A festive scene from the 2012 LPHS prom at the Civic Auditorium. Photo by Mike Kellems

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office and the LaPorte County DUI Task Force will increase enforcement and patrols around prom and post-prom sites this spring. The goal of the DUI Taskforce is to deter alcohol use and eliminate alcohol-related crashes among LaPorte County high school prom attendees.

Proms in LaPorte County will begin Saturday, April 27, with proms and post proms being conducted by Marquette, New Prairie, South Central and Westville high schools on that night. The proms will continue through Saturday, May 18, when LaPorte High School will host its prom. The DUI Taskforce will saturate the areas around each prom and post-prom site to deter potential alcohol and drug use. Deputies and officers will have zero tolerance toward the consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages, and those who provide alcohol to minors will be targeted and jailed.

“Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report that prom is the most dangerous night of the year for teenagers,” LaPorte County DUI Taskforce Commander Derek Allen said in a press release. “It is not only a dangerous time for teenagers but also a dangerous time for anyone who is driving, and our goal is to make the season safe and enjoyable and therefore memorable for all. Underage drinking is the nation’s number one youth drug problem, killing 6.5 times more young people than all the illicit drugs combined, and we do not want LaPorte County students to contribute to that statistic.”

The NHTSA reports that annually, one-third of all teen deaths occur in the prom and graduation season. In 2005, 376 teens died on their prom night. NHTSA also reports that 70% of all teens who die in motor vehicle crashes on their prom night were not wearing seat belts.

LaPorte County Sheriff Michael Mollenhauer said: “We are pleased that for 10 consecutive years no LaPorte County prom attendee was injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash, and our goal remains the same. Our increased enforcement is an indication that we want LaPorte County youth to be safe and enjoy their prom and forever have pleasant and cherished memories; not memories of tragedy.”

Tips for parents

The LaPorte County DUI Taskforce offers these tips for parents:

*Take an inventory of the alcohol in your home and secure it if necessary.

*Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.

*Make a pact with your children to provide a safe ride, no questions asked.

*Ensure that your kids take a cell phone with them to the prom and post-prom and require them to check in throughout the evening.

*Discuss your kids’ plans well ahead of the prom. They should be encouraged to have an agenda and adhere to it.

*Know your child’s date before the prom and with whom he/she will be attending if going in a group.

*“Exchange notes” and telephone numbers with your child’s date’s parents.

*Consider hosting an alcohol-free post prom party in which friends are welcome to spend the night.

*Stay up for your children’s return home and let them know you will be waiting.

Maria Tomczak, 87, of LaPorte, died April 18, 2013, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born in the Ukraine on Jan. 6, 1926.

Maria’s early life in Eastern Europe was tumultuous. She was raised by a single mother with help from her grandmother, aunts and uncles, who cherished her. The Ukraine, which was part of Poland, was invaded by the Nazis in 1939, followed by a short period of Communist rule, and then the Nazis again. She was sent as a young teenager to work in Germany during World War II, not by choice, and never saw most of her family again. After the war she lived in a Displacement Persons Camp in Germany for five years. There she met her husband and their son was born.

They emigrated to America in 1950 with one suitcase, and here they were able to realize the American Dream. She told many stories of her youth in Ukraine, where she was known for her singing in her home village and life in Germany, where she was treated well by the German family she worked for as a housekeeper.

Maria was a homemaker and gardener extraordinaire. Every year she planted a huge garden filled with vegetables, fruit and flowers, and shared the bounty with others. Indoors she also had a very green thumb, nurturing houseplants, one of them for over 40 years. She was very much appreciated for her baking and cooking skills. No one ever went away hungry or unhappy. Her grandchildren’s first question after hearing she was coming to visit was, “Will she bring pound cake and make perogies for us?” She was a fun, outgoing person, making friends all her life, and people loved her. She did not hesitate to speak her mind and kept things real. She was always ready to help anyone who needed it, especially her family. She was an active member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses for 59 years and loved Jehovah God. She was known for her generosity, big heart, and love for her family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Maria was married for 65 years to Michal Tomczak, who survives her. She had three children, Walter, Tina, and Rosemary, and four grandchildren, Justin, Vanessa, Ivoire and Aimee, who loved her very much. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and son.

Her memorial was held April 21 at Kingdom Hall, followed by a celebration of life reception.

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

Mayor Blair Milo (center) and the Sweet Ma’s crew at the April 24 ribbon cutting. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Sweet Ma’s bakery, 706 Jefferson Ave., LaPorte, officially opened April 24, 2013, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Blair Milo did the honors and the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce coordinated the event.

Artisan bread

Sweet Ma’s offers cookies, cupcakes, breads, danish, cakes, cinnamon rolls, and more.

Making cinammon rolls

“Stop in to Sweet Ma’s Bakery for some great baked goods!” the business’ Facebook page states. “Many of the recipes we use are family treasures passed down from our mothers and grandmothers. We intend to create a large variety of goodies that will be standard fare and many things that are made just because we feel like making them! We have some gluten-free goodies and can even help you find the wedding cake of your dreams. Please stop by — we hope you’ll be glad you did!

The bakery’s hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Visit Sweet Ma’s Bakery on Facebook or call 219-380-4245 for more information.

Cupcakes with peanut butter frosting

(Click on photo to enlarge)

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of this 1966 Chevrolet Impala from Coolspring Township recently. Anyone who has information about the location of this vehicle, or anyone involved in its theft, is encouraged to call Detective Scott Boswell at (219)-326-7700 Ext: 2443.

To read a WSBT story about the car theft, click on the following link:

http://www.wsbt.com/news/sbt-police-believe-thief-used-website-to-plot-burglary-20130424,0,5622096.story

LaPorte defeated Merrillville, 5-0, in tennis on April 24, 2013.

Match results:

1 Singles: Caroline Boger (LP) d. Miranda Vesa (M) 6-3, 6-1

2 Singles: Jill Boger (LP) d. Cynthia Basa-Chavez (M) 6-1, 7-5

3 Singles: Lauren Sterling (LP) d. Claribel Quinones (M) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2

1 Doubles: Kayla Wurster / Madison Shreves (LP) d. Erika McClinton / Victoria Millen (M) 6-3, 2-6, 6-3

2 Doubles: Emily Osborn / Callie Scissom (LP) d. Laura Bier / Bethany Rochefort (M) 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-1)

JV: LaPorte d. Merrillville 4-1.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

April 25, 1913 – The Art Manufacturing Company promises to put LaPorte on the world’s map in the making of pneumatic carpet sweepers.

April 25, 1963 – There was a 31-car pileup on the Pennsylvania railroad as the result of a train derailment this morning a mile and a half east of Hamlet.

April 25, 1988 – Warner Books wins the rights to publish a sequel to “Gone With the Wind” as a yet-untitled novel to be written by Alexandra Ripley.

April 25, 2003 – The sheriff breathes a half-sigh of relief after the last of the 180 LaPorte County Jail inmates are transported to the new jail addition.

Inge B. Laser, 88, of LaPorte, died Monday, April 22, 2013, at The Arbors in Michigan City, IN.

She was born in Hamburg, Germany, on Feb. 3, 1925, to Otto and Emma Pauline Brugmann.

Inge worked as a wife, mother and homemaker. She was a fully devoted grandmother with family as her main priority. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church.

On Sept. 14, 1946, she married Erhard Laser, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her son, Volkert Laser of Nederland, TX; two daughters, Carmen (Ned) Curtis of Vero Beach, FL, and Christel (Mark) Bublitz of LaPorte; grandchildren, David, Anne, Heide, Katie, Alex, Stephanie, Laura, Sam, and Caleb; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Bethany Lutheran Church, LaPorte, on Friday, May 3, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the church with Rev. Dennis Meyer officiating. Private burial will take place at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bethany Foundation, 102 G St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Story and photo by Michelle Boardman

(CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

Brownie Troop 00299 of Handley Elementary School presented a host of boxes of food donations for the LaPorte Backpack Program Wednesday, April 24, 2013. The seven troop members sold over 2,100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies, and they opted to use some of their proceeds to purchase food when their troop leaders, Tina Fisher and Sara Rinkel, saw Mayor Blair Milo’s Facebook post about the Backpack Program.

The girls said they wanted to help because they felt badly for kids who don’t have regular meals over the weekends. So, the troop went on a shopping spree to buy food items. Each girl had a separate job during the shopping spree: Grace Rinkel pushed the cart, Abbi Mitchell was in charge of the calculator to ensure they stayed within their budget, Hannah Bell selected food items from the shelves, Maggie Evans and Gracyn Fisher unloaded food items onto the conveyor belt for checkout, and Emmmaleigh Atwater and Nicole Williams helped box the food.

The troop is looking forward to contributing to more projects with their remaining earnings.

The LaPorte Backpack Program is accepting monetary and food donations to provide nutritious meals for local children whose teachers deem them as children in need. The food items are discreetly put into the children’s backpacks so that they have food over the weekends. Non-perishable, prepackaged food items that do not require preparation can be dropped at the Salvation Army of LaPorte at 3240 Monroe St. anytime between 9-12 or 1-4.

Three teenagers, one from LaPorte County and two from other Indiana cities, were arrested Thursday, April 25, 2013, after allegedly burglarizing a Goldring Road home in rural LaPorte and leading police on a chase.

According to a LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office press release, at about 9:55 a.m. deputies were summoned to the house burglary in the 1200 north block of Goldring Road. A witness gave police descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle.

Within several minutes of the descriptions being reported to other law enforcement, a Michigan City Police officer spotted the car traveling erratically along County Road 400 North near U.S. 421. County Det. Andrew Hynek then saw the car traveling south along U.S. 421 at a high rate of speed. Hynek tried to stop the car but the driver refused to stop and merged onto I-94, traveling west at high speed.

The vehicle continued west to the Lake County/Porter County line, where it crashed into a tractor-trailer and stopped. The driver fled on foot and was captured after a short chase. A passenger was taken into custody without incident. Both were transported to the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver, a 17-year-old male from Gary, was charged with Burglary, a Class B felony, and two counts of resisting law enforcement, Class D felony and Class A misdemeanor. The 16-year-old female passenger, of Merrillville, was charged with burglary, a Class B felony, and dangerous possession of a firearm, a Class A misdemeanor. Also charged was a 17-year-old from LaPorte, who has been charged with aiding, causing and inducing a crime (burglary), a Class B felony.

Assisting with the apprehension were officers from the Burns Harbor Police Department and Indiana State Police.

Info and photos provided by Mike Sutton

The Salvation Army of LaPorte celebrated its grand re-opening on Thursday, April 25, at the headquarters at 3240 Monroe St.

The Salvation Army of LaPorte can trace its roots back to May 1888. After opening, then closing, the Salvation Army has been present in the community since 1904. Originally located on C Street and then on State Street, the Salvation Army acquired its present building, formerly LaPorte FOP headquarters, in 2007. Moving in 2009 to the Monroe Street location resulted in both challenges and opportunities. The building, parking lot and most recent renovations are due in large part to a generous bequest of the late Charles T. Dye.

The funds donated by Dye that were not used for the building purchase were placed in a capital improvement fund for future additions and improvements. Additional donations were also received over the years for the fund. No money donated for the operational funding of the Salvation Army, Christmas kettles or the Vision Banquet were used for this remodeling, which added a chapel; an area for private offices, classrooms and food pantry; and a multipurpose/banquet and meeting room. The kitchen was also upgraded.

Today, the Salvation Army is proud of its community involvement with the Backpack Program for Children, an open food pantry and a clothing distribution program. The SA provides programs and assistance to the community and citizens of LaPorte County.

The April 25 dedication service included: presentation of flags by Karlene Haro and Debbie Stout, senior soldiers; opening prayer by Keith Batzel, senior soldier; greeting/introductions by Envoy Greg Irwin; opening remarks and special presentation to Pastor Billy Nickrand by Envoy Greg Irwin; hymn – “O God of Love Eternal” by Brass Band Ensemble; The Salvation Army of LaPorte history by Envoy Bethany Irwin; dedicatory address by Lt. Col. Richard Amick from Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters; Children’s Choir – “If You’re Happy and You Know It”; presentation of keys by Major Thomas Bowers, district commander; act of dedication by Major Jackie Bowers; responsive reading and prayer of dedication by Envoy Greg Irwin; hymn “To God Be the Glory” led by Brass Band Ensemble.

The dedication service was followed by a ribbon cutting arranged by the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce. Tours and light refreshments followed the ribbon cutting.

“Once again we want to thank the community of LaPorte for all the great support we receive to make this ministry a reality,” Envoys Greg and Bethany Irwin said. “We are excited about our updated facility and feel that it will help us serve the city in a greater way. Please come by for a tour sometime!”

For more information about the LaPorte Salvation Army, visit www.salaporte.org.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

April 26, 1913 – It is probable that the contract for the building of the new Polish Catholic house of worship in LaPorte, to bear the name of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, will be awarded next week.

April 26, 1963 – Jan Dunk, Diane Ramsay, Anita Rodman and eight others will vie for the title of Miss LaPorte County on Saturday.

April 26, 1988 – There will be no LaPorte Cruise Night this year because event organizers cannot pay the $4,000 needed for insurance to cover the event.

April 26, 2003 — U.S. Army Secretary Thomas White resigns.

Agnes K. Mahoney, 93, of LaPorte, died at 2:20 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Hamilton Grove, New Carlisle, IN.

She was born Jan. 3, 1920, in Louisville, KY, to Edward and Louise (Herberich) Kelty. She was a resident of LaPorte for 50 years and for the last five years at Hamilton Grove.

Agnes worked at LaPorte Hospital for 12 years. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church.

On Aug. 26, 1947, in Louisville, she married Paul T. Mahoney, who preceded her in death on April 20, 2009.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.

She leaves behind one daughter, Anne (Scott Hayes) Mahoney of Northfield, IL; three sons, Neil (Elizabeth Hennessey) Mahoney of Evanston, IL, Brian Mahoney of Bellingham, WA, and Paul (Judy) Mahoney of LaCrosse, IN; two granddaughters, Shannon Mahoney of St Louis, MO, and Sara Mahoney of Washington, D.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 29, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Joseph Angotti officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Sunday, April 28, from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Monday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with Deacon Chris Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow Mass in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1104 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or to Hamilton Grove Communities, Residents Benevolent Fund, 31869 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN 46552.

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

Pine Lake Grange 1044 spent the winter months holding bi-monthly meetings at Around the Clock, LaPorte. This allowed members to enjoy a wonderful lunch, hold their meetings and have an opportunity to visit with each other.

Irene Konieczny was welcomed at the February meeting as a new member and Margaret Larson returned to being an active Grange member.

Secretary Nina Salyer reported that State Master John Plank is asking all members to forward their favorite recipes for a State Grange recipe book.

Florence Myer suggested the Grange members seek more information about the Backpacks for Hungry Children Project being sponsored by the LaPorte Salvation Army. There may be need for additional help in the fall when more schools will be added to this project. All agreed it a worthwhile project. Irene indicated she was aware of this project and perhaps the Grange members could support the filling of the backpacks. Nina was to contact the captain of the Salvation Army to see if he could speak at a future meeting.

Master Barbara Lawrence indicated it was time for the Grange ladies to consider projects for our local nursing homes and community giving. Margaret suggested getting more information from the Northwest Indiana Project Sock Monkey Group and perhaps makes sock monkeys to give away to nursing homes and other places that would benefit.

The Grange supports local community projects in a variety of ways. Florence collects various items for nursing home bingo activities; ditty bags and saddle walker bags are sewn and provided to nursing homes as well as to the women’s shelters and Women’s Care Center; Duana Mann knitted 100 pairs of mittens for Bundle Up LaPorte; and Nina knitted two baby sweater sets and two pairs of booties to LaPorte Hospital as well as one sweater set for the Swanson Center’s sales booth.

Discussion on the fall pancake breakfast was tabled until the next meeting.

At the suggestion of Jean Swanson, the group will meet May 9 at 1 p.m. to celebrate Mother’s Day at Ignoffo’s Italian Bistro. She indicated the importance of supporting our local businesses.

Many members left the meeting to head to the open house at the Salvation Army to see its newly remodeled facility.

William J. Maglio, 87, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 12:40 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2013, in his home.

He was born May 4, 1925, in LaPorte to Salvatore and Rosalia (Iano) Maglio.

William worked for many years at Clendenen’s and Wilson Oil. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church of LaPorte and Moose Lodge, and a past member of Knights of Columbus. William loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and feeding the birds in his backyard. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Cubs, the Bears, and Notre Dame football.

On Jan. 19, 1946, in LaPorte, he married Frankie (Harkleroad) Maglio, who survives.

Also surviving are four children, Ron Maglio of Stuart, FL, William Maglio of LaPorte, Christine Maglio of LaPorte and Kathleen (Shefik) Tallmadge of Belleair Beach, FL; one sister, Osanna (Kenneth) Bresnahan of San Diego, CA; eight grandchildren, Andrea, Joni, Michael, Jedidiah, Sarah, Shefik, Tyler, and Natassia; and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one son, Christopher Maglio; one brother, Anthony Maglio; and three sisters, Rosalia Maglio, Helen Padalino and Teresa Catonese.

A Catholic funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 29, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Deacon Chris Hawkins officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 28, and 9 a.m. until the service Monday. Burial will follow services at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. State Road 2, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Officers of Excelsior Masonic Lodge 41. (Click on photo to enlarge)

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, LaPorte’s Excelsior Masonic Lodge 41 will celebrate the 175th anniversary of its charter (1838-2013). Members will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of their Masonic Temple, located at 820 Jefferson Ave., LaPorte.

The Masonic Temple rededication, presented by the Officers of the Indiana Grand Lodge, F&A.M, will begin outside at the northeast corner of the building at 10:30 a.m., and the lodge charter rededication will begin in the lodge room at 1 p.m. The public is invited but there is limited seating.

The mission of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons was, is and shall be to teach the art of Freemasonry to all men of good character, thus inspiring them to practice the art of Freemasonry in their homes, communities and daily lives. This association of like-minded men improves and strengthens the character of each brother, reflecting Freemasonry and thereby perpetuating the values through the fraternity.

An early shot of LaPorte Masonic Temple, now a century old. Photo courtesy of LaPorte County Historical Society. (CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

Mary Jane Justus, 92, of LaPorte, died April 25, 2013, at her home.

She was born in Huntington, IN, on June 27, 1921, to Franklin E. and Lillian (Stephens) Wiles.

Mary Jane was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Eastern Star, and an avid supporter of the Republican Party.

On May 27, 1957, she married Robert Justus, who preceded her in death Feb. 3, 2013.

She is survived by her friends and caregivers, Hans and Jeanne Tanzer of LaPorte.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 2, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service at the church. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Enjoy the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra Children’s Chorus with a program that explores imaginative singing showcasing musical styles of both the classics and jazz. Let these voices show you what they have been learning all winter from Director Matt Nelson.

The chorus will perform Sunday, April 28, at 3 p.m. at Agape Church, 1601 I St., LaPorte.

Admission is $2 per person; donations are welcome.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

April 27, 1913 – After leaving the city several weeks ago, a man comes back and finds his wife had been removed to the county asylum during his absence.

April 27, 1963 – Push the clocks one hour ahead tonight.

April 27, 1988 – Eighty years later, new stories recount the butchering and bloody ways of Belle Gunness.

April 27, 2003 – The body of 19-year-old Derek Scheidel, who was last seen on April 16, is found.

Culver Military defeated LaPorte, 5-0, in tennis on Friday, April 26, 2013.

Match results:

1S: Natalia Lopez- Yanez (C) d. Caroline Boger (LP) 6-0, 6-1

2S: Rachel Simon (C) d. Jill Boger (LP) 6-2, 6-1

3S: Maria Solis (C) d. Lauren Sterling (LP) 6-1, 6-0

1D: Pita Navarro / Regina Padilla (C) d. Madison Shreves / Kayla Wurster (LP) 7-5, 6-3

2D: Kendall Whitehurst / Olivia Cripe (C) d. Cari Hughes / Carin Weston (LP) 6-1, 6-1

In junior varsity action, the results were the same: Culver Military d. LaPorte, 5-0.

The 2012 Ride of Silence in Michigan City. (Photo courtesy of The Bike Stop)

On May 15 at 7 p.m., the annual Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a somber, silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

Michigan City is among the many communities participating in this worldwide event. Jerry Jacobs was a LaPorte County resident who lost his life while riding his bike. He was the reason for adopting this ride in our area and hopefully raising safety awareness in doing so. Since then, many have been seriously injured also while riding their bikes in LaPorte County and the area.

Last year in Michigan City’s first Ride of Silence, 101 cyclists attended this free, police-escorted event through Michigan City. The goal was to get a message across that we need to share the roads and be aware of cyclist while remembering those who we have lost or those who have been injured by cars.

Helmets are required and lights are highly recommended. The ride will take approximately one hour and will return to Michigan City High School on Pahs Road around 8 p.m.

For more information, call or email Bike Stop Cycling at 219-872-9228 or bikestopcycling@yahoo.com.