Amanda M. Lovins, 20, of Hamlet, IN, died unexpectedly in an automobile accident at 1:12 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2013, in LaPorte County.

She was born March 18, 1993, in LaPorte to Tony Lovins and Lisa Granzo.

Amanda worked as an entertainer in Chicago. She enjoyed jet skiing, 4-wheeling and riding motorcycles. Amanda loved life and everyone she met. She was known as an outspoken person who was always there for others when they needed help or needed someone to listen. Amanda was planning to move into her own apartment and study criminal justice at Ivy Tech.

Surviving are her parents, Tony Lovins and Lisa Granzo of Hamlet; three brothers, Curtis (Charleen Stantz) Lovins, Darren (Brianna Zupko) Lovins and Steven Lovins, all of LaPorte; grandmother, Lynda Brown of Michigan City, IN; several aunts and uncles; best friends, Nichole Payne and Harmony Scott; and many other relatives and friends who loved her.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Steve (Pauline) Lovins and Thomas Brown; great-grandmother, Lorraine Granzo; one aunt, Irene “Scarlet” Koth; and one uncle, Kyle Kahn.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at noon Friday, May 3, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Jerry Partenberry officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, May 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow services in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Amanda Lovins c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Click on this artist’s rendering to enlarge

Purdue North Central plans to break ground in 2014 on a new Student Services and Activities Complex on its Westville campus.

The complex will have the capacity to host a variety of university events – meetings, conferences, presentations, dances and exhibits. It will also free up existing rooms on campus allowing them to be reassigned as classrooms and labs. Athletic teams that now must hold practices and games off-campus will be housed in this complex. PNC’s commencement ceremony will also be held in the new complex.

The facility will also be available to surrounding communities for meetings, functions and other events.

“The 2013-2015 budget approved by the Indiana General Assembly includes a key provision that will allow PNC to move forward with construction” of the new complex, according to a PNC news release.

The budget provides state fee replacement support for issuing $23.7 million in bonds to help finance construction of the proposed $34.7 million complex. The remaining funding will be generated through student fees and gift donations to PNC.

“We are thrilled the General Assembly has allowed us to move forward,” said PNC Chancellor James B. Dworkin. “This is a significant step for PNC as we continue our mission to serve the educational, athletic and social needs of the residents of northwest Indiana. This is a game changer which will enable us to continue to improve our retention and graduation rates.

“State Senators Karen Tallian, Jim Arnold and Ed Charbonneau and State Representatives Thomas Dermody, Scott Pelath and Ed Soliday were tremendous advocates and I thank them for their ongoing support of PNC.”

(Click on photo to enlarge)

New Prairie Middle School 8th graders (from left) Tyler Miller, Riley Moody and Kodie Johnson did a “Prom Parking Lot Blitz” on Friday, April 26. Members of the Lead and Seed Drug Prevention Group sponsored by LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership, the students placed prom-related drug and alcohol facts on papers decorated with masks to go along with the New Prairie High School Prom theme. The prom was held the next day. The students put one on each high school student vehicle in the parking lot. The hope was to reach teens that may be faced with peer pressure to drink or use drugs during the prom or upcoming graduation season. Statistics have shown this to be the most dangerous time for alcohol- and drug-related teen accidents.

Emma Ransom, 89, of Plover, WI, and formerly of LaPorte, died Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 3:35 a.m. at Mapleridge Memory Care, Plover.

She was born Aug. 30, 1923, in Mandan, ND, to Frank and Emma (Beba) Kottsick.

Emma was a homemaker, office manager of the family business, and worker for the Guacio National Missions Project of the Presbyterian Church in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico. She was a member of Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church in Stevens Point, WI, and a former member of LaPorte Presbyterian Church.

She was married on April 26, 1942, to Webster Arthur Ransom, who preceded her in death on Feb. 19, 1998.

Surviving is her daughter, Sandra D. McAdam of Stevens Point, WI.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 3, at LaPorte Presbyterian Church with Rev. Susan Zencka, pastor of Frame Presbyterian Church, Stevens Point, WI, officiating. Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the service. Interment will follow the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Presbyterian Church World Missions, PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700; or the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

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

The new LPFD truck on display at Lucas Oil Field.

Click on photos to enlarge (photos courtesy of LPFD)

The LaPorte Fire Department’s impressive new rig was front and center in Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium at a major conference April 22-27.

“Pierce, the manufacturer of the truck, displayed it as their centerpiece for the Fire Department Instructors Conference,” LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder told WNLP. “FDIC is the largest gathering of firefighters, approximately 30,000, in the world.

“The weeklong event is filled with training sessions for firefighters as well as an exhibition of the latest and greatest in fire equipment. The exhibition is spread out between the stadium and the Convention Center.”

The truck is a Pierce Dash CF. “The final cost of the truck is $513,300 and it is expected to be delivered by (mid-May),” the chief said. “It will take about three to four weeks to mount all of the equipment and train our personnel. We hope to have it in service by the first of June.”

Pierce is the largest manufacturer of fire apparatus in the world and LaPorte’s rig is the company’s latest and most innovative piece of equipment, Snyder said. “It has a simple design, but brand new to the fire service. They have made the maximum use of space by moving the radiator to the top of the truck, a concept used by heavy equipment for years. The department truck committee focused on ease of operation, safety and durability. Many of the hoses and the pump panel are housed in closed cabinets, not allowing them to be affected by the exterior weather and road salt. The shortened wheelbase and independent front suspension allow for a very tight turning radius. It has a 12-volt supplementary power system to replace the more common, and expensive, truck-mounted generator. It has a 1,500-gpm pump that also allows the truck to move while pumping water.

“It is in the rescue/pumper category, which means it has all the capabilities needed for fire suppression, including a foam tank, but also carries a vast array of equipment for rescue operations such as auto extrications, medical emergencies, water and ice rescue, equipment entrapment, and many more.”

The Lucas display floor shown from above.

Mayor Blair Milo tries out the driver’s seat.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

May 1, 1913 – Commencement was held for the graduating class of New Carlisle School last evening.

May 1, 1963 – After yesterday’s two-inch snowfall, the city begins a drive against the mosquito population.

May 1, 1988 — LaPorte Mayor Elmo Gonzalez bid $1,050 and won the honor of conducting “Stars & Stripes Forever” at the LaPorte Symphony Pops Concert.

May 1, 2003 — A 14-year-old died in a two-car accident while driving his mother’s car to Urey Middle School in Walkerton.

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Many lakeside dwellers came home from work Monday, April 30, 2013, to find little yellow signs along their shorelines. The signs were posted by employees of Aquatic Control Inc., out of Seymour, IN, informing residents that eradication of the invasive weed Eurasian milfoil will begin Thursday, May 2.

According to the signs, the product called Sonar, an aquatic herbicide, will be applied beginning Thursday and will cause no delay in fishing, swimming and consuming lake water. The sign does indicate, however, that lake water should not be used for irrigation purposes for gardens or other vegetation for at least 120 days.

The treatment will take place on both North and South Pine lakes, as well as certain spots on Stone Lake.

Over the winter the City of LaPorte obtained a grant in excess of $60,000 to pursue the weed eradication. The LaPorte Lake Association has raised more than $20,000 to cover the rest of the cost. The eradication process is expected to take more than one spring season.

Eurasian milfoil is an invasive aquatic plant that can entangle propellers, build up on piers and lakeshores and take over swimming areas. Some sources say the weed was first introduced to the U.S. as a vegetation product to place in fish tanks.

William “Bill” Miller, 78, of Las Vegas, NV, and formerly of LaPorte, died April 27, 2013.

He was born Oct. 20, 1934, in LaPorte to Leone (Prokop) and Elmer Miller. He had lived in Las Vegas for the past 35 years, working in the casino

business. An avid sports fan, Bill particularly loved Notre Dame football and NASCAR.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie (Craig) Teglia; his sons, Scott and William Jr.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Mary Anne Miller and Suzanne Miller, both of LaPorte.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vera, daughter Lisa Rowe, and brother David.

A private family burial will be held Friday, May 3, at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the home of Bonnie and Craig Teglia, Las Vegas, on Friday at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Nathan Adelson Hospice at www.nah.org.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Richard “Dick” Calvin Thistle, 88, died quietly Friday, April 26, 2013, in LaPorte.

He was born April 9, 1925, in Everett, MA, to Richard and Elsie Thistle. He grew up with his brother Everett and his sister Elsie. Immediately upon graduation from high school, in 1943, Dick joined the Army and served his country in World War II. He was injured in France and while recovering from an injury that would have him wearing a leg brace for the rest of his life, Dick served as a chaplain’s assistant, preparing for seminary and life as a pastor.

In 1946 Dick married Muriel Joyce Hudson, the love of his life for the next 67 years.

He was ordained and received his elder’s orders in 1949. Dick served the early years of his ministry in Massachusetts, but longed for a mission assignment. Since his war injury made it impossible for him to serve as a missionary overseas, the church asked him to lead a group of believers in Hammond, IN, who were starting a new congregation. In 1952, Dick, Muriel and their children moved to Indiana and helped start what would become Woodmar Methodist Church. Over the next 30-plus years, Dick would also serve at City Church in Gary, First United Methodist Church in South Bend, Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, and Lowell United Methodist Church. He also served as a district superintendent for the Methodist Church and finally as the chaplain at Gary Methodist Hospital.

He and Muriel retired to their home on the lake in LaPorte in 1988.

Dick’s other passion was Shrine and the Shriners Hospital for Children. He was a member of Orak Temple, was a 33 Degree Mason, served as chaplain and potentate of Orak Temple, and was Imperial Chaplain. Dick also served with the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation.

Dick is survived by his three children: Joy Perry-Thistle, Paul Thistle and Sharon Bate; his grandchildren, Michelle Thistle, Amanda Doll, Lindsey Moody, Alyssa Bate, Benjamin Perry-Thistle, and Nathanial Perry-Thistle; his great-grandchildren, Bella Moody, Sidney Perry-Thistle and Jacob Perry-Thistle; his sister-in law, Natalie Thistle; nieces, Martha Jean Thistle and Janet Fox; and nephew, David Thistle.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at First United Methodist Church, LaPorte. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospital for Children at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org, or First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Evelyn Moffitt, 88, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 4:17 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Brentwood, LaPorte.

She was born Feb. 17, 1925, in Hamlet, IN, to Leslie T. and Ethel V. (Hancock) Coup.

Evelyn was a member of Salem Chapel United Methodist Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

On Nov. 24, 1946, in Hamlet, she married James Elmer Moffitt, who preceded her in death Jan. 22, 2013.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and two sisters, Betty Johnson and Doris Swanson.

Surviving are one son, Greg (Deb) Moffitt of Grosse Ile, MI; one daughter, Debbie Botta of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and four grandchildren, Anthony and Emily Botta, Daniel (Laina) Moffitt and Amanda (Seth) Gunn.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Robert Raschka officiating. Visitation will be Friday, May 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Chapel United Methodist Church, 2802 E. Ind. 4, LaPorte, IN 46350, in memory of Evelyn Moffitt.

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

LaPorte’s first hot-weather period of the 2013 season has already produced a possible animal neglect charge, and a warning from authorities not to leave pets in unattended vehicles.

LaPorte Police report that on Tuesday, April 30, a resident alerted them that a dog was locked in an unattended van in the 800 block of Michigan Avenue at about 6:30 p.m. 

Police arrived to find a small, long-haired dog inside a tan minivan. All the windows were rolled up and locked and the dog was panting. The van came back registered to a LaPorte County resident.

As police were attempting to place a call to the van owner, a couple walked around the corner and told police they owned the van. The woman admitted she left the dog inside the vehicle and told officers they had been gone for just a few minutes.

But witnesses told police that the dog had been left inside the vehicle for a minimum of 30 minutes with an outside temperature of 83 degrees.

A review of charges for animal neglect has been forwarded to the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.

As warm weather begins, police warn: Do not leave pets, children or the elderly in your car in hot weather! Doing so poses the risk that they will succumb to heat stroke or even death.

Regardless of the outside temperature, the interior of your vehicle can be as much as 20 degrees hotter. This means in just 10 minutes, even with the windows left open an inch or two:

– a 70-degree day equals a 90-degree vehicle interior;

– an 85-degree day equals a 102-degree vehicle interior;

– after 30 minutes, this can rise to 120 degrees!

Police encourage citizens to report such incidents immediately.

LaPorte defeated Lake Central, 3-2, in tennis action on May 1, 2013.

Match results:

1S: Caroline Boger (LP) d. Kate Toth (LC) 7-5, 6-2

2S: Marlo Owczarzek (LC) d. Jill Boger (LP) 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4

3S: Lauren Sterling (LP) d. Jory Swider (LC) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1

1D: Kayla Wurster / Madison Shreves (LP) d. Vanessa Olson / Krystal Rea (LC) 6-3, 6-3

2D: Nicole Stanek / Emma Rogers (LC) d. Cari Hughes / Emily Osborn (LP) 6-0, 6-2

In JV action, Crown Point defeated LaPorte, 5-1

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

May 2, 1913 – There is a movement to re-establish post office open windows on Sundays and Sabbath delivery of mail.

May 2, 1963 – The LaPorte YMCA purchases the Dr. Robert M. Kelsey Sr. property at 702 Maple Ave. at the corner of Monroe street.

May 2, 1988 – Newsweek reports that former White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan will disclose in his forthcoming book that President Reagan and his wife consulted astrologers for help in making decisions.

May 2, 2003 – The battle to see who will fill the Republican nomination for LaPorte mayor — Fran Milo or Leigh Morris — and face off against Democratic incumbent Kathy Chroback and Libertarian Mike Lisak — will be decided on Tuesday.

Presentation of the 15th annual Historian of the Year Awards will take place during the LaPorte County Historical Society’s annual Spring Dinner meeting at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State St., LaPorte, on Tuesday, May 21.

Awards are presented annually to an organization, a living individual, and an individual from the past who have worked to preserve and promote the history of LaPorte County.

Prior to the awards, dinner and a short meeting will take place. The dinner menu will consist of meat loaf with all the trimmings for $11 per person. Paid reservations must be received by 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. Reservations may be made by mail to the society at 2405 Indiana Ave., Suite 1, LaPorte, IN 46350, or at the museum. Social time will start at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30, then a short business meeting at 7:15.

You need not be a member to attend. Guests are welcome. The facility is handicapped accessible. You are invited to join the society if you have an interest in history, antiques, genealogy and LaPorte County. By joining this organization, you help to carry out its purpose and to provide one of the most outstanding museums in the state.

The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about the society and its museum, please visit www.laportecountyhistory.org.

Temple News Agency, 816 Jefferson Ave., will present a duo performing in the style of Simon & Garfunkel beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 11. The event is part of downtown LaPorte’s first “2nd Saturdays” event of 2013.

Indianapolis musician Joel Conner and operatic tenor Robert Bruce Scott of “il Troubadore,” the 16th century rock band based in Indianapolis, each have more than 30 years’ experience as entertainers. The music will be presented much as Simon & Garfunkel originally presented their music when barnstorming America in the 1960s — a well-played acoustic guitar and two voices in tight, intricate harmonies.

Conner and Scott will also have available “Living the Dream” CDs, a folk-rock album of mostly original music developed to support this concert series.

The artists are requesting donations to fund their performance. For more information, visit www.timelessfeel.com and www.RobertBruceScott.com, and contact Mike Sitar at (219) 362-2676 and tmplnewz@csinet.net.

Legendary radio disc jockey John Records Landecker will speaking and sign copies of his new book at the LaPorte County Public Library on Wednesday, May 15, from noon to 2 p.m.

His book, “‘Records’ Truly is My Middle Name,” is a biography of his beginnings in Michigan through his career at pioneer radio station WLS-AM in Chicago, and the present including his ties with Michigan City and LaPorte County. The book provides many photos and his humorous recollections of the origin of his “Boogie Check” call-in segment, celebrity encounters and the lifestyle that went along with the business at the time.

John will give examples of life at WLS in the 1970s and how the powerful radio station and its personalities influenced the country. Copies of his book will be available to the public.

This book signing is presented by Friends of the Library and is free to the public. “‘Records’ Truly is My Middle Name” is available at www.Eckhartzpress.com.

For more information on Landecker’s appearance, contact David Dabagia at 219.362.6156 or visit www.johnlandecker.com and www.laportelibrary.org.

State Rep. Scott Pelath will host a free tree giveaway on Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Michigan City Mainstreet Association’s Farmers Market, located at Washington and 8th streets.

The giveaway is part of a program conducted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is donating tree and shrub seedlings for free to residents to help beautify homes and communities and improve air quality. 

Pelath said he will be giving away 200 free trees on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one seedling per family. Four species of trees will be available: cherrybark oak, red oak, gray dogwood, and tuliptree.

“I encourage everyone to stop by this Saturday and pick up a free seedling for their home,” Pelath said. “A wise man once said, ‘Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.’”

Jon Littleton Buss, 64, of New Carlisle, IN, died May 1, 2013 at his home.

He was born Aug. 6, 1948.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, May 8, at 4:30 p.m. CST (5:30 p.m. EST) at Lamb’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Jay Loucks officiating. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday from 4  p.m. CST (5 p.m. EST) until the service. Arrangements are being handled by Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Lamb’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 6006 N. Fail Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350; or New Carlisle Animal Clinic Benevolence Fund, 8935 E. U.S. 20, New Carlisle, IN 46552.

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

The La Lumiere School Parents Association will host its annual spring auction May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City.

Inspired by the Kentucky Derby, this year’s event will have the traditional charm of the Derby experience. Assorted hats and Derby cuisine will highlight the evening’s festivities as the community comes together to support La Lumiere School in this important fundraising event.

Tickets are $100 and are still available. For more information, contact the school at 219.326.7450 or visit www.lalumiere.org.

Phil Alban captured this shot of the St. Paul steeple being removed from the church building on Thursday afternoon, May 2, 2013.

Kevin Nicholson sent this shot to WNLP, showing the majestic steeple being lowered to the ground.

(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)

You might not think a town the size of LaPorte has a skyline, but it does. The next time you drive in from East Lincolnway, take note of the buildings you see. The courthouse is the most prominent — but another, equally as visible, was the steeple of St. Paul United Church of Christ.

As of Thursday afternoon, May 2, 2013, that steeple was gone.

It stood just in front of IU LaPorte Hospital in the heart of downtown LaPorte. The rest of the extraordinarily tall church structure is scheduled to be demolished soon. Many items within the church were recently auctioned off and the stained glass windows were removed and purchased.

Perhaps to the surprise of many, the hospital has not purchased the church property. Rumor has it that the site is desirable for a coffee shop or similar retail business.

While the community waits to see what develops, here are some photos provided to WNLP by community members. We thank them all for preserving local history and evolution.

Mike Kellems took this photo of the steeple being prepared for removal — a first crane brought on site was reportedly unable to lift the steeple, so another was brought in. 

Two cranes cross as they work to remove the cross. Photo by Mike Kellems

Stained glass windows removed, the church stands ready to be demolished. Photo by Mike Kellems