Warming shelters available in response to expected extreme cold


CATEGORY: Mayor's Office, News

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott has announced that due to the extreme cold expected this week, the City of Hammond has mobilized and identified several buildings as warming centers, including: The Jean Shepherd Center, the Lost Marsh Golf Course Clubhouse and Hammond Civic Center. Individuals may use these facilities during regular operating hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. if necessary to …

Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. is pleased to announce the following personnel changes, effective January 2015.


CATEGORY: College Bound, Mayor's Office, News, Parks Department

Donna Muta will take over as Superintendent of the Hammond Park Department. Donna became an employee with the City of Hammond in 2005. She has held many positions including, parks, special events coordinator, and public works district supervisor. Leanne Munoz will move from the College Bound Coordinator to become Hammond’s Special Events Coordinator. Leanne started with the City in 2011 …

Hammond Academy of Science and Technology Aaccepting Applications


CATEGORY: Mayor's Office, News

The Hammond Academy of Science and Technology is currently accepting applications for 6th grade class lottery for 2015-16. Applications are available on line at www.hammondacademy.org,, or at the school, located at 33 Muenich Court in downtown Hammond. The incoming 6th grade lottery will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at 6 p.m. at the school. In addition, HAST is …

Buffalo Wild Wings opens in Hammond’s Oxbow Landing


CATEGORY: Economic Development, Mayor's Office, News

November 29, 2014 – Joseph S. Pete A line wrapped around the building when a popular casual dining restaurant opened at Hammond’s Oxbow Landing, a major redevelopment project just north of the Little Calumet River. Buffalo Wild Wings just opened a 7,000-square-foot eatery which features the chain’s new “stadia” concept, a first-in-Northwest Indiana design that makes the restaurant’s interior look …

Mayor McDermott Issues Statement Regarding FBI Findings of HPD Case


CATEGORY: Mayor's Office, News

The Federal Bureau of Investigation informed the Hammond Police Department that it has cleared the two officers involved in the Jones arrest to return to active duty. Previously the Indiana State Police and Lake County Sheriff’s Department declined my invitation to investigate the matter. While the FBI investigation was pending, Officers Vicari and Turner were assigned office duties. After this …

Hammond council approves water bond ordinance


CATEGORY: City Council, Mayor's Office, News

November 17, 2014 – Ed Bierschenk The City Council Monday took final action on an 18-year bond issue that could provide the city with some $30 million to pay off debt and possibly provide some surplus revenue next year. The bond issue will be paid off from money brought in from increased water rates charged to Chicago Heights under the …

South Shore extension discussion keeps rolling in Hammond


CATEGORY: Mayor's Office, News

October 26, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. knows what U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, wants for the South Shore Rail Line commuter extension to Munster and Dyer — $900,000 a year the city’s share of the county economic development tax for the next 30 years. What McDermott said he doesn’t know from the congressman is where the …

Hammond park going to the dogs


CATEGORY: Engineering, Mayor's Office, News, Parks Department

October 23, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw The largest city in Northwest Indiana is getting its first dog park. Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. announced this week that Riverside Park in far southwest Hammond will be the home of the approximately 2 acre dog park. Planning stages are underway with ground expected to be broken in the spring. “We’re moving forward and …

Mayor McDermott Issues New Statement Regarding Case Settlements


CATEGORY: Mayor's Office, News

There is a widespread misconception that most cases go to trial. The truth is, a tiny fraction of cases ever make it to a jury trial. For example, the National Law Journal reports that only 1.2 percent of federal civil cases went to trial in 2009. There are many reasons that cases settle, including the basic issue of cost. Put …

Hammond lures Illinois manufacturer


CATEGORY: City Council, Economic Development, Mayor's Office, News

October 11, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw An Illinois manufacturer is relocating to Hammond. The City Council recently passed an ordinance approving a property tax abatement for American Stair, a Romeoville-based company that designs and fabricates steel stairs and railings. American Stair is receiving $1.725 million from both the Regional Development Authority and the Economic Development for Growing Economy. The company …