Come to the May 10 meeting of the Wanatah Historical Society at 10 a.m. and hear a presentation of the Belle Gunness Mystery. Bruce Johnson, chairman of the Gunness 100th anniversary committee of the LaPorte County Historical Society will make the one-hour presentation.

In 1908 the fire at the Belle Gunness farm, north of LaPorte, led to the discovery that she was one of the worst serial killers in history. After detective and journalistic work, Belle was believed to have killed more than 40 people.

Ongoing DNA testing may prove that she escaped to continue her gruesome career. Guests are always welcome at Wanatah meetings. Join us for this interesting look back at history.

Town council

The LaCrosse Town Council received only one bid of $39,000 for painting the town water tower, it was reported at the Monday meeting at the town hall. New bids will be solicited by the council in hopes of lowering the cost. Dixon Engineering will review the bids and present their findings at the May 12 council meeting. Town superintendent Jerry Jackson reported hydrant flushing has been completed.

Jeff Rowe of Umbaugh and Associates, presented proposed rate increases for water (24 percent) and sewer (27 percent). Water rates have not been increased since 1988 and sewer rates since 1995. The council approved the increases. Umbaugh and Associates will prepare the rate ordinance, submit the legal advertisement for the newspapers and set the date for the public hearing.

Wanatah news

The LaPorte County council met recently to hear area citizens' concerns and to explain complexities of the House Bill 1001 before having its regular meeting. All council members attended.

Judge Thomas Alevisios presented information on changes made at the juvenile services including training center and child care services.

Also attending were Charles Jonas, Larry Sellers and Paul Young of the Wanatah Town Council and Vicky Kasten, Jack Turner and Robert Wheeler of the LaCrosse Town Council.

The council will meet again May 19 at the chambers of Michigan City Mayor Charles Ogilvie beginning with a workshop at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Garage sale

The 22nd annual town-wide garage sale is schedule for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12-15. Registration deadline is June 1 and cost is $6 for residents of Wanatah or residents having a 733 telephone prefix. Charge to others is $35. Donations toward advertising are accepted. Make checks payable to the Wanatah Area Chamber of Commerce. Drop off registrations and payment to David Kaiser, chamber president, 303 N. Main St., Wanatah. Maps listing sales will be available June 12 at the town hall, banks and area businesses.

Council meeting

The Wanatah Town Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the town hall. Meetings are open to the public.