Local News

The Michigan City Department of Water Works will begin the semi-annual fire hydrant flushing on Monday Sept. 9. This is done to insure the hydrants are in working order for the fall and winter months. The Department of Water Works says the program should take approximately eight weeks to complete. The department also says if anyone should experience any discoloration in their water, they should let the water run for a short time and the water will clear.  

Paving will occur in Michigan City today at the following locations: -- Warnke Road from Johnrue Avenue to State Road 212 -- Golf Lane from Rogers Avenue to the East Dead End -- Golfview Road from South Dead End to Warnke Road Paving will continue on Tuesday, Sept. 3. All road construction is weather permitting.

MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – Pulmonary and critical care physician David Villafuerte Martinez, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City. Dr. Villafuerte Martinez is board-certified in pulmonary and critical care medicine. He attended medical school at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador in Ecuador and completed both his residency and fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Villafuerte Martinez’s clinical interests include critical care procedures, obstructive lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary nodules, lung cancer and respiratory failure. Dr. Villafuerte Martinez

CHESTERTON, Ind. - To show appreciation and to say thank you for their service to the community, the South Shore Line (SSL) is inviting all doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, other medical personnel, and law enforcement to ride the train free of charge Saturday, September 7, through Wednesday, September 11, 2024, on all Westbound and Eastbound weekday and weekend trains. To ride free, medical and law enforcement personnel must only present a valid work ID to SSL train personnel that shows they are employed at a hospital, doctor’s office, medical facility, fire department, police station, prison, or aforementioned related agency.

The Indiana Secured School Safety Board (the Board) today approved the distribution of more than $24 million to support school safety initiatives in all 92 counties. The Board voted unanimously to split more than $24 million across 499 schools/districts, which represent a record-number of schools impacted through the Secured School Safety Grant Program in a single year. To date, $187 million in state funding has been dedicated to the matching grant program since it was created in 2013. "Since this program began, the focus has been on listening to the needs of school districts while partnering with them to invest

Press release, United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Indiana: SOUTH BEND – Dorian Baker, 57 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. Baker was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in February 2024, investigators recovered six firearms, large capacity magazines, over 40 grams of marijuana, and a digital scale from Baker’s bedroom. Baker has prior felony

JASPER COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be conducting spot paving operations on I-65 northbound between mile marker 217 and 224. I-65 northbound will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring. Work will be conducted between the hours of approximately 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on weekdays through Friday, September 6. After work northbound is complete, crews will begin spot paving in the southbound direction in the same area. The schedule for this work will be announced at a later date. Be alert for changing traffic patterns and delays during peak

GIBSON, Ind. and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (August 28, 2024) – Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading renewable energy developer, owner, and operator, recently hosted a groundbreaking event for the 251 megawatt (MWdc) Gibson Solar Project which will be constructed in Gibson County, Indiana. The approximately $250 million investment will bring significant economic benefits to Gibson County. The project will create more than 250 full-time construction jobs and will disburse more than $83 million in local government payments over the life of the project, providing Gibson County with revenue for schools, first responders, and other local needs. Local landowners will receive steady payments

Here is the latest from the Ott Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Michigan City on Robert G. "Big Bob" Schultz, Candy Humes Searing, and Mary Kim Post -see below for details. #wims Robert G. “Big Bob”Schultz November 19, 1954 - August 18, 2024 Robert G. “Big Bob”Schultz 69, New Buffalo, Michigan passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024, while surrounded by his wife and family at Franciscan Health hospital, Michigan City. Please come celebrate in Big Bob’s honor, “A Celebration of Life” on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, 3:00-7:00 pm, at the Michigan City Senior Center, 2 Lakeshore Drive, Michigan City, Indiana 46360

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a wide range of events honoring the rich history, culture and diversity of the U.S. Hispanic and Latino communities. The celebration will begin mid-September. “As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we take pride in empowering our students and engaging with the communities we serve,” says Elizabeth Babcock Depew, vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant cultures and contributions of our community, while reinforcing our dedication to providing a supportive environment for students to thrive. We are excited

From the Office of La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney, Sean Fagan, 32nd Judicial Court On August 27, 2024, after a two-day bench trial, Jason Wetzel was found GUILTY by Circuit Court Judge Thomas Alevizos for Aggravated Battery (Level 3 Felony), along with the sentencing enhancement count of Use of a Firearm.  A Level 3 Felony has a sentencing range of 3 to 16 years, while the Enhancement carries an additional term of years.  Sentencing will be at a later date.  Deputy Prosecutor Julianne Havens presented evidence for the State, along with the assistance of LCSO Detective Aaron Banic. In May

Chesterton, IN – The Porter County Elections & Registration Office announces that the Early Vote Center site, which has been located at the Chesterton Town Hall for several years, will be moving to a new location due to upcoming construction at the Town Hall. Effective this October, the Early Vote Center will be relocated to the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus at 601 W. Morgan Ave, Chesterton, IN. The entrance of the polling location will be at Door 11, which is commonly known as the “pool entrance” when this location was previously the Chesterton Middle School. This change is necessary

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

The magic of momentum continues in Michigan City. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and Clarence Hulse with the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City got a behind the scenes look on the parking garage and the Franklin and 11th Street Station mixed-use project. Check out the EDCMC FACEBOOK page for more pictures OR The WIMS FACEBOOK Share as well. Thank you to the EDCMC for the pictures.

Check out what is happening with the Westville Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday September 18th. See below for the details. #wims #nwi Visit Michigan City LaPorte Purdue Northwest 1st Source Bank New Durham Estates & Home Sales

Vino al Fresco-Thomas Centennial Park 220 Broadway, Chesterton, IN, United States Join Ric Federighi and TEAM WIMS LIVE! As the weather starts to turn cooler and nights become longer, we’re embracing the season with Vino al Fresco! Enjoy wine tastings from a variety of local wineries. On Saturday, September 16, our Vino al Fresco will be hosted in downtown Chesterton, at Thomas Centennial Park. Your ticket includes entry, unlimited tastings, live music and commemorative glass. Wineries & Food TBD This is a standing wine tasting event that takes place in Thomas Centennial Park. Limited seating will be available in the park.

Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point hosting peer counselor training for breast cancer survivors-New program pairs survivors with patients for support, comfort CROWN POINT, Indiana – Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point is hosting a free peer counselor training for breast cancer survivors aimed at connecting patients and survivors through a new program. Pink Ribbon Connection, in partnership with the Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point, is offering training for breast cancer survivors interested in becoming peer counselors for other breast cancer patients and survivors. Peer counselors offer emotional support and a source of comfort for anyone

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM EDT /10 AM CDT/ TO 10 PM EDT /9 PM CDT/ TUESDAY Excessive Heat Warning issued August 26 at 2:29PM EDT until August 27 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around or greater than 105. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From 11 AM EDT /10 AM CDT/ to 10 PM EDT /9 PM CDT/ Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. *

WINFIELD, Indiana - Family medicine nurse practitioner Selena Roggeveen is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Winfield. Selena Roggeveen, NP, is board-certified and earned her master of science degree in nursing from Purdue University Northwest in Hammond and her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Purdue University in West Lafayette. In addition to family medicine, Roggeveen’s clinical interests include management of chronic medical conditions, preventative and primary care for all ages and family-focused health care services. Roggeveen is accepting new patients at Winfield Health Center, 11161 Randolph St. in Winfield. In-person and virtual visits

REMINDER from the Indiana Department of Transportation-Northwest. The ramp from northbound U.S. 20/State Road 212 to eastbound U.S. 20 will be closed for approximately one day for resurfacing repairs on or after Tuesday, August 27. Motorists should seek alternate routes.