Local News

Press Release, City of Valparaiso: In response to several recent questions from the community regarding dead wildlife, the City of Valparaiso wishes to remind residents of how to handle dead animals discovered on private property. “We follow the lead of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on protocol for the handling of dead animals. The DNR recommends that people wear gloves when moving dead animals,” said Steve Poulos, Executive Director for Valparaiso City Services. The DNR reports that a number of naturally occurring diseases may affect wildlife and cause their death. To learn more about wildlife diseases, you may visit

Press release, MAAC Foundation: Valparaiso, IN – The MAAC Foundation First Responding Training Campus is proud to announce the 5th Annual First Responder Appreciation & Demonstration Day (FRADD), scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024. This highly anticipated event will take place from 9 AM to 2 PM CST at the MAAC campus. FRADD is a free and fun event for all ages and serves as our largest fundraiser of the year. The day is dedicated to honoring and supporting our first responders by providing them with comprehensive and inclusive training and skill enhancement opportunities. This year's event will feature over

On Wednesday, members of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, Valparaiso Police and Fire Departments completed a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Valparaiso High School. The climb consisted of 2,200 steps, which is the equivalent of 110 stories. Jail Officer Matthew Anderson also participated in another Memorial Stair Climb at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – Vascular and General Surgeon Patrick Albert, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City. Dr. Albert is board certified in general surgery and board eligible in vascular surgery. He attended medical school and completed his residency at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, La. Dr. Albert completed his fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis, Tenn. Dr. Albert’s clinical interests include procedures for open and endovascular peripheral artery disease, revision surgery and dialysis access. He is accepting patients at Woodlawn Health Center, 8865 W.

The La Porte Police Department is seeking tips from the public in reference to extensive criminal mischief in the area of West 18th Street. The pictured property damage occurred sometime between the late night on Sept. 10 and early morning hours on Sept. 11. The suspects are currently thought to be juveniles and local to the area. Police say any information in reference to this crime is encouraged to be reported. Police are asking those with information to contact Det. Cpl. Ashley Adams at (219) 362-9446 x2007 or at aadams@lpcitypd.com.

The Indiana Department of Transportation says they are aware of numerous fraudulent text and email campaigns related to their agency and various tolling groups. "Be sure to carefully inspect message sources as well as any links that may be included in these messages before clicking or providing any type of personal information," INDOT said on their Facebook page. Follow Indiana Department of Transportation: Northwest on Facebook for more updates from INDOT.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. –Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is celebrating the completion of a second mural at the H.O.P.E. Community Center in Michigan City. Please join us in a community celebration at H.O.P.E. on Sunday, September 29, from 1-3 p.m. (Central). The celebration will mark the 1st Annual West Fest and will include remarks from Bernard Williams. The celebration will also feature performances by Michigan City High School's Wolvettes, the double-dutch group JUMP and spoken word with Gerri Lucas. Food trucks and vendors will be on site. The 2024 mural titled, "The Bridge to Tomorrow," was facilitated by Lubeznik

MICHIGAN CITY – Curb and ADA access concrete removal is underway on the west side of  Franklin Street beginning at 4th Street and continuing south to 10th Street. On Thursday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Sept. 14, concrete crews will continue removal, and forming and installing concrete at those same locations will commence, weather permitting. Traffic control will remain in place, so please use caution when driving in this area. The City says updates will be provided as they become available.

The Newton County Sheriff's Office says a deputy who was shot earlier this month will not survive, according to a statement made on Tuesday afternoon. The Newton County Sheriff's Office made the following statement Tuesday afternoon: “On behalf of the family of Corporal Schreiber, it is with great sadness we must provide this update. Corporal Schreiber was shot in the line of duty on September 1, 2024.  Despite the tremendous and heroic efforts of his medical team, we have been informed he will not survive his injuries. Corporal Schreiber is an organ donor.  His sacrifice will present the opportunity for

In Michigan City, Walker Street will be temporarily closed from Porter Street to Dickson Street for safety reasons and expected to reopen by the end of the day on Wednesday. The city says updates will be provided as they become available. Follow WIMS on Facebook and check back with WIMSradio.com for more roadwork updates.  

The Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City announced the Michigan City Neighborhood Leadership Academy is accepting applications through Sept. 16 for MC residents wanting to make an impact. The program is a partnership between the City of Michigan City and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City. It is aimed at individuals who are interested in taking on a leadership role within their own neighborhoods and bringing neighbors together to spark change. Details https://vibrantmc.com/neighborhood-leadership-academy/  

The City of Valparaiso invites the community to share thoughts on accessibility in City-owned pedestrian facilities within the rights-of-ways maintained by the City. “We continue to enhance access for all in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA),” said Deputy Engineer Bob Thompson. Title II of the ADA requires that each of the City’s services, programs and activities be readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the City is seeking public input and comments on what barriers exist or what access is necessary for the use of City pedestrian rights-of-way (i.e. sidewalks, curb ramps and pedestrian crossings).

The Women’s Fund of Porter County, held at the Porter County Community Foundation, is awarding $57,500 in grants to local organizations that meet the needs of women and children. Hilltop Neighborhood House and Jacob’s Ladder Pediatric Rehabilitation will receive $25,000 each to support high-impact programs. Parents as Teachers of Porter County, the MAAC Foundation, and The Caring Place will each receive $2,500 for general support. Funding awarded to Hilltop Neighborhood House will support the Hilltop Mission Kitchen, which provides nutritious meals to those in need, promotes food security, and fosters a sense of community support and empowerment. Jacob’s Ladder is

Press release, Franciscan Health: WINFIELD, Indiana -- Board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Padmaja Sanaka, MD is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Winfield. Dr. Sanaka attended medical school at Kurnool Medical College in India and completed her residency in Chicago at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County and at Northwestern University Hospital. Dr. Sanaka’s clinical interests include general obstetrics and gynecology, high-risk pregnancy care, fibroids, ovarian cysts and minimally invasive and DaVinci robotic procedures. Dr. Sanaka is accepting patients at Winfield Health Center, 11161 Randolph St. in Winfield. She offers both in-person and

Press release, Carolyn (Carrie) J. Higgins, M.S. Ed., RCHES, Program Director Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County, Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professions: Valparaiso, IN – The Justice Partners Addiction Response (JPAR) team of Porter County is hosting a free community event, Coping with Modern Day Challenges Impacting Mental Health and Addiction, from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27th at Harre Union on the campus of Valparaiso University. Registration is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County, in affiliation with

The following is a statement from South Shore Line President, Mike Noland regarding overall performance after the schedule revision that was implemented in August and the new Hammond station: September 6, 2024 Dear South Shore Line Riders, We are now two weeks into the schedule revision that we implemented on August 20th, and I am happy to report that we have seen substantial improvement in the operation of our service. While our overall on-time performance is not yet up to our expectations, we are seeing steady improvement in the number of trains that are regularly arriving at their destinations on

LaPorte County Recycling will have a 7 in 1 collection on September 14 with a 25 tire limit.   Details: When: September 14, 2024 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: LaPorte County Fairgrounds 2851 W.State Rd. 2 Please be advised, there will be a limit of 25 tires accepted at this event. If you havemore than 25 tires, please contact our office directly at 219-326-0014, Ext. 1. When: September 14, 2024 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: LaPorte County Fairgrounds 2851 W.State Rd. 2 Please be advised, there will be a limit of 25 tires accepted at this event. If

The first phase of a pavement improvement project on the Indiana Toll Road will begin next Monday, Sept. 9, and continue until Sept. 25, (dates are subject to change due to weather). Roadwork will take place between Mile Marker 10 and Mile Marker 15.6 westbound, including the closure of the westbound Gary West Exit 14A. Only one lane will be operational during construction. The full tentative schedule for the mainline milling and filling and Gary West exit 14A closure is as follows. Please note: The roadwork will occur Monday-Saturday during the daytime, which will require intermittent lane and shoulder closures.

Press release, Indiana Department of Education: INDIANAPOLIS – During the third annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) awarded nearly $5 million to schools and educators across the state. This black-tie event is focused on celebrating and elevating the work of Indiana’s educators as they support student learning. "The Educational Excellence Awards Gala is a celebration of the extraordinary impact our educators have on students and communities across Indiana," said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. "We know that continuous improvement is part of our journey, yet tonight is about pausing to shine a

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announces continued progress in building a comprehensive statewide crisis response system that encompasses all three pillars of the crisis continuum — Someone to Contact, Someone to Respond and A Safe Place for Help. During National Suicide Prevention and National Recovery Month, and to mark the nation’s first 988 Day on Sunday, Sept. 8, FSSA is calling on communities across Indiana to help spread awareness about 988 and make sure that all Hoosiers know that help is just a call, text or chat away. To learn more about what to expect when