will help accelerate the state’s support for rehabilitating deteriorated or abandoned properties and strengthening varied arts and culture initiatives. The goal is to foster more vibrant and