Local News

Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) announces the opening of its grant portal for 2024 Cycle 2 grants. To advance its mission and vision, HFL invites grant proposals for health and wellness projects and programs within La Porte County twice each year. This year’s second grant cycle will run from May 24, 2024, to July 12, 2024. HFL welcomes grant proposals that impact HFL’s strategic priorities of Healthy Children, Healthy Living, and Healthy Minds. Grant proposals must demonstrate a commitment to measurable results that contribute to positive change in one or more of the community-wide indicators HFL uses to monitor

LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation announced a road closure for State Road 39 between U.S. 6 and County Road West 800 South beginning on or after Tuesday, May 28. State Road 39 will be closed for approximately 11 days while Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company rebuilds their grade crossing in this location. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 6, U.S. 35 and U.S. 30. This section of State Road 39 is part of the official detour for the U.S. 6 and U.S. 421 intersection closure for roundabout construction. While the rail

A man was arrested earlier this week after identifying himself as his wanted brother, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. Just after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, a deputy responded to the area of Lakeshore Drive and Hudson Boulevard in reference to a disturbance. After arriving in the area, the deputy located a vehicle similar to the provided description parked at Hudson Beach. A man who was present verbally identified himself to the deputy as being 43-year-old Joseph Miller and provided a date of birth. A computer check determined Miller was a wanted person by Marion County authorities for

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Superior Construction Co Inc will have lane closures on U.S. 30 between Castlewood Dr and St. John Rd beginning on or after Tuesday, May 28. U.S. 30 will have alternating lane closures through late October for a bridge replacement project over Dyer Ditch. Phase one will be in place through approximately mid-August, with the westbound lanes closed and eastbound converted to two-way traffic. Traffic will move to the westbound side during phase two. Motorists should be advised that there is a reduced speed limit of 35 mph on U.S. 30 between

The City of La Porte announced today that multi-platinum selling rock band Soul Asylum will headline this summer’s LakeFest, according to Park Superintendent and LakeFest Committee Chair Mark Schreiber. The “Runaway Train” and “Someone to Shove” performers will play a free live show on Saturday, July 27, at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. Soul Asylum will be preceded by renowned local performer Neil Allesee and former La Portean Mike Barthel-led Mike + the Boys, as well as a fireworks show over Clear Lake. After a successful show with alt-rock band Everclear last year, Schreiber said the LakeFest

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP will begin a pavement replacement project on State Road 53/Broadway from 4th Avenue (U.S. 12/20) to just north of the Indiana Toll Road on or after Tuesday, May 28. State Road 53 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. During phase one through mid-August, southbound will be converted to two-way traffic, and northbound will be closed for construction. Traffic will move to the northbound side during phase two. The right lane of westbound 4th Avenue will be closed at the intersection with State Road 53

A Michigan City man was arrested after a search warrant was executed at a residence, resulting in firearm and drug related charges. The Michigan City Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) and the LaPorte County Drug Task Force executed a residential search warrant at the 400 block of Hoyt Street in Michigan City. Last week, information was forwarded to the Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) regarding a subject who is classified as a “Serious Violent Felon” under Indiana Criminal Code, as illegally possessing a firearm.  Lead Detective, Corporal Matthew Babcock, aggressively followed up with the investigation and obtained a search warrant

State Road 119 will be closed between U.S. 35 and State Road 16 for seal coating operations for approximately three days starting on or after Tuesday, May 28. The official detour for this closure will follow State Road 16, State Road 39, State Road 14 and U.S. 35 Through traffic should utilize the detour or seek an alternate route. Local traffic should exercise caution and follow traffic directions carefully in the area where work is occurring. This work is weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change.

U.S. 30 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers directing traffic in the work zone between C.R. 450 E and C.R. 575 E for guardrail repair today, May 23. Motorists should expect increased delays through this area while this important work is underway.  

The Michigan City Department of Water Works will be closing Upland Road, east of 105 Upland Road, to install a water service on Thursday, May 23. The closure is necessary due to the limited work area. The road closure will begin at 8 a.m. and should be completed by 3 p.m. the same day. In the event of inclement weather on Thursday, they will complete the project on Friday, May 24.

One person has been arrested and another person was injured after a shooting Tuesday in Portage. At approximately 9:53 a.m., Portage Police Officers were dispatched to the 6600 block of Old Porter in reference to a report of a shooting. Upon the Officers’ arrival, they located a 33 year old male victim, who had sustained what is believed to be a non-life threatening injury, resulting from a gunshot. During the course of the investigation, it was determined the shooting had occurred as a result of an altercation between several parties who knew each other.  The suspect, a 32 year old

The State Road 39 bridge deck overlay project over the Kankakee River in La Porte/Starke Counties is complete, and the road has reopened to traffic. The project reopened almost 2 weeks sooner than originally announced. Follow the WIMS Facebook page and wimsradio.com for more roadwork updates.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday announced an arrest in connection to a fatal crash that happened this past February on U.S. 20. Police arrested 40-year-old Lashea C. Bird in connection in with the death of Kendra L. Murphy. On February 12, 2024, Bird was the driver of a motor vehicle traveling west on U.S. 20.  Murphy was a passenger in the vehicle being operated by Bird.  The vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree located on the northwest corner of U.S. 20 and Wilhelm Road. Bird sustained an upper body injury in the crash and Murphy

JASPER COUNTY, Ind. - Watch for nightly lane closures on I-65 between mile marker 200 (near U.S. 24) and 217 (between State Road 14 and State Road 114) through mid-October. This project includes resurfacing and roadway patching, and I-65 is reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring. Lane closures are set up each evening and taken down the next morning. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns as the work zone location changes. Work hours will be from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the evenings of Sunday through Thursday, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday,

Last Friday, the Porter County Sheriff's Office concluded National Police week by unveiling their Porter County Sheriff’s Fallen Officer Memorial during a short ceremony at the station. “Some of the Officers listed on the stone were currently serving at our Agency when they died in the Line of Duty and others had left and went to serve elsewhere, but once a Porter County Sheriff’s Officer - Always a Porter County Sheriff’s Officer,” the Porter County Sheriff’s Office said on their Facebook page. The fallen officers listed are: Ross J. Krieger End of Watch 08/26/44 Edward J. Blakley End of Watch

Michigan City Police, Michigan City Fire, and LaPorte County EMS have partnered and will be educating our community to make “Michigan City Safe Citizens.” In an effort to educate our citizens on what to do in different situations, they will be offering four different courses to help you better manage emergency situations. June 6, 2024 – Michigan City Police Department will be covering “GUN SAFETY” and will cover topics pertaining to gun safety, proper storage, and handling of firearms. MCPD will be handing out free gun locks to those who attend. June 13, 2024 – LaPorte County EMS will be

There was a lot of damage after the storms passed through LaPorte County earlier Monday evening. Most of the damage was between Westville and Kingsberry in the central part of the county. Scipio Township seems to have most of the utility poles, power lines, and trees down. There were three large electrical transmission towers that were toppled during the strong wins. That was near the area of County Road 400 S. and County Road 500 W. which is south and west of La Porte. Thank you Mike Kellems for the update and pictures. #wims #nwi #localradio

Press Release, Indiana Department of Education: The State of Indiana is now accepting applications for students to participate in the Career Scholarship Account (CSA) program during the upcoming school year. The first-in-the-nation CSA program provides $5,000 annually for tenth through twelfth grade students enrolled in eligible work-based learning programs, including internships, apprenticeships, applied learning experiences and credential attainment experiences. “In K-12 education, we have an incredible opportunity to help every student find their purpose, know their value and understand the possibilities for their life’s path,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “In order to maximize the four years

Press Release, MAAC Foundation: Valparaiso, Indiana – The MAAC Foundation is proud to announce the graduation of its dedicated and hardworking Fire and Rescue Program students. This year’s graduating class has shown exceptional commitment and perseverance, completing a rigorous curriculum that combines academic studies with hands-on training in fire and rescue services. The graduation ceremony will take place on May 29, 2024, at 6:00 PM CST at The MAAC Foundation. The event will honor the achievements of these outstanding students  who have demonstrated both academic excellence and practical skills in fire safety, emergency medical response, and disaster preparedness. “The graduating

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest (PNW) proudly announces the graduates of the Leadership Northwest Indiana (LNI) program. This premium leadership program, facilitated by a team that includes faculty members from PNW’s College of Business, as well as leadership practitioners, meets once a month for 8 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. “We are thrilled with such a great turnout this year. Thirty-nine willing participants started and completed the program with excellence,” said