SYRACUSE — Julie Close, who took office Jan. 1, 2019, closed out her first year as Turkey Creek Township trustee with a successful year of moving her office forward to better serve the township’s residents. She reorganized the record keeping system, making it more efficient and rendering the monthly trustee’s reports more readable for the …read more.

WARSAW — This was a busy year for Lakeland Regional Sewer District. Now in only its second year of operation, the board of trustees has been largely successful in its efforts to connect all 1,653 properties to the sewer system. Those customers also received an enhanced billing and collection service in 2019, when the district …read more.

SYRACUSE — Chautauqua-Wawasee, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club host “Gardening in the Face of a Changing Climate Workshop”, Saturday, Feb. 8 from 1-4 p.m. The workshop, lead by John Edgerton of Shelbyville, Mich., will take place at the Oakwood Resort, 702 East Lake View Road, Syracuse. The event is free of charge. …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Christmas is a special time of year and local cities and towns want to help make it a special celebration for their friends, families and neighbors. One of the most popular ways to bring the community together for the holidays is with a Christmas tree lighting gathering.

LEESBURG — Leesburg sixth-graders were recently visited by Lake City Bank for a week in December to learn budgeting skills. In fifth grade, students learned about the economy from the perspective of a worker when they went to JA Biztown. In sixth grade, they learned about the economy from the perspective of a consumer. Volunteers …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Most people dread their hair turning white as they grow older. For the affable Gerald Cox, though, it worked out just fine. The Winona Lake resident has played the role of Santa Claus for the past “10 years or so,” making a couple of appearances a week in northern Indiana and Cadillac, …read more.

WARSAW – Members of United Steelworkers Local 809 began dispersing hundreds of meals to the public as the sun rose on Tuesday morning in Warsaw. Union members collected enough money to provide up to 437 sacks of unprepared meals to families shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at the union hall at 420 Little League …read more.

St. Peter’s Lutheran To Host Christmas Eve Service WARSAW —  St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Warsaw invites the community to experience a Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24, at the Crazy Egg Event Center “The Roost” at 4217 Old Road 30,  Warsaw. Free refreshments precede at 5:30 p.m. Set up …read more.

PIERCETON – The Pierceton Police Department recently added new police chaplains to its staff. Pastor Glenn Hall and Pastor Eric Trump will volunteer their time as police chaplains for the Pierceton Police. Both pastors are long-time residents of Pierceton, said a news release from Pierceton Police. The chaplains will work closely with Pierceton Police officers …read more.

BOURBON — Triton Scholars participated in a holiday-themed service day, Sunday, Dec. 22. Teachers planned a service day where Trojan wrestlers wrapped presents for the seniors at Miller’s Senior Living Community in Plymouth, said a news release from Triton School Corporation. Scholars had the opportunity to visit residents and give them little treat bags that …read more.

WARSAW  — In observance of Christmas Eve, Christmas and the new year, multiple town offices in Kosciusko County will be closed with trash pickup delayed in some communities. All local government offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday (Dec. 24 and 25) for the Christmas holiday, but one town will close offices until after the first …read more.

WARSAW – A local union will provide several hundred meals for pickup on Christmas eve morning, Dec. 24, to anyone who is in need. Members of United Steelworkers Local 809 will begin dispersing meals at 8 a.m. Tuesday, at the union hall at 420 Little League Drive, Warsaw. Members will be handing out the meals …read more.

WARSAW — Edgewood Middle School’s annual food drive ended Monday, Dec. 16. Edgewood Elves busied themselves distributing food boxes to many Edgewood families, as well as to families in other Warsaw schools. Additionally, a donation of $500 to both Our Father’s House and to Combined Community Services will help families in the community. Students, staff …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — On Dec. 19, the 79th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy completed its graduation ceremony in the Indiana State Capitol rotunda. Opening remarks were made by Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter and Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, followed by a commencement address from James R. White, a retired Indiana State Police lieutenant. …read more.

From left: Angie Ritchey; Randy Hall, CEO, Cardinal Services; Vickie Lootens, Chief Development Officer, Cardinal Services; former Cardinal Board members Kevin Deardorff, Executive Vice President, Retail Banking; and Peggy Michel, Vice President, Senior Trust Officer, Wealth Advisory Group. Photo provided by Cardinal Services. WARSAW — Cardinal Services is proud to announce that Lake City Bank …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library has announced its upcoming events. Accompanied by his menagerie of animal friends, animal handler Mark Kohlhorst will present his popular Mark’s Ark Live Animal Show at North Webster Community Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3. Kids and their families will get to meet, pet and …read more.

SILVER LAKE — Officials have announced that the Silver Lake Town Council will hold a year-end meeting to take care of last minutes business for the year 2019. The meeting is to be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30., at 604 N. Jefferson St., in Silver Lake.

By Denise Keller Adult Programming Administrator The following programs are set to take place in January at the Warsaw Community Public Library: The Winter Reading program starts Jan. 6 and continues through Feb. 29. Read books, log pages, and win prizes. WorkOne computer and résumé/interviewing classes will take place throughout the month. Contact the library …read more.

SYRACUSE — To borrow terminology from the sport of track and field, the bar is being raised for AP, or advanced placement, courses at Wawasee High School. Wawasee received word Dec. 12 it is one of 10 schools in the state being accepted into the AP-Tip IN program based out of Notre Dame. A more …read more.

By Melissa Chapman Cataloging Supervisor There is nothing quite as cozy as curling up with some hot chai and a festive book on a winter night. This holiday season; rediscover classic Christmas novels along with a few modern reads that can help you get into the Christmas mood. “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg …read more.

MILFORD — The Milford Public Library will be closed for Christmas on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25. The library will re-open at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. The library will also be closed for New Year’s on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1. The library will re-open at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko Kettleheads homebrew club’s annual Christmas meeting was held Dec. 7 at Mad Anthony’s Lake City Taphouse. Members contributed $500 worth of household items, gift cards and money to Combined Community Services, said a news release from Kosciusko Kettleheads. “CCS is always a great organization to contribute to due to the huge …read more.

  WARSAW – Scott Tilden’s 39-year career in road maintenance began the day after he graduated from Tippecanoe Valley High School in 1980. The Akron native started out with a part-time summer job with the Fulton County Highway Department and was hired as a truck driver by the end of the summer. Tilden, who still …read more.

CHANTILLY, VA. — Wawasee’s Iron Pride Robotics teams 574C (Evan Rassi, Taylor Fiedeke and Evan Brower) and 574D (Noah Beckner, Jack Collins, Wesley Hays and Nathan Smith) have been invited to participate in the signature event “Night At The Museum” Jan. 31-Feb. 1, held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Virginia. The …read more.

SYRACUSE — James E. Caskey, president of the Kenneth and Lela Harkless Foundation, announced $85,500 in grants have been awarded to various organizations within the Syracuse community.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee Community School Corporation was one of several school corporations throughout the state to receive a K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, Acceleration Grant by the Indiana Department of Education. These grants will allow school corporations to accelerate, scale or implement a STEM curricula grounded in problem/project-based or inquiry-based pedagogy while …read more.

WARSAW — Employees at Matthews’ Painting Company LLC. have selected a winner for their Paint It Forward campaign. After reviewing all nominations submitted, Cindy Nash was selected as the winning nominee. Representatives from Matthews’ Painting, located at 8055 East CR 500N, Leesburg, will be painting one or two rooms at Nash’s home.  “We will be …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice will hold their annual Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 424 W. Market St., Warsaw. This half-hour long service is for those who are finding it difficult to celebrate Christmas this year because of the death of a loved one.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation recently announced the establishment of the Gidieon Orion Cook Memorial Fund. Gidieon Cook Gidieon Cook was struck and killed by a vehicle on June 10 as he was returning home after summer school classes. Cook had been dropped off at Harrison Elementary and was crossing Husky Trail where …read more.

  WARSAW — Join the Cowboy Church In The Meadows on Saturday evening, Dec. 21 in the stables at the Magical Meadows as they share the story of the birth of Our Savior. Admission is free. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and h in amazement the birth of baby Jesus, said a news release from …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) donated $6,400 worth of toys and 31 bicycles to Combined Community Services Monday, Dec. 16. This is the 31st year that Kosciusko ABATE has collected items for children in need during the holiday season. Kosciusko ABATE partners with the annual Toy Time event, which takes …read more.

WARSAW — Parkview Warsaw’s Center For Healthy Living is again offering the My Best Health program for those wanting to commit to healthier, long-term lifestyle changes. The program focuses on components of nutritional, physical and behavioral changes. Participants receive professional support from a wellness coach, a registered nurse, a registered dietitian and personal trainer during …read more.

WARSAW — Girl Scout Troop 10380 recently collected over 130 pounds of candy that were “Halloween leftovers” people wanted to have to go to a good cause. Donation boxes were set up at a host of local businesses form Nov. 1 to 8. The candy will go to organizations and businesses with kids who can …read more.

PIERCETON — Pets of the Week are available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League, located at 3489 E. CR 100S, Pierceton. Dolly May True to her name, Dolly May is a doll. She is a three-year-old, spayed, female Staffordshire/Weimaraner mix. She weighs approximately 50 pounds. Dolly May is one of the sweetest and most …read more.

WARSAW — The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have experienced some type of significant loss. “Coping with Losses: Navigating Rough Waters,” a free program, will be presented at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, by social workers Amy Kellar and Jeni Reilly, Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. The program will take place …read more.

CLAYPOOL — Claypool Fire Chief Bob Haines has retired after 37 years of fire service. Haines started his fire service career with Winona Lake Fire Department in 1982. In 1985, at the age of 23, he moved to Tippecanoe and became chief at Tippecanoe Fire Department until he moved to Etna Green Fire Department in …read more.

CLAYPOOL — The Claypool Town Council amended a downtown parking ordinance and moved to raise rates for trash pickup on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Council members voted to amend a March 2015 ordinance regarding downtown parking in Claypool. The amendment says parking will no longer be limited to business parking only on South Main Street between …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — A GoFundMe has been recently established for a North Webster woman who has undergone several surgeries after being diagnosed with a jaw tumor. Kailey Ball is a 20-year-old Manchester University sophomore majoring in social work. She graduated early from Wawasee High School with academic honors. However, after multiple surgeries and hospital visits …read more.

WARSAW — Meeting dates for the Kosciusko County Local Emergency Planning Committee have been announced for 2020. All meetings are open to the public. Meetings will be Feb. 13, May 14, Aug. 13 and Nov. 12. Meetings begin at 3 p.m. in the Justice Building, video conference room, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw. Under the …read more.

WARSAW — Lauryn Rhodes and Kirstyn Yoder were recently announced as Kosciusko County Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. Each year, Kosciusko County recommends two students to receive the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship award, which is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the Indiana college or university of their choice. Rhodes is a senior at Warsaw Community High …read more.

WARSAW — A book signing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Buffalo Street Emporium, 116 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, for a newly-released book by Warsaw resident Kim Gregory-Baney. “If Only Walls Could Talk” contains almost 500 pages of information regarding history and stats of the Warsaw Speedway. The book also features …read more.

By Darla McCammon Our second famous masterpiece about the Christmas story is a beautiful, dramatic work by Rembrandt. It is titled “The Dream of St. Joseph” and it is in the Baroque style. We have not talked about the Baroque style of painting before. The definition of this style of painting can be found at …read more.

WARSAW — Five merit deputies, as well as four reserve deputies and several corrections staff, were sworn in to their new positions during the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office employee swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Dec. 16. Merit and reserve deputies were each sworn in separately by Judge David Cates. Officers’ wives, girlfriends and mothers were a …read more.

MENTONE — Student recognition was the theme of the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting held tonight, Dec. 16, as several scholarship winners and recognitions were announced. Kirstyn Yoder was announced as a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship winner. This scholarship is awarded to only 143 students across Indiana yearly. Yoder will receive a full scholarship at …read more.

SYRACUSE — On Monday, Dec. 16, DeWitt filed a second amended complaint against Dustin and Lindsey Johns in response to Judge Christopher D. Kehler’s, Kosciusko Superior Court 4, ruling on Dec. 9, to dismiss due to insufficient details pending an amended complaint.

PORTAGE — Wawasee Iron Pride took it down to the wire at the Region Robotics Rumble Robotics Tournament Saturday, Dec. 14, in Portage. The day was a triumph as three teams brought home trophies. 574F (rank 31, 2-3-1) and 574H (rank 46, 1-5-0) fought hard in the qualification rounds. 574A (rank 17, 4-2-0) was an …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library announced music lessons and more for the week of Dec. 16-21. The upcoming week offers a full slate of activities in which to participate. If you like to write, come to Writer’s Corner at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, and bring an essay you have written about …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Less than two weeks away from Christmas, Santa is busy making stops at multiple locations. Saturday morning, Dec. 14, he made an appearance at the annual Breakfast with Santa event in the North Webster Community Center gym. Santa took time out of his busy schedule to patiently pose for photographs with children. …read more.

MILFORD — The Milford Public Library announced its news for the week of Dec. 16-20. Milford Public Library Knitting Club is several years running. The club meets twice a month to work on projects and help people who are interested in learning how to knit or crochet, said a news release from Milford Public Library. …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Library is offering many community meetings before the breaks for the holidays. Moms have been meeting other moms when they bring their small children to storytime or tot time. The last storytime in December meets on Monday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Tot time for newborn babies to three-year-old’s meets on …read more.

WARSAW — Ethan Brown of Logansport and Tayler Mylin of Warsaw had one of their first dates at the Central Park holiday light display in Warsaw last winter. So it was only fitting that they return. On Wednesday night, Dec. 11, Ethan proposed to Tayler at Glover Pavilion, with the Central Park Christmas lights in …read more.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Police Department recently presented two Life-Saving Awards. The first award was presented to Annie Espinoza, who saved her neighbor’s life. On Thursday, Oct. 31, Espinoza ran next-door and applied the Heimlich to her longtime neighbor, who was choking on food. Her intervention allowed for a lifesaving rescue and credited Espinoza with …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ sixth, seventh and eighth-grade bands will present their Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, in the Lakeview Middle School auditorium. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. WCS will be accepting canned food donations at the door for the community. The concert will feature performances …read more.

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake residents will soon have another internet option available. Two representatives from RTC Fiber Communications, Rochester, attended the Silver Lake Town Council meeting Wednesday, Dec. 11, and announced that fiber optic infrastructure will be run through Silver Lake, going north to Hill Lake.   Project Manager Scott Zeyen and Technology Solutions Manager Michael …read more.

BOURBON — Four students from Triton Jr./Sr. High School were recently announced as Junior Rising Stars. These students are selected based on their GPA and leadership within the school. Madeline Ritchison, Jaelyn Bules, Parker Alford and Haley Resnberger are the Junior Rising Stars. The Indiana Association of School principals, as a part of the Indiana …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester Community Schools will hold a special meeting next week after parents voiced concerns about the district’s apparent enactment of a transgender policy. The meeting, set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, comes after parents learned the school district was accommodating a young boy who identifies as a girl and prefers to …read more.

WARSAW — Officials for Kosciusko’s Work Ethic Certificate campaign recently announced that Grace College and Manchester University will both support the campaign. Grace has agreed to offer Work Ethic Certificate recipients the following incentives if they choose to go to Grace: free online application, a minimum merit scholarship of $20,000 ($5,000 per year), waiver of …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Police Department connected with local children by hosting its seventh annual Shop with a Hero event, Wednesday night, Dec. 11. This annual event assists children who need a little extra help during the holiday season. Each child is nominated by their school. The focus of the annual event said Officer Rogelio …read more.

SYRACUSE — On Monday, Dec. 9, Judge Christopher D. Kehler, Kosciusko Superior Court No. 4, ruled there was insufficient details in the civil fraud allegations again Dustin Johns, Travel Lite owner, and his wife, Lindsey Johns. The fraud suit was filed by Michael DeWitt in reference to a purchase agreement for a home and land. However, DeWitt has 10 days, pursuant to Indiana Trial Rule 15(A) to amend his complaint filed on Oct. 3. Failure to amend the complaint may result in a dismissal with prejudice.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ Board of Trustees discussed donations from the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club and the approval of a new school zone light at Husky Trail during a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10. During a safety presentation to the board, Chief Analytics Officer Shelly Wilfong said the Warsaw Traffic Safety Commission approved plans …read more.

PIERCETON — Pets of the Week are available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League, located at 1048 S. CR 325E, Pierceton. Carl His eyes may be icy blue, but his heart is warm like a cozy hug. Carl is a five-month-old, neutered, male Staffordshire/Husky mix. He has a tan and white coat and weighs …read more.

WARSAW — The Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King recently announced the speaker for the 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Event. This year’s keynote speaker will be Kondo Simfukwe, lead pastor at Mission Point Community Church. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the program is scheduled to run from 11:30 a.m. …read more.

WARSAW — The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts recently announced auditions for youths and teens for its upcoming Wagon Wheel Jr. winter production on Saturday, Dec. 21. Auditions for those ages 9 to 11 will be at 10 a.m., while those ages 12 to 18 will audition at 11:30 a.m. There is no need …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Grace Village Retirement Community recently announced it received a $10,000 donation made in memory of Doris and Harold Strange from their children, Robert (Debra) Strange and Barb (Mark) McCollom. These funds will support the ARTcare therapy program by providing for a wide variety of supplies, allowing Grace Village to accommodate more residents …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Monday, Dec. 9, finished selecting its officers for 2020. Current president Jim Smith will step down at the end of the year. He will be replaced by board member Mindy Scaggs. Emily Shipley will succeed Amanda Meerzo as vice president and Tammy Waliczek will take …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Schools Board of School Trustees heard a presentation regarding data on bus routes and school bell times during a meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10. Griffin Scott, a project manager for School Bus Consultants, presented a report reviewing 2017 data on WCS’ school bus routes and efficiency. The firm is an advisory …read more.

SYRACUSE — Team 574D earned the tourney championship trophy skills championship trophy, finishing qualifying at 6-0-0, at Purdue Polytechnic Institute in Anderson Saturday, Dec. 7. Saturday was another successful tournament for Wawasee’s Iron Pride Robotics team. All teams successfully advanced from qualifying to elimination rounds. 574D finished qualification rounds ranked first out of 37 teams …read more.

By Darla McCammon History tells us that few people in the days before and during the Renaissance could read or write. In order to convey the Christmas story to their citizenry, the church would often pay a commission to the best artists of the day in order to offer the narrative and an understanding of …read more.

WARSAW — Teachers Credit Union’s Dash for Cash was held in the Tiger Den on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Warsaw Community High School boys’ basketball home game against Homestead. Three ticket winners were announced during halftime. Matt Deeds, Harrison Elementary School principal, won a $10 bill. Rodney Fehr opened his envelope to find a …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library Board of Trustees approved its 2020 slate of board officers during a brief meeting Monday, Dec. 9. During the discussion on the slate of board officers, Jill Beehler offered to step down as board vice-president if any of the current trustees were interested in the role. Board Member …read more.

WARSAW — Harrison Elementary School will receive a grant of $1,000 on Monday, Dec. 9, following a successful application by Aimee Hagg for an award from the One School at a Time combined project between WNDU and Martin’s Super Markets. At 9:30 a.m., WNDU and Martin’s will present a check for $1,000 toward books for …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School students are holding several holiday events this December. Orchestra Holiday Concert The Warsaw Community Schools orchestra program will hold their Orchestra Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the WCHS Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature sixth-grade, sinfonia, philharmonic, mid-level Lakeview and Edgewood orchestras. There will …read more.

SILVER LAKE — Santa will be making his annual visit to Silver Lake Wednesday, Dec. 18. Santa will ride through the streets of Silver Lake on a fire truck beginning at 6 p.m. Be sure to look out your windows or doors and wave at him as he goes by. From 6:30-7:30 that evening, Santa …read more.

WARSAW — K21 Health Foundation would like to thank the Women’s Leadership Initiative and the employees at DePuy Synthes for its donation of $1,367 to the Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County. According to a press release, the donation was collected from various events sponsored by the WLI, including a T-shirt drive, taking the Leadership …read more.

From the files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society This is a history column that will run a few times a month.  Dec. 9, 1968 — A new post office for Warsaw was approved by the Post Office Department, according to then-Third District Congressman John Brademas of South Bend. Specifications for the new facility called for …read more.

MENTONE — The Bell Memorial Public Library announced its events for the week of Dec. 9-13. Monday afternoon at the Movies! Join the library on Monday, Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. for “A Veteran’s Christmas.” In the film, honorably discharged from the Marines, Grace is driving to Cincinnati when her Jeep brakes down. Judge Joe …read more.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with more information. WARSAW – Boeing Road, on the north side of Bell Drive in Warsaw, will be closed beginning Monday, Dec. 9 through Thursday, Dec. 10. The closure is expected to last three days and reopen on Thursday, weather permitting. During this closure, thru traffic will not …read more.

LEESBURG — The main streets in Leesburg have been lined with luminaries in celebration of its annual Leesburg Candelaria and Christmas Party. The luminaries will remain lit until midnight tonight. The evening’s excitement was underway with the arrival of Santa, who was brought to the old Leesburg firehouse/clerk treasurer’s office by fire truck. Once the …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — If you didn’t get a chance, you missed out on trying 12 different soups, placing bids on 24 silent auction items and taking an initial stroll around the North Webster Community Center to view 30 decorated trees Saturday evening. The event was the Lakeland Area North Webster Kiwanis “North Webster Evening Among …read more.

By Melissa Chapman Cataloging Supervisor It doesn’t have to be a New Year’s resolution to improve one’s self. In fact, it is healthier to make small incremental changes throughout the year. Self-help books generally try to provide steps that a person can take to help them reach a specific outcome or expectation. They can be …read more.

SYRACUSE — The atmosphere at Syracuse Community Center Saturday morning, Dec. 7, was charged with excitement as over 200 children of all ages came to visit Santa. There was plenty to do for those who came while they waited to see Santa or after their visit with the jolly Ole St. Nick. Local groups from …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Public Library announced its events for the week of Dec. 9-14. The Syracuse Friends are having their bag-of-books sale before the holidays and the deep of winter. The sale opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, until the library closes at 2 p.m. Friends have many books that need to …read more.

SYRACUSE — The smell of a fire in the fire place, the sounds of Christmas music and laughter filled the air at the fifth annual Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s Christmas Lights Party Friday evening, Dec. 6. Guests gathered in the Ruddell Pavilion on the WACF property, which was decked with holiday lights. A lone evergreen …read more.

SILVER LAKE — The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Silver Lake fire station. The annual Christmas dinner is for current and retired firefighters and their families. Silver Lake residents are invited, along with members of the township boards and their families. On-duty Parkview crews …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — The annual Kosciusko County Board of Realtors Christmas party is more than an evening of realtors and associates gathering for a celebration of Christmas and finding out who received the Associate of the Year and Realtor of the Year awards. It is an evening to help one of the non-profit organizations in …read more.

SYRACUSE — Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse Public Library are planning a discussion on “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a World of Change”, to be held Jan. 24, from 1 – 2 p.m. at the Syracuse Public Library at 115 E. Main St. in Syracuse. The book’s authors are Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, said …read more.

WABASH — The 35th anniversary of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis will perform two shows on the Ford Theater stage in Wabash at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Mannheim Steamroller has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for 35 years. Grammy award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Christmas music along …read more.

WARSAW — The National Weather Service predicts cool and mostly clear conditions this weekend with chances of rain late Sunday and Monday. Friday should be partly sunny with a high near 40 and a low near 24. Saturday should see sunny skies with a high near 41 and a low near 32 Saturday night. Sunday …read more.

Celebration UM Hosts Guest Speaker Sunday WINONA LAKE – Celebration United Methodist Church will have a guest speaker at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.. Pastor Dave Hummel will be preaching on “Preparation Before Celebration.” The church has a new “gathering place” for coffee and refreshments before service. Celebration United Methodist Church is at 1289 S. …read more.

WARSAW – The YMCA is announcing a new competitive adult men’s basketball league.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University is in the midst of adding, adjusting and redesigning programs, allowing it to better align its offerings with what students and employers say they want. This process includes plans to phase out several majors with low enrollment — public relations, economics, physics, engineering science, modern languages and secondary education mathematics. …read more.

MERRILLVILLE — Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has approved of a rate hike for NIPSCO beginning Jan. 1. The decision follows an extensive regulatory review and public input process, which began with NIPSCO’s original proposal in November 2018 and has resulted in a balanced outcome for customers. “New rates are anticipated to remain in line with …read more.

Akron — The revitalized Akron Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Akron Church of God and local businesses, are gearing up for a memorable and festive evening in Akron as they Illuminate Akron’s Christmas Cheer on Friday, Dec. 13. The event kicks off with activities for the kids, including pictures with Santa, a Reindeer …read more.

PIERCETON — Pets of the Week are available at the Animal Welfare League, located at 1048 S. CR 325E, Pierceton Princess Robin This year, Princess Robin and all AWL shelter pets are wishing for a forever home for Christmas. Princess Robin, or Princess as she prefers to be called, is a ten-month-old, spayed, female terrier …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Town of Winona Lake offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 9, at 9:30 a.m. to Noon. Town offices will be closed for the funeral of former Town Council member Terry Howie at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, said a news release from the Town of Winona Lake. Howie died Monday in an accident …read more.

WARSAW — When it comes to an event in downtown Warsaw, Paula Bowman can likely be found somewhere behind the scenes.

WINONA LAKE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana awarded the Charles D. Smith Award to Maple Leaf Farms & the Tucker Family during the 6th Annual BIG Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at the Winona Heritage Room. Established in 2015 and named in honor of its inaugural recipient, this special accolade recognizes …read more.

COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County BABE, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing resources and a community for moms and families, announced the appointment of five new members to their board of directors. Tiffany Careins, soulmedic advisor for Remedy Live; Niki Harris, registered nurse; Laura Leffler, long-time supporter of BABE; Carol Radke, homemaker and realtor; …read more.

  MENTONE — The Mentone Town Council heard concerns regarding living conditions in a local mobile home court at its monthly meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 4. Councilmember Tim Croy brought to the council’s attention complaints regarding the conditions at Kline Trailer Court. Jeff and Sarah McCoy, currently of Rochester, lived in a house trailer on Lot …read more.

PIERCETON — The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County has been at its new shelter location for two months now. However, the AWL still needs approximately $800,000 to fully cover the cost of the new shelter. “We are so blessed to have this building,” said AWL Board President Beth Harrison. “We can’t express how grateful …read more.