News

News Release by Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been designated a Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana institution by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. This designation recognizes PNW’s commitment to supporting the military-affiliated student population at the university – from application to graduation. “This designation sets us apart at the state level and reinforces the strong, comprehensive support we offer military veterans at PNW,” said Anthony Pilota, veteran services coordinator. “We care deeply for all of our students, especially our veteran students, and we do everything we can to support them. Receiving this

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that make our community shine at the 2025 Community Awards Luncheon, held on July 16 at the Spa Special Events Center. The event honored those who go above and beyond to create a stronger, more vibrant Duneland. Chamber President Maura Mundell shared during the event, “Our community is strong because of the people in this room. Each of you contributes in your own way to make Duneland a better place to live, work, and grow—and today, we celebrate that spirit.” 2025 Community Award Winners: New Construction Award:

Press Release, City of Valparaiso:  Patrick Lyp has accepted a job in the private sector and will leave his position as City Attorney, announced Mayor Jon Costas. “Patrick has been an invaluable member of the leadership team in Valparaiso and has contributed greatly to the success of our city and innumerable key projects, including the redevelopment of our downtown, the addition of jobs and businesses and efficiency citywide. He will be greatly missed and we sincerely wish him all the best,” said Mayor Jon Costas. Lyp joined the City of Valparaiso in January of 2014 as General Counsel/Economic Development Director

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor F H Paschen S N Nielsen & Associates LLC has closed State Road 39 between State Road 2 and 18th St. State Road 39 is closed just south of the intersection with State Road 2 through early August for pipe replacement and intersection widening. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour follows State Road 2, U.S. 35 and U.S. 6. This is part of the U.S. 35/Indiana Ave pavement replacement and utilities project from Boyd Blvd to State Road 2/Lincolnway. Widening the intersection of State Road 2 and State

La Porte — La Porte Community School Corporation is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025-26 Slicer Ambassador Program! Following the outstanding success of our inaugural pilot program, we're inviting community members to go behind the scenes and gain an exclusive, comprehensive understanding of how our school district operates. The Slicer Ambassador Program offers a unique journey through every aspect of LPCSC operations. This isn't just another community meeting – it's an immersive, hands-on experience designed to build trust and strengthen the relationship between our schools and the community we serve. The Slicer Ambassador Program comprises

The 2025 Singing Sands Sculpting Festival took place over the weekend in Washington Park in Michigan City with Michigan City Special Events. The Sand Sculptors created beautiful works of art in the sand. There were 11 local organizations who took the Community Challenge and were each given $1,000 for their not for profit. Check out the beauty of these finished sand sculptors.  TEAM WIMS was LIVE throughout the weekend. Check our FACEBOOK, X, and Instagram Socials for pictures and additional coverage Thank you to our wonderful Event Sponsors for Singing Sands Michigan City Special Events Arnett Construction & Roofing NIPSCO

In Porter County, Babcock Road is between C.R. 1050N and Fairway Drive for repaving. The closure remains in effect around the clock through approximately Wednesday July 23. Residents of C.R. 1050N have access to their homes. Those of Golfview Estates also have access to their homes but need to approach the subdivision from the north, via Old Porter Road. The repave is being conducted jointly by the Chesterton Street Department and the Porter County Highway Department.

The City of La Porte on Friday introduced new artwork to Fox Park. Evince was created by artist Luke Achterberg (pictured on left, with Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber), and can be viewed near the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park for the next two years. The City of La Porte thanked La Porte Urban Enterprise Association and Lubeznik Center for the Arts for funding and facilitating the installation of this statue. For more on the artist, visit www.lukeachterberg.com.  

Join the family of Mr. Florencio Garza on Saturday, July 26, for an annual Blood Drive in his memory. The City of Hammond says the Garza family will provide free grilled food for all attendees and a gift for every blood donor. The event will take place at Northgate Church, located at 2820 165th St., Hammond, IN 46323, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here to make an appointment https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=garzamemorial

Join us for Monday Morning Live with LEAP as the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership staff step into the studio on the 3rd Monday every month at 9:30 a.m. to inform our listeners of the upcoming events and exciting news happening in La Porte.   This month, Leslie Schroeder, Employer Solutions Account Executive with Franciscan HEALTHeACCESS, will be in the studio to talk about what their program entails. Jill Schlueter-Kim, Executive Director and Jacqueline Weber, Development Director with Girls on the Run will also call in to update our listeners on how they help thousands of young girls in our

The City of Portage and the American Red Cross will be hosting a Summer Blood Drive on Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration is easy, scan the QR Code, visit redcrossblood.org. or call 1-800-733-2767. 

Michigan City Parks & Recreation announced that at last week's Park Board meeting the board voted to lower the Big Bat team fee from $575 to $475 for this fall season. See the flyer for additional details.

The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival presented by Arnett Construction & Roofing kicked off yesterday in Michigan City and is taking place now through Sunday! Some of the worlds most talented sand sculptors take to the Lake Michigan shoreline to create breathtaking works of art in the famous “singing sands”. The event also features local food vendors, an artisan market, QUICK SAND Speed Sculpting, the return of the Community Challenge, and more! Don’t miss out on the most unique event in the region, the Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival, July 18-20 in Washington Park!

Michigan City Housing Authority announced their website is now live. Visit the page at www.emcha.org. The MCHA says you may experience some difficulty in your search, because it's new. The more traffic to the site will result in it being easier to find. Also, you may be directed to the city’s website/housing authority page, you can hit a link to be redirected to the MCHA page. In addition, you will also see the Public Notice for the Opening of the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list on August 4, 2025 12:00 a.m. through August 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

In Lake County, the Indiana Department of Transportation has given an update that due to a roadway hazard, U.S. 30 westbound will remain reduced to one lane through at least early next week. This area is near Southlake Mall. INDOT says motorists may want to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.  

In the Town of Porter, full closures of Beam Street are scheduled to begin on Monday July 21 for a NIPSCO pole project, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. The Town of Porter announced full—though periodic and temporary—closures of Beam Street, beginning on Monday, July 21, as NIPSO undertakes a pole replacement project over I-94. The closure schedule: *7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, July 21. NIPSCO to install matting to a pole on the north side of Beam Street. *7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 25. NIPSCO to install a new pole on the north side

The Porter County Health Department will host their first-ever Health and Safety Fair on Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Portage High School- Portage Indiana. This free event is open to all ages and will include community vendor booths, free health services, safety demonstrations, giveaways, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The Porter County Health Department says the event is a great opportunity to connect with local organizations, explore important health and safety resources and enjoy a fun day out in the community.

Duneland Chamber of Commerce Community Awards celebrate local businesses. Several Duneland Chamber of Commerce businesses were honored earlier this week with Community Awards for their outstanding contributions to the community. Businesses and individuals are listed below. TEAM WIMS' Ric Federighi was Master of Ceremonies. 2025 Community Awards Winners New Construction Award: Chesterton Police Station, Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair, Net Par, Great and Small Animal Clinic Business Renovation Award: Pizza Terra, Westchester Public Library Putting Duneland on the Map Award: Chesterton Cruise-In Humanitarian of the Year: Angela Wehner Golden Achievement Award: Tom Roberts Volunteer of the Year: Eric Gillhouse Serviceperson

The Town of Chesterton has announced the launch of their new website dedicated to the Town of Chesterton Comprehensive Plan Update - "your one-stop hub for updates, events and ways to get involved," the Town of Chesterton said on their Facebook page. "Follow along, share your voice and help shape the Town we all call home. "Be sure to participate in the survey - Your feedback is important to ensure that the Chesterton Comprehensive Plan is representative of the community and the residents' needs." The website can be fpund at www.townofchestertoncomprehensiveplan.com

Edgewood Elementary in Michigan City is welcoming their new principal, Mrs. Viressa Davis. “Mrs. Davis is a proud Indiana native with over 20 years of experience in education, Edgewood Elementary School said on their Facebook page. “She’s taught both elementary and middle school, led school improvement efforts, and most recently supported families across a district with enrollment and school choice. What matters most to her? Students feeling safe, loved, and excited to learn. As a wife, mom, and lifelong educator, Mrs. Davis brings a big heart and a strong belief that every child can thrive. She’s eager to meet our