HOBART

Man faces charges of forgery, attempted theft

Joshua Cortez Porter, 24, of Blue Island, Ill., has been charged through Lake Superior Court with forgery and attempted theft.

According to court documents, Porter was at the Wal-Mart, 2936 E. 79th Ave., on Nov. 13 when he came to the register to purchase a video game and over-the-counter drugs totaling close to $500.

The gift card he presented didn't have a signature, and the last four digits didn't match those on a receipt, which alerted the clerk to contact her manager who contacted police, Detective Dave Evans said.

The gift card was later found to belong to a man in Sugar Grove, Ill., who said he had not given anyone permission to use it.

The incident was part of a larger scheme in which approximately 45 accounts were compromised resulting in the loss of approximately $50,000, according to court documents.

LAKE STATION/HOBART

Deadline extended for April home repair blitz

Hobart/Lake Station branch of Rebuilding Together, formerly Christmas in April, has extended its deadline and is accepting applications through Jan. 15 for its April home repair blitz.

Low-income, senior citizen and/or homeowners with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Forms are available at the mayor's office and clerk-treasurer's office at 414 Main St. in Hobart. Lake Station residents may obtain a form at the mayor's office at 3701 Fairview St.

Rebuilding Together is a national organization of volunteers dedicated to providing a warm, safe and dry environment for those who cannot afford needed home repairs or are unable to do the work themselves. Volunteers gather the last Saturday in April each year to complete a variety of home repairs for qualified residents, funded through donations at no cost to the homeowner.

Applicants must reside in the Hobart/Lake Station district, provide proof of income level, own their own home, have insurance on the dwelling and have no outstanding real estate taxes. Duplexes and mobile homes are not eligible.

For more information, call (219) 942-6112.

MUNSTER

Bridal fair is Feb. 18 at Centennial Park

Munster Parks and Recreation is having a winter bridal fair from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18 at Centennial Park, 9701 Calumet Ave.

Exhibitors will include floral companies, limousine services, jewelers, tanning salons, photography studios, tuxedo rentals, wedding planners and more. Vendors are needed and the fee is $125 per vendor booth. It includes a 6-foot table and two chairs Or companies can display their advertising materials for a $30 fee.

For more information, call (219) 836-PARK.

MERRILLVILLE

Skating is available at Deep River Waterpark

Ice skating is available through Feb. 22 (weather permitting) at Deep River Waterpark at 9001 E. U.S. 30.

Admission fees are $4 for adults, $3 for ages 14 and younger and 62 and older, and free for spectators. Skate rental is $5, with a $1 discount on admission and skate rental to waterpark season pass holders.

The rink will be open 2 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 2 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, and it will also be open on school holidays. Group discounts are available. Parking is free.

Hockey games and hockey sticks are not permitted on the ice. Food, beverage and coolers are not permitted into the park. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere on park property. The park may be closed due to inclement weather at management's discretion.

Inclement weather is considered to be weather warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, rain, severe cold and/or extreme winter conditions

For more information, call (219) 769-PARK or visit www.deepriverwaterpark.com

CROWN POINT

Students collect food for region residents

The annual Student Council food drive at St. Mary Catholic Community School collected more than 4,000 items for distribution.

The items were divided between St. Mary's Food Pantry and Sojourner Truth House, a shelter for domestic abuse victims, in Gary.

The students bagged and packed the items and delivered them to the preselected families at the Sojourner Truth House.

DYER

Church will open food pantry on Wednesday

St. Joseph's Helping Hands Food Pantry will be open from 10 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the lower level of St. Joseph Church, 440 Joliet St. (U.S. 30).

Those in need from Dyer, Schererville, St. John, Griffith and Munster are eligible for help and should bring two proofs of residency.

For more information, call (219) 865-2271.

CROWN POINT

Police advocates, city collect for injured officer

Crown Point F.O.P. Lodge No. 176 and the city of Crown Point are collecting donations for Crown Point police Sgt. John "Jack" Allendorf Jr., who was seriously injured while on duty Dec. 5 when his squad car was struck by a man fleeing in a truck from an alleged domestic dispute.

All proceeds will benefit Allendorf's family. Donations can be mailed to the Crown Point F.O.P. No. 176, Attn: Officer Sheri Laney, 124 N. East St., Crown Point, IN 46307.

For more information, call Laney at (219) 663-2131, ext. 210.

LOWELL

Lumber store sponsors winter coat, scarf drive

A coat drive is being sponsored through the end of the year at Tri-Creek Lumber and Hardware, 1895 E. Commercial Ave.

Drop off new or gently used and clean coats of any size for men, women or children from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, and they will be distributed to local churches and St. Jude House in Crown Point. More than 170 winter coats and 50 handmade scarves and numerous hats and gloves already have been collected and distributed.

For more information, call (219) 696-8936.

CROWN POINT

Take home miniature versions of landmarks

This holiday season the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce is selling miniature lighted houses depicting the Old Lake County Courthouse, post office, Old Sheriff's House and Carnegie Center. They can be bought in the Old Lake County Courthouse on the downtown square.

Buy five at $55 each and receive a sixth house for free. Customers also will receive a free Christmas ornament with each purchase.

For more information, call (219) 663-1800.