The Rotary Club of North Manchester is taking its Weber Grills on the road for the third annual North Manchester Rotary Grilled Chicken BBQ.

By Wawasee High School Principal Geoff Walmer Guest Writer Wawasee High School is excited to host a memorable graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 while providing a safe environment that follows social distancing guidelines. Wawasee Community School Corporation is grateful for the partnership with the Kosciusko County Health Department in creating the following plan. …read more.

By Ray Balogh InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — About 50 patriots and a handful of their four-legged friends reprised a Fourth of July tradition along Lake Wawasee’s north shore that started more than half a century ago.   Eleven groups of neighborhood families and friends, appropriately socially distanced, marched eastward through the lakeside yards of a dozen …read more.

Consistent heat will prevail throughout the week in the area, the National Weather Service predicts.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival has been canceled for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Warsaw woman was given a 20-year sentence in Kosciusko County Circuit Court Monday, July 6, for dealing methamphetamine.

A Claypool man will serve five years in prison for three criminal cases, including one incident where he stabbed a man at Time Out Inn in Warsaw.

The Pierceton Chamber of Commerce would like to announce the opening of the Whitko Art Gallery in downtown Pierceton located at 130 N Main Street.

1st Source Bank is pleased to announce Rob Spencer has joined our team, serving the Warsaw market as Mortgage Loan Originator.

The patriotic spirit was alive and well in Winona for the Fourth of July festivities that continued despite many activities around the country being canceled.

We are open for and operating under our normal business hours (Monday -Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We are closed on Sundays until September).

By Deb Patterson InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — The coronavirus and social distancing didn’t stop the fun at the annual Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s annual Lake Talks & Eats Bug Catch Saturday, July 4. It did however, keep the number of participants down. Normally over 100 kids, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles converge on the WACF educational …read more.

The North Webster Community Public Library is resuming curbside service beginning July 6 at its new facility located at 110 E. North Street, immediately south of the North Webster Community Center.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — Two permit transfers and six renewals were approved during a Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission virtual meeting on Thursday, July 2. Lisa Ulrey, owner of Board and Brush Warsaw, 210 S. Buffalo St., was present at the meeting for a permit transfer. Board and Brush offers DIY wood …read more.

This year’s Wawasee Flotilla, with the theme of “Proud to be an American,” is going down in the record books as one of the biggest Flotilla’s.

Hundreds braved the heat and attended Etna Green’s annual Fourth of July parade and festivities on Saturday, July 4.

Do you want to make sure masks are not mandated in Kosciusko County? Start wearing one. It’s as simple as that. Get on it now before the government has to mandate the use of masks in public. The tide is turning in support for mandates as the country sees a rising number of new cases …read more.

Staff Report A small gathering of people met at Central Park Friday night to remember a US Solider who died after she disappeared. Vanessa Guillén is the 20-year-old US Army soldier who was found dead after she disappeared April 22 at Fort Hood, Texas. The candlelight vigil attracted about 35 people to the Central Park Plaza Friday …read more.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is requesting your assistance in finding people wanted on felony or misdemeanor warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these 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 listed for each person is based …read more.

Justin Beer, Milford, and Brittany Duncan, Silver, Lake, were awarded the title of Kosciusko County 4-H King and Queen Friday, July 3.

Staff Report WARSAW – Hungry and looking for something to do? Eight vendors are taking part in the drive-thru carnival food event at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday. A vender said they will close up at 7 p.m. Saturday and return Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Below are photos of some of …read more.

Sara McNeal-Strahan-Lenfestey ran as a democratic contender for the Warsaw City Council last year. McNeal-Strahan-Lenfestey, a native of Warsaw, said what drove her to run for public office was seeing the same people in office for 20 years without a lot of progress.

News Release WARSAW – Organizers with People of Change announced plans for a candlelight vigil in memory of a female US Army Soldier who died recently. The event at the Central Park plaza will begin at 8 p.m. Friday, July 3. The vigil is intended as a way to pay respects for Vanessa Guillen, the …read more.

An Indiana Toll Road maintenance worker was struck and killed Thursday, July 2, while performing work outside of his vehicle.

The Animal Welfare League presents its “Pets of the Week” featuring Tucker the dog, and Marmalade the cat. 

The Warsaw Board of Public Works & Safety meeting held Thursday, July 2, was led by Board Member George Clemens.

 State Sen. Stacey Donato (R-Logansport) will serve on the Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development as well as the Interim Study Committee on Employment and Labor during the summer and fall to help prepare lawmakers for the 2021 legislative session.

Although the Kosciusko County Community Fair has been cancelled for 2020, most of the 4-H events will be held as planned.

A Warsaw teen will serve 10 years in prison after molesting a child over the course of three years.

By Darla McCammon Guest Writer After seeing the headline above, does a special person pop into your mind? For me, it’s an automatic “yes!” I cannot escape the literally hundreds of scenes that Norman Rockwell painted for “Boys Life” Magazine and his memorable “Saturday Evening Post tributes to our country. Since we are celebrating a …read more.

By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews MILFORD — Shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, a dispatch call came over the scanner beckoning Milford Fire Department to a tree fire at the corner of CR 175 E and CR 1300 N, northeast of the town limits. Whoever called 911 suggested that the fire might have been a …read more.

Food Bank of Northern Indiana will be offering mobile food distributions the week of July 6-10 at the following locations in Kosciusko and Marshall counties:

The Nissan, which also sustained damage to its grill and front end, ended up facing northwest. It was unclear which vehicle failed to cede the right-of-way.

Fireworks are set to take place around the area both on July 3, and July 4 in celebration of independence day.

South Bend Tribune SOUTH BEND — St. Joseph County public health officials Monday, June 29, extended their mask order through Sept. 7, while Elkhart County decided to implement a similar order. Dr. Robert Einterz, St. Joseph County’s public health officer, signed the new order after consulting with representatives from the county’s three largest health systems, …read more.

During the month of July, there will be changes in Red Cross blood drives.

A love of animals and willingness to try new, interesting things led Zack Schultz to 4-H and leads him to continue to expand his projects.

Kosciusko County’s 4-H Royalty contest will still be held this year. Winners will be announced the morning of Friday, July 3.

The Silver Lake Lions Club is having an egg hunt at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at the school grounds in Silver Lake.

The decision reached in March by Lakeland Christian Academy and Warsaw Christian to merge into one school became official on June 30, when both schools signed the official agreement.

All government offices will be closed Friday as part of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Below is a look at how garbage pickup will be affected. Kosciusko The Kosciusko County Offices will be closed Friday, July 3. Claypool The Claypool town office will be closed Friday, July 3. Trash pickup will not be affected. …read more.

Pictured, from left, are board members Doug Ruch, Joe Cazier and Kevin McSherry. This was Cazier’s first meeting as a board member for the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission. By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews WARSAW — During the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission meeting held today, July 1, the commission showed their support for the proposed Polywood economic …read more.

As the Fort Wayne Philharmonic had the unpleasant task of canceling Patriotic Pops concerts over the summer, its thoughts turned to those in the community.

By Sen. Blake Doriot District 12 R-Syracuse INDIANAPOLIS — This week, the Elkhart County Health Department issued a mandate requiring individuals to wear a face covering in all indoor areas open to the public, all outdoor areas open to the public where a distance of six feet from individuals outside of their household cannot be …read more.

July 4 is set as the reopening date for the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend continues to operate. 

News Release LEESBURG — Maple Leaf Farms continues to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, the company donated thousands of pounds of duck products to give back to its foodservice customers that have been affected by these hard times, and pledged to donate a portion of its e-commerce sales to furloughed …read more.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for SR 14 between CR 150E and CR 200 E beginning Monday, July 6.

An Air Quality Action Day has been declared by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for Thursday, July 2, in Elkhart County.

Governor Eric Holcomb has put a pause on the state of Indiana entering Stage 5 of the “Back on Track” re-opening plan.

The popular First Friday car show present by the Baker Youth Club has been reformatted to a Car Cruise-In.

Between noon Monday, June 29, and noon Wednesday, July 1, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 14 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 506, with three deaths.

A local health official expressed hope Wednesday morning that Gov. Eric Holcomb will not fully move the state into stage 5 in the reopening process.

The town of Syracuse is unfurling new welcome banners, starting this week just in time for the Fourth of July holiday. Featuring four alternating designs, the welcome signs spotlight elements making Syracuse unique.

Hot and dry.

Planning is underway for this year’s Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony in Warsaw.

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is set to open to the public on July 11. 

The Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) today announced the launch of the organization’s updated brand identity. 

Recently, the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion Squadron #49 donated $500 to the Kosciusko County Shrine Club Turkey Shoot to benefit for the Shrine Children’s Hospitals.

A Plymouth man was recently arrested after allegedly murdering a woman with a machete.

The Indiana license branch in Warsaw saw a large line of people Tuesday, June 30, in preparation for administration fees being reintroduced.

A hands-free law regarding cellular phone usage while driving goes into effect Wednesday, July 1.

The State of Indiana has filed an appellee’s brief with the Indiana Court of Appeals in response to Alyssa Shepherd’s appellant’s brief. Shepherd, the 25-year-old Rochester motorist who struck four children, killing three of them at a bus stop on SR 25, is appealing her prison sentence.

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday signed an executive Order 2 extending the prohibition on evictions, foreclosures, and the disconnection of utility services.

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Katrina L. Mills has been promoted to Operations Solutions Architect Officer. 

COVID-19 data for Elkhart County continues to show a rise in the number of those tested and positive cases during the last 24 hours.

Mayor Joe Thallemer, who has been an outspoken advocate of taking precautions against COVID-19, has tested positive for the virus.

Boaters preparing for the Independence Day holiday should be aware that Indiana Conservation Officers will be on high alert for violations of boating-under-the-influence laws.

Tippecanoe Valley High School would like to communicate a fully developed, and detailed, plan that is necessary for TVHS to have a safe graduation ceremony.

The Rotary Club of North Manchester is taking its Weber Grills on the road for the third annual North Manchester Rotary Grilled Chicken BBQ.

Grace College Worship Arts and Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church will partner for an evening of original worship songs and hymn arrangements at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church Worship Center, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake. 

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. June 22 — 28, 2020 …read more.

A Rochester man died Monday night when his motorcycle crashed into the side of a minivan southwest of Nappanee.

Warsaw Community Schools’ Food Services recently announced that for the week of July 6, there will not be meals served through the summer meals for kids program.

The public will have the opportunity to enjoy fair food this week at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds even though the community fair has been cancelled.

Habitat for Humanity hosted a blessing for a recently built home for Jamie and Rob Nichter.

Between noon Friday, June 26, and noon Monday, June 29, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 47 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 501, with three deaths.

Goshen Health released information on increases at its facility due to COVID-19. The numbers, as of June 29 are:

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Monday, June 29, denied a joint utility petitioners’ request for a rate hike to offset lost revenue during the pandemic.

Purdue University Fort Wayne has signed an articulation agreement with Ivy Tech Community College.

The Elkhart County Health Department has issued a public health order regarding a face covering mandate. The order was filed at 12:12 p.m. Monday, June 29.

The Nappanee Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship Pageant will headline Thursday’s opening events at the 45th annual Nappanee Apple Festival, September 17.

A Pierceton woman will serve 13 years in prison for two drug dealing cases.

A rare copy of a 16 mm film titled “Marching Forward” was found while volunteers were cleaning out the basement of a home owned by The Warsaw Salvation Army on Arthur Street. 

The door at 130 S. Main St., Milford, was locked for the last time at Whetten Pizza.

By Briley Gargis InkFreeNews BREMEN – The Mint City Open pickleball tournament had a huge turnout Saturday, June 27. Bremen Pickleball Club hosted their first inaugural pickleball scramble and tournament with the scramble on Friday, June 26, and a proper tournament Saturday, on 16 lighted courts. With over 200 players from 13 states in attendance, …read more.

Uptown Beauty Joint, 705 N. Huntington St., Syracuse, was the scene of an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, June 26, hosted by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday evening’s ribbon-cutting officially marked the beginning of a new downtown Syracuse venture. A Touch of Beauty joined the community with plans to offer a variety of services, including a traditional barbershop in the storefront and an adjacent private skincare room.

A benefit ride for Payton Slaymaker, a 9-year-old Claypool girl who is battling a brain tumor, will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds.

SOUTH BEND – Four Winds Field was chosen as the site for the Chicago Cubs’ taxi squad to help the team compete in the abbreviated 2020 baseball season.

  By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — The June edition of Syracuse’s “Last Friday” event  enjoyed warm summer temperatures last evening as visitors to the event were treated to vendors, displays, free snacks and two free shows. The evening’s activities were organized  by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce. Taking place from 6-7:30 p.m.. at the …read more.

Updates from the Milford Public Library.

The following programs are set to take place in July with the Warsaw Community Public Library. 

Manchester University faculty members created an interdisciplinary summer course for incoming students that helps them transition from high school to college-level courses.

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and (R-Ind.) joined a bipartisan push to urge the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) to prioritize the procurement of American-made PPE, and to consider comprehensive measures in order to bring supply chains back to American soil. 

Republican Chad Miner, who touted himself as a native of Kosciusko County in his bid for Superior Court 3 judge, will face another native in the fall election. Warsaw Attorney Antony “Tony” Garza confirmed Friday night that he intends to file paperwork and challenge Miner for the judicial seat and run as a Democrat. The …read more.

Rep. Jim Banks will be introducing legislation to make desecrating memorials to previous U.S. presidents or Founding Fathers a federal offense punishable up to 10 years in prison. 

First Merchants Bank recently provided two food pantries in Bourbon with $1,500 each to help bolster their efforts.

An open house was held at Wawasee High School Friday afternoon, June 26, to say farewell to Joy Goshert, assistant superintendent for the Wawasee Community School Corporation, and Jim Evans, director of finance, both of whom are retiring effective Tuesday, June 30.

Between noon Wednesday, June 24, and noon Friday, June 26, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 20 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 453, with three deaths.

As many as 1,000 young children will be part of a summer program headed up by United Way that will attempt to get some of the most vulnerable students back on track ahead of the return to school this fall.