Local News

From the Press Release on 2/22/2021-also up yesterday on WIMSFACEBOOK and under Events tab on wimsradio.com In recent days, the Fair Board has spent significant time reviewing its options with respect to the Morgan Wallen concert scheduled for July 14th. This has included conversations with numerous officials within thecommunity, including the La Porte County Commissioners, County Sheriff, County Council President, as well as their respective attorneys. After much consideration, the decision has been made to cancel thisconcert. For those that purchased tickets, full refunds will be issued and are expected to be processed within ten (10) business days. We appreciate

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) researchers at the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) are leading a team using a $7 million federal grant to improve steelmaking processes. ???????????????????????????????????? The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy awarded PNW and the Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC) $7,048,766 for the development of a next-generation Integrated Virtual Blast Furnace to improve energy efficiency and emissions in real time and to develop a virtual training model. “We are very grateful for this prestigious award by the Department of Energy and the strong support from our university,

Detectives with the Indiana State Police Lowell Post were requested to investigate an assault on two correction officers at the Indiana State Prison located in Michigan City, IN. Preliminary investigation indicates that around 2:40 p.m. (CST) on February 21, 2021, an inmate attacked two correction officers in a common area. Both correction officers were transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Michigan City, IN where one correction officer was pronounced deceased. The second correction officer is in serious condition. Tymetri Campbell, age 38, an inmate at the Michigan City Prison, faces several preliminary charges, to include murder, as a result of this

Several months ago, the LCSO K9 Division selected Deputy Austin Wells as the next handler for the agency.  He is a 4-year veteran of the LCSO and assigned to the Midnight Patrol Shift.  Earlier this week, Deputy Wells and other deputies of the K9 Division traveled to Vohne Liche Kennels (VLK) located in Denver, Indiana, to select a new K9.  Following the selection process, a new K9 returned to La Porte County.  K9 Roman is a 2-year-old male Belgian Malinois trained in narcotics detection and tracking/apprehension.  Deputy Wells and his new partner are scheduled to attend an upcoming 6-week Dual

The La Porte County Drug Task Force (LCDTF), announced an arrest last week of a Serious Violent Felon with a Firearm in Michigan City.  It was announced that last Tuesday evening, while LCDTF Detectives were conducting surveillance in the 200 block of West 11th Street, they observed 33-year old La Porte resident Anthony Sanders walk out the front door of a home in the 1000 block of Washington Street.  The detectives noticed that Sanders had a firearm with a high capacity magazine in one of his hands.  Detectives were familiar with Sanders and knew he was a convicted felon which

Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry announced that the Snow Emergency that was in place due to the winter storm has been lifted as of Saturday morning. Parking is again permitted along streets designated as Snow Emergency Routes. Mayor Parry says he deeply appreciates the Street Department, Park Department, Sanitary District, Department of Water Works, and Public Transit, for their dedicated support during the storm. It was also mentioned that If it wasn’t for Director Cranston Harris and his top notch mechanics, the city would not have the plows, equipment or trucks to make the snow removal happen.

There is a mobile food drive Monday from 10 am-noon in Michigan City at Marquette Mall outside of the old Carson’s. Items are free of charge. This is first come first served for up to 300 households while supplies last for those in need of food assistance. Check the WIMS FACEBOOK page for the full POST and details.

  A driver was arrested Friday for OWI after falsely reporting a road rage incident in La Porte County according to the Sheriff’s office. Just after 3:30 AM, deputies were dispatched to the area of US 20 and Fail Road regarding a road rage incident.  A female called 911 and reported her vehicle had been “rammed” by another vehicle.  She provided a description of the suspect vehicle and advised both vehicles were still traveling east on US 20.    Captain Hynek located both vehicles traveling eastbound on SR 2 near CR 800 East.  He initiated a traffic stop on the suspect

A multiple vehicle crash on I-94 resulted in a fatality this past Thursday evening. At 7:00 p.m., the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center received 911 calls reporting a multi-vehicle crash on I-94 EB at the 16.1 mile-marker. Troopers located a semi and two passenger vehicles along the inside median wall.  One passenger car was underneath the front of the semi and pinned against the median barrier.  Preliminary investigation troopers showed that a 2011 Toyota Prius had driven through snow that was in-between the ramp from the Indiana Toll Road and I-94. This resulted in the driver losing control and spinning into

Governor Holcomb signed Senate Enrolled Act 1, which provides businesses and schools with COVID liability protections.Holcomb said he “made providing assurances that they will not have to live and work in fear of frivolous lawsuits a part of my Next Level Agenda. Most Hoosier businesses and other organizations are making good faith attempts to protect their customers and employees, because it is the right thing to do and it makes for better business in the long run. I want to thank lawmakers for rapidly passing this key piece of legislation and sending it to my desk for signature.”The Governor signed

Residents' utility bills may look a little different next month, according to City of La Porte Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Parthun. Parthun said City of La Porte utility customers can expect to see an increase for water and sewer services in the coming bill. Stormwater increases will impact larger customers only (i.e. commercial and industrial accounts). Parthun said even with these increases, City of La Porte utility costs remain below the state average. "Our water and wastewater infrastructure systems are over 100 years old and in desperate need of repairs," Parthun said. "We could not kick the can down the road any

Due to the recent severe weather that has affected much of the country and disrupted shipping services, La Porte County Health Department will not be receiving its weekly allotment of the COVID-19 vaccine as planned.  This has forced us to reschedule appointments that were originally scheduled for afternoon of Friday February 19th beginning at 1:30 pm on,  all day Saturday February 20th and all day Monday February 22nd.  These appointments are all in the process of being rescheduled as follows. Saturday appointments will be moved to the same times on Tuesday February 23rd. Monday appointments will be moved to the

La Porte County Advisory Level has changed to YELLOW.  All general requirements of Executive Order 21-02 are still in effect.  The following items are for YELLOW designated counties: Social gatherings are recommended to be no more than 100 people. Events and social gatherings may take place at up to 50 percent capacity when other guidelines, including social distancing, face coverings, and plans to mitigate COVID-19 are in place. For any social gathering or event where the total number of invited, requested or expected individuals (including staff) will exceed the recommended number of permitted attendees, the host of the gathering or

Yesterday, the Indiana State Department of Health updated the COVID-19 county advisory levels. Jasper County moved from the orange level to yellow. LaPorte, Porter, Lake, St. Joseph, and Newton, Counties remain at yellow. Starke County has moved from blue to yellow. Visit coronavirus.in.gov for more information.

Kevin Witherspoon was recently sworn in by Mayor Sue Lynch as the newest member of the city's Plan Commission. Witherspoon, a 16-year Portage resident, is a mechanic at NIPSCO's Schahfer Generating Station. He is also a former ironworker with Local 395. Witherspoon recently graduated from Purdue Northwest with a degree in mechanical engineering technology.

Donation To Franciscan Health Michigan City Center Of Hope Provides Needed Supplies To Sexual Abuse Survivors Thanks to a $1,000 gift card donation from the local Meijer store, Franciscan Health Michigan City officials got a chance to shop for items to help survivors of sexual abuse who come to the hospital’s Center of Hope. Franciscan Health’s Centers of Hope are designated spaces where victims are given one-on-one trauma care by SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) nurses trained to handle sexual assault cases. In many cases, clothes and undergarments must be taken for the forensic kit from patients who are coping

Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., announced plans to retire two coal-fired units representing half of its R.M. Schahfer Generating Station capacity in Wheatfield, Ind. by the end of 2021. The retirements are part of NIPSCO’s broader, long-term electric generation strategy and customer-centric plan referred to as “Your Energy, Your Future.” The strategy outlines the company’s plans to become 100 percent coal-free by 2028, while transitioning to reliable, lower-cost and more sustainable energy options. NIPSCO projects the transition will result in an estimated $4 billion in cost savings over the long term. The Schahfer

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office says that a man was arrested following a domestic disturbance Sunday night in Fish Lake. Deputy Austin Epple was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Cherry Street in Fish Lake, in reference to a domestic disturbance. Responding units learned that 32 year Calvin H. Swanson had been battered and stabbed by his roommate, 65 year old Michael R. Brewer of Fish Lake.  Indiana Conservation Officer Alex Toth arrived and made contact with Swanson outside the residence.  Swanson had several cuts and abrasions, was bleeding, and appeared to have been severely battered.  Swanson

The Michigan City Civil Service Commission promoted four officers due to the recent retirements of Sergeants Gregory Miller and Kenneth Havlin. Both ranks became available and filled on January 15th , 2021 due to the retirement of Sergeant Gregory Miller:1. Corporal Steve Forker was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Forker is a 15- year veteran and currently assigned to Michigan City High School as the School Resource Officer.2. Officer Kelley Kennedy was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Corporal Kennedy is a 13- year veteran and currently assigned to Uniform Patrol Shift 3.Both ranks became available and filled

 Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced today (Feb. 16) plans for outdoor, in-person ceremonies, with appropriate health and safety protocols, to celebrate the academic achievements of the spring Class of 2021. Commencement ceremonies for all spring 2021 candidates will be held May 15 in the area south of the Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building on PNW’s Hammond Campus. The rain date is May 16. “We are excited to return to in-person commencement ceremonies to allow our graduates to share this important experience safely with family and friends,” Chancellor Thomas L. Keon said in a message to students, faculty and staff. “Graduation