Local News

Franciscan Health’s Northern Indiana hospitals collected more than 17,000 diapers to support families battling diaper insecurity this October during the sixth-annual Diaper Drive. Franciscan Health Michigan City, Dyer, Munster, Hammond and Crown Point collected a total of 17,296 diapers throughout Diaper Insecurity Month this October. This was the first year the Diaper Drive expanded to include other hospitals across the Franciscan Alliance system. In total, the drive collected 30,758 diapers, enough for nearly 350 families. One of the drive’s goals was to help relieve the stress and financial strain of the silent crisis of diaper insecurity for families in need

Duneland’s Hometown Holiday Celebration will take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Event celebrations are coordinated by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Chesterton, the Chesterton Police and Fire, Parks and Street Departments, and the Chamber organizations and volunteers. Enjoy shopping at our holiday themed Chesterton’s European Market starting at 8:00 a.m. and running until 2:00 p.m. in the Chamber parking lot at 220 Broadway in Chesterton. The Twilight Christmas Parade will step off from Chesterton Middle School at 5:15 p.m. Floats will populate this night-time parade, including all manner of lighted cars, trucks, and

The Indiana DNR is informing that applicants wanting to receive Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) grant funding can apply until Jan. 15, 2023. LARE strives to protect and enhance aquatic habitat while ensuring usage of Indiana’s publicly accessible lakes, rivers, and streams by reducing nonpoint sediment and nutrient pollution. Qualifying projects can include logjam removal, streambank stabilization, wetland creation, or more. Learn more about LARE and how to apply at bit.ly/2023lare.

The La Porte County Family YMCA is reminding its La Porte branch members that the facility will be closed this Sunday Nov. 20. They will have a brand new website coming in 2023, and the media team will be coming to film a virtual tour of the entire branch. Regular hours will resume Monday morning at 5 a.m.

This weekend kicks off the holiday season along the South Shore Line with extra eastbound service on Saturday. The South Shore Line has made their November train and ticket office schedules available in advance. See details on wimsradio.com Holiday Train Schedule Wednesday, Nov. 23: A weekday schedule will be in effect on the day before Thanksgiving. Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day): A weekend/holiday schedule will be in effect in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Friday, Nov. 25 (Black Friday): A weekday schedule will be in effect on the Friday following Thanksgiving.   Extra eastbound service Saturday, Nov. 19 (Magnificent Mile Lights

The Valparaiso Police added an additional officer Wednesday with the swearing-in of James Bilder. Mayor Matt Murphy performed the ceremony within the council chamber of City Hall. Chief Jeff Balon, with numerous officers and civilian staff in attendance, joined the family of the new officer to witness the event. During the ceremony, Chief Balon welcomed the new hire into the Valparaiso Police Department family and added his remarks on how hiring new police officers has been one of his favorite assignments as Chief of Police. This will be the final swearing-in ceremony Chief Balon will oversee for the Valparaiso Police

The Town of Chesterton is reminding the public that the seasonal snow parking ban in the downtown business district will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18. The Town Council voted unanimously to enact the ban at its meeting Monday night, at Street Commissioner John Schnadenberg’s request. The ban prohibits parking on select streets between 12 and 8 a.m. during or after snows of two inches or more.   The streets affected by the ban are: -South Calumet Road between Porter Avenue and the Norfolk Southern railroad grade-crossing. -Broadway between South Calumet Road and Sixth Street. -Second and

The City of Valparaiso has announced Evans Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Calumet Avenue and Roosevelt Road on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 16-17 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weather depending. This closure is required for storm sewer improvements. Follow WIMS on Facebook and check back on the WIMS website for the latest local roadwork updates.

Valparaiso Police are investigating the theft of a wallet from an elderly victim that occurred Friday, Nov. 11 at Meijer, located at 405 Porters Vale Boulevard.  The individuals then proceeded to use the victim's credit cards at multiple stores in the Valparaiso area. The Valparaiso Police Deaprtment  provided photos of the suspects.  Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sgt. Melanie Sheets at 219-462-2135.  Information can also be texted to TIP411 (847-411) and enter "Valpo" in the message field prior to sending the message.  Use the word "credit" in the first line of your tip to identify which

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a tree stand fall that occurred Saturday morning in Cass County. At just after 9:30 a.m., county emergency dispatch received a call of a hunter getting injured after falling from a tree stand near the area of 200 West and 1000 North. A 71 year-old man from Whiting, was deer hunting from the stand when he lost his footing on the platform and fell. Not wearing a full body safety harness at the time, he fell approximately 14 feet, sustaining serious leg, arm, and torso injuries.   The man was transported via ambulance to a hospital

La Lumiere School announced Saturday the signing of seniors Ashlynn Shade, Kaleb Glenn, Zaide Lowery, Trenton Walters, and Gus Yalden to a national letter of intent to play NCAA Division 1 basketball during the early signing period. A native of Noblesville, Indiana, Shade signed with the University of Connecticut. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Glenn signed with the University of Louisville. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Lowery signed with Marquette University. A native of Frisco, Texas, Walters signed with Radford University. A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, Yalden signed with the University of Wisconsin “We are proud of these five student

The City of Valparaiso announced Monday that the railroad has determined that additional work is required on the Roosevelt Road crossing, which will happen at a later date. The City says it continues to work with Canadian National to make these crossings safer and better for motorists. Visit the WIMS Facebook page and website for the latest local roadwork updates.    

Porter County teens involved in the local VOICE youth empowerment group are planning a public display to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping in honor of the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 17 at Boone Grove High School. Students, faculty, staff, and the general public will be able to view shoes placed outside of the school to represent the number of people who die, on average, every day from preventable tobacco-related illnesses. The Great American Smokeout event is on the third Thursday in November every year. It is the perfect day to quit smoking. Quitting isn’t easy,

Portage Police Chief Michael Candiano released a public statement on Monday regarding last week’s six-vehicle crash at the intersection of Willowcreek Road and Lute Road.  Chief Candiano stated the following:  “Sadly, the City of Portage has experienced several tragic and fatal crashes over the last several weeks.  While each one had different contributing circumstances and factors, they were all devastating to those involved and affected.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone, whose life has been so drastically changed.   “As most of you are aware, PPD responded to a devastating crash on Tuesday November 8th, 2022 at approximately 5:45pm

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) hosted a military drill competition on Nov. 12. The Wolves competed against the traditional powerhouse schools of Portage, Indianapolis Ben Davis, and Romeoville, IL. They earned a 2nd place trophy in the Armed Regulation category, and finished third in Unarmed Regulation, Unarmed Exhibition, and Armed Exhibition. The University of Notre Dame Navy/Marine ROTC provided the judges. “This is early in the year to host a drill meet, but our cadets rose to the challenge and represented our school well,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath.

Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. is alerting the public about a robbery suspect who was taken into custody just over an hour after he escaped from the Lake County Community Corrections Kimbrough Work Program. The program provides work release and residential services for nonviolent felony offenders. Just before 5 p.m. Saturday, 19-year-old Laveris Swanagan, of Gary,  was being searched for contraband when he fought with officers and ran out of a door to the facility. Police officers from the Lake County Police Department, Crown Point Police Department and Merrillville Police Departments searched an area near 93rd and Main Streets

This past Friday the Michigan City High School JROTC cadets hosted the annual MCHS Veteran’s Day Ceremony, featuring the MCHS band and choir. The ceremony, with guest speaker Senator Mike Bohacek, recognized local veterans for their service to our country. See more photos on the Michigan City Area Schools Facebook page.

The Indiana DNR is emphasizing hunter safety, reminding the public that every year, tree stand accidents are the leading cause of hunting related injuries in the state. The DNR is asking hunters to wear a full-body safety harness attached to the tree as soon as they begin to climb to ensure safety.  A video covering the basics when erecting, ascending and descending a stand was posted on the DNR's Facebook page.

Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the recipients for the 2022‐2023 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 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 $15,000.   “Our local schools are full of exceptional teachers who go above and beyond for their students. Unity is honored to