News

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.

Registration for the Michigan City Patriotic Parade is open and participation is FREE!! Just fill out the registration at the link below and be a part of the fun! REGISTRATION: https://rb.gy/ceeuvm

Ready to babysit? For just $25, students entering 6th–8th grade can learn how to stay safe, confident and prepared in any babysitting situation. The Safe Sitter Essentials class is happening Wednesday, June 18 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Porter County Health Department in Valpo. This fun, hands-on class includes role-playing, games, and even manikin practice to learn choking rescue skills. Students receive a Safe Sitter Kit and a Completion Card. Bring a sack lunch and water bottle—and get ready to learn life-saving skills that last a lifetime. Space is limited! Call Kendra at 219.465.3452 to register.

In partnership with the Northwest Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation is proud to announce the graduation of their Career Fire Academy. This ceremony will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. CST, at the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus in the Heroes’ Hangout Building. The 15 graduates representing the Portage, Whiting, Dyer, LaPorte and Michigan City Fire Departments have completed a rigorous 11-week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations, and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills. They have also learned about the importance of community service and

Chesterton, IN — The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Opening Day of the 22nd season of the beloved Chesterton European Market. The 2025 market season kicks off on Saturday, May 3, and will run every Saturday through October from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in downtown Chesterton. An annual tradition that draws locals and visitors alike, the European Market offers an eclectic mix of artisan breads and pastries, boutique creamery cheeses, gourmet foods, locally crafted aft, fresh meats, spices, oils, clothing, accessories, handcrafted jewelry, and fresh-from-the-farm produce and flowers. Guests can also enjoy live performances by

United Way of La Porte County is having a PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Kesling Park in La Porte. For more information visit www.unitedwaylpc.org. #wims #makingadifference #localradio #nwi   8:00am: REGISTRATION OPENS   9:00am: TOURNAMENT BEGINS   4:00 pm: RAFFLES END/AWARDS PRESENTATION   Kesling Park   2150 A Street   LaPorte, IN. 46350   LEVELED MIXED DOUBLES   (3.0, 3.5, 4.0)   TEAM: $50   (ONLY open to 36 Teams. This will SELL OUT FAST!)   INDIVIDUALS: $25   (We will assign you a teammate based on player level)   EXCITING Raffles, WIN GIFT CARDS!   Unique

The first Indiana Department of Natural Resources Free Fishing Day takes place Sunday, May 4. On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state's public waters. All other rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits apply. Free Fishing Days are an excellent opportunity to learn how to fish, take your family fishing or introduce a friend to fishing. Other Free Fishing Days are scheduled for June 7-8 and September 27. For more information on fishing, visit www.fishing.IN.gov.

When James Nielsen was born 49 years ago at what was then St. Anthony Hospital in Crown Point, he needed a little help. Nielsen was born two months prematurely. Fearing he may not survive, Nielsen’s parents asked the hospital priest, the Rev. Tony Janik, to baptize their infant son. “Mom always talked about Father Tony,” Nielsen said. “She said he came in and said, ‘I was a preemie, too, and look at me now.’” Janik initially volunteered in 1975 to help at St. Anthony’s three days a week when another priest was out unexpectedly. That volunteer stint stuck. Janik is

Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department partnered with Rebuilding Together Duneland on Saturday, April 26th to install smoke detectors in homes in their service area. Volunteer Firefighters spent their morning installing smoke detectors in homes that were being worked on by volunteers with Rebuilding Together Duneland. The purpose of this project is to help rehabilitate communities and homes of neighbors in need, focusing strongly on older people, persons with disabilities and those with children. The fire department’s mission is to help ensure families have access to working smoke detectors to make homes safer. This effort is part of an ongoing collaboration

Garwood Orchards opens for the season on Thursday, May 1st. Located at: 5911 W 50 South LaPorte, Indiana For more information visit: https://www.garwoodapplefarm.com/

The 2025 Farmed & Forged Market is BACK in Michigan City and La Porte Starting May 24th and running through the end of September   Farmed & Forged Market will be back in Michigan City on Saturday's from 8a-Noon starting on Saturday May 24th. Also, will be in La Porte starting Sunday May 25th from 10a-1p. SNAP Benefits accepted. FREE admission. All ages are welcome. Check out the Live Music and local products from local farmers. #wims #Michigancity #laporteproud #localradio #nwi

Michigan City Area Schools is excited to welcome all new and returning students for the 2025-26 school year. Enrollment is now open for Little Wolves Early Learning Center (Pre-K), Kindergarten, and the required Online Annual Information Update (formerly known as Registration) for returning students will open on May 1. Little Wolves Early Learning Center Pre-K Enrollment is open for the Little Wolves Early Learning Center, located at 1001 E US Hwy 20 in Michigan City. This high-quality preschool program offers full- and half-day options for children who are potty trained and age three or older by August 1, 2025. Tuition

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) announces information for their 45th Annual Youth Leadership Camps this year. The first session, serving the southern part of the state, will be held June 16 - 18, at the Indiana FFA Leadership Camp in Trafalgar (Johnson County). The second session, serving the northern part of the state, will be held June 23 - 25, at Pine Creek Camp in Pine Village (Warren County). The ISA Youth Leadership Camps are a program for boys and girls who are currently in the 7th or 8th grade of school and are interested in learning more about a

219 Taproom breakfast will be back Saturday, May 3rd! Check out OPENING DAY of the Chesterton's European Market while you are there. 219 Taproom knows you have lots of choices for breakfast, including eating at home! We’re proud of the fact that our prices have not changed from last year’s breakfast and we’ve added a few items under $5. Check out the 219 Taproom located at 109 S 3rd St, in Chesterton. Family Friendly. Great Staff. Call (219) 728-1381 for more information. #wims #nwi #loclaradio #duneland #chesterton