RICH JAMES: Cid is acting like a Republican

Lake County Councilwoman Christine Cid has fed at the public trough for years.

McDermott's new chief of staff to make $94,000

HAMMOND | Mark McLaughlin will earn a $94,000 salary in his new role as chief of staff for Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.

Eliminate wasteful spending instead of new tax

Lake County Council members David Hamm, Ted Bilski, Jerome Prince and Elsie Franklin have voted to institute a county income tax. Thomas McDermott is pulling their strings to approve it.

Hammond mayor to speak at Lakeshore Chamber meeting

HAMMOND | Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. will speak at the next Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce meeting, set for Feb. 27 at Dynasty Banquets, 4125 Calumet Ave.

Democrats will pick 1st District Lake councilman Saturday

HAMMOND | Lake County Democrats are scheduled to name a new County Council member Saturday to represent Hammond, Whiting and part of Munster in the coming year.

McDermott's casino proposal is no mere pipe dream

State Rep. Charlie Brown responded to Hammond’s Mayor Thomas McDermott’s proposal for a second casino in Hammond by sarcastically asking, “I wonder what he’s been smoking?”

McDermott ups ante on Gary land-based casino

INDIANAPOLIS | After years of opposing Gary's legislative efforts for a land-based casino, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. is ready to endorse Gary's latest plan — so long as he gets a second casino for Hammond.

The Democratic empire strikes back

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Democratic party reasserted its overwhelming influence on local government.

Adventures in Everyday Living, Shorelines Thursday, November 1st, 2012

Lively social scene around Lake Michigan and unusual forms of political coverage when term-limited Governor Daniels visits with Stephen Colbert and other talk show hosts to not comment on the election. --- Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor.

Former region mayors find life after office

Being a mayor is a demanding job. The mayor is on the job 24 hours a day and constantly in the public spotlight. So what happens after a mayor steps down?

Frey ready to step in as next Lake County coroner

HAMMOND | Merrilee Frey said Friday she is prepared to step forward as the next Lake County coroner in the wake of Thomas Philpot's conviction of theft of federal funds.

Hammond Councilman Salinas terminated from city job

HAMMOND | City Councilman Al Salinas Jr. was terminated from his position with the Hammond Streets Department on Wednesday, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said.

Most Lake communities claim no commitment to trash-to-ethanol

Municipal support for Lake County's trash-to-ethanol proposal does not appear as strong as proponents of the project have claimed, a Times survey of city and town leaders shows.

Hammond finds obstacles at State Line Energy site

HAMMOND | The future of the State Line Energy site is up in the air as the city prepares for the coal plant's closure.

Hammond Mayor to host Night Out

HAMMOND | Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. will host Mayor's Night Out tonight.

Plan for Little Cal levee maintenance fee advances

INDIANAPOLIS | A compromise plan to charge most Lake County residents and businesses a fee for Little Calumet River levee maintenance was approved 9-0 by an Indiana House committee Wednesday.

Hammond officials sworn in

More than 200 people stand Friday as a police and firefighter honor guard post the colors during a swearing-in ceremony for Hammond officials at the Hammond Civic Center. Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. was sworn in along with City Council members and the city clerk.

Hammond officials sworn in

Spectators give Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. a standing ovation Friday afternoon after he was sworn in for a third term.

Hammond officials sworn in

Thomas McDermott Jr., left, takes an oath of office Friday afternoon administered by Lake Superior Judge Thomas Stefaniak during a ceremony at the Hammond Civic Center.