🌱 Patch AM: How a multi-state fake paycheck scheme ended in Hammond courtrooms

Good day Hammond! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How a multi-state fake paycheck scheme ended in Hammond courtrooms

Also on today's calendar: Cookies and Canvas and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 33 and low of 26 degrees.
• Monday: Cloudy, temps: high: 42, low: 37.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 46 and low of 32 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• 3 Honduran men sentenced for bank fraud conspiracy in Indiana, Oklahoma (fox59.com) — Sentencing in a major bank fraud case was announced out of Hammond, where three men received prison terms and must repay hundreds of thousands of dollars stolen through fake checks in Indiana and Oklahoma. Federal and state investigators, including Indiana State Police, coordinated across multiple states to track the scheme and emphasize that cross-border financial crimes targeting local businesses will be aggressively pursued.
   

📸 Around Hammond

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Hammond

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Monday December 22

• Cookies & Canvas
  Jean Shepherd Community Center, 3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr, Hammond
  10:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Monday December 22

• Cookies and Canvas
  Jean Shepherd Community Center , 3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr , Hammond
  10:00 am

Wednesday December 24

• Library Closed
  Whiting Public Library , 1735 Oliver Street , Whiting

Saturday December 27

• Public Enemy
  The Venue at Horseshoe Hammond , 777 Casino Center Dr , Hammond
  8:00 pm

📣 Hammond Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 21

• White Christmas
  Towle Performing Arts Company , 5205 Hohman Ave , Hammond
  2:00 pm
• A Frank Sinatra Christmas Show
  Theatre at the Center , 1040 Ridge Rd , Munster
  3:00 pm
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
  Black Oak Baptist Church , 6502 W 25th Ave , Gary
  3:00 pm
• HOLIDAY CLASSICS: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
  Hoosier Theatre , 1335 119th St , Whiting
  4:00 pm
• Beers and Breathing
  Fuzzyline Brewing Co. , 2712 Condit St , Highland
  5:00 pm

Monday December 22

• LEGOﾂｮ Club (Grades K-5)
  Munster - Children's Program Room
  6:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Gary Truck Driving Recruiting Event at Schneider
  Schneider National Gary , IN , Gary
  5:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Library Closed
  Whiting Public Library , 1735 Oliver Street , Whiting

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
  April was LOST on November 14, 2025 in Hammond, IN 46323 near Near Tanglewood Dr, Hammond, IN 46323 Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest… (Nextdoor Southwest Hammond)
• Update on the pup I found a few days ago, he’s been sent to the animal shelter as there’s been no news of someone claiming him.
  I cannot take care of him but he will be at the Hammond Animal Control. Best regards if his owner is on the lookout, but this is my only option for… (Nextdoor Southwest Hammond)

• Strack and Van Til posted a job opening for Seafood Clerk - Van Til's in Hammond. Apply here.
• Kentucky Fried Chicken posted a job opening for Team Member in Hammond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hammond here.

🗞 Nearby News

Highland

Ok Hammond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook