Local News

Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner announced Thursday a "major" public–private investment of nearly $75 million dedicated to advancing Indiana’s statewide education priorities. This coordinated effort includes $40 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. and $35 million in state funding to accelerate literacy, expand high-quality summer learning, strengthen STEM pathways, modernize and expand career advising, and sustain critical digital learning tools for Hoosier students. The Indiana Department of Education says this combined investment represents one of the most significant public–private education commitments in state history—reinforcing Indiana’s aim of ensuring every student is prepared for long-term academic, professional, and personal success.

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department recently announced information on Ice Skating Lessons for children at the Downtown La Porte Ice Rink. Classes available for Tots (ages 3-5) and Beginners (ages 6-12). Choose your day for lessons, either Tuesdays or Saturdays. For more information, see the flyer below, visit www.laporteparkandrec.com or call 219-326-9600. Registration can be done at the link above, by scanning the QR code or by calling the Park Office.

U.S. 231 reopened to through traffic at Cline Avenue in Lake County Monday afternoon. Cline Ave will remain closed north and south of the intersection through next week. Roundabout construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

At Tuesday night's City Council meeting, members of Michigan City Fire Department, La Porte County Emergency Medical Service, and the Michigan City Police Department were recognized for their exceptional work during a water rescue operation on Oct. 4 at 100 Water Street following a report of a vehicle submerged in the water. During the presentation, Fire Chief Taylor read a letter written by Assistant Chief John Mellen, who led the response during the incident. In the letter, he wrote: "Although the outcome was tragic, it is important to recognize that both victims regained pulses due to the rapid, coordinated, and

The Indiana Dunes National Park is reminding the public of the dangers of shelf ice. On their social media, Indiana Dunes National Park said the following: “As winter takes hold of Lake Michigan, ice formations can envelope the beach. Waves may still pummel the shore, but once temperatures drop for long enough, the shoreline slowly crystalizes. The ice formations, often made by freezing, thawing, and re-freezing, leave a terrain with unreliable safety. Though the ice may feel or appear strong, inconsistencies riddle shelf ice and thin spots may be hidden from view. “Do not risk your life! Stay on the

The City of New Buffalo is currently holding a food drive. See the flyer below for more information.  

Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration Expands for 2025 this Friday 12/5 and Saturday 12/6   MICHIGAN CITY, IN- Michigan City Special Events, in coordination with the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department, will kick off the Christmas Season with the annual Festival of Lights Celebration, Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6. This year’s celebration has expanded to two days, which will include multiple visits from the big man himself, Santa Claus! “The Festival of Lights has always brought a special kind of magic to our city, and this year we’re taking it to the next level,” said Mayor

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – As the weather turns colder, the potential increases for hazards such as ice, snow and frigid temperatures, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is reminding customers to prepare now so that they can keep their homes and families safe and warm this winter. “Your meters, regulator and outdoor piping can withstand harsh winter weather, but hard-packed snow, icicles and water dripping on outdoor equipment can create a safety risk,” said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer. “We encourage our customers to know what to do to protect themselves and their families and also keep the

Michigan City, IN – As homelessness continues to challenge cities statewide and nationally, Michigan City is responding with compassion and coordinated action. “Our goal is to connect individuals with the services and support that help them move toward stability,” said Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “We are grateful for the many organizations serving our unhoused neighbors. Solving this issue requires all of us — local government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents — working together.” During a presentation at the Michigan City Common Council meeting on December 2, the Mayor’s Chief Administrator, Kelley Smith, outlined efforts underway regarding homelessness. City Leadership

Barker Middle School is currently collecting winter clothing and hygiene items for their Care Closet. If you’d like to help keep students warm this season, donations can be dropped off at Door A weekdays from 7:30 a.m.–2:00 pm., or purchased directly from the Amazon wishlist using the QR code. (Barker Middle School / Facebook)

The LaPorte City Fire Department is hosting a free certified CPR class on Saturday, December 6, from 8 AM to 12 PM at Fire Station #1. The class is about four hours and open to anyone interested in learning CPR. To register, call (219) 362-3456. More local events are listed at heartsafelpc.com/events.

News Release, Northern Indiana Public Service Company: MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Northern Indiana Public Service Company, LLC (NIPSCO) welcomes Spencer Summers to the role of Economic Development Manager. In this role, Summers will position Northwest Indiana’s strategic assets to decision-makers nationwide while cultivating relationships with site selectors, investors and industry leaders to advance sustainable economic growth, enhance regional competitiveness and expand business opportunities throughout the area. Before joining NIPSCO, Summers served as the Economic Development Director at the Northwest Indiana Forum and as Facility and League Director at The Courts of Northwest Indiana in Valparaiso. He obtained a Master of Business Administration

Hometown Holiday Parade in Chesterton is NOW Friday December 5th with the Tree Lighting around 5pm. Get their early. The Hometown Holiday Parade will be at 5:15pm.  For the most accurate information visit the Duneland Chamber of Commerce or visit their website at www.dunelandchamber.org. Don't forget to LIKE THEM on FACEBOOK. Call 219-926-5513. #wims #localradio

Help Support organizations that Make a Difference on this GIVING TUESDAY #wims #whfb #makingadifference #givingtuesday

REMINDER Mobile Food Distribution with Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Inc. tomorrow Wednesday 12/3 at the Marquette Mall in Michigan City from 10a-Noon. See flyer for details. FEEL FREE TO SHARE. #wims #michigancity

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Four generations cut the ribbon on D. Martin Enterprises’ new manufacturing facility, 50 Motts Parkway, as well as marked 50 years in business serving the steel industry. The family-owned company celebrated its new building, which expands its steel industry offerings with approximately 116,400 square feet of manufacturing space and 4,000 square feet of office space. Construction was launched in 2024. “The basement is where it all started … though my grandma told me that was just a temporary office in-between. Either way, it was a start, a small start that just kept going,” said Cory Martin, director of HR/Communications at

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center on their Facebook page Monday thanked NIPSCO for supporting their 2025 Christmas Campaign with a holiday donation. This includes $4,000 to their Michigan City location and $5,000 to their La Porte location. Those who would like to donate to the Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center's Virtual Red Kettle can do so here: salarmy.us/michigancityvrk2025

With winter approaching, warming centers will be open across the state for those in need of a safe and warm place to stay. Indiana 211 is your community's resource for up-to-date information on warming center locations and hours in your area. To find warming centers in your community,click here. Report or add a warming center to the Indiana 211 database by contacting Indiana 211’s resource team by email at in211database@fssa.in.gov. Your support is key to making sure every Hoosier knows how to find the resources they need.  Please partner with Indiana 211, a division of the Indiana Family and Social

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM EST /4 PM CST/ THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. * WHERE...A portion of northern Indiana. * WHEN...From 5 PM EST /4 PM CST/ this afternoon to 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling

Thanksgiving Weekend Snowstorm Keeps Indiana State Police-Lowell Post Troopers Busy Northwest Indiana- The snowstorm that settled over Northwest Indiana during Thanksgiving weekend created challenging travel conditions and a high volume of calls for Lowell District troopers. Between Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m., troopers handled a significant number of weather-related incidents across the region. Activity Snapshot (24-Hour Period): • 120 slide-offs (no reported damage) • 84 total crashes • 7 of those crashes involved reported injuries • 40 motorist assists • 10 abandoned vehicles checked Of those totals, 39 crashes, 68 slide-offs, and 16 motorist assists occurred