Local News

Join us for a celebration of art and community featuring professional networking, an adults-only evening social, and our signature family-friendly festival.​ Whether you're an arts professional looking to connect with colleagues, an adult seeking a creative night out, or a family wanting hands-on art experiences, Art Blitz Weekend brings our community together through the power of creativity. Three unique experiences, one unforgettable weekend. Fore more information visit their website at www.artbarnschool.org.​   All proceeds support Art Barn School of Art educational programs. #wims #whfb

Farmed & Forged Announces Farmed to Fork Weekend with Expanded SNAP Match, Live Chef Demonstrations and Free Family Activities SNAP shoppers can turn $20 in benefits into $80 in market purchasing power during two days celebrating local food in La Porte County LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. — Farmed & Forged will celebrate the farmers, chefs and food producers feeding Northwest Indiana during Farmed to Fork Weekend, taking place Saturday, September 12, in Michigan City and Sunday, September 13, in La Porte. The weekend will feature an expanded SNAP match, live cooking demonstrations, activities for young shoppers, live music and in-season food

VALPARAISO, IND. — The Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) received a $600,000 contribution from Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation to support disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts across Porter County following the severe storm system and extended power outages that began on Aug. 11.   The contribution reflects NIPSCO’s commitment to helping northern Indiana communities rebuild and stabilize following major weather events. PCCF will steward and allocate the funds directly to 14 frontline organizations to provide immediate assistance to Porter County households.   Funding recipients include the following organizations: The Salvation

During the 2025-26 school year, elementary student-athletes across Michigan City Area Schools received a new look after students shared that they wanted upgraded uniforms to better represent their schools. Over 580 elementary school students participate in their grade-level athletics. To help make that request a reality, the Michigan City Athletics Department reached out to local businesses and organizations to support elementary athletics. Eight community sponsors stepped forward along with a $5,000 grant from the Unity Foundation of La Porte County. Together, that support helped provide new uniform tops and matching shorts for athletic teams at all eight MCAS elementary schools.

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.   Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 59.   Friday Sunny, with a high near 78.   Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 61.   Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

In the current work zone on I-94 between mile marker 29-34, westbound traffic is in counterflow lanes on the eastbound side with two lanes of traffic in each direction for ongoing resurfacing activities.   Through approximately late September, the eastbound work zone is extended 3 miles west to State Road 49 for pipe installation at mile marker 27. The right lane and both shoulders are closed through this part of the work zone. The weigh scales on I-94 eastbound will remain accessible.   Ramp closures are occurring for two weekends at the I-94 and U.S. 421 interchange for pavement restoration.

This October, you’re invited to a night of elegance, celebration, and community impact. Join Franciscan Health as we honor 150 years of healthcare ministry from the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration at the Spirited Celebration Gala! It all happens Friday, October 9th at 6 PM at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster. Enjoy a cocktail hour, plated dinner, live music, DJ, dancing, photo booth, plus silent and live auctions, wine and whiskey pulls, and incredible entertainment — including Ric Federighi and WIMS Radio, Chris Florek & Ever After Entertainment, and more. Tickets are $250, with

VALPARAISO, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College recently announced its annual Chancellors’ Scholarship Event, which will take place on September 17, 2026, at Avalon Manor Banquet Center, 3550 E. Lincoln Highway in Merrillville, Indiana. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. CT. The event includes dinner, presentation of this year's scholarship recipients, and recognition of the 2026 Benefactor of the Year. The James W. & Betty Dye Foundation has been named the 2026 Benefactor of the Year. Tickets are available for purchase for $100 per person. Of the ticket price, $50 is tax deductible. Tickets may be purchased through the Chancellors’ Scholarship

The American Red Cross urges people not to wait to make a lifesaving impact this fall by scheduling a blood donation appointment in September. The blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer blood shortage, and now is the time for donors of all blood types to help patients who count on blood products for care. Reserve a spot to give now. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a blood donation appointment. Those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross

The Starke County Sheriff's Office issues the following statement on their Facebook regarding Sheriff Rosa's decision to discontinue the renewal of their contract with Flock cameras in Starke County: "Good afternoon, While our department has adhered to our SOP’s regarding the use of Flock cameras, and we know there are benefits of the camera use, Sheriff Rosa has made the decision to discontinue the renewal of our contract with Flock cameras in Starke County. The Sheriff has made this decision in the best interest of our community as we value the relationships we have built and are committed to maintaining

News release, Indiana State Police Lowell Post:  Northwest Indiana — Troopers assigned to the late shift at the Lowell Post participated in a Labor Day Weekend patrol blitz Saturday evening. Troopers were actively enforcing the speed limit along I‑80/94 while also looking for impaired and aggressively driving individuals. During the enforcement period, troopers conducted 77 traffic stops, issued 76 citations, and provided 77 warnings to motorists. Of the 76 citations, 46 were for speeding violations. Troopers also recorded the following activity: • 3 pursuits • 6 reckless driving arrests • 4 OWI arrests (Operating While Intoxicated) • 3 drug arrests

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation will intermittently close ramps at the Kennedy Ave and U.S. 41/State Road 152/Indianapolis Blvd interchanges with I-94 through the month of September. These short-term ramp closures are for cleaning and inspection of drainage facilities in partnership with the Little Calumet River Basin Commission who has contracted Superior Construction. Work is scheduled to occur at the Kennedy Ave interchange first and then move to Indianapolis Blvd. Motorists should be prepared to seek alternate routes. INDOT encourages drivers to consider safety for all by slowing down, using extra caution and driving distraction-free when

Today A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 20%.   Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.   Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.   Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.   Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Michigan City, IN – Businesses and community members from throughout La Porte County are invited to connect, discover local products and services, and build new contacts at the La Porte County Business Expo on Thursday, September 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Purdue Northwest – Westville campus. The collaborative event is hosted by the Michigan City Chamber, Westville Area Chamber, and La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) and will showcase businesses from across La Porte County and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the people behind local businesses, learn about the products and services available and make

Near Indiana Dunes National Park, the main road navigating to West Beach is now blocked due to construction at the railroad crossing near the intersection of North County Rd and Route 12 until September 19. The park says to use the alternative route to West Beach as described below. Directions to West Beach (376 N County Line Rd, Gary, IN 46403) 1. Take US Hwy 12/20 to Lake St (McDonald’s is on the southeastern corner) 2. Travel North on Lake St to Miller Ave (2nd stop light) 3. East (right) on Miller Ave to Grand Blvd (1st stop light) 4.

INDOT's ProPEL State Road 2 study team will be hosting Community Office Hours on Thursday, Sept. 10. "Stop by to learn more about the study, ask questions, and share your thoughts about S.R. 2," INDOT said on their Facebook page." No presentation, no formal meeting —just a chance to connect one-on-one for meaningful conversations with the project team." Locations and times are: South Bend: 1-3 p.m. ET / 12 to 2 p.m. CT Rolling Prairie: 4-6 p.m. ET / 3 to 5 p.m. CT View upcoming office hours: ProPELSR2.com/events (Image source: Indiana Department of Transportation Northwest / Facebook)

Join TEAM LIFE CARE CENTER of Michigan City Walk to END Alzheimer's-La Porte County on Saturday October 3rd in Washington Park. Chec k out the flyer attached to scan the QR code for more details. #wims #whfb

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction Co Inc will close the ramps at State Road 912 southbound and U.S. 20/12 on or after Wednesday, September 9 for resurfacing operations. All four ramps on the southbound side of the interchange will close for approximately two weeks (weather dependent): Westbound and eastbound U.S. 20/12 to southbound State Road 912 Southbound State Road 912 to westbound and eastbound U.S. 20/12 These closures are part of the State Road 912 resurfacing project between U.S. 12 and south of 15th Ave, which includes the on and off ramps through that

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.   Wednesday A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 20%.   Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.   Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77

Join the Westville Area Chamber of Commerce for Business After Hours on Tuesday September 22nd at The Great Hall, 1401 S. US Hwy 421, in Westville. Enjoy Networking, Art Tour Guide Judy Jacobi, light refreshments, and so much more. For more information visit www.westvillechamber.org. #wims #whfb