Local News

NIRPC to hold public comment period on an amendment to the 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program   The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) will hold a 21-day public comment period on an amendment to the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The comment period begins January 2 and will end on January 23, 2026. Amendment #26-04.1 contains:   For INDOT – 4 Projects:   1 Pavement/Roadway Rehabilitation Project; Maintenance – Increase funding, revise between fiscal years 1 Sign Project – Repair/Replacement – district-wide; new project 1 Small Structure Repair/Lining/Replacements – new project) 1 Other Type Project – Welcome Center Reconstruction (add

Northwest Indiana Green Drinks-"S.A.V.E. the Dunes: Our Work Today, Our Vision Ahead"   Northwest Indiana Green Drinks-"S.A.V.E. the Dunes: Our Work Today, Our Vision Ahead" happening on Thursday, January 8th, 2026 from 6:30PM-7:30PM CST On Zoom & Facebook Live   Guided by our organization’s name and founding rallying cry, Save the Dunes Executive Director, Betsy Maher, will show how we support the national park, advocate for the dunes, amplify nature’s voice, and engage communities in protecting the Indiana Dunes. LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK.   Save the Dunes-444 Barker Road-Michigan City, IN 46360 Call 219-879-3564 or visit www.savedunes.org. #wims #savethedunes

Federal student loan collections in Indiana following federal guidelines   Federal student loan collections in Indiana follow federal guidelines, which include potential wage garnishment, tax refund offset, and collection of federal benefits.   Private student loans and institutional debts are subject to both federal and Indiana consumer protection laws.   For Federal Student Loans in Default The U.S. Department of Education (ED) handles collections for defaulted federal student loans through its Default Resolution Group. The government does not need a court order to use certain collection methods.   Wage Garnishment: Up to 15% of your disposable pay can be withheld

PUBLIC NOTICE – FALSE INFORMATION ALERT from the MyMichiganCity FACEBOOK page A fake press release is circulating online that falsely claims to be from the City of Michigan City and the Mayor regarding homelessness initiatives. This information is FALSE. The document: Did not come from the City. Was not authorized by the Mayor. Does not represent City policy or plans. Was shared by a fake profile using a modified logo. What you can do to help: Please do not share any false post. Report it directly to the social media platform as false information or impersonation. Rely only on official

Indiana flu cases see marked increase as new strain spreads in U.S. according to the Indiana Department of Health   This year’s flu season is shaping up to be particularly rough, local health care officials say, as Indiana reaches a “high” level of flu reports that continue to increase as a new strain soars and holiday activities wane.   While the flu circulates year-round, typical flu season runs from October to May, according to the Indiana Department of Health’s Indiana influenza dashboard.   The dashboard, which describes the spread and prevalence of influenza-like illness in the state, is updated each

Indiana’s law allows companies to deny requests they consider excessive, but the burden of proof rests entirely on the business.   Indiana consumers have new control over their personal data with the Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act, which took effect on January 1st after businesses had three years to prepare for its new regulations. The law gives Hoosiers the right to see what data companies collect – correct it, delete it, or opt out of targeted ads and data sales. It also requires companies to clearly explain those rights.   Supporters say the law brings Indiana in line with other

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind around 5 mph.   Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.   Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.   Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.   Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33

Live Christmas trees can be recycled at specific compost sites in both Porter and LaPorte Counties. You must remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and stands before drop-off. Porter County Porter County residents can drop off their natural Christmas trees for composting at several locations, including the primary Valparaiso site. Artificial trees with electrical components can be recycled as e-waste.  Valparaiso Compost Site: Located at  2150 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46385 . Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other locations: Additional sites are available in Boone Grove and Portage.  LaPorte County The LaPorte County Solid Waste District

Franciscan Health welcomes first babies of new year  Franciscan Health’s Family Birth Centers in Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs welcomed the first babies of 2026 on New Year’s Day. Jacob Robert Patrick Kelly Jr. was born to Mattie Tengdin and Jacob Kelley of Crown Point at 1:29 a.m. at Franciscan Health Crown Point, making him the first baby born at the hospital in 2026. He weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 19.7 inches long. Across the state line in Illinois, Sofia Aylani was born to Maria Navarro and Danis Avila of South Chicago Heights, Ill. at 9:02 a.m.

Ringing in 2026 and great News from the Michiana Humane Society China, our sweet senior who loved lounging around upstairs with squeaker toys, has found her forever home! She reminds us that love and joy, only get better with age. As the year closes, your gift can help more pets like China find their happy endings. Let’s start the new year by giving tails, toys, and forever families! To adopt, foster or donate to a furry friend visit their website at www.michianapets.org or call 219-872-4499. #wims

ThunderBeard: A Tribute to ZZ Top takes the Civic Auditorium stage on Friday, January 30, for an unforgettable show that will have you feeling like you've been transported back to the heyday of one of the greatest Rock bands of all time. ThunderBeard is the ultimate ZZ Top tribute, authentically recreating the live experience of "That Little Ol' Band from Texas." ThunderBeard will have you singing along to classic hits such as "La Grange," “Tush” and "Sharp Dressed Man" as well as many other classics from the legendary band's five decades of music. Get your tickets today! Balcony seats cost

Today-Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Saturday-Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning. Saturday Night-Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind around 5 mph. Sunday-Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Sunday Night-Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

On February 7, 2026, the LCSO will present the second subscription concert of the season, The Roaring 20s: A Celebration of America’s Jazz Age, at La Porte High School Performing Arts Center. This toe-tapping program will include songs by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter featuring acclaimed vocalist Rebekah Howell, as well as Shostakovich’s Tea for Two and Jazz Suite No. 2. Travel back in time and celebrate the silent film era as the orchestra plays Roussanova’s The Great Chaplin Suite, an homage to silent film star Charlie Chaplin. For more information visit www.lcso.net or call 219-362-9020. #wims

La Lumiere to host open practice ahead of nationally televised La Porte Invitational   La PORTE, IN - In preparation for the 5th Annual La Porte Invitational January 9-11, the La Lumiere Boys National Basketball Team will host an open practice. Members of the public and press are invited to watch the team scrimmage and will have an opportunity to engage with the coaches and players after the practice.   WHO: La Lumiere Head Coach Pat Holmes, Assistant Coach Brian Tonino, La Lumiere Boys National Basketball players, La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, and La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau

A Reminder from Kankakee Valley REMC about "energy-saving device" scams   Look out for the “energy-saving device” scam. Whether sold on social media platforms or through random emails, consumers have fallen victim to scams where these products claim to reduce or even eliminate energy bills. These products are advertised as devices that will “balance” or “clean” the power in your home, thus saving you money. There is no such device that can simply be plugged in to lower energy use. If you ever have questions, call KVREMC at (800) 552-2622.

On New Year's Day 2026 (Jan 1st), expect banks, post offices, government offices, schools, and the stock market to be closed, as it's a federal holiday, while major retailers like Walmart, Target, many grocery stores, pharmacies (like CVS, Walgreens), and restaurants will generally be open, but often with modified or reduced hours, so check local listings; however, stores like Costco, Sam's Club, Aldi, and Trader Joe's will be closed. #2026

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is now accepting artist applications for the 44th annual Lubeznik Arts Festival this summer. Artists can apply at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13971, and a link to the application can also be found at LubeznikCenter.org/Events. Applications must be submitted by April 2, 2026 to be considered for this 2026 juried festival. Media categories include: Two-dimensional art: Painting, drawing, printmaking, pastels, mixed-media Fine craft: Functional, clay/ceramics, glass, wood, metal, fiber, textile, paper Jewelry Photography: Traditional and digital techniques Sculptural objects: Non-functional, all media Wearable art: Wearable and accessories $3,000 in artist awards will be distributed at this year's festival. The Lubeznik

La Porte Slicers beat the Michigan City Wolves in Boys Basketball 45-42. La Porte Slicers are now the 2025 Steiner Homes Holiday Tourney champs! Sawyer Tonagel scored 19 points grabbing 8 boards! Griffin Ott-Large poured in 17 points going 6-6 from FT. LP moves to 9-1 heading into 2026! Great game by both teams. PHOTO CREDIT: La Porte Slicers Boys Basketball FACEBOOK PAGE

The latest on an early morning fatal crash on from the Indiana State Police-Lowell. At approximately 2:30 am this morning, troopers responded to a fatal crash on I-80 WB at the 8.7 mm (Grant St) involving a semi and a car. The left three lanes were closed for approximately 5 hours for scene cleanup. ISP is requesting if anyone witnessed the crash or may have dashcam of the incident, to contact the Lowell Post and speak with Trp. Hathaway 219-696-6242. The truck was hauling 40k lbs of frozen food. The deceased was driving the car while the truck driver was not

A message from from Portercountyin.gov -see below for Custodian and Maintenance positions sent over to the WIMS newsroom-FEEL FREE to SHARE-New Government Jobs Maintenance (Part-Time) /New Government Jobs Custodian (Part-Time) for www.portercountyin.govww.portercountyin.gov   Custodian (Part-Time) POSITION: Custodian DEPARTMENT: Commissioners WORK SCHEDULE: M-F 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Varies upon building) JOB CATEGORY: LTC (Labor, Trades & Crafts) DATE WRITTEN: Nov. 1996 STATUS: Part-Time DATE REVISED: Sept. 2020 FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt   To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or