Local News

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.  

U.S. 30 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers directing traffic in the work zone between County Road 450 East and County Road 575 East for guardrail repair on Tuesday, June 18. Work is expected to start around 6:30 a.m. and be ongoing for several hours. INDOT says motorists should expect increased delays through this area while this important work is underway.

The City of Valparaiso’s Board of Works and Safety has named the city’s downtown a Quiet Zone to enhance the experience of visiting downtown. “Our downtown is surely a special and welcoming place. We want to respect what has been created by reducing unreasonable noise,” said Mayor Jon Costas. “Loud noises affect the downtown experience and we’re looking to respect those who are shopping, dining and visiting our award- winning downtown,” said Costas. The City of Valparaiso is looking specifically to reduce unreasonable noise created by defective or modified exhaust systems, revving engines, horns, loud radios, engine braking and other

MICHIGAN CITY – Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch urges the citizens of Michigan City to check on family, friends, neighbors, pets, and especially the elderly during extreme weather to ensure everyone stays healthy and safe. If you or someone you know in Michigan City needs a cool place to stay during the excessively hot temperatures this season, these are COOLING CENTER locations open to the public: Michigan City City Hall 100 E. Michigan Blvd. (219) 873-1400 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Michigan City Police Department 1201 E. Michigan Blvd. (219) 874-3221 Seven days weekly 8 a.m. – 4

Expect delays with heat advisory on the South Shore between Michigan City and South Bend. Due to the ongoing heat advisory now in effect for Northern Indiana through 7 pm Tuesday, June 18, the South Shore Line has implemented a temperature-based speed restriction for the area between Michigan City and South Bend. Train maximum speeds will be decreased to minimize heat-related damage to track and overhead wire, and passengers may expect approximate 15-20 minute delays for all trains until the speed restriction has been lifted. Passengers please be at boarding stations on time in the event delays are less than

SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY, MICH. Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) south detectives, along with Michigan State Police (MSP) Marshall Post troopers, stopped a vehicle on June 6 in Lockport Twp after observing multiple traffic violations. The vehicle was subsequently searched after an MSP K-9 team alerted to possible illegal contraband within the vehicle. During the search, detectives located and seized 15 ounces (425 grams) of suspected crystal methamphetamine. Marquevion Peake, a 27-year-old Kalamazoo man and passenger of the vehicle was arrested and lodged in the Saint Joseph County jail for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. The driver, a 20-year-old Kalamazoo resident

SOUTH BEND – Late Friday, June 14th, Joshua Gregg, 48 years old, of Roanoke, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Gregg was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $175,643.92 in restitution to the victim of the offense. According to documents in the case, from 2011 through 2020, Gregg committed a years-long fraud scheme against his former employer by claiming and receiving reimbursement for hundreds of thousands of dollars to which

Join Ric Federighi and Team WIMS this weekend on Saturday, June 22nd at 8:00 AM for the Save The Dunes-Dunes Dash 5k. Where: West Beach – 376 North County Line Rd, Gary, IN Check-In begins at 7:00 AM Race begins at 8:00 AM The event will be professionally timed by T&H Timing Awards will be given to the top finishers

June 10, 2024, Michigan City, IN   The Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department reminds the public that parking stickers will only be available through Wednesday, July 3, 2024.  Don’t miss out on your chance to grab your 2024 beach sticker! Whether you’re a regular beachgoer or just visiting, make sure you swing by the North Pointe Pavilion by July 3rd. Here’s what you need to know: Eligibility: Even if you received a sticker last year, you’re still eligible for a 2024 sticker as long as your current registration hasn’t expired. How to Get Your Sticker: In-Person: Visit the North Pointe

CALHOUN COUNTY, MICH. Marshall post troopers are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash involving a motorcycle and pickup truck. The crash occurred on Saturday June 15 around 3:30 p.m. on M-60 Hwy near 18 ½ mile Rd in Tekonsha Twp. Preliminary investigation reveals that the driver of a Ford pickup was in the process of turning into a driveway located off M-60 Hwy when the pickup was struck in the rear end by the operator of a motorcycle. The operator of the motorcycle, a 67-year-old Jackson man, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet. The driver

Franciscan Health nurses and staff members working at hospitals in Lake County were honored with their hospitals’ annual awards in May during national Nurses Week. Franciscan Health Crown Point Center of Hope Coordinator Michelle Resendez received the Nightingale Award and Patient Care Technician Brikalaya Craig received the Lantern Award. Both awards are peer-nominated and voted upon by the hospital’s coordinating council. The Nightingale Award is the annual award presented to a member of the Franciscan Health Crown Point nursing staff who has outstanding dedication, teamwork and respect for patients and fellow co-workers as well as a commitment to the mission

The New Communications Channels, Made Possible Through a Gift from the Health Foundation of La Porte, Demonstrate Growth for Homeward-Bound Villages. LAPORTE, IN - JUNE 2024 - Homeward Bound Villages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building affordable, cooperative housing solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new website, HomewardBoundVillages.org, and social media channels. The website aims to educate the public about Homeward Bound Villages’ mission, garner community support, and encourage donations to further its cause of creating accessible, community-focused housing for individuals and small families in need. The organization’s Facebook and Instagram channels were launched in coordination with