Local News

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will have alternating lane closures on I-94 between U.S. 20 and State Road 49 on or after Tuesday, July 30. I-94 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction through late November for three bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance projects through this area. Work will begin with the left shoulder and lane closed for construction and will move to the right for phase two in mid-September. Phase three will be to conduct bridge painting work beginning in early October. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through

The City of Valparaiso announced Calumet Avenue will be closed from Bullseye Lake Road to Burlington Beach Road during overnights on tonight (Thursday) and Friday (7/25 and 7/26), beginning at 9:00 p.m., to complete milling and resurfacing of the roadway. The overnight work is designed to minimize disruption to motorists where possible. The final resurfacing is scheduled to take place during the day on Monday, July 29. All dates are weather permitting.  

La Porte Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a man wanted on theft and domestic battery charges. Police are looking for 29-year-old Richard Cowgill. Police say if you know the whereabouts of Cowgill, you are encouraged to provide tips to the La Porte Police Department and contact Cpl. Adam Jaskowiak at (219-362-9446 ext: 2134) or ajaskowiak@lpcitypd.com. Police say you may remain anonymous.

In Portage on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27, local traffic will only be able to travel southbound on Airport Road. Signage will be placed at all subdivision outlets onto Airport Road. Follow WIMS on Facebook and check back at wimsradio.com for more roadwork updates.  

To protect the lives of motorists and construction workers across the Hoosier State, INDOT announces the official launch of Indiana Safe Zones, a five-year worksite speed control pilot program authorized by House Enrolled Act 1015 during the 2023 legislative session. Starting Wednesday, Aug. 14, camera technology will be deployed in the current I-70 construction zone in Hancock County (MM 95-105).  Deployment will start with a pre-enforcement warning period during which no violations will be issued, but courtesy warnings will be sent. Additional worksites will be added to the program over time. By statute, INDOT may deploy cameras in up to

La PORTE, IN – Information regarding road closures and parking availability has been announced as the City of La Porte gears up for its fourth annual LakeFest this weekend, according to Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber. This Friday, July 26, through Sunday, July 28, a wide array of activities will be held at La Porte’s Pine, Stone and Clear lakes. Featured events will include a free concert performed by the Grammy Award winning band Soul Asylum, P1 AquaX races, a special Friday Night Live at Fox Park, fireworks, kids activities, an artisan market, physical activities and more. With events spread throughout

Tuesday morning, detectives with the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division Lowell Post along with officers with the U.S. Marshal’s Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, served an arrest warrant in the 7000 block of Birch Ave. in Hammond. Arrested was 35-year-old Darrell A. Graham, from Chicago, IL. Graham was arrested without incident. The arrest was a result of an extensive investigation into the interstate shooting that occurred on June 3,2024, along I-80/94 in Hammond. In that shooting, a juvenile sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to their lower extremities. Graham is being charged with two counts of attempted murder, battery

The City of Valparaiso posted the following statement to its social media at 4:21 p.m. Tuesday regarding a water main break and boil advisory: Valparaiso City Utilities crews responded to a water main break at Country Club Road. Approximately 150 customers within this service area may have experienced low water pressure or a complete interruption in water service. ???????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????, ???? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????? to residents and business owners along Country Club Rd, Timber Bridge, Creekside Dr, Creekside Ct, Quail Covey Rd, Quail Covey Circle, Bobwhite Circle, Pheasant Walk, Waxwing Ct, Partridge

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch is proud to announce that Michigan City has been awarded a $4.6 million grant from the Indiana Residential Infrastructure Fund. The grant, awarded by the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA), marks a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to enhancing residential housing development and infrastructure in Michigan City. “This $4.6 million will aid us in undertaking critical infrastructure projects that are essential for the growth and development of residential housing in Michigan City,” Mayor Angie said. “Thank you to the Indiana Finance Authority for recognizing our efforts and providing us with the resources needed to improve

The Michigan City Police Department and the Michigan City Fire Department will be participating in a Battle of the Badges Blood Drive that is open to the public on Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 14. The Michigan City Police Department will be hosting the blood drive on Wednesday, August 14 at the Michigan City Police Department from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments are preferred by scanning the code on the attached flyer, but walk-ins are always welcome. You can also call 800-632-4722 to make an appointment.

The following is a statement made on social media from the City of Michigan City: The City of Michigan City is proud to announce its selection for the 2024 Put Us on the Map Challenge by the City Health Dashboard. This prestigious opportunity allows Michigan City to join a select group of cities nationwide in gaining access to critical local data that highlights the public health issues faced by local communities. "Access to local health data has been a long-standing challenge for smaller cities like ours,” said Mayor Angie. “Being a part of the Put Us on the Map Challenge

INDIANAPOLIS— The state’s first West Nile virus disease case for the 2024 season has been reported in a Lake County resident. West Nile virus activity has also been detected in mosquitoes throughout the state (26 samples taken from 15 counties). Additional information about the case is not being released to protect patient privacy. “Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance—their bites can potentially lead to serious illness,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “Hoosiers can reduce their risk by wearing bug repellent and taking steps to remove breeding sites, like standing water in discarded tires or other containers around

Hammond, IND. – On Friday, July 19, in a press conference held at Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) and Challenger NWI Board Members announced that the Center will receive $963,000 in Community Project Funding. The funding will enable the Center to install and upgrade its Mission Control simulators, furthering its mission to provide inspiring and engaging STEM education opportunities for students throughout Indiana. “Congratulations to the leaders of the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana for your successful effort to secure this federal funding to continue your mission to advance STEM education across our

LA PORTE COUNTY, IN — Unity Foundation of La Porte County is awarding nearly $350,000 in scholarships to 148 students for the 2024-2025 academic year. The recipients are attending 48 colleges and universities across the United States. Since 1992, Unity has awarded approximately $4 million from sixty scholarship funds to help area students advance their education. Lauren Varga, Unity Foundation Marketing & Program Manager, said, “Unity Foundation is honored to administer this program and support local students each year. Beyond providing financial assistance, receiving these awards is proof to the recipients that their community is behind them as they pursue

MUNSTER, Indiana – Franciscan Health Munster general surgeon Jovenel Cherenfant, MD, has been named 2023 Physician of the Year by the medical staff. The Physician of the Year award is presented annually by the medical staff to a physician who embodies the Franciscan Alliance values of respect for life, fidelity to the Franciscan Alliance mission, compassionate concern, joyful service and Christian stewardship. “Thank you, Dr. Cherenfant, for your stewardship and humbleness,” the medical staff said in a statement announcing the award. “Dr. Cherenfant is a humbled and blessed man. Giving back to his patients and community is a must.” Dr.

The City of Portage announced no parking and lane restrictions that will take place on Portage Avenue July 30-31. A contractor will be working along Portage Avenue milling and paving. They will be removing the intersection of Portage Avenue and Hamstrom Road, the Crisman Road approach, the Jackson Street approach, the parking lane from west of Pennsylvania Street to east of Jackson Street and the westbound lane between approximately 6444 and 6517 Portage Avenue. The city is asking drivers to refrain from parking on the north side of Portage Avenue during these dates. Dates are weather dependent and a flag

The Michigan City Police Department 2024 National Night Out will be Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 7th/Franklin Streets. This event is free to public and made possible through community sponsors. According to their website, "National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live." "Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on

The Crew with Cops Cycling for Survivrs started their trip throughout Indiana on July 8th. After almost 1000 miles and countless hours on the road cycling the team wrapped up on July 20th with a ceremony in Indianapolis. Thanks to the team, riders, familes, volunteers and incredible people along the way.  For pictures and information check out WIMS FACEBOOK PAGE. Also LIKE the Cops Cycling for Survivors FACEBOOK page and website.

The City of Valparaiso announced that to facilitate the streetscape project surrounding the Lincoln Highway Garage, Morgan Boulevard (from Lincolnway to Jefferson Street) will close on or about July 24 for approximately 2 weeks. The project will repair an older large diameter combined sewer as well as install new storm sewer to separate out a small section of the downtown. Drivers may take Roosevelt, Evans or Calumet as alternate routes.  

Yesterday at 11:54 AM, deputies responded to CR 300 North, west of Johnson Road, reference a single vehicle personal injury crash. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Josh Smith and assisting deputies determined the following had occurred. A red 2010 Ford Explorer was traveling west on CR 300 North. The vehicle traveled left of center and across the eastbound lane. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and collided with a tree along the south side of CR 300 North. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its driver’s side. The driver (lone occupant), Gregory W. CRITES (65 YOA)