Local News

Recidivist Mexican National Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison For Reentry of Removed Alien and Firearm Offenses SOUTH BEND – Oscar Solano-Salinas, 44 years old, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien and Reentry of Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. “An illegal alien with two convictions for sexual battery was sentenced to 41 months in prison for possessing a rifle and ammunition and reentering the country for a third time after having been removed on two

Support Deputy Samuelson on Monday May 25th. See attached Flyer for information. Thank you United Way of La Porte County for sharing the information #wims

Due to the Memorial Day holiday observed on Monday, May 25, trash pickup will be delayed by one day. Monday's pickup will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday's pick up is Wednesday, Wednesday will be Thursday, and Thursday's pickup will be picked up on Friday. Valparaiso City Services' offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. If you require assistance during this time, please call 1-844-296-6810.

Coast Guard and local law enforcement crews across the Great Lakes are scheduled to increase the number of boating safety patrols over the Memorial Day weekend. These nationwide patrol initiatives are focused on enforcing laws against boating under the influence (BUI) and illegal charters to ensure the safety of all maritime commercial and recreational boaters. While boating is a popular holiday activity, operating a vessel under the influence is highly dangerous and illegal. Alcohol impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. The Coast Guard is also actively targeting illegal passenger charters that bypass safety regulations and put lives

On behalf of the Samuelson family, La Porte County Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg announces the following update regarding Deputy Jon Samuelson. Following yesterday’s senseless incident at Franciscan Health Hospital – Michigan City Campus, Deputy Samuelson was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for advanced medical treatment. A team of surgeons and medical staff prepared Deputy Samuelson for surgery. He underwent approximately eight ( hours of surgery, which surgeons later described as successful. Medical staff remain optimistic regarding his recovery. Deputy Samuelson remains in critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital. “Thank you to the

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.   Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.   Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 74.   Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.   Memorial Day A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.

Michigan City, IN — The Rotary Club of Michigan City invites the community to participate in an impactful new event, “Quarters for Change,” taking place on Thursday, June 25 from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Gill Field at Elston. This unique fundraiser aims to create a “quarter mile of quarters” by lining the entire track with donated quarters. The event is designed to bring the community together in support of the Rotary Club’s service initiatives, particularly those focused on youth in Michigan City. A portion of the proceeds will also directly benefit the Michigan City High School Marching Band, with

The City of Michigan City announced in observance of Memorial Day, City Hall and all non-emergency City offices will be closed on Monday, May 25. City Bus service will not be operating on Monday and will return to normal service on Tuesday. Michigan City garbage pickup will not run on Monday. The Michigan City Refuse Department is asking residents who typically have a Monday pick-up to put out their bins for pick-up on Tuesday, May 26th.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) awarded seed funding to three innovative entrepreneurs during the 2026 PNW Big Sell, the university’s annual pitch competition designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business ventures. The 2026 PNW Big Sell brought together student and community entrepreneurs to pitch their startup concepts live before a panel of judges at PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC). The competition is sponsored by the PNW College of Business, the PNW Office of Commercialization and Research and Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO). Ten finalists were selected from a competitive pool of two-minute video

Experience the Indiana Dunes like never before at the Dunes Dash 5K, hosted by Save the Dunes at scenic West Beach in the Indiana Dunes National Park. This annual event invites participants to explore one of Northwest Indiana’s most iconic landscapes while supporting the ongoing protection and advocacy of the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas. The 5K course winds through sandy, hilly trails with stairs and elevation changes, making it a rewarding challenge for runners and walkers alike. While the course is considered moderate to strenuous, it’s designed to be approachable for anyone ready to take

The National Veterans Awareness made its way through La Porte County Wednesday morning and deputies were honored to be able to assist, the La Porte County Sheriff's Office said on their Facebook page. Deputies staffed and cleared intersections along US 421 as the group of motorcyclists traveled from the north to the south through the county. The ride is comprised of vets and their close associates.  The 12-day cross-country ride began in Auburn, California on May 12th and will conclude in Washington D.C. on Saturday. "Please pray for the safety and health of this patriotic group as they continue on

UPDATED* Suspect Information Added* LaPorte County Deputy Shot by Chicago Man in Hospital Emergency Room The suspect has been identified as Sharod Grafton Jr., 22 years of age, from Chicago, IL. He is currently being held at the Porter County Jail. Michigan City- At approximately 6:45 a.m., Deputy Samuelson stopped to assist what appeared to be a disabled vehicle at S.R. 2 and C.R. 900 W in LaPorte County, about one mile east of Westville, Indiana. At the individual’s request, the deputy transported the sole occupant of the vehicle to Franciscan Health Michigan City. Once inside the hospital, Deputy Samuelson

Our thoughts and prayers fo out to his family, friends, fellow officers. From the La Porte County Sheriff's FACEBOOK PAGE- 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂. 𝐇𝐞𝐞𝐠… “La Porte County friends and neighbors, we are asking for our community to rise up, rally together, and lift Deputy Jon Samuelson and his family in prayer and support during this incredibly challenging time. Now more than ever, we need our residents across the county to stand together in strength, faith, and support for one of our own. Deputy Samuelson has dedicated his life to serving and protecting this county, and we ask

INDIANA — AAA predicts at least 45 million people will travel in the U.S. this year for Memorial Day weekend, more than 960,000 of those from Indiana. As Hoosiers hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Mike Braun and INDOT are warning drivers of increased traffic expected across the state starting Thursday and are urging them to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and prioritize safety. “This coming weekend, state highways and interstates will be very busy with regular holiday travel and extra traffic heading to and from Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “I encourage

Earlier this morning an incident transpired at Franciscan Health Hospital - Michigan City Campus.-The latest from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office FACEBOOK PAGE-SEE BELOW Earlier this morning an incident transpired at Franciscan Health Hospital - Michigan City Campus. This was an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public. Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg has requested the assistance of the Indiana State Police to lead the investigation. All media outlets inquiring about the matter shall contact ISP - Lowell PIO Sergeant Glen Fifield Also, from the Michigan City Police Department FACEBOOK Page******Please avoid the area of Franciscan

SAD NEWS from NASCAR-Kyle Busch, a generational talent who rose to become a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s greatest drivers, died Thursday. He was 41.   Busch’s death, which was announced by the Busch family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing, marked a sudden, staggering blow to the motorsports community. His team had indicated earlier Thursday that Busch had been hospitalized with a severe illness.   Busch was in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR’s top division, where he won two Cup Series titles (2015, 2019) and 63 races — a figure that ranks ninth on

Today Showers likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.   Tonight Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 60%.   Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.   Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.   Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 74.   Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.   Memorial Day A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.

One person died after a head-on crash Wednesday, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. Just after 4:00 p.m., deputies responded to State Road 39 south of CR 1500 South reference a two-vehicle head-on crash. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Alex Clemons and assisting deputies determined the following had occurred. A 2013 Hyundai Sonata had been traveling north on SR 39. A 2015 Jeep Wrangler had been traveling south on SR 39. The Hyundai drove left of center and collided with the Jeep. The Hyundai was operated by 41-year-old Sarah J. Geressy of Burns Harbor, Indiana. Geressy

LA PORTE, Ind. (May 20, 2026) – The La Porte Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees has approved the appointment of Kristin Smith as Principal of Hailmann Elementary School, effective with the 2026-2027 school year. Smith succeeds Zach Huber, who was named Director of Curriculum and Instruction earlier this spring. Smith brings more than two decades of experience in Northwest Indiana schools to her new role. Most recently, she served as the Data and Grants Coordinator for Michigan City Area Schools. Previously, she was the Principal of Edgewood Elementary School, where she led a K-6 building with 340 students

Join us at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium for Line Dancing and Lessons with Sunset Coast Country Dancers. Concessions and bar available. Entry fee is $10. For more information visit their website at www.laportecivic.com. TEAM WIMS LIVE! #wims #whfb #localradio