Local News

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) has received a grant for $20,000 from the Health Foundation of La Porte to enhance the La Porte, Ind. community by facilitating a mural. Through the collaborative process, the goal of the project is to foster a sense of shared ownership and pride in the community. There is much evidence that murals with public input contribute to the economic and the physical health of a community. These compelling reasons are why LCA is spearheading this project. The mural will be located on the south wall of the La Porte County Library (LPCPL) Exchange building

Valparaiso Police are investigating a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. On Wednesday at about 5:40 p.m., police responded to the intersection of Valparaiso Street and Monroe Street. Upon arrival, police learned a juvenile had been struck by a motor vehicle and sustained serious injuries. The Valparaiso Fire Department arrived on scene with police and began immediate treatment. The juvenile was transported from the scene to a nearby landing zone, then onto Comer Children’s Hospital by medical helicopter. The crash investigation remains open; however, charges related to the crash are not expected at this time. Police said there was no indication

Press Release, Purdue University Northwest: The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest (PNW) has opened applications for the 2024-2025 Leadership Northwest Indiana (LNI) program. This premium leadership program, facilitated by a team that includes faculty members from the PNW College of Business, as well as leadership practitioners, meets once a month for eight months. A 360 assessment and custom coaching are program highlights. The facilitation team provides research-based leadership content and skill-building for effective leadership in the workplace and in life. Leadership Northwest Indiana is well-regarded as a great place for professionals to build their networks, as they learn from the

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office says they’ve been alerted to an old scam making the rounds in their area. This one involves fake arrest warrants, and was brought to police’s attention by a local Public Defender. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office gave details on the scam: “Here’s how it works: Someone pretending to be "Sergeant Davis" is calling folks, using the phone number (219) 271-2160. They claim there’s an arrest warrant out for you and say you need to pay up to avoid getting in trouble. It’s all fake! Sheriff Pat Williamson wants everyone to know: "Law enforcement doesn’t call

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) associate professor of Nursing Janet H. Davis received a U.S. Fulbright Faculty Scholar award to develop and strengthen Nursing leadership and teaching in Sri Lanka during the 2024-25 academic year. Davis will be hosted by the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Colombo. Her Fulbright engagement objectives center on using evidence-based practices that will augment nursing leadership and practice, both in higher education and applied settings. Davis will contribute to international scholarly perspectives in nursing education, as well as partner with the Sri Lanka Nurses Association to provide continuing education for nurses in the country.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has extended the agency's Air Quality Action Day forecast through Friday, June 21, 2024, in five regions. Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas: Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area. Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area. Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities

The South Sh0re Line gave the following update just before 9:15 p.m. on Thursday regarding a gas leak that occurred earlier in the day causing trains to be stopped: UPDATE: SSL trains are now on the move. We thank passengers for their patience throughout today's NIPSCO gas leak in Gary. Due to safety concerns, trains were held in their locations longer than initial NIPSCO estimates to ensure safe train movements could be completed. All impacted passengers may contact South Shore Line for ticket refunds or complimentary one-way tickets due to the delays and inconvenience. Follow the South Shore Social Media

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has added Northwest Indiana to the agency's Air Quality Action Day forecast for today Thursday, June 20. Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area. High temperatures are expected to reach the 90-degree mark again on Thursday at inland areas south of Lake Michigan which, when combined with slightly lower humidity in the afternoon, light and variable winds and a chance for

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has been requested to investigate an officer involved shooting, according to a statement from the PCSO. Police say at approximately 1:08 a.m. on Wednesday, the Portage Police Department requested the Porter County Sheriff’s to investigate the officer involved shooting. Preliminary investigation shows that on Tuesday at approximately 11:21 a.m. officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Marine View Drive for a well-being check. A man was located in the area with a firearm, according to police. The man was transported to an area hospital with a single gunshot wound. Police say there is

The Michigan City Police Department announced the passing of retired Corporal Kenneth Waltz. Corporal Waltz served on the Michigan City Police Department for 20 years and completed assignments in the Uniformed Patrol Division and Investigations Division. “He served this community with dedication, integrity and professionalism,” MCPD said on Facebook. “The MCPD Family is thankful for the service of Corporal Waltz and mourn his loss as we keep his family in our prayers.  Rest in peace Corporal Kenneth Waltz!!”

Lake County- This morning just after 1:00 a.m., troopers were dispatched to I-80/94, westbound near the 1.0 mile-marker for a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a semi. This location is near Calumet Ave., approximately one mile east of the Illinois/Indiana state line. Preliminary investigation by Trooper Kevin Council shows that a white Jeep Grand Cherokee had been traveling westbound on I-80/94 near the 1.1 mile-marker when it struck an attenuator in the gore area for the exit ramp to Calumet Ave. The Jeep came to a rest in the right lane of the interstate, facing eastbound in the westbound lanes.

INDIANAPOLIS- (June 19, 2024) –Brian Simms, of Lebanon, Indiana, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on one count of felony wire fraud. Simms pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud were dismissed as part of the plea agreement entered into with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. During the course of the investigation by the Indiana Securities Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators found that Simms was offering investment opportunities though his company, Brendanwood Financial Brokerage LLC. Simms was not licensed to sell securities nor registered

The City of Valparaiso has announced the availability of a number of community organizations to offer cooling centers to help keep the city safe during this week’s heat wave. “We encourage people to visit these cooling centers and to check on those who may not have functioning air conditioning,” said Mayor Jon Costas. The following Cooling Centers will be in place for this week and future heat waves:  Valparaiso YMCA, (219) 462-4185 1202 Cumberland Crossing Open Mon – Fri 5:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sat 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Porter County Public Library,

CHESTERTON -- The Indiana Department of Transportation has an update for those who travel State Road 49 in northern Porter County. Switching to the next phase of work will require a 20 min full closure of each direction today June 19. Southbound State Road 49 will have a full closure around approximately 9 a.m., and the northbound closure will occur around 1 p.m. INDOT says to consider seeking alternate routes or expect possible delays. After these closures, traffic will utilize the inside lanes while the outside lanes are closed for bridge replacement work. This project is scheduled through late October.

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching the Michigan City Police Department would like to remind everyone that fireworks can only be discharged by persons 18+ years old and only during set dates and times outlined in city ordinance 54-231. Inside of the corporate limits of Michigan City, fireworks can only be discharged on the following dates and times: June 29th-July 3rd from 5:00 p.m. until 2 hours after sunset July 4th from 10:00 a.m. until midnight July 5th-9th from 5:00 p.m. until 2 hours after sunset 10:00 a.m. on December 31st until 1:00 a.m. on January 1st The city

City Hall of Michigan City will be closed Wednesday, June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The Michigan City Transit and Refuse departments will be closed as well, meaning bus service will not run on Wednesday, nor will trash and compost pick-up. Wednesday’s waste collection will be pushed to Thursday; and any incomplete routes will be finished on Friday with regular trash and compost pick-up.

La Porte County Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg officially announced the recent hiring of two Merit Division (Patrol) Deputies – Alexander J. Nolan and Daniel E. Diaz, both hires effective June 10. Deputy Nolan was born in Michigan City and is a 2021 graduate of Hobart High School. He recently graduated from the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy where he was a member of Basic Recruit Class 24-51. Deputy Nolan resides in Lake County. Deputy Diaz was born in Munster and is a 2012 graduate of Merrillville High School. Prior to joining the agency, he was a Lieutenant with the Indiana

Franciscan Health Michigan City is offering a new Produce Prescription Program aimed at assisting with chronic disease management. Upon successful completion of the free, four-week program, participants will receive produce vouchers for fresh fruit every month for six months. The Produce Prescription Program originated in Franciscan Alliance’s Lake County Fresh Start Market healthy food pantries, which allow those in need to shop free of charge. The Produce Prescription Program later expanded to locations in Central Indiana and is now available in Michigan City. The expansion into Michigan City was made possible by an Indiana Department of Health Together We Will

News Release, Indiana State Police: The Indiana State Police began the transition from the Dodge Charger, a vehicle which it has used for its police fleet since 2010, to the Dodge Durango police package vehicle in May 2023. ISP has ordered a total of 516 Durangos (approximate value of $25.8M). Over the last year, a total of 219 of these have been issued into the field for patrol duties. During this timeframe, 39 Durangos (18%) have experienced a mechanical failure due to a defective oil cooler. Using this same ratio, ISP would anticipate having an additional 40 Durangos experience this

The Salvation Army of Michigan City’s lobby is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm for anyone who needs to hydrate and escape the heat. The lobby will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. See a list of additional cooling centers around Michigan City on wimsradio.com and the WIMS Facebook page.