Team of experienced advisors selected to explore private partnership to invest in Gary Airport

GARY | The board of directors of The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority approved recommendations of a committee Monday to engage the services of a highly-qualified team of financial experts, project managers and legal advisers to assist in the exploration of a public-private partne…

Mayor Freeman-Wilson participates in Video Chat on Gun Control with Vice-President Biden

GARY | Earlier today, Vice President Joe Biden joined several U.S. mayors in a Google Hangout focused on gun violence. The participants included Gary, Ind. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Oak Creek, Wis. Mayor Steve Scaffidi.

Freeman-Wilson joins Mayor Rahm Emanuel at Press Conference on Assault Weapon Ban

CHICAGO | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel gathered at Chicago city Hall with other mayors, village presidents and law enforcement officials from communities throughout the Chicago region to call for stronger gun regulations and encourage other city leaders to join M…

Mayor Freeman-Wilson drives seniors to polls

GARY | Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson spent Election Day driving residents to the polls. One of her passengers included 90-year-old Donald Dowling. When Dowling was informed that the Mayor was on her way to pick him up, he replied, "Wow! I'm getting top-notch service."

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson receives 2012 Newsmaker Award

GARY | On Sat. Nov. 3, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson was officially named a 2012 Newsmaker by the Chicago Defender at the annual gala hosted by the historic Black newspaper.

Gary welcomes multi-million dollar company, Promet Energy

GARY | Members of the business community gathered in Gary’s Miller section for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Promet Energy, one of the first African-American owned and operated, full service energy management providers in the market.

Gary accepts ambulance donation from Calumet Township

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson recently accepted a donation of three ambulances from Calumet Township Trustee Mary Elgin. The ceremony was attended by a host of community leaders including Fire Chief Teresa Everett and city emergency responders from the fire and EMS divisions.

National Weather Service sends out warning for high winds and waves in the Miller area of Gary

GARY | As a result of Super Storm Sandy, the National Weather Service has sent out an alert targeted to residents living near the shores of Lake Michigan in Gary’s Miller area. Waves are expecting to reach 25 feet by tomorrow and winds up to 50 MPH. Residents are encouraged to exercise cauti…

Gary’s 2nd Gun Buyback Event ‘Another Success’

GARY | Gary Police officials are calling the City’s second Gun Buyback hosted this past Saturday “another success.” According to Deputy Police Chief Larry McKinley, a total of 107 guns were turned in exchange for Wal-Mart gift cards. Local churches once again partnered with the GPD to serve …

Gary to host Fall Harvest Fest Oct. 31

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson invites children and their parents to Gary City Hall, 401 Broadway on Wednesday, October 31st from 4:00p.m. – 6:00p.m. for the Fall Harvest Festival! There will be fun games and activities where children will learn about recycling, fire safety, going green, …

Gary Fire Department Receives Jet Ski Rescue Board from Local Business Owner

GARY | Earlier this month, Gary Fire Chief Teresa Everett accepted a much-needed donation, a Jet Ski Rescue Board, from local business owner, Alice Pickford. As owner/operator of the Wells Street Beach Concession, Pickford spends a lot of time on the beach and has befriended emergency respon…

City of Gary Recycling Department Celebrates Accomplishments; Names Contest Winners

GARY | During the month of August, all departments in the City of Gary were presented with a big challenge – to recycle more than they have ever before! Director of Recycling Mattiee Fitzgerald came up with the contest to help get City employees in the habit of recycling and to raise awarene…

Gary, Mayor mourn loss of Alex Karras

GARY | Gary is mourning the loss of native Alex Karras. The actor/athlete died earlier Wednesday at his Los Angeles home. He was 77. A great number of his family members still reside in the city, and Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson extended her condolences on behalf of his hometown.

Robert Townsend debuts film at Gary Film Festival

GARY | Over the weekend, Gary’s 2nd Annual International Film Festival was held at Indiana University Northwest. Helping kick off the event was famed actor/director Robert Townsend. After a showing of his latest film he directed entitled, “In the Hive,” Townsend delighted the crowd with an e…

Gary Mayor and Dept. Heads Take Time Out for Reading

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and members of her administration did their part to help make Northwest Indiana a reading community by "putting their noses in a book." On October 5, at 10:00 a.m., everyone in Northwest Indiana was asked to stop what they were doing and read.

City of Gary’s Blues Festival

GARY | The City of Gary is proud to announce its first Blues Festival Tribute on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 6:00p.m. at the Majestic Star Casino in the Southshore Events Center (Pavilion area). Some the best blues acts in the Chicagoland area are scheduled to perform including Bobbie Rush,…

Gary Mayor Headed to Democratic National Convention

GARY | Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson will be part of the Indiana delegation at the Democratic National Convention next week in Charlotte, N.C. In anticipation of her trip, Freeman-Wilson stated that she was excited to be a part of such a historic event. She also noted that the week will be…

Gary Helps Launch “Let’s Go Buy Somethin’” Initiative

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson shopped at Esquire Men’s Store (1536 Broadway) in the Midtown section of Gary today. Her visit was prompted by Rev. Bennie Simmons’ idea to launch the “Let’s Go Buy Somethin’” campaign. The program calls for identifying a specific business each month and the…

Gary’s Gun Buyback Program a Success

GARY | The Gun Buyback hosted this past Saturday by the Gary Police Department is being called an “overwhelming success.” According to Police Chief Wade Ingram, a total of 129 guns were turned in in exchange for Wal-Mart gift cards. Local churches partnered with the GPD to serve as the turn-…

Katherine Jackson reps to share details on Michael Jackson Tribute Weekend

GARY | Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Representatives of Jackson Family Matriarch Katherine Jackson, Majestic Star Casino, The Gary Chamber of Commerce and the Gary RailCats will host a press conference at noon on Friday, August 17 at City Hall,401 Broadway, Gary Room (2nd floor).

Gary’s Summer Environmental Education in the Parks

GARY | Nearly 50 young people participated in a field trip to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Paul H. Douglas Center for the conclusion of Gary’s summer Environmental Education in the Parks program.

Gary Mayor interviewed by Gary native and longtime WBBM News Anchor Felicia Middlebrooks

GARY | Recently, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson visited WBBM studios for an interview with Gary native and famed news anchor Felicia Middlebrooks. Ironically, Middlebrooks was filling in for her colleague Craig Dellimore for the show “At Issue.” When the mayor received word that Middlebrooks wou…

City of Gary Receives Safety Equipment Donation from United States Steel Corporation

GARY | On August 7, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson joined United States Steel Corporation Works General Manager Matthew Perkins at a brief ceremony where the steel company presented the City of Gary’s Department of General Services with more than $15,000 worth of safety equipment that will …

Mayor announces cooling shelters due to storm

GARY | As a result of this morning's storm, the City of Gary experienced power outages that impacted nearly 9,000 residents. There were also outages to several fire stations as well as fallen trees resulting in blocked streets. The General Services Department is working to assist with storm …

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson Receives Prestigious Award at Indiana Black Expo

GARY | On Friday, July 20, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson was presented with the “Senator Carolyn Mosby Above and Beyond” Award during the Indiana Black Expo (IBE) Corporate Luncheon in Indianapolis. The award is presented to someone who has made an ongoing commitment to serve humanity and someo…

Splash pad Open at Buffington Park to help Gary Residents Beat the Heat

GARY | Gary residents have a new alternative to help bring some relief during the record summer temps. Buffington Park, located at 6th Avenue and Connecticut Streets has a newly installed Splash Pad. Children and adults alike are welcome to come splash around and cool off free of charge.

Chief Ingram encourages churches to push Anti-Violence Crusade

GARY | Gary’s Police Chief Wade Ingram is has called on the church community to help drive an anti-violence message in the city. Last week, Chief Ingram held the first meeting to encourage community cooperation.

Mayor Freeman-Wilson to Greet the Thunderbirds

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson will greet the world famous Thunderbirds as a pre-cursor to next weekend’s Gary Airshow at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 at the Gary Jet Center, 5401 W. Industrial Hwy. The Thunderbirds will make a special presentation to the Mayor followed by her presentation o…

Mayor Freeman-Wilson Appoints New Parks Superintendent

GARY | Today, the Gary Parks Board approved Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson’s recommendation to appoint Lori Peterson Latham as the new Parks Superintendent for the City of Gary.

City of Gary Reminds Residents to Take Precautions in Warm Weather

GARY | The City of Gary announces the following cooling centers for residents who may require relief during warm weather –related emergencies:

City of Gary Announces Calendar of Events for June 2012

GARY | The City of Gary cordially invites media representatives to announce and cover the following June events. Updates and reminders will be sent as appropriate. Note: This list is not comprehensive but was compiled as a result of submissions from the community. Please visit gary.in.us for…

City of Gary Reveals Details of Adopt-A-Park Program

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, councilpersons, park officials and community partners shared details of the City's new Adopt-a-Park Program at a press conference held today at Rees Park, which is located at 5th Avenue and Johnson Streets (adjacent to McDonald's).

Mayor, City recognize fallen officers

GARY | On May 25, family members of fallen Gary Police officers gathered for a memorial service at the Public Safety Facility, 555 Polk St.

City of Gary to Announce Adopt-A-Park Program

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and the City of Gary are set to unveil the City's new Adopt-a-Park Program at a 3:00pm press conference at Rees Park on Wednesday, May 30th. Rees Park is located at 5th Avenue and Johnson Streets (adjacent to McDonald's).

Gleason Golf Course Hosts Friends and Family Day

GARY | Eager to promote the new management team, Gleason Golf Course Manager Bob Farag recently hosted a Friends and Family Day. The community was invited to get reacquainted with Gleason Golf Course and Park. Special golf packages are being offered.

City of Gary receives check for Unclaimed Property

GARY | Residents in Northwest Indiana have millions of dollars that’s been forgotten - $37,965,656.69 to be exact. Of that nearly $38 million, $25,339.61 belongs to the City of Gary. Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller stopped by Gary City Hall today to present Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson w…

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson honored by Women Lawyers Association

GARY | Members and colleagues of the Indiana Women Lawyers Association gathered today for a reception honoring Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. Held at the Robert Rucker State Courthouse in Gary, scores from the legal community congratulated Freeman-Wilson on being elected the City’s first female Mayor.

Mayor Freeman-Wilson serves as keynote to Student Leader Conference

GARY | On Friday, May 4, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson served as the keynote speaker at a student leader conference hosted by the Intra-City Student Council.

Gary and Volunteers of America Break Ground on Affordable Housing for Seniors

GARY | Recently, Volunteers of America, one of the largest nonprofit providers of senior housing in the United States, joined Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and city officials to break ground on a new 39-unit property, The Gardens on Carolina, which will provide homes to low-income seniors in Ga…

City of Gary Announces Calendar of Events for May 2012

GARY | The City of Gary cordially invites media representatives to announce and cover the following May events. Updates will be sent as more events are added to the list. Please visit gary.in.us for updates and "like" us on Facebook - key word: City of Gary Special Events.

Burglary Prevention Workshop to be held April 28

GARY | The Gary Police Department will present a free burglary prevention workshop to share tips with residents on how protect their homes. The session will take place from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at the Public Safety Building, 555 Polk St. Gary, IN.

Jobs Now "Removing the Barriers" scheduled for April 26

GARY | The City of Gary wants citizens to be aware of local job opportunities in Gary and surrounding areas. There will be a Jobs and Training event on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at the Genesis Convention Center, 1 Genesis Center Plaza, Gary, IN from 8:00a.m. - 3:30p.m. Information will be ava…

Mayor presents Tuskegee Airman Quentin P. Smith with Replica Medal, Key to City and Pin

GARY | Today, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson presented Tuskegee Airman Quentin Smith of Gary, Indiana, with a replacement for his Congressional Gold Medal bronze replica which was stolen from his home last year.

Mayor Freeman-Wilson to be featured on CNN's 'Newsroom'

GARY | Gary Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson will be featured on CNN's "Newsroom" during the 11:00a.m.(CST) hour on Friday, April 20.

Mayor swears in first African American female fire chief Teresa Everett

GARY | On Sunday, April 15th, the City of Gary and the State of Indiana made history when the first African-American female fire chief was sworn in by Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. Teresa Everett, boasts a firefighting career that spans more than 20 years. She most recently served as Fire Chie…

City of Gary to enforce curfew ordinance beginning Sunday

GARY | The Gary Police Department will begin enforcing the Curfew Ordinance of the City of Gary beginning Sunday, April 15.

Groundbreaking celebrates next phase of Marquette Park construction

GARY | Today, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson joined City of Gary officials, representatives from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA), the Lakefront East Advisory Board, and the Marquette Park Project Team to "break ground" in a special ceremony marking the beginning of the…

Mayor Freeman-Wilson joins TBLA in recognizing Autism Awareness Month

GARY | Flanked by students and parents from the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy (TBLA) yesterday, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson proclaimed April Autism Awareness Month in Gary.

Groundbreaking Celebrates Next Phase of Marquette Park Construction

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson will join City of Gary officials, representatives from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA), the Lakefront East Advisory Board, and the Marquette Park Project Team to "break ground" in a special ceremony on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 markin…

Coffee, Commerce and Public Works deemed for March 29

GARY | The City of Gary will host a Coffee, Commerce and Public Works event from 8-11 a.m. on Thursday, March 29 at the Genesis Convention Center, 1 Genesis Center Plaza.