Work to restore cell block in old Lake County jail pays off for local craftsmen

CROWN POINT | With the pull of a lever, the cell door that once confined bank robber John Dillinger clanked into place along with three other cell doors for the first time in decades.

OFFBEAT: Reader wants answer about Dillinger's jail break 'gun'

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Gangster John Dillinger with Lake County Sheriff Lillian Holley and Prosecutor Robert Estill in 1934

John Dillinger (in vest) has always been the subject of sensational publicity, including this posed press photo in the Crown Point Jail in 1934 with Lake County Sheriff Lillian Holley (far left) and Lake County prosecutor Robert Estill, the latter criticized for his arm around the gangster t…

Gangster John Dillinger's Nephew Mike Thompson (left) and Great Nephew Travis Thompson

Gangster John Dillinger's nephew Mike Thompson (left) and great nephew Travis Thompson are shown at a gun safety charity event at the Indy Trading Post.

OFFBEAT: Dillinger Family now using guns for good cause

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Dillinger Day planned at Indiana Welcome Center

HAMMOND | Explore the life and times of John Dillinger and his gang at the Indiana Welcome Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 2. Throughout the day, visitors may enter the John Dillinger Museum for free and watch the “wooden gun” clip from Mysteries at the Museum.

Welcome Center to offer free admission to Dillinger exhibit

HAMMOND | The Indiana Welcome Center will offer free admission to its John Dillinger exhibit March 2.

Travel Channel to showcase Dillinger's escape from C.P. Jail

HAMMOND | The Travel Channel's "Mysteries at the Museum" will explore the story of John Dillinger's escape from the Crown Point Jail in 1934.

Dillinger Museum to be featured on Travel Channel

HAMMOND | The Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum will be exploring the story of John Dillinger’s infamous escape from the Crown Point, Indiana Jail, in 1934. The episode, which airs Thursday, November 15 at 8 p.m. CDT, showcases the wooden gun that helped Dillinger escape from the “esc…

Covert Purposes: A Letter from New York

The crowd last month at Edelman Arts in Manhattan was lively and enthralled. Gathering to see “The Dead Supreme,” the exhibition of New Buffalo native Scott Covert’s gravestone rubbings, the crowd discovered there was something for everyone: color, celebrity, mystery—even glitter!

Volunteers restore windows in jail made famous by Dillinger escape

CROWN POINT | Dozens of windows have been painstakingly restored in the historical jail that was the scene of bank robber John Dillinger's infamous 1934 escape.

OFFBEAT: Paramount Theatre giving Broadway in Chicago rivalry with 'A Chorus Line'

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Clint Eastwood's 'J. Edgar' offers inside look at FBI's controversial leader

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Collier Lodge hosts annual Aukiki Fest

PLEASANT TOWNSHIP | The history of the Kankakee River will be brought to life once more for the fourth annual Aukiki River Festival this weekend at the site of the old Collier Lodge, 1097 Baum's Bridge Road.

MARK KIESLING: Let's rethink our stand on John Dillinger

It was 77 years ago today that John Dillinger was killed.

MARK KIESLING: Dillinger apple didn't fall far from the tree

During the height of the Great Depression of the 1930s, a pathetic old man made his living by talking about his dead son.

EDITORIAL: Keller shows vision for Crown Point

Republican voters in Crown Point have two choices in the mayoral race this spring -- Center Township Trustee Eldon Strong or Paul Keller, who has owned a tile business for 30 years.

OFFBEAT: Victory Garden's 'Circle Mirror Transformation' needs reflection

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Even Nancy Reagan liked to save money while looking her best

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Lake County to unveil monument to women in law enforcement

CROWN POINT | Lake County is poised to unveil a monument next week to women in law enforcement to coincide with dedicating the old sheriff's home to the county's first female sheriff.