HAMMOND

Animal control gets new van

The city's Animal Control staff will be getting a new operations van right at the height of their busiest season.

Summertime calls about animals running loose often top 100 per day, Director LaWanda Baker said, and the new Ford will replace a decade-old vehicle which has often been out of service with mechanical problems.

The Board of Public Works and Safety on Thursday approved $32,000 for the purchase, which will be paid with discretionary casino revenue from City Councilman Alfonso Salinas Jr., D-2nd.

Baker said the new van is "nothing fancy," but will be equipped with standard dog cages and an easy-clean, diamond-patterned floor.

With schools out and homes less buttoned up against the elements, Baker said it's easier for pets to escape this time of year, keeping the city's two animal control officers busy.

GARY

Smoking in all city-owned buildings banned

The City Council has adopted an ordinance prohibiting smoking in all city-owned buildings.

An ordinance regulating the possession and discharge of fireworks in the city was adopted 9-0 after language dealing with the sale of fireworks was removed because it clashed with state law.

Also approved was an ordinance authorizing the city to make temporary loans to the park, Genesis Convention Center and general funds in anticipation of property tax disbursements later this year.

MUNSTER

Dinner benefits young cancer patient

Ridge United Methodist Church hosts a spaghetti supper fundraiser to benefit a young cancer patient.

The dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at 8607 Columbia Ave. costs $5, and includes spaghetti, salad, bread sticks, homemade desserts and beverages. All proceeds go to Tim Lukoshus and family.

Tim is a 19-year-old Purdue University student and 2006 graduate of Munster High School. He was recently diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma cancer and is spending most of the summer at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota with his mother, Betty, while he receives radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. He and his family are members of the church.

Friends and church members are also offering blue rubber bracelets that say "Be strong and of good courage, Tim," for a donation of $5, and are available in the PUC Athletic Office. Checks for bracelets or donations for the cause should be made payable to Ridge United Methodist with "Tim Lukoshus" in the memo line.

For information, call (219) 838-4770.

EAST CHICAGO

Library offers movie, refreshments

The East Chicago Public Library hosts its monthly Family Library Cinema featuring "Romeo & Juliet Sealed With a Kiss" July 24 at the Main Library, at 2401 E. Columbus Drive, and July 26 at the Pastrick Branch at 1008 W. Chicago Ave.

Both movies begin at 5 p.m. Free refreshments and popcorn will be served.