Observors: Van Til's indictment adds to region's political corruption stain

CROWN POINT | Prominent Lake County Democrat George Van Til's indictment Friday on felony fraud charges has local politicos wondering just how many more black eyes the party will take in the federal government's ongoing corruption probe.

Scheub parts company with Democratic Party boss

CROWN POINT | Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub, D-Crown Point, and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., the Democratic county chairman, have become estranged over the county income tax.

Lake councilwoman retracts allegation she was offered job to vote for tax

HAMMOND | Lake County Councilwoman Christine Cid has apologized for falsely telling a WJOB radio audience Friday morning that Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. offered her a job to change her vote in favor of a county income tax.

Tax sails; veto fails

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Commissioners refused Friday morning to veto a local income tax.

The tax that took Lake by surprise

CROWN POINT | Friday's passage of a Lake County income tax relieved supporters, disgusted opponents, and amazed everyone following the impassioned debate.

McDermott names new chief of staff

HAMMOND | Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. has appointed Mark McLaughlin, executive director of the Hammond Development Corp., to serve as his new chief of staff.

Parties spar over income tax blame

CROWN POINT | Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. is taking Lake County Republicans to task for opposing a local income tax.

Dabertin to become RDA board member, step down as McDermott's chief of staff

HAMMOND | Tom Dabertin is leaving his position as Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.'s chief of staff at the end of the month to become a board member of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

McDermott addresses reliance on gaming revenue in State of the City

HAMMOND | The need to wean the city off its reliance of gaming revenue was central to Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.'s State of the City address he gave Wednesday to a packed audience at Hammond City Hall.

McDermott speaks on proposed developments, Chicago casino impact

HAMMOND | Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. spoke Wednesday about proposed developments in the city and the impact of potential casinos in Chicago.

McDermott eyes College Bound sustainability, new development

HAMMOND | When Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. came into office nine years ago, he became a catalyst for major changes in the city.

DOUG ROSS: Speedway bailout taxes imagination, too

Indiana legislators seem to be racing toward handing over state tax money to the Terre Haute company that owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This has irony written all over it.

McDermott prepares for four more years at helm of Democratic Party

HAMMOND | Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. can comfortably settle in for four more years as Lake County Democratic party boss.

Hammond City Council takes stand against 2 pieces of legislation

HAMMOND | The Hammond City Council is sending notice to state lawmakers of its opposition to bills that could potentially cost the city about $4.5 million in gaming revenue and $800,000 in rental registration fees.

McDermott says Gary bill means loss of local control of Gary airport

HAMMOND | Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. contends the push for a land-based casino in Gary will carry the consequence of losing local control over the airport board.

McDermott wants to re-up as Dem chairman

CROWN POINT | Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said Friday he will ask the Democratic Party faithful to re-elect him as their chairman.

McDermott: Verbal agreement reached in Hammond, Chicago Heights water rate dispute

HAMMOND | Chicago Heights and Hammond have reached a verbal agreement on an increased rate the Illinois community will pay for water services, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. confirmed Thursday.

Longtime Lake elections chief to step down

CROWN POINT | Lake County Elections Director Sally LaSota will retire next month.

Hammond, Whiting finalizing plans for Indy Blvd.

Hammond and Whiting are finalizing a new development plan focused on growing the Indianapolis Boulevard corridor through both communities.

Federal judge issues stay in Chicago Heights water lawsuit

HAMMOND | Chicago Heights' quest to pay less than what Hammond is planning to charge for water is in the hands of Indiana regulators — at least for now.