News

Area closings for Thursday 

The following is a list of closings taking place Thursday by schools and other organizations: Schools:  -PNW - Due to expected extreme weather conditions, both Purdue University Northwest campuses at Hammond and Westville will operate remotely on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Classes will be held virtually. Students should check Brightspace for information from their instructors. Faculty and staff who can work remotely should do so. All on-site services, events and activities scheduled at the Hammond or Westville campuses for Feb. 17 are canceled. For updates about the status of PNW campus operations, please monitor pnw.edu/alerts.   -Michigan City Area Schools

February 17th, 2022|Local News|

Lake County Sheriff’s Department: Teen allegedly assaulted mother, stole SUV and caused fatal crash

Officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and Gary Police Department are investigating after a 15-year-old boy allegedly assaulted his mother, stole her SUV and caused a fatal crash Tuesday morning. At approximately 8:15 a.m., the Gary Police Department requested the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Crash Reconstruction Unit to respond to the scene of a two-vehicle crash with one fatality and one serious injury at E. 39th Avenue and Georgia Street in Gary. A preliminary investigation suggests a Chevy SUV was traveling north on Georgia St. at a high rate of speed when it struck the door of a westbound

February 16th, 2022|Local News|

Winter storm watch, flood watch in effect 

A winter storm watch is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening for the counties of La Port, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Berrien, Cass (Michigan) and St. Joseph (Michigan). Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches and ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch. The National Weather Service says to plan on slippery road conditions Thursday afternoon and evening. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commute. A winter storm watch is also in effect for the counties Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper and portions of northeast Illinois mainly along and south of I-88

February 16th, 2022|Local News|

Horizon Bank Awards Grant to Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Horizon Bank announced a grant has been awarded to Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) in Michigan City. The grant awarded was for $30,000 to be paid over a three year period. A check in the amount of $10,000 was presented on February 2 by Noe Najera, Senior Vice President of Retail Lending to Samantha Bean, LCA Marketing Manager; Nelsy Marcano, Education Director; and Janet Bloch, LCA Executive Director . NIPSCO says the grant money will be used to fund LCA Community Engagement and Education Programs with strategic initiatives that focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility and integrating those

February 16th, 2022|Local News|

NIPSCO accepting applications for 2022 Environmental Action Grant

NIPSCO is accepting applications for its Environmental Action Grant to support local nonprofit organizations with environmental initiatives, the company has announced. In its seventh year, NIPSCO’s grant provides $60,000 in funding for environmental restoration and education projects throughout the NIPSCO service territory. Last year’s 18 grant recipients included environmental groups, community groups, schools and other nonprofit organizations. Projects included wetland restoration, the Smithsonian water/ways education exhibit, forest school programming support, pollinator protection initiatives, outdoor and environmental education and several projects at the Indiana Dunes, Indiana’s National Park. Grants are available in the amount of $500 to $5,000 for organizations seeking

February 16th, 2022|Local News|

LaPorte County Health Department: Free COVID- 19 testing and vaccination clinic in Michigan City 

The LaPorte County Health Department announced that a free COVID- 19 testing and vaccination clinic will take place now through Saturday Feb. 19 from 2 p.m. through 6 p.m. daily, in Michigan City at the Salvation Army located at 1201 S. Franklin St. No appointment is necessary. Rapid and PCR tests are available. This is a free vaccine.  The clinic is thanks in part to the Indiana Department of Health/Indiana National Guard.  The LaPorte County Health Department says Pfizer is a 2 dose series, available for individuals aged 5 years and older. Moderna is a 2 dose series, available to

February 15th, 2022|Local News|

Town of Chesterton seeking residents’ help in choosing tree planting locations

The Town of Chesterton is currently preparing for the spring 2022 tree planting season and would like residents’ help in choosing planting locations, according to their Facebook page. The Town of Chesterton says the Street Department is in the process of applying for a U.S. Forest Service grant to plant up to 35 trees this April. Trees would be free to residents who qualify and planted by the Street Department. This is Chesterton’s 27th consecutive year as a Tree City USA designee and the annual goal is to plant—at a minimum—as many trees as were removed the year before. “If

February 15th, 2022|Local News|

La Porte County Sheriff’s Office: Man arrested for OWI after receiving help from his father

A La Porte man was arrested for OWI early Sunday after receiving help from his father, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office says. At 2:12 AM, deputies responded to CR 600 West, south of US 20 for a possible crash. A two-vehicle crash scene was located by Sergeant Jeff Wright. Only one of the involved driver’s was present, the other driver had left the general vicinity. A description of the subject who fled was provided to Deputy Marvin McCoy. Sergeant Wright learned from the driver that he had received a call from his son telling him the vehicle his son

February 15th, 2022|Local News|

Update: St. Joseph County man found safe

Update: In an update to a story WIMS has been following, 79 year-old Peter Metcalf was found safe, according to the St. Joseph County Police Department. Original story: A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared for a missing St. Joseph County man. The St. Joseph County Police Department is investigating the disappearance of 79 year old Peter Metcalf. Metcalf is described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 157 pounds,  gray hair with blue eyes, last seen wearing a black Air Force hat, navy blue coat, shirt, blue jeans, and driving a red 2016 Ford Edge with Indiana

February 15th, 2022|Local News|

Northwest Health Offers Community Wellness Education Getting Started with a Plant-based Diet

Join a clinical dietician from Northwest Health to learn a fun and practical approach to incorporating plant-based diet practices into your lifestyle. This program is for those interested in simply reducing their consumption of animal foods or in changing their diet completely by following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Dietitians will share the health benefits of plant-based eating and resources for meal planning, recipes and food resources. Those with diabetes, will learn how to safely and deliciously eat a higher carbohydrate, plant-based diet to manage diabetes. This free seminar is being offered in both La Porte and Valparaiso. Registration is required. In Valparaiso Speaker: Jill Kilhefner, RND, LD

February 14th, 2022|Local News|

Second arrest made from homicide on Christmas Eve in Michigan City

The following is a statement from the Michigan City Police Department regarding a second arrest being made from the homicide that occurred on Christmas Eve: "An update on the homicide that occurred on December 24, 2021. On Christmas Eve at approximately 3:39 pm, Officers with the Michigan City Police Department began to hear gunfire in the area of 10th and Wabash St. The LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center advised the officers that they were receiving reports of a gunshot victim in the area of West 11th Street and Wabash Street. Michigan City Police Officers, Indiana State Police Officers, Michigan City

February 14th, 2022|Local News|

Lowell Troopers arrest 526 impaired drivers on midnight shift in 2021

The Indiana State Police - Lowell Post announced that troopers working the midnight shift made 526 arrests for impaired driving in 2021.  Trooper Israel Rosillo led the way with 111 arrests, followed by Trooper Jordin Bilthuis with 94 and Trooper Kevin Council with 83.  These statistics include arrests for alcohol offenses, as well as drug offenses to include operating under the influence of marijuana and other illegal drugs.  Several of these arrests also involved vehicle crashes that involved injuries to either the arrestee or an innocent person.  The Indiana State police say that while they are proud of the efforts

February 12th, 2022|Local News|

Franciscan Health Hammond invites public to garage sale on Feb. 19

Furniture, housewares and office supplies will be among the items people can take home from a garage sale at Franciscan Health Hammond from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19. There will be no charge for items, which had previously been used at the hospital campus, but a goodwill donation is requested. Donations will go toward the Franciscan Alliance Employee Assistance Fund. To access the sale, use the hospital’s main entrance at 5454 Hohman Ave. Items that may be available at the sale include: • various housewares and house décor items • tables: round, square, rectangular of various

February 11th, 2022|Local News|

Northwest Indiana to receive $1,130,307 in federal funds to support local emergency food and housing programs

Lake and Porter counties have been awarded $1,130,307 by the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to support local food pantries, housing and basic needs services. The award is provided in two funding rounds. Phase 39 award is $276,307 and Phase ARPA award is $854,000. The Phase ARPA award is part of the America Rescue Plan Act. The funding provided will go to Northwest Indiana nonprofits providing services in Lake County, Porter County and the city of Gary. The award was made by the EFSP National Board, chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency

February 11th, 2022|Local News|

A.K. Smith Career Center students go back to class in a new partnership

Students at A.K. Smith Career Center who are enrolled in the Education Professions program are getting back into the classroom, but this time in a whole new way. Thanks to a partnership between La Porte County Career and Technical Education and Michigan City Area Schools, these juniors and seniors are now spending several hours each month in an elementary school classroom to get some real-world experience. “Students don’t truly know what it’s like to be a teacher until they are in the classroom,” said Cathy Lindgren, Education Professions teacher. “This gives them a deeper understanding of lesson planning, the method

February 11th, 2022|Local News|

FSSA celebrates National 211 Day

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is celebrating National 211 Day today – February 11! IN211 is a free service that connects Hoosiers with help and answers from thousands of health and human service agencies and resources right in their local communities - quickly, easily and confidentially. IN211’s team is comprised of experienced, responsive and compassionate community navigators who are skilled at actively listening and identifying needs and providing referrals that best meet those needs. Since Indiana 211 became part of FSSA in July of 2020, we have helped hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers. In the past 18 months,

February 11th, 2022|Local News|

South Shore Line gives March monthly ticket update

The South Shore Line announces that it will again offer a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” promotion, applicable for March monthly tickets. All monthly tickets purchased for the month of March 2022 will remain valid throughout April 2022. Passengers purchasing a paper March monthly ticket should plan to keep that ticket and use it through April, and passengers purchasing a digital March monthly ticket via the mobile app will see an April ticket uploaded to their accounts prior to April 1. For passengers who receive tickets through an employer benefit program such as Wage Works or Commuter Benefit Solutions, these

February 11th, 2022|Local News|

Moving violation leads to chase in stolen U-Haul on Indiana Toll Road

A lengthy pursuit on the Indiana Toll Road of a stolen U-Haul landed an Illinois man in jail after he refused to stop for Indiana State Troopers. Indiana State Police Dispatch say on Monday they received a call from the Ohio State Highway Patrol informing them that their troopers had been in pursuit of a stolen U-Haul in the Toledo, OH area. Authorities in Ohio were able to provide identifying information on the vehicle and they also had reason to believe that it was in Indiana. At just after 9 p.m., a trooper located the alleged stolen U-Haul as it

February 11th, 2022|Local News|

$15,000 grant from 1st Source Foundation enhances Center of Hope services in Michigan City and Chesterton

Thanks to a $15,000 grant from 1st Source Foundation, Franciscan Health’s Centers of Hope in Michigan City and Chesterton will have the ability to provide compassionate care to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, while documenting evidence to bring justice to tragic cases. “With this generous grant from 1st Source we are able to meet our goal of purchasing and installing state-of-the-art Cortexflo equipment for both our Chesterton and Michigan City emergency departments, enhancing and improving existing sexual assault response and treatment services in Porter and LaPorte counties,” said Debbie Tatum, Franciscan Health Foundation director of development. Franciscan Health

February 10th, 2022|Local News|

Governor Holcomb signs executive orders granting medical clemency for three men

Governor Eric Holcomb Thursday announced that he signed executive orders granting medical clemency to three offenders who are bed ridden and diagnosed with terminal health conditions. The three men will be released to the supervision of the Parole Board and will serve the remainder of their lives at a skilled nursing home under the state’s care. In all three cases the offenders require 24-hour a day care as they are unable to care for themselves. Holcomb said in a statement, "These men are no longer a threat to society, and it’s been determined they are better cared for at a

February 10th, 2022|Local News|
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