Local News

Chesterton Police Officer Jorge Perez assisted in the apprehension of a suspected auto thief on Thursday afternoon, following a pursuit which began in LaPorte County and ended in Lake County, the Chesterton Police Department reported on their Facebook page. According to police, at 2:06 p.m. Perez was running stationary patrol facing eastbound in the parking lot of Complete Family Dental, at 175 U.S. Highway 20, when he heard Indiana State Police scanner traffic advising of a “fresh auto theft” in the Michigan City Police Department’s jurisdiction. The suspect vehicle was a white Hummer. Officer Perez said that a few moments

Press release by City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso will extend its curbside leaf pick-up for an additional week until December 8, due to the recent colder temps and inclement weather, announced Mayor Matt Murphy. The additional week of pick-up will allow residents to do one final rake of leaves to the curb and the leaf pick-up crews to make one final lap around the City. After this final pass, leaves will need to be bagged in biodegradable bags for collection. Valparaiso City Services Department of Public Works has collected leaves for almost six full weeks and has collected

The Chesterton Police Facebook page announced that North Mineral Springs Road between Planet Court and U.S. 20 is closed indefinitely. The Town of Porter announced the indefinite closure of North Mineral Spring Road between Planet Court and U.S. Highway 20, which began Friday (Dec 1). Following a just completed inspection, Porter County authorities have found the bridge over the Little Calumet River—located between Planet Court and U.S. 20—unsafe for traffic due to the deterioration of its steel beams. The bridge is scheduled for replacement soon.

Each year during National Police Week, Portage Police Officers have the opportunity to make donations, in lieu of having their vehicles inspected during their annual memorial. This year on “giving Tuesday” police were able to donate $1,000 to the Portage Township Food Pantry”, due to their donations. While at the pantry, police say they learned a bit more about the great work they are doing, how many families they are helping, and the high costs involved. Police say they’re hopeful this donation can provide some extra help during the holiday season.

The La Porte Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in an ongoing investigation. Police say if you have any information as to the Identity of this female subject pictured, to please contact Detective Sergeant Matthew Drangmeister at (219)-362-9446 ext. 2009. The La Porte Police Department did not give any further information on this investigation.

Governor Eric  Holcomb announced Thursday that Indiana was one of the first states awarded funding from the federal government’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) to support statewide cybersecurity programs. The first round of local projects that support cybersecurity improvements were approved to receive a portion of a $20 million grant program that Indiana was awarded in 2022.  "The State of Indiana is doing its due diligence to maintain the highest level of cyber security necessary to protect Hoosier data,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Indiana is committed to leading the way by improving its cybersecurity posture and protecting our critical

The Town of Burns Harbor is kicking off a holiday food drive. They're collecting non-perishable food items for the Westchester Food Pantry and neighbors in need. You can drop off your non-perishable items through Dec. 13 at the Burns Harbor Town Hall, 1240 W. North Boo Road, Burns Harbor. Most needed items are: soups, chili beans, canned fruits, canned tuna, toilet paper, paper towels, boxed potatoes, and meal kits. All other non-perishable items are welcome too.

A 68-year-old woman has died after being struck by a vehicle in Portage, according to the Portage Police Department. On Tuesday at about 6:43 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 28, officers of the Portage Police Department responded to the area of Willowcreek Road north of Lexington Avenue in reference to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.  Preliminary investigation shows that the pedestrian was crossing Willowcreek Road traveling westbound approximately 50 feet north of the intersection. The involved vehicle was a 2006 Ford F-150 that was being driven by a 46-year-old Portage resident. The pickup truck had been

VALPARAISO -- In partnership with the Northwest Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation announced the graduation of its 12th Fire Academy. The ceremony will be held on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6:00 p.m. CST at the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus in Valparaiso. The 26 graduates represent East Chicago, Michigan City, Portage, Whiting, U.S. Steel, Hobart, Lake Station, and Burns Harbor Fire Departments. The recruits completed an 11- week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations, and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills. They also learned about the importance of community service

Michigan City, IN – The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce has a tradition of celebrating members during its Annual Member Dinner. In addition to the recognition of milestone and legacy members, the Chamber will be announcing winners in several award categories including Community Impact, Small Business, Large Business, Young Professional, and Ambassador. These five award categories will recognize individual people, organizations, and businesses who have made a difference in our business community during the year 2023. Nominations will be qualified and reviewed by the Chamber Awards Committee. Finalists in each category will be notified and invited to the Chamber’s Annual

MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana –While the return to summer isn’t here just yet, you can still enjoy a day at the Washington Park Zoo this Saturday, December 2nd from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm for the first Wild Winterland event. Visit the Zoo mascots for a Holiday photo Visit the Zoo during the off-season to see some of your favorite animals, enjoy the fresh air, and even visit with the staff for "Keeper Chats" throughout the day to experience some of the education ambassadors up-close like the armadillo, corn snake, hedgehog, mini horse, and chinchilla. River Otters enjoying

The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra hosts the 29th Annual Holiday at the Pops concert on December 9, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge St., La Porte. Balcony Tickets can be purchased online here for $25 for adults and $10 for children. Balcony seats are general admission and the doors open at 5:30 pm prior to the concert. A few Main Floor table seats remain and can be purchased for $75 at the same link. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at the event. This year's program, conducted by long-time principal trumpet

The Michigan City Police Department is looking for volunteers to join their Emergency Management Agency. The department says this is a great way to give back to your community and get some specialized training. “Many of the events will allow for individuals to work closely with the officers of the Michigan City Police Department and many other city departments,” the department stated on their Facebook page. Contact Cpl. Brian Wright with questions.

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