In 2001 John Rudisell was sentenced to two 50 year sentences to be served consecutively for child molesting, which was appealed unsuccessfully. Rudisell was the harbormaster of Michigan City. In an article from 2002 written by Stan Maddux, the following was reported on the case:

While not a serial killer, “the nature, extent and depravity” of the sex offenses and what those acts reveal about Rudisell’s character give him top billing as a criminal, the appellate court ruled. The 40-year old Rudisell pleaded guilty to two counts. In reality, authorities noted there were at least 18 victims during a minimum 13-year period.The boys were paid by Rudisell as much as $150 to engage in sex acts, sometimes involving more than one boy at a time. And, in the year prior to his arrest, Rudisell took part in 100 or more sex acts with boys ages 12 to 16.

According to authorities, Rudisell lured the boys by contacting their parents and asking if they could perform yard work on his Michigan City area farm. The parents trusted Rudisell because of his position as harbormaster and reputation as a stellar member of the community. He seduced them with alcohol, marijuana, pornographic movies and money. Some of the boys were molested 30 to 40 times.

Due to his former position as Michigan City's Harbormaster and his donations to LaPorte County, his name was recognized on plaques at sites within the City of Michigan City as well as the LaPorte County Fair Grounds. Unfortunately, his name has remained in place at most of these locations, which is the purpose of this petition. His name must not be recognized and removed. There are four known locations, Pioneer-Land, Millenium Park, and two in Washington Park. 

In 2004 there was a resolution that attempted to initiate the removal of Rudisell's name from the City of Michigan City sites, this was introduced by Ron Meer who was at the time a Michigan City Council member. Although the resolution had passed, the former City Clerk, Thomas F. Fedder noted "Mayor Chuck Oberlie declined to sign Resolution..." Community members have reported that discussions have taken place with former mayors and current to initiate the same action, however, nothing was done. 

Indiana State Representative and member of the LaPorte County Fair Board, Randy Novak, was contacted 4th of July weekend in regards to these concerns. Randy promptly responded with information that Rudisell’s name was removed from sites at the fairgrounds 10-15 years ago. However, there still remains one location in Pioneer-Land, which is said to be removed before Saturday, July 11th, the first day of the 2026 LaPorte County Fair. There will be updates as soon as the name is removed. 

The Michigan City Parks Department and Port Authority will be formally requested to remove Rudisell's name from the sites that they oversee with the attached letter. The request will be sent to the departments before July 29th to be on the record for their August meeting agendas and will be presented with signatures. 

Your signature signifies your support of this action and will be written on the letter that will be given to the departments for the record. As a community,  we are making this request, together.