A Thousand Words

Third Coast Surf - Sept 29

2009-09-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Much calmer day wind wise and waves were of the five foot variety.

Surfin Safari: Day One

2009-09-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Crazy sort of day with waves forecasted above 10 feet and winds blowing over 35 knots. Sadly the waves were sloppy and a lot of surfers went to Michigan. I didn't follow, i stayed in Michigan City and met up with some kite-boarders took some pictures of my favorite lighthouse. Tuesday should be a better day.....

And no trip to Michigan City is complete without a trip to Shoreline Brewery.

Hog Wrestling at the Porter County Fair

2009-08-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

I love the county fairs.
No seriously.

Somewhere between the rather odd combination of food vendors( "Hot Wisconsin Cheese!", Dippin Dots and deep-fried vegetables all within 10 feet of one another, Sweet!), 4-H kids running amok during the day and events like Demolition Derby and Hog Wrestling at night.

Hog Wrestling brought 4-H'rs, farm boys, city slickers and former County Fair Pageant Queen Moms into a pit of 8-10 inch deep water with one goal in mind: Get the hog on the tire.

I left covered in mud, but because of proper precautions, my gear escaped with minimal mud.
However, I think my old Converse will never quite recover.

Thanks for looking

Gary Air Show

2009-07-17T00:27:00.000-07:00

Another Summer

Another Gary Air Show

The air show was a bit smaller this year in planes and in crowd-size

No big acts, but the normal stable of acts like the US Army Golden Knights, the Lima Lima Air Aerobatic Squad and F-16 and F-18 Demonstration teams were there.

I was lucky to have time to go up with the US Army Golden Knights for their jump Saturday morning. The ceiling was low so they made their main jump from about 6,500 feet, not the 12,000 they hoped. It was a interesting experience to go from 85 degrees at the ground to around 50 degrees at 6,500 feet up. On average you lose 3-4 degrees for every thousand feet up.

Crowds wait for the US Army Golden Knights to make their appearance during the 10th Annual Gary Air Show at Marquette Park Saturday in Gary.

US Army Golden Knight SSG Brandon Valle jumps out of the C-31 aircraft during a demonstration at the 10th Annual Gary Air Show at Marquette Park Saturday in Gary.

Bill Stein flies over Gary in formation with the US Army Golden Knights before the start of the Knights demonstration during the 10th Annual Gary Air Show at Marquette Park Saturday in Gary. Stein would circle the first Golden Knight to jump in his Edge 540 plane.

The Lima Lima flight team performs an aerial maneuver during the 10th annual Gary Air Show Sunday afternoon at Marquette Park in Gary.

Adam Witt,14, watches the planes fly by buried in the sand while his brother Mitchell, 8, tries to dig a hole for himself during the 10th annual Gary Air Show Sunday afternoon at Marquette Park in Gary.

A member of the US Army Golden Knights parachute team circles over the crowd before landing on the beach during the 10th annual Gary Air Show Sunday afternoon at Marquette Park in Gary.

Just another day flying over Gary.....

the long strange holiday weekend

2009-07-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

A roller coaster is a wonderful thing. The anxiety of the lift hill and the thrill of the drops and various gravitational forces. Up-and-down we go on the tracks until we reach the station.

However, the roller coaster, in our case, is only a over-simplified metaphor for a complex series of events that occur over one holiday weekend. Ask any photojournalist about the roller coaster of emotions and energy that certain days or weeks can bring us and they will tell you that there is a certain thrill to the experience as we work through the difficult times and the good times. After the twists, dips and curves of the events, there is no feeling better then pulling back into the station, wherever and whenever we find ourselves.

July 3

The first assignment was sent out earlier in the week before my days off leading to the holiday. Staring at me was the funeral for slain toddler Jada Justice. I've been working her abduction/murder story since it broke in June and I was saddened but not surprised to find out of her unfortunate death.

For those not up to speed on the Jada Justice story - go here to read Jon Seidel's encompassing story on it that appeared in the Post-Tribune on June 27.

Carrying the coffin of Jada Justice, Lamont Joyce, left, of Michigan City, and Michael Valdez of East Chicago, bother uncles of Justice lead the crowd from the memorial to the grave site during the funeral for Justice Friday afternoon at the Heritage Cemetery in Portage. About 300 people showed up to the funeral Justice whose body was recovered June 25 after being reported missing June 16.

Clarence Justice, father of Jada Justice, prays over the lowered coffin of Jada's after the funeral for Jada Justice Friday afternoon at the Heritage Cemetery in Portage. About 300 people showed up to the funeral Justice whose body was recovered June 25 after being reported missing June 16.

It's a hard thing to document funerals in general and especially tough for a child. It's important to keep a level of professionalism but you would be stupid to not have it effect your psyche at some level. I made peace with this horrendous incident and story before getting to the funeral. I knew what I was walking into and was prepared physically and mentally for the experience, but 18 months ago, I'm unsure how I would have reacted.

As people drop flowers onto Jada Justice's lowered coffin, mother Melissa Swiontek comforts her son Julian Justice, 5, during the funeral for two-year-old Jada Justice Friday afternoon at the Heritage Cemetery in Portage. About 300 people showed up to the funeral Justice whose body was recovered June 25 after being reported missing June 16.

One of the oddest things about this job is the 180 degree turns we have to make as we work through our day. I filed the pictures of Jada's funeral and drove hastily to Hobart for the Pet Parade.

Mekenzie Keilman, 4, hugs her Yorkie named "Bella" during the Hobart Kiwanis Pet Parade at Festival Park Friday afternoon in Hobart. About 30 dogs competed in categories like biggest or smallest dog and best trick.

It hit me while taking pictures of happy kids and their dogs at the lakefront park in the setting sun. Why did a family bury their two-year-old and 10 miles and 2 hours later these parents watched as their two-year-olds played with the tails of their family mutt. I much as i felt disconnected from the experience of Jada's burial, I also felt a certain disconnect from the happy families. As I walked back to the car, all I could do is shake my head and mutter incoherent words about the things photojournalists see everyday.

Finished the night with some minor league baseball which served as a nice mellow point.

A cool breeze was coming off the lake as the air begun to get downright cool as the day faded away with my view of the field from the foul pole in right field.

Gary RailCats catcher Anthony Esquer looks for the ball after trying to tag out Winnipeg's Josh Asanovich without it at the Steel Yard Friday night in Gary. Winnipeg defeated Gary 10-1.

July 4

A morning of chores and rest before two easy assignments. A July 4th parade in Crown Point and an Naturalization Ceremony in Hammond. Calm and happy events that were finished and filed before my deadline. I sat in my chair in my living room as I waited for my shift to finally end at 10pm.

Crown Point Community Foundation Inc. members roll shopping cart down Main Street to collect food during the Crown Point July 4 Parade Saturday in Crown Point.

Kristie Tong, 20 months, stands before her mother Tran Nguyen of Hammond after Nguyen was sworn-in as a new U.S. citizen during the closing of the Naturalization Ceremony at the Harrison Park Bandshell Saturday afternoon in Hammond. 51 people became new citizens of the United States of America on Independence Day.

A little after 10 i was just getting up for a Goose Island 312 before leaving for a colleague's house to blow off fireworks when my phone rang. I don't remember much of the call from my asst. photo editor...

but what i do remember: bridge collapse, Hidden Lake Park, GO!

I could see the disappointment in my wife's eyes as i left. No fireworks tonight.

I sped off into the night as fog and lingering smoke from fireworks continued to build.

Parking outside the park, i saw a masses of humanity making their way out, some wrapped in white linen after getting out of the lake. We run to the danger with only cameras and notepads while others get away. I mean we can''t hold to a candle to the cops and firefighters who run into it, but we still do what we can.

Firefighters and police officers from Merrillville and Ross Township search the water after a pedestrian bridge collapsed into Hidden Lake after the fireworks show Saturday at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville.

I watched a father go from total despair to total joy after losing and finding his daughter after the bridge collapsed.

Great story detailing what happened from the Post.

Michael Moses of Griffith squeezes his daughter Myia, 5, in joy after hearing his other daughter Brittney, 9, was found on the other shore after a pedestrian bridge collapsed into Hidden Lake after the fireworks show Saturday at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville. Moses was holding the hands of his daughters when the bridge collapsed and became separated from Brittney.

Brittney Moses, 9, cries after being reunited with her father Michael Moses of Griffith and sister Myia, 5, and after being reunited with Brittney after a pedestrian bridge collapsed into Hidden Lake after the fireworks show Saturday at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville. Moses was holding the hands of his daughters when the bridge collapsed and became separated from Brittney.

Michael Moses of Griffith holds onto his daughters Myia, 5, left, and Brittney, 9, after being reunited with Brittney after a pedestrian bridge collapsed into Hidden Lake after the fireworks show Saturday at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville. Moses was holding the hands of his daughters when the bridge collapsed and became separated from Brittney.

Firefighter Kelly Jania from Merrillville and Ross Township walks across the partially submerged bridge after completing a search for people after a pedestrian bridge collapsed into Hidden Lake after the fireworks show Saturday at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville.

July 5

I didn't get to bed until well after 3am and was up at 845 the next day to shoot a few assignments and continue to followup on the bridge story.

The collapsed pedestrian bridge remains in the water Sunday, July 5, 2009, after it collapsed Saturday night after a fireworks show at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville, Ind. Over 20 people were taken to area hospitals for injuries sustained during the accident.

Merrillville Police officer Stephen Claussen takes a picture of what little remains of a ground anchor that broke Saturday night when the pedestrian bridge collapsed into Hidden Lake during an investigation into the collapse Sunday, July 5, 2009, at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville, Ind.

This really was just a long, strange and emotional weekend......

I'm glad it's over, but I'm staring down a whole new weekend with a whole new set of issues. Michael Jackson and the Gary Air Show are up next.

Welcome Home

2009-06-02T21:54:00.001-07:00

A total of 166 people from 36 countries came together at Radisson Star Plaza in Merrillville on Friday for one common goal: to officially become an American. As relatives waved American flags, rocked babies or captured the moment on camera, residents from throughout Northwest Indiana took the oath of allegiance administered by Stephen R. Ludwig, clerk of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Indiana.

A new U.S. citizen hold a book as others hold small American flags during a Naturalization Ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Friday morning at the Radisson Star Plaza in Merillville.

Nothing says welcome to being an American citizen like 20% off your meal in an "irish-style pub" and $1.75 Budweisers

and you get a car.....

2009-06-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

Unlike Oprah, all Crown Point High School students did not win a car. One sophomore did though. When sophomore Holly Schoenbeck, 16, called her mom Friday afternoon to say she'd be late picking her up from work because she'd won a new car, Sheri Schoenbeck didn't believe her. "I thought she was joking," Sheri Schoenbeck said by phone, minutes after Holly's ticket was drawn from a pool of more than 10,000 in the Crown Point High School football stadium. Holly was the winner of the 2009 Chevy Cobalt in Crown Point High School's Ticket 2 Ride, an incentive program to get students involved.

Crown Point sophomore Holly Schoenbeck gets into her new 2009 Chevy Cobalt that she won in the "Ticket-2-Ride" program at Crown Point High School Friday afternoon in Crown Point. Schoenbeck had nine tickets out of the 10,223 tickets in the drawing.

Crown Point sophomore Holly Schoenbeck stands near her new 2009 Chevy Cobalt that she won in the "Ticket-2-Ride" program at Crown Point High School Friday afternoon in Crown Point

Crown Point sophomore Holly Schoenbeck calls her Mom after winning a new 2009 Chevy Cobalt that she won in the "Ticket-2-Ride" program at Crown Point High School Friday afternoon in Crown Point. Her mom did not believe her at first until a school administrator spoke with her to confirm that Schoenbeck won the vehicle.

Students try to catch a t-shirt that was thrown into the crowd before the drawing for a 2009 Chevy Cobalt at Crown Point High School Friday afternoon in Crown Point.

Day at the Beach

2009-06-02T21:16:00.001-07:00

Spent a gray and dreary morning cruising Route 12 for beach art. Coming from the east side of Gary, Route 12 brings you past some of the nicest beaches in Porter County while also bringing you past several steel plants......all within a few hundred feet of each other.

Tractor Operator Wayne McAtee drives a sand cleaner at at West Beach Thursday morning in Portage. The sand cleaner can clear West Beach of most of the debris in a little over an hour according to McAtee.

Ashley Furmankiewicz of Chesterton takes a picture of friend Caitlin Tetrev of Littleton, Colorado as she wanders into the cold water of Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton. Tetrev was visiting Furmankiewicz after they finished their junior year together at Purdue.

Mohawks are still distracting?

2009-05-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

From our article on the matter:
"Jennifer Costello is seeing red after her 13-year-old son's new hairdo -- a Mohawk with pink spikes -- landed him in alternative classes at school until he goes back to his true hair color.

Costello said her son, Vincen Velez, was given an in-school suspension on Wednesday, when he showed up at Thomas Edison Junior-Senior High School with a shaved head except for the top, which is dyed blond with pink tips. She believes the school is being discriminatory, saying there are other students with Mohawks and female students come with all different hair colors."

Vincen Velez, 13, uses gels to put up his pink and blond mohawk in his home Thursday in Lake Station. The mohawk was deemed distracting and Velez was given an in-school suspension at Edison Junior-Senior High School.

Notre Dame Commencement

2009-05-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame invited Pres. Obama to speak and be honored at their 2009 commencement. His pro-choice view riled up some of the conservative alumni, students and locals and NDResponse.com set-up alternative commencement activities.

I covered this alternative portion of commencement for the Catholic News Service. Thankfully only one person detected my lutheran aura, but as I was told - I speak catholic pretty well.

Julie Mauro, center, and Joseph Lehner, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, pray the rosary during Eucharistic Adoration in Alumni Hall at the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana

Worshippers pack the chapel in Alumni Hall during Eucharistic Adoration at the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

Sunday Mass participants pray during Sunday Mass on the South Quad of the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

Rev. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C., director of Notre Dame’s Old College undergraduate seminary, blesses the holy sacraments during Sunday Mass on the South Quad of the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

Richard Mahoney accepts the communion host during Sunday Mass on the South Quad of the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

I (and a lot of media) shifted over to the Grotto where the "alternative commencement" occured. About 30 students participiated in the commencement by the Grotto.

Students who did not attend graduation talk before the start of the Class Of 2009 Vigil For Life in the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

As Father Frank Pavone preaches the Scriptural Rosary, students who chose not to attend graduation, including Juris Doctorate John Bales holds his four-month-old son Jack during the Class Of 2009 Vigil For Life in the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

Nine-month pregnant senior Morgan Caudle sits during the scriptural rosary while being comforted by her husband Joseph during the Class Of 2009 Vigil For Life in the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

Media members document the closing prayer for the graduating students who chose not to attend graduation during the Class Of 2009 Vigil For Life in the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

Graduating students who who chose not to attend their graduation toss their caps after "graduating" during the Class Of 2009 Vigil For Life in the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at the University of Notre Dame Sunday, May 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana.

I did not have to go over to the gate where the Pro-Life activists were pushing bloody babies in the stroller. Only down side is that I missed them planning and then executing their mission to get arrested. However, while walking around the south quad, I found these little infants scattered on a lawn.

Thanks for looking.

Sports!

2009-05-26T10:48:00.001-07:00

I have this love/hate relationship with sports photography. Some days I just cant make a picture to save my life. Focus issues or bad light or user errors just get the best of me and I fail to make images that really tell the story. Other days, everything works out, light/focus/moment it's all there. We have a few weeks left of spring sports season and I'm hoping for more of the better days as playoffs begin.

Chesterton senior Tony Smith reacts after knocking down the bar during his pole vault at the Portage Boys Track Sectional Thursday evening at Portage High School.

Kankakee Valley freshman Abbey Hamstra volleys against Highland junior Sarah Kitchell during their match Monday afternoon at Kankakee Valley High School in Wheatfield.

Wheeler senior Shelisa Bolles misses a Crown Point pop-fly ball during their game Wednesday evening at Crown Point High School. Crown Point defeated Wheeler 1-0.

Recovery

2009-05-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Portage senior Kyle Schiller suffered multiple face fractures when he dove into another player's knee while trying to catch the ball against Crown Point on April 24, 2008. After surgery to reset his nose, Schiller returned to the field two weeks later with a face mask on his helmet to protect his fractured face.

Lake Michigan Surfin

2009-03-30T23:04:00.001-07:00

Spent some time on Sunday with surfers at the tip of lake michigan.

the great guys had a good time with some good waves

Boo to daily posts

2009-03-30T23:03:00.001-07:00

i really don't shoot enough daily work to really pull this off...sorry

Day Eight

2009-03-04T22:52:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 4, 2009.

Day off - didn't take any pictures today as I am working on other things (including getting my new site up by Thursday afternoon)

After working seven in a row, i'm not so inspired, more tired.
Decompression and relaxation don't bring many pictures.

So i'll just bring this link to the table....

http://www.darklordday.com/

Dark Lord Imperial Russian Stout by 3Floyds in Munster, Indiana is one of the best beers i've ever had and it is sold only one day a year. I will be there, that's for damn sure

Day Seven

2009-03-04T22:40:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) wanted to raise their electric rates and many were not happy about it. A public meeting was held at Indiana University-Northwest in Gary so that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission could hear the jeers and cheers about the rate hike. No cutlines - I think the emotions speak for themselves.

Day Six

2009-03-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 02, 2009

Feature Hunt

Chris Mansanarez of Griffith Public Works uses hot patch to fill potholes on Main Street between Broad Street and Kennedy Avenue near the Griffith and Highland border Monday.

Sad case of a murder/suicide
more here

A Lake County officer orders a tow truck driver to stop towing the Black Hummer H2 out of the Hammond Marina so the Hammond firefighters could check the body inside the vehicle Monday afternoon in Hammond.

A Lake County officer talks with Lake County Sheriff diver Maurizio Bertossi as Bertossi hooks up a submerged Black Hummer H2 in the Hammond Marina Monday afternoon in Hammond.

Hammond police and Herrera’s Towing work to get the tarp secured on the Hummer H2 that was pulled out of the Hammond marina Monday afternoon.

Day Five

2009-03-04T22:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday March 1, 2009

Shot a fair amount of pictures for advance publication, so here is another one from the Skylark. (post-midnight)

Breakout portrait of Guy Rhodes - www.guyrhodes.com/blog

Day Four

2009-03-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

Saturday Feb. 28, 2009.

Skylark bar at Halstead and Cermak with a posse of photogs and a sweet photo booth.

Day Three

2009-02-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

Slightly belated day three...

Had 45 minutes in the assessor's office to shoot people filing to challenge their assessment and get a few shots of people waiting in line to pay their taxes

Joe Zeromsky of Portage talks to Porter County Deputy Assessor Carolyn (last name withheld by request) as they discuss his assessment and his next step in challenging it in the Port County Assessor's office at the Porter County Administration Building in downtown Valparaiso Friday morning.

The line for the Treasurer's office stretches through the main lobby of the Porter County Administration Building in downtown Valparaiso Friday morning.

Day Two

2009-02-26T22:08:00.000-08:00

Not a very good daily shooting - other stuff from today you will see later

Today had a quick fog feature hunt in the morning.

Traffic flows on Lincolnway as a pedestrian crossed at a light in heavy fog Thursday morning in Valparaiso. Heavy fog blanketed the region slowing Thursday morning.

That's it for today.

Day One

2009-02-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

For Lent its traditional to give something up

So I'm giving up being a blog-slacker: 40 days 40 blog posts

even if im shooting terrible images - you are going to see them.

mind you some times you won't see the image of the day until it runs

Let's see how this goes.............

Feature hunting brought me to the Indiana Dunes State park and the the shores of Lake Michigan in Chesterton.

In the 40 degree water of Lake Michigan, Jim Kozy of Chesterton uses a metal detector in the watershed in the Indiana Dunes State Park Wednesday afternoon in Chesterton. In the few hours Kozy waded in the watershed, he found some pop-tops and nails, a couple of nickels and 4-5 pennies. "Nothing to brag about," Kozy said.

Jim had three steps:

Get a hit on the metal dectector and scoop up the sand.

Slowly dump out the sand to check out it and see if there is something worth while.

and when there is nothing, dump it out and begin again!

Post-Tribune photographer Scott M. Bort's feet nuzzle in the chilled sand on a moderately tempered afternoon late in February. (thanks furt)

Oh and i shot a (under construction) building mug

Workers continue construction on an apartment complex at the Uptown East apartments at the corner of LaPorte Avenue and Roosevelt Road in Valparaiso.

playing catch-up - now in technicolor

2009-02-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

Updating from the past few weeks before my Lenten Blog-O-Rama. A whole varying degree of assignments...

Chelsea Goad of Schererville fixes the hair of Angelique Irizarry of Crown Point at the booth of Robert Taylor Wedding Shoppe & Cosmetics of Crown Point at the Wedding Expo Sunday afternoon at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville.

Wedding dress model jessica guard of Crown Point look down the line of wedding vendor booths from her place at the booth of Robert Taylor Wedding Shoppe & Cosmetics of Crown Point at the Wedding Expo Sunday afternoon at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville.

Michigan City senior Bianca McGee covers her face while sitting on the bench as South Bend Washington extends their lead to 30 points during their 4A Regional championship game Saturday night at Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso. Washington ended Michigan City's season with a crushing 98-66 defeat.

Eldon Versteeg of Vaparaiso plays the Euphonium during the 11th Annual Sousa Tribute Concert at Valparaiso University Saturday afternoon in Valparaiso.

Assistant Mike Maroulis talks on the phone with a customer at Skystone N' Silver Thursday afternoon in Hobart. Skystone N'Silver will be closing after selling Native american art in the region for the last 30 years.

Carolyn Shebish ff Portage and the Red Hatters group, Queens Court of Crimson Cuties, picks out a sample of chocolate from the Texas Corral restaurant at the Chocolate Extravaganza at the Miller's Senior Living Community Wednesday afternoon in Portage.

Capt. Wendell Levister was a pilot in Honduras after serving in the Army Air Force in WWII and is now trying to start up a new national airline for the country of Honduras -- where he lived from the late 50s to early 70s.

Capt. Wendell Levister holds a photograph of his plane that he put down off the coast of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea in 1966. Capt. Levister is now trying to start up a new national airline for the country of Honduras -- where he lived from the late 50s to early 70s.

Gauje Bartelmey, 4, sits on the lap of grandparents Ron and Bonnie Hough while holding a picture of Amy Bartelmey, his mom, and Stephen Hough outside of Wrigley Field April 20, 2008, in the Hough's Dyer home Sunday afternoon. This picture was from the last day Ron and Bonnie saw Amy and Stephen alive; they were killed by a drunk driver April 29, 2008. Gauje is now being raised by Amy's parents, Phyllis and Michael Stemmons.

Bud Gray reads the poem "Partners," a poem he wrote when he first married his wife, Fannie Mae, from his book, "Declarations of the Heart" in his Portage home Thursday afternoon.

Girls dive in for the start of the 100 yard butterfly championship heat during the Girls State Swimming at the IUPUI Natatorium Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.

The Portage Girls 400 Free Relay team comforts Portage senior Jessica Anderson after they were disqualified after Anderson jumped off too soon during the B Heat Saturday afternoon during the Girls State Swimming at the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis.

Chesterton sophomore Meaghan McLaughlin hugs freshman Olivia Kabacinski after swimming to a close third place finish in the 400Yard Freestyle Relay during the Girls State Swimming at the IUPUI Natatorium Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.

Final Call for Warren "Skip" Highwood

2009-01-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

Former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood was laid to rest Jan. 26, 2009. Highwood retired Dec 31, 2008, after 46 years in the fire service with the last 18 as Chesterton's fire chief. I was honored to have the opportunity to document his last call.

A firefighter cookie jar is held by interim Chesterton Fire Chief Mike Orlich while waiting for the casket of former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood to be brought out of St Patrick Catholic Church Monday morning in Chesterton. The cookie jar would sit full of candy on Highwood’s desk and whenever a visiting child would come into the firehouse, they would visit the "sucker chief" for candy.

The casket of former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood is loaded onto the back of a fire truck during his funeral service outside St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chesterton Monday.

The Honor Guard of Chesterton firefighters salutes the casket of former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood after it was loaded onto the back of a fire truck during Highwood’s funeral outside St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chesterton.

A firefighter places a wreath with a picture of former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood near the former Chief's Chersteron Fire Department vehicle during the funeral processional for former Chief Highwood in downtown Chesterton Monday.

Interim Chesterton Fire Chief Mike Orlich fights back tears as he carries the fire helmet of former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood during his funeral process through downtown Chesterton Monday.

Local residents take pictures and pay their respects to former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood as his funeral procession proceeds down Calumet Road in downtown Chesterton Monday. Highwood spent 46 years in the fire service with the last 18 as Chesterton's fire chief before retiring Dec. 31, 2008.

The funeral procession for former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood passes under a large American flag hung from Valparaiso and Portage fire trucks in Chesterton Monday.

The funeral procession for former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood walks through the Chesterton Cemetery to the burial site Monday in Chesterton.

The casket of former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood was decorated with symbols of the fire service like the Dalmatians, flames and fire trucks.

Fire fighters salute the casket of former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood for the last time during his funeral at the Chesterton Cemetery in Chesterton Monday.

Nancy Highwood is comforted by her grandson Michael Moskalick after she received her husbands fire helmet and flag during the funeral for former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood at the Chesterton Cemetery in Chesterton Monday.

Interim Chesterton Fire Chief Mike Orlich comforts his son Manny Orlich, a Chesterton firefighter cadet, after the funeral for former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood at the Chesterton Cemetery in Chesterton Monday.

Nancy Highwood touches the casket of her late husband, former Chesterton Fire Chief Warren "Skip" Highwood, for the last time at the end of his funeral services at the Chesterton Cemetery Monday in Chesterton.

Playing catchup

2009-01-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

been very busy the past few weeks and have not been motivated to paste up some pictures.....figured this was a good time since I'm also procrastinating on entering the southern short course contest...

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Usher Damon Henderson of Gary prays backstage during the "Thanksgiving Prayer" at the Ecumenical Committee of Northwest Indiana's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the West Side High School Theater Monday in Gary.

A large S-shaped couch is one of the focal points in the atrium of the new Harre Student Union on the campus of Valparaiso University Monday afternoon in Valparaiso. The new student union opened Sunday to returning students from winter break.

Munster head coach Mike Hackett draws up a play with their 1-3-1 zone defense at Munster High School Wednesday evening in Munster.

Skaters make their way around the rink during open skate at Deep River Waterpark's ice skating rink Friday afternoon in Hobart.

Member of the Gary Police Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET) joke around during a small press conference in the police garage Monday afternoon in Gary. The NET officers use hyper-local patrolling to target crime neighborhoods and blocks.

Lee Evans, a 33-year veteran of the Public Works department, works to clear his truck of a sand and salt mixture at the Public Works complex Tuesday in Valparaiso.

Jim Pierce, a 22-year veteran of the Public Works Department, moves salt around the mountain of salt at the Public Works complex Tuesday in Valparaiso.

Roosevelt junior Marcel Jones (15) clutches his ankle after slipping while going for a rebound against Chicago Corliss during the MLK Heritage Basketball Classic at Lew Wallace High School Saturday afternoon in Gary. Roosevelt defeated Corliss 57-55.

Kathryn Belin poses with a life-size Mickey Mouse in her Valparaiso home Jan. 13, 2009. Belin is one of the 16 members of the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel. - As a disney fan, it was really cool to meet one of the disney moms and to know that my disney obsession is NOTHING compared to a lady with a life-size Mickey Mouse.

A patient child waits for Cubs pitcher and Valparaiso High School grad Jeff Samardzija to autograph a picture during a stop by The Cubs Caravan Wednesday evening at Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso senior Launa Hochstetler puts up a shot around UIC defenders during their game at Valparaiso University Thursday night in Valparaiso.

Ali Dadu of the Mapapa African Acrobats, passes himself through a metal tube during their acrobatic show for Central Elementary School students Monday in Portage.

Students watch in awe as Emanuel Gona of the Mapapa African Acrobats, does a one-handed hand stand during their acrobatic show for Central Elementary School students Monday in Portage.

Polar Bear Plunge

2009-01-01T22:43:00.000-08:00

The 10th Annual New Years Day Polar Bear Plunge / Festivus Celebration in Ogden Dunes, Indiana. There was no Festivus pole, but there were some airing of grievances and the group showed a feat of strength by running into the 39 degree waters of Lake Michigan. Yes, I went in as well. It makes you feel alive......and cold.

Gary Tire and Brush Fire

2008-11-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

Walking out the office on Broadway in Gary, I was immeadtly struck by a large plume of black smoke reaching skyward. I chased firefighters around as they tried to formulate a way to get equipment to the fire. GaryFD ended up calling in brush trucks from neighboring communities to get hose out to the fire. The road to get to the burning mass of tires and dead forest was a very soft and hilly - not suitable for bringing in the heavy equipment. The brush trucks brought in about 75 gallons of water at a time. A few trips had to be made to extinguish the blaze. It's reported that the plume of smoke could be seen from Porter County and even over the border in Illinois.

Gary firefighter Derrell Robinson tries to keep the brush and tire fire from spreading into the surrounding forest around 22nd Place east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Gary. The smoke plume from the fire could be reportedly seen from Porter County and Illinois.

Gary firefighters wait for a Brush truck from Merrillville to show up as they stand watch near a brush and tire fire on 22nd Place east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Gary.

A Merrillville firefighter sprays water onto a brush and tire fire on 22nd Place east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Gary. The brush truck had to make multiple trips to refill it's tanks to have enough water to put the fire out.

A large plume of smoke rises above a brush and tire fire on 22nd Place east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Gary. The smoke plume from the fire could be reportedly seen from Porter County and Illinois.

Gary firefighter Derrell Robinson waits for the brush truck to show up from Merrillville so he and the other firefighters can put out the brush and tire fire on 22nd Place east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Gary.

Gary and Merrillville firefighters wait for the Merrillville brush truck to return with more water so they could finish putting out the brush and tire fire on 22nd Place east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Gary.

A rim of a tire is all that remains as smoke billows from the smoldering embers of tires as firefighters from Merrillville and Gary put out a brush and tire fire on 22nd Place east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Gary.

A Merrillville firefighter carries a water can into the billowing smoke of a brush and tire fire on 22nd Place east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Gary.

Coming Home: Part One

2008-11-17T23:03:00.000-08:00

On the evening of August 4, 2008, an EF2 tornado tore through Griffith and severely damaged over a dozen homes including the Jelenski house. The next morning I walked up to Jeff and introduced myself to him and walked with him through his house as he told me the story of the night before. Jeff and his daughter Dana were at Arby's a mile west of the house getting food when the storm hit. His wife Elaine and son Ryan with their dog Buddy were rushed to their basement by their neighbor Pat Nashkoff moments before the first "explosion" occurred. While the tornado tore off their roof, Elaine protected Ryan with her body and a couch cushion as Ryan screamed, "I don't want to die! I don't want to die!" The sirens never went off at the fire station down the street. Had their neighbor not showed up to warn Elaine and Ryan, there is no telling what would have happened to them.

Only a few days before the start of school, Jeff and Elaine struggled to get the family in order in time for school and tried to keep a air of normalcy as they moved to a two bedroom suite at the Residence Inn near the expressway in Hammond. Thankfully, the kids have adapted and have kept their grades up. The Jelesnki house was torn down because of structural issues. The hope to is be back in their new house by the Spring.

This is part one of the Coming Home series. When people ask how long I have been working with the Jelenski family, I take pride in answering tornado plus 12 hours. I will keep telling their story through the holidays and into next year when they finally move back home.

Click here to see the Post-Tribune story and multimedia

This is how they played the story. Centerpiece on A1 and an ad-free double truck on A4/5
First one at the Post-Tribune. Hopefully not the last.

The Jelenski house was severely damaged when an F-2 tornado tore through Griffith late in the evening on August 4, leaving a swath of destroyed homes in it's wake. Elaine Jelenski and her son Ryan were home at the time of the tornado and were rushed downstairs by their neighbor Pat only moments before it hit their house.

Jeff Jelenski of Griffith stands near his pool and takes in the damage to the neighborhood while trying to salvage what he could August 5, in Griffith.

Although the roof was severely damaged above it, the crucifix above the side door in the Jelenski house remained undamaged and was removed August 5, 2008, and put away for safe keeping. There were several instances of objects that were untouched among the destruction.

Elaine Jelenski explains the sound and feeling in the house of when the tornado hit to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, center, during his tour of the damaged areas in Griffith August 26, in Griffith. Gov Daniels toured several of the damaged homes in Griffith before holding a press conference to discuss state-funded aid.

Using dirt as mortar, Ryan Jelenski uses pavers from the remains of the flower beds to build "a room" on the concrete slab where the garage used to sit September 11, in Griffith.

Elaine Jelenski explains the lay-out of her new kitchen to her husband Jeff Jelenski and their contractor Mike Hudek of Del Mar Builders while looking over plans for their new home October 1, in Griffith. The damage to their home was so extensive that it had to be knocked down to the foundation and rebuilt.

Jeff Jelenski helps Dana Jelenski with her homework as they sit on the couch in their hotel living room September 9, in Hammond. Although Jeff and Elaine worried that their kids' grades would be effected by the tornado striking several days before school started, both have kept their grades as high as years past.

Under a few lights on the basketball court at the Residence Inn, Jeff Jelenski tries to block a kick from Ryan Jelenski September 23 in Hammond. One of the bigger changes for Ryan was the loss of a yard to play sports with his family.

Jeff Jelenski and Ryan Jelenski check out the sink while Elaine Jelenski looks around the kitchen of a rental home in Highland, September 11. Because of continuing difficulties with their insurance, they could not secure a down payment in time to rent the home.

Ryan Jelenski lets ham hang out of his mouth and makes a face at his father Jeff Jelenski while taking a break pulling the copper wire out of his house October 5, in Griffith.

Elaine Jelenski holds back their Old English Sheepdog named Buddy as Jeff Jelenski uses a sprayer to wash him in the bathtub of their hotel room at the Residence Inn September 11, in Hammond.

Dana Jelenski yells for her parents as she points out the rising water in the parking lot next to their hotel September 14, in Hammond. Within 45 minutes, the Jelenski family had to pack up whatever they could and evacuate the hotel. This marked the second time they would seek refuge from a natural disaster.

Elaine Jelenski looks back and yells for her husband Jeff Jelenski who ran back into the hotel while she takes Dana and Ryan Jelenski and their Old English Sheepdog named Buddy as they rush to their Chevrolet Tahoe to evacuate the Residence Inn as floodwaters continued to rise on the hotel September 14, in Hammond. High flood waters covered several cities in northwest Indiana forcing the evacuation of thousands of people.

Jeff Jelenski fixes Ryan Jelenski's backpack while Dana Jelenski plays with Buddy before leaving for school October 13, in their hotel room at the Residence Inn in Hammond. The kids are driven to Eldon Ready Elementary School so they can still have a normal school life.

Dana Jelenski, left, and Ryan Jelenski talk with Ashley Clark before school October 13, at the Residence Inn in Hammond. The staff of the Residence Inn have tried to make lives for the Jelenski family as easy as possible from helping to watch Ryan when Jeff and Elaine needed to meet with their contractor to taking Buddy outside if the family was leaving him alone for most of the day.

Elaine Jelenski walks Dana and Ryan Jelenski up to Eldon Ready Elementary School October 13, in Griffith. Although the tornado hit a few days before school started, the family and the school has tried to make school life as normal as possible for Dana and Ryan.

Wearing a mask from the horror movie, "Saw" Dana Jelenski talks with her dad while Ryan Jelenski looks at the the wall of candy October 12, at the K-Mart in Griffith.

Ryan Jelenski waits for his Dad to come help him during a Halloween party for the families of the Residence Inn October 20, in Hammond. Ryan ended up winning first in the pumpkin carving contest while his sister Dana won the apple-bobbing contest and took third in the costume contest.

The final day before demolition begins on their house, Ryan Jelenski wildly swings into the drywall with a piece of conduit as his sister Dana Jelenski stays out of harm's way before taking her turn in their former living room Oct. 12.

The day before demolition began on the house, Jeff Jelenski folds up an American Flag with his daughter Dana Jelenski October 12, in Griffith. The morning after the tornado hit, Jeff hung the flag over the front of his house and made a point to make sure it hung straight every time he came back to the house. The flag will fly again when the new house is completed.

Only the tile in the foyer remain in the Jelenski house on November 15, in Griffith. The family hopes to be in their new home before next summer, if not sooner.

Thank you for looking.

Two from the depths of Cedar Lake

2008-11-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

Cedar Lake has a long history that is lowly evolving into an exburb of Chicago. Some in the area still refer to as "Cedartucky" but many locals are trying to erase that image as new condos and resturants on the lake continue to pop up. I don't get down there as often as I would like, but for two days in a row i made the long trip south.

Day One - Press Conference / Ribbon Cutting to open a newly refurbished Intersection

The Ribbon
A roll of green ribbon waits on the podium before the Cedar Lake Economic Development Initiative Ribbon Cutting Monday morning at the corner of 133rd and Morse in Cedar Lake. After a year of construction, the intersection and the infrastructure improvements were celebrated with Congressman Pete Visclosky who helped secure a half-million dollars for construction.

The Congressman
Congressman Pete Visclosky speaks to the gathered crowd during the Cedar Lake Economic Development Initiative Ribbon Cutting Monday morning at the corner of 133rd and Morse in Cedar Lake. After a year of construction, the intersection and the infrastructure improvements were celebrated with Congressman Visclosky who helped secure a half-million dollars for construction.

Day Two - Veterans Day at the local school

Local American
Crown Point Mayor David Uran speaks during the Annual Veteran’s Day Program Tuesday afternoon at the Jane Ball School in Cedar lake.

Flag
Kindergardeners from sing "You're a Grand Ol' Flag" as they wave paper American Flags during the Annual Veteran’s Day Program Tuesday afternoon at the Jane Ball School in Cedar Lake.

Flag 2.0
Weblos Cub Scouts from Pack 129 work with, from left, Iraq veteran Terry Peck and Vietnam veterans John Clarke and Bill Franker as they fold a flag that was donated to the Jane Ball School from Dyer VFW Post 6448 during the Annual Veteran’s Day Program Tuesday afternoon at the Jane Ball School in Cedar lake.

Bound for the Corps

2008-11-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

As many of his classmates prepared for starting college or new jobs, 2008 Portage High School graduate Jason Follow was preparing for the U.S. Marine Corps. I met Jason in May and followed him on and off through the final days of school and through his summer before departing for Recruit Training in San Diego on Aug 12, 2008. Following Jason was a crash course in the USMC and high school JROTC culture. I wrote the story that accompanied the pictures. Jason graduated on Nov. 5, 2008 from Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and comes home with his family Nov. 7.

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Jason Follow waits for the Knock-out drill competition to begin at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois. Follow spent four years in the MCJROTC at Portage High School before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Chief Warrant Officer Candelario Resendez inspects the rank of Jason Follow during the squad inspection at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois. Follow's rank was slightly off regulation and he was docked points on his inspection.

Jason Follow celebrates with his fellow MCJROTC cadets after winning the competition at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois. Follow's rank was slightly off regulation and he was docked points on his inspection.

Jason Follow adjusts a fellow student's uniform before the beginning of the Awards Night May 15, 2008 at Portage High School. Awards night is a yearly event where top performing cadets and seniors are recognized for their hard work and achievement.

Jason Follow laughs with fellow cadet Jill Herrman before the beginning of the Awards Night May 15, 2008 at Portage High School. Awards night is a yearly event where top performing cadets and seniors are recognized for their hard work and achievement.

Jason Follow stands at attention during the beginning of the Awards Night May 15, 2008 at Portage High School. Awards night is a yearly event where top performing cadets and seniors are recognized for their hard work and achievement.

As Jason Follow's step-mom Kaleen beams with pride while holding onto his senior award after Awards Night at Portage High School May 15, 2008, Jason turns away as he begins to realize that this is the last time he'll wear this uniform in as a MCJROTC cadet at Portage High School.

Only minutes before the start of his Graduation from Portage High School, Jason Follow calls his parents to make sure they all arrived at the high school on June 8, 2008 in Portage.

Looking down the iron sights of his gun, Jason Follow tries correct his aim to shoot out the star at the Porter County Fair July 27, 2008 in Valparaiso.

Jason Follow reacts to his pedicure as his step-mother Kaleen and step-sister Rachel Underwood laugh at him at Nail & Spa on Route 30 in Merrillville. Kaleen convinced Jason to get the pedicure a few weeks before leaving for Recruit training. "You are going to have boots on for the next eight years,' said Kaleen Follow, " Might as well start good because your feet are only going to get worse."

Jason Follow plays guitar as his friend, Zac Lawton and Vince Chandler play the video game "RockBand" in Jason's bedroom July 26, 2008, after his open house party at his Portage home.

Jason Follow looks up after sending a text message to one of his friends as his family pulls back into the garage area after a round of go-kart racing at the Post Road Recreation Center in Lawerence, a suburb of Indianapolis August 11, 2008. Follow's family came down to Indianapolis the last night before he left for Recruit Training.

With only an hour before Jason Follow had to say goodbye to his family, the Follow family has a group hug after finishing up a round of go-kart racing at the Post Road Recreation Center in Lawerence, a suburb of Indianapolis August 11, 2008. This was the beginning of the good-byes to Jason before he was sequestered to his hotel room for the night.

After a summer of anticipation and anxiety, Jason Follow swears-in to the United State Marine Corps at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Indianapolis August 12, 2008. By the next morning, Jason was at the San Diego Recruit Depot, beginning his training to become a Marine.

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As published in the Post-Tribune Nov. 2, 2008.

Jason Follow had very few things on him as he stood with his family in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel in Indianapolis.

His identification, a small black address book and some essential paperwork barely filled a single pocket of his pleated khakis.

Jason hugged his father, stepmother, stepsister and brother. But he gave his father one more hug, a longer one, before he waved goodbye and finally retreated to his room on the hotel’s second floor. In just a few hours, Jason would be boarding a bus to the Military Entrance Processing Station, along with other new recruits who meandered among the hallways of the hotel.

In just a few hours, he would begin the 12-week boot-camp training to become a Marine.

It’s a process that began more than four years ago when Follow joined the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Portage High School.

It’s a process that will push Follow physically and psychologically. It’s a process that could eventually make him a leader.

Follow graduated from Portage High with honors, but instead of choosing a college to serve him an education, he chose to serve Uncle Sam.

“I see it as you are not helping one person when you serve, you are helping everyone … you’re helping the entire country,” he said.

By all accounts, Follow was a typical kid during high school.

He played soccer and spent time in the JROTC program serving as the drill team leader. He worked at the local Burger King after school and on weekends. He went to the homecoming dances and the prom, dining at a nearby Denny’s restaurant like many of the other teens that night.

He had a comfortable life attending school, working for spending money and hanging out with friends at the Quaker State and Lube eatery or at home while playing the “Rock Band” video game.

Follow was one of about 260 in the JROTC program at Portage High School.

“What we try to do is to reinforce traditional values, do the right thing, choose to do good, help the community, have respect for authority, learn to be altruistic,” said Maj. John Johnston, a retired Marine and instructor of the program. “Think about something outside of yourself and in here it’s not sugar-coated at all.”

Follow spent four years in the program, becoming the commander of the award-winning rifle team. He was one of the first in his senior class to enlist which surprised Johnston.

“I didn’t think Jason had the intense desire to do something like that. I figured he was going to go to college,” he said.

Johnston was not the only one surprised by his student’s decision to enlist. Follow also surprised his family by signing recruitment paperwork before calling to tell them the news.

“Hey, I won’t be home for dinner,” he told his father, Dana, that day. “I’m really going to be at the MEPS.”

Though admittedly upset at first about Jason’s surprise enlistment, Dana said his son was ready to “spread his wings.”

After contemplating Follow’s decision, he figured it shouldn’t have been much of a shock.

Dana Follow joined the U.S. Navy a few weeks before his 18th birthday, and military service is common in their family.

The invasion of reality

After Jason’s senior night at PHS and its USMC award event, the reality of his life-changing decision began to dawn on him.

As his father and stepmother, Kaleen, proudly admired his award that night, Jason Follow had a surprise realization of his own: This would be the last time he would wear his familiar ROTC uniform, with a traditional coal-black coat, bright gold buttons and a puffed-out chest full of ribbons and medals.

Now, he would have to wait until November to wear the dress blue uniform of the Marine Corps.

Follow's summer sailed by as he kept himself busy working at Burger King and hanging out with friends. By the end of the summer, when his friends were getting ready to return to school, Follow found it “weird and unbelievable” that he wouldn’t be going back, too.

As the time for him to leave home approached, he started feeling nervous; not about boot camp, but about leaving his family behind.

He spent a lot of time with his family, especially his brother, Justin, 29.

“It’s going from being able to see them every day to getting a letter once or twice a week,” he said, looking to his departure date.

That date came on Aug. 12, when 100 or so recruits milled about the rear exit of the Hilton Hotel in Indianapolis.

With the sun rising on a new day — and a new life for each of them — they boarded buses for the MEPS. Follow went through the intake process, including being sworn-in. He would be the team leader for a group of recruits flying to San Diego and he was happy to have the title and responsibility.

So far, Follow has done well in his boot camp training at another corner of the country, he said recently. His favorite part is the marching and drill aspects, surely sparking memories of his days at PHS with fellow cadets and Johnston.

Bark the Vote

2008-10-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Bark the Vote came to Crown Point recently to help raise money for the Lake County Animal Shelter and try to "take a bite out" of voter apathy. Bark the Vote's spokesdogs are two small yorkies, Schmitty and Pudge. They are cute, not as cute as my Yorkie named Miya, but still cute nevertheless.

Lake County Animal Control Director Matt Lubarski shields "Pudge" from the wind in his jacket during a stop on the "Bark the Vote" tour at the Lake County Animal Shelter Thursday in Crown Point.

The "Bark the Vote" van is seen parked outside the Lake County Animal Shelter during a stop on the "Bark the Vote" tour Thursday in Crown Point.

Miniature Yorkshire Terriers "Pudge," left, and "Schmitty" greet voters during a stop on the "Bark the Vote" tour at the Government Center Thursday in Crown Point.

Matt Sanatan, 4, pets Schmitty as owner and founder of "Bark the Vote" Elly McGuire of New York, holds the Miniature Yorkshire Terrier during a stop on the "Bark the Vote" tour at the Government Center Thursday in Crown Point.

Valparaiso University President gets new "bling"

2008-10-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

The Inaugural Ceremony for Mark Heckler,the 18th president of Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana, occurred this afternoon at the Chapel of the Resurrection on the campus of VU. This is pretty big news for the campus and our community. I got an email from the boss saying they needed a good amount of photos and to get a good variety. In another words, go ahead and have fun making compositionally interesting pictures, but please for all thats holy, get THE pictures of the event. It was somewhat odd to be back at the VU campus covering this major news event in the Chapel since I haven't covered anything in this chapel since I worked for The Torch, the student newspaper of VU. That was before The Daily Illini, the Courier News (twice) and the NWHerald. The more things change I guess......
These are quick and easy cutlines.....no need repeating the date/place ten times.....

Herald trumpeters lead a group of Valparaiso University Professors towards the Chapel of the Resurrection before the Inauguration Ceremony

Valparaiso University sophomore Josh Buzbee waits to process in front of a group of Professors and board members with a crucifix before the Inauguration Ceremony

A Valparaiso University student walks towards the Chapel of the Resurrection while Faculty and Faculty Emeriti wait to enter the chapel before he Inauguration Ceremony

The Herald Trumpeters play fanfare after the entrance of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors, the new President of the University and his Marshal during the Inauguration Ceremony

Members of The Chorale, University Singers and Kantorei sing the University Hymn, "Firm Our Commitment" during the Inauguration Ceremony

President Emeritus Alan Harre places the Presidential Medallion around the neck of new President Mark Heckler during Heckler's Inauguration Ceremony - This is the MUST GET photo....because we like photos of old white men getting their "bling" (I swear it's the last time I'll utter the word bling for this post)

Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler gives his Inaugural Address

Dignitaries try to figure out where to sit after a pew collapsed during Heckler's Inauguration Address

From right, Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler, Chair of the Board of Directors David Hessler, and President Emeritus Alan Harre bow their head in prayer during the Inauguration Ceremony

New inducted President of Valparaiso University Mark Heckler walks with his wife, Veronica Heckler back to the Christopher Center after the Inauguration Ceremony

playing catch up

2008-10-08T00:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy couple of weeks. I am finishing up one project in print, wrapping up loose ends on another and still trying to get another one rolling. Among that, between the house-warming party and the new dog (I'll post on that later). I need more sleep and need to work my stories some more. At some point, I'm going to crash and hopefully it's not soon. Enjoy some of these pictures from the past few weeks.

Shannon Irvin of Gary is the last person allowed in line before the cutoff of people for the day outside the Valparaiso FSSA office for FEMA Flood Assistance Monday in Valparaiso.

Ethel Smith of Gary talks on her cell phone outside the line outside the Valparaiso FSSA office for FEMA Flood Assistance Monday in Valparaiso.

An Indiana State Trooper is the gatekeeper to let the people outside the Valparaiso FSSA office in to apply for FEMA Flood Assistance Monday in Valparaiso.

Surrounded by pictures of her husband, Donna Hawkins of Lake Station pauses for a moment while talking about her husband, Olen Hawkins of Lake Station, who went missing coming home from Hobart on August 30 during an interview at hr sister-in-laws home in Hobart.

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These are a few community events from the past couple of weeks. Sometimes these events can be very dull and it can be mind-numbing to try to find a good picture in these events.

Daisy Martin, 5, looks around from the top of an inflatable mountain at the Fall Family Fest at the Butterfield Pavilion at the Old Fairgrounds Park in Valparaiso. The Fall Family Fest is a fund-raiser for Hilltop Neighborhood House childcare scholarship fund.

Christine Gray of Portage, left, and Kitty Polen of Chesterton pack toiletries, tuna and Girl Scout cookies into boxes in an assembly line of people who are packing the boxes to be sent off to soldiers stationed in combat zones in the garage of the Valparaiso Harley-Davidson on Route 30 Friday evening in Valparaiso.

As the sun sets on the Crown Point square, attendees of the "Last Ride" of the 2008 Car Cruise season check out the 1955 Chevy Cameo Pickup belonging to Scott Heagley of Crown Point Thursday night in Crown Point.

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Now for some Friday night football from the past few weeks.

Hobart senior Darwin Cruz jumps to block a punt kicked by Munster senior Sam Shaner during the third quarter at Munster High School Friday night in Munster. The blocked punt was returned for a touchdown and began to turn tthe game back to Hobart.

Munster senior Ian Boswell runs back a punt against Hobart during their game at Munster High School Friday night in Munster.

Chesterton senior John Thanos hangs his head as the rest of the team sings the school fight song with the crowd after an emotional win over Valparaiso at Valparaiso High School Friday night in Valparaiso. Thanos lost his father and grand-father earlier in the week when they tried to save a child in a flash flood.

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Flooding - Day Two - Gary and Lake Station

2008-09-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

I found myself again going back to the floodwaters today to document the disaster that struck my community. Who needs to go to the south for hurricanes when the remnants of them can cause such massive damage. I passed up a helicopter flight so my boy Guy Rhodes (the link to his blog is on the right for his great aerials-->) can go up and I wanted to spend as much time as I could on the ground or more appropriately...in the water. I didn't have to deal with fogged lenses today, just an aperture ring that wasn't stopping down consistently. Again I felt lucky to have a dry basement and been able to take a warm shower after walking through the mud and water on Monday. Although my wife told me if i came back with dirty clothes and shoes again tomorrow from the flooding, I would be on my own to clean them.

24th and Clay - Gary, Indiana

I walk up to rising water and a boat coming in with multiple dogs on it. They guys on the boat invited me along for a ride and we pulled a few more people out of their homes and continued searching for more people and pets to be rescued. The guys on the boat were there because no on else was coming to help them. The Gary fire department did come out with a boat and help get people out, but the volunteers that came out to help their neighbors, even if their home was underwater as well are the real heroes of the day.

Shawn Conklin of Lake Station carries a box of puppies that was rescued from the floodwaters that consumer the area around 24th and Cass Monday in Gary.

Robert Barnthouse of Portage steers a boat of rescue volunteers trying to find anymore people that need help around 24th and Cass Monday in Gary.

A pedal-powered version of the "Grave Digger" monster truck stays afloat near the intersection of 24th Avenue and Allen Street Gary Monday.

Residents walk in waist-deep water westbound on 24th Avenue pulling boats full of belongings Monday in Gary.

Gary firefighters walk back boats with rescued people west on 24th Street towards Clay Avenue Monday in Gary.
Rory McDaniel of Lake Station jokes around with other passengers while rowing them to safety on 24th Street Monday in Gary.

A sign of the times? I really wanted this image to be the flag of the newspaper for the day instead of the normal text that reads "Post-Tribune" on the top of our paper........but alas....

28th and Oklahoma - Lake Station, Indiana

I heard about this area from a firefighter and was able to hook up with an Indiana national Guard team with a 5 Ton 6x6 truck. In between searching for people, I found myself trying to find good details of what I was seeing. With a situation like this, I'm tempted to leave it as wide as possible to give the subjects the best reference in time and space. I tried (and was mildly successful) and grabbing a few details as i rumbled around with the National Guard.

Ruben Mendez, Superintendent of Public Works in Lake Station, carries Jovanni Munoz, 3, of Lake Station to an Indiana National Guard truck Monday in Lake Station.

Residents walk down the flooded Arizona Street in Lake Station Monday.

A fire hydrant remains partially submerged along 29th Street in Lake Station Monday afternoon.

Indiana National Guardsman Private 1st Class Julio Rameriez tries to wring the water out of his pants and shoes after walking through waist-high water to evacuate Lake Station residents Monday afternoon in Lake Station.

The End.

for now.......

Flooding Day One

2008-09-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

I was called in on Sunday to help cover the flooding that struck NW Indiana. With no hip-waders in sight, I strapped on my converse and rolled out. The next several hours flew by. I didn't feel cold or hunger or tiredness until I got into my car and started driving home to transmit. I felt guilty taking a warm shower when I knew the people I were documenting had over two feet of water in their house and they could do nothing to wait and wait for the water to drain.

Hammond firefighters walk through the flooded parking lot of the Marriott Courtyard during heavy rain Sunday morning in Hammond.

Water drips off the helmet of Hammond firefighter Rick Gonzalez while cars are towed to safety out of the flood parking lot of the Residence Inn during heavy rain Sunday morning in Hammond.

A decorative frog keeps it head above the rising flood waters as Andrea Reed of Griffith stands nearby Sunday in Griffith. The home started flooding early Saturday morning and by Sunday afternoon the water was over two feet high in the house.

Erik Stenberg decides on whether to take his Mom's advice and evacuate his fiancee and two dogs to her home as water continues to rise in his house Sunday afternoon in Griffith.

Erik Stenberg consoles his fiancee Andrea Reed after deciding to evacuate from their flooded house Sunday, September 14, 2008, in Griffith. The home started flooding early Saturday morning and by Sunday afternoon the water was over two feet high in the house.

Andrea Reed, left, and Erik Stenberg carry their Boston Terrier and Pug from their flooded house to a waiting car Sunday, September 18, in Griffith, Indiana. The house started flooding early Saturday morning and by Sunday afternoon the water was over two feet high in the house.

few recent ones

2008-09-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Been very busy the last few weeks with a few different projects and moving into a new house.
Here are five from the past few weeks that I liked.

David King of Morgan Township rides his tractor to make it look like he is pulling the tractor that his father, Brad King, drives down Route 49 during the annual Labor Day Parade in Malden.

The driver of a black Chevrolet Monte Carlo looks back at the stopped traffic while a tow truck driver and a Griffith police officer tow her car off the tracks at the corner of Industrial Drive and Main Street Friday morning in Griffith.

Members of the Marine Corps League and Senior Airman Ken Cawthon put away the flags after a memorial service commemorating the terrorist attack on Sept 11, 2001, at the Doughboy Statue Thursday morning in Hobart.

Sue Rodriguez stands in front of her melted siding after an abandoned home next door burned down early Wednesday morning in Gary. The nearest fire station in Black Oak was closed because of recent budget cuts.

Lake County Fair Board VP Zern Hayden, left, lifts the safety screen out of its hinges while Lake County Fair Maintenance worker Dennis Rick, center, and Fair Board VP Tom Lump move them to a cart to be put away until next year Monday afternoon at the Grandstand at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point. The safety screens are put up every year to protect spectators from flying debris.

Santa and the Tornado

2008-08-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my recent absence. I just finished up a three month project and am in the process of moving to a new house. All thats left in my home office is a desk, a chair and a light. It's very empty, very sterile in here now.

_______________________________

During my time in the tornado zone in Griffith, Indiana, I kept finding Santa was still watching in his own way. Because a lot of roof were ripped off and that is where most of the people stored their Christmas decorations, several Santas were strewn across the neighborhood. As one of the survivors of the storm said, "If I'm not laughing, I would be crying and I don't like crying." This is my take on that idea....

F2 Tornado strikes Griffith.

2008-08-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

I made my way out to Griffith to check on my own house and then to check on my future neighbors and tell their story. Sadness, pain, grief, joy, relief and amazement were some of the emotions expressed around me. I also got the chance to go up in a small helicopter to shoot aerials, not something I've ever done before in a chopper.

Jeff Jelenski of Griffith stands near his pool and takes in the damage to his home while trying to clean-up Tuesday in Griffith. Severe storms blew through NW Indiana Monday night ripping off his roof and blowing his garage to the next block.

An american flag hangs in the front window of the Jelenski residence Tuesday evening after an EF2 tornado tore through Griffith Monday night.

Jamie Williams of Crown Point tosses a piece of wood onto a large pile of debris as he helps Jim Guevara clean-up Tuesday evening after an EF2 tornado tore through Griffith Monday night.

Pat Nashkoff drags a tree limb to the street as she cleans-up her home Tuesday in Griffith. Nashkoff received damage to her roof and siding during the storm.

Stores at the northeast corner of Cline and Ridge Road had their windows blown out and walls compromised Tuesday in Griffith after a severe storm blew through NW Indiana Monday night.

Dan Downing of Cedar Lake, right, and Ziggy Dross of Griffith move a television out of the devastated living room of Peggy Farrell of Griffith Tuesday morning after a severe storm blew through NW Indiana Monday night and tore off her roof causing severe damage to her home.

A dog looks out its front window as clean-up begins Tuesday in Griffith after a severe storm blew through NW Indiana Monday night.

Debris floats in the Jelenski family pool Tuesday after an EF2 tornado tore through Griffith Monday night.

I'll post a full roundup of Santa vs Tornado photos later.....

These next few are from the helicopter excursion.

(These are storage lockers-the 10'x10' kind- the roof was torn off the building)

A Tale of Two Beaches - July 16, 2008

2008-07-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Lake Michigan is a cruel mistress.

It gives us water to drink, to swim in and beaches to relax by. It's also a devastator of lives.

I started my day at 4:30 a.m. by arriving at Porter Beach to document Ethan Hall, a Chesterton High School senior swimmer, who was trying to swim from the Porter Beach to Burnham Harbor. He was trying to fulfill a lifelong dream and raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of family friend ten-year-old Jacob Strothoff.

He arrived around 4:30 a.m. to warm-up and get on his way by 5:00 a.m.

Chesterton High School senior Ethan Hall stretches with his grandfather Frank Schnick of Valparaiso before attempting to swim from Porter Beach to Burnham Harbor in Chicago Wednesday to help raise money for Jacob Strothoff, a 10 year old with Type 1 diabetes.

It was still very dark so i had to use a strobe go get this any sort of light. It also helped keep that colorful sky as the morning.

Chesterton High School senior Ethan Hall pauses after entering the calm waters of Lake Michigan before beginning his swim to Burnham Harbor from Porter Beach early Wednesday morning in Porter.

Ethan hugged Jacob and made his way into the water and he was off....

Chesterton High School senior Ethan Hall hugs Jacob Strohoff, 10, before Hall begins his swim to Burnham Harbor from Porter Beach early Wednesday morning in Porter.

Ethan hugged Jacob and made his way into the water to meet up with his chase boat and he was off....

Chesterton High School senior Ethan Hall pauses as his chase boat comes closer to the shore before Hall begins his swim to Burnham Harbor from Porter Beach early Wednesday morning in Porter.

Ethan ended up swimming 23 miles in 14 hours. he had to stop for the last six miles and then jumped into the water to swim the final distance to the Chicago shore.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Two
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After an early breakfast at a diner in downtown Chesterton/card reader trouble/business assignment/pre-county fair feature hunt I received a call from the bossman to turn and burn towards Kemil Beach. They found DeVante Jackson. 14-year-old Jackson went missing Sunday afternoon after he got caught in the riptide at Kemil Beach.

I pulled up to the beach in Beverly Shores to see the lake County Sheriff's boat and a DNR boat out in the water and then I saw it, a large orange bag. These situations are never easy to document. As a photojournalist, I need to walk a fine line....a very gray and blurry fine line. We have to capture truthful pictures of this tragic situation and capture images that doesn't disrespect the dead and grieving.

By-standers watch as Law enforcement officials walk up a sand dune from Kemil Beach as they remove the body of DaVante Jackson Wednesday morning in Beverly Shores. Jackson went missing while swimming in 2-3 foot waves Sunday afternoon.

I left a respectable distance and watched as the corner and the officers ID'd the body and began carrying it to the Corner's van. It was much like a funeral procession as they carried the bag up the sand dune.

Law enforcement officials remove the body of DaVante Jackson from Kemil Beach Wednesday morning in Beverly Shores. Jackson went missing while swimming in 2-3 foot waves Sunday afternoon.

What bothered me was the beach-goers who maybe looked, but moved on with their day. There were some that stood as silent sentries as law enforcement carried Jackson. Other did not care to notice the tragedy that was in it's final act right before their eyes. I guess thats another thing that the lake does to us; it puts blinders on us to the real world. Even when reality tries to strike back, one can always just a wait a moment. A moment for the next wave to come crashing ashore with that peaceful whoosh and then like the waves, we leave the land and retreat to another world.

Gary Air Show

2008-07-14T23:40:00.000-07:00

The Gary Air Show took place over the weekend at Marquette Beach here in beautiful Gary Indiana. According to air show, over half a million people attended this year's show. The weather was great, except for some wind that canceled the Army's Golden Knights jump. Boo. I covered both Saturday and Sunday which means I spent two days wandering the beach along Lake Michigan feature hunting what photographers would call, a "target rich environment."
Sometimes I really love my job.

Marquette Beach-goers look at the large heart drawn in smoke by the ethanol-powered Vanguard Squadron during the Gary Air Show Sunday in Gary.

Steven Crowell, 7, laughs at his dad Steven as he ducks into a wave at Marquette Beach during the Gary Air Show Sunday in Gary.

From left, Mikey Kuster, 9, Brooke Kuster, 15, Katherine Kring, 18, and Whitney Kuster, 18, play in the waves of Lake Michigan near Marquette Beach during the Gary Air Show Sunday in Gary.

The Chicago skyline is seen in the background as the Firebirds Delta Team fly over Lake Michigan near Marquette Beach during the Gary Air Show Sunday in Gary.

As the B-2 Stealth Bomber flies overhead, Ayden Thomas continues to play in the sand while his father Michael Thomas of Portage takes a picture as the bomber flies over Marquette Beach during the Gary Air Show Saturday in Gary.

Doug Dodge in his "Muscle Biplane" flies over Lake Michigan as kids play in the lake near Marquette Beach during the Gary Air Show Sunday in Gary.

As storm clouds begin to roll in, Marquette Beach-goers wait for the next air act to appear during the Gary Air Show Saturday in Gary.

The U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds perform their signature "bomb burst" maneuver over Marquette Beach during the Gary Air Show Sunday in Gary.

Airshow patrons pack up after the conclusion of the U.S.A.F Thunderbirds performance at Marquette Beach after the Gary Air Show Sunday in Gary.

Valparaiso Triathlon

2008-07-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

325 competitors battled heavy rains to compete in the Valpo Triathlon Saturday. Although the rain didn't have any ill effects on the swimming portion, the rain did slow the bike portion down. These are some of my favorites from the day.

Competitors from the Men 20-29 prepare themselves before beginning the swimming portion of The Valpo Triathlon at Rogers-Lakewood Park Saturday morning in Valparaiso.

Competitors from the Men 30-39 division begin the swimming portion at the beginning of The Valpo Triathlon at Rogers-Lakewood Park Saturday morning in Valparaiso.

Competitors exit the swimming stage before transitioning to the bicycle stage of The Valpo Triathlon at Rogers-Lakewood Park Saturday morning in Valparaiso.

Lifeguards goof around before the start of The Valpo Triathlon at Rogers-Lakewood Park Saturday morning in Valparaiso.

Brian Carter reaches for a cup of water from volunteer Ed Burns of Valparaiso during The Valpo Triathlon at Rogers-Lakewood Park Saturday morning in Valparaiso.

Lima! Lima!

2008-07-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

So i hooked up with the Lima Lima Flight Team Friday for a ride to help promote the upcoming Gary Air Show. I arrived early and watched the first wave of people go up and waited my turn.

Finally it was my turn. I jumped in with John "Ripper" Rippinger and got the pre-flight briefing on how to escape the aircraft in the worst case scenario. I also posed for a new picture.

We then took off and circled over Gary before moving out over the Lake.

We performed a series of manuevers and split-off from the main group after these moves.

It was as we got back together that the heat started to get to me. I was only a little nauseous from the Gs we were pulling, but it started with my fingers starting to tingle. Bad sign. I knew it from my past experinces. I called up to Ripper if there was any way for some fresh air and said we couldn't open the canopy, there were two silver dollar sized vents near my hands for air. Being a large man with a higher then normal body temperature and a higher blood pressure, I'm more prone to getting heat exhaustion, but I know how i react in the heat and I know how to diffuse the heat situation. In this case, I was helpless to try to beat the heat.

I was starting to really heat up when i called for a time check on the run. Five minutes to go and my vision was starting to tunnel and i was starting to see stars here and there. I let ripper know i was burning up. I knew what was coming, heat exhaustion was kicking in. At some point, I think I fully tunneled out and fully blacked out. Also around this point, I stopped sweating. Even worse news, I was showing signs of heat stroke and I was now very nauseous and reaching for the little blue bag.

Dry heaves led to losing some water. Ripper saw what was happening and he disconnected from the pack and got me on the ground fast to try to get fresh air to me. We rolled on the ground and met up with the rest of the flight team and parked. I tossed the blue bag out the plane and ripper helped me out of the parachute and life vest while sitting in the plane. I was slouched over in the seat trying to recover when I heard our correspondent call out "Someone used their blue bag!"

Chrrriiiissssttttt, I had no energy to even move and was still very dizzy. I was helped out of the cockpit and onto the tarmac. I posed with my bag for a picture (I'm waiting on that one). I shambled my way to the air conditioned terminal and cooled down for 45 minutes while drinking lots of water. At some point i realized i didn't remember much of the flight before i started losing it due to the heat. It has come back to me somewhat as i recovered during the day.

I had a really good time until the heat got the best of me. Ripper took care of me when I was at my weakest and i could not be more grateful. 12 hours later, I'm about fully recovered although I still have waves of nausea and headaches from my ordeal. A good nights sleep will do me right.

Two from Lowell, Indiana

2008-07-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

Lowell is one of my favorite towns. When I think of small-town americana, i think of Lowell. It's a rural community with a busy downtown on the east side and big-box store expansion on the east side. I had a few recent assignments there.....

Spectators gather at the end of the pond to see which duck will be the winner during the Ninth Annual Duck Race at Evergreen Park in Lowell Saturday afternoon.

Joe Smith of Lowell cuts the grass of the labyrinth at the Buckley Homestead Thursday morning in Lowell. The Buckley Homestead is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend.

Weird Al Yankovic

2008-07-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

I got five minutes with Weird Al Yankovic recently. Because of short notice on my end , i only had about 30 minutes to grab gear, scout a location and set-up the lights. The interview was at the Raddison Hotel so i brought him to one of the poolside cabanas and just let him be Al.

Great Lakes Wolfpack

2008-07-11T22:07:00.001-07:00

The Great Lakes Wolfpack is a minor league football team based in Gary, Indiana. Sadly, their games at Lew Wallace High School are not well attended.

Great Lakes Wolfpack players Alphonso Royal, left, and Larry Banks celebrate a touchdown against the Portage Rage at Lew Wallace High School Saturday afternoon in Gary.

Great Lakes Wolfpack players make their way back to the field after halftime to finish their game against the Portage Rage at Lew Wallace High School Saturday afternoon in Gary.

Valparaiso Soap Box Derby

2008-07-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wearing her "Tiny Miss Indiana" tiara and sash, Emily Concepcion, 5, waves the green flag signaling the track is clear for the next race during the Northern Indiana Derby Racers Association's 61st annual event in downtown Valparaiso Saturday morning.

Andrew Stricker, left, races Ryan Burch in a Masters Class race down Lincolnway during the Northern Indiana Derby Racers Association's 61st annual event Saturday morning in Valparaiso.

Mark Potrzebowski, left, and Brian Landgrebe, both of Valparaiso, switch wheels on the Soap Box cars during the Northern Indiana Derby Racers Association's 61st annual event Saturday morning in Valparaiso. The racers switch wheels with their opponent after the first run to make sure one doesn't have an advantage over the other.

Zombie Walk - Chicago - 2008

2008-06-24T23:51:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend, I rolled downtown to find some Zombies roaming the streets and parks.

There are a few pictures here - but I put together an audio slideshow here

Recent work

2008-06-20T22:27:00.001-07:00

A few from the last few days...

Sydney Reissman, 3, of Cedar Lake shields herself from the rain with her fish umbrella at the Crown Point Corn Roast in the Crown Point Square Friday evening. The Corn Roast is the kick-off event for the Hometown Square Festival Days.

Indianapolis Colts players, Courtney Roby, left, and Michael Toudouze and Indianpolis Colts cheerleaders Tessa, left and Tatyana sign autographs for children from the LaPorte Regional Hospital during the Indianapolis Colts "Making it personal" tour stop at Kiwanis Field in LaPorte Tuesday evening.

I love my job....

2008-06-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my job is hell, other times its just wonderful. I got to spend an hour on the beach and just chill and make pictures of kids doing their thing and adults doing their thing as well.

Lifeguard Marcus Brown talks with a Gary Police officer while on patrol at Marquette Park Beach Friday afternoon in the MIller neighborhood of Gary

From left, Quron Kenebrew, 14, Aaron Armstrong, 13, and Thaddeus Kenebrew, 13, dig a hole to try to make what they called "a jacuzzi" at Marquette Park Beach Friday afternoon in the MIller neighborhood of Gary

Jill Long Thompson

2008-06-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Jill Long Thompson introduced Dennie Oxley -- state representative from English, Indiana -- as her lieutenant governor candidate on the Democratic ticket in a tour across the state on Monday. They stopped over in the Jet Center at Gary Airport to meet with supporters and the local media.

A podium waits for the arrival of Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson and her newly announced running mate, State Representative Dennie Oxley, before a press conference Monday at the Jet Center at Gary International Airport.

People mill about before a press conference where Jill Long Thompson introduce State Representative Dennie Oxley as her running mate Monday at the Jet Center at Gary International Airport.

After being announced as the democratic Lieutenant Governor nominee Dennie Oxley sings "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley, democratic Gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson dances with her husband Don Thompson and Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez dances with his family in a hangar after the press conference Monday at the Jet Center at Gary International Airport. Long Thompson and Oxley made several stops around Indiana to introduce her running mate.

After a press conference announcing State Representative Dennie Oxley as the choice for Lieutenant Governor, Oxley points out where in Indiana he is from on the tattoo of Maria Dominguez Monday at the Jet Center at Gary International Airport. Long Thompson and Oxley made several stops around Indiana to introduce her running mate.

Flick Memorial

2008-06-20T21:55:00.001-07:00

Colleagues and students gathered in the Whiting High School gym to pay tribute to Principal Dirk Flick on Wednesday evening in a memorial where anyone who cried would "be suspended," according to his son, Chuck Flick. More than 200 people gathered to laugh and admire the man credited with changing Whiting into the place "where teachers could teach and students could learn."

An audio slidesow of the events can be seen here
http://tinyurl.com/6bfkss

A black and purple banner hangs over the High School entrance before the start of the memorial service for Principal Flick at Whiting High School Wednesday evening in Whiting. Flick lost his battle with cancer June 3, 2008.

Whiting Softball coach Paul Laub hugs Nancy Flick after handing her the medal for the softball state championship meant for the late principal Dirk Flick during a memorial service for Principal Flick at Whiting High School Wednesday evening in Whiting. Principal Flick lost his battle with cancer June 3, 2008.

Guests sign in and take programs and prayer cards for late Principal Dirk Flick before the start of the memorial service for Principal Flick at Whiting High School Wednesday evening in Whiting. Flick lost his battle with cancer June 3, 2008.

Softball madness Roundup

2008-06-20T00:36:00.000-07:00

Softball season is FINALLY done - Rain delays and all.

Graduation round-up

2008-06-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite grad pics from this past season

Gary Gay Pride

2008-06-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Gary's Gay Pride parade occurred with few protests as the parade progressed down 25th Street.

Valparaiso HS Graduation

2008-06-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

Graduation season kicked off recently and I'm back to graduation coverage. I'm not the biggest fan of covering graduations - too many feelings and memories of high school. Also, our deadlines are early so I end up missing the best moments near the end.

I'm intrigued by the meaning of graduation for kids now-a-days but I'm still exploring how to best that tell that story visually. For now, I'll find the quirky moments the best I can.

Valparaiso seniors hold onto their mortarboard as they enter the gym before graduating at Valparaiso High School Tuesday evening in Valparaiso. Three large blowers were being used to help cool the gym, but made for a windy situation for the graduates as they entered the gym.

Valparaiso senior Monica Semento holds on to her mortarboard as she enters the gym before graduating at Valparaiso High School Tuesday evening in Valparaiso. Three large blowers were being used to help cool the gym, but made for a windy situation for the graduates as they entered the gym.

As Valparaiso seniors make their way to the gym to graduate, Maggie Ombrembowski, left, and Marion Oppermann stop to fix their hair and gown before graduating at Valparaiso High School Tuesday evening in Valparaiso.

More fans.

Regional Baseball - Boone Grove vs Wheeler

2008-06-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

I need a 70 - 500 f 2.8 to shoot these games. Although my 400 / 70-200 combo is doing me alright so far.

Saturday and Monday

2008-06-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

Here comes another few rapid fire posts - I've been busy the last few days and haven't had the time to update lately.

Tom Allison is seen reflected in a mirror among other pictures at the Paris Flea Market at St. Barnabas Saturday morning in the Miller neighborhood of Gary.

A child walks by the 4H booth and a booth selling food during the Farmers Market outside Aylesworth Elementary School Saturday in Portage.

Friends (don't have the name on this machine right now sorry) mourn during the memorial service in memory of student Sharkelia Taylor Monday afternoon at Dunbar-Pulaski Middle School in Gary. Taylor, 15, was killed in a drive-by shooting on Memorial Day in Chicago.

Baseball

2008-05-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

I rotated to a night shift for the next few weeks just in time for baseball playoffs. i love baseball playoffs - plenty of emotion and sunflower seeds. This was the sectional semi-finals between Washington Township and Kouts.

Kouts junior Morgan Drazer (9) jumps as he trots towards home plate after hitting a home run against Washington Township during their sectional semi-final game Tuesday afternoon at Washington Township High School in Valparaiso. Washington Township defeated Kouts 7-4 with some late-inning heroics and will face Whiting in the Sectional championship.

Kouts players try to calm down junior pitcher Brad Parks (17) after he overthrew first base and allowed Washington Township runners to advance in the seventh inning during their sectional semi-final game Tuesday afternoon at Washington Township High School in Valparaiso. Washington Township defeated Kouts 7-4 with some late-inning heroics and will face Whiting in the Sectional championship.

Kouts junior Richard Taylor (19) watches as a Washington Township fly-ball just misses his glove during their sectional semi-final game Tuesday afternoon at Washington Township High School in Valparaiso. Washington Township defeated Kouts 7-4 with some late-inning heroics and will face Whiting in the Sectional championship.

Valparaiso Memorial observance

2008-05-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

Valparaiso celebrated their Memorial Day the Friday before. Don't ask why - it's just how its done. Firefighters, policemen, Vietnam vets - the normal ingredients of a Memorial Day service.

Warren Lindborg is seen bringing the American Flag to half-staff through the salute of Bob Spaulding, both of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 905, during the Memorial Day observance at the Service Memorial Friday morning at Foundation Meadows Park.

Valparaiso police officer Ron Chapman lays a carnation at the Duty & Sacrifice Wall that lists the Valparaiso residents that have died in conflict during the Memorial Day observance at the Service Memorial Friday morning at Foundation Meadows Park.

A carnation lies on the ground in front of the Duty & Sacrifice Wall after the Memorial Day observance at the Service Memorial Friday morning at Foundation Meadows Park. members of the audience placed carnations on the wall as part of the observance.

Sorry for the delay

2008-05-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

36 hours after these pictures i left on vacation, came back for a day and was then out of town for three days. So damn busy.

But i digress....

Students from the Thea Bowman Academy marched to protest violence on May 16. They only marched around their school in harsh sunlight so i had to make my pictures quickly and use the light.

Walking and penpals

2008-05-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Students from the fourth and second grade walk to raise money for the American Diabetes Association at Bailly Elementary School Friday in Chesterton.

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22 Rowena Kyle Elementary second-graders finally met the 20 Crisman students who have been their pen pals since October. They met to talk and walk to Woodland Park on a field trip to help clean the park.

Crisman Elementary second grader James Myers holds his lunch bag and has his arm around pen-pal Kyle Elementary Phoenix Coppinger as they walk towards Woodland Park Thursday in Portage. The pen-pals from Kyle and Crisman Elementary met for the first time today and then did community service work at Woodland Park.

Portage parks employee Wayne Groves leads a nature tour with kids from Crisman Elementary and Kyle Elementary of the natural savannah in Woodland Park Thursday in Portage.

Second-graders from Crisman Elementary and Kyle Elementary clears sticks and other debris from Woodland Park Thursday in Portage. The pen-pals from Kyle and Crisman Elementary met for the first time today and then did community service work at Woodland Park.

Random picture update

2008-05-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

So I shoot a lot of pictures that are "for advance" and run days/weeks/sometimes months later.
Here's a few that had to wait their turn.

Robert Confer of Chicago hold a large sign for Wickes Furniture on the off-ramp of southbound I-65 at Route 30 Sunday afternoon in Merrillville. Confer works five-hour shifts holding the sign and counts the Ford Mustangs that drive-by to help keep his mind occupied.

Bailey, a West Highland Terrier therapy dog owned by Barb Orosz of Valparaiso, pokes his head out the door of a patient to check out whats going on in the hallway at Porter Hospital in Valparaiso Wednesday morning. Bailey and his "brother" Bentley, a Bichon Frise, are trained therapy dogs that visit patients in the hospital.

Michael Essany raced comedian Tom Green and then-Mayor of Valparaiso David Butterfield at Zao Island in Valparaiso for his show. Five years later, Essany now races his business parters at the Valparaiso-based Indiana Grain Co., LLC.

ELECTION WRAP-UP

2008-05-09T23:17:00.001-07:00

This was used on our front page on election day. I found this car at the Bill Clinton rally in Schererville a few days prior.

The day after the election - lake county was in the spot light and the election leaders were put under the media spotlight.

And had to answer some tough questions.

Voting at Fire Station 2 in Valpo.

Voting at the National Guard Armory in Valpo.

Counting the unused ballots at Fire Station 2 in Valpo.

Day before the election - these were some of the 11,000 early voters that "caused" the delay in reporting the results.

Obama-rama in Munster, Indiana

2008-05-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being so behind in these posts - I've been burned out on the politics lately and I'm glad its all over now. This weekend couldn't come quick enough. I've been reviewing my images to bring together some sort of cohesive essay and to see what I've learned from this experience.

Obama visited a steel mill in Munster on May 5 and dodged a leaky roof to spread his word of hope and change.

Less chat - more pictures.

Bill Clinton in Schererville, Indiana

2008-05-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Bill Clinton did a whirlwind tour of NW Indiana hitting spots in Whiting, Schererville, Crown Point and then Michigan City. I was assigned to cover the Schererville stop. Props to jeff for bringing some long glass to my side at the last second - I wish the candidates would bring like four lights instead of two so i'm not forced to use my higher isos - just not that pretty

lucked out with this one - he just happened to stand dead-center on the big flag

on one hand...

make up your own witty joke here

access for bill was limited to our "corral" - boo

you think he would have learned by now to not make the funny faces - oh well.

technologic

Took long enough - but finally the anti-abortion types showed up - then some pro-abortion types showed up later - no rumble of biblical proportions was to be had though

James Hoffa Jr. in Gary, Indiana

2008-05-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

My old man has been in the Teamsters for 30-plus years and a Union Steward for several years now - i grew up with the mystique of Jimmy Hoffa and the union traditions - so getting to document this event was quite a treat. Hoffa visited Local 142 in Gary and rallied the proverbial troops for Obama on Thursday morning.

For me - and i think my dad will agree - is a very classic image of Hoffa - really could be him or his father in this picture

Teamsters like to have their picture taken and signs autographed

and Rudy showed up.........

Walking into the rally

Props to Lakeshore TV for the assist

Hillary Clinton in Portage, Indiana.

2008-05-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

Yes this is the event with the line "testicular fortitude" - didn't know Hillary was endowed in that way - but hey - who am i to judge. Bad lighting and decent access made for a mixed bag of images. Hillary's press handler was superb as usual letting us work close to Hillary to get images of her up close and personal. Note to Portage - Next time use a location that doesn't have six foot wide pillars 20 feet from the stage. Judging from the crowd reaction - they didn't appreciate the obstructed views - one compared it to old comiskey park - but worse.

Shot from on stage - see what good access brings you

Ran as dominant art on our A1 - with the fold at the light blue line - looked good i thought

Signage - more to come

Portage FD Honor Guard before the show

Last Caress

Signage2 - this time with more Candidate!

eyes right

Moment of prayer for steel worker who died that morning

cleaning up

Hillary stops in East Chicago

2008-04-29T22:58:00.001-07:00

Hillary Clinton stopped at East Chicago Central High School Friday night to help shore up votes in NW Indiana. I shot this for myself so I was able to kinda wander and find pictures that would probably never see the light of day in print.

Shock and Awe.

Greet.

Backstage.

Light.

Secret Service.

Blur.

Waiting.

Impatient.

Photo op.

I shot a few portraits for an upcoming multimedia piece (hopefully)

Thanks for looking.

nothing new

2008-04-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Shot a lot of advance pictures the last few days - i did happen to find this scene in porter near the beach.

Politics continues as usual

2008-04-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

This time Kathleen Kennedy Townsend , former Maryland lieutenant governor and the oldest child of the late Bobby Kennedy, visited a Hoosier for Hillary phone bank in Portage.

IBL Basketball

2008-04-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

An International Basketball League battle of my new home vs my old home. The Elgin Racers traveled to the Genesis Center in Gary. Weird. Gary won 91-83.

Pre-game National anthem and I spot this gentlemen giving the Black Power Salute - Something he has done since the the Roosevelt HS basketball team did it in the state championships in the 1960s.

a few new ones

2008-04-15T21:36:00.001-07:00

Nothing too crazy - random community journalism with vertical style - good break from the craziness of the last few days

Should be warm tomorrow - let's see what kind of standalones i can dig up

Kaleb Dotson,4, cuts the first piece of tape to celebrate the grand opening of the library as Principal Ava Ligon looks on at Bethune Early Childhood Development Center Monday morning in Gary. Dotson was chosen to cut the first piece of tape because Monday was his fourth birthday.

Myia Nelson, left, and Ramiya Rivers, both 5, wait for their turn to read for the crowd at the grand opening of the library at Bethune Early Childhood Development Center Monday morning in Gary.

Eric Qualizza of Lowell controls traffic along 61st Street so construction vehicles can get on and off the road without difficulty as construction by Reith-Riley Construction continues at 61st and Liverpool Road in Hobart Monday morning.

From Obama-Rama to Hillary-Mania in less then 48 hours

2008-04-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Obama on Thursday - Hillary on Saturday

Obama-rama went off without a hitch - Video from the event is here - watch it until you see the star.

So Hillary visited Valparaiso in a small high school and then visited a small pizza joint in Crown Point. (Side note: Bronko's pizza is the best damn pizza in the area)

Less chat-more pictures.

Hillary's visit to Bronko's Pizza in Crown Point was just one big organized scrum - especially when she sidetracked to the bar for a shot of Crown Royal and a frosty mug of Old Style. Seriously.

Obama-Rama Strikes Gary!!!

2008-04-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

Tickets were handed out today in Gary and Valparaiso for Obama's Town Hall meeting at Roosevelt High School in Gary. It was crazy! The first person showed up at 845am and by noon we counted somewhere between 300-400 people in line. Both sites ran out of tickets. The atmosphere was a weird mix of politics, tshirt vendors and excitement. It should be a good time tomorrow at Roosevelt HS outside the bad light, cramped quarters and overzealous security (defiantly probably). I'm shooting video and lugging along my Mamiya for some nice old school BW shots if i can swing it. In a perfect world, I can find some scalpers selling some tickets.

Vendors selling bootleg Obama t-shirts.

Waiting in line for Obama tickets.

First person to show up for tickets at 845am.

Handing out tickets to the gathered masses.

More bootlegged shirts for sale. I smell a photo essay coming up.

Patriotic Chair.

Headless kids waits for tickets.

National Guardsman have to wait for tickets too.

Minutes to noon.

Jill!

2008-04-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill(!) Thompson visited Gary to promote her stimulus...bleh....jobs.....bleh....economy...

we know how it all works out...trying to bring Gary and NW Indiana back to where it was before the mill jobs began to dry up.
How many times have we heard this in the past 20 years?
and how well has it worked?

Don't blow smoke up our ass and call it a stimulus package.

Mr. French-Canadian Liberty

2008-04-07T22:08:00.001-07:00

I've been waiting to shoot this feature for a bit. I've seen this guy on Broadway in Gary as he advertises for Liberty Tax Service. I've been waiting to have tax time come closer and the need for a standalone for our Gary page. John and i talked about hockey, beer and baseball, poverty and making ends meet in NW Indiana. He is a Canadian national with an occasional accent and a really nice guy. The hardest part isn't standing outside for hours on end - it' s about having the patience with the people who swear or spit at him or just give him the bird throughout his eight-hour day. So next time you see one of these guys-give them a wave back-it makes the day a little better for them.

Baseball returns to NWI

2008-04-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sixty degrees?
Check.
Nice light?
Check.
Sunflower seeds and peanut shells crunching underfoot?
Check.
The smell of overcooked and unknown filler of jumbo hotdogs wafting through the air?
Check.

Must be time for baseball to start back up. I shot South Central trounce Washington Township 10-6 Saturday in the RailCats High School Baseball Challenge at the US Steel Yard in Gary.

Heres a few selects....

return of the bort

2008-04-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

So after an extended and necessary break - I have returned.
I've been off my game after barely surviving a round of layoffs in mid-January and now, back on track, I'm ready to start sharing pictures again. I've been just a surly, angry SOB the last few months and personally I'm sick of it.

_______

This is a picture from the Obama-rama in Gary last Saturday.

Marine wedding

2008-01-09T23:38:00.000-08:00

As someone who just got married, i felt like i wanted to sit down and talk with these two about how life changes when you get married. I don't think for myself anymore; I think for us-and that's a scary thought sometimes.

This love story is simple as boy meets girl, boy in girl fall in love, boy and girl join marines and now boy and girl get married in a courtroom so they can be stationed together. Simple.

I hope nothing but the best for them. I just hope she doesn't get a higher rank then him or he'll never hear the end of it.

United States Marine Ryan Dame looks at his new wife and fellow Marine Katrina Yeo while Ryan’s mother Donna Dame cuts their cake after the newlyweds cut it together for their gathered families Thursday evening in Portage. High school sweethearts Ryan and Katrina are both 2007 Portage High School Graduates who were married on Jan. 2 to ensure they will be able to serve at the same base after their technical schools.

Beat

2007-12-14T01:30:00.000-08:00

Fetish Night at Exit Chicago
Thank you Exit and the doms and mybadass friends for letting me make these pictures.

This is just a quick edit there will be more on a flickr post or something later, but for now these will do

knee-jerk reaction

2007-12-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

HOLY CRAP IT'S SNOWING!!! WE NEED SNOW ART!!!

This is the general reaction of many midwestern newsrooms when the first real snowfall hits. So I heard about this hill, found some people sledding and made pictures.

This is my life, good to the last drop.

Kyle Yarnell of Merrillville takes a cigarette out of a pack while waiting for the next run down the hill with his friends at Hidden Lake Park Wednesday afternoon in Merrillville. Snow covered the area with 2-4 inches Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with another round of snow arriving Wednesday evening.

"We wanted to do this last night," said Ed Flores of Merrillville, "but by the time we got out of work it was too late" after wiping out while sledding with a group of friends at Hidden Lake Park Wednesday afternoon in Merrillville.

David Richards of Hobart wipes out on a snowboard while his friends Ed Flores, left, and Dan Rosenwinkel, both of Merrillville watch as he rolls down a hill at at Hidden Lake Park Wednesday afternoon in Merrillville.