Billy Morgan

A Michigan City woman was struck and killed by a car at the intersection of Jackson and Michigan streets, and the drunk driver who sped away was soon apprehended.

Michigan City Police said Danielle Leigh Stevens, 31, was killed at about 7:26 p.m. Aug. 5, 2019. Witnesses told police a black Cadillac struck her as she crossed the street in the crosswalk.   

Witnesses followed the car and gave location information to the Regional Dispatch Center. Minutes later police spotted the car in the 300 block of Greeley Avenue, and the driver was  identified as Billy S. Morgan of Michigan City.

Morgan was charged with OWI Level 4 Felony causing death, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Level 3 Felony. 

Chief Mark Swistek and the Michigan City Police Department would like to thank the witnesses and first responders who assisted in this very unfortunate accident.  

Assisting on scene were:

• Michigan City Fire Department
• LaPorte County EMS
• LaPorte County Coroner’s Office
• Trail Creek Police
• LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department

Gerald “Jerry” Dale Bennitt, 70, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at LaPorte Hospital.

He was born June 22, 1949, in LaPorte to Dale and Edna (Froh) Bennitt.

Jerry graduated from Tri-State University in 1971 with a degree in Engineering. He worked at several operating engineering jobs in the area, including United BlackTop Pavers, DLZ Engineering, and Dye Mechanical, until his retirement. He was most proud of the work that was done at Notre Dame during his time at Dye Mechanical. He was a member of Operating Engineers Union Local 150, Polish Falcons and PNA, all of LaPorte. Jerry enjoyed golfing, car racing, horse racing, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Black Hawks. He especially enjoyed socializing at the clubs with friends.

In June 1968, he married Sherrie Lynn Lenardson. In their union was born a son, Robert Dale Bennitt, who proceeded him in death in 1995; and a daughter, Jennifer Rae Diedrich.

On June 22, 2002, in LaPorte, he married Bonnie Tyree, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Jennifer (Kenneth) Diedrich of Virginia Beach, VA; stepsons, Jeff (Sarah) Tyree of Cincinnati, OH, and Joe (Stacey) Tyree of Manchester, CT; 4 grandchildren, Kenneth III, Cameron, Emilie and Lauren Diedrich, all of Virginia Beach, VA; and step-grandchildren, Lucy and Owen Tyree of Manchester, CT, and Noah and Amelia Tyree of Cincinnati, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Bennitt; and stepson, Jonathan Tyree.

Per Jerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A memorial is planned for family and friends on Saturday, Aug. 24, from  2 to 6 p.m. at the Polish Falcons, 216 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte. Please “come as you are” to celebrate the memory of Jerry.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Bonnie Bennitt, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Terry Ellis Martin, 53, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at his residence.

He was born May 19, 1966, in LaPorte, IN, to Ellis and Johnye Mae (Brown) Martin.

Terry was a truck driver for many years.

Surviving are his children, Amanda (Kevin) Jones of Valparaiso, IN, and Tristan Martin; sisters, Angela DeLong of Florida, Janice (Scott) Alm of Ohio and Karen (Michael) Cox of Kingsford Heights, IN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Jeremy Cox; and niece, Lindsey Hagler.

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

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Amanda Jones, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 7, 1919 — A food riot involving 1,200 persons, mostly women, breaks out in Boston. Policemen disperse the mob.

Aug. 7, 1969 — A proposal to develop houses in Kingsford Heights for housing for Bethlehem Steel employees and others is made.

Aug. 7, 1994 — The new sex offender registration law requires any person on probation or parole for one of eight sex crimes against children to register with their local police department.

Aug. 7, 2009 — The casino in Michigan City saw a 41 percent decrease in profits in the second quarter compared to the same period in 2008.

Information from LaPorte Park and Recreation Department

The City of LaPorte Park and Recreation Department will hold the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Fort La Play Porte playground at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, in Kesling Park. The department

Dean Heise

will also be dedicating the road through Kesling Park – and running past Fort La Play Porte – in honor of Dean Heise, who served as park superintendent for three decades.

After the ribbon-cutting and dedication, the park will be hosting Downtown Movie Night. Sponsored by Downtown LaPorte and American Licorice Company, the movie “Dumbo” will be shown at dusk on a big screen behind Shelter 4 at the park. Other activities planned include a craft table by Hotspot Café, free popcorn courtesy of Centier Bank and food available for purchase from Home Run Hot Dogs.

The ribbon-cutting will culminate months of planning by the steering committee and subcommittees and weeks of hard work by volunteers from our community. Designed with input from local elementary school students, the new and improved Fort La Play Porte provides greater safety, accessibility and visibility, while also challenging children with a thrilling obstacle course and zip line. The community-build renovation took place in June, however, rainy conditions delayed the completion. After hundreds of volunteer hours, both during and after build week, and additional hours from the park department maintenance staff, the playground is currently open to the public.

The honor of naming the road Dean Heise Parkway is well-deserved. Heise started as the recreation director in 1973 and was park superintendent for over 30 years before retiring as the Civic Auditorium director in 2014. During his tenure as park superintendent, Heise oversaw the development and renovation of several parks, including the creation of Kesling Park, and guided the department through numerous improvements as the result of a $2 million bond in 1999.

For more information, call the park office at 219-326-9600 or visit www.cityoflaporte.com.

Turns out folks at the Indiana Department of Transportation Northwest (LaPorte Office) have a great sense of humor. Here’s a post from its page:

U.S. 35 BRIDGE – LAPORTE COUNTY

WARNING: Terrible “dad joke” ahead. Proceed with caution.

Knock, knock

Who’s there?

Orange.

Orange who?

ORANGE you glad we painted the bridge orange?

Sorry. That was ridiculous. You deserve better.

But, anyway. Yeah. We painted the bridge beams orange! The City of LaPorte requested this — in case you aren’t aware, orange is kind of a thing around here in Slicer country — and we were happy to oblige. The northbound side of the bridge is now a vibrant shade of orange. Once that southbound side is complete, it will follow suit.

And feel free to steal that joke to share at your next party. You know, if you’re looking for that party to end very abruptly.

Arts in the Park will shift the fun to Stone Lake Beach for a special evening featuring Cripple Creek on Thursday, Aug. 8, starting at 7 p.m.

Come early at 6 p.m. to enjoy a performance by 350 West, poetry by Scott Simerlein, and music by Guitar Madness finalist Bret Weiler (voting is ongoing through www.roxymusic.com). 

Concessions will be provided by Taco’s My “Fren” and Hero’s Hot Dogs. Sponsors for the evening are Wolf Family Dentistry, Edward Jones Financial Advisors Jess Denger and Tim Gartland, and Season Sponsor, Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte.

Cripple Creek will offer a harmonious mix of country, oldies, gospel and originals on the sandy shore. The band features baritone Mitch Marhanka on bass and bass guitar; John Langford on harmonica, as a whistler and singing harmony; David Applegarth, tenor and guitarist; and Lou Voelker, lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist. Steve Eyrick mans the sound board.

These LaPorteans have played for fun for several years, especially to benefit good causes. Besides being a favorite at Arts in the Park, they also support NewDay Foundation fundraisers for Door Village Methodist Church, which helps local cancer patients with needs such as transportation to clinics. They have been a staple at many Holiday at the Pops concerts and have performed at Pioneer Land.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 8, 1919 — The Ove Gnatt Co. of this city is a contributing factor to the prosperity of New Carlisle, the little town to the east, where the company now has a plant for a basket factory which employs 20.

Aug. 8, 1969 — Just completed and open for business is LaPorte’s first nationally franchised motel, the Holiday Inn, located on Pine Lake Avenue. It is the Holiday Inn franchise’s 1,122nd opening.

Aug. 8, 1994 — Owners of swimming pools, wading pools, spas and hot tubs could face fines in the thousands of dollars if they do not comply with LaPorte County Health Department regulations.

Aug. 8, 2009 — The wear and tear on city streets is an issue some officials are starting to worry about, especially as city finances remain in limbo.

Information provided

The LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra proudly presents the 14th annual Hoosier Star competition on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the Civic Auditorium in LaPorte. Ten finalists will be competing for the title after winning a preliminary round this past March.

Hoosier Star is divided into two categories: Youth – 17 and under, and Adult – 18 and older.

The finalists are:

— Youth Division: Jamileh Cornejo – LaPorte; Joseph Giuliani – LaPorte; Rebecca Lane – Portage; Ella Moon – Crown Point; Raul Palma – LaPorte

— Adult Division: Laura Carns – Hebron; Billy Cox – Hobart; Clara Hooton – New Carlisle; Tim Hester – Wheatfield; Joseph Stewart – Michigan City

These 10 finalists will compete in their divisions for the title of 2019 Hoosier Star. The adult winner receives $1,000. The youth winner receives $500. Each finalist will sing a song of their choice with the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Alastair Willis. “I am thrilled to be back collaborating with the LCSO and fantastic statewide talent for this year’s Hoosier Star!” Willis said.

The 2019 Hoosier Star competition is made possible with support from Horizon Bank, NIPSCO, LaPorte Hospital and V. Michael and Cherri Drayton.

Finalist bios and tickets are available at www.HOOSIERSTAR.com or at one of these ticket outlets: Roxy Music Shop, 1012 Lincolnway, LaPorte; LaPorte Civic Auditorium, 1010 Ridge Street, LaPorte; LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau/Marquette Mall, 4072 S. Franklin St., Michigan City

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Food and drink from Indiana Deli, Ivy Tech, Little’s Chocolates and a cash bar will be available.

Kenneth “Ken” Bernard Bowman entered into eternal rest on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, with his children at his side. He was 93.

Ken was born April 15, 1926, in LaPorte, IN. He was the youngest of the three children born to Rodney Bernard and Anna Marie (Klassen) Bowman.

After graduation from LaPorte High School, Ken attended Purdue University before going to Fairchild Aircraft in Hagerstown, MD, to begin his drafting/engineering career. Over the years he also worked for Pullman Car Company and then Bendix Corporation in Indiana. During this time, he joined the Navy Reserve and was ultimately deployed to the Korean War aboard the destroyer USS Shields.

After his discharge, Ken married his high school sweetheart, Rita Mae Bachman. The two were married for 64 years.

After starting their family, Ken began work at Martin Marietta Corporation in Baltimore, MD, before being transferred to Denver, CO. In 1965, he joined the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory where he worked until his retirement at the age of 75.

Ken and his wife enjoyed traveling to destinations such as China, Japan, Europe, Australia, and Russia. He loved photography, cars, technological gizmos, the mountains, and national parks and monuments. Frequently, he would take his family on Sunday afternoon picnics to the Jemez or Bandelier. He was an active and faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Rita. His siblings, Cletus Bowman and Jean (Bowman) Boardman, also preceded him.

He is survived by his son, Carl Bernard and wife Lori of Flagstaff, AZ, and their sons Luke and Craig; daughter, Cecelia Ann and lifetime friend Bonnie of Denver, CO; son, Eric Bachman of Los Alamos, NM; and daughter, Martha Mary and wife Amy of North Waterboro, ME and their son Timothy.

He will be greatly missed.

A rosary will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Los Alamos at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, followed by a funeral Mass at the same location at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9. There will be an interment at Guaje Pines Cemetery at 2 p.m. Aug. 9.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Press release and image provided

Indianapolis-based Flaherty & Collins Properties has announced that The Strand, a $35 million mixed-use development, will start construction in September 2019.

The City of LaPorte Redevelopment Commission selected Flaherty & Collins Properties last year to build a 200-unit multifamily development in the heart of the city’s NewPorte Landing redevelopment project.

“The City of LaPorte is very excited to be partnering with Flaherty & Collins through this development,” said Mayor Mark Krentz. “Flaherty & Collins Properties has a long history of success with projects such as this and we really appreciate that they have chosen to invest in our community.”

The Strand will consist of three buildings totaling approximately 200 new living units and 5,000 square feet of retail space.

The development will occur along the shores of Clear Lake and will provide many unique amenities such as a resort-style pool with wet deck, outdoor courtyard featuring a fire pit and grilling station, a pet wash and bark park, fitness center with Fitness OnDemand technology, and bike storage and repair. Apartments will feature granite countertops, tile backsplashes in kitchen area, and stainless steel appliances.

“We are looking forward to starting The Strand,” said Julie Collier, vice president of development and lead project developer for Flaherty & Collins Properties. “The city has been a great partner in this project, and we believe The Strand will be a vital component for helping the city realize its vision for NewPorte Landing, while giving new residents an exciting living destination that energizes the Clear Lake area.”

The development represents a capital investment of approximately $35 million. The LaPorte Redevelopment Commission is supporting the project with Tax Increment Financing.

“We have no doubt The Strand will be a game-changing project for LaPorte,” said Bert Cook, executive director of the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership. “There is a desperate need for this type of housing in our market and we know current residents, and potential new residents, will be excited to call this development home.”

The project should be completed by the third quarter of 2021.

Chris Lehner in his Baby Ace. (Facebook photo)

The LaPorte Aero Club’s annual pancake breakfast will take place Sunday, Aug. 18, from 7 a.m. to noon at the LaPorte Municipal Airport on South Ind. 39. This year’s breakfast will be a joint effort between the Aero Club and the Westville Lions Club. Come enjoy great food, great airplanes, and this year, great muscle cars as well.

Airplane and helicopter rides (weather permitting) will be available for purchase.

A special guest will be pilot and LaPorte parade flyover legend Chris Lehner, who will have his Baby Ace on display. He flew the Baby Ace at the opening day of Oshkosh July 22.

For more information, call the airport at 324-3393.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 9, 1919 — Roberts & Co. will build a showroom on Michigan Avenue and add a wing at the rear of its present building to extend to Washington Street, making it the city’s largest auto garage.

Aug. 9, 1969 — The U.S. orbits a “sunshine satellite” named OSO 6 to study the birth, growth and death of radiation storms on the sun that could endanger men on the moon.

Aug. 9, 1994 — In a study, John F. Kennedy was the most commonly named hero, followed by Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Norman Schwarzkopf, and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Aug. 9, 2009 — Thousands of spectators flock to Washington Park in Michigan City to take in the Great Lakes Grand Prix.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 10, 1919 — Mrs. J.L. Quinn, formerly Miss Rose Ganier, who was with the Boston Store and Speese’s in the millinery departments, has taken the management of Davidson & Porter’s millinery department.

Aug. 10, 1969 — Two chartered busloads of about 150 young people ransack Monroe’s Gulf Station on U.S. Road 421 near Otis. Troopers say that if they put them in jail, it would just cause a riot.

Aug. 10, 1994 — Gov. Evan Bayh and his wife Susan were among the 25,000 people with tickets to the Rolling Stones concert at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.

Aug. 10, 2009 — Opponents of wind farms say there’s a down side to the alternate source of power, including negative health effects and inconveniences. There is a possibility of one coming to the county.

The LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) and Interim Music Director Charles Steck announce auditions for the 2019-2020 season. Auditions will take place Aug. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at LaPorte High School (Door 15), 602 F St.
The orchestra is seeking qualified musicians to fill vacancies in the following positions:
Principal Second Violin
Principal Viola
Principal Bass
2nd Bassoon
Percussion
Section Violin
Section Cello
Section Trumpet
Season Student Apprentices (2019-20 school year)
All instruments available to audition for subbing and/or future LCSO opportunities.
The LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra has a unique apprentice program that places highly skilled high school students alongside seasoned professionals. These paid positions offer advanced and motivated students a chance to learn first hand the discipline, motivation, character and musicianship necessary to perform at a professional level. A limited number of student apprentice positions are available. Please contact the LCSO personnel manager for more information and availability.
The 2019-2020 season will feature a children’s concert and three season subscriptions concerts. LCSO also contracts with the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte for its Holiday at the Pops fundraiser and the New Buffalo Business Association for its annual community 4th of July fireworks celebration.
The LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra is a per-service orchestra offering contracts on an annual basis. All positions are paid and mileage is paid for non-LaPorte County residents. The 60-piece orchestra includes musicians from Michigan City, LaPorte, Chesterton, Valparaiso, Merrillville, South Bend, and Michigan.
More information, including specific audition requirements, may be found at www.LCSO.net or by contacting Morgan Sleeper, personnel manager, at lcsopersonnel@gmail.com.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 12, 1919 — A. Ludlow leaves the LaPorte Harness Company. His resignation comes as a surprise to his business associates.

Aug. 12, 1969 — Merchants Day, traditionally the biggest day of the fair, will be on Wednesday. Admission for those with a merchant’s ticket is 50 cents and a ride with a merchant’s ticket is 20 cents.

Aug. 12, 1994 — Angela Trimboli is hired to replace Stephen Bayer as principal at Handley Elementary School.

Aug. 12, 2009 — Former LaPorte Slicer standout Chris Bootcheck, a 30-year-old right-handed reliever, signs with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kathy L. Heminger, 68, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at home with her loving family by her side.

She was born in LaPorte on Aug. 28, 1950, to James and Norma (Haverstock) Bennitt.

Kathy was a public school aide for many years. She enjoyed taking trips with her sisters.

On Sept. 7, 1968, in New Carlisle, IN, she married Philip, who preceded her in death on July 17, 2019.

Surviving are her sisters, Sandy Chimento of San Antonio, TX, and Arlene (Fred) Martin of LaPorte; sister-in-law, Patricia Forler of Phoenix, AZ; nieces, Lisa (Cindy) Roddy of New Carlisle, Lori (Doyal) Momon of Rydal, GA, Lynda (Mark Sifford) Sorenson of San Antonio, TX, Amanda (Sergiu) Bec of Tucson, AZ, and Krista (Jamie) Hentschel of Wheatfield, IN; nephew, Jim (Michelle) Bennitt of LaPorte; and special fur baby, Jaden Rose.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and in-laws, Frederic and Kay Heminger.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 3 p.m. until the service. Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Kingsford Heights Elementary School Library Fund, 460 Evanston Rd., Kingsford Heights, IN 46346.

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