Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Gary’s 2027 redevelopment and transit budgets just hit a legal snag

And check out Go for Gary 5k Family Fun Run on the Gary Patch calendar

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Friday September 18th Patch AM
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Hey there, Gary! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Gary's 2027 redevelopment and transit budgets just hit a legal snag
  • How Gary's towering Frank-N-Stein ended up with an American Picker
  • Why Gary's firefighters joined a national lawsuit over toxic gear

Also on today's calendar: A JOURNEY HOME and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Clouds and sun; less humid, with a high of 75 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Saturday: Occasional rain and a t-storm, temps: high: 76, low: 67.
  • Sunday: Some rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 73 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Gary council told not to vote on budget items due to lack of public hearing (chicagotribune.com) — Gary's Common Council was forced to delay votes on 2027 budgets for the redevelopment commission, public transportation, and the Gary/Chicago International Airport because a required public hearing and notices have not yet occurred. The hearing is set for Oct. 6, giving residents time to weigh in on spending plans tied to neighborhood development, transit service, and major projects like a new FedEx facility and the Lake County Convention Center.
   

2. Recreated Gary Frank-N-Stein bought by 'American Pickers' host Rob Wolfe (chicagotribune.com) — A beloved 21-foot Frank-N-Stein statue tied to a former Gary hot dog stand has been sold to "American Pickers" host Rob Wolfe after a farewell visit to its original Melton Road site. Dozens of Gary-area residents turned out to share memories and snap photos, and Wolfe says he'll highlight the statue's Gary roots and other local memorabilia in his Iowa collection.
   

3. PFAS in firefighter gear: 28 cities sue 3M, DuPont, Honeywell, others (fox9.com) — Gary's Fire Department is among 28 agencies nationwide suing gear makers, claiming their turnout gear contained toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" despite being marketed as safe. The city says it has spent, and will keep spending, money to test, remove, and replace contaminated equipment that firefighters wear daily, while the case proceeds in federal court.
   

4. Northwest Indiana colleges release fall enrollment numbers (chicagotribune.com) — Indiana University Northwest's Gary campus is seeing its second straight year of enrollment growth, with more than 3,300 students and rising credit hours this fall. Purdue Northwest and Valparaiso University also report gains, suggesting more local students are staying in Northwest Indiana for college and potentially strengthening the region's future workforce and leadership pipeline.
   

📸 Around Gary

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Gary

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm your local roofer!
    Just message me. I live here in miller beach, and have a million referrals! (Nextdoor Miller Beach)
  • UPDATE: Owner found and dog returned this morning!
    I just picked up this dog in the middle of the street at 7th Ave and New Hampshire. Anyone know who he belongs to? Looks well taken care of... (Nextdoor Miller Beach)
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Assistant Restaurant Manager in Gary. Apply here.
  • Papa John's posted a job opening for ShiftLeader in Lake Station. 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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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