Local News

Firefighters were sent to Forest Oaks Mobile Home Park (formerly Burns Harbor) for a mobile home fire late Christmas night (December 25). Nearby residents reported smoke and flames coming from a trailer on Canterbury Circle near Amanda Lane in Liberty Township. Chief Brian Duncan and Assistant Chief Michael Wineland arrived on scene and found no active flames. Smoke was visible from outside the trailer and pushing out from the eaves. The trailer was not occupied when firefighters arrived. Liberty Township Firefighters stretched a hose line and conducted a primary search confirming the home was not occupied. Chesterton and South Haven

Solar Opportunities Indiana receives $117 million funding notification from U.S. EPA to expand clean energy access Funding from federal “Solar for All” initiative will spur access to solar in low-income and disadvantaged Hoosier communities over the next five years  INDIANAPOLIS—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally awarded $117.4 million to Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI), a grassroots-led coalition dedicated to expanding equitable access to clean energy across Indiana. The five-year funding agreement will enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy or benefit from zero-emissions technologies, moving Indiana toward a healthier and more sustainable energy future. The EPA’s funding letter is

MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA – Kabelin Hardware Company, a family-owned retailer, is proud to announce the opening of its 8th store on the East Side of Michigan City located at 2309 E Michigan Blvd (Eastgate Plaza). The opening of the new store represents Kabelin Hardware’s commitment to serving local communities by providing quality products, expert advice, and a friendly, helpful atmosphere. The East Side will now benefit from closer access to the exceptional service and wide range of products that Kabelin Ace Hardware has provided to the Michigan City community for over 50 years. Mackenzie Kabelin Watkins, President of Kabelin Ace

Richard D. Walters, 70, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at 4:56 pm in his home. Private family services will be conducted. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements. Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com.

Porter County Community Foundation Men’s Fund Awards Grants to Local Nonprofits VALPARAISO, IND. — The Men’s Fund, held at the Porter County Community Foundation, is awarding $7,000 in grants to three Porter County nonprofits. Project Neighbors is the recipient of a $5,000 grant. Funding will support Neighbor’s House, a 24-unit studio apartment building. This grant will ensure each resident has a bed, mattress, and nightstand. Because of the amazing philanthropic support from donors, for the first time the Men’s Fund is awarding two additional grants to Hilltop Neighborhood House and Porter County Aging and Community Services. Hilltop Neighborhood House will

  On December 20th, at 6:17 PM, deputies responded to the 4900 north block of US 35 in reference to a two-vehicle personal injury crash. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputies Jet Balenia and Xavier Biggerstaff determined the following.   A maroon 2005 Pontiac, being driven by Robert J. KAMPF (31 YOA) of La Porte, was traveling north on US 35. A gray 2016 Jeep, being driven by Aaron M. SCHROEDER (31 YOA) of Michigan City, was traveling south on US 35. A head- on crash occurred between the two vehicles.   KAMPF was transported to an area hospital

Press release, Group 7even: CHESTERTON, IN - ’Tis the season for free rides! To say Happy Holidays, let riders know it has been a pleasure serving them throughout 2024, and provide another opportunity for friends and family to create more memories, South Shore Line (SSL) has expanded its Kids Ride Free program to ALL trains and train times. Thursday, December 26, through Sunday, January 5, up to three children 13 years of age and under may ride any train for free — ALL weekend, holiday, off-peak, or rush hour weekday trains — when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Quiet

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY RECYCLING SCHEDULE  Please be advised there will be NO recycling pick up on Wednesday, December 25th.  The trucks will be on a One Day Delay in the recycling pickup schedule the week of December 23rd through Saturday, December 28th. Please remember to have your toter curbside the night before or by 5:00 a.m. on your pick up day to insure pickup. The Office and Compost Site will be closed Wednesday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday. The office will reopen Thursday, December 26th at 8:00 a.m.  Merry Christmas! Robin Havens Office Manager  

NIPSCO’S 12th ANNUAL HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS CAMPAIGN LIGHTS UP SEASON OF GIVING MERRILLVILLE, Ind. –   This holiday season, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) celebrates its 12th annual Hope for the Holidays campaign, uniting contributions from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, NIPSCO and NIPSCO’s employees to support community organizations serving northern Indiana. This year, with generous grant support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, NIPSCO proudly donated $110,000 to 21 organizations across NIPSCO’s service area. Additionally, employees contributed more than 650 toys to be distributed to seven local Toys for Tots chapters.   The mission of NIPSCO’s annual Hope

Killer PICS from the Notre Dame-IU Game thank you Mike Kellems for the incredible shots. Notre Dame winners 27-17 over Indiana. For more great action shots check out WIMS FACEBOOK page. A few of the dignitaries at the ND v. IU game… 1. Governor Holcomb and myself (Mike Kellems) 2. Jaylon Smith 3. Governor & First Lady 4. Gov. FL, Secretary Buttigieg 5. Tim Brown 1987 Heisman Trophy winner #wims #nwi #localradio #notredame #iu

Press release, City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso is preparing for winter weather and reintroducing a winter event priority map, indicating priority streets, neighborhoods and cul-de sacs. “During inclement weather, our top priority is the safety of our community. Our team is prepared and has a proven plan for snow removal. We thank residents and drivers for their patience and remind everyone to slow down during winter weather events,” said Steve Poulos, Valparaiso City Services Director. While winter snow accumulation patterns have adjusted over the last 5 years during the months of January and February, Valparaiso City Services is

A man has been found guilty of domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman, according to LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan. On Dec. 1, 2023, a witness came to the La Porte City Police Department, alleging domestic violence.  Among those alleged crimes were domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman. An investigation led by Detective Marcos Loza, of the LaPorte Police Department, identified Kyle Mouser as the primary suspect. On Dec. 3, after a 2 day trial, a jury found Mr. Mouser guilty of Domestic Battery, a level 5 felony, in the La Porte Circuit Court.

The Valparaiso Police Department made the following statement on a recent officer promotion: “The Valparaiso Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Jason Wray to Sergeant, effective January 1, 2025.  Wray is a three-year veteran with our department; however, he had served in law enforcement with Purdue University Northwest for two years and Valparaiso University for two years prior to his appointment.  Wray has spent his career within the Patrol Division, while also working as a Field Training Officer, Instructor, CIT Officer, Evidence Technician, Breath Test Operator, and Bike Patrol Unit.  Wray is a 1997 Graduate of Calvary

Young, Kelly Introduce SHIPS for America Act to Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding and Commercial Maritime Industries WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) and John Garamendi (D-CA-8) introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. After decades of neglect, the United States has a weakened shipbuilding capacity, a declining commercial shipping fleet that is dwarfed by China, and a diminished ability to supply the U.S. military during wartime. This historic proposal would restore American

The December 2024 Michigan City Police Commission meeting was filled with recognitions from the MCPD Administration to members of the police department and community. Community partners were recognized for their support of the Michigan City Citizens Police Academy and Shop With Our Cops. The following were recognized: Galvestons Pizza Stop Buffalo Wild Wings Fiddlehead Leeds Patrick’s Grille Olive Garden MC Parks and Recreation Franciscan Health NIPSCO Wal Mart WIMS-Ric Federighi Jerry Bailey Flock Safety Utility, Inc. MCPD officers were recognized for their works down during investigations pertaining to the apprehension of suspects in the 2024 double homicide at Normandy Village,

City Hall and all other Michigan City municipal government offices will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; as well as Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Bus service also will not operate on those four days. Both weeks, the Refuse Department will pick up their normal routes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Those whose trash is normally collected on Wednesdays should place your toters out before 7 a.m. on Thursday, and they will

The Town of Chesterton announced their garbage collection holidays schedule. All Town of Chesterton municipal offices will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24-25, in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Municipal offices will also be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 31-Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Republic Services will collect refuse and recycling on both Tuesday routes, that is, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. But it will not collect on the two Wednesday routes, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Those Wednesday routes will be collected instead

St. Luke United Lutheran Church invites the community to attend a special mid-day worship service on Christmas Eve. The family-oriented service of Holy Communion will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 24 at the church, which is located at 2000 E. Coolspring Avenue in Trail Creek. Guest Pastor Erik Bernth will lead the service, which will feature special music by soloist Michelle Shumaker, flautist Betsy Kohn, and organist Diana Richmond. St. Luke fosters a welcoming environment for worshippers of all ages. It offers a "pray-ground" in its sanctuary, where toddlers and young children are welcome to play and

This past Sunday, troopers assigned to the late shift conducted a brief traffic blitz along I-80. In only four hours, they issued 20 citations and 19 warnings, covered 2 crashes, and arrested 4 individuals (14 criminal charges filed). Three of those arrested were for O.W.I.

The Porter County Health Department on Thursday issued a public notice of a petroleum release, spill or overfill. The Department stated the following in a press release: Local health departments are required by statute (IC 13-23-16) to inform the public of the discovery of released regulated substances at an underground storage tank site or in the surrounding area under 329 IAC 9-4-1 (1) or a spill or overfill under 329 IAC 9-4-4 (a). The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) was notified on December 18, 2024, of such an incident from the owner or operator of the Speedway #6675 facility