News

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Secretary Mitch Roob Wednesday announced the recommendations of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Working Group, convened earlier this year to address the rapid growth and sustainability challenges of Medicaid-funded ABA therapy. ABA therapy is a widely used, evidence-based treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For many Hoosier families, it has been life-changing—helping children develop essential skills, reduce barriers, and increase independence. But while the therapy’s value is clear, the way Indiana’s Medicaid program has managed it since coverage began in 2015 has created serious challenges. “When Medicaid coverage for

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. — The Indiana State Police  says they seized 11 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop during the recent snowstorm on Monday in Porter County. A trooper was on S.R. 49 when he observed a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed despite snow and ice-covered roads. The area where this occurred is also a construction zone. After initially failing to stop, the driver finally pulled over on the ramp to U.S. 30. The driver, 35-year-old Daniel Aguilar Ramirez of Knox, IN, presented a California driver’s license to troopers. During the traffic stop,

The Salvation Army has partnered with Farmed & Forged Market for the Giving Market on Saturday, November 22. Families in need (with an EBT card): Stop by to receive a free "Feed a Family Box" of locally sourced food (while supplies last). Community members: Come shop the market, support local vendors, and help feed your neighbors this holiday season. Donations raised will help restock our food pantry and provide meals for families in Michigan City. Check out the event page for more details, or click here to donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/feed-a-family-4

Press Release, Michigan City Police: BERRIEN COUNTY, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Niles Post, in partnership with the DNA Doe Project, has identified the woman known for decades as “New Buffalo Jane Doe” as 71-year-old Dorothy Glanton of Chicago, Illinois. Glanton was reported missing after leaving her Chicago home on December 9, 1987. On April 8, 1988, her remains were recovered along the shoreline of Lake Michigan near New Buffalo. Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, her identity could not be determined. In 2023, MSP investigators reopened the case and enlisted assistance from the DNA Doe Project, a

The Indiana Department of Health gave the following update on Wednesday: Update on ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula: Parents and caregivers should stop using any ByHeart infant formula products immediately. - If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is experiencing symptoms (poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression) seek immediate medical attention - If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is not currently showing symptoms, continue monitoring them and seek medical attention if symptoms develop

The DNR is reminding hunters that firearms deer season starts on November 15 and the DNR has a new license system. DNR is urging hunters to log in to the new system, verify their personal information, and purchase early. The DNR says if you’re planning to hunt deer firearms season, logging on now leaves plenty of time to contact DNR or visit a retailer if you encounter issues. DNR anticipates heavy traffic to the system on November 14 and 15, so help us help you get into the field. • Purchase Your License: gooutdoorsin.com/login • Help & Support: gooutdoorsin.com/help-support For

Northwest Indiana- The Indiana State Police Lowell Post and Regional Dispatch Center were nonstop yesterday on I-65 and I-80/94 during the Lake Effect Winter Storms. Between the overnight storm, and then the storm that hit the region just before noon, troopers responded to hundreds of calls for assistance consisting of crashes, slide-offs, flat tires, vehicles out of gas, dead batteries, and trucks that were just stuck and unable to gain traction on the ice-covered roads. Semis had a particularly rough go of it as dozens of trucks throughout the storms became disabled in the middle of the interstate when their

Press Release, Michigan City Police Department: On November 3rd, the Michigan City Police Department initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint of an adult male having sexual encounters with a child. Detective Corporal Adam Brinkman began working with the Indiana Department of Child Services and learned during his investigation that 66-year-old Michigan City resident, Billy Cannon reportedly had multiple sexual encounters with a child that was known to him. Detectives from the Investigative Division executed a search warrant at Cannon’s residence on November 7th where they took him into custody and located evidence to corroborate the allegations made by the

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is excited to announce a new special group recognition license plate that will be available through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Beginning in 2026, PNW alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters will have the opportunity to showcase their school spirit while directly contributing to scholarships for PNW students. Proceeds from each specialty license plate registered will help fund scholarships at PNW, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students. By purchasing a specialty plate, supporters are helping to foster innovative education, relieve financial burdens and enhance opportunities for PNW students

There will be a free Food and Essentials Distribution next weekend in La Porte, (while supplies last), according to the Indiana Toll Road, who is a sponsor of the event. The 13 Black National Dunes Girls Volleyball Team is hosting a drive-up event with canned food, fresh items, and personal hygiene supplies for any family in need—no questions asked. When: Sunday, Nov. 16th | 11 AM CT Where: Dunes Volleyball Club, La Porte, IN

Press Release, Indiana Department of Natural Resources: The Indiana Rare Earth Recovery Council will meet on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Indiana Statehouse. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. ET in the House Ways and Means Committee Room, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Room 404. The agenda is posted below. The council was created by Executive Order 25-62, issued by Governor Mike Braun in April. The council will work to spearhead efforts to reclaim rare earth elements and critical materials from legacy coal byproducts. Indiana is among the top coal producing states in the nation. Rare earth elements and critical

The following is a list of Food Bank of Northern Indiana Turkeys on the Table distributions for November: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Starke County 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. CT *While supplies last. Where: North Judson United Methodist Church, 210 Center Ave., North Judson, IN  46366 *This distribution will serve 125 households.   Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Starke County 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT *While supplies last. Where: Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield St., Knox, IN  46534 *This distribution will serve 150 households.   Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – St. Joseph County 9 a.m. –

Franciscan Health CEO Dean Mazzoni joins Ric Federighi for "Well Beings" on Wednesday 11/12 at 9:10am. "Well Beings" brought to you by Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress in Michigan City. You can listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM and 106.7FM out of Valparaiso or we stream at wmsradio.com. Check out the FACEBOOK LIVE feed at the same time on WIMS' FACEBOOK. #wims #nwi #localradio

For those who need a safe place to get in out of the cold, the City of La Porte has several options for warming centers. DAYTIME: La Porte City Hall (801 Michigan Ave): 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday La Porte Fire Station #3 (710 Daytona St): 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Please note: the station will be evacuated in the event of a fire fire call) LP County Public Library (904 Indiana Ave): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays Center Township

Indiana Dept. of Health recommends pausing use of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula as the FDA investigates a multistate outbreak of infant botulism with potential connection to their powdered infant formula product. Recalled lots: Lot 206VABP/251261P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”) Lot 206VABP/251131P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”) Parents and caregivers: - Do not use recalled lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula and throw this product away immediately - If your child is experiencing signs and symptoms of botulism (Poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression) seek immediate medical care Learn more: https://bit.ly/3LxrJbR

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The Michigan City leadership team is seeking proposals to manage and implement a U.S. EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant over a four-year period.   The city was awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to redevelop brownfields that have been impacted by petroleum and hazardous substances. The city is requesting assistance from qualified environmental engineering and consulting firms to fulfill grant requirements.   “The funds are vital to the city’s focus on next steps for brownfield sites, including plans for cleanup and reuse,” said Economic Development Corporation Michigan City Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse.

POLKA PARTY on Sunday November 16th with Eddie Korosa Jr. with the girl and boy from Illinois from 2p-6p. Family Friendly. For tickets and information Call 219-879-9827 or stop by The American Legion Skwiat Post 451 at 121 Skiwatt Legion Ave, in Michigan City. #wims #nwi #michigancity #localradio

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST /MIDNIGHT CST/ TUESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches this afternoon and tonight. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...Until 1 AM EST /midnight CST/ Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in

La PORTE, IN High school hoops fans can delight in the return of a slam-dunk event, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. The La Porte Invitational returns for its fifth year Friday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, Jan. 11, at the historic La Porte Civic Auditorium. This three-day, nationally recognized basketball showcase will feature 12 of the best high school programs in the nation, with dozens of ESPN’s top-ranked players. With several college recruits on the court, well-known VIPs in the stands and an atmosphere that’s electric, Dermody said this is one of the most highly anticipated events of the

The City of Valparaiso hosted a well-attended Open House on November 5 to share conceptual options for the Eastside Master Plan. The event invited residents to learn more about the evolving vision for the city’s eastside and to provide feedback to help guide future development. The initial master plan, created by Browning Day, was placed on hold following the 2023 cancellation of the proposed sports park. The City of Valparaiso and the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission have since re-engaged Browning Day to develop new conceptual plans for the area in conjunction with the extension of Memorial Parkway. Browning Day, an Indianapolis-based