Sectional tickets for the LaPorte-Mishawaka showdown at Kiwanis on Friday, Nov. 7, are now on sale at the LPHS Athletic Office. Slicer fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. This game begins at 6:30 P.M., a half hour earlier than usual.
You’ll also see the State Champion LPHS Marching Band at halftime!
All tickets are $6 and are available from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Slicer passes cannot be utilized for state tournament games.
Wilbur Hugh Williamson, 92, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at Golden Living Center in LaPorte.
He was born Nov. 6, 1921, in Illinois to William Harvey and Iva Elizabeth (Beard) Williamson.
Wilbur served his country honorably in the Army-Air Force during World War II from 1943-45. He later retired as a testman for General Telephone Communications Company after many years of faithful service. Wilbur was also very instrumental in establishing the LaPorte County 4-H Rabbit Program.
On Dec. 7, 1946, he married Peggy Lambert, who preceded him in death. He later married Eva Bush on Feb. 2, 1974; she preceded him in death May 8, 2014.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Tami Hart; and two brothers, Lee and Ellis Williamson.
Surviving are his children, Diane K. Casto of Bluffton, IN, Becky J. Lawson of DeMotte, IN, and Scott A. Williamson of Clovis, CA; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ellen Ritzler of Kasson, MN, and Duane Williamson of Rolling Prairie, IN; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 2 p.m. until the service. Burial will follow at Rolling Prairie Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte County 4-H Rabbit Program c/o LaPorte County Extension Office, 2857 W. Ind. 2, Suite A, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
LaPorte Police issued this press release about the pipe bomb found Nov. 4:
“On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at approximately 8:23 a.m., LaPorte Police responded to a home at 704 Philadelphia St. to investigate a suspicious activity report involving a small box found outside the home with wires in it.
Upon checking the box, officers immediately observed items inside that were consistent with components of an improvised explosive device (IED). Immediate action was taken to notify neighboring residents so they could evacuate and the perimeter was secured. Hailmann Elementary School was also alerted and bordering streets and intersections were closed. LaPorte Fire and LaPorte County EMS were dispatched to stand by near the scene.
“Members of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded. At approximately 1:40 p.m., the bomb was rendered inactive and the area declared safe to return to.
“The case remains under investigation and no injuries were reported.
“The LaPorte Police Department would like to thank the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the LaPorte Fire Department, LaPorte County Emergency Medical Services and the La Porte Street Department for their invaluable assistance with this event and in bringing it to a successful and safe conclusion.”
Pamela Barber-Steele, 67, of LaPorte, died Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
She was born March 8, 1947, in Marshall, MI, to Floyd M. and Eleanor M. (Roe) Withee.
Pam graduated from LaPorte High School in 1965 and later from Purdue University. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in LaPorte and LaPorte Little Theatre, and a former member of LaPorte Service League. She enjoyed playing golf and tennis and was a former city tennis champion. Pam was a realtor at MTM Realty and had been selling real estate locally for over 20 years. Most importantly, she was an amazing Nana to her “three perfect grandchildren” (as she would always say).
On Nov. 11, 1997, she married David Steele, who survives.
Also surviving are her beloved daughter, Julie (Troy) Stroud of LaPorte; three grandchildren, Michael Allen of Indianapolis and Molly and Drew Kubaszyk, both of LaPorte; and two brothers, Thomas Withee of The Villages, FL, and Dan Withee of LaPorte.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Withee, who was killed in Vietnam on July 4, 1969.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Evan Lash officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
(Click photos to enlarge)
A security camera captured these images of a man who robbed the Family Express “Port Stop” at Pine Lake Avenue and Johnson Road on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 4, 2014.
The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone who recognizes the man to contact Detective Jeff Wright at 326-7700 ext 2554 or jeffwright@lcso.in.gov.
(Please do not post tips below.)
The board of the Youth Service Bureau (YSB) met Oct. 15, 2014, in the LaPorte office. President Jennifer Solner conducted the business meeting. Minutes were approved as read and the budget for 2015 was approved.
Members reviewed the Teen Court program, which gives young adults an opportunity to review infractions committed by other young adults in a mock trial setting. The students are judge, jury, and offender. Each case is presented and punishment is meted out.
The comedy show fundraiser is set for Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. at Best Western Inn. It will feature Mike Armstrong, known as the ex-cop on the Bob and Tom show, and Keith McGill, who appeared on BET and the Bob and Tom show. Tickets are available at Kabelin Ace Hardware in LaPorte and Michigan City, and the YSB offices in LaPorte and Michigan City. Tickets are $25 ahead of time or $30 at the door.
YSB provides services to help youths and their families resolve problems, improve relationships, and make responsible decisions to divert them from the juvenile justice system and guide them in fulfilling their educational potential so they may develop into productive, law-abiding adults.
To learn about joining the YSB board, call 362-9587.
Here are results from the Nov. 4, 2014, general election. Winners are indicated in bold. Vote totals follow each candidate’s name. About 31 percent of LaPorte County’s 80,497 registered voters cast ballots.
U.S., STATE AND COUNTY
Boyd
LaPorte County sheriff: John T. Boyd, R — 12,781; Al Ott, D –10,913; Steve Osborn, L — 739
LaPorte County Commission, District 1: Michael Bohacek, R — 12,874; Willie Milsap, D — 10,813
LaPorte County Council, District 1: Terry L. Garner, R — 3,522; Michael Mollenhauer, D — 2,353
LaPorte County Council, District 2: Randy Novak, D — 4,067; Michael Beebe, R — 2,442; Jamey Barnett, L — 486
Bohacek
LaPorte County Council, District 3: Mark Yagelski, D — 3,224; Patrick Margraf Sr., R — 1,698
LaPorte County Council, District 4: Cary Kirkham, R — 3,199; Ross Ratliff, D — 2,534; Ray Wolff, L — 604
Judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 1: Michael S. Bergerson, D (unopposed) — 17,428
Judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 2: Richard R. Stalbrink Jr., D (unopposed) — 17,289
Judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 3: Jeffrey L. Thorne, R — 13,437; Jennifer L. Koethe, D — 10,503
Thorne
Judge of LaPorte County Superior Court 4: Greta S. Friedman, D (unopposed) — 17,107
LaPorte County prosecuting attorney: John M. Espar, D (unopposed) — 16,877
LaPorte County assessor: Michael Schultz, D (unopposed) — 17,174
Indiana state representative, District 8: Ryan Dvorak, D (unopposed) — 1,034
Indiana state representative, District 9: Scott Pelath, D (unopposed) — 8,029
Indiana state representative, District 20: Tom Dermody, R (unopposed) –10,079
U.S. representative, District 2: Jackie Walorski, R — 6,435; Joe Bock, D — 5,091; Jeff Petermann, L — 512 (These are LaPorte County results only.)
Indiana secretary of state: Elizabeth “Beth” White, D — 11,539; Connie Lawson, R — 11,260; Karl Tatgenhorst, L — 1,233 (These are LaPorte County results only.)
Indiana state auditor: Suzanne Crouch, R — 11,241; Michael A. Claytor, D — 11,138; John Schick, L — 1,611 (These are LaPorte County results only.)
Indiana state treasurer: Mike Boland, D — 11,501; Kelly Mitchell, R — 10,958; Mike Jasper, L — 1,526 (These are LaPorte County results only.)
SCHOOL BOARDS
LaPorte Community School Board: Shannon Hannon — 6,285; Mark Kosior– 6,007; Jan Ribordy — 5,863; Shari K. Ott-Large — 4,919; Kevin Kozlowski — 4,688
Michigan City School Board (Civil City): Beth Pishkur, 5,867; Teresa Edwards, 5,283; Beryl A. Burgwald, 4310; Ronald K. Landtroop, 4,063
Michigan City School Board At Large: Thomas Dombkowski, 4,556; Dennis Metheny, 2,316; Dylan Justice, 1,000
Dewey Township School Board: Daron Bruder, 458; Aaron Rust, 289
Cass Township School Board: Timothy A. Guse, 422; Diane Russell, 259; Angela Carr, 91
Prairie Township School Board: Travis R. Younggreen, 657
John Glenn School Board: Dennis Holland, 55; Janice Ryan, 51; William Groves, 45
South Central School Board: Dominic Notaro, 801; Jacob Wade, 909
New Durham School Board: Mark Parkman, 535; Lynn Marie Wilson, 527; Richard Oberle, 436; Genevieve R. Hisick, 399; Olga Pecanac, 368
New Prairie School Board: William Romstadt Jr., 1,828; Allen Williamson, 1,895
TOWNSHIPS
Cass Township trustee: Dara Guse (R) (unopposed), 411
Cass Township Board: Eugene Shurte (R), 357; Jacqueline Tharp (R), 351; Jeffrey Mitzner (R), 283; James Irwin Sr. (D), 252
Center Township trustee: Lisa Pierzakowski (R), 3,689; Aurea Torres (L), 1,112
Center Township Board: Eric Haverstock (R), 2,837; Amy Burris (R), 2,593; Scott Ford (D), 2,432; Jack Ott (D), 2,427; Michael Turner (D), 2,391; Donna Weist (R), 2,269
Clinton Township trustee: Jennie Niksch (R) (unopposed), 340
Clinton Township Board: Edwin Kresel (R), 287; Michael Niksch, 294; Jerard Land (R), 274
Coolspring Township trustee: Jackie Atwater (D), 1,774; Chris Jackson (R), 1,663
Coolspring Township Board: Brian Biggs (R), 2,052; Monica Prosser (D), 1,992; Jacqueline Wroblewski (R), 1,907; Henry Wroblewski (R), 1,748
Dewey Township trustee: Dick Bucher (R) (unopposed), 214
Dewey Township Board: Brian McMahan (R), 204; Larry Rust (R), 188; Amber Rust (R), 185
Galena Township trustee: Edward Hynek (D) (unopposed), 423
Galena Township Board: Greg Dudeck (D), 389; Kim Sauers (D), 366; Thomas Conway (D), 313
Hanna Township trustee: Glenn Wallace (R) (unopposed), 253
Hanna Township Board: Brian Garner (R), 226; Tony Wallace (R), 203
Hudson Township trustee: Joyce Forbes (D) (unopposed), 262
Hudson Township Board: Jack DeGroote (D), 245; Diane Richardson (D), 240; Michele Rizzo (D), 218
Johnson Township trustee: Daniel Knowlton (R) (unopposed), 68
Johnson Township Board: Roy Williams (R), 69
Kankakee Township trustee: Steve Lestinsky Jr. (R) (unopposed), 902
Kankakee Township Board: Tom Thode (R), 838; Kevin Wheatbrook (R), 823; Tom Wheatbrook (R), 806
Lincoln Township trustee: Dennis Christensen (D) (unopposed), 279
Lincoln Township Board: Mark Emerick (D), 265; Yolanda Spence (D), 272; John McDaniel (D), 232
Michigan Township assessor: Scott Bell (D) (unopposed), 4,073
Michigan Township trustee: Rodney Washington (D), 2,765; Deborah Vance (R), 2,296
Michigan Township Board: Susan Webster (D), 3,471; George Kazmierczak (D), 3,356; Joshua Wojasinski (D), 3,191
New Durham Township trustee: Phillip Hannon (D) (unopposed), 710
New Durham Township Board: James Ingram (R), 586; Suzanne Burns (D), 524
Noble Township trustee: David Scarborough (R) (unopposed), 442
Noble Township Board: Mary Deering (R), 417; Glenn Schlundt (R), 380; Wayne Schoof (R), 376
Pleasant Township trustee: Susan Cable (R) (unopposed), 719
Pleasant Township Board: Susan McLain (R), 535; Edward Burek (D), 508; Bette Conroy (D), 500; Jessica Burek (D), 440
Prairie Township trustee: Robert Younggreen (R) (unopposed), 69
Prairie Township Board: Chester Rosenkranz (R), 58; Sherry Younggreen (R), 56; Phyllis Gorski (D), 55; Keith Garner (R), 44
Scipio Township trustee: Nina Sampson (R) (unopposed), 1,255
Scipio Township Board: Paul Lindeman (R), 1,110; Richard Rutz (R), 1,041; Carl Harvey (R), 1,037; Jordan Carder (L), 379
Springfield Township trustee: Howard Conley (R), 576; Linda Eldred (D), 317
Springfield Township Board: Dan Kilgore (R), 538; Jerry Cooley (D), 507; Matthew Sikorski (D), 496; Charles Conjalka (D), 419
Union Township trustee: Sherry Morris (D) (unopposed), 325
Union Township Board: Lauri Enochs (D), 285; Versie Jeffries (D), 284; Dot Decker (D), 274
Washington Township trustee: Loretta Rudolph (D) (unopposed), 236
Washington Township Board: Harold Barr (R), 238; Tracey Cummins (D), 216; Bruce Vermilyer (D), 169
Wills Township trustee: Brianne Cuson‐Schmidt (D) (unopposed), 368
Pottawatomie Park Town Council: Roger Miller (R), 64; Robert Wisthoff (R), 62
Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library
Nov. 5, 1914 – Two German vessels are destroyed. A cruiser is sunk by a mine near Jade Bay while the Koenigsberg is lost in the Indian Ocean.
Nov. 5, 1964 – School bus transportation for LaPorte students living long distances from the junior and senior high schools was approved with the intent of implementing the plan by the first of the new year.
Nov. 5, 1989 – Former LaPorte Circuit Court Judge Alban Smith recalls representing Ku Klux Klan leader D.C. Stephenson.
Nov. 5, 2004 – The movies showing at the LaPorte Cinema are “Surviving Christmas,” “The Incredibles,” “Saw,” and “The Grudge.”
Lucille Grace Grant Hollum, 100, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at Settlers House in LaPorte.
She was born Oct. 17, 1914, in Lockport, IL, to Thomas K. and Grace A. (Foster) Dennison.
Lucille lived in Sarasota, FL, for 51 years before moving to LaPorte in 2010. While in La Porte she lived at both the Ruth Sabin Home and Settlers House. She was a wonderful, loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend.
We were blessed to celebrate Lucille’s 100th birthday three weeks ago while she was still able to enjoy reminiscing and laughing with her family and friends.
Lucille was married to Howard Grant, who preceded her in death in 1985, and then George B. Hollum, who preceded her in death in 1996.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Thomas L. Dennison and Andrew J Halden; and her daughter, Faye G. (Don) Nasenbenny.
Surviving are her beloved children: daughter, Lois R. (Laverne) Korell of LaPorte, and son and daughter-in-law, James H. and Geri Grant of Tucson, AZ; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends who will all miss her dearly.
A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, and a celebration of life memorial gathering will take place at a later time.
Memorial contributions may be directed to VNA Hospice, 1007 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350.
The family would like to thank VNA Hospice for their compassion, kindness and helpfulness during this last year.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
Gary A. Tatara, 62, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died peacefully at 2:27 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born Sept. 28, 1952.
There will be no services. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
It’s a fact difficult to face, but the LaPorte community needs as many resources as possible to fight substance abuse. Encouraging progress in that battle is the news that Frontline Foundations Inc., a peer-to-peer substance abuse treatment center for young adults, is coming to LaPorte in early 2015.
Frontline, a nonprofit, certified outpatient treatment center, will locate at 605 Michigan Ave. It also has offices in Porter County.
“The community of LaPorte has been extremely receptive and we are encouraged by the area partnerships forged in bringing Frontline’s evidence-based treatment to LaPorte,” Frontline Founder and Executive Director Amber Hensell-Hicks said in a press release.
Frontline will offer individual treatment and peer-to-peer group counseling, as well as an innovative art recovery program led by licensed counselors and artists exploring recovery topics with a special emphasis on the 12 steps of recovery.
“Frontline will provide intensive outpatient treatment services in LaPorte to an estimated 100 young adults annually with a projected annual budget of $135,000,” Hensell-Hicks said. “To date we have secured $55,000 to help support our first year of operations and building renovation. We are grateful to the partners who have supported our LaPorte start-up, such as The LaPorte Mayor’s Ball, Bethany Lutheran Church, Office of the LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney, IU Health LaPorte Hospital and Foundation, Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, Carey Garwood, and The Law Offices of Michael T. Sawyier.”
Hensell-Hicks said the Frontline program has proven to be effective and that it “will be a benefit to the community because it’s also cost effective. The second most common reason for people not to receive substance abuse treatment is the inability to pay for services.” The average age of a Frontline client is 22 years old and his/her average income is under $10,000.
“The mission of Frontline can be supported by making a tax-deductible contribution to a LaPorte County treatment and operations fund,” said Hensell-Hicks. “Frontline is also seeking donations of office furniture and art and office supplies.”
If you’re interested in contacting Frontline, call (219) 728-1638. To learn more about its treatment services, visit www.FrontlineFoundations.com. To make a tax-deductible online contribution, visit www.FrontlineFoundations.com/Donate.
Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library
Nov. 6, 1914 – President Wilson will take a rest. He will play golf and take auto rides until Tuesday.
Nov. 6, 1964 – United Auto Workers Union employees at nine Ford Motor Co. plants around the country walked off the job today.
Nov. 6, 1989 – The East German Cabinet resigned today, apparently to allow new leader Egon Krenz to form his own government.
Nov. 6, 2004 — The New Prairie football team makes history by becoming sectional champs for the first time ever.
Patricia “Patty” Ann Johnson, 51, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at Golden Living Center Fountainview in LaPorte.
She was born May 18, 1963, in Chicago to James Elmer and Mary Lou (Green) Linstrom.
Patty loved the Chicago Cubs and Bears, watching television and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoyed taking pictures. She was a member of the LaPorte Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Surviving are her beloved children, Daniel Johnson and Brenna Johnson, both of LaPorte; former husband, Dennis Johnson of LaPorte; sister, Tammy (Phil) Arvia of Thornton, IL; brother, Jim (Susan Miller) Linstrom of Hammond, IN; and nephew, Jimmy of Hammond, IN.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A private family service will be held.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America at www.hdsa.org.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
Pelath
Pelath, who has served as a member of the House since 1998, was selected Democratic leader during a caucus organizational meeting in Indianapolis.
“I am honored and humbled by the faith and trust my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus have placed in me, and I pledge to serve them to the best of my abilities in the sessions to come,” Pelath said in a press release. “These are difficult times for Democrats in state government, but we are driven by the knowledge that we fighting for what is right for the people of Indiana.
“As we head into the 2015 session, our goals as House Democrats remain the same: fighting for the interests of the middle class in our state, making our public schools whole again, and keeping the Legislature from spending too much time on divisive social issues that detract our efforts on other, more important issues.
“While it is easy to say that our voices cannot be heard over the din of single-party control, I would remind everyone that House Democrats were the only people in our chamber two years ago to sound the need for protecting our public schools and staying away from the unnecessary debate over who can marry whom in our state. Now we hear the House Republicans talk about doing something for public schools, and Hoosiers now have the right to marry who they love, not who the state tells them they can marry. We can be heard, and we will be heard.”
The public is invited to learn the many things the LaPorte County 4-H program has to offer at a 4-H Open House on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Small Projects Building at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds. Families will be able to talk to volunteers, view sample 4-H projects, and participate in many hands-on activities and games. Hot dogs, chips and cookies will be served.
LaPorte County 4-H is open to all youth in grades 3-12. A Mini 4-H program is also available for those in grades K-2.
4-H is a fun and educational program offering learning activities and leadership training through local clubs. Club members participate in community service projects, talent shows, field trips, and other special events. Members also complete individual projects, selecting from more than 70 different subject areas.
For more information, contact the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service at (219) 324-9407 and visit www.bit.ly/laporte4h.
Many LaPorte High School graduates are worthy of being nominated for the “Learn Today to Excel Tomorrow” initiative, which showcases alumni who have gone on to be exceptional in various ways. In its first year, school corporation employees provided the nominations. This year, the community is invited to join in.
“The LPHS staff and administration would appreciate the community’s help in recognizing our Slicer success stories,” LPHS officials stated in a press release. “We are now opening nominations to our community. The nomination form, as well as information regarding the process and procedures of the initiative, are available online at the following link:
The nominations deadline is Nov. 25.
A scene from the 2013 Veterans Day ceremony at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium. (Photo by Mike Kellems; click to enlarge)
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have information on other area Veterans Day events, please email details to wnlp@whatsnewlaporte.com and we will add it here.
Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Personally thank as many vets as possible, fly your flag, and attend one of the special events detailed below:
LaPorte ceremony
LaPorte’s 27th annual Veterans Day Ceremony, presented by the Mayor’s Veterans Committee, will take place at the Civic Auditorium Nov. 11 starting at 9:30 a.m. This event includes ceremonial presentations by local veterans, music, messages from vets and local officials, attendance of local school children, and more. Enjoy coffee and donuts before the ceremony from 8 to 9:15 a.m. in the Civic’s lower level, hosted by the American Red Cross of LaPorte County.
Settlers Place event
Settlers Place, 3304 Monroe St., will host a free breakfast commemorating our veterans Nov. 11 from 8 to 10 a.m. A veteran recognition program will begin at 9 a.m. The Daughters of the American Revolution will be volunteering their time to make this a special event for veterans. For more information, call Laura Liskey at 219-575-8200.
MC Remembering Our Veterans events, including Battle of the Bulge vets
Remembering Our Veterans Inc. was formed in June 2014 to organize and promote activities designed to honor veterans and active military members, as well as local fire, police, EMA and EMS members. The organization will host a free breakfast for veterans at Skwiat American Legion Post 451, on Skwiat Avenue off Franklin Street in Michigan City, from 8 to 11 a.m. Nov. 11. Those accompanying veterans may join in for $5 (children 12 and under free of charge). At approximately 10:30 a.m., a brief program will take place.
Then at noon, a Veterans Parade will kick off at 10th and Franklin streets and head north to 4th Street. This inaugural event will host members of Chapter 30 of The Battle of the Bulge Survivors as Grand Marshals of the parade.
For more information on these events, call 219-221-8672.
PNC Veterans Day events
Purdue North Central will host its annual Veterans Day program Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in the Library-Student-Faculty Building Assembly Hall, Room 02. The event will honor all veterans, with special attention paid to PNC students, faculty and staff who are veterans. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served after the program.
Guest speaker will be Johnny “Joey” Jones. During his eight-year career as a U.S. Marine serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jones’ work included the destruction of more than 85 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and thousands of pounds of other types of bulk explosives. In August 2010, while in Afghanistan, Jones lost his legs above the knee when an IED detonated, leaving him with two years of recovery at Walter Reed Medical Center. During his recovery, Jones developed a Peer Visit Program, providing an opportunity for others recovering from life-changing injuries to mentor and encourage newly injured patients. This led to a year-long Capitol Hill fellowship with the House Veterans Affairs Committee and his completion of a Georgetown University degree. During this time Joey became a supporter of the Boot Campaign, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating awareness, promoting patriotism and providing assistance to military personnel, past and present and their families.
The PNC program will also include Presentation of the Colors by the Rolling Prairie VFW; singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by student Nanda Danitschek; welcoming remarks by PNC Veterans Coordinator Jason Wray, former Army sergeant; comments by PNC Chancellor James B. Dworkin; and closing comments by PNC Veterans Organization President Emily Wyatt, former Navy MMN3.
In addition, essays by winners of the Veterans Organization Scholarships will be read, addressing the topic of “What Veterans Day Means to Me.” And names of current and deceased veterans submitted by PNC students, faculty and staff will be read by Tony Sindone, PNC continuing lecturer of economics and former Air Force tech sergeant; Mark Smith, chair, Department of Computer & Information Technology and former Army specialist; and Jim Stemmler, LaPorte VFW Post 1130 member and former Army corporal. PNC student Brad Hill will perform “Amazing Grace” on the cello to close the event.
Donations of toiletries and non-perishable food will be accepted at the door to be given to charities serving homeless veterans. Boxes will be placed throughout campus to collect items during Veterans Day week.
For more information on the PNC events, contact Mary Spiess at 219-785-5237.
Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library
Nov. 7, 1914 – David Lamar, known as the “Wolf of Wall Street,” was arrested at the Waldorf-Astoria last night, charged with impersonating an officer of the United States government.
Nov. 7, 1964 – Half of a building that was under construction and was to be the tallest building in Piracicaba, Brazil, fell, killing 17 people.
Nov. 7, 1989 — The former Mill Creek and Stillwell schools are to be razed.
Nov. 7, 2004 – The Northern Lights could appear in LaPorte County tonight.
Beautiful piano melodies played with skill, grace, and feeling will fill the air Friday, Nov. 7, as Kimberly Ebert performs a concert of original compositions from her first solo piano record, “Nostalgia.”
The concert – November’s presentation of the First Friday in the Chapel series – is free and takes place at noon in the LaPorte Hospital Family Chapel. Attendees are invited to bring a lunch and enjoy the music in this community space for musical ensemble, events, reflection and worship.
Ebert, a LaPorte native, is known for creating peaceful, new-age piano sounds of sadness, hope, drama and ambience. Besides her own compositions, she will play several of her solo piano favorites, both contemporary songs and older classics.
Ebert is writing songs for her next solo piano album; listen to samples or purchase songs at solopiano.com/artist/KimberlyEbert.
For more information about the First Friday in the Chapel series, call 219.326.2333.
Join the LaPorte Park and Recreation Ceramics instructors from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, or 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 15, in 
the Ceramics Room at the Civic Auditorium to paint a plate or mug for the holiday season!
Personalize a plate or mug with a family name, child’s name, holiday decoration or however you would like. The plate or mug will make a great gift for the holiday season! The class costs just $15, which includes the plate or mug, all materials and firing.
Pre-registration is required; call (219) 362-8938. For more information, email Recreation Director Alison Zoll at azoll@cityoflaporte.com, and visit www.cityoflaporte.com and www.facebook.com/laporteparks.
