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
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
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 …
Mayor McDermott’s Statement Regarding the Arrest of Mr. Jamal Jones
I was made aware of the arrest of Mr. Jamal Jones yesterday, October 6th, and the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop. I watched a video of a portion of the traffic stop, the entire stop lasted 13 minutes. I have spoken to the Chief of Police about this traffic stop. Citizens, in a similar type of situation, should simply provide …
Mayor McDermott comments on proposed South Shore Rail expansion plan
It is widely known that Congressman Visclosky has made a $600 million expansion of the South Shore rail line to two towns south of Hammond his priority. As part of his mission, municipal governments across NWI, that are nowhere near the expansion or have more to lose than gain from this project, have been asked to “voluntarily” approve an inter-local …
Company takes over Hammond Recycling building
September 20, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw The vacant Hammond Recycling building has been purchased by a company with plans to turn it into a state-of-the-art recycling facility complete with new jobs. JJS Recycling Factory officials say they will develop a significant operation of recycling plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, and manufacture it for use in the textile …
Tracks, trains hot topics at Hammond Mayor’s Night Out
September 15, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw From a rail crossing falling into disrepair to the proposed South Shore Line extension, trains were on the mind of recent Mayor’s Night Out participants. The “horrible” condition of the railroad crossing on Indianapolis Boulevard next to Cargill Inc. was one of the issues concerning residents at the recent event at Wolf Lake Pavilion. …
Mayor McDermott Names Assistant Chief
Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. announces that a new Assistant Chief has been chosen for the City of Hammond Fire Department. Assistant Chief Karl Repay will succeed Assistant Chief Pat Moore, Jr. Moore a 23 year veteran of the Hammond Fire Department who recently announced his retirement. Assistant Chief Repay began his career with the Hammond Fire Department in December, …
Planning and development employees move to City Hall
September 01, 2014 – Rob Earnshaw The city’s planning and development department is moving to City Hall. Currently based at 649 and 651 Conkey St., the dozen or so employees will have new accommodations at City Hall by the end of the year in a plan Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said made sense. “We’re in the process right now of …
Hammond considers raising towing fee
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 …