Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 28, 1919 — The war department will open retail stores in 13 cities to sell commodities like socks, underwear, shirts, raincoats, blankets, gloves, tobacco, and soap held as army surplus.

Aug. 28, 1969 — Montgomery Ward and Company reveals plans to open an automotive center in LaPorte. The structure will be at State and Clay streets, adjacent to its catalog store. Walls between the store and center will be removed.

Aug. 28, 1994 — LaPorte County Commission President Mike Quinn takes dunk tank hits from Democratic pals William Herrbach, prosecutor, and James Arnold, candidate for sheriff, at the Mill Pond Festival.

Aug. 28, 2009 — Auditor Craig Hinchman tells the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance that he will use the 2005-pay-06 assessed property values he certified for property tax calculations for 2006-pay-07 bills.

The free Arts in the Park summer concert series will close with two high energy performances, featuring an up-and-coming pop / country performer and the ever-popular Tom Milo Big Band. Featured concerts begin at 7. Concerts are free.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Jerica Paliga, a local girl from Chesterton, is new to the Arts in the Park stage. She is gaining a huge buzz as an original Pop / Country artist, drawing attention from industry professionals. In 2016 she opened for superstar Eric Church at the Country Thunder Music Festival. 

In addition on Wednesday evening, the Final Four Guitar Madness winners will compete, seeking votes to win the Youth and Adult categories. The two winners will perform at the Thursday concert. The Guitar Madness event is sponsored by Kabelin Ace and Roxy Music to benefit Arts in the Park, in celebration of the latter’s 80th anniversary. Votes are being accepted online at roxymusic.com. 

Poetry on Wednesday will be read by Arts in the Park committee member Gloria Thode.

Thursday

LaPorte County Poet Laureate Scott Simerlein will read poetry Thursday. And at 6 p.m., Patty Kolvek of Dance Sophisticates will teach a brief ballroom lesson. Check out www.dancesophisticates.com for more information.

At 6:30 p.m., the 20-piece Tom Milo Big Band will entertain the crowd with its lively mix of swing and dance tunes. The group formed in 1963, including current members Tom Milo on drums and Jim Burden on alto sax. 

Band members come from all over Northern Indiana and Chicagoland to share their love of music with audiences. While concentrating on Big Band era classics by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and such, the group also has expanded its repertoire over the years with numerous Michael Buble tunes featuring Dr. Matt Burden as vocalist. 

With Tom Milo and his son, Jason, on percussion, the band also jives on high-energy Latin tunes. Fran Milo also sings, making the Milo Band a true family affair. 

Also, runners and walkers of all ages may still register for the Fox Trot 5K on Sept. 14. The event begins at 5:30 at the park. Registration is online, $25 for adults, $15 for students, at www.artsintheparklaporte.com.  Participants registering by Aug. 29 will receive a T-shirt.

Elizabeth Sardon, 67, of Long Beach, IN, passed away Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL.

She was born July 10, 1952, in Camiling, Tarlac Philippines, to Major Zoilo and Victorina (Espino) Caolboy.

Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from St. Luke’s College of Nursing. She managed her husband Dr. Danny Sardon’s surgical practice. Elizabeth was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, Michigan City, IN, and of Couples for Christ.

On Sept. 11, 1976, in Red Bank, NJ, at St. James Church, she married Danny Sardon, who survives.

Also surviving are two children, Cherisse (Kelly) Sardon Garrity of Minneapolis and Brian (Meghan Mulcahy) Sardon of River Forest, IL; two sisters, Myrna Guillermo of Tarlac, Philippines, and Carolyn (Ferdinand) Tinio of Cliffside Park, NJ; one brother, Ramon (Melba) Caolboy of Tarlac, Philippines; brothers-in-law, Rey (Cynthia) Sardon of LaPorte, IN, Hernan (Stephany) Sardon of Michigan City and Rene Sardon of San Diego, CA; nephew, Marco (Amber) Tinio of Chicago, IL; six grandchildren, Maya, Sebastian, Malia, Maci, Bennett, and Owen; and great-nephew and niece, Liam and Colette.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Dianalyn Caolboy; father-in-law, Alejo Sardon; mother-in-law, Felicisima Sardon; sisters-in-law, Corazon Sardon and Juliet Caolboy; and brother-in-law, Julio Angelito Guillermo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 1005 Moore Rd., Michigan City, with Father Selvaraj Selladurai officiating. Visitation and viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation and viewing will also be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Entombment will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for Couples for Christ, in memory of Elizabeth Sardon.

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

Eugene LeRoy Shurte, 87 of Wanatah, IN, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. 

He was born Nov. 20, 1931, in Wanatah to John and Grace (Schlundt) Shurte. 

Gene graduated from Wanatah High School in 1949 and proudly served in the United States Army.  He worked hard as a farmer on the Shurte family farm until the late 1970s, and later made his career as the LaPorte County Highway Superintendent for 30 years.  Gene was an avid sports fan and a captivating storyteller. He especially enjoyed cheering on and encouraging his daughters and grandchildren in their many sports and activities.  Gene was a loving husband and father who gave selflessly to his beloved community in a plethora of ways.

Gene was a member of Hanna Methodist Church, a lifetime member and 4-Term Commander of Wanatah Legion Post 403, was involved in the Wanatah Parks Board, Wanatah Public Library Board, Cass Township School Board, Cass Township Advisory Board, Wanatah Chamber of Commerce, LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Michiana Auto Club, Masonic Lodge 192 of Westville 33rd Degree, Scottish Rite, and Orak Shrine.  Gene was the founder and creator of the Wanatah Scarecrow Festival and managed the event for 20 years.  He served passionately as the LaPorte County Fair General Manager and Director for 10 years. Gene received the Circle of Corydon award from Governor Holcomb for his years of volunteer work, and was recently presented with the Centennial and Sesquicentennial Hoosier Homestead Award from the State of Indiana.

On Aug. 24, 1957, in South Bend, IN, Gene married Elaine Sacks, who survives along with their daughters: Jeanine (Kirk) Hockney of Zionsville, IN, Susan Martin of Wanatah, Sheryl (Barry) Johnson of Valparaiso, IN, Barbara (Jim Gold) Shurte of Corpus Christi, TX, and Alissa (Mike) Clemons of Wanatah; grandchildren: Ashley and Keegan Hockney, Brian (Andrea) Shurte, Mark and Alayna Johnson, and Alex and Max Clemons; and great-grandchildren: Luke and Lily Shurte. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Gene Martin.

A visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 30, from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wanatah Funeral Chapel, 309 N. Main St., Wanatah. A Celebration of Life will begin Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Hanna Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, 422 Franklin St., Suite C, Michigan City, IN 46360. Donations will be distributed to local charitable organizations.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at http://www.angelcrestinc.com/wanatah_funeral_chapel.html

WNLP photos by Bob Wellinski

The “dogbone” reconfiguration of the U.S. 20/Ind. 2 intersection continues east of LaPorte. Hopes are that the new design will reduce the number of accidents and near-accidents for which that crossing was infamous.

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, marked a big day as eight beams were set for the new bridge. The precision work is fascinating to watch, so photo expert Bob went out to chronicle the Rieth-Riley construction experts at work. (Can you imagine having the job of standing there as one of those 21-ton beams is delicately lowered by a crane, then guiding it into place? Amazing.)

Adam Parkhouse of INDOT’s LaPorte office says the work is expected to wrap up in November.
And here’s a cool time-lapse video Adam posted of the beam setting on the INDOT Northwest Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest/videos/717830218666755/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

Cranes hoist the first of eight beams for the newly constructed Ind. 2 and U.S. 20 bridge. Each beam weighs approximately 21 tons. Photo looking east on U.S. 20.

Cranes hoist the first beam.

A worker on the ground signals to the crew setting the beam.

Rieth-Riley crews set the first beam.

A different view of the beam coming down.

The second beam is set.

The final beam comes in.

A worker drills out a hole.

This angle gives you a good idea of just how big the beams are.

Precision is key,

Communication and teamwork are also key.

A worker welds one of the newly set beams.

The 8th of 8 beams is set into place.

The last beam is guided into place.

A worker checks elevation.

Looking west toward LaPorte from atop the new bridge.

All the beams are set.

Traffic flowing east on Ind. 2 as westbound traffic is held while a beam is placed. The old Ind. 2 exit can no longer be seen.

Indiana State Police holds eastbound traffic as a beam is placed.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 29, 1919 — A Cook County woman was sentenced to six months in the house of correction. Testimony said she led an immoral life since she was 6, had seven illegitimate children, and committed bigotry.

Aug. 29, 1969 — A library and food services building will be added at Westville’s Purdue North Central campus within the next two years.

Aug. 29, 1994 — The Door Prairie Museum at 2405 Indiana Ave. opens on Thursday. In it is a display of Dr. Peter Kesling’s 50-60 vintage cars.

Aug. 29, 2009 — A restroom at Creek Ridge County Park was set on fire by a vandal or vandals.

From LaPorte County Clerk Kathy Chroback’s office:
The LaPorte County Election Board will hold a public meeting on Friday, Aug. 30, at noon at the LaPorte County Complex Meeting Room to certify and approve candidates for the Nov. 5, 2019, municipal elections for the City of LaPorte, City of Michigan City and the small towns. The boards will also address polling locations in the Michigan City School Corporation buildings.

Today the state of the world has been left a gentler place to live in because of the life of Reverend Dr. Richard Gerald Blair, born May 31, 1943.

Richard has left this world gracefully with profound and lasting legacies in the hearts of his wife, Diana (Davis) Blair, and his precious children, Cherri (Michael) Blair-Drayton, Angela (Dan) Drake, Jacqueline Hart, and Maurice Forrest (Jill) Blair. He has left his legacy and love in the hearts of his 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Richard leaves behind three beloved sisters, Maureen Swope, Pam (Dale) Hughes and Sue (Dave) Conley, and one brother, Maurice (Bev) Blair. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Victoria Blair, and his father, Maurice Forrest Blair.

Richard earned his Doctorate in Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary. He had a prison ministry and a nursing home ministry. Richard was a youth group leader and pastored Denham Baptist Church, First Baptist Church in Michigan City, IN, and Segundo Bautista (Second Baptist) Church in East Chicago, IN. He retired briefly before creating a non-profit ministry “RG Blair Ministries CWA”. His non-profit helped homeless shelters, food pantries, college students, missionaries, bill assistance, groceries to assist families, and provisions for the LaPorte County Home residents. The list is vast and goes on and on.

His passions and pursuits were cooking, writing a family cookbook, quilting, reading and collecting books, and writing sermons, poetry, and a commentary on the Book of Matthew. He was race car driver in his youth. Richard researched extensive Blair genealogy and had a bike ministry. He was a runner, running annual 5K and 10K races, Kent’s Run, YMCA, First Fridays, and Sunflower Fair runs. Richard enjoyed nature photography, canned tomatoes and special jalapeños. He was a craftsman and woodworker. He loved camping, fishing and trips to South Haven and Valparaiso Barnes and Noble. Richard enjoyed eating at Ricochet Tacos and Mucho Mas.

Rest in divine peace and sit at the table of sages in heaven and reap your rewards. Richard was a committed and devoted man to his family and friends. Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in divine peace and enjoy your time with Jesus. We are sure you are helping to prepare rooms in heaven for the rest of your family.

There will be a public viewing from 1 to 3 p.m. (CT) Saturday, Aug. 31, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. (CT) Saturday at the funeral home with graveside services to follow at Olive Chapel Cemetery in New Carlisle, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453.

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

Patricia A. Hamilton, 72, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, at LaPorte Hospital.

She was born June 6, 1947, in Illinois to William and Margaret (Dolohery) Hamilton.

Patricia was a housekeeper for many years at Blue Chip Casino.  She enjoyed watching HGTV, listening to Coast To Coast, and sharing memories of her childhood. Patricia dearly loved her cat, Herbie.

Surviving are her children, Brian (Jerilyn) Favia of LaPorte, IN, Renee Collins of Galien, MI, and Phillip (Susan) Favia of LaPorte; 10 grandchildren, Ashley (Jeff) Briggs of LaPorte, Tyler Surma of LaPorte, Allyssa Collins of LaPorte, Bailey Collins of LaPorte, Devyn Favia of Milwaukee, WI, Madilyn Favia of LaPorte, Xander Favia of LaPorte, Kendra Hooper of LaPorte, Cody Favia of LaPorte, and Caitlin Favia of LaPorte; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Ron) Mace and Juanita Hamilton, both of LaPorte; special cat, Herbie; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nancy Hamilton.

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 LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN, 46350.

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

Kenneth M. Conn, 67, of LaPorte, IN, passed away unexpectedly at 10:21 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, in his home.

He was born Oct. 31, 1951, in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, to Perry K. and Irene A. (Stock) Conn.

Kenneth retired as a Correctional Officer from the Indiana Department of Correction, Westville Correctional Facility, after 15 years of service.  He loved his cats, Chloe and Jinks, was an avid Chicago Cubs and White Sox fan and enjoyed fishing.

On April 22, 1989, in Lebanon, MO, he married Diana (Calton) Conn, who preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 2012.

Also preceding him in death were his parents.

Surviving are two sisters, Patricia Faherty of Holts Summit, MO, and Carmen E. Eagle of Saint Charles, MO; one brother, Walter (Kathy) Conn of Lebanon, MO; aunt and uncle, Abbas and Rosel Fatemi of Oster Ode, Germany; three stepchildren, Michael Sacks, Jeff Sacks and Tina Benavidez; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial gathering celebrating his life will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Burial will take place at a family cemetery in Lebanon, MO, to join his wife, Diana, at a later date.

A special thank you to John and Julie Miller for providing the handcrafted headstone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350; or Michiana Humane Society, 722 Hwy. 212, Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Owsianowski

Press release submitted

Women in Leadership of LaPorte County will feature Nancy Owsianowski, founder and president of Roundtable Consulting and co-founder of IndEALA Academy, who will present “Navigating and Achieving Harmony.”

The meeting will be held Sept. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Patrick’s Grill, 4125 Franklin St., Michigan City.

Owsianowski will lead attendees through connected conversation compelling the action of harmony in our everyday functions utilizing the World Cafe’s process.  Using this method creates a web of connections among participants that generates collective wisdom. Plan on participating in evolving rounds of dialogue and intimate conversation as we move between groups, exchange and develop ideas, and discover new insights. Navigating and achieving harmony: is it possible?  Through this process, the collective wisdom of the group becomes more accessible, and innovative possibilities for action emerge. 

Nancy is a seasoned organizational effectiveness professional with over 12 years’ experience in facilitating, training and coaching.  Her diverse experiences with professional services, nonprofit religious communities, and manufacturing and workforce management organizations allow her to address business challenges and develop solutions that drive change and provide positive results.  She brings a system’s thinking approach with a strong project management toolkit and an unwavering commitment to helping others identify an effective path toward their desired goals. 

Active in local and regional community efforts, Owsianowski serves on the Board of Directors of Women Business Owners of Michiana, is a Certified Mentor with the Michiana chapter of SCORE, serves in various capacities with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative at Saint Mary’s College, is a graduate of the South Bend/Mishawaka Class #43, and is a resident of South Bend, IN.  More information is available on Nancy@RoundTableConsulting.net

The September meeting is being sponsored by Rene Ray, President and CEO of
R Squared Strategies. 

WILL meetings are always open to guests. Please make reservations on the Women in Leadership of La Porte County  Facebook page.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 30, 1919 — A wily swindler attempted to part a woman from her liberty bonds. He refused to give his name, but he is now serving time.

Aug. 30, 1969 — Lee Fuller, dean of LaPorte amateur baseball, dies at 83. He managed the LaPorte Athletics, sponsored by Fuller’s former player, Charles O. Finley, owner of the Oakland Athletics.

Aug. 30, 1994 — Construction continues on the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend. It is scheduled to open in August 1995 and was housed most recently in Ohio.

Aug. 30, 2009 — The future of LaPorte’s only movie theater is up in the air. Kerasotes Theaters is not expected to renew its lease when it expires in October.

Sue Dykstra was 70 years old and was born on April 3, 1949, in Hindman, KY, to the late Augusta Mosley and Rosco Messer. She passed away Aug. 28, 2019.

Sue was an accomplished pool player and reached state and national levels. She held a passion for fishing, watching fishing shows throughout the winter months.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Remmelt Dykstra.

She is also survived by her brothers, James (Linda) Messer of Albion, IN, Marvin Messer of LaPorte, IN; H. Wayne Messer of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Paul (Debbie) Smith of Rolling Prairie; sisters, Shelia (Larry) Taylor of Mulberry, FL, and Rhonda Messer of Sturgis, MI; sister-in-law Faye Dykstra Wenzel of LaPorte; 18 nieces and nephews; and several grand nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, John S. Ritchie; brothers, T.J. Messer and Jeffrey Messer; and sister, Christine Begley.

Cremation will take place. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Ronald M. Granzo, 78, of Michigan City, IN, passed away peacefully at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, at Aperion Care Arbors, Michigan City.

He was born May 12, 1941, in Chicago, IL, to Arthur and Estell (Pickford) Granzo.

Ronald was a truck driver for Sprague Device, Michigan City, for 13 years. He formerly owned and operated a truck driving business; his dog training business, Canine Protectors; and his riding stables, Michiana Riding Stables, Michigan City/Michiana Shores.

On Oct. 30, 1959, in Michigan City, he married Judith R. (Machacek) Granzo, who preceded him in death Sept. 12, 2018.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; one daughter, Dawn Rose Granzo; twin brother, Donald Granzo; and brother, Larry Granzo.

Surviving are two daughters, Debra Lee Granzo of South Bend, IN, and Diane Marie Croghan-Novak of Vancouver, WA; one son, Chuck Richie of Sauk City, WI; and one grandson, Trevor “TC” Carl Novak.

Cremation will take place. There will be no service. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350 in memory of Ronald M. Granzo.

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

Two new regional leaders are being elected to serve on the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) Board of Directors. Susan Aaron, Chairman of Vision Financial Services, and Dr. Thomas Keon, Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest, will join the board at its Sept. 9, 2019, meeting.

Aaron

Long active in civic affairs, Aaron received her BS and MBA Degrees in Finance and Accounting from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington. She began her career with American Hospital Supply Corporation in Evanston, IL, and went on to develop companies that became Vision Financial Services, serving healthcare providers in a broad geographic area. During her time in the healthcare field, Aaron served as a state president of AAHAM, in several offices in HFMA, and as the Chair of the American Collectors Association’s Healthcare Services Program. Locally, she has served on the Boards of Directors of the Unity Foundation and the La Porte County Family YMCA.

Keon

Keon was named Chancellor of Purdue University Calumet in 2011 and became Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest in 2016 when that campus was unified with Purdue University North Central. His extensive educational background culminated in earning his Ph.D. from the Michigan State University College of Business Administration. He is currently serving as a director of several regional organizations, including the Alliance for Regional Development One Region, the Northwest Indiana Forum and the Legacy Foundation. He served for five years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, when he was Dean of the College of Business at the University of Central Florida.

Aaron and Keon will both serve on the LCSO’s Engagement Committee.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 31, 1919 — (no paper)

Aug. 31, 1969 — (no paper)

Aug. 31, 1994 — American troops will be dispatched to Haiti—either to expel the country’s military junta or help restore order if the generals bow to international pressure and depart.

Aug. 31, 2009 — Kevin Galloway, lead pastor at Countryside Christian Church, jumped from being a detective to a pastor.

A six-horse hitch from Kouts at a past show. (Photo provided)

Come witness the power and yet gentleness of giant draft horses at the LaPorte County Draft Horse Association’s annual show Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6-7, at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds. This event features more than 160 draft horses from across the Midwest – Belgians, Clydesdales and Percherons – in halter and driving events.

A magnificent quartet of high-stepping Clydesdales at a past show. (Photo provided)

This show is free; bring the family! Concessions will be available for purchase.

The cart events start Friday at 11 a.m., and then the second group of events starts at 5 p.m. in front of the stands at the Draft Horse Arena. Halter events are at 8 a.m. Saturday in front of the Grandstands with a split ring showing Belgians, Percherons and Clydes at the same time, and then the driving events start at 3 p.m. back in the Draft Horse Arena. There will be 11 participants in the two North American Classic Six-Horse Hitch Series events—one on Friday evening and one on Saturday afternoon.

The largest single event organized by the LPCDHA is the annual farm and fancy hitch show. Hitch teams from across the Midwest participate in the show in hopes to earn points toward the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series competition. Farm team events and youth events are also held. In 2018, there were 120 Belgians, Clydesdales and Percherons that competed in the fancy, farm, and halter show events. The grandstands at the show are full of families from the region who share an interest and excitement for the breeds.

There is plenty of bleacher seating, or bring your own chairs. A full list of events and more details can be found at https://www.laportecodrafthorse.org/2019-show.

WNLP photos by Bob Wellinski

The “dogbone” reconfiguration of the U.S. 20/Ind. 2 intersection continues east of LaPorte. Hopes are that the new design will reduce the number of accidents and near-accidents for which that crossing was infamous.

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, marked a big day as eight beams were set for the new bridge. The precision work is fascinating to watch, so photo expert Bob went out to chronicle the Rieth-Riley construction experts at work. (Can you imagine having the job of standing there as one of those 21-ton beams is delicately lowered by a crane, then guiding it into place? Amazing.)

Adam Parkhouse of INDOT’s LaPorte office says the work is expected to wrap up in November.
And here’s a cool time-lapse video Adam posted of the beam setting on the INDOT Northwest Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest/videos/717830218666755/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

Cranes hoist the first of eight beams for the newly constructed Ind. 2 and U.S. 20 bridge. Each beam weighs approximately 21 tons. Photo looking east on U.S. 20.

Cranes hoist the first beam.

A worker on the ground signals to the crew setting the beam.

Rieth-Riley crews set the first beam.

A different view of the beam coming down.

The second beam is set.

The final beam comes in.

A worker drills out a hole.

This angle gives you a good idea of just how big the beams are.

Precision is key,

Communication and teamwork are also key.

A worker welds one of the newly set beams.

The 8th of 8 beams is set into place.

The last beam is guided into place.

A worker checks elevation.

Looking west toward LaPorte from atop the new bridge.

All the beams are set.

Traffic flowing east on Ind. 2 as westbound traffic is held while a beam is placed. The old Ind. 2 exit can no longer be seen.

Indiana State Police holds eastbound traffic as a beam is placed.