In the News
Unexpected capital expenses can put a strain on any budget, but thanks to the assistance of U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, the Merrillville Police Department secured nearly $1 million in federal Community Project Funding to upgrade vital radio equipment.
With the help of local representatives in Washington, the Merrillville Police Department received a grant worth nearly $1 million to upgrade its radios — equipment the department said is in dire need of replacing.
"I don't want to call it life-changing, but it is," Merrillville Police Chief Kosta Nuses said.
The $963,000 grant allows the department to purchase approximately 75 "state-of-the-art" radios, which Merrillville Operations Commander Matthew Paunicka described as "smartphones wrapped in a radio."
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, for the initial phase of a long-term expansion project at the Gary / Chicago International Airport.
The expansion project is specifically aimed at the airport’s increasingly critical air cargo sector, which has quickly expanded since beginning operations in late 2020.
Growth in sector propels $24 million of infrastructure improvements
Tuesday’s ceremonial groundbreaking at the Gary / Chicago International Airport commemorated the initial phase of a long-term expansion of the airport’s air cargo sector, which has quickly expanded since beginning operations in late 2020.
The Gary/Chicago International Airport kicked off $24 million in infrastructure upgrades during a groundbreaking Oct. 8.
The funding comes as the airport's air cargo capacity has quickly expanded since officials signed an agreement with UPS in 2020. It now is the third in freight volume for the state of Indiana.
The Gary/Chicago International Airport has made “tremendous progress” in the last few years, its executive director said, and he doesn’t expect that to stop.
“Our airport began cargo service operations in quarter four of 2020,” said Executive Director Dan Vicari. “It has been incredibly successful, providing our airport with another competitive offering to bolster the Northwest Indiana economy.”
The Gary/Chicago International Airport on Tuesday officially launched its infrastructure project to expand its cargo operation with the ultimate goal of building space for 18 wide-body cargo jets.
Mayor Eddie Melton called Gary the “crossroads of the Midwest,” and he believes the future of the Gary Public Transportation Corporation will show that.
“We have rail, we have a highway behind us,” Melton said. “We have almost all transportation within just a couple mile radius of the core of our city. Down the road, we have the Gary-Chicago International Airport.”
The Gary Public Transportation Corporation on Thursday celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Adam Benjamin Metro Center, service expansion to other Northwest Indiana cities and Greyhound’s increased presence.
Gary announced Thursday the expansion of its bus services and a strengthened partnership with Greyhound, a move officials hope will enhance regional connectivity and solidify the city’s role as a transportation hub for Northwest Indiana.
Unveiled in the shadow of Gary’s Adam Benjamin Metro Center, the plan includes more frequent Greyhound arrivals and departures alongside expanded local bus routes throughout Gary and neighboring communities.
Washington Park in Michigan City is set be the home of a destination all-inclusive playground and fitness park.
At the Guy Foreman Bicentennial Amphitheater on Monday, city officials and residents heard details regarding a proposed $5 million project which will be located in Fedder’s Alley.
The event also kicked off a fundraising campaign for a fund to go in perpetuity to maintain the park.