Local News

Press release, Duneland Chamber of Commerce: The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of our highly anticipated wine-tasting festival, Vino al Fresco! This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the charming setting of Thomas Centennial Park in downtown Chesterton. Vino al Fresco offers an unforgettable evening filled with fine wines, local flavors, and live entertainment. Your ticket includes festival entry, unlimited wine tastings, live music, and a commemorative wine glass to take home. Our Wine Line-Up features a selection of the finest local wineries, including Aftermath

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An INDOT contractor will have lane closures on State Road 912/Cline Avenue between Ridge Road and 169th Street / 15th Avenue on or after Monday, August 19. State Road 912 will have alternating lane closures for approximately three weeks during daytime work hours for permanent pavement markings after concrete restoration and bridge deck overlay work in the area. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. INDOT says motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

The Valparaiso Police Department has added two new officers with the swearing-in of Jack Hudgens and Austin Arias today. Mayor Jon Costas performed the ceremony within the council chambers of City Hall, with numerous officers, civilian staff, and family present to witness the event. During the ceremony, Chief Andrew McIntyre welcomed Jack and Austin to the Valparaiso Police Department family, recognizing the training and experience each brings with them to Valparaiso. “We are excited to celebrate the start of a new journey for two new Valparaiso Police Officers,” said Chief McIntyre. “Jack and Austin have risen to the top of

Drive sober or get pulled over! That’s the warning the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is issuing to drivers as they gear up for the annual end-of-summer impaired driving enforcement campaign.  Beginning today through September 2, deputies will be increasing patrols to crack down on those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). “Driving drunk or drug-impaired is a problem for everyone,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director.  “Making the choice to operate a

Two bills authored by State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) that work to improve child and health care throughout Indiana were ceremonially signed into law by the governor Friday. Senate Enrolled Act 2 rolls out multiple new policies to help more people become child care workers and cut certain regulations that drive up the cost of operating a child care facility. SEA 2 also allows more children of child care workers to automatically qualify for assistance from On My Way Pre-K and the Child Care and Development Fund, creates a pilot program for three "micro facilities" that serve up to 30 children

K9 Riot of the La Porte County Sheriff's Office will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Riot’s vest is sponsored by Joyce Lingle of Brooklyn, IN and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Joyce”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially

Passengers on the South Shore Line are advised the SSL will implement a new train schedule Tuesday, Aug. 20. The new schedule incorporates service modifications as a result of passenger feedback. In addition to incorporating many passenger requests, please note SSL has received State approval for the discontinuance of weekend service to McCormick Place following a public comment period. The SSL says special McCormick Place service will still be offered for large events such as the Auto Show, Chicago Marathon, and Comic & Entertainment Expo, etc. Please click here to view the full schedule of train times.

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. -- A Crown Point man was arrested on drug charges, including Fentanyl after a crash on I-65. An Indiana State Police trooper was driving northbound on I-65 just south of Ridge Road when he observed a red Dodge pickup truck crash into the center median wall, then leave the scene of the crash. The trooper activated his emergency lights and made a traffic stop on the Dodge about a mile north of where the crash occurred. During the traffic stop investigation, troopers determined there was probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle. Another trooper arrived

A man’s life was saved with the help of an AED after a cardiac emergency at the Michigan City Golf Course last month. According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, longtime friends Chuck Krause and Rick Voss met at the Michigan City Golf Course on July 20 for a round of golf.  While preparing to tee off, Rick suffered a sudden cardiac emergency. Chuck immediately began to render aid by starting CPR as another golfer retrieved an AED from the clubhouse.  Rick was later transported to an area hospital where he underwent a series of medical procedures.

Two men were arrested for possession of methamphetamine after after a La Porte County Sheriff's deputy checked a suspicious vehicle. Wednesday night at 11:45 p.m., a deputy observed an SUV parked in the lot of the Grocery Shoppeat 4535 North Wozniak Road. A man was standing outside the SUV and a second man was spotted running towards the closed business. The deputy proceeded into the parking and positioned his patrol vehicle behind the SUV. Upon approaching the subjects, he observed an item being thrown from the passenger side of the SUV. The subjects were identified as 50-year-old William R. LeCount

The Ogden Dunes Police Department released the following boil water order advisory on Thursday: "Due to the installation of a new fire hydrant in the area of Ogden Rd and Cottonwood and the anticipated loss of water pressure or disruption of service, there is a boil order in effect for cooking and consumption for all residents north of Skyline and east of Cedar Trl. We will send out an update once the boil order is lifted. This project will result in not only additional fire protection but also the ability to flush out the main water line in your immediate

Local Catholic school students needing a little help with school supplies are getting a boost to start the school year off right thanks to a generous donation from Franciscan Health Dyer and Franciscan Health Munster. The Mission Committee of the two hospitals hosted a school supply and cereal drive in July aimed at assisting local Catholic school students in need. Franciscan Health employees and members of the public donated backpacks, school supplies and boxes of dry cereal for breakfasts before school to benefit the students. The donations – which filled two vans -- will benefit Catholic school K-12 students attending

The Portage Police Department released the following statement about the passing of retired Assistant Chief of Police Thomas W. Webber Sr.: “We regretfully share the news of the passing of Assistant Chief of Police Thomas W. Webber Sr. (Unit #2 Retired).  Officer Webber was one of the first 5 members of the Portage Police Department, upon its founding in July of 1959. Officer Webber attained the rank of Assistant Chief, before retiring in July 1979. During his career with the Portage Police Department Officer Webber was able to attain his Juris Doctorate from the Valparaiso University School of Law in

On 8/15/24, at approximately 5:36am, the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call indicating a person had been shot in the 2300 block of Normandy Drive. Uniform Patrol Shift III Officer Rachel Ewart and Cpl. Deshone Harris responded to the scene. Upon arrival, a 22-year-old female and 35-year-old male were found deceased inside a vehicle in the parking lot. Both appeared to have gun shot wounds. The Investigative Division was summoned to the scene and this investigation is ongoing. Det./Sgt. Lendell Hood has been assigned as the Lead Detective. No further information will be provided at this time

The United Way of La Porte County held an awards event on Wednesday afternoon at Waterford Inn to present 11 Community Pillars with The "Unity Ward". Congratulations to all of the Award Recipients at the 2nd Annual United Way of LaPorte County-“Strengthing Community the “United Way” Award Event including our very own Ric Federighi. A wonderful event at the Waterford Inn II earlier today. Thank you to everyone who Makes A Difference in the communities we service. # wims #localradio #nwi #unitedway

The City of Portage announced that at 6 a.m. on Friday, drainage work will start on Carmen Street between Olson Park and Mulberry Avenue and continue on Vivian and Shawnee through December 1, 2024. The City of Portage says to expect limited road access for traffic until work is completed. They are asking the public to drive with caution.  

The La Porte Sheriff's Office announced the arrests of two people after a burglary investigation. Police announced that on July 25, information was sought seeking the identities of two subjects in connection with a burglary that occurred on July 17th in the 6200 north block of Fail Road. Social media tips led to both subjects being identified. Arrest warrants for the offense of burglary were later issued for Jacob and Daniel Sutton. On August 8, Daniel was located and arrested by Portage Police Department (Indiana). He remains housed in the Porter County Jail. Jacob was located and arrested Tuesday in

Press release, Indiana Department of Transportation: K-12, higher education, business and industry leaders share support for updated proposal The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) today presented a second draft of a proposal to redesign high school diploma requirements to the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE). The second draft incorporates significant updates, after months of stakeholder feedback, with a focus on rigor and flexibility for students to personalize their high school experience. This is part of the state’s ongoing, collaborative effort to rethink the high school experience, making it more learner-centric and future-focused. “We know that every Indiana student has

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will begin offering a new Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence degree program, with the first students expected to begin courses in spring 2025. PNW’s master’s degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) will prepare accepted graduate students with AI knowledge, hands-on experiences and advanced practical skills, including the design, development and implementation of AI applications to real-world challenges and responsive uses of AI technology. “As the premier metropolitan university in our region, we need to address the needs of the industry by developing innovative programs,” said Mohammad Zahraee, interim dean

DYER, Indiana – Interventional Cardiologist Asad J. Torabi, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Dyer and at a second office Crown Point. Dr. Torabi is board-certified in interventional cardiology. He attended medical school and completed his residency and fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Dr. Torabi’s clinical interests include coronary artery disease, aortic valve stenosis, mitral regurgitation, structural heart disease and sports cardiology. In addition to English, Dr. Torabi speaks Persian/Farsi. Dr. Torabi is accepting patients at Franciscan Physician Network Cardiology Dyer, 2150 Gettler St., Suite 400 and