Local News

A 19-year-old from Demotte, Indiana has died after a head-on crash in Winfield. It happened just before 4:36 p.m. yesterday (7/4/23) in the 7000 block of East 117th Avenue. Witnesses tell police a Subaru SUV traveling east was tailgating a Jeep when it crossed the center line in an attempt to pass the Jeep. As the Subaru crossed into oncoming traffic, it collided head-on with a westbound Kia sedan. The driver the Kia was a 19-year-old female who was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were two 13-year-old passengers from Lowell riding in the Kia who were treated in Chicago.

Every year, Shirley Heinze Land Trust recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations who have native plant gardens through the Bringing Nature Home Program. This program celebrates local efforts to create gardens free from invasive species and rich with native plants. “Native plant gardens provide crucial connected habitats in an otherwise fragmented world. These gardens not only help to restore native plants, but they also provide critical habitats for native pollinators,” emphasizes Mari Patis, Programs Coordinator. In addition to increasing backyard aesthetics and supporting native wildlife, native gardens are a great way to learn about the region’s unique ecosystems. Patis explains, “Northwest Indiana

From simple flags and heroes’ photos, to elaborate displays of red, white and blue, the 1st Annual Window Decorating Contest drew 21 timely entries (and numerous late entries, which just missed the deadline).  After more than 800 popular votes from the community, 1st, 2nd and 3rd places were awarded to Coachman Antique Mall; Jeff Miller, DDS; and Freckle Farm Primitives & Antiques, respectively.  A special Committee Shoutout for Creativity was awarded to Parkhouse Laundry for "Laundry Day - Reds, Whites, and Blues." The Kiwanis 4th of July Parade Committee wants to thank all those businesses who entered the contest to display their 4th of July Patriotism

CHESTERTON, Ind. -- Old Porter Road between Ind. 149 and South Babcock Road is  closed for re-paving, the Burns Harbor Fire Department is reporting. The intersection of Old Road Road and South Babcock Road remains open. The Town Of Chesterton says residents of Old Porter Road are able to access their homes, but all other traffic should use U.S. Highway 20 and Verplank Road as a detour. Old Porter Road between Ind. 149 and South Babcock Road is scheduled to re-open on Friday, July 7.  

Washington Park Lifeguards rescued two children who were caught in a rip current on Monday July 3rd. After being pulled to shore, the children were checked out and parents refused the need for any further medical care. Thank you to everyone who helped in this effort including the update from the Michigan City Fire Deaprtment.

The newly minted Michigan City Police Department Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), alongside the LaPorte County Drug Task Force (LCDTF), an Indiana HIDTA Initiative, the Michigan City Police Detective Bureau, and the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) delivered a large blow to the “Lakeland Street Gang” during a coordinated campaign by numerous law enforcement agencies. In recent months, the Michigan City Police Department began investigating numerous shooting incidents that captivated the attention of the community and law enforcement officials. The Crime Suppression Unit, which was recently installed by Chief Steve Forker and his administration, began a focused effort to identify the

Don’t miss this year's 4th of July festivities tomorrow at Hawthorne Park! Start the day with the Lions Club pancake breakfast, followed by the annual holiday parade. Other activities include the Turtle Derby, the Patriotic Poster Contest, and the Brick Toss Contest. Enjoy live music and plenty of great food from various vendors! Sponsored by Chesterton-Porter Rotary Club and the Porter Parks Department. We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday!

On Saturday July 1st, The City of Michigan City and Michigan City Special Events help their 2023 Michigan City Patriotic Parade. Congratulations to all of the winners for the Michigan City Patriotic Parade. Great job Michigan City Special Events and everyone that helped make it possible. WIMS was proud to be a sponsor. Thank you to all of the sponsors. Enjoy your Fourth. #wims #michigancity #localradio

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana will have mobile food distributions at the following locations: Friday, July 7, 2023 – St. Joseph County 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET *While supplies last. WHERE: Liberty School, 600 Pregel Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545                                                                                                                     *This

Valparaiso Police Department’s K9 Ryker has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Ryker’s vest was sponsored by Robert and Rosann Gordon of LaPorte, IN and embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The potentially lifesaving body armor for K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and

Larson-Danielson Construction has officially broken ground on the new Chesterton Police station house. Friday morning, Friday, June 30, an excavator was demolishing the public parking lot across from the town hall. A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 6, at 791 Broadway: the new station’s official street address. See more details about money figures on the station house on the Chesterton Police Department Facebook page.

Speeds in excess of 120 MPH along US Highway 20 and State Road 49 -Thank you Town of Porter Police Department for the update On 6/30/2023 at approximately 7:27 p.m., Porter Police Officers learned of an armed carjacking that had occurred around 7:00 p.m. in New Chicago. Officers were advised over police radio that the vehicle taken in that incident had just been captured on a LPR camera (License Plate Reader) heading East on US Highway 20 just passed State Road 49. Furthermore, it was reported that the suspect had shot the vehicle’s owner just before stealing the car. A

LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will begin a resurfacing project on State Road 212 between U.S. 12 and U.S. 20 on or after Thursday, July 6. State Road 212 will be reduced to one lane in each direction with alternating lane closures. This project will be ongoing through late September. INDOT says motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Transportation will host public information meetings to provide updates and gather feedback regarding an annual update to the state's Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Deployment Plan. The plan is federally required as part of Indiana's participation in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and must be updated each year. Created by the passage of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, NEVI provides federal funding to states to add DC Fast Charge charging stations along federally designated alternative fuel corridors (AFC’s). Indiana’s effort feeds into a national initiative to create a network of at least 500,000 reliable

ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) has announced that it is accelerating the construction schedule for the closure of the Indiana Toll Road Exit 10 westbound entry ramp and westbound exit ramp. Both ramps will be closed beginning July 11. The exit ramp will re-open on Aug. 31 and the entry ramp will re-open on Sept. 23. The ramps had previously been scheduled for closure beginning in September and extending into the winter months. This accelerated schedule will allow for construction to be completed before any winter weather conditions impact the construction zone or detour routes. “The accelerated schedule will allow

The City of La Porte announced one of the next performers coming to The Civic, according to Civic Auditorium & Events Director Brett Binversie. Scheduled to play in the historic venue on Friday, Oct. 27, is Gary LeVox, best known as the frontman for iconic country group Rascal Flatts. Founded in 2000, the band enjoyed one of the most successful careers in modern country music, scoring 17 No. 1 singles and selling over 23 million albums. Ever popular, Rascal Flatts earned more than 40 awards-show trophies, making them the most awarded country group of the last decade. After 20 years,

The Valparaiso Police Department, in conjunction with Valparaiso Community Schools, announced the addition of a fourth school resource officer (SRO) to its current team. Patrolwoman Michelle Kodicek has been selected and will begin her duties at Thomas Jefferson Middle School (TJMS) on July 1, 2023.  Current SRO, Patrolman Shannon Morris, will be taking the lead as the SRO for all VCS elementary schools, after having served TJMS since 2018. Kodicek is a 23-year veteran of law enforcement, spending her entire career with the Valparaiso Police Department.  During her tenure, Kodicek has served as a member of the VPD’s patrol division,

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecasted another statewide Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for ozone for Friday, June 30. Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.  Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, see idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules. Hoosiers are encouraged to visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to view current and forecasted conditions and subscribe to email alerts. IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM2.5 by making changes to daily habits. You can:

Michigan City’s Fourth of July Fireworks will be held on Tuesday, July 4, in Washington Park. The fireworks will begin at dusk and can be viewed from any of the City’s 1.9 miles of beachfront, in Washington Park, or in the City’s Uptown Arts District. The celebration is free to the public. Parking is available in Washington Park (free with a park sticker) on a first come, first served basis.  Additional parking is available along downtown streets. In recognition of Independence Day, Tuesday July 4, City Hall, and all non-emergency services such as the Transit and Refuse Departments and City

Three people have been arrested and one person was injured after a shooting Wednesday at the Canterbury Apartment Complex in Michigan City. Just before 11 a.m.,two officers were dispatched to the Canterbury House Apartment Complex in reference to gunshots being fired. After their arrival, information was received by the dispatch center that a person had fled the apartment complex after being shot and was located at a business in Evergreen Plaza. EMS and other officers arrived at the business and located the victim, a 21-year-old Merrillville man. The victim was transported to Franciscan Hospital for treatment by EMS for a