Syracuse Strong continues with two free meal distributions. One Thursday, May 14, and the other Saturday, May 16.

Wawasee Early Learning Center is a learning center available to any child, ages 3-5, in the Wawasee Community School Corporation district. Wawasee Early Learning Center will be located at North Webster Elementary School.

News Release WASHINGTON –In a letter to House and Senate leadership, the Republican Study Committee (RSC) Budget & Spending Task Force expressed its opposition to any federal bailout of mismanaged state and local governments made under the guise of COVID-19 relief. The letter, led by Task Force Chairman Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana’s Third Congressional District, …read more.

A man was recently arrested after a high-speed vehicle pursuit that led to the discovery of drugs.

As of noon Tuesday, May 12, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported three new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of positive cases to 49.

Attorney Steve Snyder, left, is seen wearing a mask while social distancing is being practiced during this month’s Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews WARSAW — With only five cases on the agenda, the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held this morning, May 12, went quicker than usual. …read more.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — Kosciusko Community Corrections Executive Director Barry Andrew received permission to apply for two grants at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, May 12. Barry Andrew Commissioners gave approval for Andrew to apply for the 2021 Community Corrections grant, which averages $360,000 each year, and the 2021 Drug Court …read more.

Press Release AKRON — Tippecanoe Valley High School will hold an in-person graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 on Sunday, July 19. More information on specific event details will be released to seniors and their families prior to the event. A backup date is set for Sunday, July 26. The baccalaureate ceremony will begin …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A Wabash woman received a suspended prison sentence after dealing heroin with her mother. Brittany Denise Fields, 29, 249 W. CR 250S, Wabash, was charged with two counts of dealing in a narcotic drug, both level 5 felonies. Two possession of narcotic drug charges were dismissed as part of …read more.

News Release SYRACUSE — 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 Wednesday, May 13, at Wawasee High School, Syracuse. The truck and volunteers will be located at the main entrance of the high school. …read more.

News Release The Kosciusko County Republican Party re-scheduled its date and location for this year’s Lincoln Day Dinner. This year’s event is now scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at the Owl’s Nest Restaurant and Meeting Center located at 7369 E. CR 800 N, North Webster, according to a news release from Mike Ragan, chairman of …read more.

By David Hazledine InkFreeNews MILFORD — Milford Town Council and Redevelopment Commission were back in action Monday, May 11, with agendas indicative of eventful months ahead for the town. Both meetings were attended by Steve Moriarty, Kosciusko County Highway Department superintendent, who gave a brief presentation on plans to extend CR 1300N and future railroad …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A Warsaw man was recently arrested after threatening a woman and violating a protective order twice in one day. Juan Alberto Alonzo-Santos, 45, 3762 W. Old Road 30 Lot 21W, Warsaw, is charged with intimidation, a level 6 felony; and invasion of privacy, a class A misdemeanor. On April …read more.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews LEESBURG — The Leesburg Memorial Day Parade will take place this year — with a couple of modifications.  The parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. May 25, with line up at 10:15 a.m. “We are going to have a ceremony here and at the cemetery as always,” Leesburg Street Commissioner …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The SupportMusic Merit Award recognizes individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit …read more.

CROMWELL — The Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, May 18. Pursuant to Indiana Executive Order 20-09 Section 4 this hearing will be conducted utilizing electronic participation only. The district office is closed and there will be no in person participation. There will be an opportunity for …read more.

WARSAW – It did not take long for Table Ten to fill up at Creighton’s Crazy Egg restaurant Monday morning. But the other 11 tables, generously spaced out inside the dining area, did not fill up as quickly. Table Ten, reserved for a group of clientele and viewed by some as the center of wisdom …read more.

More Kosciusko County residents read Ink Free News than any other news source. Turn to InkFreeNews.com to get the story that is fresh, fast, and accurate. We can also help generate customers and sales for your business. For advertising, call Kip Schumm. (574) 658-4111, ext. 2328 May 4 — 10, 2020 Pageviews — 931, 804 …read more.

Staff Report ETNA GREEN — The town of Etna Green will holding its monthly council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12. It will be an in-person meeting. The meeting is open to the public.

Decisions, perhaps the easiest ones to be made, were handled by the Tippecanoe Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District Board tonight, Monday, May 11. The board not only elected its officers, but preliminarily decided on a treatment provider, thus filling the remaining vacancy on the board and adopted its first resolution.

Members of the Warsaw Plan Commission attended the meeting virtually via the television pictured to the left of the Council Chambers. By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews   WARSAW — The meeting of the Warsaw Plan Commission held this evening, May 11, looked different this month as commissioners attended virtually. City Planner Jeremy Skinner, Senior City Planner …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — United Way of Kosciusko County announced that it has been approved to receive a $450,000 COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative Grant, made possible through a partnership between Lilly Endowment, Inc. and Indiana United Ways. These funds will be used to boost the local COVID-19 pandemic response efforts.  “United Way of Kosciusko County …read more.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is officially suspended from practicing law in Indiana for 30 days. The suspension begins May 18 and stems from allegations of sexual misconduct that occurred at a 2018 gathering of legislative staffers. The alleged incidents took place at AJ’s Lounge in downtown Indianapolis in …read more.

SYRACUSE — Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Chautauqua-Wawasee is rescheduling the May 21 Historical Lake Wawasee “Then & Now” S.S. Lillypad Cruise to July 31.  All tickets that were purchased for the May 21 program are being fully refunded. Organizers apologize that no ticket exchanges are possible. Those wishing to attend the July 31 Cruise will …read more.

Staff Report SILVER LAKE – One person appeared to be injured in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Packerton Road, and SR 14, Monday afternoon, May 11. The accident was reported around 3:15 p.m. A white Pontiac G6 appeared to have hit a black GMC Terrain at the intersection, causing the black vehicle to …read more.

Maple Leaf Farms has donated 50 sets of bedding to Fellowship Missions, which offers emergency shelter and other assistance to those in need in the Warsaw community.

The Milford Cemetery Association would like to express appreciation to all those people who have followed the recommendations for cemetery cleanup and removal of items not allowed on grave sites.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Health Department reported seven new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of positive cases to 46. The spike in reported cases represents the biggest jump seen in Kosciusko County since the tracking began. Statewide, the latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health …read more.

News Release WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools will hold an in-person graduation ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, on the high school football field. The ceremony will observe social distancing guidelines. Since this is an outdoor event, the first rain date would be 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, and the second rain date is …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A Warsaw man was recently arrested after allegedly battering and threatening a woman. Timothy Christopher Bondy, 24, 885 Pine Mills Road, Warsaw, is charged with domestic battery with a child under 16 present and strangulation, both level 6 felonies; and domestic battery and intimidation, both class A misdemeanors. On …read more.

By Dan Spalding InkFreeNews SIDNEY – The town of Sidney’s newest clerk-treasurer has resigned. Lydia Neal informed Kosciusko County Republican chairman Mike Ragan on Sunday, May 10, that she was resigning effective immediately. Neal was appointed Feb. 26 and was the third clerk-treasurer to resign this year. The announcement comes ahead of the town council’s …read more.

With the release of Governor Holcomb’s “Back on Track Indiana” plan and the guidance outlined by the Governer’s office, we are moving forward with a plan for an in-person graduation ceremony.

A barn fire early Sunday morning, May 10, at 4445 E. 1200N, resulted in the loss of chicks, ducklings, turkeys and a cat, along with some furniture and lawnmowers. The damage has been estimated up to $30,000.

News Release SYRACUSE – In this time of physical distancing, people are looking for ways to be connected. For the month of May, Chautauqua-Wawasee is providing a virtual Facebook flower show called “Chautauqua-Wawasee in Bloom.” People may post pictures of their flowers during the month creating a virtual flower garden. At the conclusion of the …read more.

News Release Bell Memorial Library has begun offering curbside Library services to our community on Monday, May 11.  We have been working diligently to provide you with effective and SAFE service, but we are still learning, so bear with us. Library cardholders with an established online account can log in to their account and place …read more.

News Release FORT WAYNE – Police are looking for an elderly man from the Fort Wayne area. Fort Wayne Police are investigating the disappearance of Jay Dee Blevins, 81, who is white, is  5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He has white hair with blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a …read more.

Some children write because it is required of them. Some write casually and intermittently. Some are compelled to write by a force they don’t understand. All of these young folks can be good writers. 

During all the uncertainty surrounding us due to COVID-19, Cardinal Services is here to help by offering full-time, part-time, or seasonal employment opportunities. Whether you’ve lost your previous job due to the outbreak or have recently graduated and are looking for work, working for Cardinal Services could be the start of your new career.

WARSAW – Parkview YMCA has announced plans to reopen its two facilities. The Warsaw YMCA will open on May 24 and the North Webster YMCA will reopen on May 26, according to a post on the organization’s Facebook page. There will be some restrictions and limitations based on program type, size and space, the statement …read more.

LEESBURG – The Leesburg Summer Recreational League is planning a summer ball season, aimed at beginning in mid-June.

For several years Byron Oswald served the Wawasee Community School Corporation as a maintenance worker and also the head of maintenance at Wawasee High School before retiring. He often did the sort of work not noticed by the general public, but was seen and appreciated by staff, administrators and students at the high school.

News Release WARSAW – At Warsaw Community Public Library, our online resources are ALWAYS open even when the building is closed to the public. WCPL’s “Digital Library” is accessible by Wi-Fi in the library parking lot, by social media including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at warsawlibrary.org. See varied library e-collections 24 hours a day …read more.

Red yard signs seem to be the color of choice for at least five local candidates in the upcoming June 2 primary, but two of those are emanating from the same household.

Two Red Cross Blood Drives in Kosciusko County will be held this month.

Food insecurity was a problem in Indiana well before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, roughly one million Hoosiers had limited or uncertain access to adequate food, above the national average.

Discount Warehouse of Warsaw has for sale disposable 3-ply masks that provide some protection from dust, pollen, etc. Elastic earloop is easy to wear and comfortable on the ears. These are NOT N95 OR medical masks.

First Farmers Bank & Trust, in partnership with pork producers and processors throughout the state, has initiated a direct assistance program to provide protein to food banks throughout Indiana and eastern Illinois.

Following Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s announcement of a five-step plan to reopening the state, churches are faced with a decision on how — and when — to reopen.

A Warsaw woman was recently arrested after stealing items from Harbor Freight Tools while being employed there.

The 20th Annual Village at Winona Art Fair has been cancelled due to COVID 19 Crisis.

Anytime the weather presents a hint of spring, I have to figure-out what to grill in our outdoor kitchen. Overlooking the lake while the stereo blasts, cocktail in hand — what a great place to veg! Favorite Meats Steak cuts to grill include; Flat iron steak, skirt steak, flank steak, rib-eye and on occasion, when …read more.

Staff Report WARSAW – Few details are being released, but a spokesperson for the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s office confirmed an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Privacy issues limit the information that can be released. The necessary quarantine procedures have been followed, according to Chris Francis, information officer for the office. “We will continue to follow …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — The Warsaw Education Foundation is offering Honor an Educator tribute packages during the month of May. Show appreciation to a special educator for their extraordinary efforts to continue providing educational activities and lessons for all children of Warsaw Community Schools during these unprecedented circumstances. Don’t forget those bus drivers for helping …read more.

The National Weather Service of Northern Indiana has declared a freeze warning for Kosciusko County and surrounding areas.

News Release WARSAW – Looking for a ragtime gal to spend some summertime fun?  Look no further than Shimmy!  She is an eleven-year-old, spayed female, Boxer mix.  She has a lovely red and white coat with soulful brown eyes. She weighs 54 pounds.  Shimmy may be a senior but this girl has enough pep in …read more.

A Warsaw man was arrested after battering a woman that required hospital care.

Events scheduled for the Fourth of July have been postponed out of the utmost care, compassion, and concern for the residents of Akron and neighboring residents.

By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office released the following information on a two vehicle accident that occurred at 8:38 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, at the intersection of US 6 and US 33, northeast of Syracuse in Elkhart County: A 2015 Lincoln MKC, driven by Javonta King, 26, Elkhart, was southbound …read more.

Staff Report WASHINGTON – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday, May 8, that the nation’s jobless rate surged to 14.7 percent in April, making it the worst report since the World War II era. The economy lost an estimated 20.5 million jobs because of business closures and disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic, according …read more.

Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is asking for assistance in identifying suspects in a residential burglary in the 12000 block of 1B Road, near LaPaz.

The Indiana Department of Education recently announced that Claypool, Jefferson and Madison Elementary Schools are now certified in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM.)

NORTH WEBSTER — The Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees has changed its meeting location for its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 11. The meeting will be held in the old courtroom on the second floor of the Kosciusko County Courthouse, 100 W. Center St., Warsaw.

A Warsaw woman was arrested after allegedly stealing a gun and knife.

The North Webster Lions Club regrettably announces the 75th Mermaid Festival scheduled for June 24–27, has been rescheduled for June 23–26, 2021.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — A Columbia City man was arrested for allegedly stealing a moped. Shawn Richard Daniels, 37, Warsaw, is charged with theft, a level 6 felony.  According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Oct. 21, 2019, a Warsaw Police officer responded to a report of theft of a moped at …read more.

Discount Warehouse of Warsaw has for sale disposable 3-ply masks that provide some protection from dust, pollen, etc. Elastic earloop is easy to wear and comfortable on the ears. These are NOT N95 OR medical masks.

A crash between a bicyclist and a car Thursday, May 7, sent a 10-year-old boy to the hospital.

A Milford man will serve six months in jail pending his acceptance into work release after he and three juveniles broke into a nursing home.

A Syracuse man is facing eight criminal charges after allegedly battering a woman and three minors. 

The Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved a new three-way permit for HopLore Brewing and renewed six permits for local businesses during a virtual meeting on Thursday, May 7.

The annual Wawasee Property Owners Association family breakfast has been cancelled for 2020. The event was slated to be held Saturday, June 13, at Oakwood Resort.

First responders, health care workers and the general public were all beneficiaries of a meal giveaway that started at noon Thursday, May 7.
As part of the “Syracuse Strong” initiative, the town’s chamber of commerce and several businesses teamed up to prepare a variety of healthy meals for distribution.

The Syracuse Redevelopment Commission had a busy morning, Thursday, May 7, as it met in executive session with members of the Syracuse Town Council, then held it’s own public meeting.

  By LAUREN ZEUGNER InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Town Council and Syracuse Redevelopment Commission had a busy morning Thursday, May 7, as they hammered out the details for an economic development agreement and a real estate purchase agreement in an executive session. The council and redevelopment commission then met publicly in separate meetings via …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Health Department has received no new COVID-19 cases as of noon Thursday, May 7. Kosciusko County has 39 total positive cases with one death reported and 20 recoveries. Statewide, the latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews Jeremy Joe Jones WARSAW — A Warsaw man faces an additional criminal charge after stalking a man he allegedly pointed a firearm at a week earlier. Jeremy Joe Jones, 26, 3495 W. CR 100S, Warsaw, is charged with stalking, a level 6 felony. On April 23, a Warsaw Police officer went …read more.

Press Release SYRACUSE — Wawasee Community School Corporation has set the following dates and times for parents, guardians, or students to pick up items left at schools in lockers, classrooms, etc.: Wednesday, May 13: 3-6 p.m. Thursday, May 14: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locker contents have been cleaned out, bagged, and labeled, and teachers …read more.

WARSAW – Intercession Group of Warsaw is pleased to announce a change in their team. Kim Crans has accepted the role of Interim executive director. She joined Intercession Group in April 2020. Jeri Purdy has previously served with Intercession Group since 2016 as an Event Manager and transitioned to an Executive Director in 2017. Purdy …read more.

Warsaw’s Traffic Safety Commission approved the addition of two new street-side handicapped parking spots on Market Street.

  News Release PIERCETON – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for personal protective equipment, Paragon Medical has designed and released an intubation shield for healthcare workers. The intubation shield provides a barrier between the healthcare professional and the patient during intubation and extubation procedures to reduce exposure to aerosolized airborne …read more.

WARSAW — A Warsaw man was arrested after allegedly punching a pregnant woman. Eric Michael Frye, 34, 1708 Tippecanoe Drive Apartment D., Warsaw, is charged with domestic battery of a pregnant woman, a level 5 felony; battery with moderate bodily injury, a level 6 felony; and obstruction of justice, a level 6 felony.  According to …read more.

MENTONE – Mentone Egg Festival is officially not happening this summer due to concerns over COVID-19, but some in the community will offer some activities in light of the situation. The decision was announced at the Mentone Town Council meeting Wednesday, May 6. While nothing is firm, some people are expressing a desire to have …read more.

When growing up, David Burden said he “had a small scope of what I thought I could pursue as a career.” Public education in the 1990s had a different look to it.

Discount Warehouse of Warsaw has for sale disposable 3-ply masks that provide some protection from dust, pollen, etc. Elastic earloop is easy to wear and comfortable on the ears. These are NOT N95 OR medical masks.

By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews WARSAW — A group of remonstrators showed up at the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission meeting held Wednesday, May 6, to object to a vacation request that would limit their lake access. The vacation request was made by Griffith’s Wawasee Marina, 9171 E. Ross Drive, Syracuse. The request included vacating three …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A former Kosciusko County Jail officer is facing criminal charges after stealing items from the jail. Alvin D. Dials, Jr., 61, 3216 S. Oak St., Warsaw, is charged with possession of a legend drug, a level 6 felony; and theft, a class A misdemeanor. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s officers obtained …read more.

Press Release SYRACUSE — Those families in need will have two opportunities this week to obtain a free meal. Health Elite, 400 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, will be providing a free meal starting at noon, Thursday, May 7, and lasting until 5 p.m. or until gone. This event is being hosted by SWCC Foundation Inc., …read more.

Nickolus George Toepfer WARSAW — A Churubusco man was recently arrested after robbing the Warsaw Walgreens location in January. Nickolus George Toepfer, 32, 6120 E. CR 500N Number 30, Churubusco, is charged with possession of a narcotic drug, a level 3 felony; pharmacy robbery, a level 4 felony; and being a habitual offender. On Jan. …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews Scott Lennox WARSAW — Former local attorney Scott Lennox, 51, St. Clair, Mich., is officially disbarred from practicing law effective immediately. According to a court document filed May 6 and signed by G. Michael Witte and Julie E. Bennett, executive director and staff attorney for the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, …read more.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — Information on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the total positive number of cases of COVID-19 in Indiana is now at 21,870. Statewide, the latest posting on the ISDH website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana rose to 1,264, up from 1,213 reported on Tuesday, …read more.

Mayor Joe Thallemer announced the City of Warsaw’s local plans for reopening businesses and public offices during the city’s weekly COVID-19 press conference on Wednesday, May 6.

Sarah Wright InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — Syracuse Eagles Aerie 3760 and the Syracuse Eagles Ladies Auxiliary each made donations to the Syracuse Food Pantry Tuesday, May 5. The Eagles donated $352.13, which came from donations received at the service club’s meal giveaway Saturday, April 25. The Auxiliary added $200 to that donation and also donated $200 each …read more.

Grow Wabash County has received $5,000 in grant funding from Duke Energy’s Economic Development Relief Grant program. 

A duo from Indianapolis come to Warsaw in hopes of starting a successful barbecue food truck.

News Release  WINONA LAKE – In response to COVID-19 and its impact, Grace College will reduce the price of its online degrees by an average of 19.5% for new students this fall to help make Christian online education an option for all. The tuition reduction will apply to all new, online students for the 2020 …read more.

Below is the five stages of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s phased-in approach to reopening the state.

By Ray Balogh InkFreeNews KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Four candidates are vying for the position of judge of Kosciusko County Superior Court 3 in Warsaw. Each candidate was requested to submit a short bio and answer the same two questions. Their responses, listed alphabetically by their surnames, appear below. The Candidates Robert Bishop was raised in …read more.

One person appeared to suffer minor injuries in single-vehicle crash on North Detroit Street Wednesday morning, May 6.

Staff Report WARSAW – Food distribution by the Salvation Army and the Food Bank of Northern Indiana will continue through May. That’s the word from Ken Locke, envoy for the Salvation Army in Warsaw. Locke was working at a drive-through distribution event at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Wednesday morning, May 6, where a long line …read more.

By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — A two vehicle accident involving a semi truck and a silver Lincoln SUV resulted in one driver being airlifted from the scene. The collision occurred northeast of Syracuse on US 6 at the intersection of US 33 at approximately 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 6. Preliminary indications show that the …read more.