In what many residents hope will become an annual event, Valparaiso has named
its first ever ‘Dad of the Year.’
The first award goes to Bernard Arvid Larson, 57, of nearby Joliet, Illinois.
Though not a permanent resident of Porter County, his achievements were
recognized by the Porter Circuit Court this week.
According to the Gary Post-Tribune, Larson owes $100,973 in child support for
four dependents. That’s right--a hundred grand for child support. And you
thought paying a $100 a week was bad.
Larson did not get to this lofty level overnight. Like all great success
stories, he had to work at it. His quest for perfection began way back in 1985.
At that time, Bernard ‘only’ owed $38,000. “I knew then that I had to do
something extraordinary to raise the bar,” Larson said.
Raise the bar he did. Court documents show that the amount of child support owed
by the award winner grew dramatically over the next several years. Larson was on
the hook for $47,000 in 1989. This increased to the paltry sum of $70,000 by
June 1994. If only my money grew like that in the stock market.
To his credit, Larson’s ability to pay down the debt was hindered by numerous
run-ins with the law. The Post-Tribune reported that he had four drunken driving
convictions over the past decade. “It’s kind of hard to pay for your kids when
you’re spending some quality time in the drunk tank,” Larson replied.
So what did Bernard Larson receive for winning this prestigious award? In
addition to the beautiful trophy shown above, Judge Mary R. Harper presented
Larson with an all-expense paid trip to the Porter County jail for the next
eight years. Porter County Prosecutor James Harper said, “The long sentence was
imposed because we can’t let a quality individual like this go back to Illinois.
He needs to stay in Indiana to serve as a model for parents throughout the
state.”
The fine print of the reward given by Judge Harper does shortchange the ‘Dad of
the Year’ though. Of the eight-year sentence, Larson will get credit for time
served. He will probably be released in seven months.
Though impressed by the accomplishments of Larson, the judge has decided to set
up a friendly payment plan so he can start repaying the debt owed to his two
boys and two girls. Larson, upon his rehabilitation in jail, will be required to
pay $150 per week towards the $100,973. “The judge knows I’m good for it” Larson
said. “No matter what people think,” Larson continued, “my kids know I love
them. All four say I’m the best dad in the world.” The citizens of Valparaiso
concur.
