WJOB Spotlight | Northwest Indiana Business News, Local Events & Community Spotlight

Get ready for Halloween fun at the Hammond Public Library! On this episode of the WJOB Spotlight, we highlight the library's annual Ghostbusters Trick-or-Treat event, a family-friendly tradition that has been bringing the community together for more than 20 years.

Taking place Thursday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m., this free community event invites children and families of all ages to enjoy an evening of Halloween excitement. Library staff will be dressed in costume, and attendees can look forward to candy, games, photo booth opportunities, craft activities, and Ghostbusters-themed surprises.

The conversation explores how the Hammond Public Library creates engaging experiences for families while introducing residents to its many resources and services. Visitors can explore different sections of the library, learn about upcoming events, and even sign up for a free library card.

Whether you're looking for a fun after-school Halloween activity or a way to connect with your local community, this annual celebration offers something for everyone.

Event Details:

• Event: Ghostbusters Trick-or-Treat

• Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026

• Time: 5–7 p.m.

• Location: Hammond Public Library, 564 State Street, Hammond, Indiana

• Admission: Free and open to the public

• Activities: Trick-or-treating, games, crafts, photo opportunities, and more

Tune in to the WJOB Spotlight for more local events, community programs, and stories from across Northwest Indiana.

Listen to WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM for the latest conversations connecting our community!

Get ready for an evening of glamour, Cajun cuisine, and whodunit intrigue! On this episode of the WJOB Spotlight, we explore A Night of Glam, Murder & Mystery, a special fundraising event hosted by the Hammond Public Library Foundation.

Taking place Friday, November 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., this 21-and-over event will transform the Hammond Public Library into a New Orleans-inspired murder mystery experience. Guests can enjoy a Cajun-themed dinner featuring jambalaya, a cash bar, interactive entertainment, and prizes, including an award for best guest costume. Guests are encouraged to dress up in the spirit of Mardi Gras, but costumes are optional.

The conversation also highlights the mission of the Hammond Public Library Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support the library's programs, services, and community initiatives beyond its regular operating budget.

Find out how the murder mystery will unfold, what attendees can expect throughout the evening, and how you can participate in this unique fundraising event.

Event Details:

• Event: A Night of Glam, Murder & Mystery

• Date: Friday, November 13, 2026

• Time: 5–8 p.m.

• Location: Hammond Public Library, Hammond, Indiana

• Admission: $35 per person

• Age Requirement: 21 and older

• Tickets: Advance registration required; tickets will not be sold at the door.

Visit HammondPublicLibrary.org to find the event information and ticket registration link.

Tune in to the WJOB Spotlight for more local events, community news, and stories from across Northwest Indiana.

Listen to WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM!

On this episode of the WJOB Spotlight, we highlight the Hammond Public Library's 2026 Food Drive, a community initiative supporting local families in partnership with the Northwest Indiana Community Services Group.

Now in its second year, the food drive runs from October 5 through November 7, giving community members an opportunity to donate nonperishable food items, including canned vegetables and proteins, rice, pasta, cereal, and peanut butter. Monetary donations are also accepted to help the organization purchase the items most needed by local residents.

The conversation explores the importance of community support amid rising grocery costs and changing access to food assistance. Learn how you can contribute, where to drop off donations, and how the library is helping connect residents with resources throughout Northwest Indiana.

Plus, discover how the Hammond Public Library offers much more than books, including free Wi-Fi, printing and fax services, educational programs, classes, and popular community activities like Thursday night line dancing.

How to Donate:

• Dates: October 5 – November 7, 2026

• Location: Hammond Public Library, 564 State Street, Hammond, Indiana

• Accepted donations: Nonperishable food items and monetary contributions

• Drop-off: Visit the library's circulation desk.

Tune in to the WJOB Spotlight to learn how you can support local families and discover the many ways the Hammond Public Library serves the community.

Listen to WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM for more local stories, community initiatives, and conversations from across Northwest Indiana.

On this episode of the WJOB Spotlight, host Larry Keilman sits down with School City of Whiting Superintendent Dave Verda to discuss two proposed referendums on the November 3, 2026, ballot: a $24 million operating referendum and a $39 million capital referendum.

Superintendent Verda explains how the proposed operating referendum would help fund competitive staff salaries and benefits while supporting programs such as early college, all-day preschool, Science Olympiad, and Whiting's band program. He also discusses the district's financial challenges, including potential property tax revenue changes and the gap between state funding and the cost of educating students.

The conversation also explores the proposed capital referendum, which would address aging school infrastructure, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural concerns. Verda discusses the district's historic school buildings, the importance of student and staff safety, and the estimated tax impact for homeowners if both referendums pass.

Plus, learn more about community outreach efforts, the Friends of Whiting organization, and how residents can get additional information about the proposals.

Listen to the WJOB Spotlight for an in-depth conversation about school funding, infrastructure, and the future of education in Whiting, Indiana.

Learn more: Visit AllOilersAllIn.com for referendum information.

Listen to WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM for local news, conversations, and community updates from Northwest Indiana.

On this episode of the WJOB Spotlight, host Larry Keilman welcomes award-winning journalist and author Joseph Pete to discuss Indiana's rich history, forgotten landmarks, and the stories behind some of the state's most memorable places.

Pete discusses his book, Lost Treasures of Indiana, a coffee table book highlighting historic department stores, drive-in theaters, movie palaces, restaurants, and other landmarks from across the Hoosier State. From Northwest Indiana favorites like the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Gary and the Flessner Trading Post to the origins of the Indianapolis 500, Pete uncovers the fascinating stories and memories behind places that helped shape Indiana's identity.

The conversation also explores Pete's upcoming book signing alongside distinguished historian Ken Schoon at Miles Books in Highland, his experience as an Iraq War veteran, and his work as a poet and short-story writer. Pete also shares insights into his writing process and reflects on the importance of preserving local history for future generations.

Whether you're a Northwest Indiana history enthusiast, a longtime Hoosier, or searching for a unique holiday gift, this episode offers a closer look at the people, places, and stories that make Indiana special.

Listen to the WJOB Spotlight for more conversations with the authors, historians, and community voices shaping Northwest Indiana.

📻 Listen to WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM for local news, stories, and conversations from across the Region.

📚 Featured Book: Lost Treasures of Indiana by Joseph Pete

Some leaders get results by being loud. Billy Mueller gets them by being old school: fair, demanding, and clear about the rules. The new athletic director at Griffith High School opens up about what really matters in school sports—and why the best programs are built on accountability, respect, and buy-in, not excuses. Jim Dedelow sits down with Mueller for a sharp, fast-moving conversation about his journey from Andrean to Kankakee Valley to Griffith, what brought him back closer to home, and why this next move feels like the right fit at the right time. Mueller also breaks down the leadership philosophy that has guided him for decades—from handling coaches and parents to making hard calls when a kid, a rule, or a program needs direction. For athletic directors, coaches, parents, and anyone who cares about building a winning culture, this episode is a practical reminder that values still matter. The conversation is short, but the lessons are timeless: if everyone buys in, good things follow.

What does it mean for a business to truly be part of its community?

In this edition of WJOB Spotlight, digital marketing expert Matt Hansen discusses how businesses across Northwest Indiana responded to the recent major storm and what other business owners can learn from it.

Matt explains why businesses that stepped up to help — whether by providing food and water, offering space, helping employees, volunteering, or simply lending a hand — stood out during the crisis. While businesses don't need to make massive donations or turn their generosity into a marketing campaign, small acts of support can make a lasting impact.

The conversation explores how being present for your community isn't just good citizenship — it can also build long-term trust, loyalty, and relationships with the people a business serves.

Matt also shares why business owners should keep their finger on the pulse of their community during a crisis, first making sure their families and employees are safe before looking for ways to help others.

Hear how local businesses can become true community partners and pillars, and why people remember the businesses and entrepreneurs who were there when their community needed them most.

A major storm just ripped through the region, and roofers are now racing to keep homes, schools, steel mills, and commercial properties from staying exposed to the next round of damage. Scott Cooper of Local 26 breaks down what's hit hardest, how the recovery process really works, and why the workload is already stretching crews, suppliers, and apprentices. The biggest surprise? This isn't just about shingles. From lakefront industrial blow-offs to school damage and blown-off fascia metal, the storm has created a wide-ranging repair crisis that touches nearly every part of the region. Cooper explains what crews are seeing on the ground, why some jobs take far longer than people realize, and how engineers, materials procurement, and manpower all have to line up before a property can be made dry again. Cooper also makes the case for the roofing trade itself, sharing the pay, benefits, and career path that make it a solid option for younger workers who want real skills and real results. It's dirty work, but it's also work you can stand back from and say, "I built that." If you want a grounded look at storm recovery from the people doing the physical labor, this is essential listening. It's especially useful for homeowners, business owners, school administrators, and anyone considering a skilled trade career.

Inside Henry Ford's Historic Hangar - Free Aviation Weekend in Lansing A free, family-friendly aviation spectacle is landing in Lansing, and it centers on one of the most historic buildings in town - Henry Ford's original hangar at the Lansing Municipal Airport. Michelle Henderson, events planner for the Village of Lansing, reveals how the Ford Hangar 100 celebration combines history, restoration, and big-time aviation energy into one unforgettable weekend. From a gala that launches a major capital campaign to a Saturday open-house expo packed with interactive exhibits, classic cars, legendary figures, and live aircraft action, this event is built to pull in everyone from aviation buffs to parents looking for a unique day out. The weekend also features the Patriot Parachute Team, Daisy Air Shows, local aircraft flyovers, and tours of the hangar itself, plus a historic places motor coach tour for anyone who wants to go deeper into Lansing's past. If you care about aviation, local history, preservation, or just want a free event that actually gives your family something memorable to do, this is the kind of episode that turns a calendar reminder into an outing. Visit fordhanger100.org for tickets, sponsorships, donations, and event details.