News

Liberty Township – The Township of Liberty and Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department are pleased to announce the successful groundbreaking of a new, modern fire station and township government office. The ceremony, held on October 10, 2025, marks a major public safety milestone for the community. The $4.5 million project is fully funded by the residents of Liberty Township. The new station will replace a 70-year-old facility that has served the residents and visitors of Liberty and Jackson Townships and surrounding area. Over the years, Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department has responded to an increasing number of calls for service

Franciscan Health Foundation with another installment of "Well Beings" on WIMS Wednesday at 9:10am with Host Debbie Tatum. This month's show brought to you by Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress in Michigan City at 400 E. US Highway 20 in Michigan City. Call 219-872-6294 for more information. #wims #michigancity #nwi #localradio

Paladin Opens First Success Hub in Michigan City On December 5, 2025, Paladin proudly unveiled its first-ever Success Hub in Michigan City, Indiana — a modern adult learning and community space designed to empower individuals of all abilities. TEAM WIMS' Ric Federighi and Mariah Land attended the event along with a number of community organizations. A Celebration of Community and Inclusion The grand opening was attended by U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan, local leaders, and community members who gathered to celebrate this milestone. Guests toured the Hub’s state-of-the-art classrooms, welcoming gathering areas, and inclusive spaces that reflect Paladin’s mission of creating

*December is here—and so are the Year End Savings at Robert Tylisz Appliance !** Looking to upgrade before the new year? Now’s the time! Big savings on refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, and laundry pairs Trusted brands you know and love Expert delivery, installation, and service you can count on Robert Tylisz Appliance is your hometown source for quality appliances and real savings, with **three convenient showrooms**: 1607 E Coolspring, Michigan City 1255 E St Rd 2, LaPorte 907 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso Visit us online: [www.rtappliance.com](https://www.rtappliance.com) Hurry—these **Year End Savings disappear December 31st!**

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has stocked 70,000 channel catfish in 131 locations and 57,000 fall fingerling walleye in 11 locations since mid-October to expand fishing opportunities across the state. The channel catfish range in size from 7-12 inches long. The fall fingerling walleye average 5 to 8 inches long, typically reaching 14 inches after two to three years of growth and 16 inches three to four years after stocking. All stocked channel catfish were stocked in publicly accessible waters after being raised by Cikana (Morgan County), Driftwood (Jackson County), and East Fork (Daviess County) state fish hatcheries.

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office announced they will be hosting our 3rd Annual Citizens Police Academy in 2026. Applications are on their website at portercountysheriff.com.  You can print the application and mail it in or fill out the PDF online and email to pio@porterco-ps.org. The PCSO will be selecting up to 15 Citizens to see our facility and a wide range of their specialties.  This will begin on Monday, 3/2/26, followed by sessions on 3/5, 3/9, 3/12, and 3/16 from 5-8:30 p.m..

The City of Portage is reminding the public there is still time to bring in donations of nonperishable food items for the Youth Commission's Holiday Food Drive. Donations can be dropped off at City Hall, M-F 8:30am-4:30pm until December 12th.

Press release, Indiana Broadband Office: Indiana’s plan to expand broadband service through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This historic investment of more than $483 million will be Indiana’s largest to date and emphasizes Governor Braun’s commitment to ensuring that all Hoosiers have reliable broadband access. “Our state and the Indiana Broadband Office have been working diligently to implement the BEAD Program and get service to Hoosiers who need it as quickly as possible,” Governor Mike Braun said. “Broadband expansion is foundational for economic development, education, healthcare,

The DNR is interested in obtaining more information about skunk habitat use throughout the state. The DNR is asking the public if you spot a wild skunk in Indiana, to consider snapping a photo and reporting the observation to DNR's iNaturalist project throughout the remainder of December. Report sightings or learn more here: www.inaturalist.org/projects/skunks-of-indiana The top five observers with the most verified skunk sightings by the end of the month will receive a small skunk stress ball as a thank you. The winners will be contacted through the iNaturalist app at the end of the month. iNaturalist is an online

Franciscan Health offering cancer support groups throughout 2026   NORTHWEST INDIANA – Franciscan Health is offering free cancer support groups for patients and their caregivers across Northwest Indiana throughout 2026.   Support groups provide an opportunity to openly share with other patients and caregivers who have experienced a cancer journey. Franciscan facilitators will help guide the discussion.   Space is limited and registration is required. Participants may attend as many sessions as they’d like and need not be Franciscan Health patients to attend. In the interest of the health and safety of attendees and patients, attendees may be asked to

MUNSTER, Ind. -- Franciscan Health Munster is presenting a free suicide prevention course in December aimed at saving lives. The entry-level question, persuade and refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, is based on a curriculum developed by the QPR Institute. The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with one suicide taking place every 11 minutes. According to the QPR Institute, just as people trained in CPR

Holiday “Drive-Through” Food and Book Drive to Take Place on December 20 MCHS Student Council spearheading major food collection effort Michigan City – The Michigan City High School Student Council is once again coordinating a city-wide “drive-through” food drive. Students and staff throughout Michigan City Area Schools are collecting food, and the community is invited to participate. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected at The Salvation Army of Michigan City (1201 Franklin Street) on Saturday, December 20, from 9:00 am to noon, and all items collected will benefit The Salvation Army of Michigan City's food pantry. The food

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks nominations of passionate outdoor recreation enthusiasts to serve on the Indiana Trails Advisory Board (TAB). The TAB openings are for representatives of trail-user groups including hikers, mountain bikers, trail support groups, users with disabilities, and more. Nominees should be involved with a regional or statewide organization, club, or association related to the trail-user group they would represent. Selected board members would serve a three-year term starting in March 2026 and attend quarterly meetings at varying locations around the state. TAB meetings are in person and take place on the first Thursday of

Michigan City, IN — Effective December 1, 2025, Michigan City Transit is proud to announce the official launch of the Michigan City Zero-Fare Transit System, providing free public transportation for all riders. On November 17, 2025, the Michigan City Board of Public Works & Safety approved a new Operating Policy authorizing the elimination of all passenger fares. This major policy change allows Michigan City residents, workers, students, seniors, visitors, and the general public to utilize the entire public transit system at no cost to the rider. “This initiative reflects the strong leadership and vision of Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch,” Transit

Holiday at the Pops with the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra on 12/13   Holiday at the Pops with the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is coming back to the La Porte Civic Auditorium on Saturday December 13th from 7pm-9:30pm. For tickets and information visit www.lcso.net or www.laportecivicauditorium.com. La Porte County Symphony Orchestra -Phone 219-362-9020-Email executive@lcso.net La Porte Civic Auditorium 1001 Ridge St. La Porte. Call (219) 362-2325. La Porte Civic Auditorium La Porte County Symphony Orchestra The City of La Porte #wims #nwi #localradio

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center announced on Friday that they have raised $128,097 toward their $250,000 Christmas Campaign goal in Michigan City. Just over 51% of the way there. With only 19 days until Christmas, they still need your help to ensure local families have the support they need this season. You can sign up to ring a bell at www.RegisterToRing.com or make a donation to our Virtual Red Kettle at salarmy.us/mcvrk2025

The City of Valparaiso has listed warming centers available. See the photo below for the list of locations. In addition, the Valparaiso Police Department offers a special program for individuals who may need special help during weather emergencies. The Contact Assistance Referral (CARE) Program means the VPD will check on residents during harsh weather. To register yourself or a loved one for CARE please visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/384/Senior-Care-Program or contact Social Worker Natalie Beare at nkasberger@valpopd.com or (219) 476-7943 if preferred.   The Salvation Army of Michigan City is letting the public know they are available Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm

The La Porte County Health Department recently recognized Ahilleahi Ashbrook for her quick action during a sudden cardiac arrest at Meijer in Michigan City earlier this year. She used the store’s AED with guidance from 911, helping revive a customer before EMS arrived. "Her response is a powerful reminder of how early CPR and quick access to an AED can make all the difference," the LaPorte County Health Department said on Facebook. "Congratulations to Ms. Ashbrook on receiving the La Porte County Emergency Medical Service Citizen of the Year award, pictured here with EMS Administrator Eric Fenstermaker."

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest's (PNW) College of Technology has been awarded over $3 million through two separate U.S. Department of Defense grants that will supplement the college’s ongoing initiatives to advance education and workforce development in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). PNW’s Center for Cybersecurity, a research center administered by the College of Technology, received $3 million in continued support for its AI-cybersecurity workforce certification training online programs. The programs facilitate opportunities for transitioning military, first responders, government employees and other adult trainees to earn core cybersecurity skills. By completing PNW’s training, participants are prepared for

Santa's mailbox is officially open at Thomas Centennial Park in Chesterton. “Bring your little ones to send their letters straight to the North Pole,” the Duneland Chamber of Commerce said on their Facebook page. “Drop off addressed letters any time before December 17 to make sure Santa gets them in time! Don’t forget to include your return address!”