The Department of Natural Resources has placed an idle speed restriction on watercraft on the Barbee chain of lakes.

As of noon Wednesday, May 20, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported no new cases of COVID-19. The county’s total number of positive cases remains at 62.

Few people can claim they have had a successful business named after them before they reached their teen years. Laine “Lainey” Bryant is among that rarefied number.

Claypool Town Council heard an inquiry regarding a vacant Section Street lot during a meeting on Tuesday, May 19.

Anyone who would like to donate artwork or art-related supplies and equipment to the Lakeland Art Association’s first online auction must do so from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20; or from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21.

Tippecanoe Valley High School Principal Brandon Kresca recently released more details on the senior parade happening this Friday, May 22.

The Lakeland Regional Sewer District will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m.  Wednesday, May 20. The meeting will be held at the district office located at 5002 E 100N. Warsaw. Pursuant to Indiana Executive Order 20-09 Section 4, the “Executive Order,” this hearing will also be available utilizing electronic participation.

Local small businesses and nonprofits can now utilize the state’s new online marketplace to request personal protective equipment, according to State Rep. Dave Wolkins.

Warsaw Community Schools recently announced the Class of 2020 Work Ethic Certificate recipients. 

Eisenhower Elementary School’s Dual Language Immersion students achieved high composite scores in Spanish proficiency in a December assessment.

Dear Editor, So many voters have complained to me that when we send a good person to Indianapolis or Washington, “they change on us.”

May 31, 2020, is the deadline to request a MAL Commodity Loan for 2019 corn and soybeans.

Warsaw Community Schools’ summer school program will look slightly different this year in order to be in accordance with state guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip released a letter to students and parents on Monday, May 18, that announced the college’s intention to reopen its campus to students in the fall.

By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews MENTONE — The Tippecanoe Valley School Board took a moment to recognize this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian at the meeting held tonight, May 18. While neither were present at the meeting, TVSC Superintendent Blaine Conley announced that Kirstyn Yoder was named TVHS valedictorian and Quintin Allen was named salutatorian for the …read more.

Dear Editor, My name is JD Ayres and I ask that you vote for Karin McGrath for Judge of Kosciusko Superior Court 3.

Dear Editor, I write to thank Dave Wolkins for his 32 years of public service to his district and the state of Indiana. I have always admired Representative Wolkins for his willingness to listen and stand up for people he represents, regardless of party affiliation. He has fought for lower taxes, less government regulation, and …read more.

Syracuse Strong continues with two free meal distributions today, Saturday, May 16.

Residents of Silver Lake are feeling a void after the man many thought of as the town’s unofficial mayor, Phil Shalley, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 13, at the age of 73.

Local garden centers are seeing an influx in community members planting and gardening earlier than normal this year. Ed Clayton from Clayton Garden Center, North Webster, stated he’s been seeing lots of new people which means plenty of new gardens this year.

Three Warsaw Community High School students created customized pieces of art for Warsaw Schools’ elementary buildings through their Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy project.

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and The Kosciusko County Bar Association are hosting a candidate forum that will feature the four-way race for Superior 3 and several other competitive primary races at 6 p.m. Friday, May 15.

Kosciusko County Council tabled discussion on whether to contribute to an emergency loan program set up by the county’s economic development office for small businesses hurt by the pandemic.

  By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews AKRON — The Tippecanoe Valley School Board held a work session tonight, May 14, that lasted only ten minutes. The meeting was held at the administration building but was live-streamed on the corporation’s Facebook page for the public to view. Superintendent Blaine Conley went over three new hires that will …read more.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, summer school plans for the Wawasee Community School Corporation have been altered or in some cases cancelled. The school corporation will still offer summer school courses, but some plans are tentative.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s May Member of the Month is NAPA Auto Parts Auto Care Center, located at 817 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. NAPA employs four full-time employees. The store is in the process of an interior remodel. NAPA has been a good standing member of the chamber since 2015.

WARSAW – The Warsaw Adult Tiger Booster Club announced its recipients for 21 WCHS senior scholarships.

Dear Editor, I recently was sent a mailer from a candidate for office claiming that Curt Nisly was against protecting children as he was the only representative to vote against HB 1004 from 2019. That person never actually bothered to read the bill in its entirety. This bill is a mandate by the state upon …read more.

The Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCCVB) has earned top honors again this year on the heels of their 2019 win for Best Visitor Guide.

Press Release WARSAW — Titus Funeral Home is offering free tribute videos to the families of graduating students. The video tribute can then be shared with friends or loved ones virtually or in-person later at a graduation ceremony. Cory Benz, owner of Titus Funeral Home, said he remembers his senior year of high school as …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — As Warsaw Community Schools approaches the close of the 2019-20 school year, WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert would like to thank parents for their continued support and encourage students across the district to finish strong. “While these past few months have challenged us all, there is still great cause for celebration …read more.

Press Release NORTH MANCHESTER — The rising demand for professionals who can understand health issues affecting communities of people has led to Manchester University’s creation of a new major to help meet that need, according to a news release from the university. In population health, which begins in fall 2020, students will learn how to …read more.

Dear Editor, The election for Kosciusko County Superior Court III Judge is highly contested this year. A review of each candidate’s legal experience shows that Karin McGrath has more diverse experience that really matters for this courtroom. We have known Karin and her husband, Keith, for over 20 years. After their children reached their teen …read more.

Dear Editor, On Tuesday, June 2, I’m voting for Dr. Chris Magiera for the Indiana District 3 Congressional seat. In 2016, when then-candidate Jim Banks ran for this seat, he sold himself as the liberty-minded, small-government Republican candidate. As Congressman, Banks has voted for and funded government spying, voted to bust spending caps and increase …read more.

The Etna Green Town Council discussed the town’s noise ordinance and property upkeep during an in-person meeting on Tuesday, May 12.

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

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

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

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

News Release SYRACUSE — The Food Bank of Northern Indiana, in cooperation with The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County, will distribute food boxes to families in need from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 13, at Wawasee High School, Syracuse. The truck and volunteers will be located at the main entrance of the high school. …read more.

Dear Editor, Please allow me to use this public forum to express my thoughts on the candidates in the upcoming  June 2, Republican Kosciusko County primary election. Based on my years serving our local community at the local and state levels, I first want to express my appreciation to the four filed candidates for their …read more.

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Editor, My belief is that there are two competing philosophies about the relationship of people to their government. One philosophy has those in power asking themselves what decisions would be best for the people. This view is that decisions are made at the government level for our good and that our input is to …read more.

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

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

WARSAW – Bowling alleys around the area are looking to get back to business in June as Indiana gets Back On Track.

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

Dear Editor, I’m writing today to endorse Karin McGrath as our county’s next judge for Superior Court III. I have had the privilege of knowing Karin for some time and have taken great joy in seeing her career first as a prosecuting attorney and now as a defense attorney at Rockhill Pinnick. More recently, I’ve …read more.

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

Dear Editor, I’d like to take a moment and endorse Karin McGrath as the next Judge for Superior Court 3. Karin’s experience, mindfulness, and love of the law make her the ideal choice for this seat. I believe she is the absolute best choice. Karin brings a common-sense conservative approach to all things. She’s meticulous, …read more.

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

By Leo Morris I was going to write a wry but pointed column about Indiana’s coming search for a new tourism slogan, something along the lines of, “Wave on your way to Michigan” or, “Thanks for not stopping by.” I was going to write a wry but pointed column about Indiana’s coming search for a …read more.

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

Dear Editor, In this time of government overreach, it’s more important than ever that the people we elect are true conservatives that will not endorse the kind of tactics we’re seeing from our government right now. I’ve spent time and hard work researching candidates for Superior Court 3, and found one of them to be …read more.

Dear Editor, On Monday, April 20, I found myself in a situation that I needed help. I would like to thank 911, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and Lutheran EMS for their rapid response. My injuries were minor but I was in a situation that required assistance It is comforting to know that when you are at …read more.

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

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

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

Dear Editor, In his initial press release, and on subsequent occasions, Chad Miner has claimed he is qualified for the judgeship of Kosciusko Superior Court 3 due to serving as a judge pro tem in that court on numerous occasions.  As the general population of Kosciusko may not know what a judge pro tem is …read more.

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

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

SYRACUSE – WCSL has set a deadline for summer ball registration as well as developed an equipment exchange and scholarship program to help prepare for the summer season.

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

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

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

Press Release SYRACUSE — Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation, released the following letter Tuesday, May 5: “To the Wawasee school community: “Imagine that you have to help prepare dinner today using just your microwave? It might work great on some food items, but not so well with others! “Our Wawasee …read more.

WARSAW – Warsaw Little League is furthering sign-ups to May 15 as it is announcing its season will open June 15.

Dear Editor, Politics … at times can be a downright dirty word. According to the dictionary, it means the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power. It’s really more about feelings. How a leader or those …read more.

Indiana is entering its second phase of re-opening the state this week after a statewide stay-at-home order was implemented toward the end of March.

The Kosciusko County Health Department recently reported one new COVID-19 case and one new recovery.

Press Release WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School Principal Troy Akers has announced details regarding the Class of 2020’s graduation item pickup times and routes. On Friday, May 8, WCHS will have pickup times available for seniors to collect their Herff Jones orders, including caps and gowns. WCHS will also have Tri-Kappa awards and honors …read more.

Over the past few months, everyone’s worlds have been turned upside down by COVID-19.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A local apartment complex’s staff are working diligently to keep residents informed and safe during the pandemic while also receiving donations of essential items and services from many in the community. Retired Tigers Senior Apartments, 320 W. Main St., Warsaw, primarily houses those who are 62 and older and/or …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The May board meeting for the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District has been cancelled according to Darci Zolman, program administrator. The meeting was originally scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7.

Press Release WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools recently announced that all WCS elementary schools and both middle schools have been recognized as Project Lead The Way Distinguished Schools for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of preK-12 students and teachers in schools …read more.

By Deb Patterson InkFreeNews NORTH WEBSTER — The largest dinner distribution since March 29 was achieved Saturday evening at The Owls Nest, CR 800N, North Webster. Through the generous donations of numerous families and businesses, 1,100 meals were handed out. As seen with other food distributions, cars began arriving early. The first car, a load …read more.

Press Release SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Public Library is checking out items from the library’s collection to local residents for pick-up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Patrons can go into the Evergreen catalog to look for items in the Syracuse Library collections. Items are limited to 10 per check-out (only five …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Farmers’ and Artisans Market opened for the 2020 season in downtown Warsaw on Saturday, May 2, albeit with a few minor changes in operation. Dozens gathered between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to enjoy the windy but warm weather and buy essential items …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana rose to 1,115, up from 1,062 reported on Friday, May 1. The total positive number of cases statewide is at 19,295. More than 104,000 Hoosiers have been tested for COVID-19. …read more.

Press Release INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced on Friday, May 1, the Back On Track Indiana plan to safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting Hoosiers’ health and well-being. “Across Indiana, we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that has touched my heart,” said Gov. Holcomb. “May …read more.

Press Release NORTH WEBSTER — The largest number of meals since the Lakeland Community began hosting free meal giveaways on March 29 will be held Saturday, May 2, at The Owls Nest, 7369 E. 800N, North Webster. Starting at 4 p.m., or shortly before, 750 curb side meals will be distributed. The meal includes chicken …read more.

FORT WAYNE – The FCA Night of Hope event has been moved virtually, and will now feature the Trent family as well as Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough.

Press Release SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber/SWCC Foundation Inc.’s Placemaking Task Force is honoring Wawasee High School seniors with an interactive mural designed by Emily Austin. Seniors can have their picture taken with this board outside of the Pickwick Theater. Special thanks to The Revolving Closet for the chalkboard, the Pickwick Theater for allowing the task …read more.

Dear Editor: Tobacco smokers can be more susceptible to COVID-19, are more likely to be hospitalized and intubated, and are twice as likely to die on a ventilator. Tobacco smoke travels through spaces of buildings, in bars and membership clubs, and in outdoor spaces such as parking lots and parks. Low-income families, children, individuals with …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School Principal Troy Akers was recently selected as District 2 Principal of the Year. The Indiana Association of School Principals annually recognizes outstanding school leaders in each of the 12 Indiana districts who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities of students. These principals are acknowledged by their …read more.

By Ray Balogh InkFreeNews MILFORD — Based upon “extremely good responses,” several Milford churches are planning at least two more Sunday morning drive-in church services in downtown Milford, according to Mike Kelley, pastor of Word of Truth Ministries. Several attendees at the first drive-in service on Sunday, April 26, “asked this to happen again,” said …read more.

PIERCETON — A reading interventionist and Title I teacher at Pierceton Elementary School, Mary Helen Gensch took her own struggles as a child and uses those lessons to help children now. “I struggled with reading as a kid and my third-grade teacher discovered how to make me feel proud of myself. My reading grew that year,” Gensch explained. “I decided I wanted to help kids feel the same way.”

By Darla McCammon InkFreeNews Columnist Before we start this week, I want to thank Senior Master Sergeant Lehman for his call about the recent “nose art” column. He correctly identified our nose art aircraft as an A26 (also called a B26 after World War II) instead of a P38. I am embarrassed because my husband …read more.

SYRACUSE — Another local food giveaway at The Channel Marker helped to feed hundreds in Syracuse and the surrounding communities.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The number of reported coronavirus cases in Kosciusko County remains unchanged at 34, with 19 reported recoveries. Meanwhile, the latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the total number of cases statewide rose to 17,182, with the number of deaths in Indiana now at 964. …read more.

Press Release NORTH WEBSTER — Many people are looking forward to riding the Dixie Boat, North Webster’s historic paddle boat touring Webster Lake since 1929. Unfortunately, due to the current novel coronavirus restrictions of social distancing, no large groups and limiting personal travel, The Dixie Sternwheeler, Inc., anticipates that, like other places of public gatherings, …read more.

By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews WINONA LAKE — A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday morning, April 29, at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church for the recently opened Early Childhood Alliance Pop-Up Center. The childcare center is available for children of essential healthcare workers and emergency responders. The idea to open the childcare center was originally brought …read more.

By Sarah Wright InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — If you frequent Syracuse’s downtown or uptown area, you’ve likely noticed some new additions installed Monday, April 27. These included a bench in front of Pickwick Theatre and a trash can at the corner of SR 13 and Main Street. Those are just the start of a placemaking effort launched …read more.

FORT WAYNE – The Fort Wayne TinCaps announced its TinCaps Family Meal Kits package.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The number of reported coronavirus cases in Kosciusko County has risen to 34, with at least 19 cases that have recovered. But the number of reported deaths has been revised. According to the Kosciusko County Health Department, the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 was dropped from two to …read more.

Press Release DALLAS — Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the VEX Robotics World Championships were conducted in a unique format Saturday, April 25, in Dallas, Texas. The Robotics Education and Competition Foundation created VEX Virtual Worlds, a way to honor the 720 high school, 360 middle school and 92 college teams qualifying for worlds this …read more.