WARSAW – Notice is hereby given that the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners will hold an Executive Session at the Kosciusko County Courthouse, 100 West Center Street, 3rd Floor Courtroom, Warsaw, Indiana, on the 4th day of August 2020, at 8:30 a.m. The Executive Session is to be held pursuant to IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(5).

Last Friday, July 31, will be all about “Back to School,” and everyone is invited to attend the bash, shopping and walking the block in uptown Syracuse from 5-7:30 p.m.

While the Conklin Bay Trail has been open for use since May 20, it was officially opened Thursday morning with a ribbon cutting. Over 100 people attended the event ranging from financial partners, contractors, engineers, donors, committee members and interested individuals.

Three local healthcare providers are hosting a free senior drive-thru lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, while supplies last.

Freshmen and new students to Wawasee High School are invited to attend building tours that will be offered during open registration hours Monday, Aug. 3, and Tuesday, Aug. 4.

WARSAW – Pro Wake Watersports is teaming with the Tony Elliott Foundation for a charity golf scramble in September.

Lake City Bank recently announced that Kimberly K. Mattke has been promoted to assistant vice-president, technology services officer.

SYRACUSE – Wawasee Summer League is closing its season with a fundraiser event to give back to the community.

A group of local citizens came up with the idea to honor the Dixie sternwheel paddle boat. A watercraft parade and pier decorating contest called the Dixie Salute was held on Webster Lake Saturday, July 25. Those wishing to be judged placed yellow ribbons on their displays.

News Release NORTH WEBSTER — The Watershed Foundation hosted the second annual “Dance Through the Decades” at Tippy Dance Hall Saturday night, July 25, providing guests with a nostalgic night out dancing under the stars on the shores of Lake Tippecanoe. Although ticket sales were limited due to current restrictions, the sold-out event raised more …read more.

Discussion at the Warsaw Parks & Recreation board meeting held Tuesday, July 28, focused on two local parks — Kelly and Ker. 

A meet & greet with the Chaplain event is being held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Aug. 12.

A back-to-school seminar to prepare educators and support staff for the unique challenges of returning to school this year will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

Pierceton Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Pierceton Days Festival July 31 and Aug. 1. This year’s theme is “Roaring ‘20s — Then and Now.”

“Lots of patients are coming through COVID-19 without being very sick, but we have had 18 deaths so far at our hospital (70 in our county) and even one death is difficult for that patient’s friends and family,” said Dr. Dan Nafziger, Goshen Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Infectious Disease Specialist. “We are grateful to everyone in the community who continues to take all the recommended precautions — physical distancing, wearing masks, handwashing, and staying home when sick. When you keep yourself from getting infected, you are preventing harm to others, especially those closest to you.”

Lakeland Christian Academy has released its re-entry plan to families.

The annual Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s Celebration and meeting wasn’t open to the public, but hundreds could view the meeting happenings through a live stream on the foundation’s Facebook page. Over 304 people viewed and heard about the activities of WACF, recognitions and overview on the first year of the Wawasee Inlet Nutrient Study.

On Saturday, July 25— initially reserved for the 2020 Dixie Day Festival, which was scuttled by the pandemic —the North Webster Lions Club treated attendees to a much welcomed, albeit scaled down, day of family-friendly activities at the Mermaid Festival fairgrounds.

A grace period is currently in effect regarding parking tickets in downtown Warsaw.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Warsaw (Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod) has welcomed the Reverend Gino Marchetti II as its newly installed pastor during a special ordination and installation ceremony held Saturday, June 27, at Creighton’s “The Roost” event center.

The Warsaw Central Park Summer Concert Series features a performance this evening, July 24, by Out of Favor Boys at the Central Park Plaza.

City and county police officers will not respond to calls regarding people failing or refusing to wear a mask.

Governor Eric Holcomb’s executive order regarding the state of Indiana’s mask mandate lists exemptions to wearing face coverings while in public.

An estimated $50 a year is all it will cost freeholders around Syracuse and Wawasee lakes should the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy be established, according to an estimated budget presented during a Natural Resource Commission public hearing Thursday afternoon, July 23. Approximately 13 people attended the hearing, which lasted close to two hours.

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana will be distributing food at the following locations the week of July 27:

A North Webster national historic monument, the Dixie sternwheel paddleboat, is being honored Saturday, July 25.

The Syracuse Lake Association Breakfast and Annual Meeting, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, has been cancelled.

Three people signed paperwork to run for Warsaw School Board positions, including two incumbents and one newcomer.

The Claypool Town Council discussed the town’s fire contract with the Claypool Volunteer Fire Department during a meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

Candace Smythe was honored for her 25 years with the North Webster Police Department at the North Webster Town Council meeting, Tuesday, July 21. It was held in the North Webster Community Center. She received an engraved plate to commemorate the anniversary from President Lisa Strombeck and Police Chief Greg Church to a round of applause to those in attendance.

On Saturday, July 11, 11 Lakeland Christian Academy graduates walked across the stage at the annual commencement ceremony.

A petition requesting that Warsaw Community Schools develop a safer reopening plan has been launched at change.com.

Since the Mermaid Festival could not be held due to COVID-19 restrictions, the North Webster Lions Club felt it would like to bring a bit of fun to the community for one day only in 2020, ending with the Demolition Derby.

MENTONE — The Tippecanoe Valley School Board approved the corporation’s reopening plan at the meeting held tonight, July 20. The main points from the reopening plan introduced last week remain the same. There were minor changes regarding the wording related to COVID-19 symptoms and positive test protocols. These two sections now come directly from the …read more.

Caroline Day, left, accepts the corporation’s Teacher of the Year award from School Board President Aaron Zolman. MENTONE — The Tippecanoe Valley School Board chose to honor the corporation’s teachers of the year during the meeting held tonight, July 20. Tania Grimes, director of curriculum, explained that each year, the Indiana Department of Education conducts the …read more.

Calling all elementary kids. Bring a parent to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation this Wednesday morning at 9 for a fun experience learning about wetlands.

Below is COVID-19 activity for Goshen Health as of July 20, going back to March 11.

A Centennial Homes program is returning for 2020 sponsored by the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. The “Ties That Bind” presentation is 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, Ruddell Pavilion, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Education Center, 11586 N. SR 13.

It was a day that would go down in history. Well not world history or even local history, but personal history for Mike Smith, Syracuse.

Great Lengths by Lisa, 225 N. Main St., North Webster, celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Friday, July 17.

Matthew Bochard and Sylvia Gargett officially exchanged the gavel Tuesday, July 7, for the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club.

Thursday, July 16, the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce and North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce partnered to hold a ribbon cutting for Jerky Jerks, 503 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. The business opened in March before temporarily closing during the stay-at-home order issued in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; it has since resumed operations.

The Silver Lake Fire Department will be hosting a tenderloin dinner fundraiser from 4:30-6 p.m. (or until sold out) Saturday, July 18.

AKRON — During the Tippecanoe Valley School Board Work Session held tonight, July 16, a draft of the corporation’s reopening plan was shared. “We had a great reopening committee that put a lot of work and a lot of great discussion in on creating this plan,” said Superintendent Blaine Conley. “This plan has been reviewed …read more.

You may have seen Lauren Klusman, with camera in hand, at a wedding looking to capture just the right moment on a day that should be one of the happiest a person will ever experience. She not only is a wedding photographer but also uses her camera extensively as part of her job as marketing and communications manager for the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw.

Ladies Night Out is from 6-9 p.m. this Saturday, July 18, at the North Webster Community Center. A fun evening, including dinner, cocktails, shopping and bingo, is planned for any and all women 21 and older who would like to attend.

Altrusa International of Warsaw has begun its 47th year of service to the Kosciusko County community.  

Goshen Hospital announced it has achieved the international Baby-Friendly Re-Designation after a review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, an organization established by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Maple Leaf Farms aims to help foodservice establishments reopen this summer with its “Operation Operator” promotion.

Article by Ray Balogh Photos by Mike Deak InkFreeNews WARSAW — In a historic first, Warsaw Little League started its season this year long before Major League Baseball takes the field July 23. Following the pandemic-sensitive rules of Little League International and state and local quarantine guidelines, the league, this year hosting “36 teams and …read more.

The Etna Green Town Council discussed electricity service at a local business and property upkeep at a residence during a meeting on Tuesday, July 14.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board members were apprised on the status of various park department projects during their regular meeting Monday, July 13.

Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce announced its July Member of the Month, Man Cave Brewing Company, 10201 N. SR 13, Syracuse. A great place to be in Syracuse, people can stop in for dinner from 4-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Milford Police Department is asking the community’s help in finding any information on this individual pictured and his identity.

The July 13 meeting of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce began with the secretary and treasurer reports being approved. The main agenda items being discussed were members of the month, a property on SR 13 and Backwater Road and open seats on the chamber board.

The Warsaw Community Public Library Board of Trustees approved changes to library card fees and employees’ medical policies during a meeting on Monday, July 13.

North Webster Community Public Library had the official ribbon cutting on the brand spanking new facility, Monday, July 13 with the official assistance of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.

Local chamber of commerce organizations across Indiana were recognized for excellence by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association at the 2020 Annual Membership Meeting.

Goshen Health has released the following COVID-19 activity as of July 13, going back to March 11.

News Release  WARSAW – There will be a food distribution at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St. in Warsaw Fresh perishable items and dry goods offered free of charge. All items will be pre-boxed and pre-bagged. First come, first served, for up to 400 households while supplies …read more.

Many turned out to visit the new KW Thrive North office, located at 201 E. Bowser Road, Syracuse, and to participate in the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon cutting Wednesday, July 8.

The Kosciusko County Kid’s Business Fair was again hosted by the North Webster Community Center on Saturday, June 27, after being postponed in March. Young entrepreneurs in kindergarten through eighth grade set up a business booth in the gymnasium and the public came in to buy their products, goods and services. Judges also visited each booth and interviewed the business owners.

Goshen Health adjusted visitor restrictions, effective Wednesday, July 8. One of the main changes is that some visitors are now permitted for non-COVID-19 patients in the hospital.

WARSAW – The fifth annual Sweet Sassy Golf Outing will be Saturday, Aug. 29, at Rozella Ford Golf Club.

News Release SYRACUSE — The local grocery stores in Syracuse and North Webster are having a name change as of Monday, July 13. Instead of NewMarket, they will be now known as Neighborhood Fresh. In the press release sent from owners Clete Miller and Todd Taylor, it was noted nothing else will change but the …read more.

Classical Conversations of Kosciusko County invites the community to watch the premiere of “The Riot and the Dance: Water” in a home drive-in theater atmosphere.

WARSAW – Tippecanoe Valley boys basketball will hold a golf fundraiser July 18 at Rozella.

By Ray Balogh InkFreeNews WARSAW — Rob Nichter stood on the porch and held out his hand to receive the thing that, as his wife, Jamie, described, “will change everything.”   With about 40 celebrators looking on, Dennis Judy, construction manager of Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County, handed over the key to the Nichters’ …read more.

Kosciusko Human Resources Association will host their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 14.  This month’s meeting is hosted virtually with special guest speakers from Parkview Health’s Human Resources Team.

North Webster Community Public Library will be open to the public in its new facility Monday, July 13. The new library is located at 110 E. North St., directly south of the North Webster Community Center.

Between noon Friday, July 3, and noon Monday, July 6, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 25 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 562, with four deaths.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Watershed Foundation’s second annual “Dance Through the Decades” at Tippy Dance Hall, 293 EMS T25 Lane, Leesburg, is set for Saturday, July 25. It promises to be a fun-packed and nostalgic evening, with dancing under the stars to live music from Key West’s acclaimed Reggie Sullivan Band.

There’s a new design at the welcome to Syracuse sign on SR 13 and it is much more than just pretty.

The Wawasee Flotilla will be running its 59th parade Saturday, July 4, which is a perfect time to celebrate independence, freedom and national pride. This year’s theme is “Proud to be an American.”

Following the COVID-19 outbreak pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders, Fellowship Missions in Warsaw decided to look at alternative options for the homeless living in its shelter. In February, the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions shared information about the possibility of partnering with local church camps to expand their ministry.

Starting this summer, Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams is offering an event series that will give people access to time-tested best-practices, guidance from ecological professionals, and hands-on lake and stream activities to enjoy with the whole family. The center is excited to offer this suite of resources. There’s something for everyone, from business owners and families to local government and lake associations.

By Sarah Wright InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — Everyone is invited to stop by uptown Syracuse for the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s free June Last Friday event: Family Night Out. All the action will occur from 6-7:30 p.m. June 26 at the corner of Dolan and West Main streets, with parking available in the parking lot along …read more.

Luke Griner, a 2019 graduate of Wawasee High School, was one of eight students from Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District accepting appointments to the U.S. Service Academies’ Class of 2024. The announcement was made Wednesday, June 24, by U.S. Rep. Jim Banks.

The Lilly Center recently co-hosted an invasive species webinar with the Starry Stonewort Collaborative. David Carr, project manager at the collaborative, presented during the webinar.