Local News

Lubeznik Center for the Arts Presents First Friday Open Mic Night Friday, January 2, 2026   MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) will host its annual First Friday Open Mic Night on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. CT. All are welcome to enjoy lively performances, complimentary light refreshments and a cash bar. As always, admission is free.   Hosted once again by emcee Tim Rounds, LCA’s Open Mic Night provides a platform for local performers to share their talents with the community. Musicians, singers, poets and stand-up comics interested in performing can

Suspect in custody following a shooting Saturday on 18th Street according to the Town of Chesterton FACEBOOK page. A suspect is in custody following a shooting early Saturday morning  Dec. 27, on South 18th Street, the Chesterton Police Department said. According to the CPD, at 2:33 a.m. officers assisted by Porter County Sheriff’s Police deputies responded to a report of a shooting at residence in the 100 block of South 18th Street. On their arrival officers located an adult female victim with a gunshot wound to the head, the CPD said. “The victim was alert and able to communicate with

Federal Order Delays NIPSCO’s R.M. Schahfer Generating Station’s Retirement MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) has received a federal order requiring the continued operation of R.M. Schahfer Generating Station for at least 90 days beyond its previously scheduled retirement date of Dec. 31, 2025. “We are reviewing the overall impact to our customers and company and will comply with this order, and any subsequent orders, if received,” said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer. “We recognize the importance of both reliability and cost management for our customers, and we will continue to engage with

John McCaw Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison   On December 23rd, 2025, friends and family of Nancy Ainsworth gathered in Laporte Circuit Court for the sentencing of John McCaw. Nancy’s family and friends spoke to the Court on how Mr McCaw’s actions have destroyed lives and hurt the community. After hearing these statements, and considering the arguments from the State and Mr McCaw, Senior Judge Thomas Alevizos sentenced Mr McCaw to 60 years in prison. Mr McCaw was originally charged in 2022 for Murder.   Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan commented: “This is Justice.”   Prosecuting Attorney Fagan continued: “My

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM EST /7 PM CST/ THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ MONDAY... ...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... * WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana, southwest Michigan, and northwest Ohio. * WHEN...From 8 PM EST /7 PM CST/ this evening to 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ Monday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially

The La Porte Invitational will take place for three days January 9th-11th at the La Porte Civic Auditorium   The countdown is on! From January 9, through January 11, the LaPorte Invitational takes center stage at the historic LaPorte Civic Auditorium. This action-packed three-day event brings together some of the nation’s elite high school basketball programs, featuring ESPN’s top-ranked recruits. With its nostalgic charm, the Civic Auditorium is the perfect venue to watch future college and professional stars in action.   Feel the intensity live or on national broadcasts, thrilling matchups with local powerhouse La Lumiere.   Known for their

 Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the public to join in celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy through free programming on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19, 2026. PNW will host two opportunities for community members to celebrate and recognize MLK Day 2026. Both programs will feature engaging keynote speakers and opportunities for dialogue. Event and registration information can be found at pnw.edu/mlk-celebration. Jan. 15, 2026 MLK Day Celebration in Hammond PNW’s Jan. 15 MLK Day celebration runs from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Alumni Hall of the Student Union and Library Building on the Hammond campus, 2200 169th

The City of Valparaiso is developing a Safety Action Plan and is inviting the public to take a survey. The survey can be found at https://bit.ly/ValpoSAP.  

Mary Mela Scheidt July 23, 1935 - December 16, 2025 Mary Mela Scheidt, 90, of Chesterton, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 10:08 a.m. at Chesterton Manor, Chesterton, Indiana. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Otis), 101 N. Church Road, Otis, Indiana, with Rev. Richard Kozak officiating. Private burial will take place in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Michigan City, Indiana. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Share Foundation for the Handicapped, P.O. Box

La Porte County Parks will have their first hike of the year on New Year’s Day at Creek Ridge County Park at 1 p.m. Register Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. by calling (219) 325-8315.

News Release, Indiana DNR: Hoosiers support a balanced approach to forest management of woodlands in Indiana – which includes managing forests to support biodiversity, environmental benefits, outdoor recreation, the production of wood products, and protection against wildfires. This is according to a public opinion survey conducted by Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and D. J. Case & Associates. The survey follows a similar study conducted by the same organizations in 2009. The full survey results are available under Forest Research Reports here. “Indiana’s forests encompass some of our state’s most cherished natural resources, which we must responsibly

Have a wonderful Christmas -Tune into WIMS ALL DAY for your favorite Christmas holiday selections and tunes. You can listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM and in Valparaiso on 106.7FM. We stream worldwide at wimsradio.com. Be safe in your travel. #wims

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center are partnering again this year with Michigan City Holiday Meals to assure those who need a meal for Christmas, have one. If you would like a meal or would like to volunteer, please see the information below. FEEL FREE TO SHARE as well. Merry Christmas. #makingadifference #wims #nwi #michigancity #christmas

Kick off America’s semiquincentennial with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered Jan. 1 at Indiana’s state parks and lakes. First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start the new year. They offer a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and connect with friends. Find one near you at on.IN.gov/INStateParkEvents. The hikes are organized by Indiana State Parks in cooperation with America’s State Parks. They will take place in all 50 states. First Day Hikes originated more than 30 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. The

Press Release by Indiana Department of Environmental Management:  INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana is set to be among the first states to establish a comprehensive state permitting program for coal ash disposal and management. Last week, the Indiana Environmental Rules Board approved IDEM’s Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) rule, underscoring Indiana’s commitment to proactive solutions that protect Hoosiers and natural resources. With this approval, IDEM may prepare and submit Indiana’s CCR permitting program plan for U.S. EPA review and approval. Coal combustion residuals, also known as coal ash, are a byproduct produced primarily from the burning of coal in coal-fired power plants. Coal

LaPorte Co. approves partnership with Franciscan HEALTHeACCESS   Agreement gives county employees access to multiple healthcare services   LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. – LaPorte County officials have approved a partnership with Franciscan’s HEALTHeACCESS to give county employees and their families access to a variety of healthcare services with no out-of-pocket costs.   “As the human resources director and an employee of LaPorte County, I’m pleased that we have the ability to offer such a wonderful benefit to our employees and their dependents to help address their healthcare needs,” said LaPorte County Human Resources Director Monique Thomas. “I believe that the partnership

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve-Tune into WIMS through Christmas for the best holiday selections and tunes. You can listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM and in Valparaiso on 106.7FM. We stream worldwide at wimsradio.com. Be safe in your travel. #wims

Purdue University Northwest invites community members to join 2026 MLK Day events   HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the public to join in celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy through free programming on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19, 2026.   PNW will host two opportunities for community members to celebrate and recognize MLK Day 2026. Both programs will feature engaging keynote speakers and opportunities for dialogue. Event and registration information can be found at pnw.edu/mlk-celebration.   Jan. 15, 2026 MLK Day Celebration in Hammond   PNW’s Jan. 15 MLK Day celebration

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center announced Monday that Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City won the Battle of the Mayors raising $11,414.41 during this year’s Red Kettle Ring Off (including an incredible $5,000 donation from Phoenix Construction) to support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. Together, Mayor Angie and Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte raised $17,336.41 to help families across La Porte County.  

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office Monday announced the passing of retired Police K9 Bumpus. Bumpus served with the Porter County Sheriff’s Department from 2016–2022 as a tracking and trailing hound, helping locate missing individuals and track suspects throughout his career. “His dedication and service made a lasting impact on our community,” the PCSO said. “Bumpus was deeply loved, especially by his handler, Cpl. Brown, and his wife, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond with. Thank you for your service, Bumpus. You will always be remembered.”