Local News

LAPORTE COUNTY — Kankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin Development Commission Executive Director Scott Pelath issued the following statement regarding the conditions of the Kankakee and Yellow Rivers in Indiana: “During the month of July, the National Weather Service has recorded far more than the normal rainfall on the Kankakee River Basin. Virtually the entire watershed has been hit with at least twice the usual amount of precipitation, with large portions of the upper watershed enduring triple and even quadruple the typical levels. “While the soil and summer crops absorb some of this water, the remainder discharges to the

The Lake County Tobacco Prevention Coalition recently recognized members, community partners and youth advocates with the organization’s annual awards. This year’s awards included the Bree Wilson Youth Advocate of the Year Award, which was presented by VOICE Indiana in partnership with the Healthy Hoosiers Foundation to Mieka Neely, a 2024 graduate of Thomas Edison Jr./Sr. High School in Lake Station. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship. VOICE is Indiana’s statewide program led by teenagers who seek to engage, educate and empower peers to celebrate a tobacco- and vape-free lifestyle. The Lake County Tobacco Prevention Coalition oversees the Lake County VOICE team

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK: On July 18th, the dedication of Indiana's 2nd official Shipwreck Nature Preserve -the "Muskegon" will take place just offshore from Indiana Dunes National Park’s Mount Baldy. Dr. Charles Beeker and colleagues from Indiana University's Center for Underwater Science, along with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and National Park Service staff, will visit the site to install a mooring buoy, place a bronze commemorative plaque, and collect high-quality underwater photos and footage. Dr. Beeker notes that “the Muskegon is Indiana’s first shipwreck listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  This Dedication as an Indiana Shipwreck

MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana  -- Shirley Heinze Land trust is teaming up with Lubeznik Center for the Arts and Franciscan Health Michigan City to bring attention to the calming, restorative effects of nature and art. Wellness in the Wetlands -- a free, all ages Nature in the Arts event -- will take place Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central at the St. Francis Nature Preserve, located on the Franciscan Health Michigan City campus at 3500 Franciscan Way. Visitors may park near the trailhead entrance at the west end of the parking lot. Michigan City Transit Bus Route

Cops Cycling for Survivors in Full Swing as they continue their tour throughout Indiana. The Ride started in Indianapolis on July 8th and wraps up on July 20th. Stops have included Richmond, Blufton, South Bend to name a few, The Ride will wrap up in Indianapolis. Mike Kellems has chatted about their current tour with Ric Federighi on WIMS . Mike has also chronicled the journey with some great pictures as well. Cops Cycling for Survivors teams up with Active officers and civilian participant riders to raise awareness and actively support law enforcement survivors through the annual bicycle tour around

The intersection 15th Street and Broadway will close on Monday, July 15, Chesterton Street Commissioner John Schnadenberg is reporting. H&G Underground Utilities, contracted by Indiana American Water Company, will be connecting a water main at the intersection. Schnadenberg expects the intersection to be closed to traffic for about five days. A detour will be posted and signage placed to assist motorists in navigating around the closure. The Town of Chesterton says Schnadenberg and Assistant Street Commissioner Dan Moy will be monitoring progress on the job.

La PORTE, IN - The LakeFest planning committee today revealed a full lineup of fun to kick-off the LakeFest weekend, according to Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber. On Friday, July 26, from 4-11 p.m., LakeFest will host its first-ever Friday Night Live at Fox Park along Clear Lake. This free, pet- and kid-friendly event will include music, food, art, fitness and entertainment for people of all ages. According to Schreiber, the Friday Night Live will not only bring the community together, but it will also showcase the recent renovations to Fox Park to residents and visitors alike. "For the last three

XINSURANCE GREAT LAKES GRAND PRIX 2024 Washington Park, Michigan City 6 On the Lake, Michigan City, IN, United States See the world’s fastest and most powerful offshore boats dash and splash along the southern edge of Lake Michigan, visible from Washington Park beach and shoreline. Meet boat owners, racers and team members staged throughout Washington Park. This free, action-packed weekend boasts a boat parade, block party, live entertainment, family activities, festival food and drinks and the ultimate in power-boat racing.   Stay tuned for the daily schedule which will be released later this year. For more information check out www.greatlakesgrandprix.com.

FINAL DAY FOR P1 AquaX Racing -The fun continues with 3rd and final day of the AquaX Grand Prix! Get down to Washington Park Beach in Michigan City and enjoy the races along with food and beverages! See below for the day 3 schedule. (times may be subject to change) Sunday, July 14 10am-3pm – Jet Ski Racing 10am-4pm – Food Court/Beer Garden 4-5pm – Awards Ceremony A special thanks to our sponsors: NIPSCO, Arnett Construction & Roofing, Visit Michigan City LaPorte, Arby's of Michigan City #localradio #nwi #wims

The Indiana Department of Transportation  announced the ramps from I-94 eastbound to U.S. 41/Indy Boulevard southbound and to Kennedy Avenue southbound closed this past Friday night, July 12, and are closed for about one week for urgent repairs. The ramps from I-94 eastbound to State Road 152/Indy Boulevard northbound and to Kennedy Avenue northbound also remain closed due to construction. Check back at wimsradio.com and follow WIMS on Facebook for more roadwork updates.

The bodies of two boaters from Illinois were found in Lake Michigan, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Just after midday Friday police officers with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources recovered the bodies of two boaters searchers had been looking for since last week. At around 12:30 p.m. a fisherman called 9-1-1 to report finding a body just north of a BP breakwall. It was about 3/4 mile from shore. Lake County Marine Unit officers responded and assisted the DNR in recovering the body. The DNR found the other man

The fun continues with the 8th and final day of the LaPorte County Fair! See below for a detailed schedule of events set to take place later today, Saturday, July 13th. (times may be subject to change) Saturday, July 13 , 2024 Gates Open at 10am 9:00am: Horse and Pony Judging (Horse and Pony Judging Arena), Open Class Draft Horse Timed Events (Draft Horse Barn) 10:00am - 6:00pm: The Curious Kids Trail and Tractor Trail 10:00am: Pioneerland Artisan Auction (Artisan Barn) 11:00am: Live Shark Encounter 12:30pm: Live Shark Encounter 1:00pm: Skerbeck Carnival Rides - $30 Unlimited Rides 2:30pm: Live Shark

P1 AquaX Opening festivities kicked off Friday night in Washington Park in Michigan City. Enjoy racing and family fun all weekend long. Check WIMS FACEBOOK page for a schedule of all of the weekend events. Thanks to our great sponsors Visit Michigan City LaPorte NIPSCO Arnett Construction & Roofing Arby's Michigan City #wims #localradio #nwi #michigancity Ric G. Federighi

Mayor Angie has issued $91,300 in grants to local youth-serving organizations from her Mayor's Empowerment Fund, the monies for which were raised through sponsorships, ticket sales and other fundraising associated with her inaugural charitable gala. Some of the grant recipients stopped by City Hall on Thursday to meet with the mayor in person. So glad to see so many people doing good work for Michigan City kids this summer!

On Saturday, the Northwest Indiana Triathletes will be hosting the 44th annual La Porte Sprint Triathlon, beginning at 8 a.m. The race, which should conclude by 10:30 a.m., entails a quarter-mile lake swim, a 12.4-mile bike ride and a 3.4-mile run. The road course for the race includes the streets bordering Soldiers Memorial Park and Small Road from Garden Street to CR-700W. The course will be closed to through traffic beginning at 7:45 a.m. Police and course monitors will be turning away traffic, except for residents who live along the course. Local residents will be permitted to enter and exit

The historic bandstand in Washington Park is now available for rent. This iconic structure, originally donated by Michigan City Industrialist John H. Barker in the 1890s, has a rich history. The original band shell was destroyed by fire in 1911, and the current bandstand was built in the same year. If you’re interested in renting it, you can find more details on our website or contact the parks office at (219) 873-1506. https://www.emichigancity.com/153/Parks-Recreation  

INDOT has given an update to work happening on I-65 between State Road 2 and State Road 10. Crews are strengthening and widening the shoulders ahead of three bridge replacement projects in the area. Currently, the northbound and southbound lanes are shifted to the right while widening of the median inside shoulders is completed. During overnight work operations, the left lane is closed from approximately 8pm to 6am. This will be ongoing through late July. Once this pre-construction work is complete, replacement of the bridges on the northbound side will begin. Southbound traffic will remain in the current configuration, and

The City of Michigan City will be hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross in the EOC at City Hall between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. this coming Monday, July 15. If you’re able to participate, click the link below and schedule your donation. “BONUS: If we donate at least 22 pints of blood, a $100 gift card will be raffled off to one lucky donor!! I mean, who couldn’t use an extra hundred bucks?!,” the City said on Facebook. Link to Register: www.redcrossblood.org Sponsor Code: challmc OR zip code 46360 The address here at City Hall is

Beginning on Monday, July 15, through October 15, (weather permitting), Superior Construction will be closing the southbound ramp off Highway 12 that connects into State Road 249 in order to repair the walls of the lower portion of the bridge. The ramp located just west of the Port of Indiana bridge will remain open to connect Highway 12 to State Road 249 for vehicles/trucks to access. Residents wanting to go south on 249 will need to continue on 12 to the 249 south exit just before the bridge into the port. Beginning on Monday, July 22 crews will be placing

The Valparaiso Fire Department will be conducting Rescue Task Force training at and around Memorial Elementary School during the next two weeks to prepare in the event of an active shooter incident in the community. Training will end with multi-agency scenarios with the Valparaiso Police Department on July 15-17. Earlier this week the Valparaiso Police Department announced they will be conducting training at Memorial Elementary July 18 and 19.