Photos and info provided (click photos to enlarge)

Your child can join the LaPorte Community Swim Club (Turbos) to learn swimming skills, make new friends and more!

The club consists of swimmers from LaPorte, Michigan City, Valparaiso and New Buffalo, and its home pool is the LaPorte High School Natatorium. Its mission is to introduce the fundamentals of swimming, and to promote swimming as a lifetime recreational and fitness sport. The club offers opportunities for a wide range of abilities and interests, including competitive age-group swimming (Turbos), beginning competitive swimming (Jr. Turbos) and beginning swimmers (Pre-Turbos). While both the Jr. Turbos and the Turbos level are considered competitive, it is not required that the swimmer compete in meets. The Turbos level focuses on technique, endurance and some dry-land training. The Jr. Turbos level focuses on technique, turns and starts. The Pre-Turbos level practices for shorter periods of time and helps members develop the love of swimming.

The swim club has two seasons, winter (September to March) and summer (April to July). During the summer season, the club offers two practices times: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and/or 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. During the winter season, the club offers one practice time: Monday through Friday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Each December, the club hosts a two-day area swim meet at the LPHS Natatorium, thanks to the help and donations of club parents and families, LPHS Swim Team members and local businesses. This meet features over 100 area swimmers from more than five swim clubs.

The non-profit LaPorte Community Swim Club was established in 1978. When it first came into existence, members practiced wherever there was an open pool, mainly at the LaPorte YMCA. During the summer months, Sullair Corp. opened its outdoor pool for use during practices. Finally, a few years after LPHS opened its pool, the club had a permanent home. The name Turbos came to be after Howmet Corp. invested in the club.

New swimmers and volunteers are always welcome. For more information, visit http://hotturbos.swim-team.us/, visit during practice times at the LPHS pool, or call 219-362-3102 x 3343 and leave a message.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

July 7, 1914 – Gasoline may be displaced. A Pennsylvania man claims to have invented a new fluid as a substitute for gasoline.

July 7, 1964 – The Senate Labor Committee approves President Johnson’s anti-poverty bill. Only Sen. Barry Goldwater and his close supporter Sen. John G. Tower vote against it.

July 7, 1989 – The government imposes a ban on asbestos that will be phased in over seven years.

July 7, 2004 – A study says noise and stress prompt eating.

“Is this really necessary?”

Photos by Bob Wellinski

(Click on photos to enlarge)

The LaPorte County Fairgrounds were buzzin’ Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6, as 4-Hers and others prepared their animals and projects to show off to judges and visitors. Here are a few scenes from the goat check-in and other preparations. For details on the fair, which officially opens Monday, July 7, see the story on this same WNLP page.

Clean sawdust is a must for a comfy pen.

Livestock on leashes — not always easy to control.

Check out the slogan on the blue T-shirt.

4-H builds strong bodies.

Photos by Bob Wellinski

(Click on photos to enlarge)

It was Beach Blanket Bingo at Stone Lake on Thursday evening, July 3, as Cripple Creek took the sand for the weekly Arts in the Park concert. The venue, moved from Fox Park because of Independence Day preparations, proved to be a popular one. Arts in the Park concerts will return to Fox Park this coming week. Here are some of Bob’s shots from the lovely evening, which proved to be a perfect precursor to the July 4 activities.

NIPSCO is warning customers to watch out for fake NIPSCO employees asking to enter homes for inspection due to a “recent power outage.”

Some customers have reported that individuals dressed as utility employees try to gain access to homes in this manner.

NIPSCO states that utility workers should never need entry into your house during or after a power outage. Check IDs, make sure workers are in clearly identified NIPSCO vehicles, and report any suspicious activity to city or county police.

Photos by Mike Kellems

(Click on photos to enlarge)

On Sunday, July 6, the day before the LaPorte County Fair’s official opening, it was already packed! Events such as demolition derbies (one with cars, one with … tractors?) and early 4-H events pulled folks in. One food vendor reported doing double the business compared to the same day last year. See the WNLP story on this same page for more details about this week’s fair.

If you have a vehicle that can crash into another vehicle, chances are it can be entered into a demolition derby.

Worthy of a Norman Rockwell portrait, this photo shows Westville farmer John Coulter giving a tip of the hat to the photographer while enjoying a corn dog.

(DISCLAIMER: WNLP claims no responsibility for the following submitted caption!) “All of the politicians are lined up to greet folks.”

Remind you of your first car? Or maybe the General Lee?

Fender bender at the fair. (Wait — they don’t have any fenders.) 

Albert M. Torrone, 68, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2014, at Golden Living Center Fountainview Terrace, LaPorte.

He was born Sept. 14, 1945.

There will be no services. Cremation will take place. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Michael C. McMahan, 73, of LaPorte, died Sunday, July 6, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Feb. 2, 1941, in LaPorte to Edgar and Lucille (Wainscott) McMahan.

Michael worked for the post office as a mail carrier. He was a family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He also loved the family boxer, Maddie. He was a very generous man and would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. If you were a friend, you were a friend for life. He attended Salem Chapel.

On April 5, 1965, in Tennessee, he married Phyllis Ashcraft, who survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Trisha McMahan of LaPorte; one son, Brian (Jen) McMahan of New Carlisle, IN; three grandchildren, Anthony Rogers, Jake McMahan and Sean Rogers; one sister, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Nate McMahan; and one sister, Pat Vermilyer.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Rev. Bob Raschka officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, July 10, from 4 to 7 p.m.

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

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

LeRoy “Lee” Machtemes, 71, of LaPorte, left this world behind at 10 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2014, in his home.

He was born Jan. 22, 1943, in Harvey, IL, to Joseph and Mathilda (Kraatz) Machtemes. He was the youngest child of Joseph and Mathilda.

Lee was a professing Evangelic Christian and knew death was the only doorway to Jesus Christ. Lee is loved and missed by many.

Surviving are two sisters, Geraldine Manning and Lucille Plunkett; his four children, Marjorie Weathers and Joseph, Amy and Jonathan Machtemes; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his best friend he ever had, Sue Briskey.

Preceding him in death were his oldest son, Brian, three brothers and six sisters.

A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at Calvary Baptist Church, 18th and I streets, LaPorte. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Barbara Jean Wallace, 76, of LaPorte, died Saturday, June 5, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born June 12, 1937, in LaPorte to James S. and Cleta (Newland) Gourley.

Barbara worked for 10 years at Hamilton Grove Community. She enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycle riding, crocheting, knitting, and collecting horse figurines. She especially loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her life partner, Reinie Shippee of Rolling Prairie, IN; daughter, Dawn M. (Kevin) Bennett of Warren, IN; three sons, Nicholas L. (Racheal) Wallace of Butler, IN, Marshall F. Wallace of South Bend, IN, and Chad (Shannon) Shippee; two brothers, James S. (Faye) Gourley of Portage, IN, and Charles R. (Tonya) Gourley of LaPorte; 15 grandchildren, Ashley Campbell, Allie Bennett, Lindsie Smoker, William J. Wallace, Dinah Wallace, Trina Wallace, Brian Wallace, Casey Wallace, Lance Jackson, Kymberly Zoll, Haley Wallace, Keigaan Wallace, Noah Wallace, Nicholas L. Wallace IV, and Austin Shippee; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, son William J. Wallace, and one brother, Robert Gourley.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place Thursday, July 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte. Cremation will take place.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, 702 Barnhill Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

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

A Mill Creek man, 31, was found dead in a parked car in the 900 block of Jackson Street, LaPorte, early Friday, July 4, 2014.

LaPorte Police had not identified the man nor the cause of death as of the afternoon of July 7.

Police and EMS found the man sitting in a blue Ford Tempo, unresponsive, at about 3:15 a.m. July 4. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a 6-0 vote Monday evening, July 7, 2014, the LaPorte School Board chose Mark Francesconi as the new superintendent of LaPorte Community Schools.

Francesconi, who most recently served as associate superintendent of LaPorte schools, takes the helm from Interim Superintendent Michael Pettibone, who briefly served after former Interim Superintendent Rande Thorpe resigned in February just before being charged with gaming violations at casinos in two states.

After interviewing 18 candidates, the school board selected two finalists: Francesconi and Theresa Mayerik. Both have LaPorte County ties. Besides serving most recently for three years as LaPorte schools associate superintendent, Francesconi served as Michigan City High School principal for 10 years. Mayerik, a former LaPortean, has worked for School City of Hammond for 28 years.

Following two public hearings in recent weeks, the board met Monday and made its final decision. Monday’s unanimous vote was made with board member Jan Ribordy absent.

“We are pleased to have Mark Francesconi as our superintendent following a months-long search and process. As the assistant superintendent, Mark worked hard to fill the gaps in the absence of a permanent superintendent for over a year,” board President Mike Kellems said.

“Mark noted at tonight’s meeting that we are a good corporation that will become an excellent corporation. I’m confident that Mark is very capable of attaining the goals set forth by the board.”

Kellems said he was appreciative of all of the efforts put forth by the search committee as well as the support from the central office staff.

This sheep couldn’t be more ready to rule the ring during judging.

Photos by Bob Wellinski

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Sheep judging and horse competition took the stage Monday in 4-H activities at the LaPorte County Fair. Highlights of those activities and more are right here on WNLP, courtesy of Bob Wellinski!

Travis Lestinsky shows off his grand champion sheep and ribbons.

A couple of scofflaws clearly ignoring the rules.

WHEW! A 4-H member wipes her brow after success in horse competition.

Dancing with the Stars? A 4-Her wrestles with her sheep.

Fair fashionista: The perfect pink cowgirl hat.

“Say Pepsi, please”: A 4-Her rewards her four-hoofed friend with a soft drink.

Just a little more mousse …

Horse and rider get a high 5 from their trainer after competition.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

July 8, 1914 – Louis Demzien is awarded first prize for the finest lawn and garden among many contestants in LaPorte.

July 8, 1964 – J. Robert Miller, principal of LaPorte High School, is promoted to LaPorte assistant superintendent of schools in charge of business affairs.

July 8, 1989 – The 19th annual version of the LaPorte Sacred Heart Church Polish fest continues today.

July 8, 2004 – Mayor Leigh Morris says a large retail firm with 150 jobs has committed to LaPorte.

Matthew Martinez, 27, of LaPorte, has been charged with robbing the CVS Pharmacy at 1407 Lincolnway on Saturday, July 5, 2014, LaPorte Police said.

A man entered CVS at about 12:57 a.m., went to the pharmacy area and presented a note requesting specific medications. He indicated he had a weapon. After receiving the medications, he fled on foot.

A CVS employee sounded a security alarm, police responded and soon located Martinez, who matched the description of the robber, off of Oregon Street just west of CVS.

Martinez was subsequently charged with robbery, a Level 5 felony. He was also found to be wanted on a warrant for receiving stolen property, a Class D felony.

He was being held at the LaPorte County Jail on $15,000 bond.

Here’s the program for this Wednesday’s free LaPorte City Band concert at 7 p.m. at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park:

“March of the Belgian Paratroopers,” Pierre Leeman; “First Suite in E flat for Military Band,” Gustav Holst (1. Chaconne 2. Intermezzo 3. March); “Irish Tune from County Derry,” Percy Grainger; “Russian Sailor’s Dance,” Reinhold Gliere; “Americans We,” Henry Fillmore; Selections from “Jersey Boys,” arr. Michael Brown; “Kentucky Trotter,” Frank Perkins (in honor of the great LaPorte County Fair); Selections from “Les Miserables,” Claude-Michel Shoenberg; “Fairest of the Fair,” John Philip Sousa.

The city band’s Wednesday summer concerts are part of Tri Kappa’s Arts in the Park program, which also features refreshments, artwork, poetry, and other live music on Thursdays.

Scholarship winners and 10-year members were recognized at the LaPorte County 4-H Breakfast Saturday, July 5, 2014.

Samantha Rozinski

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

– LaPorte County 4-H Booster & Alumni Association Scholarship: Two awarded ($750 each):

Samantha Rozinski, daughter of Tim & Stephanie Rozinski of New Carlisle, a 10-year member of the Hudson Hustlin’ Helpers 4-H Club, has taken over 50 projects, including Photography, Rabbit, Crafts, Poultry, Rabbit Education, and Junior Leader, throughout her 4-H career. She has been the club song and recreation leader of her club, has attended 4-H Round Up and 4-H Camp, and is a member of the Indiana State 4-H Band.

Janelle Rehlander

Janelle Rehlander, daughter of John & Jan Rehlander of LaPorte, a 10-year member of the Kankakee Hustlin’ Hoosiers 4-H Club, has taken over 15 projects, including Swine, Beef, and Foods. She has been very active in her 4-H club and swine activities.

– Louis M. Daube Memorial Scholarship — “Do What’s Right … Do It Well!” One awarded ($750):

Samantha Rozinski (see information on Samantha above)

– Robert M. Morse Memorial 4-H Scholarship: One awarded ($1,000):

Jessica-Lena Bohlin

Jessica-Lena Bohlin, daughter of Katrina & Jeff Bohlin of LaPorte, a 10-year member of the LaPorte City Firestars 4-H Club, has taken over 100 projects, including Home Environment, Personality, Wildlife, Rabbit, Collections, American Heritage, and Junior Leader. She has served as president of her club and has attended 4-H Round-up, 4-H Camp and Indiana State Fair Youth Leadership Conference.

2014 4-H 10-YEAR MEMBERS (40 total):

Kristin Anderson, daughter of Jeff and Kathy Anderson, of Center Township

Kelly Barr, daughter of Ralph and Diane Barr, of Scipio Township

Jenna Beecher, daughter of Terry and Donna Beecher, of Dewey Township

Jessica-Lena Bohlin, daughter of Jeff and Katrina Bohlin, of Center Township

Jenna Bradley, daughter of Joe and Cathy Bradley, of Pleasant Township

Jessica Bruder, daughter of Daron and Lisa Bruder, of Dewey-Prairie Township

Jessie Burek, daughter of Edward Burek, of Pleasant Township

Kristin Cave, daughter of Brian and Joanna Cave, of Scipio Township

Robert Collins, son of Joy and Darold Willis, of Union Township

Alyssa Gerick, daughter of Robert and Julie Marie Gerick, of Pleasant Township

Jacob Gilmore, son of Jon and Sherry Gilmore, of Clinton Township

Delainey Hampel, daughter of Rhonda and Frank Hampel, of Wills Township

Kylie Harlow, daughter of Kerry and Kristy Harlow, of Scipio Township

Allysa Hay, daughter of Paul Jr. and Shannan Hay, of Kankakee Township

Rachael Hendricks, daughter of Jennifer and John Hendricks, of New Durham Township

Beth Johnson, daughter of George and Kathy Johnson, of Kankakee Township

Tyler Kessler, son of Mark Kessler and Kimberly Darnell, of Wills Township

Travis Lestinsky, son of Jim and Lori Lestinsky, of Kankakee Township

Rachael Lowe, daughter of Daniel and Darlene Lowe, of Hudson Township

Jillian Malecki, daughter of Ralph Malecki and Diane Wellborn, of Clinton Township

Zachary Muller, son of Julie Muller, of Center Township

JP Pietrowski, son of Jim and Jayne Karner, of Wills Township

Gemma Pizarek, daughter of Thomas Pizarek, of Scipio Township

Janelle Rehlander, daughter of John and Jan Rehlander, of Kankakee Township

Bailey Rist, daughter of Mike Rist and Monica Prather, of Galena Township

Jared Rose, son of Jody Jay and Angie Rose, of Kankakee Township

Jillian Rosenbaum, daughter of Todd and Patricia Rosenbaum, of Cass Township

Samantha Rozinski, daughter of Timothy and Stephanie Rozinski, of Hudson Township

Briana Satoski, daughter of Brian and Sue Satoski, of New Durham Township

Brock Sell, son of Walt and Melinda Sell, of Scipio Township

Kelsey Shumaker, daughter of Donald and Denise Shumaker, of Noble Township

Autumn Stevens, daughter of Angela Stevens, of Center Township

Taylor Thompson, daughter of David and Michele Thompson, of Scipio Township

Neal Tuholski, son of Dean and Denice Tuholski, of Scipio Township

Elijah Voelker, son of Lou and Elizabeth Voelker, of Scipio Township

Madeline Voelker, daughter of Lou and Elizabeth Voelker, of Scipio Township

Madisyn Walter, daughter of Greg and Wendy Walter, of Hanna Township

Clint Weisenberger, son of Debra and Wes Weisenberger, of Hudson Township

Tyler Wilke, son of Greg Wilke and Sheila Thornton, of Michigan City

Mitchell Wolff, son of Susan Carpenter and Richard Wolff, of Clinton Township

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

July 9, 1914 — LaPorte’s Dr. Simon tells about the wonderful uses of the X-ray in medical and surgical work after his three-month trip in Europe.

July 9, 1964 – Pennsylvania Gov. William Scranton urges the Republican platform committee to condemn the John Birch Society as a leading example of “weird” extremist groups in the United States.

July 9, 1989 – Walking has become the newest fad for Baby Boomers.

July 9, 2004 – Contrary to Thursday’s rumor, LaPorte County’s Merle Bannwart is still alive.

Photo by Mike Kellems

Photos by Bob Wellinski and Mike Kellems (click photos to enlarge)

Both Bob Wellinski and Mike Kellems had their shutter fingers ready Tuesday, July 8, 2014, as a rainbow briefly appeared in the sky.

Bob left his lawnmower to hurry across Johnson Road and capture his photo of the rainbow, as well as the moon with a colorful thundercloud.

Mike was at the perfect location — the LaPorte County Fair — to capture the rainbow at about 7 p.m.

Enjoy their photos of this rare and lovely sight.

Photo by Bob Wellinski

Photo by Bob Wellinski

Do cheap stuffed animals ever look as enticing as they do at the Mouse Game?

Photos by Mike Kellems

(Click on photos to enlarge)

The LaPorte County Fair is a draw at any time of day. But it’s especially enticing at night as the carnival lights dazzle visitors. Check out these photos from Mike.

No prettier sight than the carnival rides after dark.

Pioneer Land’s Blacksmith Shop draws visitors.

Wonder what they sell at this stand … can’t you just smell them?

Maybe gas is a little cheaper here.