LaPorte gets community support to light up the city for Christmas
LaPorte gets community support to light up the city for Christmas Save Email Print
LaPorte County
Posted: 7:18 PM Nov 17, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:46 AM Nov 18, 2008
 Reporter: Nick McGurk
Email Address: nick.mcgurk@wndu.com
16 comments
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A property tax reassessment in LaPorte County means the city is operating on borrowed money.

LaPorte has not been able to collect property taxes for 2008, and the shortfall almost led to a city without Christmas lights.

On Friday, Mayor Kathy Chroback says she started getting phone calls about donations, and on Monday contractors like Rob Dhoore of S and T Bancroft Electric were out repairing the outlets.

"It was gonna be awful expensive to have all these repaired so the owners of our company, S and T Bancroft, decided to donate the material and labor to have the work done," said Dhoore.

The lights are expected to be put up sometime later this week by area Boy Scouts.
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Posted by: nobody on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Joyce Bancroft should be ashamed for claiming any part of this work. Her two sons from south bend did all of this.Shame on you Joyce, isnt the big car and house enough recognition for you?
Posted by: Tom Breese Sr. Location: Laporte cty on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Praise be To GOD
Posted by: Common Sense Location: Real World on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Ya'll worried about turning on Christmas lights on the streets of LaPorte - ARE YOU KIDDING ME! How about turning on the lights and some damn heat for the folks that got cut off over the last few months! Feed some hungry kids. Community spirit? Seriously. The economy has went down the dookie shoot and you want some lights on the streets.... Please follow the yellow brick road and ask for a brain, some sense, and a conscience..... And Kudos to Bancroft - Economy sucks - so advertising expenses are short too - but what a way to 15 minutes of fame - scratch that shame!
Posted by: worker Location: indiana on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Some of you gamblers, donate money instead of going to the Blue Chip and 4 Winds. That or if you win, donate your winnings to get these lights on!
Posted by: Amanda Location: Shawnee KS on Nov 18, 2008 at 01:44 PM
I heard about this on Headline News today...what an awesome story! God Bless Bancroft Electric for stepping up & going above & beyond. What awesome pepole must live in LaPorte. This is what it's all about!
Posted by: Matt Location: Warsaw on Nov 18, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Thanks to Bancroft for their equipment A big Thanks to Rob Dhoore for his time & heart . God Bless
Posted by: Sandy Location: Mishawaka on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Kudos to Bancroft Electric. This is what community spirit is all about. This time of year especially, it warms my heart to see someone step up and offer the help needed to bring Christmas to this community. God Bless all of those who work at Bancroft Electric and especially the owners for doing this wonderful act of kindness. Shame on all of those out there who want to be Scrooges.
Posted by: Myrt on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:34 AM
This is what is it about in a community. Step up and help out where needed. Great story!
Posted by: Nora Location: Rochester Indiana on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:02 AM
As much as it pleases me to see people pitching in I wonder why we wait until someone needs it before we volunteer. In the our history people volunteered their services without concern what they would get in return. We all need to remember to help in anyway we can. We may not have the money but we may have some time. Time alone is money. We as a person may not fix any deficit but we certainly can help it by offering a few hours of our service and time. May God Bless all and may every person have a blessed holiday season.
Posted by: Carla Location: SB on Nov 18, 2008 at 02:55 AM
It's these acts of kindness that will keep our country alive. I live in South Bend and probably won't make it into LaPorte to see the lights but I think everyone involved in making this happen is just fantastic. God bless you all!!!
Posted by: Roberts Location: LaPorte on Nov 18, 2008 at 01:57 AM
Thanks Bancroft Electric! It has always been nice to enjoy the heartwarming glow of Holiday lights in downtown LaPorte each Christmas season. Your efforts and generosity are greatly appreciated! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: jeff Location: south bend on Nov 17, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Hope you and your brother make ammends to mom Scott......especially during the hollidays maybe that will make this effort woth it
Posted by: Rogers Location: La Porte on Nov 17, 2008 at 08:22 PM
somehow we knew the bancroft boys would do this wonderful thing.""WTG"" S&T
Posted by: Anon on Nov 17, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Wow. I am so glad to see this story. I hope that S and T Bancroft Electric gets more recognition for this.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mas X on Nov 17, 2008 at 07:35 PM
This is SAD...
Posted by: jason Location: laporte on Nov 17, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Thank you Bancroft! Now if we could just keep the vandals away.

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