Local News

On August 3rd, 2025, at approximately 2:34 AM, the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls regarding gunshots being fired and people fighting outside of Matey’s Bar (110 Franklin Street). Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift III and other nearby law enforcement agencies quickly responded to the scene.   Responding officers located 25-year-old LaPorte, Indiana resident Dante Sellers II suffering from a gunshot wound across the street from Matey’s Bar. Officers provided life saving measures before he was transported to Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City with life-threatening injuries. Sellers was then transferred to the University of Chicago Hospital

From the SHARE FOUNDATION-Our Villagers had an amazing turnout at the Winter Sectionals for Special Olympics Bowling! Many went home with medals and ribbons, earning the chance to advance to the next stage of the competition. It was an incredible day filled with teamwork, determination, and big smiles. We couldn’t be prouder of each Villager for giving their all and showing what true sportsmanship looks like! Way to go, Villagers — we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! Visit their website at www.sharefoundation.org and LIKE THEM on FACEBOOK to see more pictures. #wims 

CARDEN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS – GLOW SPECTACULAR CIRCUS Hammond Civic Center 5825 Sohl Ave, Hammond, IN, United States GRAB YOUR POPCORN, THANKSGIVING Family Tradition Continues!!! Shrine GLOW Circus—The Greatest Show in the USA—flips into HAMMOND CIVIC CENTER on NOV.28-30 To cheer for elephants, marvel at acrobats, and lose it over the HUMAN ROCKET! Hurry up 'cause time is ticking! Show Schedule at @HAMMOND CIVIC CENTER FRIDAY, NOV.28th @ 2P and 7P SATURDAY, NOV.29th @11A, 3P and 7P SUNDAY, NOV.30th @ 1.30P and 5.30P Get your tickets, visit us at GLOWCIRCUS.COM before they vanish into thin air!

WINTER WELLNESS at Sacred Dunes Health in Michigan City Join the crew at Sacred Dunes Health in Michigan City for WINTER WELLNESS on Saturday December 6th from 11a-4p at 130 Commerce Square. Call 219-262-0034.

OVER THREE DOZEN VENDORS! LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL! LIVE MUSIC BY NEIL ALLESEE! Join us THIS SATURDAY for the 10th annual La Pour Brew & Wine Fest, a celebration of craft beer, community and good times! Sample a wide variety of local and regional brews, along with a selection of wines, ciders and seltzers. Whether you're a craft beer connoisseur or just enjoy an afternoon among friends, La Pour Brew & Wine Fest has something for everyone! For the lineup, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1572084280466903. VIP entry begins at noon and General Admission runs from 1-4 p.m. Tickets available at https://event.ontaptickets.com/.../la-pour-brew-wine-fest... or the

South Bend Man Sentenced to 82 Months in Prison For Unlawful Possession of a Firearm SOUTH BEND – On Friday, November 14, Armon Shannon, 25 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after being found guilty by a jury of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm following a two-day jury trial in July, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Shannon was sentenced to 82 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, Shannon ran away from police

Duneland Chamber of Commerce to Host Annual Hometown Holiday Celebration on November 29-TEAM WIMS will be LIVE CHESTERTON, IN – Chesterton’s Hometown Holiday will bring the joy of the season to the Duneland community on Saturday, November 29, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Duneland Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Town of Chesterton, the Chesterton Police and Fire Departments, Parks and Street Departments, and Chamber organizations and volunteers, is excited to host this festive day filled with holiday spirit, local shopping, and community cheer. The celebration will feature the Chesterton European Christmas Market in downtown Chesterton, with tents filled

We have a new driver for our garbage pickup who is still getting familiar with the route. As a result, some homes may have been missed on Monday. Don't worry! The Street Department and Police Department are aware of the issue and have already contacted the pickup company. A second collection will be scheduled for later this week, and you can leave your trash cans out until they have been picked up. The Street Department is compiling a list to ensure that all missed homes are serviced during the second pickup. If your home was not serviced today, please reach

Join Ric Federighi and TEAM WIMS LIVE! Celebrate the start of the holiday season as Santa arrives at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets to light the giant Holiday Tree! From 3 to 5 PM, enjoy a festive afternoon featuring a live DJ, REAL reindeer, circus acts, and Those Funny Little People that always get the crowd laughing. As the sun sets, gather in the center courtyard for our Tree Lighting Ceremony and watch the big tree sparkle to life. This free, family-friendly event is open to children of all ages. Come experience the holiday magic with us!   What: Santa's Arrival &

During the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout®, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Urges Hoosiers to Make a Plan to Quit Cancer patients, survivors and advocates are marking the American Cancer Society's 49th annual Great American Smokeout, taking place on Thursday, November 20th, by continuing to thank the state legislature for standing up to Big Tobacco and by calling on Hoosiers to make a plan to quit and highlighting the free resources available. “This year, Indiana lawmakers stood up to Big Tobacco by increasing the cigarette tax by $2 per pack as well as increasing the tax on

On October 31, 2025, Shawn Ward changed his plea to Guilty, after entering into a plea agreement with the State of Indiana. Mr. Ward was originally charged in September 2024 with two Level 3 Felonies for Drug Dealing, after an intensive investigation by the Laporte County Drug Task Force. Mr. Ward pled Guilty to one Level 3 Felony for Dealing, agreeing to a sentence of 9 years in prison, with 2 years served on probation. In exchange, the State of Indiana dismissed the other Felony. Sentencing before Judge Julianne Havens will be held at a later date in December.  

The Michigan City chamber music festival (MCCMF) is proud to present 2 free, unique concerts for the holidays! The first is scheduled for Monday, December 15, noon, at Michigan City public library, 400 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN. This program will be light & short, appropriate for “children of all ages!” The next program is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 3:00 pm, at the Bishop’s Mansion at Trinity Episcopal Church, 600 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN. This will also be a light program of traditional holiday music. A service of tea and light refreshments will be served at this performance!

New Durham Estates & Home Sales Hosts Open House Event with State, County, and Local Elected Officials to Celebrate Arrival of Crossmod Homes in Westville From Sitting on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to Now Calling Westville Home, These Innovative Homes Bring Workforce Housing to the Area. WESTVILLE, INDIANA- The community gathered at the two new Clayton Crossmod homes at New Durham Estates to learn about and celebrate these innovative workforce housing solutions for La Porte County. The open house event, which welcomed industry leaders and elected officials, was held in the two new homes located at New Durham

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The first group of emerging entrepreneurial cadets has graduated from the Michigan City Entrepreneurship Development Program Bootcamp, laying the foundation for a stronger entrepreneurial community in Michigan City. The bootcamp is the first phase of the program, which is rooted in the nationally recognized Urban Poverty and Business Initiative developed by the University of Notre Dame. It is centering on underserved residents ready to launch a small business. Entrepreneurial experts guided 16 community members on a range of topics including the foundation and structure of a business, access to capital, marketing, branding, pitching your business, having an entrepreneurial mindset,

The Gilded Page Book Club – “Ragtime” by E.L. Doctorow Wednesday, November 19 | 6:00 PM Step back into the extravagance and upheaval of America’s Gilded Age in the opulent setting of The Barker Mansion. November’s book selection is Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow—a sweeping novel where fact and fiction intertwine, blending real historical figures with a fictional family’s journey through early 20th-century America. Hosted by Craig Golbesky, the Barker Mansion’s Events Coordinator and creator of last year’s celebrated Agatha Christie & Whiskey series, this gathering will foster warm, engaging discussion. Rare pieces from the Barker family collection will be brought out to connect the

Phil Potempa is back at Theatre at the Center in Munster with THANKSGIVING from the Farm Phil Potempa is back at Theatre at the Center in Munster with THANKSGIVING from the Farm on Sunday November 16th at 3pm. For more information call 219-836-3255 or visit www.theatreatthecenter.com. #wims #nwi #localradio

POLKA PARTY at the American Legion Post 451 in Michigan City TODAY November 16th POLKA PARTY on Sunday November 16th with Eddie Korosa Jr. with the girl and boy from Illinois from 2p-6p. Family Friendly. For tickets and information Call 219-879-9827 or stop by 121 Skiwatt Legion Ave, in Michigan City. #wims #nwi #michigancity #localradio

Ice skating returns to Downtown La Porte Thanksgiving weekend. "Enjoy this fun, healthy activity with family and friends, with skating times scheduled on weekends and over holiday break from November 28 through January 25," City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department said on their Facebook page. Watch for specials including FREE SKATE FRIDAYS and BOGO (Buy One Get One) SKATE SUNDAYS. Group outings and skating lessons also available. Want to sponsor a skate or bring out a group? Call 219-326-9600 for more information. To reserve your skate time for November 28-30, visit www.laporteparkandrec.com. For FREE SKATE FRIDAY on November

The American Red Cross will be at Portage City Hall for our last blood drive of 2025. Registration is easy, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter CityofPortage. Give blood 12/8 -12/18 and get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email.

The Portage Youth Commission is hosting a Food Drive to support the local food bank. The drive runs until December 12. All nonperishable donations can be dropped off in the Portage City Hall Lobby during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (excluding holidays).