News

Venezuelan National Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison-For Unlawful Possession of a Firearm SOUTH BEND – Guillermo Zarate-Martinez, 29 years old, of Venezuela, residing in Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Zarate-Martinez was sentenced to 30 months in prison. According to documents in the case, Zarate-Martinez is a citizen of Venezuela who was in the United States illegally in August 2024 when he was found in possession of three firearms in Mishawaka, Indiana. Zarate-Martinez had

UPDATE Northern La Porte and Southern La Porte Counties on WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and areas of blowing snow expected. Additional snow accumulation around an inch late tonight through Tuesday. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph late tonight into Tuesday resulting in areas of blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities are expected to be reduced to one quarter of a mile or less at times late tonight through Tuesday, especially across open and rural areas. * WHERE...Northern La Porte and Southern La Porte Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight

The latest from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security-There have been no county travel status changes to the travel advisory map since this 11:30 PM update on 1/25/26. Be safe in your travel-For the latest LIKE/FOLLOW THEM on FACEBOOK #wims

UPDATE from The South Shore Line -see below. For the latest download their app and LIKE them on FACEBOOK Passengers are reminded that South Shore Line will return to a regular weekday train schedule on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Hazardous weather advisories continue to be active, with a Winter Storm Warning in Indiana until 9 am, Jan. 26, and a Cold Weather Advisory in Indiana and Chicago until noon, Jan. 26. The forecasts include heavy snow and additional accumulations of 3"-6" in Indiana, with further lake-effect snow. In Chicago, dangerously cold wind chills of -20 degrees are possible. Due to

COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ TUESDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills of 15 to 20 below zero. * WHERE...A portion of northern Indiana. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Values will be in the single digits above and below zero during the afternoon hours before falling to 10 to 20 below zero again overnight. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate

Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food Distributions for February 2026-see below for details-questions please direct them to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana-PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE Monday, February 9, 2026 – St. Joseph County   9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET *While supplies last.   Where: Charles Black Center, 3419 W. Washington St., South Bend, IN 46619   *This distribution is sponsored by the City of South Bend and will serve 200 households.     Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - Marshall County   9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET *While supplies last.   Where: Plymouth Parks, 1660 N.

La Porte County Career and Technical Education is congratulating Teacher of the Year finalist, Health Occupations Instructor Veroniqca Koze. “This outstanding educator is now in the running for the district-wide MCAS Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced in April,” La Porte County Career and Technical Education said on its Facebook page. Learn more about this recognition at www.educateMC.net/TOY_EOY  

COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM MONDAY TO 10 AM EST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero expected. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana, southwest Michigan, and northwest Ohio. * WHEN...From 6 PM Monday to 10 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

UPDATE: Winter Weather Advisory-Be safe and plan ahead- ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/MONDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches with locally higher amounts possible due to stronger lake effect snow bands. Most of the additional snow accumulation will be in association with lake effect snow showers tonight into Monday morning. * WHERE...In Indiana, Northern La Porte County. In Michigan, Northern Berrien and Southern Berrien Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Monday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning

Coast Guard Cutters Mackinaw (WLBB 30) and Neah Bay (WTGB 105) conducted ice-breaking operations to free, assist, and escort vessels transiting the Great Lakes on Jan. 21, 2026. The Mackinaw freed and escorted the Wilfred Sykes, a 678-foot motor vessel beset by ice on Lake Huron, and the Neah Bay directly assisted the American Spirit, a 1,004-foot motor vessel icebound on Lake Erie. Both of these missions are direct results of Great Lakes District ice-breaking operations Operation Taconite and Operation Coal Shovel. These are domestic ice-breaking operations established to provide ice-breaking services to assist vessels in emergency or urgent situations,

Marquette to Celebrate Catholic Schools Week Jan. 25-31-Events, Activities Planned as Spotlight Shines on Value of Catholic Education Catholic schools continue to stand out as leaders in education by offering a unique, values-centered approach that nurtures the whole student—academically, spiritually, and socially. That excellence will be toasted as Marquette joins its educational partners in celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2026 from Sunday, January 25th through Saturday, January 31st. “Our focus as an institution is to educate the mind, shape the heart, and inspire a life of service,” said principal Katie Collignon. “Our students are not only prepared for college, but also

Franciscan Health offering Produce Prescription Program   Franciscan Health is offering the Produce Prescription Program, aimed at assisting with chronic disease management, in Michigan City and Olympia Fields in February and March.   The program focuses on managing all chronic diseases, including but not limited to diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer.   Participants need not be patients within the Franciscan Health system to participate. Participants must have pre-existing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer; screen positive for moderate to high food insecurity and complete a six-week Cooking Matters course.   Franciscan Health Michigan City is teaming

Hoosier Coho Club is having a SWAP MEET on Saturday February 7th Join the Hoosier Coho Club and Stop by the La Porte County Fairgrounds on Saturday February 7th from 9am-1pmCST for the Fish Tales and Tackle Sales Swap Meet. See attached Flyer for more information. LIKE THEM on FACEBOOK to tay updated on their Events and Activities year round.

IDHS Activates State Emergency Operations Center in Response to Winter Storm The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated at Noon today, to coordinate the state's response to the incoming winter storm. This activation brings additional subject matter experts from other state agencies and external partners into one location to facilitate an effective, direct and coordinated response to the winter storm impacting the state. Indiana Governor Mike Braun also activated highway assistance teams from the Indiana National Guard to respond to some areas expecting dangerous road conditions as a result of the storm. IDHS

UPDATE: WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY-BE PREPARED .WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ THIS EVENING TO 1 AM EST /MIDNIGHT CST/ MONDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches. The greatest totals are most likely near Lake Michigan and along and south of a line extending from Colon, MI into Elkhart, South Bend, and Fish Lake, IN. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ this evening to 1 AM EST /midnight CST/ Monday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...System snow

INDOT, ISP & IDHS prepare for winter storm, widespread travel impacts expected-BE PREPARED   INDIANA – The Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Homeland Security urge Hoosiers to prepare for a significant winter weather event this weekend.   A winter storm will have statewide impacts Saturday, January 24 through Sunday, January 25. Heavy snowfall is expected, especially for the southern half of the state. Lake effect is expected to follow in Northwest Indiana, continuing into Monday. Extremely cold temperatures and negative wind chills are forecasted Friday, January 23 through Tuesday, January 27.   The greatest

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!   🏆 This Sunday is Conference Championship Sunday — the last step before Super Bowl LX!       📍 Sunday, January 25   🕒 AFC Championship   ➡️ Patriots @ Broncos — 2:00 PM CT       🕡 NFC Championship   ➡️ Rams @ Seahawks — 5:30 PM CT       Who are you rooting for to make it to the Super Bowl? 🏈🔥   #NFLPlayoffs #ChampionshipSunday #RoadToTheSuperBowl #WIMSRADIO

NIPSCO SHARES TIPS TO HELP CUSTOMERS STAY SAFE IN FRIGID TEMPS, WINTER CONDITIONS   MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – As severe winter weather and cold conditions enter Northern Indiana this weekend, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is urging customers to take proactive measures to stay safe and warm. A few simple steps can make a big difference during extreme cold.   Outside your home: • Be sure to clear snow and ice from your intake and exhaust vents. Keeping these vents clear can help you avoid carbon monoxide buildup and operational issues with your appliances.   • Keep meters clear

Be a part of the Coldest Night of the Year Walk with Nest Community Shelter on 2/28 in Washington Park from 4p-7pm. Stay Connected with Nest Community Shelter LIKE THEM on FACEBOOK.

Here is the latest from OTT Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Michigan City   Boyd "Butch" Kunze, 74, La Porte, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026   Private family services will take place. Arrangements are being handled by the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.   Contributions may be made to Jameson Camp, 2001 Bridgeport Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46231.   To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com.