SCHERERVILLE

Man charged with battery after children play prank

A 47-year-old Schererville man has been charged with battery after allegedly punching a 13-year-old boy in the lower abdomen when the teen rang the man's doorbell and ran off, according to police.

Paul Jacobs, of 8809 Clark Place, was charged with the Class A misdemeanor and was released after paying a $500 bond, Schererville Sgt. Joe Gasiorek said.

The incident was reported at 10:04 p.m. Sunday in the 4900 block of West 86th Place. Neighborhood kids were playing "Ding Dong Ditch," and the man was angry when he was a victim, Gasiorek said.

The "game" involves ringing a person's doorbell and running away without getting caught.

MERRILLVILLE

Red Cross looking for some hero nominees

The American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana invites organizations and residents from throughout Lake, Jasper and Newton counties to nominate individuals who have performed extraordinary life-saving acts of courage and leadership to be recognized as local heroes.

Winners and nominees will be acknowledged at the Red Cross's seventh annual In Honor of Heroes Celebration and Recognition Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.

Proceeds from the event support the Red Cross' ability to help people in need throughout the region, including families affected by fires, flooding, and the recent tornado.

Past recipients of the Local Heroes awards have included paramedics, military personnel, public works employees, youth, ordinary citizens who aren't afraid to help fellow citizens, and even family pets.

Nominating guidelines, categories and instructions are available by calling the Red Cross at (219) 756-5360, or e-mailing GordonTJohnson@aol.com.

Nominations are due Aug. 22.

CROWN POINT

Golf outing benefits Boys & Girls Clubs

The 22nd annual golf outing to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at White Hawk Country Club, 1001 White Hawk Drive off Summit Street.

A four-person scramble format is followed by a social event featuring hearty hors d'oeuvres. Cost is $200 per golfer; hole sponsorships are also available. Raffle tickets are $10 for a chance to win a one-year White Hawk Country Club membership.

For more information, call (219) 881-1060, ext. 403, or register online at www.bgcnwi.org

GARY

Community Health Center hosts events this week

In observance of National Community Health Center Week, the Gary Community Health Center is offering daily special events as well as free blood pressure and diabetes screenings Wednesday through Friday.

Events are held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center 1021 W. 5th Ave. Daily tours and refreshments are provided.

On Wednesday, Women's Health Day will be observed with presentation of awards to the Sojourner Truth House organization, Councilwoman Shirley Stanford and the Legacy Foundation.

Dental Health Day will be observed Thursday with free dental screenings and the presentation of an award to U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., at 1:15 p.m.

Friday is Kids Day with free hot dogs, chips and drink for each child. Activities include sports physicals, TB testing and immunizations.