Second annual Book Brigade comes to First Midwest Bank


CATEGORY: News

August 08, 2014 – Shelley Lohr New and gently used children’s and young adult books will be collected at every First Midwest Bank branch during August, setting into motion the second annual Book Brigade: A Call to Action with a goal double over last year’s collection. A partnership between Books, Brushes & Bands for Education (BBB4E) and First Midwest Bank, …

Woodmar-Hammond Kiwanis Club awards scholarships to trio


CATEGORY: News

August 07, 2014 – Times Staff Three 2014 Hammond High School graduates have been selected to receive $500 college scholarships for the 2014-15 academic year from the Woodmar-Hammond Kiwanis Club. Recipients are Miriam Alvarado, of Hammond High School; Lawrence Howell, of Gavit High School; and Alyssa MacCartney, of Morton High School. Alvarado, who plans to attend Indiana University and major …

Hammond police seek tips in hit-run that critically injured Gary man


CATEGORY: News

July 31, 2014 – Times Staff A Gary man was critically injured Wednesday night in a hit-and-run crash in Hammond, police said. Daniel Valdez, 54, of Gary, was taken by helicopter from the scene to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill., after the crash about 11:10 p.m. on Michigan Street west of Cline Avenue, police said. Valdez was …

New Edition brings dance moves, pop hits to Hammond


CATEGORY: News

July 31, 2014 – Eloise Marie Valadez There was a retro music celebration of sorts Sunday at The Venue at Hammond’s Horseshoe Casino. New Edition, one of the first of the popular ’80s “boy bands,” presented a 90-minute concert on its “All Six” tour. The sold-out show was jam-packed with “screaming” fans – the majority of whom are now grown …

WHAM! ride rolls this weekend


CATEGORY: News

July 30, 2014 – Times Staff The third annual WHAM! After Midnight Ride returns Saturday and Sunday. The ride begins at midnight Saturday at the Pavilion at Wolf Lake and traverses the communities, parks and new bike paths of Hammond, Highland, Munster and Whiting before ending back at the pavilion. Bicyclists can choose between a relaxing, 30-mile long route or …

Hammond punches trains’ ticket


CATEGORY: News

July 29, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw When Johnny Cash sang about the trains that keep a rollin’, he mustn’t have been in Hammond. If you live in or drive through Hammond, chances are you’ve been stopped at a crossing by a train. And not just a moving train. A stopped train. Just sitting there causing you to be late for …

Hammond considers raising towing fee


CATEGORY: City Council, Mayor's Office, News

July 28, 2014 8:39 pm – Rob Earnshaw The city may increase its towing fees. An ordinance was introduced at Monday’s City Council meeting that would raise the standard towing fee from $125 to $180. Hammond currently has four towing companies operating without a contract. Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said those companies would continue to receive the $125 fee while …

Volunteering is a way of life for Hammond retiree


CATEGORY: News

July 23, 2014 – Kimberly Cheek-Stanley On any given day, Anne Herbert is working behind the scenes to improve the lives of those in her community and across the country. The Hammond resident is the only American Red Cross disaster volunteer in the city and the first person contacted when a disaster or fire occurs in Hammond. “We take care …

New bike trail leg bridges Munster, Hammond


CATEGORY: Mayor's Office, News

July 23, 2014 – Anna Ortiz A newly completed pedestrian and bike trail bridge symbolizes the benefits of cooperation between Hammond and Munster, officials of both municipalities said Wednesday. The new Monon Trail bridge, which spans the Little Calumet River, is between Manor Avenue in Munster and Lyman Avenue in Hammond. Hammond, Munster and Calumet River Basin Development Commission officials …