Local News

News Release by Indiana DNR: Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by volunteering at an Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property on Jan. 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. On MLK Day, some DNR properties will have self-directed service opportunities, such as litter pickup along trails. Check calendar.dnr.IN.gov for lists of activities that day and for other volunteer events throughout the year. Volunteer work needed year-round includes maintaining trails, improving habitat for wildlife, helping in nature centers, and sharing photography or art. Projects can also be tailored to volunteers’ skills. Contact your nearest DNR property to learn

Monday, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is releasing the full report of the findings of the PFAS Testing Pilot Program. In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly appropriated $200,000 to the IDHS to establish a voluntary pilot program to determine if firefighters in Indiana have per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood. This program marks Indiana’s first step toward proactively assessing and addressing the occupational PFAS exposure risks faced by its first responders – specifically current and retired firefighters. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, “PFAS, which are ubiquitous in manufactured products due to their

The Valparaiso Police Department announced on their Facebook page the retirement of Patrol Officer Phil Rochon after nearly 26 years of service to the department and community Rochon began his law enforcement career by serving the Ogden Dunes community from 1997 to 2000 and was hired by the Valparaiso Police Department on May 16, 2000. A graduate of Elston High School in Michigan City, Indiana, Class of 1992, Phil also honorably served in the United States Army Reserves from 1991 to 1999 as a Military Police Officer, achieving the rank of Specialist. His education includes an associate’s degree in building

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Thursday morning on US 421. According to police, just before 8:50 a.m., deputies responded to the 0800 north block of US 421. The initial on-scene investigation revealed that a Ford Ranger had been traveling northbound on US 421 when it traveled off the east side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and then a tree before coming to rest. The driver, who was the lone occupant of the pickup truck was identified as 75-year-old Terry A. Churchill of Westville. Churchhill was transported by ground from the scene

The Town of Chesterton shared the following information for their INDOOR MARKET at the Visitor Center on Saturday Jan 17: The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is bringing the European Market INDOORS with 40 of your favorite venders, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center, 1215 Ind. 49, Porter. Don’t miss this festive indoor market experience! Delicious foods and treats! Unique personal and home decor! Warm winter gifts! Learn more about the Dunes and the birds and wildlife which make their home here! The Indoor Winter Market will also be held from

30 vehicles involved in chain reaction crashes on Toll Road near Elkhart No one appears to have been injured seriously on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 14, in a series of chain-reaction crashes involving 30 vehicles on the Indiana Toll Road, the Indiana State Police is reporting.“At the time of these crashes it was snowing heavily with very limited visibility,” the ISP said. According to the ISP, at approximately 3:51 p.m. dispatch received an initial call advising of a three-vehicle accident in the eastbound lanes of the Toll Road two miles east of Elkhart. This first crash was followed by a series

News release by La Porte Community School Corporation: La Porte—The La Porte Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees held its annual reorganization meeting this week, electing officers to serve as board leaders throughout 2026. The newly elected officers are: ● Ryan Seaburg, President ● Tucker King, Vice President ● Monica Beaty, Secretary The reorganization meeting marks the beginning of another year of dedicated service by the board members, whose commitment to La Porte Community Schools continues to guide the district's strategic direction and student-focused initiatives. Recognizing School Board Appreciation Month January is School Board Appreciation Month, a time to

Now through Saturday, January 17, due to extreme weather conditions, Michigan City Transit says it may experience service interruptions. Passengers are strongly encouraged to contact the Michigan City Transit Weather Update Line for hour-by-hour updates prior to departing for their bus stop to confirm service availability. Transit Triangle service will not operate on these dates. Michigan City Transit says it will continue to monitor and confer with the S.W.E.T. (Severe Weather Emergency Team) on weather conditions and provide updates as necessary. Additional information can be found on the flyer provided by Michigan City Transit.

A La Porte woman was arrested Tuesday after allegedly kicking a deputy, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. Just before 8:50 p.m, Deputy Austin Wells was traveling north in the 2000 north block of US 35.  The La Porte County Sheriff's Office said Wells observed a southbound vehicle approaching with only one operational headlight.  Once behind the vehicle - a gray Tesla, the vehicle drove left of center and was found to be displaying an expired registration sticker. A traffic stop was initiated in the 1300 block of Pine Lake Avenue.  The driver was identified as 43-year-old Laquintae

LA PORTE COUNTY — A man from Hamlet, Indiana was arrested following a domestic disturbance Tuesday night, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. Just after 11:00 p.m., Deputy Matthew Buell was dispatched to a residence located in the 0800 east block of CR 860 South in reference to a domestic disturbance involving a weapon.  Prior to arrival, Deputy Buell and assisting deputies learned the accused, 29-year-old Tradvyon E. Hamblin of Hamlet, had left the residence in a black Chrysler passenger vehicle. According to police, family members of Hamblin explained to deputies that he and his 24-year-old girlfriend were

Here is the latest from the OTT Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Michigan City regarding John L. Leinweber   John L. Leinweber September 28, 1945 - January 10, 2026   John Leinweber, 80 years old, passed away on January 10, 2026, at his Firefly Farm in LaPorte, Indiana, following a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.   A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation hours will be Saturday from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM in the Ott//Haverstock Funeral Chapel.   In lieu of

The LaPorte County Election Board will be holding a Question & Answer Session regarding filing for candidacy, campaign finance, and other related matters. This is a NON-PARTISAN session. This is for the benefit of LaPorte County. Every one is welcome to attend. Candidates and potential candidates are encouraged to attend this session. It will be held on Thursday January 15, 2026 at 6:00 pm.   Location: LaPorte County Complex, Meeting Room 3, 809 State Street, LaPorte, IN 46350

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ WEDNESDAY TO 1 PM EST /NOON CST/ THURSDAY... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 8 inches. Locally higher amounts possible. Northwest winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Wednesday to 1 PM EST /noon CST/Thursday. * IMPACTS...Roads will become slick and hazardous, with impacts expected for the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Visibilities may drop to near zero at times due to falling and blowing snow.

The Indiana Toll Road issued a Winter Weather Ban statement on their social media. Specific details can be found on the graphic below: WINTER WEATHER BAN–(High-Profile Only) Where: LaPorte Co. including MP 31 (Valparaiso Plaza) – St. Joseph Co. MP 92 (Elkhart Plaza) When: Jan. 14 at 12:00 p.m. ET – Jan. 15 at 12:00 p.m. ET Remember when driving in hazardous conditions to: • Reduce your speed • Stay alert • Drive with caution *Note: Our Walk-in Center will also be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 14, due to inclement weather.

The City of Michigan City released the following statement to their Facebook page on Tuesday evening regarding the winter storm: Good evening, Michigan City. The City is prepared for the winter storm warning in effect from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, through 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15. The National Weather Service forecasts 6–8 inches of snowfall with wind gusts up to 40 mph, creating the potential for whiteout conditions and hazardous travel. Residents are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel and use caution if they must be on the roads. City crews from the Street, Refuse, Vector Control, and Parks Departments

Friends of the Library Giveback: Burn ‘Em Brewing is on Thursday, January 15, at 11 am!Burn ‘Em will donate $1 to the Friends of the Library from all taproom drinks, and there will be a book swap held too! Bring a book, take a book!No coupon is needed; just tell your server you’re there to support the Friends of the Library.

The City of Valparaiso announced today that Kevin Nuppnau will be leaving his role as Director of Valpo Parks to accept a leadership position with the Porter County Community Foundation, effective at the end of January, according to Mayor Jon Costas. “We are incredibly grateful for Kevin’s extraordinary service to Valpo Parks and to our community,” said Mayor Costas. “His vision, leadership, and commitment have elevated our parks system in lasting ways. While he will be deeply missed, this new role allows Kevin to continue making a meaningful impact in Porter County, and we wish him every success.” Nuppnau joined

UPDATED-.WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ WEDNESDAY TO 1 PM EST /NOON CST/ THURSDAY... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 8 inches. Locally higher amounts possible. Northwest winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Wednesday to 1 PM EST /noon CST/Thursday. * IMPACTS...Roads will become slick and hazardous, with impacts expected for the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Visibilities may drop to near zero at times due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 9 inches possible. Northwest Winds could gust between 35 and 40 mph at times, especially near Lake Michigan. Once snow accumulates, this could lead to blowing and drifting snow, especially on E-W oriented roads. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes, and the Thursday morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts

Join Debbie Tatum with the Franciscan Health Foundation for another installment of "Well Beings" back on WIMS this Wednesday 1/14 from 9:10am-9:40am. Well Beings brought to you by Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress in Michigan City. You can listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM, 106.7FM in Valparaiso and we stream at wimsradio.com. Also, check it out on FACEBOOK LIVE. #wims