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Chicago Tribune
17-07-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
City of Gary announces new behavioral health division, grant awards
Everyone needs a little help sometimes, said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, including himself. That need for help has led the city to launch the Gary Health Department's new behavioral health division, Melton and other officials announced Thursday morning. 'With the stress of life, the stress of jobs and the stress of just everything day-to-day, sometimes we need someone with expertise to talk to us, listen and provide guidance,' Melton said. 'Whether you're dealing with financial stress, family challenges or just feeling overwhelmed, you deserve support for your mental health just as much as your physical health.' The health department's new behavioral health division is funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. When it became law in 2021, ARPA provided about $350 billion in additional funding to state and local governments, according to the Government Finance Officers Association. Eligible uses of funds include revenue replacement, COVID-19 expenditures, premium pay for essential workers, and investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The Gary Common Council had to approve all uses of ARPA funds by December 2024. Melton said Thursday that the behavioral health unit wouldn't be possible without the council's collaboration. With the ARPA funding, the city awarded grants to 10 local organizations dedicated to addressing mental health and addiction challenges. Those organizations will partner with the city to help provide behavioral health services, including emergency housing, youth addiction programs and crisis intervention, according to the city of Gary. According to a news release, the Gary Health Department conducted three listening sessions in January and February to inform providers on the request for proposals process. The department has used tracking systems for payment and transparent documentation through the grant funding process. Organizations receiving funding include: the Sojourner Truth House, City Life, Butterfly Dreamz, Crisis Center Inc., Faith Community Center, Flourish Community Hub, For the Love of the Arts Summer Camp, Edgewater Youth Addictions, Compassion Care Community and All Things Autism. 'This investment reflects our belief that Gary's recovery must include mental, emotional and spiritual healing — not just economic development,' Melton said. 'I'm committed to working with our partners, like the Interfaith Action Network, to keep building here and to help invest in our residents.' Rev. Rameen Jackson with Interfaith Action Coalition said Thursday that the organization was created five years ago to be available for Gary residents to talk about their mental health and receive needed help. 'We were able to come together and talk passionately about the needs of our community and what we want to happen within our community,' Jackson said. 'No work can be done by itself. No group can do anything by themselves.' Gary Health Commissioner Dr. Janet Seabrooks said Thursday that she's happy to take on the work that Melton has wanted since coming into office. She believes the behavioral health department will benefit residents citywide. The behavioral health division will continue to monitor community impact throughout 2025, and city leadership will look for ways to keep the program sustainable long-term. Through the department and funding, Seabrook believes the organizations receiving grants can network and learn how to best work together for the community. 'In sharing the knowledge they have — that institutional, organizational knowledge they have with patients — that's going to be a way they can better serve the community,' Seabrook said. 'That can help reduce harm and end the cycle (of mental health challenges).'
Chicago Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Rep. Vernon Smith receives Sagamore of the Wabash award
For Rep. Vernon Smith, receiving a state award was surprising but still rewarding. 'It's one of the highest awards that you can receive from the governor's office,' said Smith, D-Gary. 'I was absolutely exhilarated to be the recipient.' Smith recently received the Sagamore of the Wabash award, which is the highest honor an Indiana governor can give, according to the governor's office. Smith received the award at a dinner celebrating his recent retirement from Indiana University Northwest, he said. The state representative worked in education in Gary for nearly 60 years, he said, and as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Gary Community School Corporation from 1966 to 1992. Smith became a member of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1990, according to the Indiana House Democratic Caucus' website. Before his time at the statehouse, Smith served on the Gary Common Council, starting in 1972. At the statehouse, Smith serves as ranking minority member of the Indiana House Education Committee and is a member of the Local Government Committee. According to the governor's website, former Gov. Ralph Gates created the Sagamore of the Wabash award during his 1945-1949 term. 'Sagamore' is a Native American term that means a subordinate chief or someone a chief would look to for advice, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Since Gates, each Indiana governor presented the award to various Hoosiers, but the total number of recipients is unknown, according to the governor's website. 'I appreciate the award,' Smith said. 'I had a chance to serve with (Gov. Mike Braun) for four years in the House. But, this shows he has respected my tenure, both as an educator and as a public servant. It felt really good that he chose me.' Braun's office did not respond to a request for comment about the award. In a Thursday statement, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton congratulated Smith on receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash. He said the city is proud to call Smith one of their own. Melton and Smith worked together at the Indiana Statehouse while Melton served as state senator. Melton said the two worked to advance legislation that broadened outreach for the state's 21st Century Scholars program. They also collaborated on a House bill to reestablish an elected school board in Gary and a Senate bill to restore local control to the Gary Community School Corporation. 'These victories and honors show what's possible when leaders put the community at the center of every decision and highlight the lasting impact Rep. Smith has made on countless lives through his advocacy, mentorship, and leadership,' Melton said in his statement. 'His voice for education and economic opportunity has guided Gary through moments of challenge and transformation to secure vital resources and hope for our future.' The Gary Common Council recognized Smith for his service to local education and as state senator at its Tuesday meeting. Council members also congratulated Smith for receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash. 'We are so proud of you,' said Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd. Brown said Tuesday that she's known Smith and his family for years, and it's made her proud to watch him progress as an educator and politician. Brown read a proclamation that recognized Smith for his service to the city during Tuesday's council meeting. Other council members recalled times that Smith mentored them throughout their political careers. Councilman Kenneth Whisenton, D-at large, recalled a summer he spent interning at the Indiana statehouse, where he told Smith he would never get involved with politics, and it 'broke (Smith's) heart.' Whisenton was elected to the council in late 2024, after state Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, resigned. 'I called you several months ago, and I said, 'Doc, I think God is talking to me and telling me to get involved with city politics,'' Whisenton said. 'I said, 'I don't know what to make of it.' The first thing he said was, 'Do it. Run.'' Whisenton said he wouldn't be on council without Smith, and he's thankful to have him in his life. Councilman Darren Washington, D-at large, also said Smith played a large role in his political career. He recognized Smith for the work that he's done to help young Black males in Gary and throughout the state. 'I've learned so much from you,' Washington said. 'I'm thankful you've been part of my life.' Smith is grateful he's had an opportunity to impact various lives in Gary, both as an educator and state senator. He wasn't expecting to receive the Sagamore of the Wabash, and he said it's been great to receive the recognition. 'I've had the chance to impact the lives of so many young people from kindergarten through graduate school,' Smith said. 'I'm not the kind of person that's looking for praise … I try to be as humble as I can while serving God's people.'
Chicago Tribune
03-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Gary Common Council considering land usage update for single-family homes
Pending council approval, a local real estate agent could help bring multigenerational homes to Gary. The Gary Common Council will vote to update the land usage portion of its zoning code to combine two plats in the 1700 block of Waite Street into one. The properties are currently classified as R2 single-family dwellings, according to Gary Plan Commission documents. At its April 17 meeting, plan commission members unanimously approved to replat the properties. Zoning Primary Contact Corrie Sharp also gave the proposal a favorable recommendation. Council President Lori Latham, D-1st, did not say at the legislative body's latest meeting when they will vote to combine the plats. At the plan commission's April meeting, petitioner Armond Boulware with Steel City Builders said he plans to build multi-generational homes to attract more people to Gary. Boulware has developed the idea for multigenerational homes in the past few years, he said. Boulware believes people want to return to Gary to be caretakers for parents but have to move to surrounding communities with multigenerational options. 'We want to build high-quality homes that, as we move forward, can be easily passed on to the next generation,' he said. 'We want the next generation to see those homes as advantageous to live in.' In the future, Boulware would also like to build duplex or multi-unit homes in Gary, he said. By merging parcels, Boulware aims to optimize land use and enhance the property's overall functionality, according to city documents. He plans for the homes to Boulware calls the homes 'the legacy project,' saying the properties will be single-family houses that will bring generations together under one roof. 'That means two primary suites in each home, an (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant elder suite, which is going to be on the first floor, and another suite on the second floor,' Boulware said. The elder suite will include a curbless walk-in shower with handrails, a built-in bench, walk-in closet, and private wet bar with a mini fridge and microwave. Boulware plans for it to be positioned near the laundry and garage but tucked away from main entertainment areas for privacy. The upstairs suite will have a lounge area, wet bar, balcony and spa-style bathroom with a freestanding tub, dual vanities, and walk-in shower areas. 'Beyond these individual spaces, our homes are built with connection in mind,' Boulware said. 'We've got open concept living rooms, we've got private outdoor entertainment spaces, and we're encouraging sharing moments and sharing spaces.' The Gary council will vote on Boulware's petition at a later date. The next meeting is at 6 p.m. July 15.
Chicago Tribune
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Gary council passes citywide firearm ordinance
At its Tuesday meeting, the Gary Common Council unanimously passed an ordinance placing restrictions on weapon use and discharge in the city. Councilman Dwight Williams, D-6th, was absent from Tuesday's meeting, which was held at the Gary Sanitary District's administrative building. The council's Public Safety committee first heard the ordinance, which makes it unlawful for anyone to shoot or discharge guns within city limits. Indiana Code prohibits political subdivisions from placing multiple restraints on firearms, including the ownership, possession, carrying, transportation, registration, transfer and storage of the weapons, according to state code. Political subdivisions include governing bodies in cities, towns and counties. No provision specifically prohibits local governing bodies from regulating the firing or discharge of firearms and weapons, according to the Gary ordinance. 'Many cities have on the books already that you're prohibited from shooting firearms in the city,' said Carla Morgan, corporation counsel for the city of Gary. 'Because what legitimate reason, if you're not a police officer, do you have for doing such a thing?' City leadership previously believed there was an ordinance that established firearm rules in Gary, but it couldn't be found, Morgan said. Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon supports the ordinance. 'This ordinance, in its totality, is in alignment with other municipalities in this area,' Cannon said. 'Even Lake County has adopted an ordinance for unincorporated areas that is similar.' Councilman Kenneth Whisenton, D-at large, at the public safety committee meeting, asked if pellet guns were included in the ordinance. 'Nowadays, you have pellet guns that use air that can drop a human in a heartbeat,' Whisenton said at the public safety committee meeting. Whisenton and Councilman Dwayne Halliburton, D-2nd, both asked for language defining weapons to be included in the final version. On Tuesday, Morgan told council members that air guns and rifles, crossbows and firearms were defined in the ordinance's final version. The ordinance's final version also removed a section allowing hunting in the city's natural areas, of which Cannon previously disapproved. It's 'inherently dangerous' for people to hunt near the city's populated areas, Morgan said. All changes to the ordinance were included in an amendment, which was unanimously approved Tuesday night. A first offense will result in a $250 fine, a second will lead to a $500 fine, a third a $750 fine, and a fourth will mean a $1,000 fine. The fifth and any subsequent offenses will result in a $2,500 fine. All existing Gary code that conflicts with the changes will be null and void, according to the ordinance. In 2024, the city saw non-fatal shootings decrease about 10%, going from 147 incidents to 132, according to a previous announcement from the Gary Police Department. The city also had 40 total homicides, falling 23% from 2023 and the lowest number recorded since 2018. 'Through more proactive policing, we've taken a strong stance on crime prevention,' Cannon previously said in a statement. 'The improvements we've made are a direct result of our commitment to staying ahead of criminal activity and building relationships with community partners who can help solve more cases.'
Chicago Tribune
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Gary council to look at creating city-wide weapon use regulations
The Gary Common Council will later hear an ordinance that will establish weapon use and discharge regulations in the city. The council's Public Safety committee will first hear the ordinance before the whole body votes. '… it is appropriate and necessary for residents to be safe and secure in their persons and properties,' the ordinance reads, 'and that the unsafe or irresponsible discharge of firearms within the City of Gary poses a significant risk of serious bodily injury, death, or damage to person and property…' Indiana Code prohibits political subdivisions from placing multiple restraints on firearms, including the ownership, possession, carrying, transportation, registration, transfer and storage of the weapons, according to state code. Political subdivisions include governing bodies in cities, towns and counties. No provision specifically prohibits local governing bodies from regulating the firing or discharge of firearms and weapons, according to the Gary ordinance. If passed, the ordinance will make it unlawful for anyone to shoot or discharge guns within the city. Some will have exemptions, including local law enforcement, those with a valid license and acting in self-defense, those with a valid hunting license, and anyone discharging a weapon at a local shooting range or gun club. The ordinance cannot constrict legal possession, purchase or use of firearms in accordance with Indiana law, the state constitution or the U.S. constitution. A first offense will result in a $250 fine, a second will lead to a $500 fine, a third a $750 fine, and a fourth will mean a $1,000 fine. The fifth and any subsequent offenses will result in a $2,500 fine. If passed, all existing Gary code that conflicts with the ordinance will be null and void, according to the ordinance. In 2024, the city saw non-fatal shootings decrease about 10%, going from 147 incidents to 132, according to a previous announcement from the Gary Police Department. The city also had 40 total homicides, falling 23% from 2023 and the lowest number recorded since 2018. 'Through more proactive policing, we've taken a strong stance on crime prevention,' Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon previously said in a statement. 'The improvements we've made are a direct result of our commitment to staying ahead of criminal activity and building relationships with community partners who can help solve more cases.' The Gary Common Council will vote on the weapon use ordinance at a later date. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. June 17.
