Local News

PORTAGE, Ind. — The City of Portage has entered the high-stakes race to become the future home of the Chicago Bears, unveiling an ambitious proposal this week to lure the iconic NFL franchise across the Illinois border.   City leaders introduced the concept known as “Halas Harbor,” a proposed 300-acre lakefront development featuring a state-of-the-art stadium, mixed-use commercial space, and waterfront attractions designed to transform the area into a year-round destination for sports and entertainment.   Portage Mayor Austin Bonta called the proposal a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the region.   “This is about more than football,” Bonta said. “It’s about

La Porte Urban Enterprise Association shares 2025 accomplishments   La PORTE, IN – Last year held many successes for the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association, according to Board President Mike Riehle. Formed in 2002, the La Porte UEA awards grants each year to local businesses and residents residing within the Urban Enterprise Zone. In 2025, the UEA was proud to award eight business grants totaling more than $131,000. Grants helped to fund exterior renovations for downtown businesses, commercial kitchen upgrades, landscaping projects in NewPorte Landing, and interior rehabs for both commercial and residential projects.   The UEA also awarded over

Purdue Northwest students earn fall 2025 Dean’s List honors-Check out the list of students on the 2025 fall Dean's List here: https://bit.ly/4aqhwXE   HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) fall 2025 Dean’s List recognizes 1,877 undergraduate students for their academic achievements. Qualifying students sustained an overall grade point average of at least 3.5 and a semester grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Domestic students from 21 different U.S. states and international students from 38 countries were recognized on PNW’s fall 2025 Dean’s List.  For a full listing of recognized students, visit

Tom Foolery Fun Club is coming back to The Orak Shrine Michigan City on Saturday 2/14/26   Tomfoolery Fun Club is coming back to Michigan City on Saturday 2/14/25 Returning in February, 2026! Just For Valentine’s Day!! The Tomfoolery Fun Club is back at the Orak Shrine in Michigan City for a special Valentine’s Day celebration filled with laughter, live music, and good vibes! Seating is limited to just 400 guests, and this event always sells out early—so grab your tickets now and don’t miss the fun! For tickets and information call 219-228-0674 or visit www.tomfooleryfunclub.com.

Indiana Chamber Urges Lawmakers to Improve Childcare Options, Modernize Township Government   The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is urging lawmakers to continue advancing legislation that supports thriving communities and a competitive business climate by addressing two foundational needs: access to reliable childcare and having a modern, efficient local government.   “Strong communities are built through smart, practical policies that support both people and the systems they depend on,” offers Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO. “Whether it’s ensuring parents can stay in the workforce or that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently at the local level, these issues are

Tip from the public leads to an animal abuse investigation-the latest from the Michigan City Police Department   On January 28th, the Michigan City Police Department and Michigan City Animal Control were made aware of a video circulating on social media depicting animal abuse. The video originated from neighborhood surveillance footage within the City of Michigan City and was shared publicly on social media.   Upon notification, the incident was taken seriously and acted upon immediately. Within several days of the video being posted, Michigan City Animal Control, in coordination with the Michigan City Police Department, successfully identified the location

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 32. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight  Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Thursday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Friday Sunny, with a high near 37. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25.

A Year in REVIEW with the American Legion Skwiat Post 451 in Michigan City-Commander Socrates Gray   MICHIGAN CITY — What a difference a year makes at Frank & Edward Skwiat American Legion Post 451. When Socrates Gray stepped in as commander, the Post was facing a period of challenge and transition. Morale was strained, momentum had slowed and difficult decisions had to be made. It was a true “next man up” moment — one that required leadership, consistency and a willingness to stay present.   “The early days weren’t about celebration,” said Socrates Gray. “They were about showing up,

Trooper Injured During Early Monday Morning Pursuit Lake County- On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Indiana State Police Trooper Jace Haddon responded to assist the Lake County Sheriff's Department with an active vehicle pursuit on I-80 near Kennedy Avenue. The pursuit had been initiated for a reported traffic violation. The fleeing vehicle exited the interstate at Cline Avenue, where Trooper Haddon joined the pursuit near the intersection of Cline Avenue and Ridge Road. During the pursuit, Trooper Haddon successfully performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop. As Trooper Haddon approached the suspect

Presented by Blum Productions Saturday, Feb. 14 | 2 pm and 7:30 pm $35 Kristyn Estes’s delightful new comedy “The Swingset” makes its midwest premier on the Theatre at the Center stage for a pair of special Valentine’s Day performances. This charming play finds newly retired couple Jake and Abby navigating the challenges and surprises of their new address island life for starting retirement in Florida. With wit, warmth, and a touch of “cheeky island secrets,” “The Swingset” invites audiences into a world of mixed signals, hilarious miscommunication and unexpected social encounters. Playwright Estes is reprising her role opposite co-star

Here is the latest from the OTT Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Michigan City regarding Charles Keene and Linda K. Mills   Charles Keene, 80, of Chesterton, IN passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in his home.   A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements.   In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Moose Family Center 980, 2107 Welnetz Rd., Michigan, IN 46360 or to VNA Hospice Association, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. VNA Hospice NWI #wims *************************************************************************************************************************************** Linda K. Mills, 78, Michigan City,

This morning at 7:40 a.m., troopers responded to an injury involved crash on Interstate 80 westbound, west of Burr Street. Preliminary investigation by Trooper Regen Smith indicates a blue 1999 GMC Yukon was traveling on the right shoulder while passing other vehicles. At the same time, a disabled 2016 Freightliner tractor pulling a loaded trailer, was parked on the right shoulder due to a mechanical failure. The semi was unable to move and had emergency warning triangles properly deployed behind the trailer. For reasons still under investigation, the Yukon struck the rear of the parked trailer at a high rate

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Tonight Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 32. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Thursday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy,

Debbie Tatum with the Franciscan Health Foundation back on the air this Wednesday 2/11 from 9:10a-9:40a brought to you by Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress   This week Debbie talks about Hospice Care with Vicki S. Allison. You can watch it on FACEBOOK LIVE or listen to AM 1420, 95.1FM, 106.7FM in Valparaiso or stream WIMS at wimsradio.com. #wims

Michigan City, IN - Michigan City High School Athletics is excited to announce that Heritage Night has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 28, at Michigan City High School. While the original opponent, Marion High School, was unable to reschedule, the Wolves will now take on La Lumiere School. The Junior Varsity game will tip off at 5:00 p.m., with the varsity game to follow at approximately 7:00 p.m. This special evening will honor Michigan City’s rich basketball history by recognizing several milestone teams and alumni who helped shape the program’s legacy. During Heritage Night, Michigan City High School will proudly

Shooting in the 400 block of Chicago Street leaves one adult injured On February 6th at 3:17 PM, officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 received a Flock Raven gunshot detection notification originating near the 400 block of Chicago Street. The Flock Raven system contains a series of devices placed throughout the City of Michigan City that are designed to detect the sound of gunshots and the approximate location they originate from. This information is then immediately relayed to officers so they can quickly respond to the scene. The LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center then received a 911 call regarding a

Washington, DC – Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced federal grant awards for Burns Harbor, Gary, Hobart, Michigan City, and Munster under the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant program. Specifically, Burns Harbor will receive $120,000, Gary will receive $421,600, Hobart will receive $300,000, Michigan City will receive $200,000, and Munster will receive $240,000 to invest in safety action plans and studies aimed at improving transportation and reducing roadway fatalities within their communities. According to the DOT, the SS4A Grant program aims to improve roadway safety by supporting communities in developing plans to implement infrastructure

It's February FUN where there's ALWAYS something happening at The Hot Spot Cafe in La Porte-stop by **UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE HOT SPOT CAFÉ!** **602 Lincolnway, La Porte, IN 46350** **219‑325‑8080** **hotspotcafe.net** There’s always something creative and community‑driven happening at The Hot Spot Café! If you’re looking for a fun way to unwind, learn something new, or just enjoy great coffee in a cozy space, check out what’s coming up: **Featured Upcoming Event** **Crushed Glass Night Light Workshop** *Saturday, February 14th, 2026 – 10 AM* Create a beautiful custom night light using crushed glass and resin. All supplies are included,

St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 14 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm CDT JOIN RIC FEDERIGHI AND TEAM WIMS LIVE! Michigan City celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with the traditional walk up Franklin St, through the Uptown Arts District. A sea of green, both participating and viewing, turns our community into a little piece of Ireland. Individuals, groups, businesses, and anyone who has the Irish spirit can participate at no cost. This event is a celebration of our community and another chance to come together and enjoy each other and the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day! Route – Franklin St north from 9th to

Here is the latest from the OTT Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Michigan City regarding Connie J. Neulieb   Connie J. Neulieb, 59, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 1:35 pm in Franciscan Health - Michigan City.   A celebration of life service will be conducted at 11:00 am Monday, February 9, 2025, at the Greenwood Cemetery Chapel, 153 Tilden Ave., Michigan City, IN. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements.   Contributions may be made to Michiana Humane Society, 722 Indiana Highway 212, Michigan City, IN 46360.   To sign a guest book