Kick off America’s semiquincentennial with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered Jan. 1 at Indiana’s state parks and lakes. First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start the new year. They offer a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and connect with friends. Find one near you at on.IN.gov/INStateParkEvents. The hikes are organized by Indiana State Parks in cooperation with America’s State Parks. They will take place in all 50 states. First Day Hikes originated more than 30 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. The

Press Release by Indiana Department of Environmental Management:  INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana is set to be among the first states to establish a comprehensive state permitting program for coal ash disposal and management. Last week, the Indiana Environmental Rules Board approved IDEM’s Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) rule, underscoring Indiana’s commitment to proactive solutions that protect Hoosiers and natural resources. With this approval, IDEM may prepare and submit Indiana’s CCR permitting program plan for U.S. EPA review and approval. Coal combustion residuals, also known as coal ash, are a byproduct produced primarily from the burning of coal in coal-fired power plants. Coal

LaPorte Co. approves partnership with Franciscan HEALTHeACCESS   Agreement gives county employees access to multiple healthcare services   LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. – LaPorte County officials have approved a partnership with Franciscan’s HEALTHeACCESS to give county employees and their families access to a variety of healthcare services with no out-of-pocket costs.   “As the human resources director and an employee of LaPorte County, I’m pleased that we have the ability to offer such a wonderful benefit to our employees and their dependents to help address their healthcare needs,” said LaPorte County Human Resources Director Monique Thomas. “I believe that the partnership

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve-Tune into WIMS through Christmas for the best holiday selections and tunes. You can listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM and in Valparaiso on 106.7FM. We stream worldwide at wimsradio.com. Be safe in your travel. #wims

Purdue University Northwest invites community members to join 2026 MLK Day events   HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the public to join in celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy through free programming on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19, 2026.   PNW will host two opportunities for community members to celebrate and recognize MLK Day 2026. Both programs will feature engaging keynote speakers and opportunities for dialogue. Event and registration information can be found at pnw.edu/mlk-celebration.   Jan. 15, 2026 MLK Day Celebration in Hammond   PNW’s Jan. 15 MLK Day celebration

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center announced Monday that Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City won the Battle of the Mayors raising $11,414.41 during this year’s Red Kettle Ring Off (including an incredible $5,000 donation from Phoenix Construction) to support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. Together, Mayor Angie and Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte raised $17,336.41 to help families across La Porte County.  

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office Monday announced the passing of retired Police K9 Bumpus. Bumpus served with the Porter County Sheriff’s Department from 2016–2022 as a tracking and trailing hound, helping locate missing individuals and track suspects throughout his career. “His dedication and service made a lasting impact on our community,” the PCSO said. “Bumpus was deeply loved, especially by his handler, Cpl. Brown, and his wife, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond with. Thank you for your service, Bumpus. You will always be remembered.”

NIPSCO LIGHTS UP SEASON OF GIVING WITH 13TH ANNUAL HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS GIVING CAMPAIGN   MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – This holiday season, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) celebrates the 13th annual Hope for the Holidays campaign. This year, with generous grant support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, NIPSCO proudly donated $239,425 to 23 organizations across NIPSCO’s service area. Additionally, employees contributed more than 800 new toys to be distributed to seven local Toys for Tots chapters.   "Hope for the Holidays is special because it showcases the incredible generosity of our employees," said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO President and

Susan "Susie" Hampel , 70, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11:40 am in Life Care Center of Michigan City surrounded by her loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 26, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Buffalo & 10th Streets, Michigan City, IN with Rev. David Kime officiating. Private burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Friday at the church. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements. Contributions may be made to Share Foundation for the

HOLIDAY FOOD GIVEAWAY from My Michigan City, Indiana on Tuesday 12/23- see details below and on the FLYER and PLEASE FEEL FREE to SHARE- #wims Mayor Angie & City of Michigan City to give away 800 holiday meals MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and the City of Michigan City in coordination with the Northern Indiana Food Bank will host a holiday food distribution event at Fedder’s Alley between 9-11 a.m. this Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. “The holiday season is about coming together, and no one in our community should have to worry about whether there will be

Friendship Botanic Gardens Secures $10,000 Matching Grant to Double the Impact of Emergency Fundraiser   Michigan City, IN - Friendship Botanic Gardens is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 matching grant from the Barker Welfare Foundation in support of the Emergency Fundraising Campaign. This generous grant will match every public donation dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, doubling the impact of each contribution.   The Emergency Fundraising Campaign ensures the Gardens remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for years to come. Proceeds will support vital improvements to garden structures and grounds, directly advancing Friendship Botanic Gardens’ mission to connect people

South Bend Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison For Controlled Substance Offense   SOUTH BEND – Last week, Elijah Suggs, 31 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.   Suggs was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.   According to documents in the case, over the course of four transactions, Suggs sold a total of about two pounds of methamphetamine to another

Franciscan Physician Network adds board-certified internal medicine, weight management physician in Munster   MUNSTER, Ind. – Board-certified internal medicine and weight management physician Leonid Kats, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Munster.   Dr. Kats earned his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Rutgers University Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, N.J. and he completed his residency in obesity medicine at Columbia-Cornell in New York.   His clinical interests include effective, evidence-based care; general internal

Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ Spring Education Offerings Open for Registration in January   MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Registration will be opening on January 14, at noon CT, for spring classes and workshops for children, teens and adults at Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA).   LCA's spring 2026 education lineup includes a wide variety of engaging classes for every age and skill level:   Abstract Painting I & II Coffee and Creativity Contemporary Art: Art as Social Conscience Digital Illustration Figure Drawing Mini Masterpieces: Art History for Tots Mixed Media for Young Artists Sandcastle Writers Three Styles of Acrylic

Purdue University Northwest earns national recognition for cybersecurity education, career preparation HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest has once again received the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consults’ (EC-Council) Academia Circle of Excellence Award in recognition of high-quality teaching that effectively prepares both students and professionals for entering needed areas of the national cybersecurity workforce. This marks the third consecutive year PNW has earned the award. Since 2019, PNW’s College of Technology has partnered with the EC-Council in offering two of the council’s accredited certifications, Certified Ethical Hacker and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator, within program curricula. PNW undergraduate students pursuing

The La Porte Civic Auditorium stage has a new name after the generous support by a local family, according to La Porte Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber. At the recent Holiday at the Pops concert, the La Porte City Park Foundation announced the creation of the Bowers Family Fund, established to support the Civic Auditorium for generations to come. Edwin and Karen Bowers made a lead gift of $500,000, with additional contributions pledged for the future. In recognition of their incredible support, the Civic stage now carries their name: The Bowers Family Stage. Schreiber said a contribution like this one has

INDOT: Be safe, plan ahead, and drive sober for holiday travel AAA predicts the heaviest travel during the weekends before and after Christmas INDIANA — AAA predicts at least 109 million travelers will hit the road across the U.S. this year for the Christmas holiday, more than 2.5 million of those from Indiana. As Hoosiers drive to their holiday destinations, INDOT urges motorists to plan ahead, travel safely, and drive sober as increased traffic is expected starting this weekend. “Motorists should expect increased traffic and potential delays as early as this weekend for holiday travel,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “While the

WIMS will be doing a SUNDAY ENCORE PRESENTATION of "One City, One Sound" with 600 students from Michigan City Area Schools Encore Weekend on WIMS! Michigan City’s voices are back by popular demand! Don’t miss the Encore Playing of One City One Sound — the program that brought our community together in harmony. You can listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM and 106.7FM in Valparaiso plus we stream on wimsradio.com. Tune in to WIMS Radio:  Sunday 12/21 at Noon Relive the pride. Feel the unity. Celebrate the sound of our city. Because when Michigan City sings as one, the whole community

Ralph E. Piechocki, 70, La Porte, Indiana, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:53 am in Northwest Health-La Porte. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, December 22, 2025 at New Creation Vineyard Church, 9009 W. Pahs Rd, Michigan City, IN. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com.

The Salvation Army of La Porte Announces $12,000 Red Kettle Match All donations in La Porte will be matched by anonymous donor through Christmas Eve LA PORTE, IN - Bells may be ringing a little louder in this final week of fundraising for The Salvation Army of La Porte thanks to an anonymous local donor. Now through Christmas Eve all gifts made to Red Kettles at local businesses will be doubled up to $12,000 thanks to this generous gift. "This final week of kettles is so vital to our fundraising efforts this Christmas," said Major Becky Simmons of The Salvation Army La Porte Corps. "Thanks to this