The SmithStrong Foundation Fund, a component fund of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, provides annual support to Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation’s athletic program to recognize outstanding student-athletes.

Do you know of a youth or an individual wanting to start a small business? Lawn service, baby-sitting, tutoring, pet sitter, dog walker, website, or washing cars are a few examples of businesses one can do, but are not limited to. Matthews’ Painting wants to help people pursue their dreams.

Bingo at the Silver Lake Lions Club will resume Saturday, June 6.

Mayor Joe Thallemer issued a statement Wednesday morning, June 3, ahead of the scheduled protest later in the day about the killing of George Floyd.

Although Jeff Clark, Kosciusko County’s new animal control officer, has only been serving in the position for a month, he jokes that he is already wondering how he’ll ever get caught up.

By Ray Balogh InkFreeNews WARSAW — Debbie Messenger acknowledges she can’t fix her counseling clients. But she knows she can introduce them to the one who can. Messenger was born in Wisconsin and spent her “formative years” in Mexico as a missionary kid. “It was a transient lifestyle,” she said. “I was from everywhere and …read more.

Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation, released the following information Tuesday, June 2, pertaining to the summer and the 2020-21 school year:

Craig Snow entered the primary late, had virtually no name recognition and was hampered – like every other candidate — by the pandemic.

Indiana Hospitality Group has announced the opening of its newest hotel, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites located at 300 Prosperity Drive in Warsaw.

News Release WARSAW — Kosciusko County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals will meet at 8:45 a.m. Monday, June 22. The meeting will be in the old courtroom on the third floor of the Kosciusko County Courthouse to start its annual meetings for 2020. The board will also be meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, July …read more.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has issued more than 150 permits for public displays of fireworks, although many communities across Indiana have cancelled fireworks events to avoid large gatherings.

Purdue Extension Health & Human Science educators throughout northwest Indiana have partnered to host a series of free Nourish your Body webinars during the month of June. 

Third time proved to be the charm for Chad Miner in the Republican primary race for judge of Superior Court 3.

Two incumbents and one newcomer have won nominations for three Kosciusko County Council at-large seats in the Republican primary.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County had a 23.81% voter turnout for the 2020 Primary Election. This was the first election the county used the poll pads in the 69 precincts. Ann Torpy, county clerk, stated the use of the pads went smoothly with less problems at the polls. There are the final results: Republican Ticket President …read more.

Warsaw Community Schools recently announced three important updates for the Class of 2020 and their families regarding tickets for graduation, senior appreciation and senior photos. 

While precinct officials continue to arrive at the Justice Building, tabulation continues behind the scene. The third wave of results represents a 14.69% voter turnout. There have been 31 of the 69 precincts counted.

The first tabulations have been released. These votes are those of the 3,125 paper absentee ballots and 530 walk-in absentee ballots. The first precincts arrived around 6:30 p.m.

Wawasee High School held a virtual Academic Hall of Fame induction program Monday evening, June 1. A total of 30 students were inducted.

Amidst many local summer events postponing or canceling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Etna Green’s annual Fourth of July parade plans are still marching on. The owners of Etna Elevator brought the parade back in 2019 after years of the town not having an annual parade.

One man was flown to an area hospital after a rear-end vehicle accident involving two semis.

Article and photos by Ray Balogh InkFreeNews NORTH WEBSTER — Dateline: North Webster Elementary School. The battle engaged at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 28. A sizable convoy of assault vehicles, disguised as family sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks, rolled along the school’s front drive. Giggling young combatants fired their weapons of choice — squirt guns …read more.

The traditional slow trickle of voters seemed to continue as usual on Primary Election Day Tuesday, June 2, despite the pandemic.

Bike share services from Zagster will be ending in Kosciusko County due to the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Wawasee FFA Awards Banquet was held via a YouTube premiere Friday, May 29, and can still be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L3JYNms_s8.

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana, in cooperation with The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County, will distribute food boxes, meat and dairy to families in need from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 3, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw.

The Claypool Police Department acted upon a tip as to possible illegal drug activity occurring at 201 E. Calhoun St., Claypool.

Gov. Eric Holcomb called for a statewide coalition to address racial disparities following a fourth continuous day of demonstrations across the Hoosier state but offered no concrete examples of change.

Warsaw Municipal Airport continues to fly on despite the worldwide pandemic.

WARSAW – There will be no open class exhibits at the Kosciusko County Community Fair this year. The decision was announced Tuesday morning. “After much consideration, the Kosciusko County Extension Homemakers Board has decided not to move forward with plans for Open Class Exhibits” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the announcement said. The group cited …read more.

Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department announces the summer concert, and programming calendar!

Kosciusko Rural Electric Membership Corporation (KREMC) wants to hear from the community about internet service.

Gov. Holcomb approved $30 million in federal funding made available through the CARES Act to small business restart grants, helping accelerate the speed of economic recovery activity by providing working capital to cover certain expenses related to the global pandemic.

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 25 — 31, 2020 Pageviews — 878,454 Unique …read more.

City and county officials have mobilized an outreach effort with Hispanic leaders and are seeking more testing after three mobile home parks in Kosciusko County were identified with coronavirus outbreaks in the past week or so.

NEW PARIS — A two-vehicle collision at US 6 and Old SR 15 resulted in transporting six passengers to Goshen General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred at 1:37 p.m. Monday, June 1.

While close to 2,000 registered voters in Kosciusko County requesting absentee ballots, there are still thousands who are eligible to go to the polls.

Voting locations for the June 2 primary election have been announced by Michelle Puckett, Kosciusko County auditor.

With temperatures on the rise this week, Mayor Joe Thallemer is urging people to stay away from city beaches.

The Kosciusko County Health Department reported a second COVID-19 death in the county on Monday, June 1, and saw another substantial jump in the number of cases in recent days.

Mark Blessing, 47, and a passenger on his motorcycle, Marri Hacker, 54, also of Nappanee, were flown from an accident scene near Rochester to South Bend Memorial Hospital with unspecified injuries.

    Text and Photos by Ray Balogh InkFreeNews NEW PARIS — A two-vehicle crash around 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 1, sent six of the seven passengers involved to Goshen General Hospital. None of the injuries were life-threatening. A red Chevy Impala, eastbound on US 6, collided with an orange Dodge Grand Caravan, which failed …read more.

The Silver Lake Waterworks is notifying Silver Lake residents that hydrant flushing will begin Tuesday, June 2, and continue through Wednesday, June 3.

News Release SYRACUSE – Curbside pickup of books, movies, and requests such as for, tax forms and free masks continues in the next phase of opening at the Syracuse Public Library beginning Monday, June 1. The new hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. and Tuesday, and 1 p.m. to 6 …read more.

Camp Alexander Mack, a Christian camp and conference center, will begin the major construction of an $85,000 challenge course on its property north of Camp Mack Road in Milford, made possible by a grant from the K21 Health Foundation, which serves Kosciusko County. Executive Director Gene Hollenberg made the announcement to supporters of the 95-year old camp operated by the Church of the Brethren in Indiana.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) reminds Hoosiers that branches will extend hours of operation for the primary election.

Ivy Tech Community College, including its Fort Wayne and Warsaw locations, has announced it is offering free classes and training opportunities for 10,000 participants.

A second protest supporting the Black Lives Matter movement will happen from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, outside of the Kosciusko County Courthouse.

Temps will be in the 80s most of the week, but the National Weather Service is predicting a chance of thunderstorms mid week and a chance of rain Friday.

A Warsaw man was recently arrested after allegedly making verbal threats and damaging an apartment.

A Syracuse woman was recently arrested after allegedly writing fraudulent checks to get pizza.

State Rep. Dave Wolkins encourages Hoosiers whose jobs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of tuition-free training grants offered through Indiana’s Next Level Jobs program. 

A Warsaw man was arrested recently after an alleged assault.

In his run for state representative of the 22nd District, Bill Dixon has two primary beliefs that drive him: Listen more than you talk and deliver more than you promise.

A Mentone area resident provided a photo of a car that went off the road and apparently flipped twice early Sunday morning.

Parkview Whitley/Warsaw President Scott Gabriel recently released a letter to the public thanking businesses, organizations and individuals for showing frontline workers their support and appreciation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff Report WARSAW – First Friday’s Amateur Photo Contest has had a huge number of entries so far. (See photos below) The county-wide Amateur Photo Contest is currently being held on the First Friday Warsaw Facebook page. Over 140 photos have been submitted as of Friday, May 29. Non-professional photographers ages 18 and older are …read more.

A man was arrested after allegedly pushing an air conditioning unit through a window and entering a residence without permission.

An open house honoring Doug Buller for his 32 years of service at Warsaw Christian School will be held from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 14.

Upward of 90 people – a mostly young and diverse crowd – came together in Central Park Saturday afternoon for an overwhelmingly peaceful protest supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

News Release SYRACUSE — The Wawasee Property Owners Association announces that its annual fireworks display celebrating the USA’s Independence will launch on Saturday, July 4, from the center of beautiful Lake Wawasee. The on-water event uses 10 25-foot-long barges spread across the lake to launch the fireworks on Lake Wawasee. Few Independence Day shows can boast …read more.

Warsaw Community Public Library has a wide selection of new films ranging from scary to inspiring. Here are three of our newest. 

News Release NORTH WEBSTER – The staff and board members of North Webster Community Public Library have been busy packing items and preparing to move into its new facility located at 110 E. North Street, immediately south of the North Webster Community Center. An exact opening date for the new 20,000 square foot facility has …read more.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — A Warsaw man was arrested after going to an area hospital following an alleged domestic dispute. Randal Lee Kephart, 30, 523 W. Pike St., Warsaw, is charged with criminal confinement, a level 5 felony; strangulation, a level 6 felony; and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor.  On May 27, …read more.

SYRACUSE — The 28th Annual Beaman Home Golf Scramble will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020, at South Shore Golf Club in Syracuse. Team registrations are now being accepted. The entry fees are $400 per 4-person team. The tournament format is an 18-hole scramble, and the entry fee includes green fees, cart rental, lunch, prizes and …read more.

When Kent Sawyer was looking for a 1965 Dodge Polara, and couldn’t find one, he started looking for a 1964 model instead. He found one and gave it a nickname. His 1964 Dodge Polara, nicknamed “Junkyard Ram,” was fully restored and was completely detailed.

I’m not sure how Democrats would have handled a similar situation, but from what I saw Thursday night at the GOP dinner in North Webster, conservatives are not big fans of wearing masks. The dinner attracted 130 guests and continued for more than three hours but only about half a dozen or so people were …read more.

SYRACUSE — Recently Polywood announced a $12 million dollar expansion which will include a new 300,000 to 400,000 square foot building. Doug Rassi, president of Polywood, explained the expansion is part of the company’s long term plan which has seen the business double every three years. “That’s how the mind of forward thinking entrepreneurs function,” …read more.

A Warsaw woman will serve more than a year in jail pending her acceptance into the Kosciusko County Work Release program for two fraud cases.

By Lauren Zeugner InkFreeNews MILFORD — Three candidates are running to represent House District 22 in the state legislature. House District 22 covers portions of Elkhart and Kosciusko Counties. Republican incumbent Curt Nisly is seeking a fourth term as House Representative. He is being challenged in the primary by Bill Dixon. Kelly Thompson, of North …read more.

Geoff Walmer, principal of Wawasee High School, released the following information Friday, May 29, about the high school graduation ceremony:

Emergency responders were called to an accident in Claypool at 11:33 a.m. Thursday, May 28.

A community cruise through to honor the Wawasee High School senior class of 2020 has been scheduled from 6-6:30 p.m. Friday, June 5.

Anybody, including graduates, is encouraged to participate in the cruise through by decorating their vehicle. Attendees are asked to stay in their vehicles and practice social distancing.

As of noon Friday, May 29, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported 15 new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of total positive cases to 120.

Restrictions on boating have now been lifted for Tippecanoe Lake and others. 

AKRON – Wheels On Fire Cancer Crusaders has canceled most of their fundraising events until September. Organizers said in a news release that those activities include their main event, Smash Out Cancer, which was scheduled for Aug. 22. “We do that for the health and safety of everyone involved. Our goal has always been and …read more.

This year, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation awarded over $540,000 in scholarships to 151 students who are pursuing higher education this upcoming school year.

A Claypool man was arrested following a domestic dispute.

The newest piece of public art was been quietly erected in downtown Warsaw last week.

The 2020 Elkhart County 4-H Fair has been postponed.

On behalf of the Zimmer Biomet legal team and their partner, Faegre Drinker, Kevin Escapule recently presented a $7,500 check to Rebecca Bazzoni, executive director for Joe’s Kids.

In a four-way Republican race for Indiana Attorney General, incumbent Curtis Hill found himself under attack Thursday night, May 28, by former Congressman Todd Rokita.

A Winona Lake woman will serve a six-year sentence through work release in two drug-related cases.

Kathy Groninger is concerned that financial challenges may lie ahead for our County as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The county funds many programs and Kathy wants to make certain that we are not just throwing money at problems but are rather obtaining the desired results.

In his run for state representative of the 22nd District, Bill Dixon has two primary beliefs that drive him: Listen more than you talk and deliver more than you promise.

The year’s first Lincoln Day Dinner in the state since the coronavirus pandemic started was held in Kosciusko County Thursday evening, May 29.

A local man will serve seven years in prison after administering heroin to a man who died as a result of a drug overdose almost two years ago.

The Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and Family Safety Day Committee have made the decision to postpone Family Safety Day, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 19 of this year. the postponement is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

News Release WINONA LAKE – Grace College engineering students Erin Lawhon and Abbott Joy have donated more than 700 3D-printed ear guards to local organizations on the front lines of COVID-19. The ear guards have been distributed to Fellowship Missions, Grace Village, Miller’s at Oak Pointe, Acorn Academy, Pill Box Pharmacy, Cardinal Services, and Miller’s …read more.

Three candidates are seeking the nomination for Kosciusko County Commissioner — Marcia A. Baumgartner, Brad Jackson, and Cary Groninger. Groninger is running unopposed for the commissioner middle district. Jackson and Baumgartner are running for commissioner of the northern district.

As of noon Thursday, May 28, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported six new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of total positive cases to 105.

CLAYPOOL — Emergency responders were called to an accident in Claypool at approximately 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28. The accident occurred at CR 800S and SR 15, just south of the Louis Dreyfus plant, and involved three vehicles. Claypool Fire Department requested assistance from Silver Lake Fire Department. According to Silver Lake Fire Chief John …read more.

WARSAW – New details have been release about Nextremity Solutions plans to expand its operations in the Warsaw Technology Park. The company initially announced expansion plans last week, but issued a news release Thursday, May 28 saying it plans to create up to 111 new jobs by the end of 2024. “Indiana has a rich …read more.

WARSAW – Two City of Warsaw garbage trucks are currently out of service and that could affect trash pick up Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29. Thursday’s trash routes may experience delays, the city said in a news release. Any residents whose normal trash pickup day is Thursday are asked to leave their cans …read more.

News Release WARSAW – Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food Distributions for the week of June 1-4. Wednesday, June 3, 2020 – Kosciusko County 10 a.m. – Noon WHERE: Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St. (Front Parking Lot), Warsaw  Thursday, June 4, 2020 – Marshall County 10 a.m. – Noon WHERE:  Argos Elementary …read more.

This year’s prom at Wawasee High School was cancelled due to COVID-19, but a few seniors of the class of 2020 have set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds to still have a prom this summer.

Kosciusko County’s Community 4-H Fair is still scheduled for July 12 to 18 despite the pandemic.

In 2015, Tobe Forshtay founded Raise the Dough, Inc. to financially help one couple adopt a child. Since then the ministry has blossomed into a major local benefactor with a vision of “saying yes” to 100 families by the end of 2024.

In the coming weeks, the United States Department of Agriculture will begin accepting financial relief applications from farmers who report losses related to COVID-19.

By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews MILFORD — Four candidates, two Democrats and two Republicans, have filed the necessary paperwork to appear on their party’s respective primary ballots. The primary election in Indiana has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 2, and requires voters to choose either the Democrat or Republican ballot, allows party members to select their …read more.