Jeanne Elkins, 49, of Mill Creek, IN, died at 2:24 a.m. Sunday, June 23, 2013, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN.

She was born Nov. 17, 1963, in La Grange, IL, to Gerald H. and Mary Ann (Frye) Carr.

Jeanne retired from Federal Mogul Corporation as a factory worker. She had a vagabond heart and traveled and lived in many places. Jeanne loved all animals, especially her chocolate labs and her beloved cats. She was a 1982 graduate of LaPorte High School.

She leaves behind one daughter, Grace Elkins of Lafayette, IN; one son, Willis Elkins II of Lafayette; her mother, Mary Ann Carr of LaPorte; her father, Gerald H. (Olga) Carr of Poinciana, FL; three sisters, Elizabeth Zellers of Kissimmee, FL, Kathleen Long of LaPorte and Patricia Carr of LaPorte; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Visitation will be Friday, June 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. CST at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the family c/o Essling Funeral Home, 1117 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Tim Sleep

Tim Sleep of Naperville, IL, will present a calliope and carillon concert at The Presbyterian Church of LaPorte, 307 Kingsbury Ave., on Sunday, July 7, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Tim will play a half hour of patriotic music on a portable calliope, followed by a carillon concert at 4 p.m.

Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets, or sit in the comfort of your car, rain or shine.

For more information, call 219-362-6219 and visit www.LaPortePresbyterianFineArts.org.

An aerial photo of the Union Mills Co-op from Indiana Prairie Farmer magazine.

An employee at the Union Mills facility of the LaPorte County Co-Alliance, 3551 W. 800 South, Union Mills, was killed Monday afternoon, June 24, 2013, when a concrete grain silo exploded. The man has been identified as James Swank, 67, of Union Mills.

The blast occurred at about 1:29 p.m. CST, according to a LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office press release. Swank was working atop the silo at the time, according to reports. All other employees were accounted for and no other injuries were reported, police said. The silo stood adjacent to a railroad spur on the grounds of the co-op. No hazardous chemicals were involved or released as a result of the explosion and it is not believed that a fire was involved, the press release stated. The cause was being investigated.

Several people reported the explosion via 911. Among emergency units at the scene were Noble Township Fire Department, county EMS and county police.

An April 2013 article in the Indiana Prairie Farmer magazine reported that the co-op was being expanded. To view that article, click on the following link:

http://farmprogress.com/story-fertilizer-access-made-easy-new-hub-9-97186

For more, click on this WSBT story link:

http://www.wsbt.com/news/wsbt-breaking-news-explosion-at-fertilizer-plant-20130624,0,5395826.story

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

June 25, 1913 – Stores, factories, and nearly all other places of business will close a half day tomorrow on account of the opening of Fox Memorial Park.

June 25, 1963 – A million cheering Germans greet President Kennedy in Frankfurt, where he pledges that the United States would risk its cities to defend its allies.

June 25, 1988 – The molestation trial against former LaPorte teacher Peter Ulrich hits a snag when the prosecutor motioned to amend the charge after two days of testimony.

June 25, 2003 – An angry Iraqi crowd kills six British soldiers because troops had slain four Iraqi civilians during a demonstration.

LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo gave this update Tuesday morning, June 25, on damage and power outages resulting from Monday evening’s swift-moving storm:

“The powerful storm last night still has some folks without power. They are working as quickly as they can to restore everyone … I am sorry for you who are still waiting. We’ve had some damage to structures, lots of trees and large tree limbs down. As you are cleaning up your property with tree branches, pull them to the side of the street to be picked up by the street department, but be careful not to block the street. If you have a huge amount of branches, you may want to call the street department and give them your address for tree limb pickup: 362-2477. Otherwise, they will be patrolling the streets at some point to get the little piles.

“NIPSCO will continue working until everyone has power again. Repeatedly calling them to report the same outage does not get them there any faster.

“If you were able to have an aerial view of our area, you would understand why it is taking some time to get it all back up and running. Lots of wires were downed by falling trees and limbs and poles broken. There were several live wire fires in the area.

“If there is more information about service or cleanup, I’ll post that information as it comes to me.”

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Matthew James VanHook was born to Brent and Elizabeth (Hunter) VanHook of Rolling Prairie, IN, on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at 11:16 p.m. at IU Health LaPorte Hospital. Matthew weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 18.5 inches long.

Matthew joins his proud sister, Grace, 2, as well as family pets Bailey and Guinness.

His grandparents are Caleb and Debora Hunter of Mill Creek, the late William James VanHook, and Ruth VanHook of LaPorte. Matthew is also welcomed by his great-grandparents, Clyde and Doris Hunter of LaPorte.

Matthew joins cousins William and Nicholas VanHook of Rolling Prairie and Kyle VanHook of Three Oaks, MI.

Brent is a math teacher at LaPorte High School, and Elizabeth is a pharmacist at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

The happy family would like to extend a big thank you to Dr. Taylor, the staff at IU Health LaPorte Hospital, and coworkers, friends and family who assisted with Matthew’s sudden arrival.

This week’s Arts in the Park concerts will feature the venerable LaPorte City Band on Wednesday evening, June 26, and singer/songwriter Laura Whidden on Thursday evening, June 27.

Both free concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. The park turns 100 years old this week!

LaPorte City Band

Besides Wednesday’s concert, the LaPorte City Band is busy preparing for upcoming special events. The first will be June 29 as the band takes part in the 100th anniversary celebration for Fox Park with a concert to start at 4:30 p.m. The second event is the 4th of July Eve Concert on July 3 starting at 7 p.m. Both are free at the Smith amphitheater. The July 3 concert will feature patriotic favorites, an appearance by LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo, special guest conductor Mickey Stisher, and a brief appearance by the LaPorte High School Marching Band!

Selections for the June 26 concert are: “Here Comes The Band,” George Willcock; “First Suite in Eb,” Gustav Holst; “Promenade in Swingtime,” Bill Holcomb; “New York 1927,” Warren Barker; “Liberty Bell,” John Philip Sousa; “Four Episodes for Band,” John Morrissey; “Blue Tango,” Leroy Anderson; Highlights from “The Music Man,” Meredith Willson; “Bandology,” Eric Osterling.

Laura Whidden

Laura Whidden

Laura Whidden is new to the Arts in the Park venue. The songs she writes and performs are designed to touch lives through the personal stories they tell. Her lyrics are both inspirational and spiritual. Trained in public speaking, she often shares the personal stories behind her songs.

Whidden’s vocals are coupled with simple piano and guitar arrangements. Her soulful songs are styled in the manner of Sarah McLaughlin and Ella Fitzgerald.

She has performed at church concerts, cafés and coffee shops as well as retreats for both women and youth where Whidden holds one-on-one personal counseling sessions for young girls.

Other Arts in the Park features

Patrick Watterson will be the pre-concert entertainment both Wednesday and Thursday evenings starting at 6:30. Dorothy Konieczny will display her art and Mary Allen, LaPorte County Poet Laureate 2010, will read some of her inspirational poetry.

Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs. Picnics are welcome, and Tri Kappa Associates will also be selling popcorn, pop, water and cookies. Proceeds contribute to future concerts.

If you would like to sponsor Arts in the Park, call 363-9317 or visit artsintheparklaporte@yahoo.com.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

June 26, 1913 – Every true citizen will visit Fox Memorial Park, the city’s new playground on the banks of Clear Lake, today.

June 26, 1963 – The LaPorte Salvation Army decides to construct a new building to house its expanding program.

June 26, 1988 – Tourism is the third largest industry in the state, but planning and promotion are needed to keep revenue coming into the economy.

June 26, 2003 – People already frustrated with Pine Lake agony should know the REAL work begins today.

James “Jim” Michael Swank, 67, of Union Mills, IN, died June 24, 2013.

He was born in Clinton, IN, on May 31, 1946, to Perry and Maudie (Rohr) Swank.

Jim retired from Inland Steel, where he worked as a foreman for 34 years. He had been recently working at LaPorte County CO-OP in Union Mills. Jim enjoyed working on his house, barbecuing, camping and cruising. He was very energetic and loved adventure, dogs, and spending time with his family and friends. Jim had received the American Legion School Award while in school. Jim and Vickie were blessed with a love that was extremely special, always making the other happy.

On Aug. 25, 1987, in Petoskey, MI, he married Vickie (Martin) Swank, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved daughter, Diane Swank of Kennesaw, GA; son, Michael Swank of Georgia; sister, Daisy (Raymond) Haack of Highland, IN; sister-in-law, Carrie Lyne (Jeff) Cashner; several nieces and nephews; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and special nephew, Lee (Amber) Carman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Carman.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 28, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be Friday from 2 p.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.

John H. “Jack” Utley Jr., 85, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Michigan City, IN.

Mr. Utley has donated his body to Indiana University Medical School. A full obituary with announcement on a memorial service time and date will be released at a later time. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

An early postcard of the entrance of Fox Park, taken from the McClung Road side. Portions of the iron and brick gateways still stand. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

When it was dedicated as Fox Memorial Park on June 26, 1913, it consisted of just 15 acres. Over a century’s time, after additions of former Allis-Chalmers property, it grew to 170 acres. Also encompassing Clear Lake, Fox Park has been the shady site of generations of family picnics, concerts of every musical genre, friendly tennis matches, baseball and softball games for all ages, playground romps, and — in its earlier days — a rose garden, a Greek pavilion and a monkey zoo.

On Saturday, June 29, the city and community will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this historic park. Among the scheduled free events:

– 2 to 7 p.m.: Classic Car and Tractor Show

– 4:30 p.m.: The LaPorte City Band will perform at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater

– 5 p.m.: Official rededication of Fox Park

– 6 to 9 p.m.: Concert by Big Jim Revival and Rock Crue will perform

– 9 p.m.: Fireworks over Clear Lake

The original Fox Park property was donated in memory of Samuel and Fannie Fox by their sons, Maurice, Herbert, Robert, Walter, Norman and Arthur. In the mid 1800s Samuel had founded Fox Woolen Mills, a massive LaPorte factory located off what is now (appropriately) Fox Street.

The Fox family gave the City of LaPorte priceless gifts that remain community jewels: Fox Park, the LaPorte Civic Auditorium and Beechwood Golf Course.

The LaPorte Park and Recreation Department invites all to join in this community celebration June 29.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

June 27, 1913 – A sad tragedy occurred yesterday afternoon in LaCrosse when the 14-month-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Coteral drank a cupful of gasoline and died a few moments later from the effects.

June 27, 1963 – President Kennedy leaves behind the affairs of state in Dublin and goes on a sentimental journey across southeastern Ireland, home of his ancestors.

June 27, 1988 – The biggest quake since 1906 hits the San Francisco area.

June 27, 2003 – Some experts say the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down bans on gay sex also strengthens constitutional underpinnings for legal abortion and other issues.

Two LaPorte area teens were arrested Tuesday, June 25, 2013, and charged with dealing and possessing heroin, among other drugs.

Jageman

Matthew E. Jageman, 18, of LaPorte, and Brandon L. Williams, 19, of rural LaPorte County, were arrested,

Williams

according to LaPorte County Metro Operations.

Jageman is charged with dealing in a Schedule I controlled substance (heroin), a Class B felony; possession of a Schedule I controlled substance; possession of a Schedule III controlled substance (Suboxone), a Class D felony; and possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance (Alprazolam), a Class D felony.

Williams is charged with aiding, inducing, or causing an offense, a Class B felony, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (heroin) and possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance (Alprazolam), both Class D felonies.

Both were being held in the LaPorte County Jail with bonds that set at $25,000. 

The public is encouraged to report potential drug activity to the LaPorte County Metro Operations Unit by calling (219) 325-9022. The Metro Operations Unit is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force comprised of investigators from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office and LaPorte Police Department.

LaPorte Police say two females have tried to get cash from local banks using stolen or phony credit cards in the last two days.

Police said in a press release that the suspects, both African American, entered various local banks and branches and tried to get cash advances for large sums of money. They entered the banks at different times but are believed to be working together.

“In the cases, the suspect(s) request a cash advance and inquire on what their limit is. The teller advises them they will need to check with the credit card company. In all cases, the teller was directed to speak to a ‘bank representative’ from a phone number provided by the suspects. This number was later found not to match the one on the back of the card. The tellers become suspicious by the instructions provided by the ‘bank representative’ to increase the credit limits and they discontinue the transaction,” according to the police press release.

“In one case, one of the suspects told the teller she was from Texas and was here visiting her sister and wanted to purchase a vehicle. In another incident, the suspect provided an Illinois ID card. She was seen leaving in an older white car with Illinois license plates.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LaPorte Police Department at 362-9446 or at www.lpcitypd.com to submit a crime tip. You can remain anonymous.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

June 28, 1913 – Four men employed in the Haskell-Barker plant at Michigan City were in an automobile accident at the foot of Chautauqua Hill. Two of them died.

June 28, 1963 – Scipio Township favors the school merger 369-104.

June 28, 1988 – On Friday, the state assumes complete control of all license branches from Republican county chairmen.

June 28, 2003 – A grand 150th will be observed at LaPorte’s St. Peter Catholic Church.

LaPorte County Emergency Management will give the weather sirens an extra test this Saturday, June 29, at 11 a.m.

The historic Eason Chapel at Pine Lake Cemetery.

Information and photo courtesy of Fern Eddy Schultz

The Pine Lake Cemetery Association will dedicate new Cemetery Heritage signs on Saturday, July 13, at 1 p.m. The event will take place at the main entrance to the cemetery on Pine Lake Avenue.

To be eligible to receive this signage, the cemetery must be listed in the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry and the cemetery must be at least 50 years old. Pine Lake Cemetery was established in 1858.

The registry has been established to record both historic cemeteries and prehistoric burial areas located in Indiana. Cemeteries are part of our cultural landscape in which more and more citizens are becoming interested. Knowing the location of as many cemeteries as possible in the state will help provide better protection of these resources.

The registry will include coordination with agencies, organizations and individuals. This project will help insure that future Hoosiers will have a wealth of information to draw upon regarding the resting places of those who have gone before.

The public is invited to the dedication ceremony. There is a parking area inside the main gate for attendees. Following the dedication, the Eason Chapel will be open to the public until 3 p.m. The chapel was dedicated in 1912 to honor the memory of Seth Eason, who was an early settler, a member of the Hall, Weaver & Co. Bank and one of the first trustees of The Pine Lake Cemetery Association. Local well-known architect George Wood Allen was commissioned to design the chapel.

Anyone interested in the history of the chapel and the restoration and preservation of the structure is invited to visit. For further information, contact Fern Eddy Schultz, President of The Pine Lake Cemetery Association, at (219) 326-6458 or netster@csinet.net.

Photo by Sharon Goodman (click to enlarge)

LaPorte Police have announced traffic and street restrictions for the LaPorte Jaycees Fourth of July Parade next Thursday. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and runs east to west on Lincolnway.

Traffic will be diverted off Ind. 2 (Lincolnway and J Street) beginning at 8:30 a.m. July 4. No traffic other than the parade units will be allowed on Ind. 2 between Philadelphia Street and Andrew Avenue between 8:30 a.m. and the end of the parade.

As far as the parade route goes, there will be no parking allowed on the street or in the tree lawns along Ind. 2. No citizens will be allowed to sit in the street along the parade route and no pedestrians, bicyclists or skaters will be allowed in the street along the parade route while the parade is going on. No vehicles will be allowed to be illegally parked in the middle of the cross streets along the parade route during the parade. Emergency routes for LaPorte County Emergency Medical Services and the LaPorte Fire Department will be using Michigan Avenue and U.S. 35, so any citizens wishing to stand in those streets must be prepared to move quickly. People who illegally park along the parade route will receive citations and have their vehicles impounded.

Access to the staging area for the parade at the east side of town will be restricted well in advance of the parade by barricades, as will access to the parade route when it is closed. All motorists should remember that driving around barricades is against the law and they will be cited if they do so.

“For events like the Fourth of July Parade, pedestrian safety is the number one priority of the LaPorte Police Department and we will not tolerate any dangerous or illegal driving behavior.”

Spectators are reminded to adhere to the city ordinance that prohibits the placement of blankets, chairs and other items along the parade route more than 24 hours before the official start of the parade. No blankets, chairs or other items may be placed along the route before 10 a.m. on July 3.

Folks attending the parade are asked to be considerate of everyone around them. Since the parade is first and foremost a family event, officers have been given orders to arrest any intoxicated, unruly or belligerent spectators. Fireworks violations will also not be tolerated. Citizens are reminded that due to the crowds, noise and confusion, the parade is definitely not a good place to bring pets. Parents are strongly encouraged to closely supervise their children and perhaps even attach a note to the clothing of younger children indicating where the parents are along the parade route, just in case a child wanders off.

The detour route around the city for Ind. 2 will be Boyd Boulevard to U.S. 35 to Crescent Drive to 18th Street. All east-west streets north and south of the parade route will be open. The main detour route for east-west traffic through the downtown area will be along Factory Street, Brighton Street, Washington Street, State Street, L Street, Second Street, and Colfax Avenue to and from Ind. 2. The detour for U.S. 35 from the north will be to exit the overpass and then travel either east or west from there. The detour for U.S. 35 from the south will be either Boyd Boulevard or Crescent Drive. 

Wondering about your food that was not refrigerated for a while during the power outage? Here are some food safety tips from the Indiana Department of Health, relayed by the LaPorte County Extension Office:

– Potentially hazardous foods: high-protein foods (meat, eggs, dairy)

and cooked vegetables that support the rapid and progressive growth of disease causing bacteria. Foodborne illnesses can be caused by bacteria that can multiply rapidly in foods when the food is held in the temperature danger zone (41° to 135°F).

– Refrigerated potentially hazardous foods must be stored at or below 41°F.

– A full freezer should keep food safe about two days, and a

half-full freezer, about one day. Add bags of ice or dry ice to the freezer if it appears the power will be off for an extended time.

– Discard any potentially hazardous food that has been above 41°F for four hours or more, any non-potentially hazardous food that has reached a temperature of 45°F or higher for any length of time, or has an unusual color, odor or texture. WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

– The following foods in refrigerators and freezers should be discarded if kept over four hours at above 41°F or if the temperature exceeds 41°F for any length of time:

THROW OUT

• Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and egg substitutes – raw or cooked

• Milk, cream, soft and semi-soft cheese

• Casseroles, stews or soups

• Lunchmeats and hot dogs

• Creamy-based foods made on-site

• Custard, pumpkin or cheese pies

• Cream-filled pastries

• Cookie dough made with eggs

• Whipped butter

• Cut melons

• Cooked vegetables

SAVE

– The following foods may be kept at room temperature a few days, although food quality may be affected:

• Butter or margarine

• Hard and processed cheeses

• Fresh uncut fruits and vegetables

• Dried fruits and coconut

• Opened jars of vinegar-based salad dressings, jelly, relish, taco sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard, ketchup, olives, and peanut butter

• Fruit juices

• Fresh herbs and spices

• Fruit pies, breads, rolls and muffins

• Cakes, except cream cheese frosted or cream-filled

• Flour and nuts

– When power is restored, identify and discard potentially hazardous foods that may have been above 41°F or below 135°F for four or more hours or above 41°F for any length of time. The refreezing of food may affect the quality and should be used within a short period of time.

Photos by David Malik

(Click on photos to enlarge)

The City of LaPorte’s weekly Fitness Friday carried special meaning and drew a big crowd June 28, 2013. The fitness event was dedicated to awareness of the heroin problem in the LaPorte area, a problem that has claimed several lives within the past year.

Several hundred people joined the walk, which began at the LaPorte YMCA and traveled to Beechwood Golf Course, then back.

Toni Day, mother of the late Ethan Day, who died June 4 of a heroin overdose, addressed the crowd before the walk began. She “challenged us with a very good question,” Mayor Blair Milo said on her Facebook page: “We’re here today. Where will we be next month or next year? What will we be doing then about this devastating problem of heroin in our community?”

“We were a village with a purpose this afternoon,” Milo said. “I sense the beginning of some renewed momentum.”

Toni Day, mother of the late Ethan Day, speaks as Mayor Blair Milo listens.

A motorcyclist encourages walkers.