Local News

Experience summer evenings under the stars at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest’s (PNW) 2025 Acorn Concert Series, featuring five outdoor family-friendly music shows. The concert series kicks off June 20 with Kashmir, a high-energy Led Zeppelin tribute band. The 2025 lineup also features performances celebrating the music of the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, Prince and other classic rock hits spanning four decades. All Acorn Concert Series programs take place at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, Ind. Performances are set in the picturesque natural setting of the arboretum’s restored prairies and woodland landscapes, creating a

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will conduct alternating lane closures on U.S. 20 between C.R. 250 E and Oak Knoll Rd beginning on or after Monday, May 5. Phase one will consist of alternating lane closures for approximately one week to set up the traffic configuration for phase two. On or around Saturday, May 10, the eastbound lanes will be converted to two-way traffic so that construction can occur in the current westbound lanes. Left turns will be permitted only at county road intersections through the work zone. Phase two will be ongoing through approximately the end of

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has opened applications to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for residents who incurred damage to their homes or property located in qualifying jurisdictions from any of the following disaster events: •    March 1, 2025: Mine Collapse •    March 15, 2025: Severe Storms •    March 19, 2025: Severe Storms •    March 30 – April 2, 2025: Severe Storms/Flooding Applications to help with immediate needs will be capped at $2000 initially, although eligible homeowners could receive additional assistance after a complete damage assessment is finished. The SDRF is not currently accepting applications for the Public

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor F H Paschen S N Nielsen & Associates LLC will begin work on the State Road 49 bridge over State Road 2 on or after Monday, May 5. State Road 49 and State Road 2 will both maintain two lanes of travel in each direction during daytime hours, but lanes will be narrowed to make room for the work area. State Road 49 and State Road 2 will have overnight lane closures during the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as needed from late May to late July. Bridge repairs and

Franciscan Health’s Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP) is opening applications for funding to support healthcare-related programs for nonprofit health and human service organizations in at-risk communities. SIPP funding applications will be accepted from May 5-30. Partner agencies will be announced in mid-July. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in monetary support. Organizations may complete an application online at this link starting May 5. Serving populations most in need and in accordance with Franciscan’s mission should be the focus of supported activities. These include people who have endured systemic racism; refugees and immigrants; the chronically low resourced; at-risk youth and others impacted

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center is hosting a free clothing room event on May 19th from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM. Please see flyer for more details.

Indiana health officials are urging Hoosiers to protect themselves from tick bites as ticks are active from early spring through late fall. A fatal case of ehrlichiosis in Floyd County has already been reported this month. The Floyd County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Health are working on the investigation. Indiana reported two ehrlichiosis deaths last year. In addition to ehrlichiosis, Hoosiers are at risk for several other potentially severe tick-borne diseases. While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Indiana, Hoosiers are also at risk for a group of diseases that includes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. They

The La Porte Police Department on Friday introduced Officer Rico Simpson's new K9 partner, Rocco. He’s a 13-month-old Dutch Shepherd from Germany. The department said Rocco is a dual-purpose K9, trained in both patrol and detection work, just like the rest of their K9 unit. “Your support made it possible for us to have this new addition to the La Porte Police Department Family,” LPPD said on its Facebook page. The department thanked the community for their donations to the K9 fund.

JASPER COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Ellas Construction Company Inc will close State Road 49 between C.R. 1100 N and C.R. 1000 N on or after Thursday, May 8. State Road 49 will be closed through late July for a bridge replacement project at Wolf Creek. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow State Road 10, U.S. 231 and State Road 14.

Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food Distributions for May 2025 Thursday, May 8, 2025 - LaPorte County 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. CST *While supplies last. Where: Last Resort Campground, 4707 W. 1300 S., Hanna, IN 46340 *This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 100 households. Friday, May 9, 2025 – St. Joseph County 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EST *While supplies last. Where: Charles Black Center, 3419 W. Washington St., South Bend, IN 46619 *This distribution is sponsored by Lippert Cares and will serve 150 households. Friday, May 9, 2025 – St.

LA PORTE, IN - The La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) announced that Dr. Greg Hunt, currently the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, was approved for the same position at the Westfield Washington School District during their board meeting this evening. Dr. Hunt will leave his role at La Porte at the end of the current school year to begin his new position at Westfield Washington School District for the 2025-2026 academic year. Dr. Hunt has served the La Porte community for 25 years, beginning his career as a high school business teacher before advancing through key administrative roles.

The Chesterton Tree Board will be distributing 200 free tree seedlings at the European Market’s opening day of the season, Saturday, May 3. The European Market, will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. but if you want a seedling the Town of Chesterton says its best get there early, before they’re all gone. Those attending will have the choice of Chinkapin Oak or Black Chokeberry.

The City of Valparaiso is working to fight the nationwide opioid epidemic by offering grants to nonprofit organizations working to combat substance use disorder. “The opioid epidemic and substance use disorder affect the entire nation and Valparaiso is no different. As a community, we’re striving to empower organizations equipped to help those who struggle with addiction by making these funds available,” said Mayor Jon Costas. The available funds are part of the National Opioid Settlement in which the nation’s three largest pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturer agreed to pay $26 billion to settle allegations that they fueled the deadly opioid crisis.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Siblings Jonathan, Juliet and Carolyn Yackel are proud of their late parents’ accomplishments as longtime higher education leaders. Inspired by their legacy as professors and administrators, the family made a generous gift to establish an endowed scholarship at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) on Purdue Northwest Day of Giving. The Yackels’ contributions were among a record of over 3,100 gifts adding up to nearly $2 million on the 12th annual PNW Day of Giving, held April 30. PNW Day of Giving is the university’s largest one-day fundraising event to enhance opportunities for students. “We are immensely

Local High School Baseball between Michigan City and La Porte. Check out the Photos from last night’s game where the Slicers defeated City 7-0. La Porte hosted the game. Thank you Michael Kellems for the awesome pictures. Check out WIMS' FACEBOOK for more pictures.  #wims #localradio #michigancity #laporteproud

How much will you pay to join the Y this May? That's up to you! Join on May 1st for just $1, May 2nd for $2, and so on! The earlier you join, the more you save. With no contracts and access to all the Y has to offer—like fitness, family fun, and wellness support—there's never been a better time to get involved. Pay the Day and start your Y journey toward a healthier, happier you!

Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point is hosting a free peer counselor training for breast cancer survivors aimed at connecting patients and survivors through a new program. Pink Ribbon Connection, in partnership with the Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point, is offering training for breast cancer survivors interested in becoming peer counselors to assist newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Peer counselors offer emotional support and a source of comfort for anyone undergoing breast cancer treatment. Participants in the peer counseling program need not be Franciscan Health patients. The peer counselor training will take place from 5:30 p.m. to

Beach Sticker time his here. The office will open on May 1, and will close for the season on July 3rd.

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana State Police Lowell Post is requesting the public’s assistance with locating anyone who may have witnessed a recent crash in Starke County. On Saturday, April 26, at approximately 10:28 p.m., a single vehicle crash occurred on County Road 600 East south of County Road 700 North in Hamlet involving a blue Ford Escape. The driver involved in the crash died as a result of injuries sustained. If anyone may have witnessed the crash, or any driving behavior of the Ford prior to the crash, please contact Trooper Jordin Rosillo at 219-696-6242 (Lowell Post phone

Porter County Coroner Cyndi Dykes is seeking the public’s assistance in locating any living relatives of the late 65-year-old Patricia Duggan, who passed away on Saturday, April 26. Duggan resided in LaCrosse, Ind., and her parents are the late Harry J. and Betty Lou (nee Steffus) Duggan of LaCrosse. “At this time we have exhausted all resources,” Dykes said. Anyone with information on Duggan is asked to call the Coroner’s Office at 219-548-0208.