Local News

News Release: Indiana State Police: On Friday, April 11th, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) conducted a focused enforcement blitz focused on U.S. 30 from the Illinois state line to the Ohio state line. The Lowell, Bremen and Ft. Wayne Posts also assisted. CVED primarily focuses on trucks over 10,000 lbs. and the enforcement of federal and state laws that pertain specifically to those vehicles. This blitz focused on the top 10 crash causation factors: 392.2FC – Following too closely 392.2C – Failure to obey a traffic control device 392.2LC – Improper/unsafe lane change 392.2S – Excessive speeding and speeding

Entrance fees to national parks are waived on Saturday April 19, 2025. National Park Week happening April 19 to April 27. More information on National Parks Week can be found at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm More information on Indiana Dunes National Park can be found at https://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm

Indiana anglers are invited to participate in the 2025 Midwest Walleye Challenge, a virtual fishing tournament that offers the opportunity to win prizes and contribute to fisheries management while providing Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries biologists with valuable data on the state’s walleye, sauger, and saugeye populations. The tournament kicked off on April 1 and ends June 29. Only catches of walleye, sauger, and saugeye count in the tournament. The Midwest Walleye Challenge was piloted in Iowa three years ago. Additional Midwest states have joined in adding to the larger fisheries research project, creating a regionwide citizens science

Michigan City, IN – Michigan City Area Schools has announced the recipients of its 2025 Teacher and Employee of the Year award. The program, which debuted last year, recognizes five staff members who have gone above and beyond to serve students. The recipients include Elizabeth Schreeg (Elementary Teacher of the Year), Sue Ard (Secondary Teacher of the Year), Kathy Schroll (Support Staff Employee of the Year), Doriann Wiegand (Food Service Employee of the Year), and Jacob Miller (Transportation Employee of the Year). The five winners were surprised on Wednesday, April 9 by a “prize patrol” that included MCAS Superintendent Dr.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office proudly announces its recognition for excellence in policy management and training by Lexipol, the leading provider of solutions that empower excellence in public safety. The Lexipol Connect program tracks agency performance on five metrics proven to measure success in policy management.  The Sheriff’s Office achieved Bronze-level recognition for consistent and effective policy dissemination to personnel, timely processing of recommended policy updates as laws change, and personnel training on policies. “Strong policies and consistent training are vital to the success of operations and our commitment to serving the La Porte County.  Being recognized by Lexipol

A man was arrested after an hours long standoff at Meijer in Michigan City, according to police. On Saturday April 12, at approximately 9:03 p.m., Michigan City police officers were dispatched to room #126 of the Baymont Motel (4128 Franklin) in reference a report of children possibly being battered by a male in the room. Upon arrival, an officer proceeded to the room and spoke with the mother of the children. She explained she and her boyfriend, 27-year-old Nathaniel Gruntzel, were arguing. The argument was due to her finding out Gruntzel was currently wanted in the State of Wisconsin for

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites prospective college students and their families to learn more information about attending PNW, campus life and paying for college during its free spring 2025 Open House Week events. Two on-campus sessions will allow prospective students to find their fit at PNW by gathering information about the PNW admissions process, academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. PNW is home to over 70 areas of study, over 80 student organizations and 23 athletics teams. PNW will host Start Your Journey: Westville from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 24 at its Westville

In Lake County, there will be lane closures on U.S. 20/Indianapolis Boulevard between U.S. 20/Michigan Street and U.S. 12/Columbus Drive beginning on or after Wednesday, April 16. There will be alternating lane closures on U.S. 20 through mid-September for a roadway resurfacing and ADA ramp replacement project. Short-term intersection closures will be in place as needed through this area as well. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

Valparaiso, IN – Ivy Tech Community College Valparaiso Campus raises $13,091 in support of students and programs on annual day of giving. More than 2,800 alumni, friends and partners across Indiana donated $483,813 on April 8 to support Ivy Tech Day – the third annual day of giving that supports scholarships and programs for Ivy Tech Community College’s more than 200,000 students across its 19 campuses. The Ivy Tech Valparaiso campus received 98 donations totaling $13,091. This year’s total exceeded the 2024 results and brings the three-year cumulative giving to more than $1 million since the first Ivy Tech Day

Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. says the department was notified about a new twist on an old scam affecting Lake County residents. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department was contacted by the Merrillville Police Department about a man who had been targeted by scammers while he was attempting to bond his wife out of jail. The fraudsters told the man before his wife could be released, he would need to pay for an ankle monitoring bracelet. The phony company even texted the man a QR code to make the payment. The man withdrew cash and submitted the payment to this

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Several of Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) graduate programs were recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Programs rankings, released April 8.   PNW’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), offered through its College of Nursing, were both noted among top graduate nursing programs.   PNW’s MSN program offers advanced nursing practices and clinical training to gain additional skills and qualifications for health care roles. PNW’s MSN also offers tracks such as Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentrations. The DNP program prepares experienced nursing

In St. Joseph County, there will be lane closures on U.S. 20 between U.S. 31 and Ironwood Dr on or after Tuesday, April 15. U.S. 20 will have alternating lane closures during daytime hours through late May for bridge deck sealing, guardrail repairs, pavement repairs, and pavement markings. This is punch list work for the two bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance projects over Miami St and York Rd that began in 2024. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area and delays during peak times. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow

Franciscan Health, partners bring Move with the Mayor to Michigan City-check out the in studio interview at WIMS from 4/7/25-click here-https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18tDqkwTox/   MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Franciscan Health Michigan City is partnering with the city and the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention for a new initiative in May and June aimed at helping residents get moving to improve their overall health and well-being.   “Prioritizing health and wellness is essential for building a stronger, more vibrant community and Move With The Mayor empowers residents to take active steps toward a healthier lifestyle,” Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson

Goodwill Announces 15th Annual Little Black Dress Dinner, Fashion Show and Designer Boutique on April 24th in South Bend SOUTH BEND, IN- Goodwill Industries of Michiana’s Little Black Dress Fundraiser, a premier event that supports local community programs, will take place on Thursday, April 24, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Four Winds Event Center in South Bend, 3000 Prairie Avenue. This one-of-a-kind event features dinner and a fashion show along with an upscale, brand-name pop-up boutique. All proceeds from the event benefit Goodwill’s education, training and job placement programs that strengthen Northern Indiana communities. “This is our 15th year,

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An INDOT contractor will close State Road 55 for two consecutive projects beginning on or after Tuesday, April 15. State Road 55 will first close at Tully Ditch between 221st Avenue and 231st Avenue through early May. Once work is complete in this location, State Road 55 will then be closed at Brown Ditch between 205th Avenue and 221st Avenue through mid-May. These closures are for bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance projects. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow State Road 2, I-65 and State Road 10.

FREE WORKSHOP for Neck and Shoulder Pain from Chesterton Physical Therapy Chesterton Physical Therapy in Michigan City is having a FREE WORKSHOP for NECK and SHOULDER PAIN on Thursday April 17th from 1pm-2pm. Learn effective techniques to relieve neck and shoulder pain. Ask questions & get expert advice with NO OBLIGATIONS. Join Chesterton Physical Therapy and WIMS on FACEBOOK LIVE as well. For more information check out their website at www.chestertonpt.com or call their Michigan City location at 219-898-4360.  #wims #nwi #loclaradio #michigancity

Join The Duneland Chamber at Chesterton's European Market every Saturday from the beginning of May through the end of October in historic downtown Chesterton. From 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, visit us at Broadway and Third Street, next to Thomas Centennial Park. We're located two miles south of the Indiana Dunes at Lake Michigan, and our Market is easily accessible from Interstate 94 to exit 26A or via the 80/90 Toll Road to exit 31. Our European Market provides a strong tradition of quality shopping, live entertainment and a festive community experience. Our artists, chefs, merchants and farmers travel to

Awesome Evening with Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch at the “Sold Out” Mayor’s Charitable Gala Empowering Neighborhoods at Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa on Friday evening. Thank you to all of the sponsors and to our WIMS Event Sponsors, including The City of Michigan City and Mayor Angie - Michigan City NIPSCO Derrick Wayne Arnett Arnett Construction & Roofing #wims #nwi #michigancity #localradio My Michigan City, Indiana

A Porter resident was burglarized while being distracted by suspects posing as contractors on Friday, according to the Town of Porter Police Department. At approximately 1:30 p.m. a citizen was victimized by two males in a distraction burglary on Beam Street, according to the Porter Police Department. The suspects were posing as home contractors. While occupying the homeowner at the door, another suspect entered the residence and stole items that included jewelry and medication. The suspects in this crime are described as white or possibly Hispanic males wearing reflective vests and driving a black hatchback passenger car. Police say if

LAKE & PORTER COUNTIES, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-94 between I-65 and State Road 149 beginning on or after Monday, April 14. I-94 will be reduced to one lane in one direction at a time during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through late May. There will be no restrictions during daytime hours. These overnight closures are to install permanent pavement markings and raised pavement markings after pavement patching work last fall. Work will take place up to six nights a week but will