Garwood Orchards’ 37th annual Apple Fest Arts and Craft Show will take place Sept. 7-8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Garwood’s is located at 5911 W 50 S in La Porte. 

There is no fee to view the festival or the market. A fee applies only to weekend u-pick.

When the festival started, it had about 5 vendors in the front yard. Now it has grown to as many as 30.  

Garwood’s representatives attribute their success over the years to assuring the fest hase a wide selection of art media. To do this, all candidates must provide pictures and descriptions of their items to the festival board of directors for approval. The board consists of Jaunda Kneller, Becci Seymour, Sid and Renee Meyers, Brenda Garwood Schultz, Vicki Niendorf-Sauceda, Laura Bladecki, Jim and Bonnie Purcell, and Tom Garwood.

The crafters/artists this year will show the following items:

• Knitting
• Leather belts
• Beach glass products
• Watercolor paintings
• Bibs and aprons
• Jewelry
• Lit bottles, yard signs, clay pots
• Engraving
• Dried flowers pictures, mosaics, Christmas ornaments
• Face painting
• Soap
• Garden art
• Goose clothes
• Book art
• Frames, wreaths
• Horseshoe art
• Wood wall signs
• Glass art designs
• Mickey Mouse ear headpieces
• Christmas tree skirts
• Laser-engraved items
• Wood plaque signs

For more information, visit the Garwood Apple Fest page on Facebook.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, La Porte County Public Library

Sept. 6, 1919 — The girl wife of one of the slayers of the Rose Street grocery man on Christmas Eve refuses to believe her husband is guilty even though he confessed. She married him after the murder.

Sept. 6, 1969 — The prep football season strikes a jolt. The Red Devils run over and around the stunned Slicers. The score ends 42-8.

Sept. 6, 1994 — Construction workers are finishing work on the federal government’s first death house. A federal prison in Terre Haute will house criminals sentenced to die.

Sept. 6, 2009 — (no paper)

Author David Hoppe

The LaPorte County Public Library is pleased to announce an exciting social event happening on Friday, Sept. 13, at LaPorte’s Cummings Lodge beginning at 6 p.m. David Hoppe, a local author and journalist, will present “There and Gone and Back Again,” a program developed as part of the Indiana Humanities INseperable initiative. David takes a look at how the cultural conversation sparked by the creative and culinary arts renews communities. His book, “Food for Thought,” explores food across Indiana and includes how Garwood Orchards evolved from a family farm to a tourist destination.

Relax and socialize while enjoying locally sourced bites from Café Trilogy, a tasting from local Burn ‘Em Brewery and live music at the picturesque lodge overlooking Stone Lake. Reservations are required for this 21-and-over FREE event and may be made at http://laporte.libnet.info/event/3096861.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the LaPorte County Public Library and Indiana Humanities. INseparable is a two-year Indiana Humanities initiative that invites Hoosiers to explore how we relate to each other across boundaries, real or imagined, and consider what it will take to indeed be inseparable, in all the ways that matter. https://indianahumanities.org/programs/inseparable

For more information, contact the library by calling 219.362.6156 or visiting laportelibrary.org.

Betty June Hormann, 93, of New Carlisle, IN, passed away peacefully at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at Hamilton Grove, New Carlisle.

She was born Oct. 22, 1925, in Fort Wayne, IN, to Donald and Thelma (Smith) Clem.

Betty was a former member of North Park Community Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

Betty had a heart as big as the sky, and it was filled with love for her husband of 70 years, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her family and friends. She made sure everyone knew how much they meant to her. She lived by her strong Christian faith and spread the gospel of Jesus whenever she could. She always seemed to know when her loved ones were hurting and would reach out to “see how you were doing” whenever they needed it most. She rescued a multitude of cats and birds (mostly robins and all named “Peeps”) over her years, and for as long as her body let her, she fed squirrels, birds and any other animal that lived outside her windows. Her family will miss her dearly, but we know that she was greeted in heaven by Vic, Jean and so many friends and family who preceded her and whom she held dear to her heart. She is looking over all of us from her seat in the clouds, surrounded by the animals she cared for, holding hands with Vic and shining her love upon us all.

On May 15, 1948, in New Haven, IN, she married Victor Henry Hormann, who preceded her in death March 14, 2019.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; her daughter, Carol Jean Smith; and three brothers, Donald Clem III, Victor Lynn Clem and Devon Clem.

Surviving are her two daughters, Cindy (Ric) Kok and Julie (Steve) Getz; one brother, Robert (Joan) Clem; four grandchildren, Carissa Kniola, Kelly Morris, Tiffany Lawrence and Michael Farren; five great-grandchildren, Kailyn Morris, Nyima Kniola, Kai Kniola, Reigan Farren and Miles Farren; two sisters-in-law, Maxine Hively and Lydia Clem; and one brother-in-law, Robert (Beverly) Hormann.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. EST Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery Chapel, 1109 Hartzell Rd., New Haven, IN, with Pastor Heath Lisenby officiating. Burial will follow the service at the cemetery. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Woodburn Christian Children’s Home, 24902 Notestine Rd., Woodburn, IN 46797; and/or to the Doris Day Animal League, P.O. Box 96084, Washington, D.C. 20090-6084.

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

You have to love this pup’s biography from the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter:

“Name’s Travis, no last name, like Cher, Bono or Sting. You’ll know me when you see me. I’ve got my game face on so don’t be fooled; I’m generally very wiggly but this is the face we Bears fans are wearing after Thursday night’s loss to the Packers. First pic says ‘Ah, jeez’ and the second says, ‘Is that a 6-and-10 season comin’ at me down Lake Shore Drive?’ Adopt me and I’ll root for any team you want!”

If you’re interested in adopting Travis or any of the pets waiting for homes, call the shelter at 219-326-1637 or visit at 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte. Adoption hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter page on Facebook to see all pets up for adoption, as well as adoption success stories.

And here’s a success story: This beautiful kitty has left the building!

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Sept. 7, 1919 — All records were broken on the opening day of city schools. Basements may be pressed into service to accommodate the student body.

Sept. 7, 1969 — County Republican leaders are elated with an attendance in excess of 1,500 persons at their annual party picnic at the fairgrounds.

Sept. 7, 1994 — People planning to pick pot plants at Kingsbury Industrial Park will no doubt be perturbed to find their stash has been plucked. La Porte County Police carried the weed away on three flatbed trucks.

Sept. 7, 2009 — La Porte three-sport star Dustin DeMuth has committed to play baseball for Indiana University, where his sister played basketball, in 2011. He chose baseball over football and basketball.

Orthopedic & Balance Therapy Specialists has announced a community Penny War. In remembrance of the events of Sept. 11, the Penny War is going on the entire month of September with all proceeds going to the First Responders of the winning community.

How it works:

All 4 offices of Orthopedic & Balance Therapy Solutions will be in competition with each other to see who can raise the most pennies. The locations are in Valparaiso, Crown Point, Highland, and most importantly, LaPorte at 1405 E. Lincolnway (Next to Blake Insurance). The office collecting the most pennies will donate all the monies, from all 4 locations, to their local First Responders.

For further information or to make a penny donation, stop by the office at 1405 E. Lincolnway. The LaPorte Fire Department supports this Penny War and urges the community donate.

Thank you — A.C. Pressler, LaPorte Fire Department Asst. Chief

The La Porte County Historical Society is pleased to announce its participation in Smithsonian magazine’s 15th annual free Museum Day. To visit the La Porte County Historical Society Museum for free on Saturday, Sept. 21, just download a free ticket at Smithsonian.com/museumday. Each ticket grants the ticket holder and one guest free access to any participating museum on Sept. 21, 2019. One ticket is permitted per email address. A list of participating museums may be found at that same web address.

The annual event allows museums, zoos and cultural centers from all 50 states to emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C., facilities, which offer free admission every day. The event is sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Museums from all 50 states have signed up to participate. So, if you are going to be in a different part of the country, please take the opportunity to visit a museum in your area!

Please contact the museum with any questions (219-324-6767, info@laportecountyhistory.org). The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10-4:30.

Pressel

On Friday, Sept. 20, from 6-8 p.m., the public is invited to attend a free dinner and conversation with Indiana House of Representatives member Jim Pressel, who will join moderator Nate Loucks for a community conversation on issues impacting La Porte County and other areas in District 20.

Pressel has served in the Indiana House of Representatives since 2016. He is a lifelong resident of La Porte County, a small-business owner, and an active member of the Indiana Builders Association. As a member of the Indiana House, Pressel serves as a member of the Roads and Transportation, Election and Apportionment, and Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications committees. He is also vice chair of the Government and Regulatory Reform committee.

“We believe that better communities happen when we have better conversations,” said moderator Nate Loucks. “We are honored and thankful that Representative Pressel is joining us for this event. We look forward to talking about the issues that matter most to our neighbors in La Porte.”

Discussion Over Dinner guests enjoy a delicious dinner and then have the opportunity to text questions to the panel during the 90-minute conversation. Registration to attend Discussion Over Dinner is encouraged, but not mandatory. The public can register through the Discussion Over Dinner Facebook page or the Discussion Over Dinner website. These events are streamed live via Facebook, YouTube and Periscope, and podcasted afterward.

About Discussion Over Dinner: Discussion Over Dinner is a regular community conversation hosted and underwritten by State Street Community Church and the Pax Center in La Porte. The concept is simple: eat, talk, listen, and learn. These events take place at State Street Community Church, 209 State St., LaPorte. For more information or to register to attend for free, visit www.discussionoverdinner.com. 

Compiled by Mary Hedge, La Porte County Public Library

Sept. 9, 1919 — La Porte is to have a wholesale candy factory within 30 days on Michigan Avenue. It will employ 30-50 people.

Sept. 9, 1969 — Israeli planes, tanks and ships strike Egypt in the heaviest raid since the 1967 Six-Day War.

Sept. 9, 1994 — Milk Money, Natural Born Killers and Forrest Gump are showing at the Marquette Theatre in Michigan City.

Sept. 9, 2009 — The Sunflower Fair will feature a bake-off for the first time. Beatrice Owen has made sunflower muffins.

Hurricane Dorian was responsible for the use of many units of blood. Folks are encouraged to donate blood to help the Red Cross replenish hospital supplies. Blood donations are vitally needed not only for accident victims, but for patients undergoing cancer, heart and a variety of other surgeries. Here are upcoming Red Cross blood drives in LaPorte County. Just show up at a blood drive to give, or make an appointment ahead of time by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org.

La Porte

9/13/2019: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., La Porte High School, 602 F Street

9/17/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G Street

9/21/2019: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., YMCA, 901 Michigan Avenue

9/27/2019: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., La Porte Hospital, 1007 W. Lincolnway

Michigan City

9/17/2019: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ivy Tech Community College, 3714 Franklin St

9/17/2019: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., Chesterton Physical Therapy-Michigan City, 320 Dunes Plaza

9/20/2019: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Marquette High School, 306 W 10th Street

Rolling Prairie

9/17/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. John Kanty, 7012 North 600 East

Union Mills

9/26/2019: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., South Central Junior-Senior High School, 9808 S 600 W

Wanatah

9/26/2019: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Wanatah Public School, 309 School Drive

9/29/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., A.K. Smith Career Center, 817 Lafayette Street

Joyce Lynn Wright, 61, of Michigan City, IN, passed away peacefully at 3:38 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at Franciscan Health Hospital, Michigan City.

Joyce was a produce stocker at Al’s Supermarket, Michigan City, for 15 years. She was a lifetime member of The Wall Gang and former member of the Michigan City Fish and Game Club. Joyce was a very talented marksman and archer. She enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband. Joyce proved herself to be better at fishing and hunting, showing her husband up. She loved joyrides in the country, cookouts and camping with family and friends.

On July 29, 1995, in Michigan City, she married Amos “Dwayne” Wright, who survives.

Also surviving are her two children, Jessica Hernandez of Valparaiso, IN, and Blanca (Jody) Flowers of Chicago, IL; four sisters, Cindy (Tom) Bowers of Peru, IN, Laura (Dana) Gillis of Wisconsin, Jacquelyn (James) Hollahan of Michigan City and Katherine (Leroy) Buckley of Oglesby, IL; three brothers, Raymond (Debbie) Tilden of Michigan City, Miles (Onita) Tilden of Peru, IN, and Jack (Renee) Tilden of Portland, OR; and two grandchildren, Primo Hernandez and Alandra Starks.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Valerie Hernandez and Sylvia Tilden; and her beloved dog, Bubby.

Cremation will take place. A celebration of her life will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Westville United Methodist Church, 154 W. Main St., Westville, IN. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, La Porte, (219) 362-3100 is handling arrangements.

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

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

Gladys E. Buckow, 98, of La Porte, IN, passed away Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, at Golden Living Center-Fountainview, La Porte.

She was born March 10, 1921, in La Porte to Fred and Carrie (Gropp) Buckow.

Gladys graduated from La Porte High School in 1939. She worked at AP Andrew Bank, La Porte, as a bookkeeper until her retirement in 1959.  She also held a Civil Service position at Kingsbury Ordnance Plant. In 1959, Gladys accepted a secretarial position with NIPSCO, where she retired in 1989. Gladys was a lifetime member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a  member of the Women’s Guild.  She was also a member of USW Local 13796.

Surviving are her niece, Connie (Robert) Burdine of La Porte; nephews, Douglas (Susanna) Ebeck of Lancaster, CA, and Kenton (Jennifer) Ebeck of Cleveland, TN; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded by her parents and sister, Viola Ebeck.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Pine Lake Cemetery with Pastor Roger Ash officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

John Ray Beauchamp, 74, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at Fountainview Terrace, La Porte.

He was born March 5, 1945, to Vernon and Esther (Borton) Beauchamp.

John was a fork lift driver for many years.  He was a member of an area fishing club.

Surviving are his children, Jack (Lorena) Beauchamp of Hamlet, IN, and Karen (Patrick) Sneed of Fort Wayne, IN; 9 grandchildren, Dakota, Austin, Montana and Sierra Beauchamp of Hamlet, Stephanie (Tom) Sieczko and Kari (Richard) Copeland of South Bend, IN, and Jordan, Mackenzie and Kendra Sneed of Fort Wayne; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Vernon “Bud” S. Beauchamp, Edna May Washburn, Norma L. Beauchamp, Opal I. Beauchamp, Herald William “Bill” Beauchamp, Ruth E. Beauchamp, Joseph R. Beauchamp, and Mary G. Beauchamp.

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

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Jack Beauchamp, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350.

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

If you can sew, cut, stitch, tie, sort, iron, knit, crochet, pack, stack, or carry, the La Porte County Extension Homemakers need you! The Homemakers are again hosting a Lend A Hand Day on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Community Building at the La Porte County Fairgrounds. Group members will be assembling quilts, bags, backpacks, lap robes, wheelchair totes, birthday bags, hats, and many other items to be donated to La Porte County residents through local service organizations. 

Donations of fabrics, notions, thread, yarn and supplies are always welcome! Bring your own sewing machine or use one provided. Come for an hour or come for the day. Light meals will be provided at noon and 6 p.m. 

Come help support our community! This important volunteer event is held four times a year to give the community an opportunity to pitch in and help make a difference. 

For more information, please contact Janet at 219-362-3016 or email steadystitchers@gmail.com.

James Whitcomb Riley (Photo provided)

By Fern Eddy Schultz, La Porte County Historian

A traveling exhibit from the Indiana Historical Society entitled “Golden Age of Indiana Literature” is being featured at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum. One of the highlighted authors is James Whitcomb Riley. His 150th birthday was celebrated Oct. 7, 1999. A consortium of Indiana organizations was formed to honor that event and La Porte County was asked, through its County Historian, to submit information about buildings, etc., located in the various Indiana counties they represent that carry his name.

In Michigan City, a street approximately one block long is named Riley Court and is located directly across from the newly constructed Michigan City Police Station, north from Michigan Boulevard. A Riley School was located on South Carroll Avenue for many years in Michigan City but is no longer in existence. La Porte, too, has a Riley Court, which runs south of Weller Avenue and east to Greenleaf Street. Riley School in La Porte is located on Weller Avenue.

The sign of the no-show (or no-book?): Hall’s Opera House, which was located at Main and Madison in LaPorte. (Photo provided)

In April 1920, the La Porte City Board of Education announced it would award a contract to Samuel Purcell of Rochester, Indiana, as general contractor to build a new school in La Porte. George Wood Allen, local architect, was chosen to prepare the plans. The north side citizens of La Porte sought the privilege of naming the school building. The North Side Civic & Social Association came into being and one of the activities of this organization was to select a name. Suggested names were to be submitted to the Board of Education and the winning name would be announced. The name Riley was chosen based on the fact that James Whitcomb Riley had a profound interest in children and was known as “the children’s poet.” The first day of school in the new building was September 5, 1921.

In the early 1970s, the old school was leveled and a new school was built. The dedication of the new school was in 1972.

Another La Porte County connection to Riley was his scheduled appearance in La Porte at Hall’s Opera House, which was announced Wednesday, May 2, 1894, by W.C. Miller, Manager of the opera house. He indicated the appearance was “at great expense in securing.” He guaranteed Riley

La Porte County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz

$200 and expenses and there was hope the house would be packed. It was noted that the house “ought to be crowded and thus enable La Porte to maintain its splendid reputation as a literary as well as musical center.” The two front rows in dress circle, $1 each seat, the balance of downstairs, 75 cents. Four front rows in balcony, 75 cents and the balance of the gallery seats were 50 cents each.

The audience at the opera house was an “extremely fashionable one, the best people in the city being present.” For almost an hour the orchestra furnished music which entertained, yet no Riley or Douglas Sherley appeared. The audience grew restless and at about 9 o’clock Rev. E.B. Widger stepped onto the stage and made the announcement that neither of the artists had made his appearance and as all trains had come in that they could arrive on, the management felt the only thing to do would be to refund the money for seats purchased.

By May 4, Manager Miller indicated he had not yet heard from either Riley or Sherley. He, however, stated he had placed his case in the hands of an attorney and the “two above named gentlemen will be made to stand his loss and damage.” The attorney noted Mr. Miller had a strong case against the two, who were to have given the entertainment, and Miller would surely collect damages. No information was located about the outcome of the case.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, La Porte County Public Library  

Sept. 10, 1919 — Two hundred employees of the Standard Steel Car Works in Hammond, protected by guards, march to work, unmolested by 2,000 strikers, mostly foreigners who attacked them yesterday.

Sept. 10, 1969 — A jet collides with a small plane apparently not detected on radar southeast of Indianapolis, killing 83 in Indiana’s worst air disaster ever.

Sept. 10, 1994 — Michael Jordan, now a minor-league baseball player, dons basketball togs for a last performance at the Chicago Stadium, which is slated to be razed soon.

Sept. 10, 2009 — For years, trick or treat in La Porte has been on the Sunday before Halloween. But city officials are considering changing things up, and they’re looking for public input.

A Georgia man was seriously injured when his semi rig rear-ended another at U.S. 30 and U.S. 421 on Sept. 7, 2019, at about 6 a.m.

La Porte County deputies were in the area conducting a traffic stop when they heard the nearby crash and responded. They found that a tractor-trailer driven by John Turner, 46, of Georgia, had struck the rear of a tractor-trailer driven by James Suchting, 27, of Maryland. Part of the Turner cab was underneath Suchting’s trailer, deputies reported.

Turner was extricated from the cab and airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Suchting was treated at LaPorte Hospital and released.