Local News

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. – The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest welcomed approximately 150 high school students from six Northwest Indiana high schools to the inaugural SPARK Summit in early May at Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Westville campus. Designed to inspire creativity, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking, the one-day experience brought together students for keynote presentations, interactive workshops and conversations focused on problem-solving, confidence, collaboration and future-ready skills. Students heard from nationally recognized speakers and facilitators, including INDYCAR driver and innovation speaker Charlie Kimball, branding strategist and motivational speaker Olivia West, and organizational leadership scholar and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®

PORTER AND LA PORTE COUNTIES, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP will conduct overnight lane closures on I-94 eastbound between mile marker 29 and 34 (east of State Road 49 and west of U.S. 421) for one night on or after Tuesday, May 26 to set up a new traffic configuration.   Alternating lane closures will occur on I-94 during the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic layouts during this time. This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled.   In the new traffic configuration, eastbound traffic

On this Memorial Day we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s a day of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection—recognizing that the freedoms we enjoy were secured by those who never made it home. Beyond the ceremonies and traditions, Memorial Day reminds us to carry their legacy forward with respect, unity, and purpose. Memorial Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.   Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.   Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 85.   Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly

"Michigan City friends — our community blood drive for Operation Pulse Lift is on May 28, and we urgently need donors. Giving blood takes about an hour and can save lives. If you’re able, please consider signing up to donate. Every donor makes a difference." Civil Air Patrol along with the The Grace Learning Center is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, May 28 - 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 121 Skwiat Legion Ave, Michigan City. FOR THOSE WHO REGISTER WITH US AND DONATE BLOOD, WE WILL HAVE A RAFFLE! 1 individual will receive a $100 gift card for

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Franciscan Health Trauma Services is hosting a free car seat safety event on Thursday, May 28 for Indiana residents. The event is scheduled to take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Central time at Franciscan Health Michigan City, 3500 Franciscan Way. A nationally certified child passenger safety technician will teach participants how to properly install a car seat. The child who uses the car seat must be present at the appointment for the technician to provide appropriate guidance. Expectant mothers are welcome and must be at least 34 weeks pregnant at the time of the

The Indiana Toll Road will begin overnight pavement rehabilitation and toll plaza improvements, with Eastpoint and Notre Dame plazas up first. From May 27–September 17 (weather permitting): • Eastpoint Toll Plaza • Notre Dame Plaza (Exit 77) Work hours: 7 PM – 5 AM (ET), overnight What to expect: • Eastpoint will remain open, with lane closures overnight • Notre Dame (Exit 77) will have full overnight plaza closures Upcoming work is scheduled through early fall at Angola (Exit 144), Howe/La Grange (Exit 121), and Elkhart (Exit 92). For full details, visit the Travel Advisory page at indianatollroad.org. Drivers are

This summer, LaPorte is the place to be — because the Hot Rod Snow Cones Beach Bash is taking over Stone Lake Park on Saturday, July 18th from noon to 7! And it’s all benefiting the Helping Hoosiers Heroes Foundation, supporting veterans, first responders, and our future heroes. Bring the whole family out for a full day of fun! Your $10 wristband gets you unlimited access, and kids 2 and under are free. You’ll enjoy giant inflatables, interactive games, snow cones and refreshments, music throughout the day, plus community raffles, prize drawings, and family‑friendly sponsor giveaways. And don’t forget —

LA PORTE, Ind. (May 21, 2026) – La Porte Community School Corporation is pleased to welcome Chris deBruyn as Director of Business. At the meeting on May 11, 2026, the La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) Board of School Trustees approved the appointment of deBruyn as the district’s lead financial officer, responsible for overseeing all financial and business operations of the corporation beginning July 1, 2026. deBruyn brings a strong record of financial and operational leadership to the role. He currently serves as Director of Operations and Corporation Treasurer for the MSD of New Durham Township, where he oversees district

SOUTH BEND – On May 20, 2026, Tevin Keyshawn Lewis, 26 years old, of Trail Creek, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distributing 40 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. According to documents in the case, on four separate occasions between December 2024 and May 2025, Lewis sold blue M30 pills containing fentanyl to another person in Michigan City. For each transaction, Lewis sold at least 50 pills. He distributed over 1300 pills across all the transactions.

Today Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then showers likely between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.   Memorial Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.   Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.   Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 85.   Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a

Stepping Stone presents the Strength Soiree at 7:30pm on June 10th at the Lodge at Rush Lakes in Laporte. For more information LIKE their FACEBOOK Page. Visit their website at www.steppingstoneshelter.org. #wims #whfb #localradio

Lubeznik Center for the Arts Invites All to ArtBash in Wonderland Gala ArtBash in Wonderland   MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) invites the community to step through the looking glass for its premier annual fundraiser, ArtBash in Wonderland. The gala will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, beginning at 5:30 PM (Central) in the Great Hall Events and Conference Center at Purdue Northwest University – Westville.   This year’s theme, ArtBash in Wonderland, promises a whimsical and immersive evening. Guests will experience vibrant décor, delicious food, open bar, silent and live auction, live entertainment

Market on Main with the Westville Area Chamber of Commerce is coming back on Sunday June 7th from 10am-3pm. Check our vendors, artisans and a vintage car show. For more information LIKE the Westville Area Chamber of Commerce on FACEBOOK. TEAM WIMS LIVE. #WIMS #WHFB #localradio

Recidivist Mexican National Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison For Reentry of Removed Alien and Firearm Offenses SOUTH BEND – Oscar Solano-Salinas, 44 years old, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien and Reentry of Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. “An illegal alien with two convictions for sexual battery was sentenced to 41 months in prison for possessing a rifle and ammunition and reentering the country for a third time after having been removed on two

Support Deputy Samuelson on Monday May 25th. See attached Flyer for information. Thank you United Way of La Porte County for sharing the information #wims

Due to the Memorial Day holiday observed on Monday, May 25, trash pickup will be delayed by one day. Monday's pickup will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday's pick up is Wednesday, Wednesday will be Thursday, and Thursday's pickup will be picked up on Friday. Valparaiso City Services' offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. If you require assistance during this time, please call 1-844-296-6810.

Coast Guard and local law enforcement crews across the Great Lakes are scheduled to increase the number of boating safety patrols over the Memorial Day weekend. These nationwide patrol initiatives are focused on enforcing laws against boating under the influence (BUI) and illegal charters to ensure the safety of all maritime commercial and recreational boaters. While boating is a popular holiday activity, operating a vessel under the influence is highly dangerous and illegal. Alcohol impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. The Coast Guard is also actively targeting illegal passenger charters that bypass safety regulations and put lives

On behalf of the Samuelson family, La Porte County Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg announces the following update regarding Deputy Jon Samuelson. Following yesterday’s senseless incident at Franciscan Health Hospital – Michigan City Campus, Deputy Samuelson was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for advanced medical treatment. A team of surgeons and medical staff prepared Deputy Samuelson for surgery. He underwent approximately eight ( hours of surgery, which surgeons later described as successful. Medical staff remain optimistic regarding his recovery. Deputy Samuelson remains in critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital. “Thank you to the

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.   Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.   Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 74.   Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.   Memorial Day A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.

Michigan City, IN — The Rotary Club of Michigan City invites the community to participate in an impactful new event, “Quarters for Change,” taking place on Thursday, June 25 from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Gill Field at Elston. This unique fundraiser aims to create a “quarter mile of quarters” by lining the entire track with donated quarters. The event is designed to bring the community together in support of the Rotary Club’s service initiatives, particularly those focused on youth in Michigan City. A portion of the proceeds will also directly benefit the Michigan City High School Marching Band, with