Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What this 15-year charter means for Steel City families in Gary

Happening soon: Gary Truck Driving Recruiting Event at Schneider on the Gary Patch calendar

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Hello Gary! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What this 15-year charter means for Steel City families in Gary
  • How you can help brighten hundreds of Gary families’ Christmas this year
  • Why a murdered Illinois child’s body ended up dumped in Gary

Also on today's calendar: The Disco Circus at Hard Rock Cafe and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Garyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Garyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Frigid with snow and flurries, with a high of 14 and low of 0 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Bitterly cold, temps: high: 13, low: 4.
  • Monday: Not as cold, with a high of 25 and low of 20 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Steel City wins 15-year charter extension from state (chicagotribune.com) — Steel City Charter Academy in Gary has secured a rare 15-year charter renewal from the Indiana Charter School Board, ensuring long-term stability for its 300 students and future growth. The school plans to move into a refurbished former Gary Community School Corp. building next year, adding a cafeteria, gym, library and music room while expanding to about 650 students.
   

2. Volunteers and donations needed for 37th Spirit of Christmas Giveaway (chicagocrusader.com) — Gary residents are being asked now to donate or volunteer for the 37th annual Spirit of Christmas food and gift giveaway, set for Tuesday, December 23, at the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center on West 41st Avenue. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith and local partners aim to support families across Gary and nearby towns with free food, gifts, and holiday togetherness.
   

3. Illinois mom pleads guilty to murder in ‘brutal' death of 6-year-old son she left in a cold shower (truecrimenews.com) — Residents should know that a child’s body was found in a trash bag near an abandoned house in Gary after he was killed in North Chicago in 2021. His mother has now pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Illinois and faces 20 to 45 years in prison, while another family member awaits trial.
   

4. Portage police: Iowa man fled crash scene, tried to bite officer (chicagotribune.com) — A hit-and-run suspect in Portage was identified using a facial recognition system from Gary police after allegedly fleeing a crash with injuries and hiding in nearby woods. Officers later arrested him at a local bar, where he reportedly resisted, threatened police, and tried to bite an officer during a court-ordered blood draw.
   

📸 Around Gary

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Gary

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Missing these dogs?
    Check in at Charter School Of The Dunes, we have them. Call school for more details. (Nextdoor Downtown Miller Beach)
  • Inaugural skate session at 3 pm at the Woodson Library
    Admissions: $2.50 Skate rentals available $2.50 REGISTER to skate at : https://www.unapologetic.art/gac Open Skate Wednesday thru Sunday 3 pm to 7… (Nextdoor Miller Beach)
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Cake Decorator in Gary. Apply here.
  • Vanna Health posted a job opening for Integrated Health Coach - Lake County 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: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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