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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.

A playground and fitness park for children and adults of all ages and abilities is coming to Fedder’s Alley at Washington Park.

The Fedder’s Alley playground and fitness park will feature accessible equipment. It will also have sensory areas and safe surfaces that allow all children to explore and interact.

“It was designed with one core principle in mind,” said Sharon Eason, Michigan City Parks & Recreation superintendent, in a press release. “Everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to play.”

By this time next year, the hope is to have a playground for all children, no matter what their abilities, at Michigan City’s lakefront.

Plans for the all-inclusive playground at Washington Park were unveiled Monday with help from U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, who helped secure $1 million in federal funding toward the projected $5 million price tag.

He described his effort to compete for the funds as “one of those that is worth fighting for.”

Another $2 million has been approved by the City Council and Redevelopment Commission.

Calumet College of St. Joseph has been awarded a $3 million federal grant to support Hispanic and low-income graduate students, the office of U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, announced this week.

The Department of Education awarded Calumet College of St. Joseph a $3 million grant.

The funding comes from the Department of Education’s Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans program. The program provides grants to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students.