News

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the public to join its annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through free programming on Jan. 16 and Jan. 20, 2025. PNW will offer two opportunities for community members to join its MLK Day celebrations. Both of these community events will feature engaging keynote addresses from local civic leaders, as well as breakout community conversations focusing on issues of systemic racism and social justice. All event information can be found at pnw.edu/mlk-celebration. Jan. 16 MLK Day Community Event Information PNW’s Jan. 16

The La Porte County Auditors Office reminds county taxpayers that the deadline for their office to receive applications for property tax deductions for the 2024 pay 2025 tax year is December 31st at the close of business. The office is open to walk-ins from 8am-4pm, weekdays, now through December 31st,   The office address is 555 Michigan Avenue, Suite 205, La Porte. Applications for deductions can also be obtained on-line or by calling the office, and mailed in, but must have a December 31st or earlier postmark.   Those with questions can call the auditor’s office at 219-326-6808, extension 2004.

La PORTE COUNTY, IN, December 24, 2024 – Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City and Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte are both claiming victory in this year’s Red Kettle Ring-Off. During this annual tradition, the mayors of both cities compete to see who can raise the most money in a red kettle in support of The Salvation Army in their respective communities.   This year’s competition took place on Friday, December 20 with Nelson Deuitch and her team ringing at Al’s Supermarket on Karwick Plaza, while Dermody and his team rang at Kroger in La Porte.   Dermody

Young, Colleagues Applaud Passage of Bill to Provide TSA PreCheck to Disabled Veterans WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) applauded Senate passage of their legislation to provide veterans with service-connected disabilities with expedited screening under the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program. The bill passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent earlier this month and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. TSA PreCheck is already offered to active duty, reserves, and National Guard service members at no cost. The Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe

𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐁𝐔𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐘 𝐎𝐖𝐈-the latest from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. The #LCSO announces the arrest of Kayla I. PIER (38) of Michigan City for Operating While Intoxicated (L6 Felony) and Neglect of a Dependent (L6 Felony) following a months long investigation by Deputy Brian Crail. On September 20th, PIER was employed as a school bus driver for the La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC). That afternoon her duties included operating a school bus from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School where 32 students were passengers. During the route, reports began to surface from

Zac Brown TRIBUTE BAND ZBTB coming to the La Porte Civic Auditorium on Saturday January 18th, 2025. For tickets and information visit www.laportecivicauditorium.com. #wims

On December 26th, 2024, at 7:58 AM, deputies responded to the 5000 east block of US 20 in reference to a single personal injury crash.  The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Joe Walker determined the following:   A blue 2012 Ford, being driven by Caleb TEKKER (20 YOA) of Mishawaka, Indiana, was east on US Highway 20 near CR 500 East, and upon approaching slower traffic, TEKKER attempted to pass two slower vehicles by traveling into the westbound lanes of US Highway 20. TEKKER crossed back through the grass median, across the eastbound lanes, and off the roadway striking a

Firefighters were sent to Forest Oaks Mobile Home Park (formerly Burns Harbor) for a mobile home fire late Christmas night (December 25). Nearby residents reported smoke and flames coming from a trailer on Canterbury Circle near Amanda Lane in Liberty Township. Chief Brian Duncan and Assistant Chief Michael Wineland arrived on scene and found no active flames. Smoke was visible from outside the trailer and pushing out from the eaves. The trailer was not occupied when firefighters arrived. Liberty Township Firefighters stretched a hose line and conducted a primary search confirming the home was not occupied. Chesterton and South Haven

Solar Opportunities Indiana receives $117 million funding notification from U.S. EPA to expand clean energy access Funding from federal “Solar for All” initiative will spur access to solar in low-income and disadvantaged Hoosier communities over the next five years  INDIANAPOLIS—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally awarded $117.4 million to Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI), a grassroots-led coalition dedicated to expanding equitable access to clean energy across Indiana. The five-year funding agreement will enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy or benefit from zero-emissions technologies, moving Indiana toward a healthier and more sustainable energy future. The EPA’s funding letter is

MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA – Kabelin Hardware Company, a family-owned retailer, is proud to announce the opening of its 8th store on the East Side of Michigan City located at 2309 E Michigan Blvd (Eastgate Plaza). The opening of the new store represents Kabelin Hardware’s commitment to serving local communities by providing quality products, expert advice, and a friendly, helpful atmosphere. The East Side will now benefit from closer access to the exceptional service and wide range of products that Kabelin Ace Hardware has provided to the Michigan City community for over 50 years. Mackenzie Kabelin Watkins, President of Kabelin Ace

Richard D. Walters, 70, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at 4:56 pm in his home. Private family services will be conducted. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements. Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com.

Porter County Community Foundation Men’s Fund Awards Grants to Local Nonprofits VALPARAISO, IND. — The Men’s Fund, held at the Porter County Community Foundation, is awarding $7,000 in grants to three Porter County nonprofits. Project Neighbors is the recipient of a $5,000 grant. Funding will support Neighbor’s House, a 24-unit studio apartment building. This grant will ensure each resident has a bed, mattress, and nightstand. Because of the amazing philanthropic support from donors, for the first time the Men’s Fund is awarding two additional grants to Hilltop Neighborhood House and Porter County Aging and Community Services. Hilltop Neighborhood House will

  On December 20th, at 6:17 PM, deputies responded to the 4900 north block of US 35 in reference to a two-vehicle personal injury crash. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputies Jet Balenia and Xavier Biggerstaff determined the following.   A maroon 2005 Pontiac, being driven by Robert J. KAMPF (31 YOA) of La Porte, was traveling north on US 35. A gray 2016 Jeep, being driven by Aaron M. SCHROEDER (31 YOA) of Michigan City, was traveling south on US 35. A head- on crash occurred between the two vehicles.   KAMPF was transported to an area hospital

Press release, Group 7even: CHESTERTON, IN - ’Tis the season for free rides! To say Happy Holidays, let riders know it has been a pleasure serving them throughout 2024, and provide another opportunity for friends and family to create more memories, South Shore Line (SSL) has expanded its Kids Ride Free program to ALL trains and train times. Thursday, December 26, through Sunday, January 5, up to three children 13 years of age and under may ride any train for free — ALL weekend, holiday, off-peak, or rush hour weekday trains — when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Quiet

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY RECYCLING SCHEDULE  Please be advised there will be NO recycling pick up on Wednesday, December 25th.  The trucks will be on a One Day Delay in the recycling pickup schedule the week of December 23rd through Saturday, December 28th. Please remember to have your toter curbside the night before or by 5:00 a.m. on your pick up day to insure pickup. The Office and Compost Site will be closed Wednesday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday. The office will reopen Thursday, December 26th at 8:00 a.m.  Merry Christmas! Robin Havens Office Manager  

NIPSCO’S 12th ANNUAL HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS CAMPAIGN LIGHTS UP SEASON OF GIVING MERRILLVILLE, Ind. –   This holiday season, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) celebrates its 12th annual Hope for the Holidays campaign, uniting contributions from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, NIPSCO and NIPSCO’s employees to support community organizations serving northern Indiana. This year, with generous grant support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, NIPSCO proudly donated $110,000 to 21 organizations across NIPSCO’s service area. Additionally, employees contributed more than 650 toys to be distributed to seven local Toys for Tots chapters.   The mission of NIPSCO’s annual Hope

Killer PICS from the Notre Dame-IU Game thank you Mike Kellems for the incredible shots. Notre Dame winners 27-17 over Indiana. For more great action shots check out WIMS FACEBOOK page. A few of the dignitaries at the ND v. IU game… 1. Governor Holcomb and myself (Mike Kellems) 2. Jaylon Smith 3. Governor & First Lady 4. Gov. FL, Secretary Buttigieg 5. Tim Brown 1987 Heisman Trophy winner #wims #nwi #localradio #notredame #iu

Press release, City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso is preparing for winter weather and reintroducing a winter event priority map, indicating priority streets, neighborhoods and cul-de sacs. “During inclement weather, our top priority is the safety of our community. Our team is prepared and has a proven plan for snow removal. We thank residents and drivers for their patience and remind everyone to slow down during winter weather events,” said Steve Poulos, Valparaiso City Services Director. While winter snow accumulation patterns have adjusted over the last 5 years during the months of January and February, Valparaiso City Services is

A man has been found guilty of domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman, according to LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan. On Dec. 1, 2023, a witness came to the La Porte City Police Department, alleging domestic violence.  Among those alleged crimes were domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman. An investigation led by Detective Marcos Loza, of the LaPorte Police Department, identified Kyle Mouser as the primary suspect. On Dec. 3, after a 2 day trial, a jury found Mr. Mouser guilty of Domestic Battery, a level 5 felony, in the La Porte Circuit Court.

The Valparaiso Police Department made the following statement on a recent officer promotion: “The Valparaiso Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Jason Wray to Sergeant, effective January 1, 2025.  Wray is a three-year veteran with our department; however, he had served in law enforcement with Purdue University Northwest for two years and Valparaiso University for two years prior to his appointment.  Wray has spent his career within the Patrol Division, while also working as a Field Training Officer, Instructor, CIT Officer, Evidence Technician, Breath Test Operator, and Bike Patrol Unit.  Wray is a 1997 Graduate of Calvary