EDITORIAL: Pay it forward by volunteering to help keep Gary clean

One of the biggest problems plaguing Gary over the years has been that of physical appearance. A backlog of garbage and other debris in front of abandoned houses, alleys and in illegal dump sites exacerbates the matter in this cash-strapped city coping with the long-term impact of population…

Hobart church sets Christmas gala, gift giveaway for Friday

HOBART | Advancing Christ's Kingdom Ministries, 1001 W. Ridge Road, will host a Christmas Extravaganza and Gift Give Away starting at 6 p.m. on Friday.

Great gift ideas for kids to give

Between family, friends, coaches and teachers, some children give as many holiday presents as they receive. This year, encourage your child's creativity with easy kids' crafts they'll give as gifts.

Still Paying High Rates

Shop where you live, give where you live

"Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves."

The 12 hottest trends for baby names in 2012

Housing costs

american dollars in the hands

Merrillville Fire Department gets help from Santa for delivery

Jasmine Sharp, 10, gives a hug to Santa while her sisters, Kiley Simpson, 6, middle, and Cortnie Sharp, 8, take in the surprise visit. St. Nick was accompanied by Merrillville Station II firefighter Lt. Mike Trajkovski to the home in Merrillville. The fire station has been delivering donatio…

Merrillville Fire Department gets help from Santa for delivery

Cortnie Sharp, 8, left, reacts after opening a new coat while Kiley Simpson, 6, unwraps gifts during a visit Tuesday evening to their Merrillville home from Santa and the Merrillville Fire Department. Firefighters have been bringing Christmas cheer to needy families for a decade.

Charitable Giving is Easier Than You May Think

Statistically speaking, Americans are extremely generous. Consider the fact that in 2009, charitable giving in the United States exceeded $300 billion for the second year in a row -- despite the fact that many people in every part of the country are feeling the strains of recession and job loss.