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🌱 Patch AM: Gary firefighter charged after alleged drunk-driving crash injures state trooper

Happening soon: 2026 NWI Homeless Veteran Stand Down on the Gary Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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Good morning Gary! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Gary firefighter charged after alleged drunk-driving crash injures state trooper
  • Planning Friday night? See what's on stage at Hard Rock Live
  • How a $15,000 gift boosts afterschool access for Gary kids

Also on today's calendar: Roosevelt Millennial turn up and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 75 and low of 70 degrees.
  • Thursday: Humid with a shower or two, temps: high: 76, low: 65.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, with a high of 78 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Gary, IN, Firefighter Suspected of Drunk Driving after Crashing into State Police Vehicle (firehouse.com) — An off-duty Gary firefighter has been arrested on multiple felony charges after allegedly hitting an Indiana State Police vehicle on I-65 while intoxicated, injuring a trooper, then fleeing toward a nearby Gary fire station. Police say he drove recklessly through an I-80 construction zone before stopping, and the fire chief emphasized that such off-duty behavior is not tolerated.
   

2. Northwest Indiana Symphony presents 'Rick Steve's Europe' at Hard Rock Live (thelansingjournal.org) — Gary residents can catch the Northwest Indiana Symphony's 'Rick Steves' Europe: A Symphonic Journey' at Hard Rock Live this Friday, Sept. 18, with Romantic-era favorites and video from the TV series. The orchestra, which began in Gary in 1941, now anchors the region's classical music scene and continues offering concerts, school programs, and youth performance opportunities across Northwest Indiana.
   

3. Kenneth J. Allen and Allen Law Group Donate $15,000 to Gary Club Kids (greatnews.life) — Families in Gary will see expanded access to the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club thanks to a $15,000 donation from Kenneth J. Allen and Allen Law Group, earmarked for transportation. The funding helps cover bus trips from 17 local schools and supports safe, structured afterschool and summer programs at both the club and the new Tolleston Opportunity Campus.
   

4. Indiana American Water opens $2.2 million Gary training center (chicagotribune.com) — Indiana American Water has opened a $2.2 million training center at its Gary campus, designed like a mini-city to improve hydrant maintenance, safety and water service. City leaders say the project, along with a recent $23.5 million water main replacement and a student-focused workforce program, shows long-term investment in Gary's infrastructure and career opportunities.
   

5. FEMA aid arrives for some Hoosiers, but others left in limbo (ipm.org) — Residents in Gary who endured long power outages after the August 11 storms are now among the first Hoosiers receiving FEMA disaster aid, helping families replace ruined essentials like refrigerators and mattresses. The story also explains how to navigate federal and state relief programs, highlighting why thorough documentation can speed up assistance while others elsewhere in Indiana remain stuck waiting.
   

📸 Around Gary

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My dog got out last night around 8:30, 9 o'clock.
    If you have seen him or looking for who he belongs to he's mine he go by the name of King He does not have his collar on (Nextdoor Glen Ryan)
  • Golden Days
    Golden rod is boosting the color and providing food to our pollinators when most flowers have faded (#1). Don't be afraid of it - it is the ragweed… (Nextdoor Miller Beach)
  • Globe Life posted a job opening for Life Insurance Sales Representative in Gary. Apply here.
  • Loves posted a job opening for Retail Customer Service Cashier in Gary. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gary here.

Ok Gary! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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