April 16, 1981: Indiana wins bout with Germany

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 16, 1981.

Indiana wins bout with Germany

by Jim Ecker

International wrestling in Valpo

Jim Popp (bottom) of Chesterton gets two points for exposing Richard Krausert’s back to the mat during the Viking International Wrestling Meet Wednesday night. Making the call is Wilfred Petrak of West Germany, the mat official. Later, Petrak disqualified Popp in a controversial decision with the score tied 11-11.

(V-M: Kathy Steinbach)

It’s a good thing the United States and West Germany are friendly allies in the world of foreign affairs. Otherwise, sparks from Wednesday night’s Viking International Wrestling Meet might have ignited World War III smack dab in the Valparaiso High School gym.

More than 1,000 wrestling fans saw the Northwest Indiana team win nine of 13 matches from the West Germans, and also witnessed some international intrigue as the referees ー two from the United States and one from Germany ー didn’t always agree on the interpretation of freestyle and Greco-Roman rules.

Minor disagreements came to a head in the meet’s sixth bout, a 136-pound match between Jim Popp of Chesterton, a 1981 Indiana state champion, and Richard Krausert of Goldbach, West Germany, a 1980-81 Hessian champ.

That Greco-Roman match was tied 11-11 with 49 seconds left when the mat official ー Wilfried Petrak of West Germany ー suddenly stopped the action and awarded the bout to Krausert. The side officials ー Jerry Bratcher of Merrillville and Paul Green of Indianapolis ー looked bewildered, but were powerless to overrule Petrak, who alternated with Bratcher and Green as the head official.

Petrak apparently ruled that Popp had violated Greco-Roman guidelines, which prohibit leg action and stress upper-body maneuvers. Petrak had also warned Popp to be more aggressive during the match. But nobody knew exactly what transpired, and a language barrier shrouded the decision in mystery.

“I don’t think we still understand why the guy called Popp out,” said VHS wrestling coach John Cook, the program director. “He (Petrak) was very definitely standing up for his boy. It happens in the Olympics. It happens at the international meet in Joliet (where the West Germans are headed later this month).”

Popp, confused by the proceedings, nonetheless took the outcome in stride. “I guess I’ll survive,” he said. And what happened? “I don’t speak German.”

Later in the evening, an exhibition match between Robin Haddox of Chesterton and Werner Posselmann, a trainer for the West Germans and older than the other contestants, produced some tense moments when Posselmann gave Haddox a head slap. Some of the fans ー especially Haddox’s father ー took exception to the maneuver, but cooler heads prevailed.

There was action from start to finish last night, as the international freestyle and Greco-Roman rules encouraged aggressive, wideopen bouts. The Northwest Indiana grapplers earned a 3-3 split in matches wrestled under Greco-Roman rules, which are commonplace in Germany. And the Americans grabbed a 6-1 edge in freestyle contests, which are more common here.

“We held our own in Greco-Roman,” noted Valpo’s Cook. “In freestyle we had the advantage. We attacked the legs ー that’s our style.”

State champions Dave Lilovich of Michigan City, Rogers and Ken Taroli of Hammond both solved the Greco-Roman riddle, Lilovich winning by pin and Taroli taking an 8-6 verdict. Vince Stigler of LaPorte also captured a Greco-Roman bout with a stitch in 1:22, the fastest pin of the night.

Three Valparaiso High School grapplers ー Mark Remijan, John Hay and Greg Emig ー chalked up victories in freestyle competition. Little Remijan won 8-0 at 88 pounds, Hay got a pin in 4:36 and Emig prevailed 9-4. “Our kids did very well,: said Cook, who called the entire program a success.

Tim Walsworth of Chesterton, Rodney Robison of Lowell and Ben Puntillo of Highland were the other freestyle winners for Indiana. Walsworth won 13-1 in 5:46, with the match stopped when the point spread reached 12. Robison worked for a quick pin in 1:37, while Puntillo recovered from an early 6-0 deficit to stick his man in 1:53.

The meet was held under the auspices of the Indiana State Wrestling Association in conjunction with the Amateur Athletic Union. The Viking Wrestling Club organized the meet in Valparaiso. The Valparaiso High School foreign exchange club and student-faculty senate assisted with the visit, as did the local Kiwanis club.

Special recognition should go to Lew Rhinehart, the VHS sophomore basketball coach and German teacher who served as an announcer, interpreter and international peacekeeper.

March 25, 1981: Four students win best of show in county art contest

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 25, 1981.

Four students win best of show in county art contest

Porter County area students’ art work was judged Friday for the Seventh Annual Arts-A-Budding show sponsored by the Porter County Arts Commission. Judges were (from left) Doris Myers, art instructor at Kankakee Valley High School; Jo Fran Bennett, art instructor at Michigan City Area Schools; and Fred Frey, Valparaiso University Department of Art. Winners were announced during a reception held Sunday at the Chapel of the Resurrection where the art work is being displayed through noon April 4.

(V-M: Jan Aikens)

“Arts-A-Building” winners were announced during a reception Sunday at the Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso university.

Best of show winners who received a $25 cash prize were Eric Brant, Jeff Wolf both of Valparaiso High School; Jim Burge of Chesterton High School; and Kent Amber of Portage Central Elementary School.

Certificate winners who received a $25 award were Karen Hollenbeck, Andy Diaz both of Ben Franklin; Brad Whitmore, Karen Raye both of Kouts; Sherri Hubbs of Boone Grove, Eric Brant, Tim Vandergriff both of Valparaiso; Patty Andrews of Hebron; Kim Janowski of Westchester; and Kent Amber of Central Elementary.

Certificate winners who received $10 awards were Chris Bennett, Ben Utley, Linda Wiencken all of Ben Franklin, and Cheryl Nelson and Keith Ludwig both of Valparaiso.

First place winners who received ribbons were Tom Hallenberg, Jay Lavanaway, Brad Whitmore, Jon Herma, Kathy Ambers and Karen Raye all of Kouts; Chris Archer, Steve Schwartz, George Mangos all of Union Center; Tim Harding, Matthew Potchict, and Kathy Schroeder all of Porter-Lakes; Jeremy Strickland and Aaron Stevens both of Liberty Elementary; Joe Kasl of Jackson Elementary; Chad Dzierba of Bailly Elementary; and James McKean and Sherri Hubbs both of Boone Grove.

Other first place winners were Wendy Child of St. Patrick’s; Doug Gray, Jody Wilson, Patty Anderson of Hebron; Ben Utley, Andy Diaz, Chris Bennett, Laura Sperry and Danielle Urschel all of Ben Franklin; Mike Niloff of Westchester; Eric Brant, Cheryl Nelson, Trent Albert, Suzie Philips and Jeff Wolff all of Valparaiso; Kent Ambers of Central Elementary; Craig Will, Jim Burge and Peyton Grizzard all of Chesterton; and Scott Scarbrough and Tim Vandergriff both of Portage.

Second place ribbons were awarded to Kris Marich, Roslyn Racowisz, Kathy Loomis all of Porter-Lakes; Brian Thomas and Chrissy Wingrath of Union Center; Kevin Gaff of St. Patrick’s Leslie Morrow and Scott White both of Hebron Elementary; Eric Barbus and Sandy Norberg both and Bailly Elementary; Michael Miller of Jackson Elementary; and Charles Popovich and Deb Esteb both of Morgan.

Other second place winners were Kent Ambler of Central Elementary; Chad Casbon of Boone Grove; Kim Janowski, Jon Marshall, Kristy Ochoa and Cindy Mattson all of Westchester; Shawn Nuest, Wendy Werner and Amy Landsdown all of Kouts; Jon Woodyard and Bobby Hickle both of Chesterton; Cary Bolinger of Hebron High; Trent Albert and Ben Fuller both of Valparaiso; Linda Wienken of Ben Franklin; and Scott Scarsbrough of Portage Adult Education.

The “Arts-A-Budding” show is sponsored annually by the Porter County Arts Commission and is open to all students in the county. The show will be on display at the Chapel of the Resurrection through April 4.

March 4, 1936: Chesterton High Senior Is Meningitis Victim; Town To Shift Clocks On Thursday

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 4, 1936.

Chesterton High Senior Is Meningitis Victim; Town To Shift Clocks On Thursday

(BY ROBERT ALLETT)

CHESTERTON, Mar. 4ーLast Friday Bernard Wiseman, senior in the Chesterton high school, developed a tooth infection. Last night he was at the point of death in Mercy hospital, Gary, with the dreaded disease, spinal meningitis. “Bernie” was taken to Gary Saturday on the advice of Dr. W.M. Parkinson, of the Parkinson hospital, when he developed a high fever, which, according to a report yesterday, reached a temperature of 107 degrees. Saturday he was believed to be suffering a streptococcus infection. The complications all arose from a sinus ailment. “Bernie” is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wiseman.

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Whether they like it or not, local residents will make an hour time jump Thursday by order of the town board which Monday held a special meeting to decide the Eastern Standard time issue. The step was held necessary because of the great here. The Gary steel industry is on fast time now.

It may be a slight exaggeration but housewives insist they are getting up at 3:30 these mornings to see their husbands off on the early train to Gary. And according to statistician Frank Gavagan, who has it all figured out, workmen will not see daylight when they get up in the morning until sometime near the middle of June.

It is reported that a straw vote taken among citizens by the Tribune to be released Thursday, will reveal that about a 10 to 1 percentage were against going on fast time.

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August Wiseman, roller in the Gary steel mills, has been taking it on the chin this winter. Just before Thanksgiving he broke his left leg while working in the mills. He was not able to return to work until around Christmas time. A few days later while returning home one night in an auto with four neighbor employees, he was thrown through the car roof when the machine skidded on an icy pavement and his collar bone was broken. None of the other passengers were hurt. After another long period of convalescence, Wisemann once more reported for duty at the mills. One week ago yesterday three fingers on his right hand were severed by the machine on which he works. He is now in the mill hospital receiving treatment.

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Oscar “Scotty” Rosetti, Chesterton high school ‘32, is renewing old friendships this week after having been absent from the old home town for two years. He returned last Monday for a week’s visit from Gulfport, Mississippi, where he is employed as a mortician’s assistant. Scotty was brought home via auto by Clayton Nelson and Delmar Borg who visited in Mississippi. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rosetti. Father John is famous for the very good wine he makes and the very big tomatoes he raises.

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Another visitor is Frank Williams, Chesterton H.S. ‘33, who came up from Bloomington for a short stay, Frank is a junior at Indiana university.

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Word was received today of the death of Charles Siebert, former Chesterton resident, at the time of his death Tuesday afternoon, a New York Central dispatcher at Miller, Siebert died of a paralytic stroke. He is survived by his wife, Ellen, and a daughter, Dolores.

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Also dead is Mrs. Ellen Smith, 82, of Porter, who succumbed Monday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Herman Olson, Chicago Death was attributed to pneumonia. Another daughter, Mrs. Charles Olson, also of Chicago, and Roy and Allen, both of Porter, survive.

Memorial services were held today at Flynn’s chapel, at 1:30 o’clock, with the Rev. L. Vance, Chicago, assisted by Rev. Paul Young, Porter officiating. Burial took place in the Chesterton cemetery.

ー

At Parkinson hospital Monday two daughters were born to Chesterton mothers. One, named Mary Louis, was born in the morning to Mr. and Mrs. Vernon L. Tierney: the other, named Cecelia Maria, was born at night to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Edman.

Dec. 9, 1970: Break School Windows - Vandals Smash 350-400 Panes

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 9, 1970.

Break School Windows

Vandals Smash 350-400 Panes

Between 350 and 400 windows and glass door panels at six schools and a gymnasium in Porter County were broken early this morning by vandals, who also struck two business firms where six windows were smashed. One school cancelled classes today.

A white compact car, possibly a Ford, was being sought by police who said a vehicle of that description with three persons was observed driving away from the scene of one vandalism.

Schools sustaining damage and the number of windows or door panels broken include Washington Township, 115; Jackson, 95; Kouts, 86; Morgan, 46; Liberty, 17; Westchester Junior High School, 7. Two glass door panels and a window were broken at Chesterton High School’s Goldsborough gymnasium.

Business firms sustaining damage by vandals are Don’s Sinclair Station, U.S. 6 and Meridian and Brown Tire Co., Inc., Indiana 49.

The vandalism in most cases occurred between 4:45 and 7 a.m., Sheriff’s Detective George Earley said. Deputies regularly patrol the schools and when Jackson and Liberty were checked at 4:45 a.m. everything was in order.

All classes in schools are in session with the exception of Morgan Township School.

There was no estimate of damage, but costs of replacing windows and other school equipment will probably mount to the thousands of dollars.

Vandals used rocks, pipes, teeter-totters, and portions of cement blocks, to cause the damage.

Band equipment at Morgan and Washington schools was damaged by items which were thrown or pushed through windows.

Majority of damage at the schools occurred on the first level, Earley said, and vandals kept away from the fronts of the buildings to avoid detection.

Rocks found at the scenes indicated that vandals picked them up elsewhere than on school grounds.

Washington School, where the largest number of windows were broken, is not covered by vandalism insurance. Most of the county schools do not have vandalism insurance and the cost of repair will have to come from the schools’ budgets.

Damage At Washington

All windows in overhead door in shop area at Washington Township School were broken today by vandals. Removing glass (top photo) is Glenn Brown, who along with other Washington students assisted in clean-up so classes could be held. Principal James Dold holds 3-pound which was thrown with such force it traveled 30 feet, broke exterior overhead light fixture and smashed through inner office glass panel.

Dec. 5, 1970: VHS Will Play Trojans Tonight

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 5, 1970.

VHS Will Play Trojans Tonight

New Suede Shoes

Jeff Butterfield, center, Valpo High senior guard, models new green uniform and holds new green suede shoes he will wear tonight when Vikings play Trojans at Chesterton. Players in practice uniforms are Mark Schafer, left, and Mike Frey, right.

HOBART ー The Valpo Vikings ー the boys in the green suede shoes ー put a quick end to Hobart High’s three-game winning streak Friday night by easily defeating the Brickies on their own floor, 70-56.

It was the third straight win of the season for the Vikings and their second Duneland Conference win. They will journey to Chesterton tonight to take on the Trojans in another league tilt.

In defeating the Brickies, the Vikings came up with their best game to date. They played outstanding defense, shot well from outside, controlled the boards and came through with a devastating fast break.

The VHS defense held the Brickies to just four baskets in 22 shots in the first half and 16 for 52 for the game. VHS, meanwhile, hit 28 baskets in 65 attempts. The Vikings outrebounded the Brickies, 53-26.

Jeff Butterfield and Tom O’Neill led the Viking attack with 18 and 20 points, respectively. Butterfield was 9 for 19 from the field while O’Neill hit 7 of 14 goals and 6 of 7 free throws.

Shooting of the other Vikes were Mike Frey, 1 for 3; Mark Schafer, 2 for 4; Dan Keefe, 1 for 4; Jim Doane, 2 for 4; Freeman, 3 for 9; Domke, 3 for 8; Gordon, 0 for 1.

Slow Start

Both teams had trouble getting started in the first quarter. John Dubenetzky opened the scoring with a free throw and Jim Doane tallied a field goal to give the Vikings a 2-1 lead. They never trailed thereafter.

With less than a minute to play in the slow first quarter, VHS led 12-7. However, just before the gun, Dennis Doll came up with a three-point play for the Brickies to make the score 12-10.

Mark Freeman and O'Neill picked up quick baskets at the start of the second quarter and then Jeff Butterfield put on a display of outside shooting. He hit six long shots in the period in seven attempts as the Vikes rolled up 26 markers while holding the Brickies to 11 to take a 38-21 lead into the dressing room.

The Vikes slowed the game down in the third quarter and were outscored, 16-14. O’Neill had six points for VHS in the period and Larry Domke and Butterfield, four each. Dubenetzky led Hobart with five.

Reserves for both teams saw plenty of action in the fourth quarter as the Brickies again outscored the Vikings by one point ー 19-18.

Nov. 11, 1935: Principal Goldsborough of Chesterton High, Now In 25th Year In That Office of School

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on November 11, 1935.

Principal Goldsborough of Chesterton High, Now In 25th Year In That Office of School

(BY ROBERT ALLETT)

Principal F.M. Goldsborough is celebrating his 25th anniversary this year as principal and his 30th year as a faculty member of the largest unit in the county educational system, Chesterton high school.

In 1905 Mr. Goldsborough was assistant principal and in 1910 became head of the school which at that time had a high school enrollment of between 40 and 50 pupils. Today, with 291 pupils, Chesterton is second in the county as far as size of the student body is concerned.

Principal Goldsborough received his higher education here in Porter county, having earned his A.B. degree from Valparaiso university in 1922. His faculty at Chesterton numbers 15, of which three are new this fall. Miss Avola Watkins has been placed in charge of the newly organized art department, Miss Beulah Eldridge replaced Miss Elizabeth Zehner in biology and physical education, and Miss Lillian Sayers, formerly of Morgan township, has taken the vacancy left by Miss Elizabeth Bescherer who taught Latin and English.

Miss Bescherer was given a surprise party by members of the classes of 1933, 34 and 35 at the high school Friday night, in celebration of her approaching marriage to Paul T. Copp of Gary. Mr. Copp in 1932 was an instructor in mathematics at Valparaiso university. Miss Bescherer was presented with a dinette set, a table and four chairs by her former pupils.

Prominent activities at Chesterton include debate for both boys and girls, band, orchestra and glee clubs; one of the two Hi-Y clubs in the county, the other being at Valparaiso high school; student council; G.A.A., and of course, sports. While Walter Jones is coach at Chesterton George Lowry is known throughout the county for his interest in and knowledge of athletics.

Mr. Lowry has designed various scorebooks for baseball and basketball which have been accepted for publication by leading companies specializing in athletic equipment.

Chesterton excels in its science courses and is the only school in the county system which boasts a complete chemistry department.

Something special in the line of outside entertainment is being offered to Chesterton high school students this year. Sponsored by the Northwest Assemblies, a series of six programs will be presented, three per semester, and will include appearances of musicians, lecturers and entertainers.

Chesterton graduates of 1935 now attending college are: Barbara Brunk, Oberlin college; Howard Carlso, Morningside, Iowa; John Rooney, Indiana university; Howard Smith, Purdue; and Robert Sabinski Indiana university.

Nov. 7, 1970: Coeducational Golf Offered At Chesterton New CHS Sport

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on November 7, 1970.

Coeducational Golf Offered At Chesterton

New CHS Sport

CHESTERTON 一 Coeducational golf has been added to the curriculum of advanced physical education classes at Chesterton High School, it has been announced by Gerald Wenzel, Duneland School Corp. physical education director.

The Valparaiso Country Club donated 26 clubs to help implement the CHS program. The Mink Lake Golf Course donated more than 40 practice balls.

“Golf makes an excellent coeducational-type activity with great carryover value. Advanced physical education classes are coeducational in nature whenever possible at CHS,” said Wenzel.

Basic golf fundamentals to be taught are grip, stance, swing, use of various clubs, safety precautions, and golf etiquette.

CHS instructors in advanced physical education are Mrs. Neva Kays, Miss Donna Kraus, Edgar Lewandowski, Knoefel Jones, and Larry James.

Advanced physical education instructor for Duneland School Corp. Edgar Lewandowski shows Shellie Wynder how to swing as Kay Woynaroski, Jeff Falls and Ken Saffran, students in coeducational golf program, look on. Program has been added to the curriculum of advanced physical education classes at Chesterton High School.