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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
FROM THE MAYOR Crown Point has a lot to be excited about. With the many new business and sports complex developments being built over the past decade and now the addition of Bulldog Park, Crown Point continues to stand out as the Hub of Lake County. Bulldog Park is a 2 1/2 acre facility that offers an NHL regulation hockey rink for open skating, ice hockey, and skating lessons in the winter and an 85 x 200 covered pavilion and amphitheater to hold festivals, car cruises, farmer’s markets and much more. The unique community spirit of Crown Point remains rooted in our dedication to preserve history, celebrate everyday life, provide the best in city services, and encouraging growth to protect our family values. People come here to raise their families, enroll in our quality schools and enjoy the community spirit Crown Point has to offer. Businesses that choose to open their doors
receive a warm reception and willingness from the citizens to help them succeed. With our Shop Local campaign, we will continue to support and protect their investments. Together, we promote our core value of “Building a Stronger Community from Within.” Crown Point is proud to promote a winning atmosphere as we continue to be named “Best Downtown” and “Best Place to Live” for over a decade. Our city is an ideal place to live, work and play. Our residents and guests can enjoy award winning athletic amenities such as our premiere 95-acre sports complex that features football, lacrosse, soccer, softball and baseball for all ages. We welcome you to experience friendly hospitality by visiting our family owned restaurants, local boutiques, our historical downtown, sporting facilities and our free civic events. My office and staff are dedicated to serving the needs of our Crown Point citizens and guests. Sincerely, David Uran
Table of Contents Lake County Historical Museum. .4 City Government. . . .6-7 Mayor’s Office of Special Events. .8 Parks & Recreation. . . . .10 Crown Point: Lake County Seat. . 11 New! Kiddie Academy. . . 12 Police, Fire & Rescue. . . .13
Crown Point facts. . . .14 History of Crown Point. . . . 16 Community Library. . . . 17 Crown Point Community Schools. . . . . 18-19 “Grand Old Lady”. . . .22 Lake County Fair. . . .23 2020 Events. . . . 25
CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Bulldog Park
A New Event Center Housing a 16,000 sq. ft. community building, splash pad, hockey rink/pavilion and amphitheater, Bulldog Park offers a variety of rental opportunities!
Call the Parks office at 219.661.2271 for more information 183 South West Street • Crown Point, IN Crown Point Parks & Recreation 219.661.2271
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Preserving history: Lake County Historical Museum
The Lake County Historical Museum, located in the Old Lake Courthouse in Crown Point, was established in 1982. The museum was funded by the Oktober Committee, organized by Hank and Bea Baum, and is now operated by the Lake County Historical Society. The Lake County Historical Society was established in 1875 with its mission to collect, preserve, and display the history of the county, its pioneers, and early settlers. This goal is accomplished today by the Lake County Historical Museum. Located on the second floor, the museum houses many interesting exhibits that reflect the history of Lake County and its many communities. Within its four spacious rooms are documents, pictures, and artifacts representing such cities and towns as Gary, Hammond, Whiting, East Chicago, Munster, Griffith, Highland, Merrillville, Deep River, Ainsworth, Hobart, Lake Station, Crown Point, Lowell, Cedar Lake, Schererville, St. John, Winfield, and many more. In the old Clerk’s Office, for example, one may stand at the counter where couples obtained their marriage licenses. Crown Point, nicknamed Gretna Green after the famous Scottish border town, was known as the Marriage Mill in the early 1900’s because there was no waiting period. A gallery of pictures of such notables as Rudolph Valentino, Cassius Clay, Tom Mix, Red Grange, Colleen Moore, Michael Todd, Joe DiMaggio, Red Skelton, and the Mills Brothers represents some of the many people who obtained their marriage licenses in the courthouse. In the Recorder’s office is the rolltop desk used by Captain Norton in 1906 as he mapped out
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the city of Gary for the Gary Land Company. An extensive military collection established by Charles McFadden, Military Curator, depicts Lake County’s participation in the wars and conflicts throughout history. Represented also is space travel featuring photos of Crown Point native and astronaut Jerry Ross (picured above) who journeyed seven times into space. Clothing and accessories depict (pictured on previous page) the changing fashion throughout the ages. One entire room is devoted mainly to agriculture and its impact on Lake County. Other displays of United States Steel Company and Inland Steel Company photographs depict the introduction of the steel industry at
the turn of the century in Lake County. Many important events are also documented including the Cobe Race, forerunner of the Indianapolis 500 and the LaSalle Expedition through the Calumet region. Schools, government, police and fire departments, businesses, roads and trails, children’s toys, household appliances, tools, clothing, furniture, and musical instruments are just some of the displays represented in the museum. Historic books and documents are available for reading in the library maintained in the office of the museum. The museum also maintains a list of burial records for most cemeteries in Lake County.
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Mayor David Uran
Clerk Treasurer David Benson
Council, Dist. 1 Chad Jeffries
Council, Dist. 2 Dawn Stokes
Council, Dist. 3 Andrew Kyres
Council, Dist. 4 Laura Sauerman
Crown Point City Hall 101 N. East St. 219-662-3249 www.crownpoint. in.gov Council, Dist. 5 Carol Drasga
Council, At-Large Zach Bryan
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Department oversees all land planning developments, construction of new homes, commercial development and inspections of all new construction. To contact city hall, call 219-662-3240 or visit www. crownpoint.in.gov. City hall office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Boards and Committees
Board of Public Works meets the first and third Monday of each month at 2 p.m. in council chambers. Board members are Mayor David Uran, Robert Clemons, Bill Gomez, Andrew Kyres and James Crook. Board of Zoning Appeals meets the fourth Monday of each month in council chambers. Board members are Chairman Dan Rohaley, Vice-chairman John Marshall, Richard Sauerman Nick
Nochevich and Jeremy Taylor. Plan Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Members are Chad Jeffries, Laura Sauerman, Mike Conquest, Rick Day, John Marshall, Dan Rohaley and Scott Evorik. Redevelopment Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers. Members are Aaron McDermott, Brad Bosse (appointed by the mayor), Tom Keilman (appointed by the mayor),
Carol Drasga (appointed by the council), David H. Nicholls (city attorney). Historic Preservation meets the last Monday of the month. Members are Chairman Paul Bremer, Vice-chairman Jim Kendall, Dan Rohaley, Jim Crisman, Todd Kabella, Richard Osterle, Jolene Bolenger, Brad Miller and Anthony Schleuter. Storm Water Advisory Board meets as needed. Members are Bob Bieker, Jake Boender, Wendell Baize, Todd Kleven, Cory Kreith and Ken Ziese Tree Board members are Matt Lake, Lorraine Keilman, Carol Drasga, Todd Kleven.
City Departments
Building Department 219-662-3239 Plumbing Inspector: Dave LaMere, ext. 4 HVAC Inspector: Keith Anderson, ext. 5
Repairs
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Electric Inspector: Kitt Kabella, ext. 7 Building Inspector: Richard Hulen, ext. 3 Administrator: Joe Cash Administrative Assistant: Jenni Pause/Donna Benson City Court 219-662-3243 City Court holds hearings and trials every Tuesday afternoon beginning at 1:30 p.m. It is located in the Civic Center, 101 S. East St. The Crown Point City Court hears cases involving criminal misdemeanors, traffic tickets (infractions) and city ordinance violations. The City Court Clerk’s office is open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The clerk’s office is also located in the Civic Center City Court Judge is Kent M. Jeffirs and the City Attorney is David H. Nicholls (219-6623258).
See CITY HALL, page 21
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Mayor’s Office of Special Events plans year-round family friendly fun The Mayor’s Office of Special Events is located at 183 S. West St., at Bulldog Park in Crown Point. The office is responsible for organizing and providing family friendly events for the residents and guests of the city. Special Events Administrator Diana Bosse said the office organizes yearly events including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, City Wide Picnic, Oktoberfest, Tour of Lights, Car Cruise, Taste of Crown Point, Farmers Market and Winter Market, all of which were started with Mayor David Uran’s administration. The office is now located on the second floor of the recreation center at Bull Dog Park. The Parks Department also moved to the new location. It, too, is located on the second floor at Bulldog Park. While planning the events, the Special Events office secures sponsorships by working with local businesses to partner with the office and to promote the events through advertising. “St. Patrick’s Day Parade is our largest event bringing thousands of people to Crown Point,” Bosse said. “We will continue to provide quality family friendly events
to our residents and guests,” Bosse said. To see what the office has planned, visit the city’s website at www.crownpoint.in.gov or call 219662-3290. New to the parks and events programs is Bulldog Park. Franciscan Health naming rights committed to $100,000 a year for 10 year for the naming rights at Bulldog Park. Each component will be: • Franciscan Health Amphitheater • Franciscan Health Pavilion • Franciscan Health Recreation Center. Bulldog Park opened Dec. 22, 2018, just in time for Christmas
break. Open skating, ice skating lessons and open hockey are available – The hours are listed weekly on the city Facebook page and the city website at www.crownpoint.in.gov For more information, call 219-661-2271 or visit the Parks Dept. office. “In 2020, we are adding hockey leagues to the opportunities in the winter season,” Bosse said.
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Crown Point Parks and Recreation
Crown Point offers many parks, including a skate park and seasonal ice rink. • Bowtie Park, located at the intersection of Arthur St. and 94th Avenue, is situated on 1.5 acres and offers a playground and a basketball court. • Arthur Street Park is located at Arthur Street and 96th Avenue. Its 1.5 acres offers a playground. • Sauerman Woods Park offers a gazebo, walking trail in the woods, a basketball court and four sand volleyball courts. • Collins Park offers a tennis court, playground and a softball field. It is located at the intersection of 3500 Merrillville Road and 95th Avenue and spreads out over four acres. • Erlenbach Park is located at 9650 Van Buren St. and offers a playground. • Keller Park, which offers a playground, is located at the intersection of Merrillville Road and W. 97th Place. • Willow Tree Park at McKinley St. and Arthur Place, encompasses four acres and features a playground. • White Hawk Park at White Hawk Drive near the White Hawk Country Club course offers a playground. • Brookside Park is situated on 1 acre and offers a playground and picnicking opportunities. • Bridgeport Park at Jackson and Monitor Sts. has a basketball court, playground and pickleball court. • Jerry Ross Park at 399 W. North St., offers playground fun as well as a shelter. • Prairie View Park at North Heather Lane has a playground. • Solon Robinson Park, located at Dexter Drive, offers nine acres of recreation, including a sand volleyball court, two basketball courts and a pavilion. • Penn Oak Park is located on nearly one acre at South Madison St. and Chessington Dr. and offers a playground. • High Meadow Park, located at High Meadow Drive, has a playground. • Bluebird Park at 117th Place sits on 1 acre of green space.
• Kaiser Park at S. Main Street has tennis courts and shelter opportunities. • The Crown Point Sportsplex is a 95-acre multi-use outdoor sports and event destination conveniently located off I-65. The facility currently features two synthetic turf multipurpose fields, 10 natural grass, illuminated fields, and champion field with stadium seating. Accompanying these sports amenities, are two fully equipped support buildings that include restrooms, concessions and storage. The Sportsplex hosts a variety of sports including football, lacrosse, soccer, softball and baseball as well as variety of adult and children’s programs. • Bulldog Park, the newest park in the city, and a dog park. In addition to Crown Point Parks, there are many other parks within Lake County, including Deep River Park, the Grand Kankakee Marsh Nature Preserve, Lemon Lake, the Lake County Fairgrounds and Whihala Beach on Lake Michigan.
CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
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Lake County seat: Crown Point
The Lake County Government Complex houses the government agencies, courtrooms and jail in three buildings on N. Main St. in Crown Point.
The Lake County Government Complex opened in 1974, two miles north of the old courthouse in downtown Crown Point. It houses the Lake County Jail as well as the court rooms. The address is 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. The first floor of the Administration Building (Building A) houses courtrooms, the clerk of the traffic division, child support and small claims. The prosecuting attorney’s office, clerk of the court’s office and probation offices are located on the first floor of Building B. The second floor of Building A contains the County Assessor, Recorder, Auditor and Treasurer’s offices. The voters registration election board can also be found on the second floor.
Courtrooms occupy the second floor of Building B, along with court offices and the public defenders’ office. The third floor of Building A houses offices of the township assessors, county surveyor, building and planning commission, Veterans services, Health Dept., Economic Development and the county commissioners and council, as well as their meeting chamber. The Lake County Jail sits to the west of Building A and B. The sheriff ’s offices are located between Building B and the jail. Animal Control sits on the northwest corner of the complex, with entrances off of W. 93rd Ave.
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Kiddie Academy opens in Crown Point
1-year room
CROWN POINT — The city of Crown Point has a new childcare/learning center that opened in February 2020. The new facility is located at 1000 N. Main St., on the northeast corner of Main and Summit Streets, and is easy to spot with the black rod iron fencing that circles the building. This is the first Kiddie Academy in northwest Indiana and offers childcare in a safe educational and fun environment. Beginning with infants to 5 year olds, the academy has a curriculum of learning for every age. Owner Rahul Patel said, “There’s nothing like this in the area. There are 200 in the country and it’s a growing brand.” He explained the academy is based out of Maryland and has a dedicated education department working on the curriculum for each age group. The education is age and developmentally appropriate, whether 1 month old or 5 years old. Teachers can individualize the curriculum to fit each child’s needs and level of learning. “This exceeds state standards,” Patel said. The academy has two rooms for infants from 0-walking age and off bottle. The rooms can hold up to eight infants each. Every room in the facility has security cameras, and parents can watch the room any time they’d like. There are also cameras in the outdoor play areas as well for parents to check in on their children. Outside of each room, there is a daily schedule, which includes the lesson plan for the day and the menus. The Kiddie Academy is open from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the children are fed breakfast lunch and snacks. Next to the infant rooms are two rooms for 1-year olds up to 3, depending on the child’s ability to use the toilet. Child size bathrooms are situated between the two rooms, which have a capacity for up to 10 toddlers in each. Children are taught how to use the toilet in a way that supports what the parents are teaching at home. “We do not discipline a child. If the child isn’t potty trained, we will work with them, even if they’re 3-years old,” Patel
School age room
explained. Toys are age appropriate and made for fun and learning. The next set of rooms is for “young 2’s”, which has the same ratio of child to teacher as the 1-year old rooms, 1:5. For 2 ½ year olds, Continued on page 24
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Police, Fire & Rescue answer the call 24/7 The Crown Point Police Department serves the entire city limits. The police department is under the direction of Crown Point Police Chief Pete Land. Divisions within the department include administration, detective bureau, uniformed patrol, communications, records, K-9 Unit, motor unit, DARE and SWAT. The department can help residents with VIN checks, state crash reports, arrest reports, offense reports, archived reports, fingerprinting and local records check. All of the services have a fee that must be paid. The Crown Point Police Department is located at 124 N. East Street in Crown Point. To contact the department for a non-emergency dial 219-6632131. Remember to dial 9-1-1 for all emergencies.
Crown Point Fire & Rescue The Crown Point Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1873 and was one of the first organized fire departments in the area. At that time the fire department numbered
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40 members, most of whom were business and professional men of the town. Today, the Crown Point FireRescue Department has 36 fulltime employees and 54 parttime paid-on-call firefighters. There are 18 pieces of equipment out of one central fire station that serves the citizens of Crown Point and other parts of Center Township. Crown Point Fire-Rescue has an ISO rating of 4 for areas within the city. All personnel are cross trained and certified as firefighter/paramedics. Eight paid firefighter/ paramedics are assigned per shift with three shifts rotating on a 24/48 work schedule. The department also specializes in technical rescue incidents. CPFR has three elements of the Special Operations Division, Technical Rescue & Water Rescue/ Dive teams and a K9 unit.
The members of these teams must train above and beyond the normal firefighter and paramedic trainings. All of the three shifts have a rescue diver and several technical rescue members on duty. Technical rescue includes: trench collapse, structural collapse, rope rescue and confined space. The Crown Point Fire Chief is Dave Crane and Assistant Chief is Mark Baumgardner. Fire Inspector is Mike Parks. Address: 126 North East Street Phone: 219-662-3248 Call 9-1-1 for all emergencies. Lake County Sheriff’s Office The Lake County Sheriff ’s Department is comprised of over 500 employees who make up a number of different divisions. These divisions include county police, corrections, court security and animal control. The sheriff ’s office maintains several programs to benefit the community including a DARE program, Safe Place, Internet safety, Neighborhood Watch, programs for senior citizens and a bicycle registry. The sheriff ’s office is located at 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. To contact the Sheriff ’s administration office call 219755-3400. To reach the office’s “Report a Crime Hotline” call 800-750-2746. Remember to dial 9-1-1 for all emergencies.
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
DiD you Know?
t of tive Jerry Ross flew his firs via ce • In 1834, Solon Robinson spa o int s on ssi seven mi to be and his family are believed space shuttles. t tha a nty seat the first to settle in the are • Crown Point is the cou . int Po n med ow na Cr a, e ian becam of Lake County, Ind orated igan, ch Mi ke La • Crown Point was incorp for its location on ires 00 0,0 49 as a city in 1868. er histor- and home to ov nsus Ce US the • Among Crown Point’s to ing ty dents, accord un Co ke La st the is mo s second ic landmark . Bureau. It is Indiana’s 78 18 in re the ilt bu Courthouse nty. de to the populous cou has a population Additions would be ma int Po n ow • Cr . 23 19 d an 07 19 in se ing to ou courth of 29,625 (2017), accord Cup be Co t firs the e city’s , 09 Th 19 u. In • the US Census Burea first major 42 er ov wn race, believed to be the population has gro own . 00 auto race, was held in Cr 20 percent since located Point. • Crown Point is ideally the of r sta o, tin len Va Chicago • Rudolph 34 miles southeast of the , era nt sile the g rin du rural silver screen metropolitan center with marre we lfe Wo De red south. nif and Wi farmlands situated to the urtCo ty un Co ke and La rks the pa at ried • There are over 20 . 23 19 , own rch Cr Ma of in y cit use ho the w John sports fields in d me do • In 1934, notorious outla the Point including the Lake and the Dillinger escaped from Spartadome, Sportsplex own County Jail located in Cr rk. Pa new Bulldog Point. na • In 1998, Crown Point
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Crown Point’s rich history
Solon and Mariah (Evans) Robinson came to the Crown ing with a clock tower was begun in 1878 and Point area from LaPorte in 1834. By 1835, designated in 1880. It cost $52,000. The hand the small settlement had a kilned bricks came from the Henry Wise brickpopulation of 21. The yard in Crown Point. first post office was later As the county continued to grow, addiopened with Solon Robtions were added to the courthouse on both inson as the first post the north and south sides starting in 1907 master. He called the and dedicated in 1909. These additions cost Post Office “Lake Court $160,000. House.” By the early 1970s, the county had again After Lake County was outgrown its courthouse. Instead of adding organized in 1837, a new onto the current Romanesque/Georgian building was built of hewn style building, a new modern complex was logs to house the county built two miles north of the square. courthouse on the south side The old courthouse, dubbed the “Grand of what is now the courtOld Lady” was set to be demolished il house square in downtown for a parking lot. A group of concerned and ja house ’s f if Crown Point. It became the citizens formed a non-profit foundation r She ounty C e k a temporary courthouse in 1838. to save the building from destruction. The foundaal L Histor ic Lake Court House, Liverpool tion used the $70,000 the county had set aside for demolition as and West Point were contenders for the designation seed money to restore and save the building. It was added to the as the county seat. National Register of Historical Places on May 17, 1973. It now Liverpool was named the county seat in 1839 by the county has shops, a restaurant and a museum inside. commissioners. The Lake County Historical Society reports that so many people were dissatisfied with this choice that Historical happenings the Indiana legislature stepped in and ordered the in Crown Point county seat to be relocated to Lake Court House. In the early 20th century, Crown Point It became the permanent county seat in 1840. was called a “marriage mill.” Justice of the The log cabin courthouse was replaced Peace Howard Kemp advertised in Chicago, around 1849 with a wood frame structure offering to marry couples any time of day or built on the north side of the courthouse night, seven days a week. Silent film star Rusquare at a cost of $10,000. It housed the dolph Valentino married Winifred DeWolfe in courtroom, sheriff ’s office and a basement Crown Point by Judge Kemp on March 16, 1923. Cloc jail. Word quickly spread around town the famous k to Coun wer of th The Historical Society says this courtmovie star was getting married, and a crowd e ty Co ur tho old Lake house, by 1876, was “too small and out of quickly gathered. The newspaper, “Lake County use character” for the growing community. A prominent Star” wrote the couple was given an “impromptu ovaChicago architect, J.C.Cochran, designed the courthouse that tion” and was “showered with congratulations” as the Continued on page 21 still stands on the square today. The central portion of the build-
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Crown Point Community Library serves Center and Winfield Townships
The Crown Point Community Library serves the residents of Center and Winfield Townships in Lake County. The main branch is located on Main Street just north of the square in downtown Crown Point and a new location in Winfield in the Double Tree Plaza serves the eastern section of the library district. Both libraries are community centers, serving all the people in either township. Library board meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m. in the Library Board Room, third floor at the Crown Point branch. The public is welcome and should request access to the third floor at the circulation desk. The 2019 members of the Crown Point Library Board are President Patrick Schuster, Vice President Mary Malloy-
Rhee, Treasurer Rose Ann Kendall, Secretary Vicky Klein, Trustee Fiona McCarroll and Trustee Chris Mallers, and Winfield Trustee Marshall Anderson. The Friends of the Crown Point Community Library meet the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in meeting room 2. The Friends of the Library have supported special programs and help to purchase items not generally covered in the library’s regular operating budget. Their mission is to enhance and promote the use and enjoyment of the library. Learn more about the library at crownpointlibrary.org.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. Winfield Branch Address: 10771 Randolph St. (in the Double Tree Plaza) Phone: 219-662-4039 Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Sunday
Crown Point Public Library Address: 122 N. Main Street Phone: 219-663-0270
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Crown Point Schools: Academic Excellence
The Crown Point Community School Corporation presides over public education in Crown Point. The corporation’s office is located at 200 E. North St., Crown Point. The school board of trustees is made up of David Warne, president; Scott Angel, vice-president; Tom Hoffman, secretary; and members Scott Babjak and Brian Smith. The Crown Point Schools are recognized as being among the top in the state having received a grade of “A” for exemplary academic achievement by the Indiana Dept. of Education. The Crown Point Community School Corporation has earned the Grand
Prize Magna Award by the National School Board Assoc. practices and innovative programs that advance student learning. It is the first corpo-
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ration in Indiana to receive this prestigious award. Crown Point High School has grown from its modest origins to one of the largest comprehensive high schools in Indiana. The current facility, which was featured in American School and University Architectural Portfolio as an Outstanding High School Design, opened to students in the fall of 2003. Due to expansive growth, the high school opened a new academic wing in 2009 that increased the school’s capacity to 3,000 students.
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July 10,11 & 12, 2020 Gates open 9am Lake County Fairgrounds 889 South Court St. Crown Point, IN
FEATURING ·Allis Chalmers · Massey Harris and Rumely Tractors · Allis Chalmers Garden Tractors · Stover Gas Engines WORKING EXHIBITS: Sawmill, Shingle Mill, Threshing, Baling, Corn Shelling and Grinding, Dyno Testing, Chainsaw Carving, Wood Carving, Giant Lionel RR, Blacksmiths, Antique Steam Engines, Tractors, Garden Tractors and Rock Crushing, Antique Cars and Trucks and Military Equipment For more information see www.slcahs.org or Facebook at South Lake County Antique Farm and Tractor Club Phone: 219-662-9204
Pies, Pork Chop Dinner, Food Vendors
Also see: Tractor Pulls, Pop Up Artisan Market, Quilt Raffle, Horse Drawn Equipment, Flea Market FOR KIDS! Kids Tractor Pull, Petting Zoo, Kids Barrel Ride, Kids Crafts and Sandbox
CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Crown Point High School, an Indiana Chamber of Commerce Best Buy School, offers its students numerous educational, extracurricular and athletic opportunities and its performance is often ranked with the best in the state and nation. It was selected by the Washington Post as one of the nation’s “Most Challenging High Schools” and U.S. News and World Report named it a “Top U.S. High School.”
Crown Point Schools
Crown Point High School Principal: Russ Marcinek Asst. Principal: Lynn Alkire Asst. Principal (A-Ei): Vince Bauters Asst. Principal Ro-Z: Amy Helmuth Dean of Students: Kevin Enright (LRi) and Anne Lorek (El-K Address: 1500 Main St. Phone: 219-663-4885
Robert A. Taft Middle School Principal: Tracy Seibert Asst. Principal: John Graegen Address: 1000 S. Main St. Phone: 219-663-1507
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Phone: 219-663-2525
Col. John Wheeler Middle School Principal: Jacob Rodriquez Asst. Principal: David C. Vode Address: 401 W. Joliet St. Phone: 219-663-2173 Timothy Ball Elementary School Principal: Nick Ciochina Address: 720 Summit St. Phone: 219-663-0047 Lake Street Elementary School Principal: Cindy Wise Address: 475 Lake St. Phone: 219-663-5683 Solon Robinson Elementary School Principal: Barbara L. Merrill Address: 601 Pettibone St.
Winfield Elementary School Principal: Jillian Alonzo Address: 13128 Montgomery St. Phone: 219-663-2287 Douglas MacArthur Elementary School Principal: Marian Buchko Address: 12900 Fairbanks Ave., Cedar Lake Phone 219-662-3600 Eisenhower Elementary School Principal: Mary Ann Chapko Address: 1450 E. Main St. Phone: 219-663-8800 Jerry Ross Elementary School Principal: Jennifer Linsley 11319 Randolph St. Phone 219-663-3010
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
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NOW OPEN COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM’S NEW Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point features a 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit with activity gym and living-skills space for therapy.
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219-661-6100 | COMHS.org
CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
City Hall continued from Pg. 7 Emergency Management Director: Michael Wysocki, mwysocki@crownpoint.in.gov Engineering 219-662-3242 Mayor’s office 219-662-3240 Fax: 219-662-3262 101 N. East St. Mayor David Uran Chief of Staff Greg Falkowski Office Manager May Waisnora Secretary Marsha Essary Mayor’s Office of Special Events 219-662-3290 183 S. West St. Director Diana Bosse
Parks Department 219-661-2271 183 S. West St. Director Jennie Burgess Administrative Assistant: Cathi Grzych Recreation Manager: Bre Falcone Sports Manager: John Stroia Resource Manager: Paul Waisnora Planning and Zoning 219-661-5039 Anthony Schleuter Public Works 219-662-3252 Director Terry Ciciora
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History continued from Pg. 16 wedding party headed back to Chicago after the ceremony. Ronald Reagan married Jane Wyman in Crown Point. Muhammed Ali, Tom Mix and Joe and Kathryn Jackson, parents of the Jackson 5, and daughters, Janet and LaToya Jackson were also married there. The marriage mill continued until a new law was enacted in 1940 requiring blood tests before marriage requiring a three day waiting period. In 1909, the first major auto race was held in Crown Point. Named the Cobe Cup Race, it was held south of the courthouse and was a grueling 25 mile course from Crown Point to Lowell, with the first turn at the Lake County Fairgrounds. It was the forerunner of the Indianapolis 500. Louis Chevrolet, founder and creator of the Chevrolet Motor Co., took the first winner’s cup of the race. One of the most famous historical events occurred on March 3, 1934, when the infamous criminal John Dillinger escaped the Crown Point Jail where he was being held for the murder of an East Chicago police officer during a bank robbery.
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Grand Old Lady is jewel in the crown The red bricked “Grand Old Lady,” dubbed the jewel in the crown of Crown Point is the center point for the city’s historic shopping district. The former Lake County Courthouse is now home to shops, a rental ballroom, a theater, offices and the Lake County Historical Museum. Around the courthouse square, visitors will find a variety of restaurants to choose from including Greek, Italian, Chinese and Mexican, as well as American cuisine. Several of these restaurants occupy restored buildings such as The Safe House, Cafe Fresca, SIP Coffee House and Artisan Cafe, The Zombie Club and the Registry, a bar and grill housed in what was Crown Point’s first newspaper, the Register. Noka’s is located in the Old Lake County Courthouse. Lucrezia’s Restorante occupies the historic Fifield Mansion. Other restaurants and bars on the courthouse square include Tavern on the Main, Martoni’s, Provecho Latin Provisions and Twelve Islands. In the Grand Old Lady, there are professional offices in-
cluding the Lake County Courthouse Foundation. Not far off the square, the Sheriff’s House, built in 1882, is being restored. It was home to Lake County sheriffs for 76 consecutive years. The back portion of the building was the jail, from which John Dillinger escaped in 1934. The Old Homestead Preservation Project, a partnership between the City of Crown Point and the Old Homestead Preservation Society restored the Wellington A. Clark Homestead, which through their efforts has been listed on the National State Registers of Historic Places. The home was built in 1847.
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David Foster, Owner Mon.-Fri. 8AM-5PM Closed Sat. & Sun.
CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
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2020 Lake County Fair: Aug. 7-16 The 2020 Lake County Fair is Aug. 7 to 16, with three days of Monster Trucks and so much more. The fairgrounds are located at 888 S. Court St., in Crown Point. For information on events at this year’s fair visit the website:
https://www.lake-county-fair.com
The First Fair The Lake County Agricultural Society was organized at the Court House in Crown Point on Aug. 27, 1851. Due to a lack of funds, no fair was held in the autumn of 1851. The first fair was held at the Court House Oct. 28, 1852. Sixty-nine entries were made, and 30 premiums awarded which amounted to $48, $10 was offered for the Best 10 Acres of Corn and $5 was offered for the second best. The fair was a success, though on a small scale. Prizes were given for the following: horses, cattle, sheep, swine, butter, cheese, tomato catsup, apples, squashes, beets, turnips, rutabagas, radishes and potatoes. The receipts of the fair were $91 and expenditures were $52.25. The balance in the treasury was $32.75.
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
Academy continued from Pg. 12 the ratio goes up to 1 teacher per seven children and that room allows for up to 14 children in each room. The “young 2’s” room had both childsize toilets and sinks as well as a diaper changing area as the babies learn how to use the potty. All children are required to have the proper immunizations and a list of allergies, if any. Kitchen staff are then given a list of any food allergies a child has as well. The meals are prepared in house daily and are also age appropriate for each of the classrooms. Children eat in their own rooms and teachers give them the food and watch over them as they eat to be sure the children are getting the proper nutrition every day. “It’s family style dining for each room,” Patel said. “Teachers serve and eat together. They chat (with the children) about their day.” The center will be open year-round with a school age room for older children for before and after school care as well as summer care. The room has a capacity for up to 30 children. It is a large open room with plenty of daylight. It also features a smart board and activities to keep them engaged. “This is not just day care or babysitting. Children are actually being educated,” Patel said. “We encourage children to learn through play.” He said every toy is a teaching tool, and teachers watch to see how a child plays, looking for those teachable moments. In the brochure, Kiddie Academy states, “As experts in early childhood education and development, we know children learn best when engaged in hands-on learning opportunities.” Jacquelyn Chicki is the center director and can be reached at 219-281-3500 or crownpoint@ kiddieacademy.net. The website is kiddieacademy.com/crown-point.
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
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2020 Events St. Patrick’s Day Festivities is held on March 17 with a parade at dusk. A corned beef and cabbage dinner will be served from 2-6 p.m. at the Crown Point Fire Station with a special appearance by the Lake County Pipes and Drums. Food and novelty vendors will be on the square from 3-9 p.m. Car Cruise begins June 4, and every Thursday through September 24, 4-8 p.m. Farmers Market – Saturdays 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. June – September The Special Events office is planning to move most of this year’s events to the new Bulldog Park. There are a variety of rental opportunities at Bulldog Park. The new amphitheater is available for bands, plays etc. The Pavilion is available for rent for various events, festivals, picnics and more. The Recreation Center has four community rooms aavailable to rent for parties, meetings and gatherings. Bulldog Park will also have a free seasonal splash pad outside of the recreation center during the summer months. For more information contact the Parks Office at 219-661-2271.
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
SINCE 1930
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Enjoy easy access and plenty of parking!
State-of-the-Art Dental Technology! You shouldn’t have to dread the dentist. After all, we’re in the business of making people smile! That’s why we have focused on patient comfort for over 37 years.
Providing elite care to Crown Point and surrounding communities
Scheduling - Extended Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon., Tues., and Thurs.; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wed.; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Services: • Our services include routine and emergency exams, dental cleanings, periodontal therapy, fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, partials, dentures, implants, root canals, orthodontics and a wide variety of cosmetic services including Botox and Juvederm. Patient comfort: • Our office serves free Starbucks coffee and provides free WiFi. • Our office always has the latest technology to provide you up-to-date care. • We have staff members who can speak Macedonian. • Our payment process is stress-free. We accept cash, major credit cards, most insurance plans including Delta Premier, and CareCredit. No Dental Benefits? We have you covered with our Kleer Plan!
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CROWN POINT FACT BOOK 2020
INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • PRE-K • BEFORE & AFTER CARE • SUMMER CAMP
Curiosity-Launching Learning Experiences Kiddie Academy has the teachers, tools and inspiration it takes to nurture oversized confidence and big ideas. It’s all part of becoming an amazing adult, and begins with our Life Essentials® philosophy:
To learn more, schedule a tour and enroll: kiddieacademy.com/crown-point • 219.281.3500
Kiddie Academy of Crown Point 1000 N. Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307