Local News

Volunteer bell ringers needed for countywide summer kettle campaign La PORTE COUNTY – With the reminder that “need knows no season,” The Salvation Army serving La Porte County will once again host its annual Christmas in July kettle campaign. 

Red kettles will be stationed at Al’s Supermarket and Walmart locations in both Michigan City and La Porte on July 10 and 11, with volunteers ringing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Although the iconic red kettles are typically seen during the holiday season, The Salvation Army recognizes that the needs of local families continue throughout the year, and

In Lake County, U.S. 231 will close at Cline Avenue on or after Wednesday, July 8 for phase two of roundabout construction. The intersection will be completely closed to traffic in all directions, and motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour for U.S. 231 will utilize U.S. 41, U.S. 30 and I-65. The detour for Cline Avenue traffic will follow 101st Avenue, Parrish Avenue and 117th Avenue. Roundabout construction will be ongoing through late September. INDOT encourages drivers to consider safety for all by slowing down, using extra caution and driving distraction-free when traveling in and around all work

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, is now accepting applications for its Public Safety Education and Training Grant. Now in its ninth year, the program provides funding to local nonprofit organizations and first responders to expand public safety education and training efforts across northern Indiana. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are available. Applications will be accepted through July 31, with recipients to be announced in August. “Safety is a top priority at NIPSCO and at the foundation of everything we do,” said Rick Calinski, Director of Public Affairs and

Gov. Mike Braun recently announced the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's Office of School Safety (OSS) completed comprehensive school safety visits in all 92 Indiana counties. "The Office of School Safety reflects a commitment from my administration that has made meaningful progress," said Gov. Mike Braun. "As a father and grandfather, it is a top priority for me that families feel confident that their children are safe at school and in their community." Over the past year, the Office of School Safety conducted on-site walkthroughs with school leaders and safety officials. During these visits, the OSS team: Observed school facilities

Today at 12:08 AM, Deputy Austin Howell responded to a residential structure fire located in the 2700 west block of CR 1650 South. Upon arrival, Deputy Howell approached the residence but was unable to safely enter due to excessive smoke conditions. After firefighters from multiple responding departments extinguished the fire, 23-year-old Kathryn M. ZABEL was located inside the residence and was pronounced deceased at the scene. An investigator with the Indiana State Fire Marshals Office was contacted and responded to the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Assisting: Sergeant Scott Lanoue, Deputy Michael Sweet, Indiana DNR Division

Independence Day A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.   Saturday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.   Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.   Sunday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.   Monday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

On Thursday July 16th Dylan Scott will be coming to the La Porte County Fair to perform with special guest, Drew Baldridge. For tickets and information visit www.lpfair.com.

Save the Dunes is excited to announce the welcoming of Daniel King to the team as Deputy Director. Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Daniel is passionate about the humanities, conservation, public health, and community development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in History from Purdue University, where he served as an editor of the The Purdue Historian and Vice President of the Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society, Nu Omega Chapter. During his studies, Daniel also served as an interpretive Park Ranger at the then-Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, where he educated the public and school groups about

The La Porte County Fair is back! From July 11th through the 18th, 2026 at the La Porte County Fairgrounds. Enjoy fair food and activities with family and friends alike with a performance by Dylan Scott and special guest, Drew Baldridge on the 16th. For more information and ticket sales visit www.lpfair.com.  

In Lake County, an INDOT contractor has lane and ramp closures in place along State Road 912/Cline Ave for resurfacing. Southbound State Road 912 is reduced to one lane between U.S. 12/Columbus Dr/Airport Rd and 173rd St  through the end of August. The ramp closure schedule is weather dependent and subject to change but is currently as follows: U.S. 12/Columbus Dr/Airport Rd to southbound S.R. 912 closed for approximately 15 days on or after Monday, July 6 Gary Rd to southbound S.R. 912 closed for approximately 7 days on or after Thursday, July 16 Southbound S.R. 912 to 169th St

Killer Perspective of the skies from Commander Socrates Gray of the American Legion Skwiat Post 451 in Michigan City on the 600 Dock and 100 Dock down by Lake Michigan. #michigancity #wims #whfb #localradio

HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heat index values around 100. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat

As Independence Day approaches, Gov. Mike Braun and the State Fire Marshal encourage all Hoosiers to practice firework safety and follow state laws. "This is a historic moment for our nation as we celebrate its 250th anniversary," said Gov. Mike Braun. "I encourage all Hoosiers to enjoy Independence Day, and to celebrate safely." Each year, the Office of the State Fire Marshal issues permits to retailers and wholesalers of fireworks within Indiana. "Last year, an estimated 13,000 people suffered from firework injuries," said State Fire Marshal Steve Jones. "Preparing ahead of time for the safe use of fireworks can help

Please be advised, the office of the Solid Waste District of La Porte County will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day. Trucks will be running ON SCHEDULE now through JULY 3rd. Please remember to have your toter curbside the night before or by 5:00 a.m. to insure pickup. The District office will be closed Friday July 3rd. The Compost Site will be closed Friday, July 3rd and Saturday July 4th.

STATEHOUSE - Recently, State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) was appointed to chair the Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation and serve as a member of the Nonemergency Medical Transportation Commission. Throughout the summer and fall, interim study committees meet to review important policy issues and discuss possible solutions. Lawmakers will gather input from public testimony, various experts and industry stakeholders to help guide bill recommendations ahead of the upcoming legislative session, which begins in January. "Maintaining quality infrastructure and road safety is always a priority," Pressel said. "This summer, we will study topics including digital driver's licenses as well

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is reinforcing its commitment to customer safety by expanding efforts to help customers recognize NIPSCO crews and avoid scams. Beginning July 1, NIPSCO will adopt standardized hard hats used across NiSource companies. While customers may notice field employees’ hard hats changing from yellow to white, the update is part of a broader effort to promote safety and consistency. Standardizing equipment across NiSource companies also supports greater efficiency and value. By aligning a single hard hat design, the Company’s Supply Chain team works more effectively with suppliers to source high-quality equipment

EXTREME HEAT WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EDT /MIDNIGHT CDT FRIDAY... and HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM EDT /MIDNIGHT CDT/ TO 8 PM EDT/7 PM CDT/ FRIDAY...   * WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105. For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 100 expected.   * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.   * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 1 AM EDT /midnight CDT/ Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 1 AM EDT /midnight CDT/ to 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Friday.

Porter County, Ind. — The driver of a semi ended up in jail after refusing to pay her toll and then giving false information to an Indiana State Trooper, according to the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post. On Tuesday, June 30, just before 11 a.m. a.m., an Indiana State Trooper was dispatched to the Portage Barrier Toll Plaza located at the 24 mile marker of the Indiana Toll Road due to the driver of a 2026 Volvo semi tractor-trailer refusing to pay the toll. When the trooper arrived, he attempted to facilitate gathering information from the driver of the

News Release by Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department: Liberty Township – As our community prepares to celebrate our nation’s Independence this Fourth of July, Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department encourages everyone to enjoy the holiday safely and responsibly. This year marks a significant milestone honoring 250 years of our nation’s Independence. As the excitement builds over the next couple of days, we encourage our community to make safety a part of every tradition. Whether you’re attending a neighborhood gathering, enjoying a professional fireworks display, or hosting a backyard barbecue, a few simple precautions can help ensure everyone returns home safely.

U.S. 35/Indiana Ave has reopened between State Road 2/Lincolnway and Maple Ave in the City of La Porte after a full road reconstruction in that section. It remains closed farther south between Kingsbury Ave and South Ave so through traffic should continue to use the detour of U.S. 6, S.R. 39 and S.R. 2