Anyone who would like to donate artwork or art-related supplies and equipment to the Lakeland Art Association’s first online auction must do so from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20; or from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21.

Former Indiana Secretary of State and Fourth District Congressman Todd Rokita announced Wednesday, May 20, that he is seeking the Republican nomination for the Office of Attorney General at the upcoming Indiana Republican State Convention.

A total of $60,000 has been directed by the town council to help offset financial problems for town businesses hurt by the pandemic.

A man was recently arrested after taking a person’s vehicle for a test drive and never returning it.

News Release WINONA LAKE – The Winona Lake’s Park Department continues to urge people to practice social distancing, but is outlining plans to reopen its amenities. The following looks at upcoming changes begining with the Gov. Eric Holcomb’s plans for stage 3, which arrives Sunday, May 24. All dates listed are subject to change. Stage …read more.

After a six-year run that saw the street department move from a state of “shambles” to a prototype for other cities to consider, Warsaw Public Works Superintendent Jeff Beeler is stepping aside.

Staff Report NORTH WEBSTER – A North Webster man was arrested after a K-9 search of his vehicle resulted in the discovery of drug activity. Edward Earl Smith Jr., 43, 811 S. Main St., North Webster, is charged with dealing in a narcotic drug, a level 5 felony; possession of a narcotic drug, possession of …read more.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee has announced that the Conklin Bay trail and boardwalk project in Syracuse is complete and open to the public. An official ribbon cutting will be scheduled at a later date.

As of noon Tuesday, May 19, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported three new case of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of positive cases to 62.

Indiana Beach is set to open its gates to the public once again on Saturday, June 27.

Tippecanoe Valley High School Principal Brandon Kresca recently released more details on the senior parade happening this Friday, May 22.

By Phoebe Muthart InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee conducted a virtual Zoom meeting Monday night, May 18. An update on the new Conklin Bay project was given. Selge Construction completed the project last Wednesday, May 13. A final walk-through was last Friday, May 15, and went well with minor issues to address. Erlene Yentes, …read more.

Purdue Extension has given the green light to allow counties the option to host in-person events for July, including participation at county fairs.

The Lakeland Regional Sewer District will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m.  Wednesday, May 20. The meeting will be held at the district office located at 5002 E 100N. Warsaw. Pursuant to Indiana Executive Order 20-09 Section 4, the “Executive Order,” this hearing will also be available utilizing electronic participation.

Local small businesses and nonprofits can now utilize the state’s new online marketplace to request personal protective equipment, according to State Rep. Dave Wolkins.

Warsaw Community Schools recently announced the Class of 2020 Work Ethic Certificate recipients. 

Eisenhower Elementary School’s Dual Language Immersion students achieved high composite scores in Spanish proficiency in a December assessment.

SILVER LAKE — A veterans’ ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. May 23, at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Lake. This event is sponsored by the Silver Lake Lions Club. Those who attend are asked to please practice social distancing.

The Kosciusko County Council has changed the location of its June 11 meeting.

SOUTH WHITLEY – Whitko Community Schools approved the hire of Julius Mays as the new Athletic Director Monday evening.

Whitko School Board Voted on new hires and changes in position.

InkFreeNews offers outstanding advertising solutions whether your marketing goal is to launch a new business, drive traffic in-store or online or build name recognition. Look below to see last week’s viewership numbers and take advantage of what InkFreeNews has to offer. For advertising, call Kip Schumm. (574) 658-4111, ext. 2328. May 11 — 17, 2020 …read more.

City officials did not have to look far for the occupant of its newest shell building in the expanding Technology Park along US 30.

Warsaw Community Schools’ summer school program will look slightly different this year in order to be in accordance with state guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip released a letter to students and parents on Monday, May 18, that announced the college’s intention to reopen its campus to students in the fall.

By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews MENTONE — The Tippecanoe Valley School Board took a moment to recognize this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian at the meeting held tonight, May 18. While neither were present at the meeting, TVSC Superintendent Blaine Conley announced that Kirstyn Yoder was named TVHS valedictorian and Quintin Allen was named salutatorian for the …read more.

Wawasee Community Schools recently announced the schedule for meals for children 18 and younger.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — As of noon Monday, May 18, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported three new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of positive cases to 59. Statewide, the latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana rose to …read more.

A Warsaw man received a 20-year prison sentence Monday, May 18.

With a weekend of heavy rain, many area roads are experiencing high water and some closures.

Adam L. Geyer, no age listed, Lakeville, died in a motorcycle accident Friday evening, May 15. The accident, reported at 8:01 p.m., was in the area of First Road and Pine Road, Plymouth.

MENTONE — The Food Bank Of Northern Indiana, in cooperation with The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County, will distribute food boxes to families in need from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 20, at Mentone Elementary School, 301 E. Jackson St., Mentone,  in the north parking lot.  The distribution will be a drive-through event …read more.

Matthew Holbrook has been hired as the new Assistant Manager for Clearwater Car Wash.

Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is inviting the public to make a difference through the third annual Day of Giving campaign.

WARSAW – A chance of heavy rain will continue through early Tuesday and there is only one day that won’t include a chance of rain this week, according to the National Weather Service. Strong chances of rains continue into Tuesday, May 19, and will diminish Tuesday night. A flood watch continues until 8 p.m. Monday. …read more.

The Board of Trustees and staff of North Webster Community Public Library recently recognized Library Director Helen Leinbach Frank for 30 years of service.

News Release WINONA LAKE – Heritage Lake Park Neighborhood, located on South CR 250E in Winona Lake, came up with a creative way to help support Fellowship Missions during these difficult times. Families who live in the neighborhood participated in a “Blessings of Home” photoshoot by Lauren Klusman, a local wedding photographer who lives in …read more.

WARSAW – Kosciusko County’s Republican Party has formally announced plans to fill the vacancy for Sidney Town Clerk-Treasurer, due to resignation of Lydia Neal. Mike Ragan, chairman of the Kosciusko County Republican Central Committee, said a selection will be announced at 6:30 p.m., May 26, at the Sidney Fire Station Meeting Room. Declarations of candidacy …read more.

North Webster Community Public Library is expanding its curbside service hours.

Heavy rains and potentially damaging storms are possible for all of northern Indiana, southern Michigan and northwest Ohio Sunday, the National Weather Service predicts.

Syracuse Strong continues with two free meal distributions today, Saturday, May 16.

Kosciusko County doesn’t get much more conservative than what was seen on Thursday night. While the city of Warsaw and state of Indiana have pitched in more than $300,000 for an emergency relief fund for small businesses – a program created by Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation – the county itself doesn’t seem that interested …read more.

Coronavirus was an issue heard repeatedly during parts of the wide-ranging candidate forum in Warsaw Friday night.

Wildman distributed PPE at the JB Furniture parking lot Friday for frontline workers and first responders.

Warsaw Street Superintendent Jeff Beeler and City Councilman Jeff Grose plan to meet next week with homeowners who will be affected by the first phase of the reconstruction of Hodges Addition.

Residents of Silver Lake are feeling a void after the man many thought of as the town’s unofficial mayor, Phil Shalley, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 13, at the age of 73.

500 for $500 is a new campaign that Habitat for Humanity hopes can be put to good use during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Local garden centers are seeing an influx in community members planting and gardening earlier than normal this year. Ed Clayton from Clayton Garden Center, North Webster, stated he’s been seeing lots of new people which means plenty of new gardens this year.

The Kosciusko County Health Department on Friday released the number of COVID-19 cases by zip codes.

Campgrounds, State Park Inns, restaurants, family cabins, and camper cabins are closed, and tentatively scheduled to open Sunday, May 24.

Three Warsaw Community High School students created customized pieces of art for Warsaw Schools’ elementary buildings through their Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy project.

News Release WARSAW – After 23 years of service with the Warsaw Police Department, Sergeant Gregory M. Oberlin is retiring effective May 30. Oberlin is a 1985 graduate of Ball State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He began his career with WPD on Jan. 4, 1997, and graduated from the Indiana …read more.

Several of Kosciusko County’s department heads attended Thursday evening’s county council meeting to provide updates on how their duties have been affected by COVID-19, as well as what new methods have been implemented to keep employees and citizens safe.

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and The Kosciusko County Bar Association are hosting a candidate forum that will feature the four-way race for Superior 3 and several other competitive primary races at 6 p.m. Friday, May 15.

Passage of the first three massive bailout bills by Congress – totaling about $2.4 trillion – gained swift and bipartisan support as lawmakers worked to offset widespread pain caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Local attorney, Travis J. McConnell, will establish an exploratory committee for his candidacy, as a Democrat, in the upcoming election for the office of County Commissioner for the Middle District of Kosciusko County. 

Kosciusko County Council tabled discussion on whether to contribute to an emergency loan program set up by the county’s economic development office for small businesses hurt by the pandemic.

Bethany Madding has joined Crossroads Bank as a Branch Manager in Warsaw. She received an Associate’s of Science degree in both Criminal Justice and Business Administration from Ivy Tech Community College in Warsaw.

A Leesburg woman was recently arrested after breaking into a residence while intoxicated.

First Federal Savings Bank (FFSB) has been named to American Banker Magazine’s Top 200 Community Banks for the 9th consecutive year.

Kathy is passionate about Kosciusko County and wants to use her gifts and talents to make a difference for the county.  When asked what areas are of particular interest to her, Kathy states that she is interested in the criminal justice system, including the jail and community corrections.

A state legislative leader said Thursday he believes significant spending cuts might be needed to address Indiana’s financial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It appears the debate over what to do about the old Silver Lake school building is over — and the building is coming down.

  By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews AKRON — The Tippecanoe Valley School Board held a work session tonight, May 14, that lasted only ten minutes. The meeting was held at the administration building but was live-streamed on the corporation’s Facebook page for the public to view. Superintendent Blaine Conley went over three new hires that will …read more.

Despite heavy rain and thunderstorms, Oakwood Resort gave away 350 free meals Thursday, May 14, in Syracuse.

A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared for a Warsaw man.

As of noon Thursday, May 14, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of positive cases to 53.

An Etna Green man was sentenced in Kosciusko County Superior Court 1 Thursday, May 14.

Milford Town Council held an in-person meeting, Monday, May 11, in the community building, where guidelines for social distancing could be observed. As well as approving motions relating to the CR 1300N overpass and workforce housing (see related article), the council caught up on business put on hold during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Due to Coronavirus concerns, Right to Life’s annual Spring Legacy of Life banquets have been replaced by one FREE on-line version of the banquet.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, summer school plans for the Wawasee Community School Corporation have been altered or in some cases cancelled. The school corporation will still offer summer school courses, but some plans are tentative.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s May Member of the Month is NAPA Auto Parts Auto Care Center, located at 817 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. NAPA employs four full-time employees. The store is in the process of an interior remodel. NAPA has been a good standing member of the chamber since 2015.

North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce board of directors met via Zoom Monday, May 11. The meeting covered an event set tentatively for Saturday, Aug. 22, to bring people to town to shop, distribution of the newly released North Webster Community Guides, and beginning the search for two new board members.

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a Special Weather Statement for western Kosciusko County.

News Release Here are the Animal Welfare League’s two featured pets of the week: Mocha the dog! Just like a cup of hot coffee, Mocha is one of our favorite sights in the morning!  Mocha is a one-year-old, spayed female, Boxer/Staffordshire mix.  She has a brindle and white coat with brown doe eyes.  She weighs …read more.

The Lodge, a Christian retreat center in Syracuse, has new caretakers, Mitch and Kim Moser. The couple recently moved from Fort Wayne to Syracuse to take on this new challenge.

Tennis courts and trails in Pierceton are expected to re-open May 24, town council announced earlier this week.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews PIERCETON— A Pierceton man who allegedly refused to cooperate with police is now facing charges. Aaron Alan Shepherd, 26, Pierceton, is charged with battery with bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, a level 5 felony; resisting law enforcement causing bodily injury, a level 6 felony; and resisting law enforcement, a …read more.

Consumer advocacy organizations are pushing back against 10 Indiana utilities that have asked to charge consumers for revenue losses related to the coronavirus crisis.

Staff Report WARSAW – The next few days in northern Indiana will be warmer and wet, according to the National Weather Service. High temperatures Thursday through Sunday will reach into the lower 70s, but will be accompanied by strong chances of rain. The forecast for Thursday, May 14, calls for a 70% chance of showers …read more.

While the town of Syracuse and Polywood LLC hammer out the final details in a economic development agreement (see related story), Chad Jonsson, Syracuse Park superintendent, and Syracuse Town Councilman Larry Martindale have been working on a preliminary plan for the new ball park.

News Release WARSAW – The Food Bank of Northern Indiana and Salvation Army will be distributing free food next week. This is a drive-through distribution of pre-boxed and pre-bagged items. First come, first served, for up to 500 households while supplies last for those in need of food assistance. The following is a partial list …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — Titus Funeral Home is offering free tribute videos to the families of graduating students. The video tribute can then be shared with friends or loved ones virtually or in-person later at a graduation ceremony. Cory Benz, owner of Titus Funeral Home, said he remembers his senior year of high school as …read more.

Despite a significant uptick in local COVID-19 cases, Kosciusko County’s Health Officer, Dr. William Remington, on Wednesday expressed optimism and insights on what he sees as an improving situation.

Press Release WARSAW — As Warsaw Community Schools approaches the close of the 2019-20 school year, WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert would like to thank parents for their continued support and encourage students across the district to finish strong. “While these past few months have challenged us all, there is still great cause for celebration …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews PIERCETON — Two local men face criminal charges after allegedly stealing a tractor and burglarizing Loose Moose Motor Sports in Pierceton. Jeremy Louis Coburn, 40, 916 S. Hansing St., Syracuse, is charged with burglary, a level 5 felony; and theft, a level 6 felony. Tristen Lee Terry, 34, 9688 E. Excalibur …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews ROCHESTER — Alyssa Shepherd, the 25-year-old Rochester motorist who struck four children, killing three of them at a bus stop on SR 25, has filed an appellant’s brief with the Indiana Court of Appeals regarding her sentence. Stacy R. Uliana, Bargersville, is the attorney representing Shepherd in her appeal. On Oct. …read more.

Wildman is excited to show appreciation to local heroes and first responders as they work tirelessly to keep our community safe during COVID-19.

Kosciusko County has released a detailed list of polling places for the June 2 primary.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — As of noon Wednesday, May 13, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of positive cases to 51. Statewide, the latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana rose to …read more.

Press Release NORTH MANCHESTER — The rising demand for professionals who can understand health issues affecting communities of people has led to Manchester University’s creation of a new major to help meet that need, according to a news release from the university. In population health, which begins in fall 2020, students will learn how to …read more.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and Fulton County Crimestoppers are requesting your assistance in locating subjects wanted on felony and/or misdemeanor warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these wanted persons, contact the Fulton County Crimestoppers at (574) 223-7867.

The Salvation Army Central Territory is offering an “Emotional & Spiritual Care Hotline”

News Release WINONA LAKE – Three seniors at Grace College were recently honored for excellence in student teaching. Alexa Hill, Karyssa Davis, and Rebekah Landfair were named Outstanding Prospective Teachers for elementary education, special education, and secondary education, respectively, according to a news release from the college. Each year, Grace College School of Education selects …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A Silver Lake woman will serve a year in jail for violating her rules of probation after she battered a police officer. Tina Marie Cole, 38, 106 S. High St., Silver Lake, was charged with battery against a public safety official, a level 6 felony. Cole was sentenced for …read more.

LEESBURG — A community curbside meal event will take place from 5 p.m. until food is gone May 18.  The event will be held at the Leesburg Lions Club, located at 114 School Street in Leesburg. Stacy’s of Leesburg is preparing the food, with 275 meals to be given out to those in need. The …read more.

The Etna Green Town Council discussed the town’s noise ordinance and property upkeep during an in-person meeting on Tuesday, May 12.

News Release WARSAW – The board of directors and executive staff of Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts today announced the postponement of the theater’s 2020 summer season, which had been scheduled to open July 1 with performances of “Wizard of Oz.” “It is with great reluctance that we have made this decision,” said executive …read more.

Late Tuesday afternoon, May 12, the Wawasee School Board held a quick emergency meeting in the conference room of the school corporation’s central office in Syracuse. Only three people were present including board president Rebecca Linnemeier, superintendent Dr. Tom Edington and Tammy Hutchinson, Edington’s secretary.