Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Oct. 28, 1914 – The first meeting of any nature to take place in the basement of LaPorte’s First National Bank building is the October meeting of the Merchants Bureau.

Oct. 28, 1964 – The men who ousted Nikita S. Khrushchev have voted to split “forever” the posts of Communist Party leader and government premier.

Oct. 28, 1989 – The LaPorte County Health Department loses a bid to stop drains that send street surface water into Lily Lake.

Oct. 28, 2004 – The jury says death penalty for Pines bank killer Corley.

Naomi B. Taylor, 91, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at Brentwood Assisted Living in LaPorte.

She was born July 14, 1923, in Guymon, OK, to Oliver M. and Bessie M. (Russell) Larkins.

Naomi retired from the Washington State University Payroll Office in 1984 and moved to LaPorte to be close to family. She worked as a hostess at Christo’s Family Restaurant and later part time at the Swanson Senior Center, where she met and enjoyed many people. She was an avid quilter and loved her garden and flowers.

On Oct. 29, 1946, in New Plymouth, ID, she married Ashley P. Taylor, who preceded her in death in 1971.

She was also preceded in death by her beloved son-in-law, Robert Hoppenrath; brother, Raymond Larkins; and two sisters, Osa (Larkins) McDrummond and B. Ruby (Larkins) Bernard.

Surviving are her daughters, Evelyn F. Hoppenrath of Payson, AZ, and Frances (Jerry) Raderstorf of LaPorte; grandchildren, Jason (Cheryl) Hoppenrath of Newport News, VA, Gina (Matt) Hoppenrath Brooks of Queen Creek, AZ, and Steven (Kari) Raderstorf of Fishers, IN; and great-grandchildren, Dominica, Selah and Alena Brooks, Alana Hoppenrath and Robert (Robbi) Hoppenrath, and Hadley and Kendall Raderstorf.

A memorial service and burial in Genesee, ID, will take place at a later date. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Lonnie LeRoy Davis, 66, of LaPorte, died peacefully at his home on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014.

He was born Oct. 19, 1948, in LaPorte to Clifford Richard and Nellie Marie (Hill) Davis.

Lonnie worked for Towne Air Freight as a truck driver. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. Most of all, he loved being with his family. Lonnie was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

On May 20, 1972, he married Rebecca Snyder, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved children, Stacy (Ricky) Jackson of Michigan City, IN, Patricia Glenn of Michigan and Christy (Richard) Howard of Rolling Prairie, IN; five grandchildren, Nicholas, Johnathan, Jack, Eric and Cheyenne; and two sisters, Dianne (Billy) Dillard of LaPorte and Leona Hendrickson of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry Davis.

A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Helen G. Mathes, 66, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born Jan. 4, 1948, in LaPorte to Harold and Helen (Garrison) Timm.

Helen was a bartender in LaPorte for several years before retiring. She enjoyed watching television and spending time at home with friends.

Surviving are two children, David Frances of Waynesville, NC, and Melissa Royston of Loganville, GA; two brothers, George “Danny” Timm and John Timm, both of Knox, IN; two sisters, Betty Martin of Streamwood, IL, and Dorothy Puckett of Hamlet, IN; two grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; friend, Barbara Hudson; and former husband, John Sornson.

Preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers, Harold Timm Jr. and Harley Timm.

Cremation will take place. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Liver Foundation, Indiana Chapter, 6525 E. 82nd St., Suite 215, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

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

Irene Stella Batershall, 97, of Door Village, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014.

She was born Oct. 1, 1917, in Mason City, IL, to Stella and Sidney Gardner.

Irene grew up in Decatur, IL, then moved to Chicago in 1937. She married Charles Batershall in 1944 and the couple moved to Door Village, IN, in 1957 after Austenal (Howmet Alcoa) moved from Chicago to LaPorte in 1956. Charles preceded her in death in September of 1997.

Irene was a homemaker and an active member of the Door Village community and Door Village United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her son, James (Barbara) Batershall of Spring Hill, FL.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Door Village United Methodist Church with Pastor Chris Tiedeman officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Door Village United Methodist Church, 3502 W. Joliet Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Maple City Lions would like to thank the citizens and businesses of LaPorte for the support they have shown to our organization by purchasing and enjoying our “about to be famous” Hoagie sandwiches. Maple City Lions has this sale twice a year (in the spring and fall); this and Candy Days are the only fundraising projects for our club and you have supported us well.

A big thank you goes out, too, to Marshall’s I Street Custom Meats for the care they take in providing the freshest meats and cheeses for our order.

See you all again in the Spring of 2015.

If anyone out there is interested in joining this great organization, please contact President Larry Gattorna at 362-7677 or any Maple City Lion member for additional information.

Qualifying veterans in LaPorte County are invited to have a free dental screening between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at the IU Health LaPorte Dental Center, 400 Teegarden St.

The free screening is offered to veterans who live in LaPorte County, specifically those who do not have a dentist, or those who have no dental insurance and limited ability to pay.

Screenings are available by appointment only, and veterans will need to bring discharge papers (DD214) and a driver’s license or valid state ID. To make an appointment, call 219-326-1943.

The dental screening includes an exam and X-ray. No treatments will be performed on-site the day of the screening. If follow-up treatment is needed, the veteran will be referred to a dentist in LaPorte County who will do a cleaning, fillings and extractions, if needed, at no cost.

This event is sponsored by IU Health LaPorte Dental Center, LaPorte Hospital Foundation, and many dentists throughout LaPorte County. Additional support, supplies and equipment are provided by Planmeca, Henry Schein and Oral-B.

For more information about other free screenings and events, visit iuhealth.org/laporte.

For more information about LaPorte Hospital Foundation, including the LaPorte County Dental Services Fund and how you can support this program, visit iuhealth.org/laporte/foundation.

The LaPorte Branch of the American Association of University Women met Oct. 14 in the home of President Beth Le Roy for a potluck dinner. Mary Heath read the minutes, which were approved. Pam Dishman gave the treasurer’s report.

Members discussed programs for 2015. Possible programs include An Evening with a First Lady; visits to Barker Mansion, Friendship Gardens and Homes of LaPorte; and a picnic. The season begins April 14 with lunch and a finalization of the programs, and ends Oct. 13 with dinner and a planning session.

Things are well under way for the first AAUW cookbook in 50 years. Members are asked to get their recipes to Dishman by the Nov. 11 meeting at Pat Gibson’s. This will be a carry-in dinner to finish the cookbook and decide what to do with the scholarship fund.

AAUW was founded in 1881 to promote education and equity for women. It has expanded to include research on women’s issues, provide grants to women for their education, and fund women’s programs at a local level. Over $4 million has been given out nationwide in 2014. Locally, the branch sponsors An Evening with a First Lady; Prominent Women of Indiana, an essay contest for LaPorte High School junior and senior girls; a school board candidate forum, and programs of interest to the community. For more information, visit www.AAUW.org and call 219-362-8262.

(Submitted press release)

Beebe

Michael Beebe (R), LaPorte 2nd District LaPorte County Council candidate, has been the only county council candidate to present a platform to constituents throughout the 2014 election. Beebe’s platform has been available for the entirety of his campaign at MichaelBeebe.net.

“It is important for voters to know not only who they are voting for, but what the candidate actually stands for,” Beebe said. “As a candidate, it is my responsibility to the people of LaPorte County to inform them of my positions on issues that impact our area. Voters shouldn’t have the opportunity to know more about their candidates than just a name and a party.”

Beebe presents five key points that he intends to focus on as 2nd District county council member: economic redevelopment, removal of the county income tax, improvement of road conditions, countywide budget freeze, and minimal impact or reducing negative reproductions to citizens of LaPorte County.

Beebe’s platform in its entirety states:

Economic (Re)Development:

Currently, the economy of LaPorte County is struggling; more importantly there are many residents who are struggling due to lack of employment opportunities. The county council needs to put more focus on working with existing business development programs already in place throughout the county. By strengthening this partnership between these organizations and the council, there will be a better means of evaluating how taxpayer money is being spent towards these efforts and how to optimize their impact in the future.

Remove county income tax:

The La Porte County income tax came into effect before we had the financial benefits of Blue Chip Casino. At the time, it was intended as a temporary solution to the county’s budget issues. Presently, there is no need for every taxpayer to contribute $1 of every $100 earned to the county. By eliminating this tax, households earning $50,000 will be able to keep $500 more of their money, allowing them to buy groceries, pay off debt, or contribute to the local economy.

Road conditions:

Roads in LaPorte County are in a constant state of disrepair, mainly because of harsh winters and inconsistent maintenance. Taxpayers are paying the price for these issues in the form of broken shocks, bent rims and blown tires. By better appropriation of funds and more consistent follow-up, our county roads can be suitable for our residents again.

Budget freeze:

Currently, the county council increases the budget annually by 1-1.5%, even though the incomes of the households within the county are not increasing. I will call for a 5-year freeze of the general budget. By re-evaluating spending practices, we can eliminate the need for these increases.

Minimal personal impact:

The county council needs to fully understand and evaluate the repercussions of their decisions. By evaluating the gravity of their decision, the best interest of the taxpayers can be at the forefront of the decision-making process.

“The council does not create the initiatives, but they do control what is funded within the county and by how much. In many cases, this determines the success or failure of a project,” Beebe said.

A full breakdown of Beebe’s platform is available at MichaelBeebe.net on the Goals page, or on YouTube on the Team Beebe channel.

A LaPorte man sustained apparently minor injuries after he was shot Oct. 25, 2014, as he walked in the 700 block of East Lincolnway, according to LaPorte Police.

The man, 35, whose name was not released, told police he was walking in that location at about 2:40 a.m. when individuals, with whom he’d had a confrontation earlier at a bar, approached in a dark pickup truck. He said a gun was pointed at him and shots were fired, then the suspects left. At that time he did not think he had been hit, but about an hour later, police and EMS responded to his home after he said he’d removed his clothing and discovered he had been injured. He refused medical treatment at the scene.

The case remains under investigation.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Oct. 30, 1914 – Turkey goes against its ancient foe, Russia, and becomes an ally of Germany and Austria.

Oct. 30, 1964 – The beggars are out tonight, so motorists are urged to take special precautions.

Oct. 30, 1989 – President Bush will hold a two-day summit meeting with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Oct. 30, 2004 – Clocks officially go back an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 31.

Courtesy of Maslow’s Facebook page

The grand opening of Maslow’s Coffee Shop, and the opening of First Impressions Hair Design’s new location, will take place Sunday, Nov. 2, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their location at 150 Legacy Plaza off South Monroe Street, LaPorte.

The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. and a reception will follow until 6 p.m., administered by the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce. The public is invited to enjoy cocktails, small bites and surprises.

Maslow’s Coffee Shop will offer a variety of coffee, espresso and smoothie options, as well as breakfast sandwiches and paninis. For more information, call (219) 326-9200 and visit Maslow’s Coffee Shop page on Facebook.

First Impressions offers colors, cuts, perms, manicures, shellac, pedicures and acrylic nails. For more information, call (219) 325-8585.

For more information, contact the chamber at (219) 362-3178.

LPHS runners Maureen “Mo” Troy (94) and Roby Rodgers (89) sprint to the finish at the Semistate tournament.

Photos by Kate Barcus (click to enlarge)

The LaPorte High School girls cross country team and LPHS boys team star Sam Miller are headed to the State Finals this weekend. Come and send them off this Friday, Oct. 31, at the LPHS I Street parking lot at 8 a.m.

At Semistate last weekend, the girls team placed 6th, advancing it to State. The top six teams advance. While the boys team placed 7th, just missing a team state berth, team Captain Sam Miller advances to State after his 20th-place finish at Semistate.

The boys and girls state tournaments takes place this Saturday, Nov 1, beginning at noon CST in Terre Haute.

Slicer senior Sam Miller runs to 20th place at Semistate, earning a spot in Saturday’s state tournament.

Come and meet LaPorte author John R. Mitchell and learn about his book “George and Smokey: A Tale of Two Cats,” on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte. Refreshments will be served.

John R. Mitchell

The book tells the story of Smokey, who is adventurous and gets into trouble. He is trapped, and his owner doesn’t know where he is. Only George knows. Is this the end of Smokey? Who will come to his aid? The book is based on a true story.

Mitchell, a graduate of Purdue University, spent most of his years working in the metal fabrication industry as a purchasing manager before he retired. He is an Air Force veteran, having served in Vietnam.

Helen E. Dale, 96, of LaPorte, died Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, at South Bend Hospice House in South Bend, IN.

She was born Sept. 16, 1918, in Wills Township, LaPorte County, to Jesse Martin Rice and Orpha Jesmine (Shaw) Rice.

Helen retired after having worked as an X-ray technician. She was a member of Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church .

On Feb. 22, 1963, in Niles, MI, she married Gordon W. Dale, who preceded her in death Aug. 12, 1977.

Her parents and one brother also preceded her in death.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A private viewing was held at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, and a graveside service was held at New Carlisle Cemetery with Pastor Debbie K. Beason officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, 3444 U.S. 20, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371; or to the donor’s choice.

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

James Allen Beehler, 52, of LaPorte, crossed the finish line into heaven surrounded by his crew members, his beloved family, on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014.

He was born Jan. 28, 1962, in LaPorte to Gerald A. and Janet Marie (Starkey) Beehler.

James worked as a machine operator at Jones Enterprise for 34 years. He enjoyed NASCAR, wrestling, showing off his Dale Earnhardt Jr. Monte Carlo, and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren.

On Jan. 27, 1990, he married Paula Coldiron, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved children, Jacob (Tegra) Beehler and Patrick Beehler, both of LaPorte; stepdaughter, Pauline (Steven) Price of LaPorte; stepson, Scott Elkins of LaPorte; grandchildren, Madison, Malorie, Ameliya, Sativa, Indica, Chayson, Haylee, and Payton; father, Gerald (Ruby) Beehler; and sisters, Judy Hildebrand and Joyce (Brian) Becker.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Marie Beehler.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor (Uncle) John Beehler officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service. A cremation committal will follow the service with burial to take place at Salem Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Lucille Stassel was born Aug. 9, 1925, to Carl Gustave and Ellen (Youngren) Lindborg in LaPorte, where she lived until her death on Oct. 29, 2014.

A 1943 LaPorte High School graduate, she matriculated from the former Augustana School of Nursing, Chicago, in 1947 as a registered nurse and earned a B.S. degree from the University of St. Francis.

In November 1950, she and John Stassel married and remained so until his death in 2004.

A lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church, she served on the church council and, most recently, the Senior Lunch Group and organized the Book Readers Club. She was an avid, accomplished bowler and a golfer. She and John were former members of LaPorte’s Phi Delta Kappa social club and the LaPorte Elks, and delivered Meals on Wheels for over 20 years. Lucille missed Indiana University basketball broadcasts only under duress.

Professionally, prior to the births of her children, she was an industrial nurse at Allis-Chalmers. While raising her family, she continued as a private duty nurse. In the mid 1960s, she worked for Dr. James J.J. Sprecher until joining a predecessor of LaPorte Hospital as a house supervisor. As director of nursing, Lucille was a core member of the leadership team that conceived, organized and merged the former Holy Family and Fairview hospitals to create LaPorte Hospital. She continued in that position until her 1986 retirement.

Lucille and John had two children, David (Donna) Stassel of La Canada–Flintridge, CA, and the late Sara Lee, formerly of Glen Ellyn, IL. Grandchildren include Laura and Jill Stassel and Jennifer, former Caotain Peter G., USMC, and Jonathan Lee.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law; son-in-law Peter E. Lee of Pawleys Island, SC; grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, including Maurice (Norma) Lindborg, James (Sue) Lindborg and Jon (Nancy) Zich; and many cousins, including Christie and Dr. James Edwards, Jane Larson and Edgar Lindborg, all of whom cared for her as if she were their mother.

She was predeceased by her parents, daughter Sara, sisters Elizabeth Luber and Jane Zich, and brother C. Eugene Lindborg.

Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte. A funeral service will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, at 12:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, LaPorte, with Pastor Dennis Meyer officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation, 102 G St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or New Day Foundation, P.O. Box 13, LaPorte, IN 46352.

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

Submitted press release

Pierzakowski

Lisa Pierzakowski was born and raised in LaPorte, Center Township. After graduating from LaPorte High School in 1984, she studied accounting through ICS. Lisa and her husband of 26 years, Mike, have three children, Michael, Paige and Adam.

Lisa is an active community volunteer, serving as a member of the LaPorte Maple City Lions Club, delivering Meals on Wheels, and working with the Big Brother Big Sister and Lunch Buddy programs. She served as co-chair of the Republican Party and treasurer of the LaPorte Republican Women’s group. She began a fundraising organization called LPC Secret Group to help needy families, and has been active in the Jaycees’ shopping tour. She’s a former Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and has been active with the PTA at Crichfield, Boston and LPHS.

Lisa worked for The Little House apparel shop in LaPorte for 18 years before purchasing it with her husband. She is currently a LaPorte Community Schools bus driver, where she enjoys interacting with the children.

If elected, Lisa plans to hold classes to help people learn to budget, how to stretch a dollar at the grocery store for meals, how to complete job applications, and how to prepare for the interview process. She hopes to find ways to work collaboratively with charitable organizations to help more people who are in need.

Photo by Bob Wellinski (click to enlarge)

Was it happenstance or a perfect preview? This rather spooky (perhaps a little Pac-Man-like?) shot of last week’s partial solar eclipse by Bob sets the scene for Halloween.

A brief break in the clouds allowed just enough time to capture this shot. Carry its creepiness as you venture out to Trick or Treat!

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Oct. 31, 1914 – A Democratic success is forecasted. Voters of Indiana will stand behind Woodrow Wilson at the polls.

Oct. 31, 1964 — LaPorte County Democratic Chairman Fred W. Rosenberg and Republican Chairman Leonard W. Kunzler both predict victory for their parties on Tuesday.

Oct. 31, 1989 — Downtown LaPorte’s former Woolworth store is finally purchased. Michael’s furniture will open there this year.

Oct. 31, 2004 – Nintendo has created what could be the ultimate house party video game with “Donkey Konga.”