News

Press Release by Indiana Department of Education:  Indiana leaders continue to gather feedback from Hoosier stakeholders to refocus the future of K-12 accountability in Indiana. The first draft, presented in June, seeks to provide a transparent A-F accountability model focused on preparing students for the future. The draft rule will continue to be refined and updated over the next several months. “The first draft of the accountability rule reflects Indiana’s shared commitment to preparing students for lifelong success, regardless of their path ahead,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “As the accountability rulemaking process continues, we are committed

The Barker Mansion Presents-Mansion After Hours: From Parlor to Heirloom- Silver Traditions of a Gilded Age Family  Join us for an elegant evening at the Barker Mansion and introduction to the special exhibit, “From Parlor to Heirloom: Silver Traditions of a Gilded Age Family” on Thursday, July 31st at 6pm. The evening program will feature an in-depth discussion and tour of the Barker family silver exhibit led by Greg Kuharic, a Private Art Dealer, Appraiser and Consultant. Highlighting pieces from the exhibit, Greg will explore the significance of silver in both domestic and social life during the Gilded Age. The discussion will

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.  — The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department has launched a new mobile tool trailer to support neighborhood groups and local organizations in hosting community cleanup events. The trailer is available by reservation with at least two weeks’ notice and comes fully stocked with shovels, rakes, gloves, litter pickers, safety vests, cones and other essential cleanup supplies. Interested groups must submit a reservation agreement through the Parks Department outlining the event details and their commitment to tool safety and accountability. Parks Department staff hope this new resource will energize residents who are eager to improve the appearance

Michigan City Parks & Recreation announced that starting Monday, July 28, there will be limited parking due to Lot 1 (main lot) being closed/blocked off for the boats participating in the 2025 Great Lakes Grand Prix. The lot will be closed/blocked off until the following Monday, August 4. The Great Lakes Grand Prix is taking place July 28 – Aug. 3. See the events tab on wimsradio.com for more information.

The South Shore Line released the following statement on Friday: Press Statement: Today marks one year since the tragic accident at Hegewisch Station, where Grace Bentkowski lost her life. Our hearts remain with her family, friends, and loved ones as they continue to navigate this difficult time. Since the accident, the South Shore Line engaged a nationally recognized engineering firm that specializes in grade-crossing diagnostics to conduct a thorough evaluation of our pedestrian at-grade crossings to determine if any additional safety enhancements should be considered beyond those required by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This assessment examines key safety considerations, including

The completion of the Babcock road repaving is being delayed, according to the Town of Chesterton, who stated the following on social media: "What contractor Rieth-Riley Construction Company is calling an 'industry-wide shortage of slag'—an essential material in the manufacture of asphalt—is expected to delay completion of the repave of Babcock Road north of C.R. 1050N. "Rieth-Riley has put down an intermediate surface coat, so Babcock Road between C.R. 1050N and Fairway Drive is navigable, but it may be as long as two weeks before the contractor can apply the final surface coat, Chesterton Street Commissioner John Schnadenberg said. "The

News Release, Franciscan Health: MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Tristen Poe always knew he wanted to pursue a discipline in the medical field, he just wasn’t sure which one. The 2020 La Porte High School graduate eventually settled on nursing after being inspired by his mother and aunts, all of whom are involved in the nursing field. “Having learned their experiences and gains from their careers opened my eyes to a path I could see myself pursuing,” Poe said. “It was a mold which fit into my idealistic profession. It was because of them that I have never looked back. They

A man died Thursday afternoon July 24, after running into traffic on the Indiana Toll Road and being struck by a semi-tractor trailer one mile east of the Chesterton exit, the Indiana State Police said. According to the ISP, at approximately 12:42 p.m. a trooper was dispatched to the 32 mile marker to investigate a report of a man running in and out of traffic on the Toll Road. On his arrival a short time later, the trooper observed a “man walking on the inside shoulder of eastbound lanes near mile marker 32.1,” the ISP said. The trooper “parked on

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest and criminal charges of 72-year-old Timothy C. Pochron of Portage in connection with a July 22 shooting that occurred in Clinton Township. At around 9:42 p.m., deputies responded to a residence located in the 10600 south block of County Road 1150 West for a shooting. Deputies were advised a man had been shot and the shooter was still at the scene. Following the arrival of several deputies, Pochron was identified as the shooter and immediately taken into custody. The on-scene investigation determined Pochron shot a 63-year-old male subject several times. The

The Michigan City Police Department says it continues its strong partnership with Walmart and City Kids New Wave to put slightly worn bicycles into the hands of children throughout the community. “Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift I personally delivered the donated bikes from Walmart to City Kids New Wave, helping ensure local kids have the opportunity to ride, explore, and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle,” MCPD said on Facebook. “We’re proud to be part of a community that comes together to create positive outcomes for our youth. When police and the community work together—great things happen!”  

In Jasper County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor is conducting lane closures on U.S. 24 between County Road 600 East and County Road 1080 West. U.S. 24 is reduced to one lane with flaggers directing traffic during daytime work hours. Work is ongoing until around August 11 for small structure maintenance and repair. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when traveling through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

South Shore Line passengers are advised busing substitution will be in place throughout the weekend of July 26-27, 2025, due to construction in Chicago. On July 26-27, 2025, there will be NO SERVICE to Museum Campus or Van Buren Street stations. July 26-27, SSL passengers traveling to and from downtown Chicago will be transported via bus between Millennium Station and Metra’s 18th Street Station (address: 18th Street near Calumet Avenue). Millennium to 18th Street is an approximate 10-minute bus ride. Train passengers traveling to and from 57th Street Station will not be impacted. The buses will not stop at Van Buren Street or Museum

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after ‘suffering cardiac arrest at home’ Born Terry Gene Bollea, was found dead in his Clearwater, Florida, home on Thursday morning. First responders responded to the home after receiving a call about a "cardiac arrest,"

Chuck Mangione, “Feels So Good” one of the most successful musicians to come out of Rochester, has died at age 84. “The family of Chuck Mangione is deeply saddened to share that Chuck peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York on July 22, 2025,” his family wrote in a statement issued July 24.

La PORTE, IN – The LakeFest planning committee has released important information that festivalgoers will want to know before they go, according to Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber. This Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27, a wide array of activities will be held at La Porte’s Pine, Stone and Clear lakes. Featured events will include a free concert performed by global pop sensation Jesse McCartney, a special Friday Night Live at Fox Park, a Family Beach Bash at Stone Lake, fireworks, kids activities, an artisan market, physical activities and more. With events spread throughout the city, Schreiber said residents should

The City of Valparaiso is reminding the public of cooling centers that are available. The below information is from a press release last month about cooling centers for 2025: Valparaiso YMCA (219) 462-4185 1201 Cumberland Crossing Open Mon – Fri 5:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sat 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Porter County Public Library, Valparaiso Branch (219) 462-0524 103 Jefferson St. Open Mon – Thurs 9:00 am – 8:00 pm., Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daybreak Resource Center (219) 510-1800

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Superior Construction will conduct overnight lane closures on southbound I-65 to set up the next phase of bridge work between I-94 and Ridge Rd this week, which will then be in place through mid-August. This traffic configuration change is currently scheduled to occur with overnight lane closures on southbound I-65 from 11 p.m. Thursday, July 24 to 6 a.m. Friday, July 25. A single lane of the ramp from I-94 eastbound to I-65 southbound will also be closed during these overnight hours. I-65 southbound will be in a new construction layout the following

The Ogden Dunes Police Department issued a notice to residents regarding recent solicitation: "We want to address the recent issues concerning the Pest Control individual. Chief Ogden has not spoken to this person about soliciting services, nor has he given permission to any person or company for solicitation to take place without a permit. "This individual has been cited, and the company involved has been notified. However, due to the aggressive approach of this person and the company's lack of response when contacted, we kindly request that residents avoid engaging with them. If anyone or any company approaches you or

A Michigan City man was arrested Tuesday for dealing cocaine after fleeing from police on foot, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said. Tuesday afternoon an Interdiction Deputy was working the Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) Program along I-94.  The deputy was monitoring eastbound traffic near the 29-mile marker when he observed a red passenger vehicle traveling in the outside lane following a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) too closely.  The deputy exited the median and began to travel behind the passenger vehicle.  In the area of the 33 and 34-mile markers, the passenger vehicle continued to follow the CMV too closely

The Michigan City Police Department released the following statement on trespassing concerns from the community: Community members have recently contacted the Michigan City Police Department to express their concerns and/or frustration with large groups of people trespassing on their residential private property. They reported not having access to their driveways and yards, loud noise/music keeping them awake at night and people using their lawns as a public restroom. Aside from the behavior issues, community members were concerned about their safety if they went outside to tell a group of more than 50 people to get off their property. To support