Local News

As South Shore Line crews continue to repair overhead wire damage at Gary Metro Center, the following service revisions will be in effect on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024: A regular weekday train schedule will be in effect. Midday train passengers will be bused to stations between Dune Park and East Chicago on Jan. 17. Rush hour train passengers will be bused to stations between Dune Park and Gary Metro Center. Due to frigid temperatures continuing to impact mechanical components and train movement, passengers are advised to expect significant delays. The midday busing substitution between Dune Park and East Chicago will include only

The Porter County Sheriff’s office announced they will be hosting a Citizens Police Academy in 2024. Head to portercountysheriff.com to apply. They will be selecting up to 15 Citizens to see the department's facility and a wide range of the department’s specialties. This will occur every Tuesday night (5 total) from 5-8 p.m beginning Feb. 20.

Press release, Health Foundation of La Porte: LA PORTE - Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) hosted its second annual symposium, Making a Mark, on the morning of Friday, January 12, 2024. The symposium, held at HFL’s Conference & Learning Center, welcomed more than 50 La Porte County leaders to reflect on the shared journey to a healthier community. Since 2017, HFL has been dedicated to its mission: empowering La Porte County residents to live healthy and well. HFL advances its mission through strategic thought leadership, grantmaking, and capacity building efforts for nonprofits, including educational events like the symposium. HFL

Press release, La Porte County Family YMCA: La Porte, IN – The La Porte County Family YMCA announces the appointment of Scott Helmkamp as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Bringing an impressive 25-year career exclusively dedicated to the YMCA movement, Scott Helmkamp arrives with a rich tapestry of experience and an unwavering commitment to community service. His journey within the YMCA, starting as a program director and culminating in his recent role as district executive within the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne Association, showcases a proven track record of leadership and dedication. The La Porte County Family YMCA is

Valparaiso City Services crews have discovered a water main compromise on U.S. 30 which is causing low water pressure and/or service interruption. Crews have been deployed. Due to the loss of pressure a precautionary boil advisory has been issued for all customers along U.S. Highway 30 from Marsh Street to City View and all customers located south of U.S. Highway 30. "???????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????/???????? ???????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????, ???????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????, ???????????????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????????," the city announced on its Facebook page. The water microbiology laboratory will conduct the necessary testing

As South Shore Line crews continue to repair overhead wire damage at Gary Metro Center, the following service revisions will be in effect on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024: A regular weekday train schedule will be in effect. Midday train passengers will be bused to stations between Dune Park and East Chicago on Jan. 16. Rush hour train passengers will be bused to stations between Dune Park and Gary Metro Center. The midday busing substitution between Dune Park and East Chicago will include only the following trains: Westbound Tr 14, Tr 216, Tr 116, Tr 218, Tr 18, Tr 118, Tr

A number of closures already in our area for Tuesday 1/16/2024 due to the weather and temperatures: If you are a business, organization or know of closures feel free to email ric@wimsradio.com or put under the Comments section of this post. Feel free to text ric@wimsradio.com or karli@wimsradio.com. This will be updated as we get information. Due to dangerously cold temperatures, Marquette will observe a virtual learning day tomorrow, January 16th. Additionally, our National Honor Society-sponsored blood drive has been postponed to February 29th. Marquette Catholic Schools Michigan City Area Schools are on an elearning day Tuesday 1/16/2024. La Porte

Press release by Franciscan Health: MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Franciscan Health Michigan City and community leaders are looking back with praise and thanks as the hospital marks five years in its current location. “Our people make the difference and our people make us great,” said Franciscan Health Michigan City President and CEO Dean Mazzoni. “This building would be nothing without the Franciscan people here doing the work that they do.” The hospital opened at 3500 Franciscan Way on Jan. 12, 2019. The 425,000-square-foot hospital, built by Tonn & Blank, has 123 private inpatient rooms and outpatient services with advanced diagnostic

For Immediate Release: For Questions, call Deb Varnak, HCLC, at 219-363-6923 or Dr. Tammy Gierke Button, Dunebrook, at 219-369-0317. Jointly, the Boards of Directors of Healthy Communities of La Porte County and Dunebrook, Inc., both located in La Porte County, announce that as of January 1, 2024, Healthy Communities of La Porte County (HCLC) has begun the process of dissolution and Dunebrook, Inc. has become the lead agency for the Covering Kids & Families program for La Porte and Porter Counties. The Covering Kids & Families program provides free, expert assistance with healthcare coverage and insurance. Indiana Department of Insurance

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is hosting two additional meetings to hear from community members on how to best use funds awarded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program. "IDEM has received many ideas and novel solutions from other meetings throughout the state. We're looking forward to incorporating feedback from Gary and Evansville in our upcoming proposal to the EPA," said IDEM Commissioner Brian Rockensuess. The CPRG program provides federal funding to state governments, municipalities, tribes and territories to plan strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants. Through

The City of Portage is informing the public that a warming center has been activated at Woodland Park (2100 Willowcreek Road) for citizens in need. The warming center is open during normal Parks Department business hours during this cold streak. Additionally, if you need the services of the warming center outside of these hours, please call the police department non-emergency number 219-762-3122 and the center will be opened. The city says if you are in need of transportation to the warming center, arrangements can be made to assist you. The city says your local Portage Fire Stations are also available

The City of Michigan City has announced that in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15. Trash collection will resume on Tuesday and run through Saturday, postponing normal pick-up throughout the city by one day for the week of Jan. 16-20. Those with questions are asked to contact Milorad (“Mike”) Milatovic at (219) 874-7799.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Walker Street Park at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, when the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department launches its Pantries in the Parks program. The brainchild of Recreation Coordinator Kayla Sheblosky, Pantries in the Parks will provide nonperishable food and toiletries for those in need by allowing citizens to both take and donate items at self-serve stations that are set to be installed at Walker Street and Gardena parks. “I’m a mom with young kids, so I’m in the moms groups on Facebook,” Sheblosky said.

The statement is from Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO): Temperatures are expected to drop significantly next week, and NIPSCO wants to ensure customers are prepared. Here are some tips to help customers stay safe and warm throughout this winter and especially as we approach the anticipated extreme cold temperatures. Inside your home Space heaters can provide comfort but should be used with caution. When using, ensure they are placed on a hard, non-flammable surface away from furniture and flammable materials/products. Ensure appliances and heating equipment – such as a furnace, water heater and stove – are inspected and operating

The following  is a statement regarding Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch declaring a snow emergency in Michigan City until 6 p.m. Sunday:    

La PORTE, IN (Jan. 12, 2024) – With snow and sub-zero temperatures coming, Mayor Tom Dermody said the City of La Porte will be opening warming centers for those in need. “While we’ve been incredibly fortunate so far with mild temperatures, harsh winter weather is on its way,” Dermody said. “It is important that our residents know there are places available to get in out of the cold. I encourage everyone to share this information and be sure to check in on elderly neighbors who may need some extra assistance.” The following locations will be open to the public as

The Indiana Toll Road has issued a Winter Weather Ban starting from the Illinois state line to the Ohio state line. The ban is in effect now  until Saturday Jan. 13 at 6:00 p.m. CST / 7 p.m. EST. This ban only impacts: Triple-tractor-trailers, long-doubles (high profile only), high-profile oversize permit loads. The Indiana Toll Road says to use extreme caution if you are out on the road and remember to reduce speed in hazardous conditions.

The following statement is from the City of Valparaiso Facebook page regarding the city's plan for dealing with the expected snowfall in the city: “Starting early Friday morning, we are anticipating a snow event lasting 24-36 hours followed by bitter cold and strong winds (up to 50 mph) that will affect daily business for Valparaiso and residents. Valparaiso City Services has a plan, based on weather forecasts and will continue to monitor weather patterns. Events like this demand significant labor and machinery. City Services will be rotating our labor force appropriately for safety and efficiency and utilizing ALL resources (Public

Press release by Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO): Katie Eaton has been named Manager of Public Affairs and Economic Development for NIPSCO. In this role, Eaton will manage external public affairs and lead the company’s charitable giving efforts in six counties including Elkhart, LaPorte, Marshall, Porter, Starke and St. Joseph. She will also work with local communities and economic development organizations to support new business investments and job creation in northern Indiana. Katie will be replacing Denise Conlon, who is retiring after 23 years of working at NIPSCO. “We are so pleased to welcome Katie as part of the

The following is a statement from the City of Michigan City about warming centers in the area: In addition, Chesterton Town Hall, located at 726 Broadway has been declared a warming center. This is a a 24/7  warming center that will remain available through Sunday, Jan. 21.