Local News

VALPARAISO -- In partnership with the Northwest Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation announced the graduation of its 12th Fire Academy. The ceremony will be held on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6:00 p.m. CST at the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus in Valparaiso. The 26 graduates represent East Chicago, Michigan City, Portage, Whiting, U.S. Steel, Hobart, Lake Station, and Burns Harbor Fire Departments. The recruits completed an 11- week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations, and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills. They also learned about the importance of community service

Michigan City, IN – The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce has a tradition of celebrating members during its Annual Member Dinner. In addition to the recognition of milestone and legacy members, the Chamber will be announcing winners in several award categories including Community Impact, Small Business, Large Business, Young Professional, and Ambassador. These five award categories will recognize individual people, organizations, and businesses who have made a difference in our business community during the year 2023. Nominations will be qualified and reviewed by the Chamber Awards Committee. Finalists in each category will be notified and invited to the Chamber’s Annual

MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana –While the return to summer isn’t here just yet, you can still enjoy a day at the Washington Park Zoo this Saturday, December 2nd from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm for the first Wild Winterland event. Visit the Zoo mascots for a Holiday photo Visit the Zoo during the off-season to see some of your favorite animals, enjoy the fresh air, and even visit with the staff for "Keeper Chats" throughout the day to experience some of the education ambassadors up-close like the armadillo, corn snake, hedgehog, mini horse, and chinchilla. River Otters enjoying

The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra hosts the 29th Annual Holiday at the Pops concert on December 9, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge St., La Porte. Balcony Tickets can be purchased online here for $25 for adults and $10 for children. Balcony seats are general admission and the doors open at 5:30 pm prior to the concert. A few Main Floor table seats remain and can be purchased for $75 at the same link. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at the event. This year's program, conducted by long-time principal trumpet

The Michigan City Police Department is looking for volunteers to join their Emergency Management Agency. The department says this is a great way to give back to your community and get some specialized training. “Many of the events will allow for individuals to work closely with the officers of the Michigan City Police Department and many other city departments,” the department stated on their Facebook page. Contact Cpl. Brian Wright with questions.

A surfer went missing for more than an hour Monday off Burns Ditch, according to a Facebook post from the Town of Chesterton. At the time, the surfer had last been seen paddling around the breakwater at the mouth of the Burns Waterway at the Portage Lakefront and Riverfront site at Indiana Dunes National Park. At 4:06 p.m.—45 minutes after the 25-year-old male surfer had vanished from sight—a concerned person on the beach called 911 to report that the subject “had not come back in and could not be seen anymore” and that the surfer’s vehicle “was still in the

News release by Northern Indiana Public Service Company: Merrillville, Ind. — Calls from scammers to homes and businesses posing as NIPSCO employees are on the rise—an issue impacting many energy companies around the United States. With this uptick in scams, NIPSCO is warning customers to be aware of scammers that might attempt to target them by impersonating a NIPSCO employee. Recent and common reports from NIPSCO residential and business customers state that they have received calls, emails and/or texts from people claiming to be NIPSCO employees and demanding payment to avoid their service being disconnected. However, the company wants to

News release by Indiana Department of Environmental Management: INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is launching a new, streamlined program to encourage and recognize municipalities that take a proactive, positive approach to addressing community and social issues through sustainable environmental and wellness projects. IDEM honored six pilot program communities for their participation and accomplishments at the Indiana Clean Community Program annual meeting and program kickoff on Wednesday, Nov. 28. From April 2021–November 2023, Beech Grove, Brown County, Fishers, Richmond, and Zionsville earned Silver Status; Merrillville earned Bronze Status. The Clean Community Program replaces the Indiana Clean Community Challenge,

Press release by Unity Foundation of La Porte County: MICHIGAN CITY, IN —Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the recipients for the 2023-2024 cycle of grants for Michigan City educators. These grants support teachers as they find innovative ways to make learning more engaging for students. Since the mid-1990s, three grant programs, established by caring Michigan City donors who believed in teachers as the critical factor for learning, have awarded grants to over 1,000 teachers for projects of their own design. This year’s group of recipients is receiving approximately $20,000. “Unity is honored to facilitate these

Porter County Coroner Cyndi Dykes has released the name of the victim in the fatal crash on Sturdy Road early Saturday morning, Nov. 25, the Town of Chesterton announced on its Facebook page. Dykes identified the victim as 20-year-old Selena Ruiz of Wheatfield. “Autopsy and toxicology are pending,” Dyke said. A motorist was found deceased at the scene of a single-vehicle accident on Sturdy Road in Center Township early Saturday morning, the Porter County Sheriff’s Police said. Just before 1 a.m. officers were dispatched to the area of Sturdy Road and Martinal Road following a report of a car in

The Michigan City Festival of Lights Parade will kick off at 5:00 pm this Saturday. Real Housewives of LaPorte County will be collecting canned goods for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. Santa Claus will be joining in at General Insurance Services (421 Franklin St) to visit with the kids of Michigan City from 3:00 - 4:30. A donation of one unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is requested, but not required. See more information about the Chili Challenge under the ‘events’ tab on wimsradio.com. WIMS is a sponsor of the events.

The Portage Police Department announced on Monday the hiring and swearing in of three new officers. The department welcomes Officers Ryan Duncan, Angel Sanchez and Brandt Cain. Officer Duncan is the son of Portage Police Sergeant/Detective Lisa Duncan.  He is a lifelong Portage resident and Portage High School graduate.  Officer Duncan comes to the department after serving four years in the United States Marine Corps. Officer Sanchez is also a lifelong Portage resident and Portage High School graduate.  Officer Sanchez received his degree from Trine University with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Officer Cain also comes from

Press release by City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso has named Kevin Cornett as its Good Neighbor recipient for 2023, recognizing his exemplary commitment to the community. “Kevin Cornett is committed to his neighbors and to the Valparaiso community, giving his time and talent to his neighbors as well as organizations like Hilltop Neighborhood House, Valpo Parks, Porter County Building Trades Corporation and Home Team Valpo. He makes a difference for so many, and we’re pleased to highlight his good work with this recognition,” said Mayor Matt Murphy. Kevin Cornett has lived in Valparaiso for more than 25 years

MICHIGAN CITY – Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch has appointed a new administration to lead the Michigan City Fire Department when she takes office in January. “I’m excited and confident in these veteran firefighters to lead the department, train and develop our young staff, and make sure they’re fully equipped for the challenges that lie ahead,” Nelson Deuitch said. Barrett Taylor, a 20-year veteran of the MCFD, will be the new fire chief. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be chief of the Michigan City Fire Department, and to help move our department forward,” Taylor said. “Having been the [Firefighters Local

Residents with a sweet tooth should purchase their tins this week for the 11th Annual Downtown Cookie Walk this December, according to City Events & Civic Director Brett Binversie. Collectors' tins for the 2023 Cookie Walk are on sale now and cost $15. Binversie said those interested should not wait to purchase their tins, as they are expected to sell out like they have in previous years. "Christmas is a magical time of year in the City of La Porte, and the Cookie Walk has become a very important tradition," Binversie said. "We've seen more and more participation from our

The following information was provided by the Michigan City Police Department: "Sergeant Michael Oberle from Uniform Patrol Shift III was patrolling the north side of Michigan City on November 25th at approximately 12:00 A.M. when he heard multiple gunshots being fired from the Eastport neighborhood. Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift III received multiple notifications from the city’s Flock Safety Raven gunshot detection system at the same time. These notifications informed officers of gunshots that were fired in the 400 block of Walker Street. Shortly after receiving these notifications is when the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911

Tom Gooding has been named to the Valparaiso Utilities Board, announced Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy. “We’re very pleased to have Tom Gooding join this important board for the City. Tom’s expertise in business and leadership, coupled with his commitment to the community make him an excellent addition to the city’s team,” said Mayor Murphy. Gooding is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business finance. He retired from the United States Navy as a Commander serving 10 years active duty and 10 years in the reserve. He participated in Operation Desert Shield aboard the USS

News release by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks nominations from passionate outdoor recreation enthusiasts to serve on the Indiana Trails Advisory Board (TAB). Representatives are needed from the following trail groups: bicyclists, health, off-road motorcyclists, parks and recreation agencies, and water trail users. Nominees should be involved with a regional or statewide organization, club, or association related to the group they would represent. Selected board members would serve a three-year term starting March 2024 and attend quarterly meetings in varying locations around the state. TAB meetings are in-person and occur on the

Just days after her historic win, Michigan City Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch is busy preparing to transition into her new role in January. Beginning Jan. 1, Marty Corley will step into the role of Michigan City Police Chief. "We’re working hard to identify the right people for the right positions so we can hit the ground running on Day 1 and provide enhanced customer service to the community,” she said. “We’ll be making multiple announcements over the next several weeks as we attempt to work with the current administration to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.” With public safety a

The Porter County Health Department announced the December 2nd preventative heart screening event has been canceled. It will be rescheduled for a future date in early 2024. The Porter County Health Department said on their Facebook page to stay tuned for updates.