Mark Kosior

I, Mark Kosior, am running for the LaPorte School Board of Trustees. Born and raised in LaPorte, I come from a blue-collar background where my parents taught me that you can achieve great success by setting big goals, being highly motivated, and working hard. I have always believed that a solid educational background that teaches students how to think is the key to achieving your goals, whether they include college or vocations. My wife and I have chosen to make LaPorte our home and to raise our children in this community.

There are five things we need to focus on. First, we need to focus on continuing to improve school safety. Second, we need to continue to drive academic excellence and help each child achieve their potential. Third, we need to expand vocational opportunities to meet our students’ needs. Fourth, we need to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars by staying within our budgets. Fifth, we need to strengthen community confidence in the education our students earn. Next year we will have a key opportunity to develop a strategic plan that will guide our schools for the next 5-10 years. I am committed to a new and more inclusive approach to this process.

In the strict sense, everyone should know the job of a school board member is to set policy and approve a budget. The higher responsibility of a school board member is to treat all stakeholders with respect and foster an environment of communication, accountability and confidence while focusing on actions that help children achieve their goals and dreams. This higher responsibility has guided me for the last four years and continues to be my commitment to you.

Please share your thoughts and concerns by joining me at our “Meet and Greet Forum” on Monday, Oct. 27, between 5:45 and 6:45 p.m. at the LaPorte County Public Library Main Branch downstairs meeting room and on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Kingsford Heights Community Center between 5:45 and 6:45 p.m. You can also contact me at kosior4schoolboard@gmail.com or on my cell phone at (219) 575-3341. I look forward to earning your vote and your confidence.

Submitted press release

Judge Koethe

The LaPorte Landlords’ Association has announced its endorsement of Jennifer Koethe as she seeks a second term as judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 3.

“After meeting with both candidates, we are giving the endorsement to Judge Koethe as we believe that she is the most experienced and qualified candidate,” said LaPorte Landlord Association President Kevin Mayes.

Stating that the association members feel Judge Koethe has a demonstrated track record on the bench of being fair and efficient with the high volume of cases handled by LaPorte Superior Court 3, Mayes added, “During the past five years we have observed the improvement of technology and efficiency in the court, as well as Judge Koethe’s judicial behavior of being respectful and fair to all litigants.”

Jennifer Koethe is running on the Democratic ticket for re-election. Jurisdiction of Superior Court 3 is traffic, criminal misdemeanors, small claims and general civil plenary cases with the exception of divorces and protective orders. In the past five years, Superior Court 3 has annually averaged approximately 2,500 new civil cases, 1,300 new misdemeanor cases and 9,500 new traffic infractions.

In addition to serving as judge, Koethe presides over the LaPorte County Veterans Treatment Court and Mentor Program. She was appointed by the Indiana Supreme Court to serve on the Special Courts Committee; is a volunteer with the LaPorte County Youth Service Bureau as a Teen Court judge; sits on the board for the LaPorte County Community Corrections Program; and is a member of the LaPorte County Bar Association and the LaPorte County League of Women Voters.

Koethe graduated Cum Laude from the Lee Honors College of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1995, and from Valparaiso School of Law in 1999. Prior to being elected, Koethe served as a part-time deputy prosecutor from 1999–2002 in LaPorte Superior Court 4 with extensive trial experience in traffic cases, misdemeanors and D felony cases. From 2002–2009, she served as a felony deputy prosecutor assigned to the LaPorte Circuit Court with extensive trial experience prosecuting major felony cases such as child molesting, robbery, rape and several high-profile murder cases. Additionally, while serving as a deputy prosecutor and maintaining a private law practice, Koethe was the deputy city attorney for the City of Michigan City from 2001-2005 and the city attorney from 2005–2009.

Bring your kids in their Halloween regalia to receive treats from LPHS students and support a great cause at LaPorte High School’s Trick or Treat for Special Olympics Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the LPHS gymnasium, cafeteria and field house.

LPHS’s participation is part of the IHSAA’s Champions Together program to support Special Olympics.

All proceeds from the $5 admission will go toward the Special Olympics program. Enter through the I Street LPHS doors and then your kids can receive treats and participate in various activities at stations represented by various LPHS athletic teams, school clubs and other student groups.

For the adults, LPHS is partnering with Buick for the Drive for Your Students event that same day, Oct. 30. For every test drive of a Buick from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at LPHS, Buick will donate $10 to LPHS and the Champions Together Special Olympics program. Once 100 test drives are achieved, Buick will double its donation to $20. If you participate in a test drive, you will receive a voucher for one free admission to the LPHS Trick or Treat event.

This is a fantastic opportunity for LPHS and the Champions Together program. Please come out and help support Special Olympics.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Oct. 25, 1914 – The pulpit of LaPorte’s First Christian Church was filled by the voting of a call to the Rev. D.L. Berry of a Buffalo, N.Y., suburb. He will bring his wife and four children and occupy the manse on Maple Avenue.

Oct. 25, 1964 – A Rolling Prairie High School pupil is gravely hurt when a truck rams a school bus.

Oct. 25, 1989 – The Ball State Charrette Team proposes an 1800s-style setting with small fountains and old-fashioned “street furniture” for downtown LaPorte.

Oct. 25, 2004 – Tracy Cioch, a LaPorte native, is LaPorte’s first female postmaster.

LaPorte’s Trick or Treat will be held on Halloween evening — Friday, Oct. 31 — from 6 to 8 p.m.

Turn your outside light on to indicate that you’re giving out goodies.

Motorists are advised to drive carefully and look out for trick-or-treaters.  

Nos complace anunciar que READ LaPorte County Inc. en asociación con la escuela Handley Elementary, pronto lanzara clases gratis de inglés como segundo idioma dos veces por semana. Estas clases están disponibles para los adultos que desean aprender inglés como segundo idioma o mejorar sus conocimientos del idioma inglés. Personas de todo origen de idiomas están bienvenidos.

Los estudiantes aprenderán a través del programa de computación Rosetta Stone al igual que con una variedad de actividades interactivas. Para ayudarles en sus esfuerzos, READ le da la bienvenida a la instructora de inglés Faith Mooney a su equipo. Ms. Mooney aporta a la posición un historial de enseñanza, un interés en la gente de diferentes culturas, y experiencia en la adaptación de la enseñanza a los intereses y necesidades del individuo. Además de enseñar a los estudiantes del idioma inglés, trabaja en la sucursal de la biblioteca pública del condado de LaPorte, Union Mills.

Las clases comienzan el 27 de octubre y continuaran hasta el final del año escolar 2014/2015. Las clases tomaran lugar todos los lunes y miércoles de 6:00-7:30 p.m. en la escuela Handley Elementary, cuya dirección es 408 W. 10th Street en LaPorte, Indiana.

Para inscribirse, por favor póngase en contacto con READ al (219) 325-0875 o al correo electrónico readlaportecounty@gmail.com. A las personas que vivan dentro de los límites de La Porte Community School Corporation se les dará prioridad para la inscripción.

Este programa es posible gracias a una generosa donación de la fundación Unity Foundation of LaPorte County.

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READ LaPorte County Inc. in partnership with Handley Elementary School, will soon be launching free, biweekly adult English language classes. These classes are open to adults who wish to learn English as a second language or improve their English language skills. Learners from all different language backgrounds are welcome!

Students will learn through Rosetta Stone computer software as well as a variety of interactive activities. To aid them in their efforts, READ welcomes English Language Instructor Faith Mooney to its team. Ms. Mooney brings to this position a teaching background, an interest in people from other cultures, and experience in adapting

instruction to individual’s interests and needs. In addition to teaching English language learners, she works at the Union Mills branch of the LaPorte County Public Library.

Classes begin Oct. 27 and will continue through the end of the 2014/2015 school year. Sessions take place every Monday and Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Handley Elementary School, 408 W. 10th St. in LaPorte.

For more information and to register, contact READ at (219) 325-0875 or readlaportecounty@gmail.com.

Individuals who live within the boundaries of LaPorte Community School Corporation will be given first priority for enrollment.

This program is made possible by a generous grant from Unity Foundation of LaPorte County.

Do you have a talented teen in your life? Are they pushing boundaries with their creations or just love art in any form? The LaPorte County Public Library is accepting one entry per teen now through Nov. 1 for its annual Teen Art Show.

Teens may drop off their entries at the main library or any of its branches during open hours. The art will go on display at the main library and voting by the public will take place Nov. 3-7. A reception for all the artists will be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 7 at the main library, where the prizes in each category will be announced.

This is a great experience for these young adults to be recognized for their awesome works. Any form of art medium is accepted. For more information, call Lydia at 362-7128.

The board of LaPorte Lions met Oct. 13, 2014, at B&J’s American Café.

Boss Lion Rita Mrozinski welcomed Lions and asked Sandra Provan to offer prayer. Provan read the minutes of the Sept. 18 board meeting, which were approved.

Mrozinski said the district meeting will be Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. in Lowell; the speaker will be Dottie Flack.

John Spiggle gave the financial report, which was approved.

Oscar Ryl-Kuchar will take the club’s check to the Cancer Control Fund meeting.

Cards were distributed to give to prospective members. Ken Schnable will write a letter to Lions Alert family members inviting them to join the club. Four members will be reminded about dues.

Ryl-Kuchar and PDG Rich Revers will get food prices from restaurants. Schnable said we need to send the first vice president to the USA/Canada Forum.

A motion to donate $100 to the LaPorte City Park Foundation was approved.

The Santa Parade will be the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The La Porte County Patriots organization has released its 2014 election endorsements. “The candidates selected have a platform that is consistent with the Patriots’ values of fiscal responsibility, limited government and upholding the values of the Constitution,” the organization’s press release stated.

The endorsements:

Jackie Walorski, U.S. representative, District 2

Tom Dermody, state representative, District 20

Kelly Mitchell, state treasurer

Suzanne Crouch, state auditor

Karl Tatgenhorst, secretary of state

John Boyd, LaPorte County sheriff

Michael Bohacek, LaPorte County Commission

Raymond Wolff, LaPorte County Council, District 4

Michael Beebe, LaPorte County Council, District 2

For more information about the LaPorte County Patriots, visit its Facebook page or email Lou Carlassara, group organizer, at LaPortePatriots@gmail.com.

The Purdue North Central Women’s Association will take a bus trip to Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 15, to visit River North, the Near North Side, and an artist’s studio. A “Lunch and Learn” will take place at Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse and a guided tour of the historic Driehaus Museum will also be featured.

The group will make its traditional stop at Trader Joe’s, where guests will have the opportunity to shop.

The day will start at 7 a.m. with breakfast of Dunkin’ Donuts and toasted Panera bagels at PNC’s Schwarz Hall. The luxury coach with restroom will leave campus at 8 a.m. sharp. The first stop will be an artist’s studio, hosted by Kenrick McFarlane, senior art student at the School of the Art Institute. From there, the group will go to Trader Joe’s. Then guests may either take a bus or walk to Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse for lunch. Managing partner John Colletti will share tales of Gibson’s history, celebrity sightings, funny stories from the front and kitchen fiascoes, with time for questions. The meal, tax and gratuity are included in the ticket price.

After lunch, walk back along Rush Street for shopping, with Michigan Avenue just a few blocks away. Shops are also available near the Driehaus Museum where the group will rendezvous at 3:45 p.m. for a 4 p.m. guided tour. Parcels may be stowed on the bus before the tour. Driehaus is an opulent Victorian house from the Gilded Age. A tour guide will share details about the architecture, construction, former owners, period furniture, and the restoration process that returned it to its former glory.

The tour will end at 5:15 and the group will then head back to PNC.

Adults and young adults are welcome to join the bus trip. The cost is $85 for PNCWA members and $95 for non-members. Make checks payable to PNCWA and mail to Liz Bernel, Room S 154, Purdue North Central, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, IN 46391. Include a phone number or email to receive confirmation when payment is received.

For more information, contact Bernel at 219-785-5719 or ebernel@pnc.edu.

The LaPorte Salvation Army helps more local individuals, families and children than you realize. How about helping this organization by devoting a few hours of your time this holiday season?

LaPorte SA Red Kettle Coordinator Ketra Bolster has the daunting task of filling 360 two-hour bell-ringing time slots over eight weeks.

“Unfortunately, unmanned kettles are usually empty kettles and that would prevent us from fulfilling all of the needs for our community,” Bolster said in a press release.

The Red Kettle Kickoff begins Sunday, Nov. 2, with a benefit concert by Cripple Creek at the LaPorte High School Auditorium at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the Salvation Army, Door Village United Methodist Church and WLOI-WCOE.

The actual ringing begins Friday, Nov. 7, and continues until Dec. 24. Ringing will take place at 10 locations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Sign up for your two-hour bell-ringing sessions now! Call the Salvation Army at 219-326-5342 or Bolster at 219-575-2714.

Edward Allan Mehaffie, 69, of South Bend, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died Oct. 25, 2014, at 3:21 p.m. at Center for Hospice Care in South Bend.

He was born July 22, 1945, in Paterson, NJ, to Robert Edward and Ethel Grace (DeRier) Mehaffie.

Edward served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and lived a life of ministry for Christ. He served as a pastor for many years and always served people with a pastor’s heart, wherever he was or regardless of what he was doing. In 1972, he and his wife established New Life Coffee House on Madison Street in LaPorte, following a Billy Graham Association Crusade in LaPorte. From 1979-89 he and his wife served as missionaries in the Philippines. Ed was full of compassion and love for people. He was a member of Southgate Church in South Bend. He enjoyed fly fishing, card playing, and eating out with Glen and friends.

On Dec. 30, 1967, in Michigan City, IN, he married Mary Ann Engle, who survives.

Also surviving are a brother, Samuel Mehaffie of Blue Springs, MO; multiple nieces and nephews, and countless spiritual children.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a half brother, James Kelehan.

A Celebration of Life and Worship Service will be held at LaPorte Assembly of God on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. with Ken Grace officiating. Family and friends will be received Tuesday at the church from 4 to 6 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, 8604 Allisonville Rd., Suite 140, Indianapolis, IN 46250; or the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Rachel Osborn, a LaPorte native and a 2014 graduate of Michigan State University, left LaPorte this month to serve as a missionary in Chad, north central Africa, for six months. Rachel, a 2011 LaPorte High School graduate, majored in Global and Area Studies–International Development at MSU. She is the daughter of Drummond and Sue Osborn of LaPorte. Rachel will be sending occasional columns to WNLP; here is her second after she arrived in Chad Oct. 16, 2014. You can also follow Rachel’s adventures at http://rachelinchad.wordpress.com.

As far as geographical phrases go, I consider “the crossroads of (fill-in-the-blank)” to be a bit cliche for my liking. But you’ll notice that I’ve used it anyway, and I think that I’ve used it for good reason. If any country has legitimate claim to the title of “the crossroads of Africa,” it’s Chad.

If you draw an imaginary line across the widest part of the African continent, and another imaginary line across the longest north-south axis of the continent, you’ll find Chad where the lines cross. But beyond physical location, Chad is the crossroads of people groups, religions, heritages and languages. While the south mainly practices Christianity, the north is mostly Muslim. Government officials and NGO workers will speak to you in French; market traders deal in Arabic; and people on the streets will speak either, or both, although for many their first language is neither (there are over 120 tribal dialects in Chad). In many parts of the country, a lack of sewage system means that everyone still uses outhouses — but there’s WiFi and satellite television. In Chad, the harsh Sahara Desert gives way to the lush (at least after rainy season) savanna, and the fancy hotels of N’Djamena contrast with the round, thatched-roof huts of the villages just down the road.

Our trip across Chad, from N’Djamena on the western border to Goz Beida near the eastern border, took TT and me through the heart of this diverse and intermingled landscape. We drove over plains, past fascinating rocky outcroppings, between fields of millet, on smooth asphalt and pothole-ridden packed dirt and traction-threatening sand, and through broad, shallow wadis (a wadi is a seasonal river). We shared the road with other trucks, lots of motorcycles, people walking or riding donkeys, herds of goats or sheep or cattle, and camel caravans.

Yes, camel caravans, ranging in size from less than a dozen camels to hundreds of camels. Hundreds. It was like a fantastical camel-ridden dream — the older camels plodding along, slowly turning their necks to thoughtfully watch us pass; the younger camels skittering away from the road, not trusting of the rumbling white beast on four wheels; many camels barebacked and burdenless, while others carried packs six feet high; some camels with no restraint at all, or with a plain rope around their neck, while others pridefully sported ornamental bridles. Sometimes we would pass a camel herd while it was taking a snack break in the trees, and I would swear I was actually seeing fuzzy, tan giraffes with lumpy backs.

All told, we spent over 22 hours driving cross country (split into three driving days), and I never tired of staring out the window, watching the world go by. What does Chad look like? Like a scene from “The Lion King,” or maybe the village from “The Jungle Book,” or maybe sometimes what I imagined of the American Wild West — except for when it reminds me of the back roads of Indiana. And the people? They are tall but sometimes short, skinny except when they’re plump, with deeply colored dark skin, except when their skin tone is lighter; and the men wear slacks and T-shirts, except the ones who wear turbans and robes; and the children laugh and wave, except for the ones who frown; and the market women are pushy with their wares, except for all of the friendly, chatty ones.

Have I made my point? This country defies label and stereotype. It’s as if someone filled a bottle with African culture, Arabic culture, and French colonial culture, added a pinch of technological development and a handful of camels, shook vigorously, and poured out Chad. (And then sprinkled liberally with lizards and ants. The lizards I love. The ants, not so much.) It’s beautiful and mystical and sometimes a little scary; it’s a swirl of cultures, an intermingling of geographies … a crossroads, if you will.

The first round of fall leaf pickup in the City of LaPorte begins Monday, Oct. 27, and will continue until leaf crews have made at least two rounds of the city (weather permitting), Mayor Blair Milo has announced.

Street department crews will start east of Rose Street and work clockwise around the city. After the first round, it will be three to four weeks before they start the second round.

Leaf piles are to be placed in the street next to the curb. In areas with no curbing, leaves are to be placed on the tree lawn no more than 48 inches from the street. Leaves in biodegradable bags will also be picked up, but leaves in containers will not be picked up.

Place your grass clippings and garden waste in with the leaves, but keep any limbs, brush, wood, trash, and other debris out of the piles, or they will not be collected. If there is a vehicle parked in the way of the city leaf vacuum, the leaves will not be picked up.

Leaves will be collected until the work is done or until the snow flies.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Oct. 27, 1914 – The allies and Germans are fighting on Belgian and French soil with no indication as to the result.

Oct. 27, 1964 – Voter registration in the county is 48,011, the lowest figure since 1952.

Oct. 27, 1989 – It took only 10 minutes for the U.S. Small Business Administration to auction off the former Bastian-Morley and LaPorte Foundry properties on Truesdell Avenue. The winning bid came from Charles Dye.

Oct. 27, 2004 – A candy maker will bring 230 jobs to the former LaPorte Whirlpool plant.

The LaPorte High School Marching Band was crowned State Champion at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Scholastic A Class State Finals on Oct. 25, 2014, at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis.

With 20 bands competing for the class state championship, the top five finishing bands were announced as follows:

1 LaPorte

2 Zionsville

3 Warren Central

4 Warsaw

5 Chesterton

LaPorte will perform in exhibition at the ISSMA Open Class State Finals at 9:45 a.m. EST on Nov. 8 in Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.

The Scholastic B Class State Champion was Tri-West High School.

The LaPorte Marching Band will hold its annual awards night dinner Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. in the LPHS Cafeteria.

To view a YouTube video of the band performing at State, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jITvdkTn2II

Jeffrey Paul Kling, 49, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at the University of Chicago Medical Center in Chicago.

He was born Feb. 11, 1965, in Elkhart, IN, to Gary and Pamela (Wenger) Kling.

Jeff worked as a salesman and a small-business owner. He was a member of LaPorte Missionary Church and enjoyed spending time with his family, participating in sports, and helping others. He led various Bible studies, taught Sunday school and helped establish First Step Ministries of LaPorte. Jeff lived his life loving the Lord and others with all his heart and soul. He adored his family above all else. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

On Jan. 19, 1985, he married Traci Vogel, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved children, Dusty Kling of LaPorte, Courtney Kling (fiancé, Joel Chrobak) of Chicago, Jordan Kling of LaPorte, Kyle Kling of LaPorte, and Kendall Kling of Chicago; his parents, of Elkhart; and his brother, David (Donna) Kling of Osceola, IN.

A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastors Carl and Steve Galloway officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 30, from 3 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Jeff Kling c/o Traci Kling, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.

MSGT Charles Lindewald. (Photo courtesy of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website)

U.S. Army MSGT Charles Lindewald Jr. of LaPorte, killed in Vietnam in 1968, will be among the first 16 Hoosier military members to be inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Hall, located at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence, IN, released the names of the 16 initial honorees Oct. 25, 2014. They will be inducted at a Nov. 7 ceremony at the Hall.

Lindewald, a Green Beret, was 29 and serving his fifth tour in Vietnam when he was declared Missing in Action during the Battle of Lang Vei in Quang Tri, South Vietnam, in February 1968. His family learned he had been severely wounded, but his whereabouts were unknown after the battle. His status remained MIA for over 35 years until his remains were found in 2003 and identified via DNA in 2004. His remains were buried in Arlington National Cemetery in 2005.

In 2006, City Park in LaPorte was renamed Charles W. Lindewald Park.

Besides MSGT Lindewald, those who will be inducted for valorous military service on Nov. 7 are: Gary D. Brewer Sr. (d), Worthington, IN; Robert H. Butler Jr. (d), Indianapolis; William E. Butler (d), Indianapolis; Charles B. Garrigus (d), Indianapolis; Richard E. Goodwin, Greenfield, IN; Ronald E. Gray, Palm Bay, FL; Johnny J. Miller (d), Argos, IN; Joseph E. Proctor (d), New Whiteland, IN; Fredrick L. Spaulding, Fishers, IN; Robert J. Williamson (d), Vevay, IN. Those being inducted for combined military and community service: Allen E. Paul, Richmond, IN; James E. Koutz, Boonville, IN; Robert G. Moorhead (d), Indianapolis; Donald W. Moreau, Center Point, IN; James R. Sweeney II, Indianapolis.

The Hall determined honorees after issuing a statewide call for nominations in June 2014. It received 60 applications.

For more information on the Hall and the induction ceremony, including tickets, visit https://imvhof.com.

To view more information about MSGT Lindewald and photos of his burial service at Arlington, visit http://arlingtoncemetery.net/cwlindewald.htm.

Lindewald’s marker in Arlington National Cemetery. (Courtesy Arlington National Cemetery website)

The LaPorte Branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 1505 Lincolnway, is closed for now because of a weekend fire that caused severe damage. A mobile unit will be set up outside the office to handle credential and registration renewals only, according to a press release from Indiana BMV Commissioner Don Snemis.

Those needing to take care of other business should go to other area BMV branches, including those at 1724 E. U.S. 20, Michigan City; 1361 Morthland Drive, Valparaiso; 623 S. St. Joseph St., South Bend; and 302 Roosevelt Rd., Walkerton (this branch is open Tuesdays and Thursdays only.)

You can also visit www.myBMV.com to do some transactions.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you see any errors or omissions in the candidates list, please post a message below so we can make any corrections necessary.

The 2014 General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prepare yourself to vote by using the information WNLP has compiled here.

Candidates on your ballot

Some of the candidates listed on your ballot will depend on where you live; for example, township, school board, and some county and state candidates. If you would like to view a ballot that will list the candidates for your specific address, visit: https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicOnBallotSearch.aspx

More candidate information

Several local political action groups include information on their websites about local candidates and, in some cases, candidate interviews. Two of these are the LaPorte County League of Women Voters — http://www.lwvlaporte.org/ — and the LaPorte Political Action Committee — http://www.laportepac.com/.

Polling places

If you need to find out where to vote, call the LaPorte County Voter Registration Office at 219-326-6808, Ext. 2242 or Ext. 2250.

LIST OF CANDIDATES (parties indicated after names)

U.S., state and county

U.S. representative, District 2: Joe Bock, D; Jackie Walorski, R; Jeff Petermann, L

Indiana secretary of state: Elizabeth “Beth” White, D; Connie Lawson, R; Karl Tatgenhorst, L

Indiana state auditor: Michael A. Claytor, D; Suzanne Crouch, R; John Schick, L

Indiana state treasurer: Mike Boland, D; Kelly Mitchell, R; Michael L. “Mike” Jasper, L

Indiana state representative, District 8: Ryan Dvorak, D

Indiana state representative, District 9: Scott Pelath, D

Indiana state representative, District 20: Tom Dermody, R

Judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 1: Michael S. Bergerson, D

Judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 2: Richard R. Stalbrink Jr., D

Judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 3: Jennifer L. Koethe, D; Jeffrey L. Thorne, R

Judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 4: Greta S. Friedman, D

LaPorte County prosecuting attorney: John M. Espar, D

LaPorte County sheriff: Al Ott, D; John T. Boyd, R; Steve Osborn, L

LaPorte County Commission, District 1: Willie Milsap, D; Michael Bohacek, R

LaPorte County Council, District 1: Michael Mollenhauer, D; Terry L. Garner, R

LaPorte County Council, District 2: Randy Novak, D; Michael Beebe, R; Jamey Barnett, L

LaPorte County Council, District 3: Mark Yagelski, D; Patrick Margraf Sr., R

LaPorte County Council, District 4: Ross Ratliff, D; Cary Kirkham, R; Ray Wolff, L

LaPorte County assessor: Michael Schultz, D

School boards (only candidates in your school district will appear on your ballot)

LaPorte Community School Board: Mark Kosior, Shannon M. Hannon, Jan Ribordy, Shari K. Ott-Large. Kevin Kozlowski

Michigan City School Board: Beryl A. Burgwald, Theresa C. Edwards, Ronald K. Landtroop, Beth Pishkur, Thomas Dombkowski, Dylan Justice, Dennis Metheny

Dewey Township School Board: Daron Bruder, Aaron Rust

Cass Township School Board: Angela Carr, Timothy A. Guse, Diane Russell

Prairie Township School Board: Travis R. Younggreen

John Glenn School Board: Dennis Holland

South Central School Board: Dominic Notaro

New Durham School Board: Genevieve R. Hisick, Richard D. Oberle, Mark D. Parkman, Olga Pecanac, Lynn Marie Wilson

New Prairie School Board: William Romstadt Jr.

Townships (only candidates in your township of residence will appear on your ballot)

Cass Township trustee: Dara Guse (R)

Cass Township Board: Eugene Shurte (R), Jacqueline Tharp (R), Jeffrey Mitzner (R), James Irwin Sr. (D)

Center Township trustee: Lisa Pierzakowski (R), Aurea Torres (L)

Center Township Board: Scott Ford (D), Michael Turner (D), Jack Ott (D), Eric Haverstock (R)

Clinton Township trustee: Jennie Niksch (R)

Clinton Township Board: Edwin Kresel (R), Jerard Land (R), Michael Niksch (R)

Coolspring Township trustee: Chris Jackson (R), Jackie Atwater (D)

Coolspring Township Board: Monica Prosser (D), Brian Biggs (R), Henry Wroblewski (R), Jacqueline Wroblewski (R)

Dewey Township trustee: Dick Bucher (R)

Dewey Township Board: Amber Rust (R), Larry Rust (R), Kenneth McMahan (R)

Galena Township trustee: Edward Hynek (D)

Galena Township Board: Thomas Conway (D), Greg Dudek (D), Kim Sauers (D)

Hanna Township trustee: Glenn Wallace (R)

Hanna Township Board: Brian Garner (R), Tony Wallace (R)

Hudson Township trustee: Joyce Forbes (D)

Hudson Township Board: Jack DeGroote (D), Michele Rizzo (D), Diane Richardson (D)

Johnson Township trustee: Daniel Knowlton (R)

Johnson Township Board: Roy Williams (R)

Kankakee Township trustee: Steve Lestinsky Jr. (R)

Kankakee Township Board: Tom Thode (R), Tom Wheatbrook (R), Kevin Wheatbrook (R)

Lincoln Township trustee: Dennis Christensen (D)

Lincoln Township Board: John McDaniel (D), Mark Emerick (D), Yolanda Spence (D)

Michigan Township assessor: Scott Bell (D)

Michigan Township trustee: Rodney Washington (D)

Michigan Township Board: George Kazmierczak (D), Susan Webster (D), Joshua Wojasinski (D)

New Durham Township trustee: Phillip Hannon (D)

New Durham Township Board: Suzanne Burns (D), James Ingram (R)

Noble Township trustee: David Scarborough (R)

Noble Township Board: Glen Schlundt (R), Mary Deering (R), Wayne Schoof (R)

Pleasant Township trustee: Susan Cable (R)

Pleasant Township Board: Bette Conroy (D), Edward Burek (D), Jessica Burek (D), Susan McLain (R)

Pottawatomie Park Town Council At Large: Roger Miller (R), Robert Wisthoff (R)

Prairie Township trustee: Robert Younggreen (R)

Prairie Township Board: Phyllis Gorski (D), Chester Rosenkranz (R), Keith Garner (R), Sherry Younggreen (R)

Scipio Township trustee: Nina Sampson (R)

Scipio Township Board: Richard Rutz (R), Paul Lindeman (R), Carl Harvey (R), Jordan Carter (L)

Springfield Township trustee: Howard Conley (R), Linda Eldred (D)

Springfield Township Board: Jerry Cooley (D), Dan Kilgore (R)

Union Township trustee: Sherrie Morris (D)

Union Township Board: Dot Decker (D), Lauri Enochs (D), Versie Jeffries (D)

Washington Township trustee: Loretta Rudolph (D)

Washington Township Board: Harold Barr (R), Tracey Cummins (D), Bruce Vermilyer (D)

Wills Township trustee: Brianne Cuson‐Schmidt (D)