Local News

A surfer went missing for more than an hour Monday off Burns Ditch, according to a Facebook post from the Town of Chesterton. At the time, the surfer had last been seen paddling around the breakwater at the mouth of the Burns Waterway at the Portage Lakefront and Riverfront site at Indiana Dunes National Park. At 4:06 p.m.—45 minutes after the 25-year-old male surfer had vanished from sight—a concerned person on the beach called 911 to report that the subject “had not come back in and could not be seen anymore” and that the surfer’s vehicle “was still in the

News release by Northern Indiana Public Service Company: Merrillville, Ind. — Calls from scammers to homes and businesses posing as NIPSCO employees are on the rise—an issue impacting many energy companies around the United States. With this uptick in scams, NIPSCO is warning customers to be aware of scammers that might attempt to target them by impersonating a NIPSCO employee. Recent and common reports from NIPSCO residential and business customers state that they have received calls, emails and/or texts from people claiming to be NIPSCO employees and demanding payment to avoid their service being disconnected. However, the company wants to

News release by Indiana Department of Environmental Management: INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is launching a new, streamlined program to encourage and recognize municipalities that take a proactive, positive approach to addressing community and social issues through sustainable environmental and wellness projects. IDEM honored six pilot program communities for their participation and accomplishments at the Indiana Clean Community Program annual meeting and program kickoff on Wednesday, Nov. 28. From April 2021–November 2023, Beech Grove, Brown County, Fishers, Richmond, and Zionsville earned Silver Status; Merrillville earned Bronze Status. The Clean Community Program replaces the Indiana Clean Community Challenge,

Press release by Unity Foundation of La Porte County: MICHIGAN CITY, IN —Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the recipients for the 2023-2024 cycle of grants for Michigan City educators. These grants support teachers as they find innovative ways to make learning more engaging for students. Since the mid-1990s, three grant programs, established by caring Michigan City donors who believed in teachers as the critical factor for learning, have awarded grants to over 1,000 teachers for projects of their own design. This year’s group of recipients is receiving approximately $20,000. “Unity is honored to facilitate these

Porter County Coroner Cyndi Dykes has released the name of the victim in the fatal crash on Sturdy Road early Saturday morning, Nov. 25, the Town of Chesterton announced on its Facebook page. Dykes identified the victim as 20-year-old Selena Ruiz of Wheatfield. “Autopsy and toxicology are pending,” Dyke said. A motorist was found deceased at the scene of a single-vehicle accident on Sturdy Road in Center Township early Saturday morning, the Porter County Sheriff’s Police said. Just before 1 a.m. officers were dispatched to the area of Sturdy Road and Martinal Road following a report of a car in

The Michigan City Festival of Lights Parade will kick off at 5:00 pm this Saturday. Real Housewives of LaPorte County will be collecting canned goods for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. Santa Claus will be joining in at General Insurance Services (421 Franklin St) to visit with the kids of Michigan City from 3:00 - 4:30. A donation of one unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is requested, but not required. See more information about the Chili Challenge under the ‘events’ tab on wimsradio.com. WIMS is a sponsor of the events.

The Portage Police Department announced on Monday the hiring and swearing in of three new officers. The department welcomes Officers Ryan Duncan, Angel Sanchez and Brandt Cain. Officer Duncan is the son of Portage Police Sergeant/Detective Lisa Duncan.  He is a lifelong Portage resident and Portage High School graduate.  Officer Duncan comes to the department after serving four years in the United States Marine Corps. Officer Sanchez is also a lifelong Portage resident and Portage High School graduate.  Officer Sanchez received his degree from Trine University with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Officer Cain also comes from

Press release by City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso has named Kevin Cornett as its Good Neighbor recipient for 2023, recognizing his exemplary commitment to the community. “Kevin Cornett is committed to his neighbors and to the Valparaiso community, giving his time and talent to his neighbors as well as organizations like Hilltop Neighborhood House, Valpo Parks, Porter County Building Trades Corporation and Home Team Valpo. He makes a difference for so many, and we’re pleased to highlight his good work with this recognition,” said Mayor Matt Murphy. Kevin Cornett has lived in Valparaiso for more than 25 years

MICHIGAN CITY – Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch has appointed a new administration to lead the Michigan City Fire Department when she takes office in January. “I’m excited and confident in these veteran firefighters to lead the department, train and develop our young staff, and make sure they’re fully equipped for the challenges that lie ahead,” Nelson Deuitch said. Barrett Taylor, a 20-year veteran of the MCFD, will be the new fire chief. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be chief of the Michigan City Fire Department, and to help move our department forward,” Taylor said. “Having been the [Firefighters Local

Residents with a sweet tooth should purchase their tins this week for the 11th Annual Downtown Cookie Walk this December, according to City Events & Civic Director Brett Binversie. Collectors' tins for the 2023 Cookie Walk are on sale now and cost $15. Binversie said those interested should not wait to purchase their tins, as they are expected to sell out like they have in previous years. "Christmas is a magical time of year in the City of La Porte, and the Cookie Walk has become a very important tradition," Binversie said. "We've seen more and more participation from our

The following information was provided by the Michigan City Police Department: "Sergeant Michael Oberle from Uniform Patrol Shift III was patrolling the north side of Michigan City on November 25th at approximately 12:00 A.M. when he heard multiple gunshots being fired from the Eastport neighborhood. Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift III received multiple notifications from the city’s Flock Safety Raven gunshot detection system at the same time. These notifications informed officers of gunshots that were fired in the 400 block of Walker Street. Shortly after receiving these notifications is when the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911

Tom Gooding has been named to the Valparaiso Utilities Board, announced Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy. “We’re very pleased to have Tom Gooding join this important board for the City. Tom’s expertise in business and leadership, coupled with his commitment to the community make him an excellent addition to the city’s team,” said Mayor Murphy. Gooding is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business finance. He retired from the United States Navy as a Commander serving 10 years active duty and 10 years in the reserve. He participated in Operation Desert Shield aboard the USS

News release by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks nominations from passionate outdoor recreation enthusiasts to serve on the Indiana Trails Advisory Board (TAB). Representatives are needed from the following trail groups: bicyclists, health, off-road motorcyclists, parks and recreation agencies, and water trail users. Nominees should be involved with a regional or statewide organization, club, or association related to the group they would represent. Selected board members would serve a three-year term starting March 2024 and attend quarterly meetings in varying locations around the state. TAB meetings are in-person and occur on the

Just days after her historic win, Michigan City Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch is busy preparing to transition into her new role in January. Beginning Jan. 1, Marty Corley will step into the role of Michigan City Police Chief. "We’re working hard to identify the right people for the right positions so we can hit the ground running on Day 1 and provide enhanced customer service to the community,” she said. “We’ll be making multiple announcements over the next several weeks as we attempt to work with the current administration to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.” With public safety a

The Porter County Health Department announced the December 2nd preventative heart screening event has been canceled. It will be rescheduled for a future date in early 2024. The Porter County Health Department said on their Facebook page to stay tuned for updates.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced earlier this week the recipients of the 2023-2024 Competitive Science of Reading Grant. Nearly $15 million was awarded to 72 school corporations, serving over 65,000 students in kindergarten through third grade, to support the implementation of evidence-based practices aligned with science of reading. Within LaPorte and Porter counties: Duneland School Corporation was awarded $276,840. South Central Community School Corporation was awarded $149,947. A full list of 2023-2024 Competitive Science of Reading Grant recipients can be found here. “In Indiana, we have set an aggressive goal: that 95% of third graders are able to

Spend you afternoon strolling down the Uptown Arts District and visit our local businesses while trying various chilis from local organizations. It is $5 to try all of the chilis, which will go to Meals on Wheels of LaPorte County. The Festival of Lights Parade will start at 5:00 PM. Vote on the vest chili within each category from 3:00-5:00 PM. Join in on the fun and see Santa, who will be at General Insurance Services! WIMS is a sponsor of this event.

City of La Porte Residents with a sweet tooth should purchase their tins next week for the 11th Annual Downtown Cookie Walk this December, according to City Events & Civic Director Brett Binversie. Collectors' tins for the 2023 Cookie Walk will go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 28 and cost $15. Binversie said those interested should not wait to purchase their tins, as they are expected to sell out like they have in previous years. "Christmas is a magical time of year in the City of La Porte, and the Cookie Walk has become a very important tradition," Binversie said. "We've

The City of Valparaiso City Services department has added this week to the recycling calendar to accommodate the community's increased volume for curbside recycling during the holiday season. The city says that while this week would typically be trash-only collection, recycling will also be picked up this week. The week of Christmas has also been added. To view the updated schedule, visit tinyurl.com/ValpoTrashNov-Dec. Customers may utilize online formats to report excess recycle placed outside the tote by emailing CityServices@valpo.us or using Valpo Voice at tinyurl.com/ValpoVoice. If you need further assistance, please call Valparaiso City Services at (219) 462-6174.  

News release by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: For Hoosiers looking to get outside the day after Thanksgiving, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer free admission to all Indiana State Park properties on Nov. 24 as part of Opt Outside Day. In addition to the 24 state parks, participating properties also include Lieber State Recreation (SRA); Raccoon, Deam Lake, and Starve Hollow SRAs; Brookville, Hardy, Mississinewa, Monroe, Patoka and Salamonie lakes, and the two off-road state recreation areas, Redbird and Interlake. “There’s nothing like going for a hike the day after Thanksgiving to work off the turkey