Determined to continue its 30-plus year tradition, the LaPorte Tree Commission has rescheduled its free Arbor Day tree give-away.

Now scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, May 16 at Kesling Park’s 18th Street entrance, over 600 seedlings will be handed out. The give-away will take place, rain or shine. 

Darla Aldred, secretary for the commission, said 100 seedlings from each of the following species will be available this year: Sweetgum, Sycamore, Bald Cypress, White Oak, Tulip Tree and White Pine.

“The type of tree varies annually, based on availability from our source,” Aldred said. “All of the trees we give away are native to the region and therefore should thrive.” 

The tree commissioners will be on hand to provide information about each variety of seedling, as well as about how to properly plant a seedling. They will also be ready to answer any questions people may have. 

“Visitors are asked to social distance in line. There will be a limit on the number of people selecting trees at one time,” Aldred said.

The tree give-away program is funded by cash donations made at the event. Aldred said that, in most years, people who have accepted trees at the give-away event have been generous to the extent that donations cover the cost of the next year’s event. 

A donation box will be at Kesling on May 16. However, anyone interested in mailing a check to support this, or urban tree initiatives, can contact Commission President Nelson Slusser at phalaris27@gmail.com. Slusser may also be contacted if people have any questions. 

Graveside funeral services for Betty Schlundt will be 11 a.m.  Tuesday, May 12 at Kingsbury Cemetery, Kingsbury, Ind. with Pastor Bob Vale officiating.  Distancing of six feet will be observed and  those in attendance are strongly advised to wear a mask or other face covering.   Family visitation will be private.

Here is the original obituary:

Betty Schlundt, 92, of La Porte, Ind. passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, April 28, 2020.

Betty was born Nov. 15, 1927 in La Porte to William Harder and Anna (Felton) Harder.
On March 6, 1948, in Kingsbury, Ind. she married Russell Schlundt, who preceded her in death in 2012.

You can’t talk about Betty’s life without including Russ. Russ and Betty shared 64 years of a wonderful marriage, and a part of Betty died when Russ passed away. Life was never quite the same for her after that.

Betty and Russ lived a full life together in both work and play. She always had a pleasant attitude;  no matter how tough life was, she was always OK and always had a smile to share. Betty started a long working life as a telephone operator, often times walking to and from work late at night. A few years after marriage, Betty and Russ bought and operated Schlundt Food and Gas (which included a grocery store, service station, and trailer park) for six years in Kingsford Heights, Ind. Betty ran the grocery and raised the kids in the house attached to the back of the store, while Russ repaired cars and pumped gas. Then, after moving to Florida for a short time, Betty and Russ returned “home,” only to have Russ start his wholesale auto parts business and Betty going to school to become a beautician. Betty developed a steady client list and was busy every day,  making many ladies look their best while sharing a little gossip, of course.

Betty saved time away from work to enjoy what she and Russ loved to do most and that was to dance the night away at one of the local club dances (AND DANCE THEY COULD). They remained active in the over 40’s dance club and the Kingsbury Alumni Association. Betty’s other hobbies included trips to Vegas, winter trips to Florida, and many nights yelling BINGO with her friends at one of the local weekly bingo games. Betty, like the entire Schlundt family, enjoyed going to the LaPorte County Fair for several generations and visited with friends and family around the beef barn. Betty was also a member of the Ladies of the Moose and loved going to the Lodge to visit with friends.

Betty suffered through the death of a son, Fred, but is survived by daughter,  Lynn (Kevin) Rafferty of New Carlisle, Ind., son, Paul (Marge) Schlundt of Valparaiso, Ind. and daughter-in-law Vickie Schlundt, of LaPorte; eight grandchildren,  Candi (Gary) Kautz, Jamie Schlundt, Greg (Tammy) Schlundt, Kassie (Chris) McIntyre, Kory (Lara) Biggerstaff, Kelly (David) Amison, Tracy (Kevin) Scott, and Michael (Liz) Schlundt; and 10 (soon to be 11) great-grandchildren.

Betty was also preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, Walt, Fred (Fritz), John, Ray and Bill Harder.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 492, 925 Boyd Blvd, LaPorte, Ind. 46350-4420; VFW of LaPorte Post 1130, 181 McClung Rd., LaPorte, Ind. 46350;  Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, Ind., 46383; the La Porte County 4-H Beef Committee; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, Ind. is handling the arrangements.

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

Foodie Tuesdays is back.

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department has announced the return of summer time’s Foodie Tuesdays. Beginning May 26, one new mobile food vendor will be featured at Unity Park, located at 1010 Pine Lake Avenue, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“Join us along the shores of beautiful Pine Lake for a one-of-a-kind lunch break experience,” said Tabitha Aguilar. “This summer-long event series will feature many local food trucks and run through Tuesday, August 11.”

Local residents who are symptomatic for COVID-19, or have had contact with confirmed COVID-19 positive patients, are reminded that they there is a local site — the National Guard building, 2391 W. State Rd. 2, La Porte — where they may be tested. This site is one of several Indiana Department of Health COVID-19 testing sites set up throughout the state .

Hoosiers will not be charged for testing and insurance is​ not required. Those with private health insurance are asked to bring that information with them.​

Registration is required and can be done online at  https://lhi.care/covidtesting​or by calling 888-634-1116.

“Lovely Lake Michigan,” Shannon Woods wrote WNLP. She found some simple joy in nature, like many of our WNLP photographer-contributors. “I’m on hiatus from the La Porte Community  School Corporation,  and just enjoying a beautiful sunset drive with my family.”

If you have a Great Shot or more to share, send them as .jpg attachments to wnlp@whatsnewlaporte.com. Be sure to include the photographer’s name and a bit of information about each photo.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, La Porte County Public Library 

1920

Griewank Bros. have started excavating for the St. John’s Lutheran school building at Third and B streets and are at a standstill at the new library while waiting for plaster to finish the interior.

1970

Fire sweeps Valparaiso University’s administration building after officials addressed a protest rally of students outside the structure in one of many peace demonstrations on Indiana campuses.

1995

Twenty-two die in storms and tornadoes in Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri.

2010

The former meeting house of a church at 1008 Michigan Ave. owned by People Engaged in Preservation is designated a single site historic preservation district.

The SkillUp program is helping American Licorice in La Porte build up its maintenance workforce internally, providing critical help for both now and the future.

Carol Flaherty, the human resources business partner at American Licorice, collaborated with other local manufacturers to learn more about the SkillUp program. The program is part of the Vibrant Communities of La Porte County initiative, coordinated by the Unity Foundation and the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We have a need for additional maintenance workers here in our La Porte factory,” she said in a release from the Unity Foundation. “SkillUp helped provide funds for a pool of our existing workers to take classes to acquire those skills. It’s been a win-win for both American Licorice and our employees.”

The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board (NWIWB) oversees the use of grant money from the Department of Workforce Development to prepare the pipeline of workers for manufacturers in the county and greater region.

NWIWB partnered with several local schools and manufacturing organizations to ensure that the funds are used to improve the skillset of current employees as well as provide educated and trained workers for the future.

“American Licorice is a perfect example of how the program can help the business by helping the employees,” according to the Unity Foundation. Maintenance manager Jeremy Morton developed an interview process to determine which employees had the “mechanical mindset” that maintenance workers would need.

“We took the top nine test scores and put those employees into the first program,” he said. “It’s a two-year program where employees go to Ivy Tech on their own time. It takes dedication and commitment on their part.”

Classes include welding, mechanics, fabrication, electric, PLC and CNC programming, and additional maintenance courses. American Licorice partnered with Ivy Tech to develop a program that would result in maintenance workers who could handle the equipment and controls specific to their business. Classes began in the fall of 2019 and will continue through the summer of 2021.

The components provide a perfect example of how the SkillUp grant benefits manufacturing companies and workers across La Porte County and the nearby region. Brandon Smith is a maintenance apprentice at American Licorice. Smith has worked in the production side of the company for several years before applying for the maintenance program. After testing well and being accepted, he received SkillUp grant money to pay for classes at Ivy Tech.

“The maintenance program is a great opportunity,” Smith said. “I am learning critical skills that make me much more valuable to the company.” Smith has a mentor on staff to guide him through the apprenticeship program. “It’s really on the job training,” he said. “I get to take what I learn in the classroom and apply it to a real setting every day. The work helps to reinforce the training, and vice versa.”

As the maintenance manager, Morton oversees the apprentices as part of his workload. “I can see how the on the job work supplements the classroom training,” he said. “I can also determine which apprentices are more adapt at welding, electrical, and so on. Not everyone can apply particular skills at the same level. That’s ok, not all of them will perform the exact same work down the road.”

Morton also believes there is a big benefit from training employees who already work for American Licorice.

“These workers have already invested in the company,” he said. “Most have a home and family in the area. They want to be here for the long run, and that’s a big benefit for the company.”

High school seniors can apply for funds to attend Ivy Tech and learn the manufacturing maintenance skills so desperately needed. “American Licorice is only one of a dozen or more companies who need maintenance workers,” Flaherty said.

Linda Woloshansky, president and CEO of the Center of Workforce Innovations and staff to the NWIWB, said the impact of this initiative is tremendous, not only on manufacturing sector partnerships, but also on the community. She said that the intent is to develop a framework that can be applied to other industries and in other counties throughout the region.

“The initiative will also extend outstanding opportunities for high school students including those who participate in Career & Technical Education (CTE), local college students, and adults seeking a career in manufacturing,” Woloshansky said.

SkillUp is not just for current employees. The program is available for high school students who are interested in a career in manufacturing, as well as those currently unemployed and in search of a manufacturing career. High school students and parents are encouraged to contact the school’s career counselor to learn more about SkillUp. Those looking for a manufacturing career should contact the closest WorkOne office.

Manufacturers participating in the La Porte County SkillUp Network include Renolit, MCTD Inc.,  Sullair, Sullivan Palatek, Packaging Logic Inc., Arconic, Master Roll Manufacturing, American Licorice Company.

Schools participating in SkillUp include Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University Northwest, La Porte Community Schools, Michigan City Area Schools, New Durham Township Schools, South Central Community School Corporation and Tri-Township Schools.

Doris Mae Kettring, 88, of La Porte, Ind. passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at La Porte Hospital.

She was born Aug. 15, 1931 in Michigan City, Ind. to Rudolph and Bertha Irene Volstorf.

Doris, a homemaker, was a member of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church, New Carlisle, Ind. Doris truly loved her family, grandkids, and babies. She was an excellent house cleaner and loved to paint in her home. Doris also loved to cook and travel, especially camping in their motor home across the states. She also loved playing games such as cards, dice, and pinochle. Doris never knew a stranger.

She is survived  by her husband Dale; two sons, Dale (Judy) Kettring of Union Dale, Ind. and Darrel (Kathi) Kettring of Three Oaks, Mich.; three daughters, Diana Stovall of La Porte, Donna (Michael) Ziegler of Woodburn, Ind. and Darlene (Danny) Lowe of New Carlisle; 11 grandchildren, Kristy (Titus) Lloyd, Nathanael (Julia) Kettring, Bree (Todd) Steffen, Aaron (Maggie) Stovall, Chad (Diane) Ziegler, Derek Ziegler, Jacob (Amber) Kettring, Eryka Kettring, Aimee (Todd) Nguyen, Rachael Lowe, and Wyatt Lowe; 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Volstorf, and sister, Ruth Benson.

A private life celebration will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 8 at the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in New Carlisle, Ind. with Pastor Kalvin Morrison officiating. Interment will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery, New Carlisle. A memorial celebration for extended family and friends will be held at a later date.

Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Grove United Methodist Church in care of Haverstock Funeral Home.

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

A 35-year-old South Bend, Ind. woman was arrested by the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department early Thursday morning.

Police said Asia L. Jeter led police on a chase before being taken into custody.

The sheriff’s office issued the following statement:

“This morning at approximately 12:58 a.m. deputies were advised that the Berrien County Michigan Sheriff’s Department had initiated a motor vehicle pursuit in their county/state.  LCSO deputies learned that Berrien County authorities had attempted to check on the occupants of a vehicle, but the vehicle fled causing the pursuit.  Berrien County units terminated the pursuit on CR 500 East in northern Galena Township.

“A short time later, Captain Andrew Hynek observed the vehicle traveling south on CR 500 East near CR 700 North.  He attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, however the vehicle fled again.  The vehicle pursuit traveled through Rolling Prairie and then west on US 20.

“Near the intersection of US 20 and Range Road, two sets of tire deflation devices were deployed by assisting deputies.  The fleeing vehicle struck the tire deflation devices.  The vehicle dramatically slowed and eventually stopped on US 20, east of Wilhelm Road.

“Jeter, the driver, was positively identified at La Porte Hospital while she was being medically treated.  Once identified, deputies learned Jeter was a wanted person by authorities in St. Joseph and Lake Counties.

“Jeter was discharged and then transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ).  Jeter was booked into the LCJ for the following charges:

• Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 6 Felony
• Identity Deception – Level 6 Felony
• Driving While Suspended (Prior Conviction) – Class A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
• Wanted Person Holds – St. Joseph County and Lake County

“Jeter remains housed in the LCJ and is being held without bond.

“Assisting personnel: Sergeant James D. Arnold, Deputies Paul Adams, Keith Waltz, Austin Wells, Dan Kesling, Jet Balenia and Kasz Billings.

“Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations.  Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Shirley Ann Fort, 78, of La Porte, Ind. passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020.

Shirley was born in Kentucky on Sept. 1, 1941 to Henry and Ethel (Creech) Richie.  She moved to Indiana as a young child.  Shirley grew up in Starke County and graduated from North Judson High School in 1959. 

In 1976 she married the love of her life, John Fort.

Shirley is survived by her four children, Jonathan Fort of La Porte, Jeremy Fort of Michigan City, Ind., Don Marcum of Michigan City, and Veronica Lakewood of Florida; four grandchildren, Monica Marquis, Haley Ann Fort, Eric Lee Fort, and Jackson Taylor Fort; two great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Lavelle (Sandy) Richie of Knox, Ind., Vanis Richie of Mill Creek, Ind. and Ronnie (Shirley) Richie of La Porte.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters Geraldine Brahsears and Laverlle Richie; and daughter Melody Carter.

At Shirley’s request, her body was donated to the IU School of Medicine.

Cutler Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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

Compiled by Mary Hedge, La Porte County Public Library  

1920

The City band, Advance-Rumely baseball club, and a parade of automobiles, decorated in all ways, will parade the streets in honor of the baseball club opening the season in the fair grounds.

1970

La Porte High school students elect Student Council officers, Steve Hines, president; Mark Bauer, vice president; Rita Boklund, secretary; and Gale Holmes, treasurer.

1995

President Clinton joins Russian president Boris Yeltsin and other world leaders to honor “our shared victory over fascism” in World War II.

2010

Long Beach residents Bill and Dalia Wendt petitioned the Indiana Supreme Court in an attempt to block a settlement in La Porte County’s property tax dispute.

A six-week ballroom dancing course will once again be offered this spring by the La Porte Park and Recreation Department.

The department is taking registrations now for the classes, which begin Thursday, May 14 and continue through Thursday, May 14. Classes will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium, lower level. Cost is $70.

This couples-only (those iving in the same household) are welcome to register.

The department said that proper social distancing protocols will be in place, along with cleaning and hand sanitizing.

Those interested may register at the park office by calling 219-326-9600 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patty Kolvek, owner of Dance Sophisticates, will be class instructor.

Participants are asked to use the ramp door entrance on Plain Street.

Deadline to register is Wednesday, May 14.

This month’s full moon officially occurred early Thursday morning, but space.com says that, to the casual stargazer, the moon appeared full the night before, which is when WNLP’s Mike Kellems captured these images at the Indiana Dunes State Park. The Farmer’s Almanac says May’s full moon is known as the Full Flower Moon; other names are the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Full Milk Moon.

Whatever you choose to call it, this full moon is beautiful.

If you have a Great Shot or more to share, send them as .jpg attachments to wnlp@whatsnewlaporte.com. Be sure to include the photographer’s name and a bit of information about each photo.

The Slicer Booster Club Golf Outing, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 17, has been rescheduled and will now be held Saturday, July 11 at Beechwood Golf Course.

Registration and lunch will begin at noon with a shotgun start at 1 pm.  Cost is $100 per player/ $400 per team.

Proceeds from the golf outing are used to purchase all awards for Slicer athletes and help defray the cost of the Hubner Hall of Fame.

Registration forms can be obtained by emailing Ed Gilliland at egilliland@lpcsc.k12.in.us

La Porte residents in need of assistance will continue to receive support from the city, Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Parthun said.

“The virus has taken its toll on our nation’s economy and left many throughout the country jobless,” she said. “We understand this could be a time of financial hardship for some of our fellow La Porte residents, and we want to do what we can to help.”

To assist those who might be struggling during this difficult time, Parthun said utility billing shut-offs have been suspended until June 1, 2020, in addition to several other support measures:

• Suspension of late payment charges through June 1, 2020;
• Flexible payment arrangements, in which customers can spread the balance due across multiple months;
• Bilingual customer service; and
• Income-qualified assistance through Center Township Trustee (email centertownship@gmail.com for more information).

Parthun said residents in need of support should reach out to the utility billing office at the first sign they may have trouble paying their bill so arrangements can be made.

At this time, City Hall is still open to the public through email and phone only. Parthun said residents can pay their bills online, through the mail or by using the dropbox located outside City Hall. She said those who can pay on time should continue to do so.

For more information, residents may call the utility billing office at call 219-362-3175 or email UtilityBilling@CityofLaPorteIN.gov.

“Sunset in our backyard,” La Porte County resident Robin Lewis wrote WNLP. The mirror image was captured Wednesday — before temperatures began reaching lows in the 30s. A freeze warning is in effect for the area overnight Friday until early Saturday morning.

If you have a Great Shot or more to share, send them as .jpg attachments to wnlp@whatsnewlaporte.com. Be sure to include the photographer’s name and a bit of information about each photo.