Local News

EMERGENCY SHORTAGE: Donors needed now to stop alarming drop in Red Cross blood supply-Summer blood donations far lower than needed as hospitals work to protect patient care   INDIANA- The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for types O positive and B negative blood.   A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient

A motorcyclist has died following a crash involving two motorcycles and a car this past weekend according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. On Saturday, July 11, just before 4 p.m., deputies responded to the intersection of US Highway 421 and School Road in Wanatah, Indiana for a personal injury crash involving two motorcycles and a passenger vehicle. Deputy Jeffrey Armstrong arrived, and located two Harley Davidson motorcycles on the roadway, with several bystanders tending to the passengers of both motorcycles. The initial investigation revealed that a northbound 2005 Mazda operated by 19-year-old Daniel Quiroz from Portage, Indiana struck

One person lost their life following a crash Saturday in Portage, according to the Portage Police Department. On Saturday July 11, at approximately 9:13pm, Portage Police Officers responded to the intersection of US Highway 6 and Swanson Road in reference to a reported vehicle collision involving a motor driven cycle. 911 callers reported that an off-duty nurse had stopped on scene and was providing CPR to the injured rider. The initial investigation indicates that a 2015 GMC Sierra pickup truck, operated by a thirty-five-year-old Hobart man, was traveling eastbound on US Highway 6 and crossing the intersection of Swanson Road.

Today Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Winds could gust as high as 10 mph. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 88. West southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 75. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph after midnight. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 84. West wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

For the latest information visit their website at www.lpfair.com and FOLLOW their FACEBOOK page as well.   Monday, July 13, 2026   Gates Open at 10am   8:00am: 4-H Sheep Judging begins (Livestock Arena)   9:00am: 4-H Horse and PonyShow - Halter & Showmanship   9:00am: Chicken Flying Contest   9:00am: Small Animal Judging   10:00am Bear Hollow Wood Carvers (Entrance of Pioneerland)   10:00am -7:00pm: The Curious Kids Trail and Tractor Trail   10:00am: All Buildings Open, Petting Zoo Open   10:30am: Home and Family Arts Judging starts   11:00am: Story Time with a Vet   11:00am: 4-H Rabbit

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The EDCMC team will be celebrating milestones, investments, impactful leaders and community-changing projects at the Salute to Business Awards July 29 at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa.   The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City will be honoring businesses that are marking significant anniversaries, those that have invested in Michigan City and transformations of existing buildings that have led to a new chapter. Economic Development Leadership and Lifetime Achievement awards will spotlight individuals who are elevating economic development by sparking momentum and cultivating a strong foundation.   “Our awards are a platform to celebrate our

Press Release, American Heart Association: The American Heart Association and the National Football League award grants nationwide through Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge Approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States live with obesity — the same number of children who get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. To support student health and well-being in Indiana, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded five schools in the state grants through the Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. The grant recipients are: Emmanuel Christian School, Wabash, flag football

In Newton and Jasper Counties, INDOT maintenance crews are conducting seal coating operations on State Road 14 and State Road 10 this week. Work is ongoing on State Road 14 between U.S. 41 and State Road 55 through approximately Tuesday July 14, after which operations will be conducted on State Road 10 between U.S. 231 and State Road 110 for one day on or after Wednesday, July 15. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes while seal coat operations are underway, but traffic will be escorted through the work zone for local access. Wait times of 15-20 minutes should be

An update from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office about Deputy Samuelson. Sherrif Ron Heeg joins Ric Federighi Monday morning at 7:30am on WIMS and FACEBOOK LIVE. You can listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM or 106.7FM out of Valparaiso. Plus we stream at wimsradio.com. #wims #whfb #localradio #laportecounty 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 #𝟓 – 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐘 𝐉𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐔𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐎𝐍 Deputy Samuelson remains at an intensive inpatient rehabilitation center, where he continues to undergo several hours of therapy five to six days each week. His rehabilitation program is extensive, with occupational, physical, and recreational therapy sessions all focused on helping him regain strength, mobility, and independence.

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.   Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 69.   Monday Sunny, with a high near 87.

For the latest schedule and information visit their website at www,lpfair.com and FOLLOW them on FACEBOOK   Gates Open at 10am   8:30am: 4-H Goat Judging begins (Livestock Arena)   9:00am: Horse and Pony Show - Ranch Classes   10:00am -7:00pm: The Curious Kids Trail and Tractor Trail   10:00am: Open Draft Horse Show - Line Driving   11:00am: Old Time Church Service (School House)   12:00: Pioneerland Opens   Noon - Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show   1:00pm: Rabbit Showmanship (Rabbit Barn)   1:00pm: Skerbeck Carnival Rides Open   2.:30 - Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show   2:00: Extension Homemaker Demonstration

Michigan City, IN – On June 25, community members gathered at Gill Field for the Rotary Club of Michigan City's Quarters for Change fundraiser, demonstrating how small donations can make a big impact. Members of the Michigan City High School Marching Band and its directors joined volunteers in laying a quarter mile of quarters around the track while visiting with supporters throughout the afternoon. Thanks to the generosity of the Michigan City community, more than $1,600 was raised, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Michigan City High School Marching Band. Now serving more than 73 student musicians, the

INDOT Northwest has given the following update to the current road closure on U.S. 35/Indiana Ave in La Porte: PROJECT UPDATE - The current road closure on U.S. 35/Indiana Ave in La Porte will be extended two blocks north to continue road reconstruction activities, with the road closed between Warwick St and Kingsbury Ave on or after Monday, July 13. The detour will remain State Road 2, State Road 39 and U.S. 6. The current closure between South Ave and Kingsbury Ave is expected to wrap up in late August, and the section closing next week will be ongoing through

The Portage Police Department announced there will be a cyber crime and financial fraud seminar on Aug. 1 at Portage High School, hosted by Porter County Prosecuting Attorney, Gary S. Germann.  "Education is one of the best ways to fight scams, fraud, and cybercrime," PPD said on their Facebook page. "Join local law enforcement and the United States Secret Service for an important community seminar Saturday August 1st at the Portage High School to learn how to recognize threats and protect yourself."  See the flyer for more details.

Miss LaPorte County Fair Queen 2026: Ava Redlin 1st Runner Up: Katelyn Peterson Princess: Madison Scarborough Miss Congeniality: Lyla Bannwart Miss People’s Choice: Ava Redlin Miss Photogenic: Lyla Bannwart Miss Community Service: Lyla Bannwart Miss Fundraiser: Julia White : sarakesslerphotography :Thode Flora

The South Shore Line released a Thursday restoration update to their Facebook page on Friday morning. The South Shore Line shared the following statement: "Service Restoration Update 7/9 Over the last couple of days, work has begun to erect the new steel structures at the derailment site between Hammond and East Chicago. The ironworkers have been skillfully building the new wire support structures on site from raw steel plates, beams, and angles, ready for immediate installation. As of today, half of the replacement structures have been installed, and the others are well into the fabrication phase and will be erected

Michigan City, IN – The Barker Mansion presents a special three-part series celebrating the wonder, innovation, and intrigue of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Inspired by a personal invitation sent to Mr. and Mrs. John H. Barker to attend the opening of the iconic Ferris Wheel and by artifacts purchased during their visit to the Fair, the series offers guests a unique connection to one of America's most influential cultural events.     World's Fair Tea Party-TODAY Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 1:00 PM   Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea inspired by the grandeur of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

UPDATE-ALL LANES REOPENED from an earlier morning accident-see below TRAFFIC ALERT CONTINUES on EASTBOUND 94 near 421. AVOID THE AREA. EXPECT DELAYS in Both Directions. Thank you Indiana State Police-Lowell Post. I-94 EB is currently shut down 1 mile west of US 421 for a serious crash involving 4 vehicles, one of which is an impaired driver. Crash reconstruction is on scene. This will be a lengthy closure as it occurred in a construction zone. Seek alternative routes. INDOT Northwest-FOLLOW THEIR FACEBOOK PAGES for the latest information. 

Today A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.   Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.   Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Here is TODAY'S Schedule. For the latest check out www.lpfair.com and FOLLOW THEM on FACEBOOK. Gates Open at Noon   7:00 am to noon: Animal Species Drop Off   8:00 am Rabbit Open Show, 4-H Rabbit judging to follow   11:00am: Horse and Pony Trail Class   Noon: 2026 LaPorte County Fair Ribbon Cutting and Flag Ceremony at the Main Gate   Noon: All Buildings Open, Petting Zoo Opens,   Noon - 7:00pm: The Curious Kids Trail   Noon - Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show   1:00pm: Skerbeck Carnival Rides Open   2:00pm: LaPorte County Toddler Pageant (Entertainment Tent)   2:00: