Gabby Dougas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

Students gather outside the venue to get a glimpse and possible photo of Gabrielle Douglas as the Olympic gold medalist visits the Indiana University Northwest campus on Monday.

Gabby Douglas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

Peter Smith of Foundations of East Chicago and Natalie Hawkins, mother of gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas, look on as she shows off one of her gold medals as the Olympian visits the Indiana University Northwest campus.

Gabby Dougas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

Gabrielle Douglas and her mother Natalie Hawkins listen to speakers at a luncheon as the Olympic gold medalist visits the Indiana University Northwest campus on Monday.

Gabby Dougas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

Gabrielle Douglas has a laugh as Robert Brown, a Calumet High School senior and event MC, straightens his tie for a photo with the Olympic gold medalist.

Gabrielle Douglas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

GARY | Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas greeted Gary high schoolers Monday with words of advice.

Entertaining Life of Accomplishments: IU and Gary grad using message of music for positive influence of others

Crystal Taliefero-Pratt thanks God, family and music for making the world a better place.

Vietnam vets get warm welcome on a cool day in Valparaiso

VALPARAISO | About 100 people turned out on a chilly day to give a warm welcome home to Vietnam veterans at the second observance of the state's "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" at American Legion Post 94 on Wednesday.

AL HAMNIK: White Sox must draw a line in the sand

A popular term on sports talk radio these days and often applied to your Cubs and White Sox is "hot garbage."

RailCats' Gates remembered for baseball spirit

JOHN J. WATKINS | THE TIMES Former RailCats and Kansas City player Tony Cogan offers words of comfort Tuesday before the start of a funeral service for Joe Gates, RailCats bench coach, former White Sox player and 28-year Wirt High School baseball coach.

RailCats' Gates remembered for baseball spirit

JOHN J. WATKINS | THE TIMES Joe Gates' brothers, James, Darius, Calvin, Glenn and Dennis Gates share memories Tuesday during a funeral services for the RailCats bench coach, who died at age 55.

RailCats' Gates remembered for baseball spirit

JOHN J. WATKINS | THE TIMES Ashley Gates-Ferber sits Tuesday at the grave site of her father, Joe Gates, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary.

RailCats' Gates remembered for baseball spirit

JOHN J. WATKINS | THE TIMES RailCats President and general manager Roger Wexelberg addresses mourners Tuesday during services for Joe Gates, the team's bench coach.

RailCats assistant coach Joe Gates remembered for his baseball spirit

GARY | Everyone from mourners and family members to former players and the deputy mayor of Gary remembered Joe Gates for many things.

Landing with the Eagles

HEATHER EIDSON | THE TIMES Bowman Academy assistant coach Ronney Robinson, left, and scorekeeper Donnie King landed with the Eagles after lengthy tenures at the now-closed Wirt High School.

Landing with the Eagles

GARY | On March 10, 2007, Ronney "Perk" Robinson sat on the bench and Donnie King at the scorer's table inside a packed Plymouth gym.

Student art exhibit opens today at Gary Public Library gallery

GARY | An opening reception for a student art exhibit by senior visual art students of the Wirt/Emerson School of Visual and Performing Arts will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. today at the Barbara Leek Wesson Art Gallery, located in the DuBois Branch of the Gary Public Library, 1835 Broadway.

Gary seniors stars of the night

GARY | A group of Gary high school seniors won cash prizes and awards Thursday at Marquette Park Pavilion for their participation in the Barden Gary Foundation's "Making a Difference in the Community" Black History Month contest.

Gary seniors stars of the night

Photo by Kyle Telechan | The Times Kelvin Robinson, one of the grand prize winners of the "Making a Difference in the Community" contest, receives his award from Gary Mayor Rudy Clay on Thursday at Marquette Park Pavilion.