Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

June 17, 1913 – The city of Gary leads in the table of per capita wealth in Indiana. LaPorte is 36th.

June 17, 1963 – Saying the Lord’s Prayer in school opening exercises is held unconstitutional.

June 17, 1988 – In less than a decade, Americans should be able to travel between cities in an aircraft that flies as an airplane and lands as a helicopter.

June 17, 2003 – Last year there were nearly 10.6 million American children whose mothers stayed at home, up considerably in less than a decade.

Police are looking for Sarah Freese, who is wanted through LaPorte Circuit Court for forgery, a Class C felony, and numerous failure-to-appear warrants for theft, fraud, forgery and identity deception.

Freese, approximately 35, is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 118 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LaPorte Police Department at 219-362-9446 or LaPorte County Metro Operations at 219-325-9022.

Albert “Brad” Woodle Jr., 58, of Stillwell, IN, died peacefully at 3:43 a.m. Sunday, June 16, 2013, in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Oct. 7, 1954, in Chicago to Albert Sr. and Faye (Vaughn) Woodle.

Brad worked for I/N Kote for 23 years. He was a fun-loving man and a jokester to the end. Brad enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family and friends.

On July 7, 2007, in Stillwell, he married Vickie Konowitz, who survives.

Also surviving are three children, Sean (Sarah) Powell of Plymouth, IN, and Eric Powell and Ashley (Jimmy) Keehn, both of LaPorte; two sisters, Doris (Mark) Harrington of Stillwell and Debbie (Noah) Wiltfong of Mill Creek, IN; grandchildren, Pamela and Jimmy Keehn, for whom he lovingly cared for the last three years, and grandchildren, Olivia, Brooke and Abby Powell; nephews, Brandon and Andy Kiff, Nathan Bealor and Brady Woodle; special nieces, Amy, Angie and Lorrin; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, friends and family.

His parents and one sister, Donna (Don) Bealor, preceded him in death.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Peter Nielson officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1 p.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368.

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

Mrs. Ruth C. McDonald, 92, of Merrillville, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died Sunday, June 16, 2013, at Town Center Nursing Facility, Merrillville.

She was born Nov. 22, 1920, in LaPorte to Kasten and Catherine (Tomalunas) Sabones. She has lived in the Merrillville area since 2005.

Ruth retired from Pacific Telephone and Telegraph as a line assigner in California. She was a graduate of Hammond High School.

Ruth will be greatly missed by her niece, Frances (Robert) Cashmer, and a wonderful, caring friend, Amy Walker.

She is also survived by one son, Robert (Marlene) Urban of Schererville, IN; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eleanor Sabones of San Mateo, CA, Adeline Devanney of Palm City, FL, and Leota Williams of Burlingame, CA; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Allen Urban; one grandson, Jason Urban; two infant sisters; a third sister, Frances (Schuler) Kucharski; and four brothers, Edward, Walter, Alfred and Bruno Sabones.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

This Thursday, June 20, is supposed to be sunny and clear. So when you hear the emergency sirens at 11 a.m., don’t worry — it’s a special test.

The LaPorte County Emergency Management Agency is testing the sirens on Thursday just to be sure they’re in working order during this severe weather season.

During the test (normally conducted every first Saturday of the month), two one-minute signals will sound, with one minute of silence between signals.

During actual emergencies, a three-minute signal is sounded, with a short period of silence between signals, repeated one or more times.

In the event of a real emergency, first seek shelter, then listen to radio stations WLOI AM-1540/WCOE FM 96.7 or WEFM 95.9 for instructions, and/or tune in to South Bend and Chicago TV stations as well as local cable channel 97.

Residents should designate a safe room in their homes and have a transistor radio, fresh batteries and other emergency supplies on hand.

An all-clear siren is not sounded during emergencies.

During emergencies, do not call 911 or local police or fire to obtain information; these lines must be kept clear for actual emergencies.

The LaPorte City Band’s June 19 concert in Fox Park will include a tribute to one of its longtime members, James Garwood, who died

Jim Garwood

in February 2013. Garwood was lead trumpet player and a member of the band for more than 65 years.

“Jim was known as one of the friendliest and talented musicians in the band,” a City Band press release stated. “Jim was a humble man who loved his family, loved music, and loved life.”

As always throughout the summer Arts in the Park season, the LaPorte City Band’s free concert will begin Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park.

This week’s selections are:

“Flourish for Winds,” Ralph Vaughn Williams

“A Jubilant Overture,” Alfred Reed

“On a Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss,” David Holsinger

“An Irish Rhapsody,” Clare Grundman

“Valdres,” Johannes Hansen

Theme from “The Magnificent Seven,” Elmer Bernstein

“Caprice for Band,” Rex Mitchell

Selections from “The Wizard of Oz,” Harold Arlen

“La Banda di Creatore,” Albert Cina

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

June 18, 1913 – The Rev. August Johnson, pastor of LaPorte’s Swedish Lutheran Church, was struck by an auto in Chicago while walking near Lincoln Park.

June 18, 1963 – Hundreds of black high school students boycott their classes in Boston in a “freedom stay-out” protest against segregation.

June 18, 1988 – American Rubber President Jeffrey Bernel is to join Gov. Orr’s trip to China.

June 18, 2003 – The County Commissioners table a motion to fund renovating the LaPorte County Home and the Superior Courthouse in Michigan City over concerns about cost.

A 20-year-old LaPorte man was stabbed several times early in the morning June 18, 2013, according to LaPorte Police.

A police report stated that the man was found lying on the ground holding his abdomen at about 2:43 a.m. in the 600 block of Maple Avenue. He told police he had been stabbed several times by an individual he knows. He was transported to the hospital by EMS.

Aaron Edward Todd, 19, of Terre Haute, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died June 16, 2013, at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

He was born in Michigan City, IN, on July 28, 1993, to Randy and Andrea (Wolfenbarger) Todd.

Aaron enjoyed playing video and computer games with friends, working on and repairing electronics, music, creative writing, theater production, reading, spending time with friends, and enjoying his cat Tyglet. He loved music and, more importantly, loved to share the music he loved. Aaron loved his nieces and nephew and strove to be the best uncle he could be. Despite his long illness, Aaron graduated with his class from Terre Haute North High School on June 3, 2012. He had a wonderful, quirky sense of humor and was happiest when spending time with friends. Aaron was a wonderful son, brother and uncle and a great friend to many, and would go out of his way to take care of those he loved. He moved into his first apartment in February of this year where he lived with Tyglet, who will also miss him greatly.

Aaron is survived by his parents, Randy and Andrea Todd of Terre Haute; two brothers, Jason Andrew Todd of Chicago and Brandon Kent Todd (Nicole) of Bloomington, IN; sister, Alexandrea Jean Todd of Terre Haute; two nieces, Courtney Hogue of Terre Haute and Olivia Todd of New Market, IN; one nephew, Samuel Todd of Terre Haute; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred D. and Pearl S. (Pace) Wolfenbarger and Alfred Edward “Ed” and Dorothy D. (Darnell) Todd; and two aunts, Norma Jean (Wolfenbarger) Shippee and Nancy Gail Todd.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at LaPorte First Church of God with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 1 p.m. until the service. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling local arrangements.

A memorial service will also be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at The First Congregational Church of Terre Haute with Rev. Dawn Carlson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Family of Aaron Todd, c/o Andrea Todd, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

A summer family event, “Athens: Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth,” will be hosted at The Presbyterian Church of LaPorte from June 23-27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. A worldwide mission project will be a new feature in this year’s vacation Bible school.

Rev. Sally Wicks

Families step back in time at Athens, exploring some of the adventures the apostle Paul faced. Kids and adults participate in a memorable Bible-times marketplace, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig into Bible-times snacks, visit Paul, and collect Bible Memory Makers to remind them of God’s Word.

Everyone learns to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes at Celebration — a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved.

“I like this part, because it allows children to slow down and interact with caring adults in a way that is family-like,” said Rev. Sally Wicks. “It’s not glitzy and based on everything being fast. This allows children to create and think and have real conversations.”

Ricci Emmons, interim director of ministries to children and youth, said the five days’ activities are based on Acts 15-18, Paul’s second missionary journey to Athens.

“The children will sing songs, dance around, and be in small groups for ‘oikos’ — Greek for ‘household’ — to interact with other kids and talk about ancient times. They’ll share their ‘God sightings’ — how they’ve seen God that day. They’ll also make a big frieze, an ornamental piece, where they’ll write their experiences. And costumes — there’ll be costumes galore.”

“Children naturally pretend, and I like the way this allows them to do that,” said Wicks. “They can pretend to be part of the early Christian church and to know about one of the great apostles.”

Kids will play arena games and train for the Olympics. Each day they can visit marketplace shops such as the pottery studio and will make musical instruments and toys. A food market will provide snacks and the church’s Praise Band will play every day.

A special project this year: Kids and adults at Athens vacation Bible school will join nearly a million participants reaching out to needy kids through a hands-on mission project called Operation Kid-to-Kid, in which families will send photos and personalized Bible coloring books to children in India.

The church is located at 307 Kingsbury Ave. For more information and to register, call 362-6219. To register online, click on the following link:

https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/hl/PCL/gpgs/Home.aspx

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Julie M. Fleming and Richard S. Bukva are excited to announce their engagement!

Julie is the daughter of Marian and the late Duane Fleming of LaPorte. She is a LaPorte High School graduate and is employed at the LaPorte County Public Library.

Rich is the son of Walt and the late Sue Bukva of Michigan City. He is an Elston High School graduate and is employed at Bukva Imaging Group in Michigan City.

Julie and Rich are planning a Sept. 7, 2013, wedding in LaPorte.

Norman Meyers, 65, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 11:48 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2013, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Feb. 29, 1948, in LaPorte to Donald and Emily Joyce (Shoemaker) Meyers.

Norman worked with his brother as a mechanic and was involved in a leadership development business of his own. He enjoyed bicycling, canoeing, off-roading, working on vehicles, hiking, and spending time with family, especially with his brother and great-grandchildren. Norman attended Friendship Baptist Church of Salem Heights.

On March 8, 1969, at Springville Methodist Church in LaPorte, he married Sharon (Krueger), who survives.

Also surviving are one son, Steven (Laura) Meyers of LaPorte; three brothers, Daniel (Karen) Meyers of LaPorte, Allen (Gail) Meyers of Riverview, FL, and Brian (Robin) Meyers of Woodstock, IL; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ben and Kelsi; adoptive children, Danny Lindsey and Kelly Varro; numerous family and friends; and six great-grandchildren.

His parents preceded him in death.

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Randy Cook officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 2 p.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family in memory of Norman Meyers c/o Lakeview Funeral Home, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

June 19, 1913 – Charles Young walked to his home from the hospital where he had been for two weeks after suffering from three bullet wounds when a man tried to kill him.

June 19, 1963 – Plans for a one-story Lincoln School cause indecision by the LaPorte School Board.

June 19, 1988 – Kimberly Johnson, a 1988 LaPorte High School graduate, places third in the nation at the Lincoln-Douglas debate finals.

June 19, 2003 – Rewards are offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson in the Dye retail store fire on Madison Street.

It’s a ritual for lovers of books of all kinds: The Friends of the LaPorte County Public Library annual book sale will take place Thursday, June 20, through Sunday, June 23. Note that the location is new this year: 206 Lincolnway (the former downtown Garwood’s produce store).

– The preview sale for Friends of the Library members will take place Thursday, June 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. Memberships at the door are $10.

– Hours Friday, June 21, are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

– Hours Saturday, June 22, are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

– Hours Sunday, June 23, are noon to 5 p.m.

Paperback and hardback books, CDs, videos, audio books, records and more will be available!

For more information, call Bonnie DeWolf at 219-575-2355.

The LaPorte Jaycees’ Fourth of July Parade is just weeks away, and some parade celebrities have been announced: two special little girls and eight great, big, beautiful horses.

LaPorte ambassadors Jaidyn and Neilah Maule will be among parade dignitaries, Mayor Blair Milo announced. And the famous Budweiser Clydesdales will draw their familiar red wagon down the route.

As for the flyover, it’s in jeopardy this year because of federal cutbacks. But the Jaycees have indicated that they’re working on other avenues for some kind of alternative.

For a complete schedule of events on and around July 4, click on the following WNLP story link:

http://www.whatsnewlaporte.com/2013/06/16/40666/

A couple of gentle Goldens oblige as they’re decked out by camp attendees in the Dressing the Dog Relay Race.

Photos provided by LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter

(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)

Kids are learning the fun and responsibilities of pet ownership this week at the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter’s Animal Care Camp for Kids. This Tuesday through Thursday, camp attendees meet a variety of animals up close, care for them, play with them, and even learn about veterinary care.

This is the camp’s fourth year, and shelter Director Jane Bernard said it’s going strong. Veterinarian Dr. Lisa Booth leads some sessions and one day includes a police K-9 demonstration.

For more information on the shelter and future camps, call 219-326-1637. And watch the shelter’s Facebook page, La Porte County Animal Control, to stay updated on shelter animals available for adoption and those that are adopted.

A boy takes his turn learning animal CPR on a stuffed dog.

Campers line up to deliver water to the animals currently housed at the shelter.

Dr. Lisa Booth instructs a camper in animal CPR.

Kids rush to the waiting pets in the Dressing the Dog Relay Race.

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Alison Renee Chroback and Jeremiah Cody Zoll, of LaPorte, are happy to announce their engagement.

Alison is the daughter of Kathleen Chroback and Barry and Teri Shinn, all of LaPorte. Alison is a 2004 graduate of LaPorte High School and a 2008 graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreational Sports Management. She is employed as an Event Coordinator at Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City.

Cody is the son of Pat Zoll of LaPorte and Anita Zoll of Clermont, Florida. Cody is a 2002 graduate of LaPorte High School. He is employed as a Warehouse Selector/Lift Operator at Stanz Foodservice Inc. in South Bend.

They are planning a July 6 wedding at the Red Barn Experience in LaPorte.

Laura Ostergren captured the lovely atmosphere in Fox Park during an Arts in the Park concert this month.

The Jim Barkow Sax & Rhythm Quartet will play at Arts in the Park on Thursday, June 20. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheatre in Fox Park, preceded by Joseph Watterson on the keyboard at 6:30.

Thursday’s Arts in the Park evening will also feature Dave Russell’s and Dick Smith’s artworks, and Susan Block, LaPorte County Poet Laureate 2009, performing some of her works.

The Barkow quartet entertains with classical, contemporary, jazz, swing, ragtime, and pop tunes. The group consists of Alan Barcus on piano, Christopher Bendix on string bass, Ron Hull (sitting in for Tom Milo) on drums, and of course, Jim Barkow on saxophone.

Poppin’ in the Park refreshments will be provided by Tri Kappa Associates.

For more information on Arts in the Parks, visit artsintheparklaporte.com.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

June 20, 1913 – A novel means of transporting a funeral party a long distance was taken when the remains of a man were brought to Rolling Prairie in an auto-hearse from East Chicago.

June 20, 1963 – President Kennedy’s tough civil rights program touches off in Congress what promises to be one of the bitterest legislative battles in decades.

June 20, 1988 – Wrigley Field will move into the modern era on Aug. 8 when lights will be switched on for a Chicago Cubs game.

June 20, 2003 – The John Glenn High School baseball team competes in the Class 2A state semifinal tonight.

South Shore rail service was disrupted Thursday morning, June 20, 2013, for an unusual reason: a garbage truck wedged under an overpass in Hudson Lake.

At around 8 a.m., the truck’s driver tried to travel under the overpass at Point Road/Lake Park Avenue. But the truck was too tall to clear the 11-foot, 8-inch height, according to a LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office press release. The driver sustained minor injuries to his face, but the tracks and bridge were damaged by the impact.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) was busing passengers from South Bend and Hudson Lake to Michigan City as rail service east of Michigan City was halted. As of Thursday night, the rail service between South Bend and Michigan City was still unavailable and passengers were still being bused. That would be the case “until further notice,” according to the NICTD website.

For updates on train service, visit www.nictd.com.