Local News

La Porte Hospital has implemented temporary visitor restrictions to help curb the spread of illness to patients and employees. As of December 23, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) had described influenza-like illnesses as being widespread in the state. In the same report, the ISDH says that so far this season, the number of flu-associated deaths has been nine in the state. The temporary visitor restrictions at La Porte Hospital are as follows: * Only two visitors per patient will be permitted at a time. * Anyone under the age of 18, or exhibiting flu-like symptoms, is not permitted

Fire erupts at the FOP Lodge in Michigan City earlier this morning. The area of Coolspring and Johnson should be avoided. Several departments on the scene including the Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police Department, Trail Creek Police Department, La Porte County EMS, Coolspring Volunteer Fire Department, Center Township, Coolspring, to name a few. One lady brought to St Anthony Hospital. Another man jumped to his safety and reportedly not injured. One firefighter was brought to the hospital injuries unknown. Check WIMS Facebook for a video and picture as well.

After an autopsy conducted on Tyshawn Taylor on December 28th,, the forensic pathologist determined the cause of death to be gunshot wound and the manner of death to be homicide. The investigation is still ongoing. Shortly before 10:00 p.m. on December 26th Mishawaka Police Department officers were called out to the Hickory Village Apartment complex in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 13 year old male, Tyshawn Taylor, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.The investigation revealed that the 13 year old was shot by the occupants of the apartment during

With the recent uptick of tragic home fires and continued cold weather across the state, Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson urges Hoosiers to keep safety in mind while using alternative heating sources or cooking. “Home fires occur more often in winter than any other season, and alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and fire-related deaths each year,” said Greeson. “Fires caused by alternative heating equipment account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the United States.” Hoosiers are encouraged to avoid using space heaters and other alternative heating if possible. Here are

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ FRIDAY... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning and evening commutes on Thursday. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches, are expected. * WHERE...La Porte and St. Joseph IN Counties. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Friday. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times. Cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS

With the recent extreme cold, Mayor Meer would like to remind the citizens of Michigan City that several warming centers will be open. Warming centers will be available at the following locations: Michigan City Police Station (24 hours) 1201 E. Michigan Blvd. Michigan City Fire Administration Building (8am-4pm, Monday-Friday) 2510 E. Michigan Blvd. Michigan City Senior Center (8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday) 2 on the Lake Michigan City City Hall (8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday) 100 E. Michigan Blvd. Michigan City Public Library (during regular business hours) 100 E. 4th Street Keys to Hope Community Resource Center (8:00am-5:00pm, Sunday-Saturday) 1802 Franklin Street Mayor Meer urges the

The Mobile Health Unit of La Porte Hospital will be out in the community throughout January to provide free body mass index and blood pressure screenings, as well as cervical cancer education and information how to be prepared for winter weather. Wellness Outreach Screenings are made possible with funding from the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte. Dates and times of the Mobile Health Unit visits are: from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Jan. 3, at Kabelin’s, 512 Andrew Ave, La Porte.

On Tuesday around 11:30 AM the Michigan City Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 111 Beachwalk Lane. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two story home with light smoke inside and smoke coming from the chimney area outside. Crews inside the structure found the rafters on fire in the attic near the chimney and were able to extinguish the fire within minutes. According to Fire Marshall Kyle Kazmierczak the fire appeared to have started due to a buildup of creosote in the fire Chimney. Two residents were home at the time of the Fire and escaped

WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM EST /8 AM CST/ WEDNESDAY...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM EST /3 PM CST/ WEDNESDAY TO 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ FRIDAY... * WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Very cold wind chills expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Thursday. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 1 foot, are expected. Expect wind chills to range from 5 below zero to 20 below zero. * WHERE...La Porte, St. Joseph IN and Elkhart Counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather