Local News

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will move to the next phases of bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance work on I-94 eastbound and westbound near U.S. 41/Indianapolis Blvd and Kennedy Ave. Motorists should be prepared for overnight lane closures on or around Thursday, June 13 on westbound I-94 to install a new traffic configuration. Westbound I-94 will then have two lanes of traffic to the left of the work zone and two lanes of traffic to the right through late June. The traffic configuration on I-94 eastbound will change after overnight lane closures on or around

The Lacrosse Volunteer Fire Department has announced the passing of their own Ken Caldwell. The LVFD released the following statement below: It is with deep anguish and regret that we must inform you of the passing of one of our own. 2023 Member of the Year, Firefighter Ken Caldwell, Unit 1016, unexpectedly passed away on June 6th, 2024. Ken was sworn in on August 1st, 2001 and quickly became an exceptional department asset. Ken was an Owner / Operator and logged over 2,000,000 miles in his famous Red Peterbilt with his beloved boarder collies riding shotgun. When he was home,

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join them for the ribbon cutting of the Urban Pollinator Project on Friday, June 21st, at 4:30 PM. The event will take place at the Westchester Bird Sanctuary, located at 1150 S 11th St, Chesterton. The Urban Pollinator Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to planting pollinators in urban areas for the community's enjoyment. These pollinators, including native wildflowers and grasses, support local wildlife, insects, and birds, creating a thriving natural environment within the town. “The Westchester Bird Sanctuary is the first location where we have planted these pollinators,” says Scott

Ben Bachmann wins 9th annual Donut Eating Contest with 11 donuts MICHIGAN CITY, June 11, 2024 – The Salvation Army of Michigan City has a new Donut Champion. Ben Bachmann, representing Phi Delta Kappa, was crowned the champion of the 9th annual Donut Eating Contest, eating 11 donuts in 10 minutes. A crowd of about 200 spectators filled the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino to watch as 13 competitors vied for the trophy. Coming in second place, with 10 donuts in 10 minutes, was Landon Roberts from Warsaw, Indiana. Trooper Ken Payonk of the Indiana State Police set

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will celebrate Juneteenth from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 in Founders Plaza north of the Student Union and Library Building, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN. PNW’s Juneteenth celebration is free and open to the public. The event will include live music entertainment, laser tag and other games, inflatables, food, a photo booth and a haircut vendor. Engagement stations with educational and historical materials will be on display from the PNW Library, the Celebrating Naomi Anderson project of Michigan City and the League of Women Voters. “Juneteenth represents

News Release, Northern Indiana Public Service Company: NIPSCO, a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), today announced the deployment of upgraded gas communication modules through installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology. Approximately 870,000 residential and commercial meters are eligible to be updated with the new AMI gas communication modules. Gas meters will be upgraded to AMI technology by installing a communications module onto an existing gas meter set that enables the automated and remote collection and sending of gas metering information. Exchanges are expected to begin around July 2024 and extend through the end of 2026. "We are continuing

In order to accommodate INDOT construction near Portage/Ogden Dunes, the South Shore Line will provide busing substitution for eastbound train passengers between 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. now through Friday, June 14, between Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, and Dune Park stations. The temporary busing includes the following trains: Weekday EB Tr 131, 133, 135 & 101 Weekend EB Tr 601 early morning June 15 Buses will arrive and depart with passengers to match the SSL published train schedule between Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, and Dune Park stations. Passengers on Tr 131, Tr 133, Tr 135 & Tr 101/601 will detrain at Miller

On Saturday, June 8, in the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, Bishop Robert J. McClory ordained 16 men to serve the Diocese of Gary as permanent and transitional deacons.       The diaconate was established in the early Church in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter six. Deacons primarily serve the poor and needy, participating in ministries like visiting the sick and imprisoned. Additionally, Catholic deacons perform liturgical services, including proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, preaching, performing baptisms and preparing the altar for the celebration of the Eucharist.       Two men, seminarians Ivan Alatorre, 25,

U.S. 6 will have alternating lane closures for resurfacing between State Road 149 and State Road 49 on or after Monday, June 17 through late August. There will be alternating lane closures, and flaggers will direct traffic in the area where work is occurring. INDOT says to be prepared for changing traffic patterns, and delays during peak times.

Washington Park Zoo Camps start next week! Spots are still limited spots available for both Zookeeper Boot camp theme weeks: July 8 - 11  9:00am to 2:00pm Ages:  9- 13 years July 22 - 25th 9:00am to 2:00pm Ages: 9-13 years “Both are four day camps that include animal encounters, projects, sneak peeks behind the scenes, games, and a cute camp t-shirt,” the Washington Park Zoo said on its Facebook page. For more information visit the Washington Park Zoo’s website or stop by the zoo to complete the registration form.  

South in La Porte County following two railroad crossing upgrades. INDOT is reminding the public that railroad crossings are not maintained by INDOT. Their INDOT says their Northwest rail coordinator first worked with Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company (the north crossing closer to U.S. 6) to replace their crossing years ahead of schedule and to upgrade the crossing materials. He was then able to work with CSX Transportation to also rebuild their crossing at the same time, avoiding having to close this same stretch of road multiple times.

At the LaPorte County Family YMCA, Kate Triemstra is taking on the role of Wellness Coordinator. Since 2016, Kate has been an instructor, offering a variety of classes from yoga to weightlifting to Tabata. She was previously a Live Strong coach. The YMCA says she’s excited to bring back this program along with others like Diabetes Prevention. “In her new role, Kate is looking forward to enhancing the wellness programs across all YMCA branches,” the YMCA said on its Facebook page. “If you have ideas for new classes or programs, please reach out and share them at ktreimstra@lpymca.org.”  

Carroll Avenue will be paved on Tuesday, June 11; and Harrison Street on Wednesday, June 12, weather permitting. To opt in for text message alerts about updates or changes in activity, please text MC2024 (no spaces) to 833-236-7421. Follow WIMS on Facebook and check back at wimsradio.com for the latest roadwork updates.

MICHIGAN CITY, IN —Unity Foundation of La Porte County is accepting applications online for its 2024 Community “Power for Good” Grants through Friday, July 19. Organizations may apply for up to $5,000 to fund projects that strengthen La Porte County in meaningful ways. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving La Porte County residents. In addition, churches may request funds for non-religious purposes, such as community programs or projects. Governmental bodies, including townships and fire districts, as well as educational institutions and teachers may also apply. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the information available on Unity’s

Executive Session of the Michigan City Sanitary District Board of Commissioners The Michigan City Sanitary District would like to inform the public and the media that an Executive Session of the Sanitary District Board of Commissioners has been scheduled for June 13, 2024, at 4:00 P.M. at the District’s administrative office at 1100 E. 8th Street, Michigan City, Indiana 46360. All questions should be directed to Chris Yagelski at 219.874.7799

Call for projects open Sept. 3 through Oct. 11 The Indiana Department of Transportation today announced a commitment of $50 million in Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds to support safety improvement projects on local road networks across Indiana. The commitment solidifies the agency's renewed focus on safety and related goal of reducing fatal and serious injury crashes on Indiana roadways by 25% over the next ten years. "This is a goal that we can't reach on our own," said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. "It's going to take all of us, at both the state and local levels, working together, to

New Prairies semi state championship game happened over the weekend on Saturday. They defeated Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger 5 to 3 in the semi final and twin Lakes by a score of 6 to 4 in the championship game. New Prairie will play Brebeuf Jesuit on Friday in Indianapolis at Victory Field. The championship game was Coach Mark Schellinger’s 200th win. Story and Picture provided by Michael Kellems

Here are Food the Bank of Northern Indiana's Scheduled Mobile Food Distributions for June 2024. See Below for details: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – Marshall County 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET *While supplies last. Where: Webster Elementary School, 1101 S. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563 *This distribution is sponsored by CVS and will serve 200 households. Wednesday, June 12, 2024 – LaPorte County 10 a.m. – Noon CT *While supplies last. Where: LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 IN-2, LaPorte, IN 46350 *This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 300 households. Thursday, June 20, 2024

Registration for the 6th Annual Bolt for the Heart and Play for Jake Foundation event on July 27 is now open. With a new look, new course, and a few surprises being planned, you don’t want to miss this event. Proceeds from this year’s event will help offset the maintenance costs of the AED units in law enforcement vehicles across La Porte County. Register at  https://runsignup.com/.../BoltfortheHeartLaPorteCounty  

The La Porte Park and Recreation Department introduced Cole Smith as their new Recreation Director. “Cole joins us with a wealth of experience in recreational management and a strong commitment to fostering community spirit through engaging activities,” the La Porte Park and Recreation Department said on its Facebook. “As our new Recreation Director, Cole will be responsible for developing and overseeing a variety of recreational activities and events designed to cater to all age groups and interests. From sports leagues and fitness classes to arts and crafts workshops and community gatherings, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.” “Cole's