Don’t underestimate the power of local history … a dramatic bolt of lightning cracks through the sky above the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum on June 30. (Wellinski)
PHOTOS BY BOB WELLINSKI AND MIKE KELLEMS
(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)
WNLP is privileged to benefit from the photographic skills of Bob Wellinski and Mike Kellems. Both have given their time in 2014 to capture the scenes, events and faces of LaPorte County, encompassing every emotion imaginable.
We hope you can find a few moments to reflect on these images, which are sure to evoke both smiles and tugs to the heart. Happy New Year from WNLP.
Firefighters place white carnations on the casket of New Carlisle Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Middlebrook on Aug. 11 at the town’s cemetery. Middlebrook died Aug. 5 fighting a business fire. The carnations have a red center, signifying the sacrifice of life in the line of duty. (Kellems)
Um … remember Winter 2014? After 21.6 inches of snow fell Jan. 4-6, all that was visible of a snowmobile off County Road 400 South was that blade sticking up at left. Here LaPorte County Det. Jon Burger helps a citizen dig it out Jan. 6. (Kellems)
As the relentless winter continued, some roads — including Johnson — were closed Jan. 24 because of blowing, drifting and arctic temps. (Wellinski)
Three people and a dog were killed and some 30 were hurt in a massive pileup on I-94 in Michigan City Jan. 23. The pileup involved more than 40 vehicles, including 19 semis. After the devastating crash, Mike Kellems wrote a column for WNLP titled “Amazing Grace,” focusing on the dozens of emergency workers and volunteers who helped at the scene. (Kellems)
Reflecting on a stellar season: Slicer star running back Charles Salary crouches on Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis prior to LaPorte’s state-championship game versus Indy Cathedral Nov. 29. The Slicers lost the game but won the hearts of the community with their spirit and dedication to their fallen teammate, Jake West. (Kellems)
Is that thing considered a hazard? An unusual spectator looms in the distance behind Fox-28 TV sportscaster Dean Huppert as he plays in the inaugural Play for Jake (West) Foundation golf outing at Legacy Hills June 28. (Wellinski)
The LaPorte High School Marching Band and Color Guard strut their stuff on the way to a state championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy Nov. 8. (Wellinski)
A young citizen salutes the VFW Honor Guard as it marches toward Rolling Prairie Cemetery on Memorial Day. (Kellems)
Local Vietnam veterans salute as they raise the flag at the Memorial Day ceremony in Fox Park. (Wellinski)
Fallen New Carlisle firefighter Jamie Middlebrook’s casket is lifted off a New Carlisle fire truck as a crowd of mourners watches in August. (Kellems)
A spectator captures the action as fireworks erupt over Clear Lake July 4. (Wellinski)
Worthy of a Norman Rockwell portrait, Westville farmer John Coulter gives a tip of the cap to the photographer while enjoying a corn dog at the LaPorte County Fair. (Kellems)
Emergency and utility workers swarmed downtown LaPorte June 10 after a gas leak forced evacuation of hundreds of businesses and homes. No injuries. (Wellinski)
“Mind if I join you for lunch?” A deer and a squirrel share feeders during the long, cold winter. (Wellinski)
Slicer Noah Boardman touches the orange hash tag dedicated to his late friend and teammate Jake West at Kiwanis Field before the Slicers defeated Merrillville Sept. 26. (Kellems)
New Prairie teammates clutch the state runner-up trophy at Lucas Oil Stadium in November. (Wellinski)
A young-at-heart couple joins others in enjoying an Arts in the Park summer concert at Fox Park. (Kellems)
A pug pup snuggles in Santa’s beard during the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter’s Pet Photos with Santa. (Wellinski)