Local News

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has opened nominations for the 2025 Innovators Awards. In addition to inducting Individual and Team Honorees into the Society, three unique awards will be considered: Richard C. Sussman Prize for Team Innovation, Society of Innovators Fellows and the John H. Davies Lifetime Achievement Award. Now celebrating its 20th year, the Society of Innovators 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 innovator, the

This past Friday marked the official groundbreaking of the Chesterton Town Hall and Fire Station Remodel and Addition Project at 726 Broadway. The Duneland Chamber of Commerce says this exciting development will include an enhanced Town Hall, expanded Fire Department services, and a brand-new community room for residents to enjoy. “Thank you to everyone involved in supporting this important milestone for the Town of Chesterton!” the Duneland Chamber Of Commerce exclaimed on their Facebook page.  

LA PORTE, IN—The La Porte Educational Development Foundation (LPEDF) transformed the annual La Porte Community School Corporation staff recognition event into an elegant "Evening with the Stars: A Gratitude Gala" on May 15, 2025, at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. The event honored the dedicated professionals of La Porte Schools and celebrated their commitment to student success. Under the new leadership of Development Director Carl Savich and Communications Director Pam Stanfield-Tompkins, the LPEDF has embarked on an ambitious path to increase its organizational capacity and community impact. Taking over the end-of-year staff recognition event represents one of several new initiatives

Michigan City Area Schools posted the following statement to their Facebook page regarding feedback on the Year 2 of the Strategic Plan Implementation process: "Dear MCAS Families, Alumni, and Community Members: "Michigan City Area Schools is looking to gain feedback on the Year 2 of the Strategic Plan Implementation process and we need your help. We would greatly appreciate your time completing our Strategic Plan Implementation Year 2 Survey, which can be found here: https://tripod.sjc1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_5aOX2XT5BKfJHdI The purpose of this survey is to gain a better understanding of what the MCAS community has noticed during year 2 implementation of the Strategic

Semi Fire Closes I-65 in Lowell for Hours-here's the latest from the Indiana State Police-Lowell Post in a story we have been following here on WIMS-awesome work by everyone involved Lowell- On Saturday, May 17th , Troopers responded to a single vehicle crash on northbound I-65 at the 238.8 mile-marker. Investigation by Trooper Kurtis Jones shows that an intermodal semi being operated by UPS, was traveling northbound after exiting the construction zone lane restriction. It was reported that the semi experienced a sudden tire failure on one of the steer tires, causing him to lose control of the truck. The

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps conducted their Awards Ceremony on May 15th at the high school. Various military and civic organizations presented awards to cadets who have performed exceptionally from the end of the last school year to now. These accomplishments ranged from community service to academics to extracurricular activities. The military organizations presenting awards included the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Women Marines Association, the Marine Corps League, and the Military Officers Association of America. The civic organizations were the Sons of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan announced the rescheduled Community Conversations that will be held throughout Indiana’s First Congressional District on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Congressman Mrvan stated, “I invite residents to attend one of my rescheduled Community Conversations that I will be holding on May 29, 2025.  I believe these opportunities allow me to hear directly from constituents and better represent our collective interests in our nation’s capital.  Additionally, I will provide a brief update on the 119th Session of Congress and my work on the House Appropriations Committee.” Thursday – May 29, 2025 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Michigan

News Release, Franciscan Health: CROWN POINT, Ind. – What started as a way to get out of the house and stay busy nearly 50 years ago has turned into a lifetime of dedicated service for a 100-year-old volunteer at Franciscan Health Crown Point. Vivian Kelby, who turned 100 on May 4, will exceed 38,000 volunteer hours with the hospital this month. That’s the equivalent of more than four years. She still volunteers every Friday afternoon in the gift shop. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy it,” Kelby said. “I like to work and I like the people.” Kelby

If you missed the first Free Fishing Day on May 4, mark your calendar for the next ones, June 7-8, and Sept 27. While there are no licenses or stamps required on these special days, all regulations such as seasons, bag limits, and size limits still apply. Free Fishing Days offer Indiana residents the opportunity to try fishing for the first time without having to purchase a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps. If you already have your annual fishing license, this is a perfect opportunity to take friends and family fishing who haven’t gone before. Helping new anglers experience the

Michigan City, IN  - Michiana Humane Society (MHS) is set to receive a $4,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for pets in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested nearly $410 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations — like ours

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - There will be lane closures on State Road 49 between I-94 and U.S. 20 beginning on or after Monday, May 19. State Road 49 will have alternating lane closures for bridge painting and bridge deck overlay activities over the Amtrak railway just north of I-94 through mid-October. Work will begin with the left lane and shoulder of northbound State Road 49 closed through late May. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area and delays during peak times. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Franciscan Health Michigan City’s free FIT-Together program, a family-centered approach to health and wellness, is back and open for registration. The unique, six-week fitness program is intended for households with children between the ages of 8 and 15. FIT-Together addresses the well-being of every participating family member, including children, siblings, parents and parental figures. Veronica Martin of Mindful Minds will help participants explore healthy choices in activities, relationships and emotional health. Attendees will also learn the seven Cs of family resilience, including control, competence, coping, confidence, connection, character and contribution. Individual and family-centered physical activities and

The South Shore Line has given an advisory for a depot switch at Millennium Station effective Sunday, May 18, 2025: Between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18, all South Shore Line passengers utilizing Millennium Station will temporarily board/detrain from the Metra Depot (Tracks 5 and 6), located northwest of the SSL platform. Passengers on the following weekend trains will utilize the Metra depot on May 18: Westbound Tr 600, Tr 502, Tr 504, Tr 506, & Tr 608; Eastbound Tr 503 & Tr 505. During this time, Metra will be performing wire work in the SSL depot. After

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close the ramp from eastbound I-94 to northbound State Road 152/Indianapolis Boulevard on or after Monday, May 19. The ramp will be closed for terminal joint work on the ramp bridge over U.S. 41/Indianapolis Boulevard. This operation is weather sensitive so crews will wait until the weather is favorable to close the ramp, and the closure is expected to be in place from approximately 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. All work will be completed in one evening if conditions allow. This is punch list work for the bridge deck

The City of Michigan City has announced that effective immediately, two motels in Michigan City—Ramada by Wyndham, located at 5820 Franklin Street, and Comfort Inn & Suites, located at 100 W. Kieffer Road—have been ordered closed indefinitely due to multiple unresolved city and fire code violations. "The business licenses for both properties have expired, and the City will not consider renewal until all cited violations are fully addressed by licensed contractors," the city said in a press release. "Due to the severity of the violations—several of which pose significant life, health, and safety hazards—no staff or guests are permitted on

The Michiana Humane Society is hosting their biggest pet-friendly and family-friendly event of the year this Sunday. Pets & Pours 2025, will be on Sunday, May 18, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Central Time at Friendship Botanic Gardens. This laid-back gathering brings four-legged fun together—all to support the homeless pets at the Michiana Humane Society. Food vendors: House of Garlic, Social Que BBQ and an MHS volunteer bake sale Live entertainment: music by Pablo's Great Revenge with host Joey D Drink vendors: Burn 'em Brewing, Shady Creek Winery, Twisted Sugar Soda Bar, and Zorn Brew Works Pet-friendly vendors: Creekside

Michigan City, IN – The LaPorte County Career and Technical Education program at the A. K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City held its 2025 Awards Night on Wednesday, May 7, at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center. Prior to the ceremony, students hosted a showcase to share an overview of their programs, highlight recent projects, and reflect on events they had attended. As they received their awards, seniors of the Technical Honor Society received a cord to be worn at their high school graduations, and new students were inducted. Several students were also honored with scholarships and awards. The purpose

A 6-year-old was rescued by two good Samaritans from the water at Porter Beach on Thursday. Just before 1 p.m., Porter Police and Fire were dispatched to Porter Beach in reference to a water rescue. It was reported that a 6 year old child on a kayak had drifted about 200 yards from shore and the kayak was continuing to float away. During the response, it was reported the child fell off the kayak and was in the water with no life jacket. Porter Fire Chief Jay Craig arrived on scene along with a Town of Porter Police Officer. Chief

GARY, Ind. – Northwestern Indiana Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) and lead agency Franciscan Health are teaming up with local healthcare and community organizations to host a free Grandparents Tea for expectant mothers and grandparents. The event is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central on Saturday, June 7 at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center, 220 W. 5th Ave. in Gary. The Grandparents Tea will feature information on safe sleep practices, car seat safety and postpartum maternal warning signs to help support growing families. Attendees can also connect with other expectant parents and grandparents

Portage Police Chief Mike Candiano gave an overnight update on the city’s response to Thursday night’s storms. “Portions of the city were hit pretty hard by tonight’s storm,” Candiano stated.  “We have responded to reports of 10-15 trees down and blocking intersections.   We’ve also responded to multiple calls of power lines down, resulting in widespread outages across the city. "The Portage Street Dept is currently out addressing the fallen trees and we are working with Porter County 911 to notify Nipsco of the downed lines as we encounter them. "If you journey out tonight, use caution as there is