SYRACUSE — James E. Caskey, president of the Kenneth and Lela Harkless Foundation, announced $85,500 in grants have been awarded to various organizations within the Syracuse community.

The first phase of housing on North Buffalo is well underway. The entire project also includes a plaza along Center Lake and a multi-use building nearby. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding. WARSAW – Construction of the Buffalo Street Plaza project will begin next year after the city Board of Works and Safety approved a bid …read more.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee Community School Corporation was one of several school corporations throughout the state to receive a K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, Acceleration Grant by the Indiana Department of Education. These grants will allow school corporations to accelerate, scale or implement a STEM curricula grounded in problem/project-based or inquiry-based pedagogy while …read more.

WARSAW — The suspect in a 2017 killing near Warsaw is scheduled for sentencing at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, in Kosciusko Circuit Court. Derrick Lavelle Wandrick, 26, 167 E. 15th St., Harvey, Ill., is charged with felony murder. According to Indiana Code Section 35-42-1-1, Wandrick could face between 45 and 65 years in prison. …read more.

WINONA LAKE — New European art gallery, Artista, will open its doors on Jan. 2 with an exhibition of original Venetian art. Located in the beautiful Village at Winona at 801 East Canal St., this gallery offers the charm and culture of Italy right here in Kosciusko County, said a news release from Artista. Meet …read more.

WARSAW — Employees at Matthews’ Painting Company LLC. have selected a winner for their Paint It Forward campaign. After reviewing all nominations submitted, Cindy Nash was selected as the winning nominee. Representatives from Matthews’ Painting, located at 8055 East CR 500N, Leesburg, will be painting one or two rooms at Nash’s home.  “We will be …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice will hold their annual Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 424 W. Market St., Warsaw. This half-hour long service is for those who are finding it difficult to celebrate Christmas this year because of the death of a loved one.

WARSAW — The VFW James W. Sittler Post 1126 and the Auxiliary Post 1126 each presented checks to the Beaman Home in the amount of $500 each, for a total of $1,000.  The James W. Sittler Post 1126 and Auxiliary donate to a nonprofit organization each year during the holiday season. “The veterans of James …read more.

  WARSAW – Three people identified earlier this week and accused of wrongdoing in the Kosciusko County Community Corrections department have been arrested. The three include: Anna Christine Bailey, 41, 62425 Mulberry Road, South Bend, was charged with obstruction of justice. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash. Taylor Alysse Pagan, 23, 2236 E. CR 600S, Warsaw, …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation recently announced the establishment of the Gidieon Orion Cook Memorial Fund. Gidieon Cook Gidieon Cook was struck and killed by a vehicle on June 10 as he was returning home after summer school classes. Cook had been dropped off at Harrison Elementary and was crossing Husky Trail where …read more.

WARSAW — A North Webster man was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday, Dec. 19, after taking inappropriate pictures of children in lingerie. William James Rex, 36, 8534 E. Bond St., North Webster, was charged with sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 4 felony; and two counts of child exploitation, level 5 …read more.

Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts and the 2517 Event Center have been sold. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels. WARSAW – In a significant acquisition, three properties tied to Wagon Wheel Theatre have been sold. Wagon Wheel Theatre, the 2517 meeting room, and adjacent property at 2515 E. Center St. in Warsaw, have been purchased …read more.

Alyssa Shepherd ROCHESTER — Fulton County Superior Court One Judge Gregory Heller’s sentence in the case of Alyssa Shepherd was less than what the county prosecutor had recommended. Shepherd was charged with three counts of reckless homicide; passing a school bus with its stop arm extended, causing injury; and criminal recklessness after the Toyota Tacoma …read more.

  WARSAW — Join the Cowboy Church In The Meadows on Saturday evening, Dec. 21 in the stables at the Magical Meadows as they share the story of the birth of Our Savior. Admission is free. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and h in amazement the birth of baby Jesus, said a news release from …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) donated $6,400 worth of toys and 31 bicycles to Combined Community Services Monday, Dec. 16. This is the 31st year that Kosciusko ABATE has collected items for children in need during the holiday season. Kosciusko ABATE partners with the annual Toy Time event, which takes …read more.

AKRON – Eckrich collaborated with Martin’s Super Market to present Tippecanoe Valley High School with a $4,150 donation Tuesday night, Dec. 17. Eckrich committed to donating a portion of eligible products sold at the Martin’s on Husky Trail in Warsaw, between Oct. 20 – Nov. 16, to Tippecanoe Valley High School. The donation will be …read more.

Brittany Ingle ROCHESTER — The mother of the three children who were killed in an October 2018 fatal bus stop accident was arrested for battery shortly following the sentencing of Alyssa Shepherd on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Brittany N. Ingle, 30, Rochester, is charged with battery against a public safety official, a class B misdemeanor. No …read more.

WARSAW — An Etna Green man faces two felony charges of child molestation. Joseph Delbert Doty, 34, 9671 West CR 300N, Etna Green, was arrested on a warrant from Kosciusko County and faces two charges of child molestation, one being a level 1 felony and the other, a level 3 felony. On Oct. 12, the …read more.

WARSAW — Parkview Warsaw’s Center For Healthy Living is again offering the My Best Health program for those wanting to commit to healthier, long-term lifestyle changes. The program focuses on components of nutritional, physical and behavioral changes. Participants receive professional support from a wellness coach, a registered nurse, a registered dietitian and personal trainer during …read more.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Police have announced the hiring of Brooke Koldewey as a full-time officer. Koldewey is from the Fort Wayne area and attended the University of Saint Francis. She previously worked as a Medic for Parkview Health and served as a Reserve Officer for the Pierceton Police. She is currently finishing up her …read more.

WABASH — Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Ryan Pelton to perform as “best Elvis Tribute Artists” on Ford Theater stage Sunday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m., doors open at 2:15 p.m.  The ELVIS Tribute Artist Spectacular is a concert to celebrate the greatest entertainer of all time: Elvis Presley. The show will begin with the …read more.

School officials estimated that there were 250 seats set up for the meeting but several people still had to stand in the back. InkFreeNews photos by Maggie Kenworthy. NORTH MANCHESTER — Upward of 250 people turned out for a special meeting Wednesday night, Dec. 18, that was hosted by Manchester Community Schools to discuss the …read more.

MENTONE – Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation officials offered condolences Wednesday after learning of the death of Jeff Shriver, a longtime coach and teacher. “Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation would like to send our deepest condolences to our beloved Jeff Shriver and his family, friends and to our Valley community on the news this afternoon of his …read more.

ROCHESTER — Alyssa Shepherd, the 25-year-old Rochester motorist who struck four children, killing three of them at a bus stop on SR 25 last year, will serve up to four years in prison. Shepherd’s sentence was delivered Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 18, after the court heard a series of victim statements and a short address from …read more.

ROCHESTER —  Alyssa Shepherd, 25, Rochester, will apparently serve up to four years in prison after being convicted in the deaths of three children at a bus stop outside of Rochester last year.  Shepherd was sentenced to a 10-year sentence after hitting and killing three children and seriously injuring a fourth last year as they …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — With dropping temperatures, Indiana Conservation Officers advise being mindful of the potential hazards of frozen lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. It’s also important to keep a watchful eye on neighborhood retention ponds, lakes and other waterways for others who may venture out and find themselves in trouble said a news release from the …read more.

WARSAW — Girl Scout Troop 10380 recently collected over 130 pounds of candy that were “Halloween leftovers” people wanted to have to go to a good cause. Donation boxes were set up at a host of local businesses form Nov. 1 to 8. The candy will go to organizations and businesses with kids who can …read more.

WARSAW — The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have experienced some type of significant loss. “Coping with Losses: Navigating Rough Waters,” a free program, will be presented at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, by social workers Amy Kellar and Jeni Reilly, Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. The program will take place …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University has been awarded a $100,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant is part of the endowment’s new initiative, Charting the Future for Indiana’s Colleges and Universities. “We are deeply grateful for Lilly Endowment for its commitment to higher education and this opportunity,” said Manchester President Dave McFadden. “We …read more.

WARSAW — Jeff Wagoner was “never big on decorating for Christmas” during his childhood years in Rochester or his 15 years living in Kentucky. But after he moved to Warsaw three years ago, at the amicable challenge of his neighbors, he went all Clark Griswold. “The neighbors across the road said, ‘You will never match …read more.

CLAYPOOL — Claypool Fire Chief Bob Haines has retired after 37 years of fire service. Haines started his fire service career with Winona Lake Fire Department in 1982. In 1985, at the age of 23, he moved to Tippecanoe and became chief at Tippecanoe Fire Department until he moved to Etna Green Fire Department in …read more.

MILFORD — On Monday, Dec. 16, North Central Indiana Housing revealed the 2019 winners of the Good Housekeeping Award prize drawing. Warsaw’s winner was Shirley Lyons, whose apartment is overseen by Village Management Company, and Goshen’s was Patricia Snyder of Lacasa, Inc, said a news release from Northern Indiana Housing. The prizes – $100 Walmart …read more.

CLAYPOOL — The Claypool Town Council amended a downtown parking ordinance and moved to raise rates for trash pickup on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Council members voted to amend a March 2015 ordinance regarding downtown parking in Claypool. The amendment says parking will no longer be limited to business parking only on South Main Street between …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — A GoFundMe has been recently established for a North Webster woman who has undergone several surgeries after being diagnosed with a jaw tumor. Kailey Ball is a 20-year-old Manchester University sophomore majoring in social work. She graduated early from Wawasee High School with academic honors. However, after multiple surgeries and hospital visits …read more.

CROMWELL — Fun, festive, and final. Each December brings a holly jolly feel to the sewer crew that comprises the board of Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District, and Monday night, Dec. 16, was no exception. Although the board and district said goodbye to member Rex Heil after 20 years of service, there was much to …read more.

WARSAW — Meeting dates for the Kosciusko County Local Emergency Planning Committee have been announced for 2020. All meetings are open to the public. Meetings will be Feb. 13, May 14, Aug. 13 and Nov. 12. Meetings begin at 3 p.m. in the Justice Building, video conference room, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw. Under the …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — The last 2019 meeting of the North Webster Town Council Tuesday, Dec. 17, was a swift sail through the agenda. Highlights included the approval of a bid for meters for the sewage system, notification that disposable wipes are causing problems and more information about the K21 Health Foundation grant to the town. …read more.

SYRACUSE — After almost an hour of discussion regarding an encroachment agreement between Gordon and Laurie Lord and the town, the Syracuse Town Council chose instead to instruct town attorney Vern Landis to write a letter to the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals instructing it to drop its lawsuit against the Lords. Attorney Steve Snyder, …read more.

From Left: New Winona Lake Police Reserve Officers Dalis Owens and Brittany Lyon being sworn in by Town Attorney Adam Turner, right. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts. WINONA LAKE — The Town Council approved the swearing-in of two reserve officers for the Winona Lake Police Department at its meeting, Tuesday night, Dec. 17. Brittany Lyon …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation met Monday, Dec. 16, to approve its August minutes and review its financial report, which included the first payment of $480,876.93 for the Conklin Bay Trail. Treasurer Dr. Tom Edington also apprised foundation board members of progress being made on the Conklin Bay Trail. This included some savings on handrails, …read more.

WARSAW — Lauryn Rhodes and Kirstyn Yoder were recently announced as Kosciusko County Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. Each year, Kosciusko County recommends two students to receive the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship award, which is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the Indiana college or university of their choice. Rhodes is a senior at Warsaw Community High …read more.

WARSAW — A book signing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Buffalo Street Emporium, 116 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, for a newly-released book by Warsaw resident Kim Gregory-Baney. “If Only Walls Could Talk” contains almost 500 pages of information regarding history and stats of the Warsaw Speedway. The book also features …read more.

PIERCETON — Whitko School Board of Trustees granted permission for the purchase of three new buses in its meeting, Monday night, Dec. 16 at Pierceton Elementary School. The board approved the purchase of three buses through Kerlin Bus Sales in Silver Lake. One minibus and two 81-passenger buses will replace buses in the current fleet …read more.

Anna Bailey WARSAW — Arrest warrants have been issued for three people, including former director of Kosciusko County Community Corrections Anna Bailey and her former assistant, Taylor Pagan, less than a week after officials admitted there were internal problems with the monitoring program. Warrants were issued for Bailey, 41, 69309 Walnut Road, Walkerton; Pagan, 23, …read more.

By Darla McCammon Our second famous masterpiece about the Christmas story is a beautiful, dramatic work by Rembrandt. It is titled “The Dream of St. Joseph” and it is in the Baroque style. We have not talked about the Baroque style of painting before. The definition of this style of painting can be found at …read more.

WARSAW – Passage of two resolutions supporting two residential TIF districts – the final step in the establishment process – apparently puts Warsaw as one of the first in Indiana to do so. The redevelopment commission’s final approval on Monday, Dec. 16, follows support from the city plan commission, city council and Warsaw Community Schools …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee wrapped up its end-of-the-year business and also received an update on the Conklin Bay project at its monthly meeting Monday, Dec. 16. While it was the last meeting of the year for the committee, it was the first meeting for the new executive director, Erlene Yentes. Work on the Conklin …read more.

WARSAW — A Wabash man faces charges after allegedly attempting to take merchandise from Walmart without paying for it. Justin William Kelly, 42, 263 Hale Drive, Wabash, is charged with theft, a level 6 felony; and criminal trespass, a class A misdemeanor.  According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Nov. 17, an office with …read more.

WARSAW – City officials hope to re-open CR 300N – including a roundabout – on Friday before completing the roadwork next spring. The road and roundabout at Shelden Street is west of SR 15N near the Kohl’s department store. The road serves a growing area that includes several apartment buildings, a school and retail areas. …read more.

WARSAW – The city of Warsaw has launched a new alert system to keep residents and businesses better informed in a more timely manner. Registration is necessary to receieve the alerts. Residents and businesses can register for alerts of their choice by visiting warsaw.in.gov/alerts.   Current alert categories include: • Emergency alerts • Road closure …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Since 2012, we have been delivering factual, spot-on journalism from award-winning reporters. Turn to InkFreeNews.com to get the story that is fresh, fast and accurate. With well over a MILLION pageviews last week, we can help generate customers and sales for your business. For advertising, call Kip Schumm. (574) 658-4111, ext. 2328 …read more.

WARSAW – As City Council works to line up the ability to retain its own attorney, one thing is clear: Individuals on council won’t be able to just pick up the phone and get some quick thoughts. On Monday night, Dec. 16, council decided to take a step back and will retool their plan to have …read more.

WARSAW — Five merit deputies, as well as four reserve deputies and several corrections staff, were sworn in to their new positions during the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office employee swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Dec. 16. Merit and reserve deputies were each sworn in separately by Judge David Cates. Officers’ wives, girlfriends and mothers were a …read more.

MENTONE — Student recognition was the theme of the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting held tonight, Dec. 16, as several scholarship winners and recognitions were announced. Kirstyn Yoder was announced as a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship winner. This scholarship is awarded to only 143 students across Indiana yearly. Yoder will receive a full scholarship at …read more.

SYRACUSE — On Monday, Dec. 16, DeWitt filed a second amended complaint against Dustin and Lindsey Johns in response to Judge Christopher D. Kehler’s, Kosciusko Superior Court 4, ruling on Dec. 9, to dismiss due to insufficient details pending an amended complaint.

WINONA LAKE – Grace College alumna Laura Hoke donated $29,000 to Compassion International to build a school in Tanzania through her workplace matching gift benefit. Hoke’s donation enables 233 children to go to school in Tanzania, and the young millennial plans to continue giving said a news release from Grace College. “This is the best …read more.

MARSHALL COUNTY — Indiana State Police Troopers in Marshall County responded to a crash on Monday, Dec. 16, between a semi and a passenger car at US 6 and Miami Trail, which claimed two lives. At 11:19 a.m., Marshall County Dispatch received a report of a crash between a semi and a passenger car near …read more.

BOURBON —Triton School Corporation Scholars had a successful showing at the State FFA Contest on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Purdue University. Below are the following results according to a news release from Triton Community Schools:

Tim Hori, the owner of Three Crowns Coffee, prepares a drink at the North Detroit Street store in Warsaw. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts. WARSAW— Three Crowns Coffee is offering some new options at its recently-opened second location in Warsaw. Three Crowns Coffee & Craft Sodas at 941 N. Detroit St., opened quietly about almost …read more.

Alyssa Shepherd ROCHESTER — The sentencing for Alyssa Shepherd, who was found guilty of three counts of reckless homicide after hitting four kids who were boarding a school bus, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. She faces a maximum of 21 1/2 years in prison. On Oct. 30, 2018, a school bus was …read more.

WINONA LAKE – Organizers of the World Compassion Network Run/Walk for Hunger 5K are gearing up for their event on March 28. “The 5K is WCN’s community service event that gives 100% of the net proceeds to great local churches, schools and organizations that fight hunger in our area,” said Josh Grill, missions director. The …read more.

CLAYPOOL — A local man was recently arrested after allegedly battering a child and a woman. Cameron Don Beliles, 24, 206 E. Section St., Claypool; also showing an address of 920 Anchorage Road Lot 52, Warsaw; is charged with domestic battery to a person less than 14 years of age by a person at least …read more.

PORTAGE — Wawasee Iron Pride took it down to the wire at the Region Robotics Rumble Robotics Tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, in Portage. The day was a triumph as three teams brought home trophies. 574F (rank 31, 2-3-1) and 574H (rank 46, 1-5-0) fought hard in the qualification rounds. 574A (rank 17, 4-2-0) was an …read more.

From the Files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society This is a retrospective series that will run a few times a month on Ink Free News.  Dec. 19, 1973 — Venereal disease reached epidemic proportions in Kosciusko County, according to the Indiana Board of Health as it tracked cases in the county. The Indiana Board of …read more.

WARSAW – An overnight snowfall left about a half-inch on roadways early Monday morning in Warsaw and another small chance of more snow returns later in the day, the National Weather Service said. The morning snowfall was just enough to make a mess on roads but was light and fluffy, making it easy for motorists …read more.

WARSAW – A police chase Sunday afternoon that left a trail of damage in Leesburg and Milford resulted in one man’s arrest. The motorist faces multiple charges after being apprehended at his residence in Warsaw. Joseph Trump, 27, of Warsaw, was preliminarily charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, two counts of resisting law …read more.

MENTONE — Bell Memorial Public Library announced its events for the week of Dec. 16-20. For folks not in the Bell Memorial Library’s tax district, a superb idea for a Christmas Gift would be a Library card! The fee for out of district cards is $88.77 and is good for an entire year. A Library …read more.

Kosciusko County The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is requesting your assistance in locating people wanted on felony and/or misdemeanor warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these wanted persons, contact the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office at (574) 267-5667. Please Read Our Disclaimer All warrants are the property of Kosciusko County. The age …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library announced music lessons and more for the week of Dec. 16-21. The upcoming week offers a full slate of activities in which to participate. If you like to write, come to Writer’s Corner at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, and bring an essay you have written about …read more.

PIERCETON — Pierceton Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire late Saturday night, Dec. 14. At about 12:15 a.m., first responders were notified of a vehicle fire at 4398 East Compound Lane, just off East CR 600S, south of Pierceton. No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze. However, little information about the …read more.

By Amy Mann Technical Assistant, Children’s Department, WCPL Each December is full of the general busyness of life, along with the added excitement and obligations that the holidays bring. Schedules are knocked cattywampus, and preparations are made to visit others or to make visitors comfortable and entertained in your neck of the woods, or both. …read more.

Susie McEntire, front row third from left, is pictured with the fourth class of JCAP at the Kosciusko County Jail Saturday morning, Dec. 14. Also pictured are representatives from G&G Hauling, including Mike Loher, second from left in the front row. Ink Free News photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts. WARSAW — Country music artist Susie McEntire …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Less than two weeks away from Christmas, Santa is busy making stops at multiple locations. Saturday morning, Dec. 14, he made an appearance at the annual Breakfast with Santa event in the North Webster Community Center gym. Santa took time out of his busy schedule to patiently pose for photographs with children. …read more.

MILFORD — The Milford Public Library announced its news for the week of Dec. 16-20. Milford Public Library Knitting Club is several years running. The club meets twice a month to work on projects and help people who are interested in learning how to knit or crochet, said a news release from Milford Public Library. …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Library is offering many community meetings before the breaks for the holidays. Moms have been meeting other moms when they bring their small children to storytime or tot time. The last storytime in December meets on Monday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Tot time for newborn babies to three-year-old’s meets on …read more.

Kosciusko County The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is requesting your assistance in locating people wanted on felony and/or misdemeanor warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these wanted persons, contact the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office at (574) 267-5667. Please Read Our Disclaimer All warrants are the property of Kosciusko County. The age …read more.

Former Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe has never been shy about expressing his thoughts on marijuana and came out this week in support of legalizing pot. Kolbe, who has family in Colorado and visits there often, says he’s not inclined to use pot himself (he says he wants to remain mentally sharp for his legal …read more.

WARSAW — Ethan Brown of Logansport and Tayler Mylin of Warsaw had one of their first dates at the Central Park holiday light display in Warsaw last winter. So it was only fitting that they return. On Wednesday night, Dec. 11, Ethan proposed to Tayler at Glover Pavilion, with the Central Park Christmas lights in …read more.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Police Department recently presented two Life-Saving Awards. The first award was presented to Annie Espinoza, who saved her neighbor’s life. On Thursday, Oct. 31, Espinoza ran next-door and applied the Heimlich to her longtime neighbor, who was choking on food. Her intervention allowed for a lifesaving rescue and credited Espinoza with …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ sixth, seventh and eighth-grade bands will present their Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, in the Lakeview Middle School auditorium. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. WCS will be accepting canned food donations at the door for the community. The concert will feature performances …read more.

MILFORD — During public input at the Thursday, Dec. 12, meeting of Milford Town Council, resident Susan Wert asked the council for relief from a bill of $160, three times larger than her average bill, adding, “others have heard of problems with water meters.” In fact, Utilities Superintendent Steven Marquart has mentioned his department’s problems …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Grace College has received a $100,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its new initiative, Charting the Future for Indiana’s Colleges and Universities. The initiative is designed to help Indiana’s 38 higher education institutions further develop strategies to strengthen their effectiveness and sustainability, said a news release from Grace College. “We are …read more.

  SYRACUSE — Judging from the comments of board members, Turkey Creek fire and township advisory boards Thursday, Dec. 12, made one of their easiest decisions of the year as they each unanimously approved Fire Chief Mickey Scott’s request for expedited purchase of two ambulance cots and power load systems. “If we accept delivery of …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Students from Whitko’s 5th-grade classes at Pierceton Elementary and  Whitko Jr/Sr High School’s business class visited Junior Achievement’s BizTown and Finance Park on Friday, Dec. 6. Previous to 2019, Junior Achievement’s offices were located near Glenbrook Mall behind Kohl’s. After a recent campaign, they have a new location specifically designed to their …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — An implementation strategy and appointment of a board of directors for the newly created Tippecanoe Chapman Regional Sewer District should be taking place in the next few months. Ken Jones with Jones Petry Rafinski, consultant for the project, stated the consultant group established by the Kosciusko County Commissioners will be convening to …read more.

WASHINGTON — For the second year in a row, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and his staff were able to return more than $3 million owed to Hoosiers by various federal agencies. With two weeks remaining this year, the office has resolved more than 1,300 cases, resulting in $3,089,128 returned to Hoosiers.  A core function …read more.

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake residents will soon have another internet option available. Two representatives from RTC Fiber Communications, Rochester, attended the Silver Lake Town Council meeting Wednesday, Dec. 11, and announced that fiber optic infrastructure will be run through Silver Lake, going north to Hill Lake.   Project Manager Scott Zeyen and Technology Solutions Manager Michael …read more.

Ken Seyfert to Retire from Grace Brethren Investment Foundation WINONA LAKE — Kenneth A. Seyfert, president and chief executive officer of the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation Winona Lake, has announced plans to retire effective May 31.  Seyfert joined the staff of GBIF in 1997 as managing director and officer of operations. In 2004, he was appointed …read more.

MILFORD — Milford Town Council received an early Christmas gift at its public meeting on Dec. 12. K21 Foundation President and CEO Rich Haddad was on hand to announce the foundation was celebrating its 20th anniversary by giving incorporated towns in Kosciusko County a grant of $200,000 each to use however they best feel they …read more.

LIGONIER — A Warsaw man died in a car-train accident near Ligonier late Wednesday. William Sanford, 41, of Warsaw, was pronounced dead after the Amtrak train struck his car at the Perry Road crossing northwest of Ligonier. The accident happened shortly before 11 p.m. Sanford’s 2008 Mercury Milan was westbound on Perry Road when he …read more.

WARSAW — A Warsaw woman was recently arrested after allegedly changing UPC codes on merchandise at Walmart. Tea Marie Peltz, 21, 507 E. Market St., Warsaw, is charged with five counts of making a false sales document, all level 6 felonies; and five counts of theft, all class A misdemeanors. On Aug. 12, a Warsaw …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission heard an update from Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO Alan Tio and discussed a CR 1300N project during a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12. During his presentation at the meeting, Tio said KEDCo’s overall goal for 2020 is building infrastructure. “This year, we focused a lot of attention …read more.

BOURBON — Four students from Triton Jr./Sr. High School were recently announced as Junior Rising Stars. These students are selected based on their GPA and leadership within the school. Madeline Ritchison, Jaelyn Bules, Parker Alford and Haley Resnberger are the Junior Rising Stars. The Indiana Association of School principals, as a part of the Indiana …read more.

SYRACUSE — The driver accused of striking and killing a construction worker in July is facing a criminal charge. Joshua E. Ratliff, 33, 7232 E. CR 650N, North Webster, is charged with operating a vehicle causing death, a level 4 felony. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Tests taken after the accident indicated …read more.

WARSAW — A Warsaw Man was recently arrested on drug-related charges after being pulled over for driving with no working brake lights. Jason Wayne Stromatt, 44, 2566 West CR 250S, Warsaw, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and driving while suspended, a class A …read more.

WARSAW — New appointments were filled and year-end transfers were made Thursday night, Dec. 12, by Kosciusko County Council. 2020 Office Appointments: Alcohol Beverage Commission — Dan Woods Area Plan Board — Jon Garber Emergency Mgt. Advisory — Joni Truex KC Economic Development Committee — Kimberly Cates Kos. Economic Development Corporation — Kimberly Cates Michiana …read more.

From left, Attorney Antony Garza and Judge Michael Reed, are members of the Executive Committee of the Kosciusko County Community Corrections Advisory Board. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels. WARSAW —  Kosciusko County’s Community Corrections Department has suspended all new “hook-ups” for up to 30 days for offenders entering programs that rely on monitoring bracelets. The …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester Community Schools will hold a special meeting next week after parents voiced concerns about the district’s apparent enactment of a transgender policy. The meeting, set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, comes after parents learned the school district was accommodating a young boy who identifies as a girl and prefers to …read more.

WARSAW — Join Santa and his helpers for a pancake and sausage breakfast supporting Homes 4 Haiti, Saturday, Dec. 14 at Tourmaline, 208 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, 8-10:30 a.m. Santa will be attending and representatives of Homes 4 Haiti encourage everyone to bring the whole family for some holiday fun before heading out to do …read more.

WARSAW — A Rensselaer man faces two intimidation charges after making verbal threats toward Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker earlier this week.  William Burn Howard, 49, 621 S. College Ave., Rensselaer, is charged with intimidation against a law enforcement officer and intimidation, both level 6 felonies. According to information in the affidavit of probable cause, …read more.