The Gary Police Department are increasing seat belt enforcement patrols through the end of November as part of the national Click It or Ticket mobilization. The patrols are supported with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds provided by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Indiana has a primary seat belt law, which allows law enforcement officers to stop and cite drivers and passengers for failing to wear a seat belt. Drivers also can be cited for each unbuckled passenger under the age of 16. Additionally, children younger than 8 must be properly restrained in a federally approved child or booster seat. Parents and caregivers can choose the safest car seat for their child by visiting TheRightSeat.com, or to find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, who can inspect and assist with the installation of a car seat, visit www.childseat.in.gov. Information: www.gary.gov or 219-881-7300.

Due to Congressman Pete Visclosky’s impending departure from the House of Representatives, his Merrillville and Washington, D.C., offices will cease to be able to respond to general inquiries after Friday. This action is consistent with the standard protocols of shutting down the offices of a departing Member of Congress, which includes the removal of government-issued property and electronics. Individuals with general inquiries, including inquiries related to casework, legislation, tours, and flag requests, are encouraged to communicate their request and issues of concern with the current U.S. Senators from Indiana. Individuals may contact Representative-elect Frank Mrvan once his office opens at the beginning of the 117th Congress. Any media inquiries or immediate concerns can continue to be communicated to Kevin Spicer through the duration of the 116th Congress at Kevin.Spicer@mail.house.gov, or at 202-436-5855, or to the Congressman’s Chief of Staff, Mark Lopez, at Mark.Lopez@mail.house.gov.

Merrillville Adult Education can help individuals earn their high school equivalency diplomas by preparing them to complete the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) exam. The Adult Education Office is in Room D-105 at Merrillville High School, 276 E. 68th Place. Upcoming Test dates: Nov. 23-24, registration deadline Nov. 19; and Dec. 7 and 8, registration deadline Dec. 3. MAE offers free TASC preparation classes Mondays through Thursdays, as long as the Lake County COVID-19 numbers allow. MAE also offers modified online classes. TASC preparation classes are not required prior to taking the test. Free career training also is available to those who qualify. More information can be found at www.mvsc.k12.in.us or contact the Adult Education Office at sgreen@mvsc.k12.in.us or call 219-650-5318.

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana will host two Dealer School hiring events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday and from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Majestic Star Casino Pavilion, 1 Buffington Harbor Drive, Gary. Hard Rock will be enforcing safety protocols including mandatory temperature check upon entry, capacity limits and requiring masks at all times, unless eating or drinking while stationary and socially distanced. No experience is necessary. Dealer School, an 8- to 12-week paid training program, begins Dec. 14 with a second session beginning on Jan. 4. Graduates will receive a bonus of up to $2,000 and full benefits. For a guaranteed interview and an invitation to join the hiring event, applications must be completed before the hiring event date. Walk-ins are welcome, but an interview is not guaranteed. Apply at www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.

Trinity United Church of Christ-Gary will host a mobile Thanksgiving turkey giveaway from noon to 3 p.m. (or until all turkeys are gone) Nov. 21 at 1276 W. 20th Ave., Gary. One turkey per car will be issued with no exceptions. Information: 219-944-0500.

—Staff report