Mary Lou Reed, 70, of Florida and formerly of LaPorte, died Feb. 15, 2014, in Florida after a lengthy illness.

She was born Dec. 22, 1943, in Bucyrus, OH, to Martha and Dale Neumann.

When she was a toddler, her family moved to LaPorte. She graduated from LaPorte High School in 1962. She spent many years as co-owner of the family business. She and her husband eventually moved to Florida and continued with the business until they retired. She enjoyed lifelong hobbies of sewing and knitting, and also enjoyed gardening. She never tired of talking about her three grandchildren.

She married Richard Reed, and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. He survives.

Also surviving are their son, Dean Reed and his wife Laura and their daughter Julia; their daughter, Marty Kovacs and her husband David and their children Madeline and Meg; her older brother Dave Neuman and his wife Joanne; her younger brother Phil Neumann and his wife Dianne; numerous nieces and nephews; and many great friends.

A gathering of friends and family will take place Saturday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m. EST at Liberty Baptist Church, Clermont, FL. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. EST at the church with former Senator Dick Langley officiating. Becker Funeral Home, Clermont, is handling arrangements.

She had asked that memorial contributions be made to the Children’s Leukemia Research Association, 585 Stewart Ave., Suite 18, Garden City, NY 11530.

Memorial contributions may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at beckerfamilyfuneral.com.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Feb. 18, 1914 – A local man brings proceedings for his divorce because he says his wife left him for a house of ill repute and later conducted a house of ill repute in South Bend.

Feb. 18, 1964 – One of the two yearly Dollar Days sales will be this Friday and Saturday in downtown LaPorte.

Feb. 18, 1989 – U.S. Rep. John Hiler stops in LaPorte to speak with Mayor Elmo Gonzalez about the welfare of the city.

Feb. 18, 2004 – The LaPorte School Board prepares to decide how to redistrict Kesling and Boston middle schools.

Squirrel du Soleil.

Photos by Bob Wellinski

(Click on photos to enlarge)

All creatures great and small are trying to find ways to endure this challenging winter. While we humans can turn to bad frozen pizzas, fish sticks and peanut butter sandwiches in the pinch of a blizzard, our outdoor friends have to work harder — and sometimes be downright crafty — to get their next meal.

Among Bob Wellinski’s many frequent studies has been the common squirrel. Some journalism colleagues have accused him over the years of using this creature as an easy feature photo “get” — sit at the kitchen table in your PJ’s and stop munching your cornflakes long enough to snap a shutter a time or two, and bingo. You capture a squirrel’s antics and your work is done.

Well, you know what? Those colleagues are right.

Still, Bob’s photos of his bushy-tailed pals always entertain. Here’s a critter from his 2014 collection.

A blue jay takes offense to the furry intruder’s presence.

Sweet success.

The dismount. Judges’ score: 9.2.

Mr. Dan L. Smith, 79, of Michigan City, IN, died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, at Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Crown Point, IN.

He was born Oct. 12, 1934, in Mishawaka, IN, to Deloss and Lois Marie (Shaw) Smith.

Dan worked as a tool and die maker for Teeter Tool & Die in LaPorte. He was former volunteer firefighter with the Coolspring Township Volunteer Fire Department.

On Feb. 13, 1954, in LaPorte, he married Delight Dinger Smith, who preceded him in death April 26, 2004.

Dan was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ardes Engelbrecht.

He is survived by his son, David (Chrissy) Smith of Michigan City; three daughters, Cindy Smith of South Bend, IN, Christine (Galen) Dixon of Hickory Hills, IL, and Laurie (Robert) Glennon of Michigan City; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Arlene Pajor of LaPorte and Margaret Hall of Missouri; and two brothers, Donald Smith of Coloma, MI, and Deloss Smith of Sarasota, FL.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, Feb. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A life celebration will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Billy Nickrand officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers contributions, may be made to pancreatic cancer research.

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

Jeanette L. Sales, 82, of Michigan City, IN, died Feb. 17, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born May 3, 1931, in Michigan City to Raymond and Irene (Thompson) Schaefer.

Jeanette was a home health care provider and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte.

In June 1949 in Chicago, she married William Sales, who preceded her in death.

Jeanette was also preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Bryan Sales; and one sister, Linda Thompson Silva.

She is survived by three daughters, Gayle (John) Staiger of West Chester, OH, Patricia (Jerry) Gifford of Michigan City and Mary (Ron) Bugg of LaPorte; three sons, Leonard (Betty) Sales of LaPorte, William (Ranae) Sales of LaPorte and Daniel (Jaime) Sales of Rolling Prairie, IN; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marlene White of Michigan City and Patsy Zeman of LaPorte; two brothers, Raymond Schaefer of Springfield, MO, and Robert Schaefer of Richmond, IN; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral Mass will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Joseph Angotti officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. and on Thursday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The rosary will be recited Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, following the Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Rd., Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814; or Mental Health of America, 2000 N. Beauregard St., 6th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311.

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

The LaPorte Park and Recreation Department will hold its second Youth Sports Registration Nights – with registrations offered for Cal Ripken Baseball, Girls Softball, T-Ball and Tennis – from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium.

Keeping sports fun — especially in the early stages of youth participation — is the primary concern of the park programs. The department believes in participation for all, positive competition and building character. The programs teach fundamentals and traditions of the game, champion sportsmanship and encourage family and community support.

For complete details on the LaPorte Park and Recreation Department youth sports programs, visit www.cityoflaporte.com.

Cal Ripken Baseball

Cal Ripken Baseball includes three age divisions: Rookie (ages 7-8), Minor (ages 9-10) and Major (ages 11-12). The seasons run from early spring through July. Tournament teams are offered for most age groups. Cost is $45 for first child and $35 for each additional child in same household. An additional $20 will be added to registration fee after March 7.

Girls Softball

Girls Softball offers three age divisions for slowpitch: Coach Pitch (ages 7-9), Junior (ages 10-12) and Senior (ages 13-17). The seasons run from early spring through July. Cost is $45 for first child and $35 for each additional child in same household. An additional $20 will be added to registration fee after March 7.

T-Ball

T-Ball is for boys and girls ages 5-6. The season runs in June and July. Cost is $45 for first child and $35 for each additional child in same household. An additional $20 will be added to registration fee after May 2.

Tennis

Tennis offers levels for boys and girls ages 4 and older. The lessons are held in June and July. Cost is $38 for Tots (ages 4-6), $48 for Level 1 (beginners) and $58 for Levels 2-5. The fee is discounted $10 for each additional child in same household. Tennis racquets are available for an additional $16. Registration nights will also be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, at the Bill Reed Tennis Complex.

Registration night is held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium. Please use the side door down the ramp on Plain Street to enter. Age divisions are based upon a child’s age as of April 30, 2014. Make checks payable to the LaPorte Park and Recreation Department. Visa/MasterCard accepted. Late registration available beginning Feb. 21 at the Park Office (250 Pine Lake Avenue), by phone with credit card at (219) 326-9600 or at www.cityoflaporte.com.

For more information, contact Recreation Director Mark Schreiber at (219) 326-9600 or mschreiber@cityoflaporte.com.

Hazel Harrison, born in LaPorte and a 1902 graduate of LPHS, was a renowned classical pianist in both America and Europe. She later taught piano at Tuskegee Institute and Howard University. (Photo courtesy africanamericanregistry.org)

In honor of Black History Month, LaPorte County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz will present “Early Black History of LaPorte County” on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. at the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum.

Fern will give the history on schools, churches, Civil War veterans, businessmen, a world-renowned female pianist, and much more.

The monument for African-American Civil War soldier William Banks in Patton Cemetery.

The museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, and is handicapped accessible. There is no charge for the program; regular museum admission price of just a few dollars will be collected.

For more information, visit www.laportecountyhistory.org, call (219) 324-6767 and email feschultz@laportecountyhistory.org.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Feb. 19, 1914 – A high school boy of 17 kills a woman in St. Joseph, Mich., just to satisfy a craving to do something that would be sensational.

Feb. 19, 1964 – A survey points out the practical idea of one new, modern hospital to replace the unsuitable hospital beds in LaPorte.

Feb. 19, 1989 – LaPorte churches such as First United Methodist, First Baptist, St. Paul’s Episcopal, and Sacred Heart Catholic ring in a new era with electronic carillons.

Feb. 19, 2004 – Business at Michigan City’s Blue Chip Casino is so good, a big expansion is in the works.

Indiana, including LaPorte County, played a key role in freeing slaves via the Underground Railroad network. A new opportunity to learn more about this fascinating chapter in history will take place Thursday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. at the LaPorte County Public Library.

“Indiana’s Underground Railroad,” a workshop presented by the Indiana State Museum, will highlight the importance of the Underground Railroad in Indiana and the nation before, during and after the Civil War. Characters portraying figures from the time period will lead participants in the presentation, which will highlight hands-on activities as part of the experience.

This free workshop is intended for students in grades 3 and up as well as adults. It is sponsored by LaPorte County Public Library’s Friends of the Library.

For more information on this or other presentations, call 219.362.6156 and visit www.laportelibrary.org.

LaPorte officials created new parking rules to accommodate snow removal on city streets at a meeting Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014.

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 20, and for the next 30 days:

On even-numbered calendar days, vehicle owners are required to park on the even-numbered side of the street (according to house numbers). On odd-numbered calendar days, vehicle owners are required to park on the odd-numbered side of the street (according to house numbers).

There will be a grace period from midnight to 6 a.m. daily when this will not be enforced, however enforcement action will resume after 6 am.

A warning will be issued for first-time violations. A second offense will result in a ticket being issued with a monetary fine. Subsequent violations will result in the vehicle being towed with accompanying fine.

“This winter season, our area has experienced an unusual amount of heavy snowfall, making many streets nearly impassable for motorists, school buses and emergency vehicles,” the LaPorte Board of Works and Safety stated in a press release. “The policy is one that has been adopted by other nearby communities such as Michigan City and South Bend in order to provide for public safety and to aid in clearing the streets of large amounts of accumulated snow without banning street parking altogether.

“Please help spread the word by forwarding this information to those you know who live in the City of LaPorte!”

Mrs. Sara E. Moreau, 74, of LaPorte, died Feb. 15, 2014, at Hamilton Grove Communities, New Carlisle, IN.

She was born Oct. 31, 1939, in Henderson, IN, to Howard and Era Mae (Young) Burross.

Sara was a cook for the LaPorte County Jail.

On March 2, 1968, in North Liberty, IN, she married Robert Moreau, who survives.

She is also survived by one daughter, Lori A. Scott of LaPorte; two sons, Anthony (Mary) Moreau of Rochester, IN, and Brian Moreau of LaPorte; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one brother, Bill Burross of Millington, IN.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte. Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. until the service. Burial will be at a later date.

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

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Feb. 20, 1914 – Special services will commemorate the founding of St. John’s Lutheran Church in LaPorte 50 years ago.

Feb. 20, 1964 – Armed Cypriots open fire on British soldiers for the first time since the current Cyprus crisis began in December.

Feb. 20, 1989 – Oliver North, self-acknowledged “action officer” of the Iran-Contra affair, goes on trial.

Feb. 20, 2004 — LaPorte County Sheriff Jim Arnold says county crime is down because of more officer visibility.

Thirty-six people were arrested on outstanding warrants in LaPorte County on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, in a sweep dubbed “Operation Heartbreak.” Local, state and federal officers participated in the crackdown.

The warrant sweep was organized with the assistance of the newly formed Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST), whose job is locating, investigating and serving active warrants throughout the community. Among departments participating: Michigan City Police, Long Beach Police, Trail Creek Police, Westville Police, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.

Those arrested:

– Wendell Barnes Jr., 32, Michigan City, dealing a controlled substance, Class B felony

– Antonne Barron, 45, Michigan City, dealing marijuana, Class C felony

– Allen Biggers Jr., 20, Michigan City, dealing marijuana, Class C felony

– Deandre Burnett, 34, Michigan City, dealing marijuana, Class C felony

– Megan Coffey, 23, LaPorte, false informing, Class A misdemeanor

– Verleen Corley (Simmons), 41, Michigan City, dealing cocaine, Class A felony

– Kevin Crabb, 27, LaPorte County Jail, dealing cocaine, Class B felony

– Carol Daniels, 66, Michigan City, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Amanda Doolin, 33, Michigan City, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Mario Ellis II, 20, Michigan City, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Joshua Ferrell, 23, LaPorte County Jail, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Candace Finney, 54, Michigan City, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Zachary Granzo, 23, Michigan City, dealing heroin, Class B felony

– George Grattenthaler, 21, Michigan City, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Trinaston Hart, 30, Michigan City, dealing marijuana, Class C felony

– Michael Husiar, 53, LaPorte, neglect of a dependent, Class C felony

– Ledon Jordan, 25, LaPorte County Jail, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Devan Kloss, 24, Indiana DOC, dealing cocaine, Class A felony

– Stephanie Long, 39, Michigan City, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Jared Marshall, 35, LaPorte, dealing heroin, Class A felony

– Eric Mathena, 22, Michigan City, dealing marijuana, Class C felony

– Anttwon Merriweather, 36, Michigan City, possession of marijuana, Class A misdemeanor

– Glenn Merriweather, 27, Michigan City, dealing marijuana, Class C felony

– Quonzee Merriweather, 20, Michigan City, dealing cocaine, Class A felony

– Stephanie Newberry, 25, LaPorte County Jail, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– George Page, 62, Michigan City, dealing cocaine, Class A felony

– Blair Phillips, 21, Michigan City, dealing heroin, Class B felony

– Thorn Robbins, 24, LaPorte, obstruction of justice, Class D felony

– Tyler Schuette, 21, Walkerton, dealing a controlled substance, Class A felony

– Crystal Sheets, 31, Michigan City, dealing cocaine, Class B felony

– Victoria Shelly, 32, Michigan City, FTA for driving while suspended, Class A misdemeanor

– Henry Tiggs Jr., 36, Michigan City, dealing cocaine, Class A felony

– Christian Ungrodt, 28, LaPorte, dealing marijuana, Class C felony

– Erick White, 39, Michigan City, FTA for operating while intoxicated, Class A misdemeanor

– Dylan Yanke, 24, Millard County Jail, Utah, dealing heroin, Class A felony

– Daniel Young, 27, Michigan City, FTA for driving while suspended, Class A misdemeanor

Anyone with information on criminal activity or the location of wanted fugitives is asked to call the Michigan City Police Crime Tip Hotline at 219-873-1488 or LaPorte County Metro Operations at 219-325-9022. Individuals can remain anonymous.

The New Prairie United School Corporation will conduct its annual Kindergarten Round-Up for students living in the New Prairie district.

Registration is held ALL DAY at the times, locations and dates listed below. You must also attend the informational meeting in the evening. The Round-Up schedule is (all times are CST):

– Tuesday, March 18, at Olive Township Elementary School. General Registration 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Parent Informational Meeting and Registration 5:30 p.m. Tara Bush, Principal; phone 654-7531 or 778-4740

– Wednesday, March 19, at Prairie View Elementary School. General Registration 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Parent Informational Meeting and Registration 6 p.m. Rhonda Myers, Principal; phone 654-7258 or 778-9388.

– Wednesday, March 26, Rolling Prairie Elementary School. General Registration 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Parent Informational Meeting and Registration 6 p.m. Becky Bartlett, Principal; phone 778-2018.

Your child must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 1, 2014, to enroll. If your child is going to turn 5 between Aug. 2 and 31, he/she is eligible for the early entrance testing, which must be completed by Aug. 1. Contact the superintendent’s office to make those arrangements; the contact person is Barb Hart at 219-778-1482 or 574-654-0211. In order to be considered for this all-day program, you MUST register your child during Kindergarten Round-Up at your local school.

Parents are asked to bring with them a certified birth certificate, obtainable at the courthouse of the county in which your child was born; your child’s immunization records, and proof of residency. Children living outside the New Prairie district are welcome to apply to the kindergarten program. Enrollment decisions will be based on class size. Please contact the school principal for further information.

If you have any questions regarding residency or which school your child will attend, please feel free to contact the school office at the phone numbers listed above or the New Prairie Transportation Department at 654-7373 or 778-9585.

The LaPorte County Emergency Management Agency is providing free unfilled sandbags to anyone who needs them during this snow-melt period. Sand is available at home supply stores and landscaping or agricultural businesses.

The empty sandbags are available during business hours at:

– LaPorte County Highway Department, corner of 5th Street and Zigler Road, LaPorte

– LaPorte Street Department, 1206 L St., LaPorte

– Michigan City Central Services, 1801 Kentucky St., Michigan City

After business hours, call 219-608-5768 or 219-809-7225.

The agency also reminds residents to avoid walking through moving water, avoid driving through major areas of standing water, and call 911 and/or utility experts if significant water gathers in your basement.

Mr. Lawrence “Bill” H. Miller, 89, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Nov. 5, 1924, in Kingsbury, IN, to Henry and Laura (Bunton) Miller.

Bill worked for New York Blower for 27 years. He was a member of Teamsters Local 135 and was an U.S. Army veteran, serving overseas during World War II.

On Nov. 22, 1947, he married Evelyn (Reading) Miller, who survives. They were married for 66 years.

He is also survived by two daughters, Judy (Don) Waldrop and Pam (John) Pierzakowski, both of LaPorte; three grandchildren, Heather (Jerry) Daugherty of Austin, TX, Amber (Kevin) Jakel of Chesterton, IN, and John (Nicole) Pierzakowski of South Bend, IN; four great-grandchildren, Breyanna Ackerman, Ethan Daugherty and Madeline and Nicholas Jakel; and stepbrother, Melvin Ott of Texas.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edward and Howard Miller; two sisters, Bernice Hyatte and Betty Gribble; and half-sister, Margaret Abel.

There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at Pine Lake Cemetery on Monday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Hines officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at the cemetery, with a military service conducted by the LaPorte Honor Guard. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 Redcoach, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Midwest Affiliate Memorials & Tributes, Lockbox 3816, Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.

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

Mrs. Elizabeth M. Nowicki, 97, of Chicago Land Christian Village, Crown Point, IN, died Feb. 19, 2014.

She was born Nov. 16, 1916, in Kokomo, IN, to Stephen and Helen (Keller) Revers.

Elizabeth had lived in Crown Point for eight years, coming from LaPorte. She had retired from Rever Company as a clerk. Elizabeth was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, and belonged to the church’s funeral committee. She was a Girl Scout leader, enjoyed homemaking and loved her granddaughters.

On May 17, 1941, in LaPorte, she married Stanley M. Nowicki, who preceded her in death May 27, 1966.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Foster and Jean Newland; two brothers, Joseph and Edward Revers; and sister-in-law Lucille Jensen.

She is survived by one daughter, Cathy (David) Goldman of Lakes of the Four Seasons, IN; two granddaughters, Veronica (Patrick) Wise and Renee (Joseph) Barrera, both of Lakes of the Four Seasons; five great-grandchildren, Kiley, Ashlynn and Blair Wise and Joey and David Barrera; one sister, Pauline Revers of LaPorte; one brother, Richard Revers of LaPorte; one sister-in-law, Katherine Revers of Louisville, KY; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will take place on Monday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Joseph Angotti officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. A prayer service will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery following the Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lakes of the Four Seasons Lions Club, 3247 Rustic Lane, Crown Point, IN 46307.

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

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Feb. 21, 1914 – Two pickpocketers found on trains from Chicago are now in jail.

Feb. 21, 1964 – Jack Ruby’s defense accepts its second prospective juror in 31 tries, but the state dismisses him with a peremptory challenge.

Feb. 21, 1989 – A record seizure of 838 pounds of Asian heroin worth $1 billion in New York is only a small victory in the war against drugs.

Feb. 21, 2004 – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger directs legal steps to stop San Francisco from granting marriage licenses to gay couples.

Lanette S. Smith, 64, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 6:04 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, in her home.

She was born Dec. 30, 1949, in LaPorte to Carl and Vivian (Spaeth) Wisnieski.

Lanette worked as a systems administrator at the LaPorte Water Department for 23 years. She was a member of Calvary Church, Valparaiso, IN. Lanette enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, painting and gardening. She was a good bowler in her earlier years. Lanette loved being a grandmother, loved her family, and loved the Lord and her church.

On Nov. 26, 1976, in LaPorte, she married the love of her life, Michael Smith, who survives. They were happily married for 37 years.

Also surviving are three children, Jill (Eric) Struss of LaPorte, Julie (Kristoffer) Brandush of Valparaiso and Nicholas (Faryl) Smith of Valparaiso; one brother, Carl (Mary) Wisnieski of Union Mills, IN; and six grandchildren, Gabriel, Rebekah, Seth, Amelia, Taryn, and Nia.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one brother, Mark Wisnieski; and one granddaughter, Sadie Jo Smith.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be on Saturday from noon until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Compassion.com/donate, or to Calvary Church, 1325 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

LaPorte County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jim Sosinski is making it official that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the office of sheriff.

The primary election is May 6 and the general election is Nov. 4.

Sosinski said in a press release that since he filed exploratory committee paperwork in June 2013, he has received overwhelming support and is excited and very humbled by the faith that people have expressed in him.

Sosinski grew up on the west side of Michigan City and is a lifelong resident of the Michigan City area, currently living in Coolspring Township. He graduated from Michigan City Rogers High School in 1974. He and his wife Lois have been married for 36 years. They have two children, Ryan, 22, and Laura, 17. He is a graduate of Leadership LaPorte County and a member of Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, Michigan City Lions Club and St. Joe Club.

Sosinski has been with the sheriff’s office for 32 years. He started as a jail officer under former Sheriff Jan Rose, now deceased. He was then promoted to patrol officer and graduated with honors from the 82nd session of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, finishing with a ranking of 3rd in his class. He was promoted to sergeant under former Sheriff Jim Arnold and tasked with heading the Warrants Division. He made quality improvements in policies and procedures which increased accountability of the tracking of warrants, which led to reduced liability for the department. Sosinski later earned the rank of captain and is currently Sheriff Mollenhauer’s chief deputy.

Mollenhauer said of Sosinski: “When I was elected sheriff in 2006, I was tasked with the decision to choose a person who I could trust to be second in command of the entire LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department. The decision for me was easy and clear that the officer I would choose was the person I knew to have high moral character, integrity, honesty, fairness, and the status of a true professional law enforcement officer. It was then, and remains today, to be Chief Deputy Jim Sosinski. Jim and I worked together for many years under my shift command. This is the man I could always rely on to get the job done and be a true man of his word. Jim Sosinski is the only person with the leadership ability and years of experience to continue to lead this department in the right direction. For these reasons, without any hesitation, I endorse Chief Deputy Jim Sosinski to be the next sheriff for LaPorte County.”

Sosinski said: “I will always place God first and pray for wisdom to fulfill my duties. I stand ready to enforce the laws of the State of Indiana and to protect and serve the citizens of LaPorte County. As your sheriff, I pledge to be a person who is approachable by all and will listen to your concerns. I have worked under five sheriffs and have learned something from each. I will never accept failure of myself or of my office. I will make no excuses and I will never quit. I will not allow politics from keeping me from doing the right thing for the right reasons.

“I will continue to build on the cooperation and great relationships we currently enjoy with all law enforcement agencies within and out of our county. We all share the same goals and can achieve so much more when we work as one in the spirit of cooperation, which benefits all of our citizens. Crime has no boundaries. The drug problem continues to be an issue in LaPorte County. I vow to continue to seek out those who peddle this poison that ruins so many lives. I also believe we can utilize some of our social service agencies better to assist with the drug problem and many other issues. With law enforcement and our social service agencies working together, we can combat the problems at the root causes in an effort to prevent crime. An example of one of those agencies is Dunebrook, which provides many intervention and prevention programs in child abuse and helps parents in their parenting skills. I believe that many of our problems come from the complete breakdown of our family units. Peace in the home equates to peace in the community.

“I hope to earn your trust by continually delivering on my belief in respect, fairness and honesty to all those I serve and work with. I ask for your support for a better LaPorte County.”