USW members listen to Jean Shepherd broadcasts, memories of Inland

EAST CHICAGO | Like ghosts from the past, the roar of the basic oxygen furnace at Inland Steel and the crackle of voices on walkie-talkies filled the union hall Friday as dozens of members of United Steel Workers Local 1010 listened to a 1971 radio broadcast by humorist Jean Shepherd.

DOUG ROSS: Talk turns to action on 'A Christmas Story'

There have been many Christmas stories told over the years. This one is about "A Christmas Story" coming home to Hammond.

OFFBEAT: NYC cartoonist back in NWI to speak to youth

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Northwest Indiana Newsman Tom Higgins in 2007

Tom Higgins stands in the trophy room of his Merrillville home in this 2007 file photo displaying one of his favorite pieces of memorabilia: a Red Ryder Daisy BB gun bearing the autograph of Jean Shepherd, author of "A Christmas Story." Higgins celebrated his 80th birthday on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012.

WJOB in Hammond ready to celebrate 90 years of region radio fame

Jim Dedelow, owner of WJOB-1230 AM in Hammond, describes the regional radio station as "living history built on listeners."

OFFBEAT: Jerry O'Connell stars as Ralphie in 'Christmas Story' follow

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

"Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss" 1988 Narrated by Jean Shepherd

'Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss,' based on the stories of Jean Shepherd, was released as a television comedy film in 1988.

A funny thing happened on the way to the library...

What started out as a story on our wonderful Hammond native, Jean Shepherd, turned out to be a discovery (at least for me) of how connected our lives can be when we start putting the pieces together. It turns out to be a small world indeed.

Radio Humorist Jean Shepherd

Jean Shepherd, the radio humorist from Hammond, Ind., is the subject of a new documentary being produced by Nick Mantis. Shepherd was honored in New York City Jan. 23 with a tribute event at The Paley Center for Media.

OFFBEAT: Region TV producer in New York for tribute honoring Jean Shepherd

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'A Christmas Story, The Musical!' a fun and nostalgic instant stage classic

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Gene Weygandt and Clarke Hallum in "A Christmas Story, The Musical!"

Gene Weygandt (left) plays the Narrator, aka Jean Shepherd, and Clarke Hallum is Ralphie in "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" adding fun and favorite songs to the 1940s tale of a little boy's desire for a BB gun under his Christmas tree.

Long-awaited 'Christmas Story, The Musical' begins Chicago run Wednesday

Child actor Clarke Hallum, who's cast as the wide-eyed coveted lead role of Ralphie in the new stage production "A Christmas Story, The Musical!," said some of the best performance advice he's received to prepare is to "relax and remember to just be a kid."

Gene on Jean

Gene Weygandt is playing Hammond native Jean Shepherd in the touring production of "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" which opens Dec. 14 at The Chicago Theatre.

Gene on Jean

Gene Weygandt is playing Hammond native Jean Shepherd in the touring production of "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" which opens at The Chicago Theatre on Dec. 14. Weygandt poses for a portrait in a rehearsal space at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago.

Gene on Jean

Gene Weygandt is playing Hammond native Jean Shepherd in the touring production of "A Christmas Story, The Musical!" which opens Dec. 14 at the Chicago Theatre.

Chicago actor steps into Shepherd's shoes, past in 'Christmas Story' musical

The scene is Christmas Eve in the mid-1970s. A solitary disc jockey at WOR radio in New York draws late-night fans into the dear, distant past. Growing up in Indiana in the 1940s, his entire kid-year hinged on glorious, beautiful Christmas ....

OFFBEAT: 'Christmas Story' actor finds composer dead in Chicago hotel

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

State lawmaker scrutinizing Lake County townships

INDIANAPOLIS | A top Indiana House Republican has begun meeting with Lake County township officials ahead of township reform proposals likely to be offered during the 2012 legislative session.