🌱 Patch AM: How a 15-year charter renewal could reshape Gary’s school landscape

Good day Gary! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How a 15-year charter renewal could reshape Gary’s school landscape
• How Gary families are keeping pets fed despite rising financial strain
• How new Indiana data center rules could affect Northwest Indiana communities

Today's riddle: What two things can you never eat for breakfast? . 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Periods of snow this morning, with a high of 30 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Tuesday: A little snow in the p.m., temps: high: 30, low: 27.
• Wednesday: Cloudy with a snow shower, with a high of 33 and low of 9 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Steel City Academy receives historic 15-Year charter renewal (chicagocrusader.com) — Steel City Academy in Gary has secured a rare 15-year charter renewal, giving the K–12 school long-term stability as it prepares to move into the former Lincoln Achievement Center on Polk Street. Leaders say the extended authorization, backed by strong test results, will support enrollment growth, expanded programs, and a larger role in Gary’s public education resurgence.
   

• Pet pantry assists families in need with food, supplies (chicagotribune.com) — A Gary-based nonprofit, Cause 4Paws Gary, is helping low-income families keep their pets fed through a drive-thru pet food pantry that recently served 165 registered families at Beacon Light Church in Gary. Run entirely by volunteers, the pantry now operates March through December, with demand rising after the pandemic and government shutdown, and the group is seeking warehouse space to expand year-round support for Gary and Lake County residents.
   

• Indiana legislators introduce data center bills for 2026 session (chicagotribune.com) — State lawmakers are proposing two 2026 bills to regulate fast-growing data center development, and a member of Gary Advocates for Responsible Development is backing them as a needed first step. The measures would study impacts on Indiana’s power grid and water supplies, require permits, and increase transparency so communities like those in Northwest Indiana aren’t stuck with higher costs or strained resources.
   

📸 Around Gary

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🗓 Events Nearby

Monday December 29

• Zumba in the Park
  Portage, IN Calendar , 2100 Willowcreek Road , Portage
  9:00 am
• Teen Advisory Board & Game Night
  Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
  3:00 pm
• Taekwondo in the Park
  Portage, IN Calendar , 2100 Willowcreek Road , Portage
  4:30 pm
• Yoga in the Park
  Portage, IN Calendar , 5250 US Highway 6 S , Portage
  5:30 pm
• Monday Night Adult D&D
  Munster Branch of the Lake County Public Library , 8701 Calumet Ave , Munster
  6:00 pm

Tuesday December 30

• One-On-One Tech Help: Everyday Technology
  Highland - Meeting Room A
  10:30 am
• Noon Years Eve Party
  Merrillville - Meeting Room A
  11:00 am
• Laugh for Your Health
  Merrillville - Meeting Room C
  1:00 pm
• STEAM Squad: Winter Wonderland
  Hammond Public Library , 564 State St , Hammond
  2:00 pm
• Restaurant Crawl in Downtown Highland
  Downtown Highland parking lot
  5:00 pm
• Open Fly Tying Seminar
  Bass Pro Shops , 6425 Daniel Burnham Dr , Portage
  6:30 pm
• 12/30- Merrillville, IN- La Dolce Vita New Year's Eve
  Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant , 2120 Southlake Mall , Merrillville
  7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Gary PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Greeting From Emiquon
  This morning was very foggy in Central Illinois. The birds at Emiquon Refuge were not to be seen due to low visibility. However, the sound of… (Nextdoor Miller Beach)
• Music Bingo on NYE?
  Yes! And a caviar toast at midnight? What a no-brainer. See you New Year’s Eve!! (Nextdoor Miller Beach)

• Specialty Building Products posted a job opening for Material Handler in Gary. Apply here.
• Restaurant Depot posted a job opening for Stocker - Perishables in Griffith. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gary here.

🗞 Nearby News

Griffith

• Business news: MAAC firefighter graduates and wetland restoration grant (chicagotribune.com)

Hammond

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: Lunch and dinner. (From Norine S.)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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