Tom Kouttoulas, 60, of LaPorte, IN, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in his home.

He was born Dec. 29, 1958, in Gary, IN, to the late Greg and Mary (Doumis) Kouttoulas.

Surviving are his two siblings, George (Sandy) Kouttoulas and Gina Barthel, both of LaPorte; one aunt, Clara Hadjis of Las Vegas, NV; and two cousins, Jim and Tom Hadjis, both of Las Vegas.

His parents preceded him in death.

Cremation will take place. A private family service will be held. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Fried’s Cat Shelter, 509 Ind.  212, Michigan City, IN 46350, and/or Independent Cat Society, P.O. Box 735, Westville, IN 46391, in memory of Tom Kouttoulas.

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

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Sept. 2, 1919 — A Michigan City insane man made his third unsuccessful attempt to end his life in the jail when he tore up the mattress on his cot and endeavored to hang himself.

Sept. 2, 1969 — The Pentagon announces a draft call of 29,000 for October, same as this month. The request includes 27,600 for the Army and 1,400 for the Marine Corps.

Sept. 2, 1994 — Two thousand dollars worth of chemical control to combat the pigeons that have turned LaPorte City Hall’s roof and eaves into their personal condo is approved.

Sept. 2, 2009 — A ribbon cutting was held for Central Station Plaza (the historic depot), home of The Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Economic Development Corporation.

Photos and information courtesy of LaPorte County Historical Society

Happy Labor Day to every worker in every job and profession, and to those who retired after years of labor. To mark the holiday, here are some photos from the archives of the LaPorte County Historical Society.

LaPorte was once home to a Heinz pickle factory, which had a run in the 1890s-early1900s before fire destroyed it. Here women work to package the pickles.

This photo of LaPorte Allis-Chalmers employees shows a World War II-era work scene. Having converted to war production from its regular line of agricultural equipment, A-C filled government contracts for machinery to be used in the war effort. These workers are finishing a 90-mm gun. Also made at the LaPorte facility were the Ontos and the M-6, both track vehicles somewhat like a tank. The LaPorte A-C plant reached an all-time high of 3,200 employees during the war.

Workers assemble meat/deli slicers at U.S. Slicing Machine Co. (later Berkel) in LaPorte. The once-mighty industry distributed its machines throughout the nation. Thanks to its early contributions of uniforms and more to LaPorte High School teams, it’s responsible for the LaPorte Slicers moniker.

This photo was taken Oct. 7, 1896, on Michigan Avenue in LaPorte. It shows the Third Ward Fire Department in competition to determine which volunteer company had the fastest men. In that era, some equipment was pulled by horse and other pieces, such as this hose cart, by manpower.

These workers take a break from assembling pianos at a LaPorte piano factory. (Presumably Hobart M. Cable). Note the partial piano assemblage at left.

A milkman loads his delivery truck outside Long’s Dairy in LaPorte.

Workers embark and/or disembark from buses that transported them at Kingsbury Ordnance Plant in LaPorte, where employees assembled ammunition and explosives during World War II and the Korean War.

Some of the many female employees who helped the war effort at Kingsbury Ordnance Plant gather for a photo,

Levine’s was one of the largest and busiest retail stores in downtown LaPorte for decades, employing many. Here, customers swarm during a special celebration.

The Knights of Columbus of St Michael Council in LaPorte will host its annual Soccer Challenge at the YMCA Soccer Fields on Andrew Avenue Sunday, Sept. 29. This is for boys and girls ages 9-14.

Registration will take place from 12-12:30 p.m. and competition will take place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Birth certificates are required at registration.

For more information contact Jason at 219-508-3420 or jkmksarver@gmail.com.

Diamond

WNLP and the Independent Cat Society introduce these two Whiskers of the Week, Diamond and Moana.

Diamond has so much sparkle! She loves other cats and enjoys mothering the kittens in her room. Diamond likes to sit in your lap and she might even give you a little kiss.

Moana

Moana enjoys lounging in baskets and won’t turn down a brushing. If you are looking for a mellow cat, she could be the one for you. Moana is a sweet and gentle girl. She tends to be on the quiet side, so she would probably like a relaxed environment where she can curl up and be your couch kitty.

The Independent Cat Society is located at 4061 County Line Rd. near U.S. 6 in Westville. For more information, visit its Facebook page and www.catsociety.org, or call 219-785-4936.

READ LaPorte County Inc.’s 16th annual Scrabble Tournament fundraiser is set for Thursday, Sept. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the LaPorte VFW, 181 McClung Rd.

Come as a two-person team to compete in the two-round tournament. No partner? They’ll find you one! The cost to play is $25 per person for those registering by Sept. 12 or $30 per person for those registering after that date. Corporate sponsorships are also available.

Attendees can expect complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, silent auction, and a festive atmosphere. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Players are encouraged to arrive by 6:50 p.m. to participate in an optional “Lightning Round.”

READ LaPorte County Inc. is a United Way agency with a mission to increase the reading, math, English and digital literacy skills in our community. READ offers free tutoring to three main groups of students: children, adult learners and individuals who are learning English as a second language. In 2014, READ tutors worked with a total of 290 students who ranged in age from 6 to 67.

Have questions? Need a registration form? Please call (219) 325-0875 or email readlaportecounty@gmail.com.

A very small portion of the new downtown mural depicting LaPorte’s history and people.

The LaPorte County Historical Society will present “The Making of the Mural” and “The Present and Future of Downtown LaPorte” at its Sept. 17, 2019, meeting and potluck dinner at First Baptist Church, 908 Jefferson Ave., LaPorte. The public is welcome to attend. Reservations and a side dish are required for those wanting to attend the dinner. Reservations must be made no later than Friday, Sept. 13; email info@laportecountyhistory.org, call 219-324-6767 or stop in at the museum, 2405 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. A main dish and beverages will be provided. There is no admission fee. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m.

Tom Torluemke, the artist painting the wall mural at the corner of Lincoln Way and Monroe Street, will speak about the development and process of creating the mural. And Bert Cook, Executive Director of the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP), will share insights about the most recent economic development successes in LaPorte and what’s in store for the future of LaPorte’s downtown development.
Tom Torluemke is an Indiana-based, contemporary American artist whose works include paintings, drawings, sculptures and installations in a variety of mediums. Torluemke’s work has been represented in more than 100 solo, curated and juried group shows, in addition to other projects, awards, grants, and commissions he has received. Torluemke began his teaching career at the North Shore Art League in Winnetka, IL, in 1984. From there he taught at his alma mater, The American Academy of Art, where he received his BFA in 1996. He then taught at The School of The Art Institute and at Valparaiso University. In 1998, Torluemke began to pursue public art projects and has completed numerous projects over the past decade including murals in Hammond, Hobart, Terre Haute and Indianapolis.

Bert Cook has worked in the economic development field for 14 years. He previously worked with the Portage Economic Development Corporation as its Executive Director and with the LaPorte County Economic Development Alliance as Retention and Expansion Coordinator. Cook has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Purdue North Central and has received development certificates from Ball State University and Purdue North Central. Currently, he sits on a number of boards and commissions including the LaPorte Urban Enterprise Association, the Regional Development Company, the LaPorte County Revolving Loan Fund, and the Northwest Indiana Forum’s Economic Development Committee.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Sept. 3, 1919 — A woman from near Chesterton on her way to attend a wedding in Otis in a buggy dies when pigs run across the road in front of her, scaring her horse and overturning the buggy.

Sept. 3, 1969 — Angelo Bernacchi, LaPorte businessman who came to this country 62 years ago from Italy, dies at age 77.

Sept. 3, 1994 — More than 28,000 Cubans have tried to cross to Florida in the past month, most on flimsy rafts. Cuban President Fidel Castro hopes to force the U.S. to reverse its economic embargo of Cuba.

Sept. 3, 2009 — About 70 percent of trees in LaPorte are maples. An increasing number of them are affected by a fatal disease that causes trees to lose leaves, wilt and brown in color.

Katie Mitschelen says, “While driving through Rolling Prairie on Saturday (Aug. 31), my daughter and I were lucky enough to spot four sandhill cranes hanging out in a field just beyond the elementary school. A great treat!” If you have a Great Shot or two to share, email as .jpg attachments to wnlp@whatsnewlaporte.com. Be sure to include the photographer’s name and a bit of information about the photo(s).

Lawrence “Tony” Anthony Homan Jr., 31, of South Bend, IN, passed away unexpectedly at 8:25 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in LaPorte, IN.

He was born Sept. 9, 1987, in Merrillville, IN, to Lawrence Anthony Homan Sr. and Rhonda Marie (Ebert) Knox.

Tony attended school in Westville, IN. He worked as a skilled carpenter for 15 years. Tony currently was working at Cavanaugh Construction for four years. He loved building and was very proud of his skill in construction. Tony was an avid Colts fan and coached his son’s Little League team, South East Little League. He enjoyed the time he spent with his family and children, camping, hiking and fishing. Tony loved spending relaxing evenings with his fiancé, Ashley, at their home. He also enjoyed outdoor adventures and dirt biking. Tony had no fear in the world. He had a bright personality and he will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his mother, Rhonda (Jeffrey Mussman) Knox of LaPorte; fiancé, Ashley Kopriva of South Bend; three children, Cayden, Landyn and Kinsley Homan, all of South Bend; one sister, Erica (Jerremy) Wheeler of Columbia City, IN; two brothers, Brian (Christina) Homan of Westville and Bradley Homan of Hobart, IN; one niece, Madison Looney; five nephews, Braxton Homan, Jackson Gilbert, Trevor Wheeler, Ayden Homan and Zayne Homan; parents-in-law, Dana and Robert Gillespie of Osceola, IN; parents-in-law, William and Suzanne Kopriva of Mishawaka; sister-in-law, Casey Kopriva of Mishawaka, IN; brother-in-law, Anthony Kopriva of South Bend; and his beloved dog, Roxy Roco.

Preceding him in death were his father and maternal grandparents, William Ebert and Delores Miller.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at noon CST Saturday, Sept. 7, at Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. CST until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Sept. 4, 1919 — Joseph M. Kramer, of this city, is a member of a committee to conduct a campaign for funds for war sufferers, regardless of religious belief, in Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Syria, Siberia, etc.

Sept. 4, 1969 — North Vietnam leaders call for a week of national mourning for Ho Chi Minh and urge citizens to engage in activities that would defeat the United States and “liberate South Vietnam.”

Sept. 4, 1994 — (no paper)

Sept. 4, 2009 — With the 2010 county budget more than $7 million in the hole, officials put a lot of options on the table, including furloughs and layoffs.

Mark Brian Tibbs, 59, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, MI.

He was born Nov. 18, 1959, in South Bend, IN, to Virgil and Dorothy (Wellinski) Tibbs.

In 1980, Mark joined the National Guard, where he was a Combat Engineer.  He retired as an E7 SFC after 20 years of faithfully serving his country. Mark was an industrial maintenance/machinist.  His favorite pastimes included watching M*A*S*H, History Channel, Andy Griffith and John Wayne western movies; camping, and dog sitting his grand dogs.  Mark loved history and classic rock music. He enjoyed his daily phone calls with his beloved cousin, Peggy. Mark’s favorite color was camouflage.

Surviving are his children, Lisa (Matt) Wiltfong of LaPorte, Felicia (Jeremy) Morton of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Melissa Kneifel of New Carlisle, IN; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter, Sophia; siblings, Frank (Betty) Tibbs of Tennessee and Vicki (Joe) Mikalajunas of Maryland; 6 nieces; 1 nephew, and 5 grand dogs.

He was preceded by his parents, Virgil and Dorothy Tibbs; brother, James Tibbs; and niece, Jennifer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, and from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Skwiat Post, 451 Homeless Veterans Program, 121 Skwiat Legion Ave., Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Sept. 5, 1919 — Contractors for the Carnegie library in LaPorte are two weeks ahead of schedule. The last concrete for the foundation will be poured today and the concrete for the coal house will be poured tomorrow.

Sept. 5, 1969 — Hollis G. Maple, 20, is killed in Vietnam action. He had lived in LaPorte for 14 years.

Sept. 5, 1994 — The County Commission paves the way for a “limited” expansion of the LaPorte County Landfill, southwest of the U.S. 421/I-94 intersection since 1979, by an extra 41 acres.

Sept. 5, 2009 — People protest the circus that appeared at the fairgrounds because of a video they saw on the company exhibiting animal cruelty.

To show appreciation and to say thank you for their service to the community, the South Shore Line is inviting all active-duty first responders to ride the trains free of charge Wednesday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 15, on all off-peak weekday and weekend trains.

To take advantage of this promotion, first responders must present ticket collectors with valid active-duty identification. All active-duty police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers and emergency medical technicians are welcome.

“All of us at South Shore Line wholeheartedly respect and appreciate the sacrifices that our first responders make each and every day,” said Nicole Barker, Director of Capital Investment and Implementation. “By inviting first responders to ride the train for free, we hope to show our gratitude for all they have done to protect and serve our communities.”

Throughout the year, the South Shore gives back to the community by welcoming various groups to take advantage of free round-trip transportation on designated days. In the near future, the train will be offering a week of free transportation for military personnel, including active-duty, reserves and veterans in honor of Veterans Day. Keep up with the South Shore on social media for the official announcement and details of this special promotion.

Additionally, the service offers reduced fares for seniors, active duty military personnel, commuting students, infants and passengers with disabilities on all trains year-round. And, up to three kids 13 and under always ride free on all daily off-peak, weekend and holiday trains.

For more information on train schedules, discounts and to plan a trip, please visit www.mysouthshoreline.com or download the SSL app (available for iPhone and Android).

The South Shore Line is a commuter rail line operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and the South Bend International Airport in South Bend, IN.

More than 500 paddlers will compete in the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boat racing Saturday, Sept. 7, at Stone Lake, LaPorte. Think of them as canoes on steroids: each holds 16 to 20 paddlers and the vessels are adorned with a dragon head and tail at the bow and stern. A drummer aboard each boat keeps the amateur paddlers in rhythm (hopefully).Perhaps more than power, finesse is the key to winning this race! 

Races begin at 9 a.m., rain or shine. The teams, entering from local businesses and organizations, are:  Acme Communications, LaPorte Hospital, Nipsco, Franciscan Health Michigan City, Southshore Skipping Stones, First Church of God, American Licorice, American Renolit, Applegate & Company, CPAs, Blind Pig, Duneland Media/Laura K All Day and BWW, UPS, Journey Church, Chicago Phoenix, Horizon Bank, Little Shop of Horrors, #LAPORTEPROUD!!, LaPorte High School Choruses, New Prairie High School, Michigan City High School, and La Lumiere High School.

Come and watch! Enjoy child-friendly activities, face painting, music and food vendors from Christ Gospel Church and food from Redamak’s.

Proceeds from the Dragon Boat Races will provide vital support for Dunebrook’s parent education and family strengthening programs, Body Safety and public education programs and Child Advocacy Center. 

LaPorte County suffered 359 substantiated cases of child sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect in 2018. (Indiana Dept. of Child Services, 2018). Dunebrook is located at 7451 W. Johnson Rd.; call 219/874-0007 and visit www.dunebrook.org. 

Ted E. Keller, 89, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019.

He was born Feb. 26, 1930, in LaPorte to the late George and Mary (Lizak) Keller.

Ted attended LaPorte High School and Union #1485 Building Trades School and was a carpenter. He was employed by Oscar C. Knoll and Sons for 18 years. Then he and his wife owned and operated the Bottle Shop and Ted’s Package Liquor (Bottle Shop Two), and Keller’s Hand Car Wash and Detail Shop with his son. Ted was a charter member of Maple City Lions, where he served as treasurer, and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he was an usher, money counter, and on the funeral dinner committee. He served his country in the United States Army in the Engineering Corps during the Korean War. He never said no to helping friends or neighbors with projects and he enjoyed traveling to Arizona and California. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

On Sept. 15, 1956, in LaPorte, Ted married Dolores F. (Schmidt), who survives.

Ted is also survived by three daughters, Karen (Scott) Prosser of LaPorte, Gail (Bruce) Tilling of LaPorte, and Nancy Felix of Mesa, AZ; two sons, David (Debra) Keller of LaPorte and Todd Keller of LaPorte; three grandchildren, Jessica Lofberg, Joshua (Emily) Tilling and Nicholas (Sarah) Tilling; four great-granddaughters, Autym, Joyce, Alice and Evelyn; and a sister, Irene Maury of Simpsonville, SC.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward and Stanley Keller; and a son-in-law, Martin Felix.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at St. Peter Catholic Church in LaPorte. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, with Military Honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Scipio Township Volunteer Fire Department, 1105 W. 250 S, LaPorte, IN 46350; or Heart to Heart Hospice, 402 Wall St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

Rose Marie Dure

All are invited to attend a free concert in the LaPorte Hospital Chapel at noon Friday, Sept. 6. Two local pianists, Donovan Diedrich and Rose Marie Dure, will debut as “Dure and Diedrich” with four hands on the keyboard piano duets. The two first met at LaPorte Hospital where they were playing music for the Christmas season and have enjoyed playing duets since then.

Their music selections will please a variety of music lovers and include “Over the Rainbow” by Arlen/Mercury, “March of the Dwarves” from the Peer Gynt Suite by Edvard Grieg, and “Lady Gaga Fugue” by Germanotta and Khayat/Dettori.

Donovan Diedrich

Rose Marie, originally from Pennsylvania, has lived in LaPorte for more than 20 years. She taught music in LaPorte and Michigan City elementary schools and for 10 years she was accompanist at LaPorte High School under the direction of Eddie Burk, Mike Allen and Lyle Brown. She also served as music director for productions at LaPorte Little Theater and Dunes Summer Theater. Sharing music with her late husband, operatic tenor Robert Dure, was a major part of her life.

Donovan Diedrich has been a musician since middle school, where he learned guitar, drums and piano with the piano being his favorite.  After middle school he started teaching himself piano using YouTube videos and memorizing what he heard and saw. In 2010 he started taking lessons at Roxy Music with Joan Davis. Donovan is assistant manager at Wana Pizza in Michigan City and in his spare time enjoys photography, baking and travel. 

LaPorte Hospital is pleased to offer this free concert and encourages area residents to attend.  

First Friday in the Chapel is made possible by the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL), a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to empowering residents to live healthy and well in and around LaPorte. For more information about First Friday in the Chapel performances, please call 219-325-7633.

Please join the Presbyterian Church of LaPorte for a combined worship service on Homecoming Sunday Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. The message, “Are You Catching What God is Pitching?” will be centered around the theme for the day: “Take me Out to the Ballgame”. 

Enjoy a baseball game and lunch after the service. 

The church is located at 307 Kingsbury Ave. The church is handicapped accessible. Child care is available and visitors are welcome.