Local News

All eyes were on the City of La Porte this week, as Code Enforcement Director Jeff Batchelor presented at the Accelerate Indiana Municipalities Conference in Indianapolis. The conference gathered nearly 700 newly elected municipal officials from throughout the state of Indiana for a Newly Elected Officials Boot Camp. La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody said Batchelor was asked to share with the group the best practices for code enforcement within a city. Dermody said this is a testament to the hard work being done by Batchelor’s team every day. “Not only did state officials recognize that we are doing something right

The Indiana State Police is investigating a crash on the Indiana Toll Road that led to the death of a tow truck driver this morning, January 18, 2024. (Thank you to the Indiana State Police for the update and information). Preliminary investigation by Trooper George Youpel indicates that at approximately 9:40 a.m. crews were on scene at mile maker 114.2 cleaning up a diesel spill and removing a semi from the center median that crashed earlier in the morning when the driver of a 2021 white Dodge Ram towing an enclosed trailer lost control as it traveled eastbound. The Dodge

MICHIGAN CITY– Michigan City Special Events and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, are excited to announce the 2024 Michigan City Special Events schedule, highlighted by the return of The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival and Oktoberfest. “One of the best things about Michigan City is our unique brand of special events,” the mayor said. “The Lake Michigan shoreline provides a beautiful backdrop for several of our celebrations, which Michigan City residents and visitors alike have come to really enjoy as we continue to grow and develop them year after year. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2024 has in store for

The LaPorte County Drug Task Force has arrested a 46-year-old Michigan City man as the result of a child solicitation investigation, the Michigan City Police Department announced Wednesday. According to police, in recent weeks, Earl Stone Jr. began communicating via Facebook with an undercover detective who represented themselves as a 15-year-old girl. It was amidst these conversations that Stone expressed his desire to perform more than one sexual act with the 15-year-old girl. Police say these conversations continued to escalate to the point that Stone agreed to meet with the detective to commit these “vivid sexual acts.” Police say on

MICHIGAN CITY, IN - Paladin, a non-profit organization that hosts Head Start of LaPorte County, Imagination Station (Michigan City) and Early Childhood Programs at Bethany Church (LaPorte City), is pleased to announce its partnership with Purdue University Northwest. The partnership will offer aspiring human service professionals interested in working with children the opportunity to complete their practicum in one of Paladin’s high-quality childcare facilities. According to a 2023 childcare feasibility study by the Michigan City Economic Development Corp (EDMC), “…there is an overwhelming need for quality early childhood education programs.” A recent study provided by the Center for Workforce Innovations

The ramp from westbound I-94 to westbound U.S. 20 is closed due to a bridge strike. The length of this closure is unknown, as an inspection and repairs will need to take place before opening. A detour will be posted.

The National Weather Service of Northern Indiana has issued a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for LaPorte, Starke, St. Joseph, Marshall counties in Indiana and Berrien County in Michigan. In addition the National Weather Service of Chicago has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Porter County in Indiana.   For LaPorte, Starke, St. Joseph, Marshall counties in Indiana and Berrien County in Michigan: ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow possible. Total snow accumulations in excess of 6 inches possible. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From

News release, Indiana Department of Environmental Management: VALPARAISO – Partners for Clean Air (PCA) is inviting Hoosiers to nominate those who voluntarily undertook actions to improve air quality in Northwest Indiana for the organization’s 2024 Partners in Clean Air Awards.  PCA also encourages area students with an interest in environmental science or advocacy to apply for the organization’s annual scholarship program. In addition, the organization has announced a new membership structure aimed at increasing local participation, particularly by individuals and smaller businesses and organizations. Award Nominations Due April 30. PCA will present awards in three categories: business, municipal and industrial.

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.