Indiana DNR nursery inspectors are reminding Hoosiers to check all purchased natural holiday décor for hitchhiking invasive pest species. The DNR says to look closely at Christmas tree trunks for egg masses of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SPL) and spongy moth. "These devastating pests can cause tree mortality and threaten loss of revenue to the timber and wine industry," the DNR said on its Facebook page. "Both species are now present within Indiana and have the potential to spread to new areas of the state clinging to natural plant material." Keep up to date with new and unusual findings, pest

LA PORTE, IN – Holiday shoppers in La Porte have a great opportunity to double the impact of their charitable giving later this week. On December 11, 12, and 13 all gifts made to Red Kettles at local businesses will be doubled thanks to a local couple. For shoppers, it means that a $5 bill becomes $10 and every $20 turns into $40. The anonymous supporters are offering up to $5,000 in matching dollars and are encouraging shoppers to dig a little deeper in their pockets to help those in need in La Porte County. With the recent cold snap and snow storms decreasing

Tuesday, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced federal grant awards in Northwest Indiana, including for the City of La Porte and River Forest Community School Corporation, under the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. According to the Department of Justice, the City of La Porte will receive $500,000 from the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to hire four additional law enforcement officers in an effort to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Additionally, River Forest Community School Corporation in New Chicago will receive $343,068 under the COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) to improve security at schools

As Hoosiers prepare for holiday celebrations, the Michigan City Police Department is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to keep roads safe and prevent traffic fatalities as part of the annual Safe Family Travel campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Running now through the end of December, the campaign focuses on impaired driving, aggressive driving, and seat belt violations. During this time, officers will work overtime conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to deter unsafe driving and encourage seat belt use. “We see the consequences of unsafe driving every day,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive

Every winter, thousands of Hoosiers safely enjoy fishing, skating, hiking, or just sliding around on frozen ponds and lakes. And every year, people drown after falling through ice. Don’t let this happen to you or anyone around you. Indiana Conservation Officers remind Hoosiers to be careful as they begin to participate in activities such as ice fishing, ice skating, or snowmobiling. Remember to put safety first. Take caution when going on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and retention ponds. And watch for others who may venture out on frozen waterways and find themselves in trouble. Similar to needing to drive

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Board-certified internal medicine physician Alicja Milik, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City. Dr. Milik earned her medical degree from the Medical University of Lublin in Lublin, Poland. She completed her residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. Her clinical interests include depression/anxiety, diabetes with neurological complications, digestive disorders/gastritis, high blood pressure and upper respiratory infections. In addition to English, Dr. Milik is also fluent in Polish. Dr. Milik is accepting new patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Coolspring Health Center, 1225 E. Coolspring

2024 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report (CAPER) Notice is hereby given by the City of Michigan City that the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) 2024 has been drafted and will be available for public review for a period of no less than 15 days beginning December 8, 2024. Notice is also hereby given that the City of Michigan City will hold a Public Hearing regarding the 2024 CAPER at 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The Public Hearing will be held in the EOC Room located at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd.,

Parade Weekend Lights Up Michigan City and Chesterton Northwest Indiana kicked off the holiday season in full color this past weekend as Michigan City and Chesterton hosted their annual parades.  TEAM WAS LIVE at both parades. With fresh snow on the ground, glowing lights on every corner, and crowds filling the sidewalks, both communities created a festive backdrop worthy of the season. Michigan City Parade: Tradition, Honor & Holiday Cheer Michigan City’s parade marched proudly through a cold but lively downtown, beginning with a powerful tribute: A Dignified Start The parade opened with a color guard marching in perfect formation,

TEAM WIMS with the Michigan City Police Department at Walmart in Michigan City at Shop With A Cop. Thank you to all of the great local organizations out shopping including Paladin, Inc. Share Foundation Michigan City Area Schools and TheSocial and Learning Institute. Thank you to our WIMS EVENT Sponsors including Arnett Construction & Roofing #wims #makingadifference #nwi #localradio #michigancity

Liberty Township – The Township of Liberty and Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department are pleased to announce the successful groundbreaking of a new, modern fire station and township government office. The ceremony, held on October 10, 2025, marks a major public safety milestone for the community. The $4.5 million project is fully funded by the residents of Liberty Township. The new station will replace a 70-year-old facility that has served the residents and visitors of Liberty and Jackson Townships and surrounding area. Over the years, Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department has responded to an increasing number of calls for service

Franciscan Health Foundation with another installment of "Well Beings" on WIMS Wednesday at 9:10am with Host Debbie Tatum. This month's show brought to you by Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress in Michigan City at 400 E. US Highway 20 in Michigan City. Call 219-872-6294 for more information. #wims #michigancity #nwi #localradio

Paladin Opens First Success Hub in Michigan City On December 5, 2025, Paladin proudly unveiled its first-ever Success Hub in Michigan City, Indiana — a modern adult learning and community space designed to empower individuals of all abilities. TEAM WIMS' Ric Federighi and Mariah Land attended the event along with a number of community organizations. A Celebration of Community and Inclusion The grand opening was attended by U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan, local leaders, and community members who gathered to celebrate this milestone. Guests toured the Hub’s state-of-the-art classrooms, welcoming gathering areas, and inclusive spaces that reflect Paladin’s mission of creating

*December is here—and so are the Year End Savings at Robert Tylisz Appliance !** Looking to upgrade before the new year? Now’s the time! Big savings on refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, and laundry pairs Trusted brands you know and love Expert delivery, installation, and service you can count on Robert Tylisz Appliance is your hometown source for quality appliances and real savings, with **three convenient showrooms**: 1607 E Coolspring, Michigan City 1255 E St Rd 2, LaPorte 907 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso Visit us online: [www.rtappliance.com](https://www.rtappliance.com) Hurry—these **Year End Savings disappear December 31st!**

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has stocked 70,000 channel catfish in 131 locations and 57,000 fall fingerling walleye in 11 locations since mid-October to expand fishing opportunities across the state. The channel catfish range in size from 7-12 inches long. The fall fingerling walleye average 5 to 8 inches long, typically reaching 14 inches after two to three years of growth and 16 inches three to four years after stocking. All stocked channel catfish were stocked in publicly accessible waters after being raised by Cikana (Morgan County), Driftwood (Jackson County), and East Fork (Daviess County) state fish hatcheries.

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office announced they will be hosting our 3rd Annual Citizens Police Academy in 2026. Applications are on their website at portercountysheriff.com.  You can print the application and mail it in or fill out the PDF online and email to pio@porterco-ps.org. The PCSO will be selecting up to 15 Citizens to see our facility and a wide range of their specialties.  This will begin on Monday, 3/2/26, followed by sessions on 3/5, 3/9, 3/12, and 3/16 from 5-8:30 p.m..

The City of Portage is reminding the public there is still time to bring in donations of nonperishable food items for the Youth Commission's Holiday Food Drive. Donations can be dropped off at City Hall, M-F 8:30am-4:30pm until December 12th.

Press release, Indiana Broadband Office: Indiana’s plan to expand broadband service through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This historic investment of more than $483 million will be Indiana’s largest to date and emphasizes Governor Braun’s commitment to ensuring that all Hoosiers have reliable broadband access. “Our state and the Indiana Broadband Office have been working diligently to implement the BEAD Program and get service to Hoosiers who need it as quickly as possible,” Governor Mike Braun said. “Broadband expansion is foundational for economic development, education, healthcare,

The DNR is interested in obtaining more information about skunk habitat use throughout the state. The DNR is asking the public if you spot a wild skunk in Indiana, to consider snapping a photo and reporting the observation to DNR's iNaturalist project throughout the remainder of December. Report sightings or learn more here: www.inaturalist.org/projects/skunks-of-indiana The top five observers with the most verified skunk sightings by the end of the month will receive a small skunk stress ball as a thank you. The winners will be contacted through the iNaturalist app at the end of the month. iNaturalist is an online

Franciscan Health offering cancer support groups throughout 2026   NORTHWEST INDIANA – Franciscan Health is offering free cancer support groups for patients and their caregivers across Northwest Indiana throughout 2026.   Support groups provide an opportunity to openly share with other patients and caregivers who have experienced a cancer journey. Franciscan facilitators will help guide the discussion.   Space is limited and registration is required. Participants may attend as many sessions as they’d like and need not be Franciscan Health patients to attend. In the interest of the health and safety of attendees and patients, attendees may be asked to

MUNSTER, Ind. -- Franciscan Health Munster is presenting a free suicide prevention course in December aimed at saving lives. The entry-level question, persuade and refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, is based on a curriculum developed by the QPR Institute. The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with one suicide taking place every 11 minutes. According to the QPR Institute, just as people trained in CPR