Local News

Press Release by Indiana Department of Education:  INDIANAPOLIS – Results from the 2024-2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment show an unprecedented increase in third grade literacy rates. With this nearly five percentage point jump, Indiana’s third grade literacy rates have now increased for four consecutive years, indicating that Indiana’s strategic, intentional investments in early literacy are working. “As we work to make Indiana a beacon of freedom and opportunity, helping every Hoosier to live out their American dream starts with the ability to read,” said Governor Mike Braun. “From 2024 to 2025, Indiana’s literacy rate jumped by nearly five

Michigan City Area Schools welcomed many new teachers and other certified staff this school year. We asked them to share a bit about their background and to answer the question, “Why did you become an educator?” Their responses are below. Jean Barron Knapp Elementary School, Physical Education Teacher Tommie Billups Springfield Elementary School, Music Teacher Experience: 4 years as MCAS Instructional Assistant from 2011-2015, STEAM & Music Instructor in South Bend from 2018-2025 Education: Indiana University Northwest, Grace of Loris “I became an educator because I found purpose. I love teaching. I love the moments when a student’s eyes light

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will conduct overnight closures for demolition of the southbound U.S. 6/State Road 51 bridge over I-94. Overnight lane closures continue on I-94 between Central Ave and State Road 249 through August 14 for setting barrier wall and parapet demolition. These closures will occur during the hours of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Demolition of the southbound bridge of U.S. 6/State Road 51 over I-94 is scheduled to occur overnight Monday, August 18 through Thursday, August 28. Be prepared for the following restrictions from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly during this

Press Release, Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Registration is open for the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest 2025 Innovators Awards Luncheon. Winners will be inducted into the Society during the formal program starting at 11:30 a.m. CST on Oct. 29 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center, 3550 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, Ind. Now celebrating its 20th year, the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest’s annual awards focus on the spirit of creativity and ingenuity by discovering, honoring and celebrating innovators from across the seven-county region of Northwest Indiana. Dedicated to the idea that anyone can be an

The Porter County Health Department on Tuesday issued a public notice of a petroleum release, spill or overfill with the following information: • Local health departments are required by statute (IC 13-23-16) to inform the public of the discovery of released regulated substances at an underground storage tank site or aboveground storage tank, in the surrounding area or a spill or overfill. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) was notified on August 6, 2025, of such an incident from the owner or operator of the GE Marshalls, Inc. facility located at 1351 Joliet Road in or near Valparaiso, Indiana

Check out the Franciscan Health S.H.E. Event Saturday October 4th from 8am-5pm at PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST GREAT HALL 1401 U.S. 421, Westville, IN SAT, OCT 4 | 8AM – 5PM Strong Healthy Empowered W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H S.H.E.CONFERENCE Franciscan Health presents the inaugural S.H.E. Women’s Health Conference, dedicated to uplifting and empowering women in Northwest Indiana. For more information:  S.H.E. Women's Health Conference | Franciscan Health Foundation

The Porter County determines that Chesterton Police Department officers acted justifiably and in self defense in a shooting that occurred in June. The Town of Chesterton released the following information on Monday: Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann determines that CPD officers acted justifiably and in self defense in shooting outside Hilton Garden Inn Porter County Prosecuting Attorney Gary Germann released a statement today, Monday, Aug. 11, in which he confirms the results of an Indiana State Police investigation, that Officer Nolan Mancera and Lt. David Virijevich acted in self-defense in the shooting outside the Hilton Garden Inn on June 18.

Press Release, City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso has kicked off a major sewer and stormwater separation project, supported by a $960,000 grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency with support from Congressman Frank Mrvan. This $1.5 million infrastructure improvement aims to reduce flooding, protect Salt Creek, increase stormwater capacity and enhance overall stormwater management in the city’s downtown area. The project is estimated to remove an estimated 13 million gallons of stormwater from the combined sewer system annually. The project was spearheaded by Engineering Director Max Rehlander and is currently in the design phase. The City anticipates

A mobile food pantry is visiting Chesterton Methodist Church today, Aug 12, according to the Town of Chesterton social media. Operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Gary, the food pantry will visit Chesterton United Methodist Church, 434 S. Second St., Chesterton, at 1 p.m. today. Food distribution will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until all the food is gone. This is first-come/first served. Please bring identification. The Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry visits Chesterton United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month.

In Pulaski County, State Road 39 is closed between County Road 900 South/800 North and County Road 750 North. State Road 39 is closed through around Aug. 20 for a small structure pipe lining project in this location. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow State Road 14, U.S. 421 and State Road 10.

Press Release, Center of Workforce Innovations: VALPARAISO, IN — As the new academic year begins in the Region, the Center of Workforce Innovations is taking time to reflect on what was a landmark year of student growth and achievement at the Adult Learning & Training Centers. With a record-breaking enrollment of 503 students across Northwest Indiana, this year marks CWI’s largest class in the past four years, highlighting the growing demand for accessible, high-quality adult education and workforce training. Amidst this year of expansion, the organization underwent a name change to the CWI Adult Learning & Training Centers to better

Join Debbie Tatum and The Franciscan Health Foundation on Wednesday 8/13/25 at 9:10a here on WIMS for another instalklemtn Debbie's guest will be Danielle Crowder, Community Health Improvement Director for Franciscan Health. Thank you to our Sponsor Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress in Michigan City. #wims #nwi #localradio

Valparaiso, IN. — The MAAC Foundation is proud to announce Nicole Gladstone as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. In her new role, Gladstone will oversee all operations and strategic initiatives of the MAAC Foundation, a nonprofit training campus for firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, and K-9 units. Her appointment comes at a time of growth and opportunity for the organization, which continues to expand its offerings, partnerships, and impact throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. “I’m honored to join an organization with such a strong legacy and meaningful mission,” said Gladstone. “Being married to a first

The ramp from Ridge Road to I-65 northbound is closed today. The ramp will close again for approximately 1 day during the week of Monday, September 8. This schedule is subject to change. These short-term closures are needed for highway lighting work at this interchange, which is also resulting in ramp shoulder closures in the area. Unrelated ramp closures of I-94 westbound to I-65 southbound, I-94 eastbound and I-65 southbound to Ridge Rd, and Ridge Rd to I-65 southbound continue through mid & late August.

It is with Heavy Heart that we Share the SAD News about one of our colleagues Big George the Carguy who passed yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans. We will MISS You very much. God Bless. #georgevincent

During National Wellness Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives with a blood or platelet donation. Donors of all blood types – especially those with type O positive or B negative blood – are asked to make an appointment now to prevent a further drop in donor turnout. In August, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening – a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes – for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation. Fasting is not required for this

Near Rolling Prairie, there will be alternating lane closures on U.S. 20 between C.R. 250 E and Oak Knoll Rd beginning on or after Monday, August 11. First, westbound U.S. 20 will be converted to two-way traffic and the eastbound lanes will be closed. No left turns will be allowed through the work zone. Beginning on or around Saturday, August 23, the inside left passing lanes will be closed and traffic will utilize the outside right driving lane in each direction. Left turns will be allowed in the work zone. These traffic configurations will each be in place for approximately

The Duneland School Corporation is welcoming a crop of new teachers for academic year 2025-26, the Town of Chesterton reported. New secondary teachers for 2025-26 academic year: *Mark Harris, Chesterton High School. *Courtney Blackwell, Westchester Middle School. *Ruth Ficaro, Westchester Middle School. *Zakery Pfizer, Westchester Middle School. *Maria Hewitt, Liberty Middle School. New primary teachers: *Jackie Hood, Trojan Learning Center. *Jillian Matzke, Liberty Elementary School. *Abigail Parkerson, Bailly Elementary School. *Renee Nagel, Bailly Elementary School. *Riley Popplewell, Liberty Elementary School, *Leah Schoenborn, Liberty Elemetary School. *Fatima Chavez, Westchester Intermediate/Middle School. Photos from Town of Chesterton Facebook page.  

Coolspring Avenue will be closed Monday Aug. 11 and Tuesday Aug 12 from Franklin Street to Cleveland Avenue to thru traffic temporarily for pouring curbs and gutters and replacing topsoil. The city says to please use alternate routes if possible. All road construction is weather permitting and subject to change. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Donations are coming in for the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce Diaper Drive for the The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center. They are accepting donations of diapers and wipes for the entire month of August. The Chamber office is located at 200 E Michigan Blvd, and we are here 8 am - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.