Local News

INDIANAPOLIS— The state’s first West Nile virus disease case for the 2024 season has been reported in a Lake County resident. West Nile virus activity has also been detected in mosquitoes throughout the state (26 samples taken from 15 counties). Additional information about the case is not being released to protect patient privacy. “Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance—their bites can potentially lead to serious illness,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “Hoosiers can reduce their risk by wearing bug repellent and taking steps to remove breeding sites, like standing water in discarded tires or other containers around

Hammond, IND. – On Friday, July 19, in a press conference held at Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) and Challenger NWI Board Members announced that the Center will receive $963,000 in Community Project Funding. The funding will enable the Center to install and upgrade its Mission Control simulators, furthering its mission to provide inspiring and engaging STEM education opportunities for students throughout Indiana. “Congratulations to the leaders of the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana for your successful effort to secure this federal funding to continue your mission to advance STEM education across our

LA PORTE COUNTY, IN — Unity Foundation of La Porte County is awarding nearly $350,000 in scholarships to 148 students for the 2024-2025 academic year. The recipients are attending 48 colleges and universities across the United States. Since 1992, Unity has awarded approximately $4 million from sixty scholarship funds to help area students advance their education. Lauren Varga, Unity Foundation Marketing & Program Manager, said, “Unity Foundation is honored to administer this program and support local students each year. Beyond providing financial assistance, receiving these awards is proof to the recipients that their community is behind them as they pursue

MUNSTER, Indiana – Franciscan Health Munster general surgeon Jovenel Cherenfant, MD, has been named 2023 Physician of the Year by the medical staff. The Physician of the Year award is presented annually by the medical staff to a physician who embodies the Franciscan Alliance values of respect for life, fidelity to the Franciscan Alliance mission, compassionate concern, joyful service and Christian stewardship. “Thank you, Dr. Cherenfant, for your stewardship and humbleness,” the medical staff said in a statement announcing the award. “Dr. Cherenfant is a humbled and blessed man. Giving back to his patients and community is a must.” Dr.

The City of Portage announced no parking and lane restrictions that will take place on Portage Avenue July 30-31. A contractor will be working along Portage Avenue milling and paving. They will be removing the intersection of Portage Avenue and Hamstrom Road, the Crisman Road approach, the Jackson Street approach, the parking lane from west of Pennsylvania Street to east of Jackson Street and the westbound lane between approximately 6444 and 6517 Portage Avenue. The city is asking drivers to refrain from parking on the north side of Portage Avenue during these dates. Dates are weather dependent and a flag

The Michigan City Police Department 2024 National Night Out will be Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 7th/Franklin Streets. This event is free to public and made possible through community sponsors. According to their website, "National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live." "Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on

The Crew with Cops Cycling for Survivrs started their trip throughout Indiana on July 8th. After almost 1000 miles and countless hours on the road cycling the team wrapped up on July 20th with a ceremony in Indianapolis. Thanks to the team, riders, familes, volunteers and incredible people along the way.  For pictures and information check out WIMS FACEBOOK PAGE. Also LIKE the Cops Cycling for Survivors FACEBOOK page and website.

The City of Valparaiso announced that to facilitate the streetscape project surrounding the Lincoln Highway Garage, Morgan Boulevard (from Lincolnway to Jefferson Street) will close on or about July 24 for approximately 2 weeks. The project will repair an older large diameter combined sewer as well as install new storm sewer to separate out a small section of the downtown. Drivers may take Roosevelt, Evans or Calumet as alternate routes.  

Yesterday at 11:54 AM, deputies responded to CR 300 North, west of Johnson Road, reference a single vehicle personal injury crash. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Josh Smith and assisting deputies determined the following had occurred. A red 2010 Ford Explorer was traveling west on CR 300 North. The vehicle traveled left of center and across the eastbound lane. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and collided with a tree along the south side of CR 300 North. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its driver’s side. The driver (lone occupant), Gregory W. CRITES (65 YOA)

Press Release, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce: Michigan City, IN –The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce (chamber) announced Jessica O’Brien as the Ambassador of the Quarter for the Second Quarter of 2024.  “I believe the Chamber of Commerce is such an important part of growth and progress in my city, so I’m happy to volunteer my time to help them grow and succeed. The Chamber team is accessible and helpful, serving as a great resource and advocate for their members,” O’Brien said. The Ambassador of the Quarter is given to an individual who has shown dedication to the mission of

Indiana Department of Homeland Security teams will be in Porter County on Monday, July 22 to survey damage and most likely remain until Wednesday, July 24, according to Porter County Emergency Management. The Porter County Emergency Management Agency has requested the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s (IDHS) assistance in conducting damage assessments of properties throughout Porter County, resulting from the storm on July 15. IDHS teams will be in Porter County Personnel will be wearing IDHS clothing and also carry government credentials to identify themselves. Collecting assessment data using this process will help IDHS and Porter County determine if thresholds

Press release, Duneland Chamber of Commerce: Chesterton, IN: The Duneland Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Community Awards Luncheon on July 17th at the Spa Special Event Center, celebrating the achievements and contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations within the community. This year’s event saw the highest number of attendees to date, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and support for recognizing local excellence. Joseph S. Pete was honored with the Putting Duneland on the Map Award. Wise Guys Liquors and Ruff Luxury Inn at the Dunes received recognition for New Construction, while the Duneland School Corporation earned the Business Renovation Award.

The Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County (TEPC) recently held a volunteer appreciation event for members and community partners engaging in efforts to promote smoke free air and to minimize smoking and vaping, as well as their related-illnesses, in Porter County. “Our volunteers are out of this world” was the theme to this year’s event that honored coalition members and organization partners for their dedicated support and participation,” said Carrie Higgins, Program Director for the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition. Captain Joe Hall of the Valparaiso Police Department and Chair of the coalition served as Emcee and presented

News release, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: (Flyer below is a scam ad) Fraudulent Section 8 assistance advertisements like the one above are appearing on social media sites in increasing numbers. They are also appearing through posted flyers using official agency logos. These sites and flyers direct members of the public to a fraudulent website, which harvests personal information and data. We are also learning that there have been recent reports of individuals posing as employees of Housing Authorities/ Agencies and have fraudulently obtained money from individuals seeking housing assistance.   What You Need to Know  A

If you're a La Porte resident and looking to get rid of some unwanted items, you have another opportunity this weekend thanks to the Dumpster Program. This Saturday, July 20 is another Dumpster Saturday. Swing by the Street Department from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to dispose of any large, unwanted items. The city says the dumpsters tend to fill up quickly, so arrive early and be prepared to show proof of residency in the City of La Porte.

LaPorte County has been added to the counties the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is accepting severe storm damage from Monday, July 15. Residents of LaPorte, Porter and Elkhart counties are asked to contact Indiana 211 by calling 866-211-9966 to report severe storm damage from Monday. To help establish a comprehensive assessment of damage, residents can call 866-211-9966 or visit the Indiana 211 website. Collecting assessments via this process will help IDHS determine damage estimates and develop the next course of action in the disaster recovery process. Currently, only residents in LaPorte, Porter and Elkhart counties should utilize Indiana 211

Press release, Indiana Department of Education: Indiana leaders on Wednesday outlined the ongoing, collaborative process to develop new diploma seals in response to stakeholder feedback, as well as continued partnership opportunities to ensure all students have access to rigorous courses and experiences. Under the current proposal, students could earn an individual readiness seal or combination of readiness seals to support their unique post-graduation goals of enrollment, employment or enlistment leading to service. The readiness seals would be reflected on a student's transcript to signify their preparedness for success in their unique path ahead. “High school is a time when we

Press release, Lubeznik Arts Festival: MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The 42nd annual Lubeznik Arts Festival will bring over 78 artists from around the United States in a variety of media to Michigan City, Ind. on Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. The festival draws children and adults from the Northwest Indiana region, Southwest Michigan and beyond to Lubeznik Center for the Arts' (LCA) grounds and galleries at 101 W. 2nd Street. Festival-goers can enjoy fine arts and crafts from artists across the nation, indoor exhibits by contemporary artists, family activities, free art

HAMMOND, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will join the Chicago region’s Bloch Tech Hub, a coalition of industry, academic, government and nonprofit stakeholders led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange and its focus on driving the nation’s quantum economy, university officials announced Thursday (July 18, 2024). PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford also revealed that the university is working with other members of the Bloch on a quantum commercialization center as part of the Roberts Impact Lab, a regional technology transfer and commercialization hub under development by PNW. The impact lab, which will be located at 5454 Hohman Ave. in Hammond, is

U.S. 12 in Porter County is now open between Hillcrest Road and Midwest Steel Highway. It was originally expected to be closed through Monday. Follow WIMS radio on Facebook or check back at wimsradio.com for more roadwork updates.