CLAYPOOL — Sherry Searles, LaunchPad director, addressed the Claypool Town Council on Tuesday, Jan. 21, regarding a meeting that will explore the possibility of establishing a childcare center at Claypool Elementary School. LaunchPad is the Child Care and Early Learning Coalition that was created to help solve the childcare crisis in Kosciusko County. There will …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Grace College inducted 28 juniors and seniors to the Alpha Chi Honor Society in a ceremony on Jan. 18. These high-achieving students have earned the top 10% of GPAs across all disciplines at Grace. They join nearly 11,000 students inducted annually into Alpha Chi from across the country, said a news release …read more.

A motorist passes through the intersection at CR 250E and Pierceton Road, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in Winona Lake, where the town plans to construct a roundabout. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts. WINONA LAKE — Roundabouts dominated discussion at the Winona Lake Town Council meeting, Tuesday night, Jan. 21. The council approved an agreement for …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools is requesting input on school start and end time for the 2020-21 school year. The survey can be found in the news section at warsawschools.org or at http://bit.ly/wcsstarttime. Numerous medical research studies have shown a positive impact on student health and wellness through later school start times. Over the last …read more.

COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County BABE, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing resources and a community for moms and families, has recently hired Laura Tucker as its new executive director. Tucker steps into this position with the experience she’s learned in the past three years as the store manager of BABE. She has been …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Recycling Depot’s transition to a new recycling contractor was described by Tom Ganser, the depot’s director, as smooth. The Board of Directors for the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District approved a 2020 recycling contract bid with Whitley Environmental, Columbia City, in October. “The transition went fantastic,” said Ganser. “Vendors worked …read more.

SANDUSKY, OHIO — Wawasee Robotics set a world record match high score of 124 points Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Kalahari Classic Signature Event in Sandusky, Ohio. Teams 574D and 574C in qualification match number 288 scored 124 points. They collected 21 of 22 orange cubes on the field to set the score. The last …read more.

WARSAW — Combined Community Services will host Indiana Fever General Manager, Tamika Catchings, as it’s featured speaker for the first annual Love Thy Neighbor Luncheon, Feb. 19. The Love Thy Neighbor Luncheon will be from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Christ Covenant Church, 2090 East Pierceton Road, Winona Lake, said a news …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Two Whitko Jr./Sr High School students were inaugural recipients of the Whitko Valor Award at the Whitko School Board of Trustees meeting, Jan. 20. Matthew and William Farner, twin brothers and seniors at Whitko Jr./Sr. High School, were the inaugural recipients of the award. Whiko Jr./Sr. High School Principal Jake Everett presented …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community School Board of School Trustees discussed the corporation’s upcoming 2020-21 school start time survey during a meeting on Monday, Jan. 20. The online survey is set to open on Tuesday, Jan. 21. WCS will issue a press release with a link to the survey when it is available. The survey …read more.

BURKET — The majority of the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting held tonight, Jan. 20, was spent hearing an update on the progress being made at Burket Educational Center. Teacher Micah Lukens stated that the emphasis for Burket Educational Center this school year was to help students build and foster a plan for the future. …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Bill and Vickie Morton announced the Big Brothers Big Sisters Scholarship Fund. Bill and Vicki Morton spent years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kosciusko County and have seen firsthand the difference a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” can make in the lives of young kids, said a …read more.

WINONA LAKE — “I love diversity because the God of the universe loves diversity. God is passionate about diversity.” Kondo Simfukwe, lead pastor at Mission Point Community Church, addressed a crowd of about 300 people at the Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King’s 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. …read more.

MILFORD — A native of the Milford-New Paris area, Deb Patterson has accepted the position of editor-in-chief of The Papers Incorporated, according to an announcement by Publisher Ron Baumgartner. She moved into the position Monday, Jan. 20. Patterson was named interim editor-in-chief, filling the vacancy left by the death in November 2019 of Jeri Seely, …read more.

MENTONE — Lego Club and more happening at Bell Memorial Public Library. Lego Club is returning to Bell Memorial Public Library as an afterschool program, said a news release from Bell Memorial Public Library. The first meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 4 – 5:30 p.m. The library invites crafters to …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library offers a variety of activities next week beginning with Voyager Book Club 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20. Meeting the fourth Monday each month, Voyager is a different kind of book club in that everyone reads a book of their choice within each month’s assigned genre. On Monday, …read more.

SYRACUSE — Mark your calendars for the Wawasee Winter Carnival Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24-25, sponsored by Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission and Lakeland Youth Center. The festival will begin with a soup supper fundraiser Friday evening, Jan. 24, and will continue with activities during the day Saturday, Jan. 25. Kiwanis Soup Supper …read more.

By Melissa Chapman Cataloging Supervisor Keeping up with all of the latest must-read books can quickly turn into an overwhelming endeavor. Whether you’re in the market for an absorbing new book or are just on the lookout for your next can’t- put-it-down read, there are so many options out there. If you need a new …read more.

WARSAW — Exciting things are happening at Sacred Heart School in Warsaw.  The school’s STREAM program is an integral part of the school’s curriculum, adding Arts to STEM educational experiences with a Religious component at the core of education. What was new on Jan. 15 was the inception of their STREAM family night with a …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Public Library announced its events for the week of Jan. 20-25. The month of January brings a partnership between Chautauqua Wawasee and the Syracuse Library with a discussion about happiness. Actually, joy is a more commonly understood emotion, and the discussion is based on the best-selling title, “The Book of Joy: …read more.

WINONA LAKE — The Grace College Student Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children announced its hosting of Transition Exploration Day and a prom dress drive. CEC will host the fifth-biennial Transition Exploration Day at the Grace College Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, 10:30 a.m – 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. This is an opportunity for …read more.

WINONA LAKE — The Grace College School of Business prepares for its eleventh year of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The program, which provides free tax preparation to the elderly, disabled and lower-income individuals filing a basic tax return, will run Monday, Jan. 27 through the end of March, said a news release from …read more.

PIERCETON — Pierceton officials on Thursday, Jan. 16, began discussing plans to reorganize its park board. In October 2019, the Town Council approved the reinstatement of the town’s park board, which has not held a formal meeting since 2012. Whitko School Board of Trustees member and Pierceton resident Georgia Tenney brought up the need to …read more.

BOURBON — Triton scholars had a successful showing at the District 2 DECA Competition, Jan. 8. Triton DECA had its best showing yet in Miss Tracie Knisely’s six years as the advisor, said a news release from Trition Schools. DECA is an organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality …read more.

Barry Andrew WARSAW — Barry Andrew has officially accepted the position as executive director of Kosciusko County Community Corrections. Andrew, who was the original Community Corrections director before leaving in 2016, had been serving as interim director since November 2019, following the departure of former director Anna Bailey. Andrew said he is “excited and eager” …read more.

WARSAW — Masterson Chiropractic recently presented a $1,000 check to Randy Polston, executive director of Combined Community Services. “Combined Community Services has been doing excellent work in our community, and we have been part of it since the very beginning,” stated Dr. Sarah Masterson, “As the chiropractic clinic, I think my parents first partnered with …read more.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Two teachers from Whitko Community Schools joined the Indiana STEM Education Conference hosted at Purdue University’s School of Education, Wednesday, Jan.15. Teachers Brittany Hamm and Ashley Roberts were chosen specifically to present, said a news release from Whitko Community Schools.  For those new to STEM, the acronym stands for Science Technology Engineering …read more.

WARSAW — Around two years ago employees at the Warsaw Community Public Library began putting together escape rooms. Anna Jackson, teen librarian, and Denise Keller, adults program administrator, have been working together to find and create different themes for escape rooms throughout the year.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee Community School Corporation is offering free trauma training for individuals providing childcare to children ages 0 to 5 in the Wawasee school district. Training will be held from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Wawasee High School in Syracuse. Activities will include a meet and greet from 5:45 to 6 …read more.

WARSAW — Public figures in Kosciusko County emphasized the importance of community in battling addictions during “The Opioid Epidemic: Our Community Speaks” Wednesday evening, Jan. 15. The event at Center Lake Pavilion was hosted by the Bowen Center, moderated by Mayor Joe Thallemer and funded with a $5,000 grant from Accelerate Indiana Municipalities Many of …read more.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Chamber of Commerce has selected Bethel Baptist Church as the January Member of the Month. Bethel Baptist Church of Pierceton has been a part of the community for over 40 years; meeting together, reaching out, loving Jesus Christ and loving people said a news release from the Pierceton Chamber. Those who …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University has named Ryon Kaopuiki vice president for enrollment and marketing. Kaopuiki brings more than 20 years of experience in admissions and enrollment management, most recently as vice president for enrollment and marketing at Anderson University in Anderson, Ind. He began Jan. 7, said a news release issued Tuesday. “This is …read more.

PIERCETON — Pets of the Week are available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League, located at 1048 S. CR 325E, Pierceton. Tamisha Tamisha is so excited to meet you and show you how high she can jump. She is a one-year-old, spayed, female Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Labrador mix. She is light tan and white with …read more.

By DeeAnna Muraski Aloha! Last week I promised you a free trip to Kauai…via this article. So, close your eyes and imagine (albeit it might take a lot of imagination) warm tropical breezes, the smell of the salty ocean, tall, softly swaying palm trees, the sun warming your face and a cool tropical drink in …read more.

WARSAW — Anthony “Tony” Ciriello has filed to seek his second term as Kosciusko County Coroner.  Ciriello has been with the coroner’s office since 1993 when he was first appointed as a deputy coroner. In September of 2015, Ciriello was elected by a caucus to fulfill the remainder of the term of then-coroner Michael Wilson. …read more.

WARSAW — The Tippecanoe Valley FFA Chapter Meeting team took first place in the District II contest that took place at Warsaw Community High School in December. The team had to demonstrate how to use many motions of parliamentary procedures to run an entire meeting, said a news release from the Tippecanoe Valley FFA. The …read more.

WARSAW — Suzie Light, long-time chief executive officer of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, has announced she will step down from her position effective March 1, in anticipation of her full retirement effective June 30. Light notified the board of her future plans to retire in May 2019. Executing the succession plan, the board named …read more.

ETNA GREEN — Etna Green Town Council’s three council members and clerk-treasurer were sworn in during the council’s first meeting of 2020 on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Jason Hanes and Susan Klinefelter are the council’s new members, replacing Cory Ellinger and Kevin Smith II. For 2020, Keith Claassen will serve as the council’s president, with Hanes …read more.

WARSAW — Stephen Conrad was born in Kendallville Nov. 13, 1949. His family moved to Syracuse in 1961, and Conrad graduated from Syracuse High School in 1968. Conrad was drafted into the Army in the summer of 1969 but chose to join the Navy instead. He reported for duty Aug. 8, 1969.  He attended boot …read more.

CLAYPOOL — The Claypool Lions Club will be holding a fish and tenderloin fry from noon to 4 p.m., or until sold out, on Saturday, Jan. 18. It is carry-out only. Side dishes will also be available in pints. Proceeds from the fry will be used for numerous community and Lions International projects. Food will …read more.

AKRON – The third annual Valley Alumni Basketball Game is set for March 13.

PIERCETON —  Town Council approved an outside consultant to aid in the training of Clerk-Treasurer Myra Mast, Monday evening, Jan. 13. The council approved the temporary hiring of municipalities consultant Retha Hicks on an open-ended contract to train and advise Mast as she acclimates to her new role. The temporary hiring of Hicks was facilitated …read more.

MILFORD — It was just announced the Milford United Methodist Preschool, 208 W. Catherine St., will be closing in May after the graduation of its current preschool class.

WARSAW — Throughout 2020, the office of the Indiana Attorney General will continue awarding grants to help fund jail chemical addiction programs in counties across Indiana. Administered in collaboration with the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association, the grants have now helped launch JCAP programs serving six Indiana counties — Fountain, Kosciusko, Montgomery, Scott, Shelby and Warren. …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library Board of Trustees held its annual board of finance meeting after a brief regular meeting session on Monday, Jan. 13. Library Business Manager Renee Sweeny delivered her 2019 investment report to the board. In total, the library has $8,890,000 in investments at three local banks. There is a …read more.

WARSAW — Brandon Cavanaugh, a local teacher and US Army veteran, recently announced his candidacy for District 9 State Senate. Cavanaugh is an educator with Warsaw Community Schools and is a member of the teacher’s association. He has worked for Gateway Education Center for three years. In his first year at Gateway, Cavanaugh worked as …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Brenda Gerber Vincent will be the keynote speaker at Grace College’s Career Week Chapel, at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 31, at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, 610 Wooster Road, Winona Lake. Career Week Chapel is free and open to the public, said a news release from Grace College. Vincent has been the …read more.

WARSAW — Kimberly Cates recently announced a campaign to retain her seat as an at-large member on the Kosciusko County Council. Cates was appointed by a GOP caucus and is serving out the remaining term of former Council President, Bob Sanders. Before she served on the council, Cates served six years on the Turkey Creek …read more.

Scott Backus TVMS Principal As I sit to write my January article, I am again pondering the legacy of a great man who exited this life too soon. In a similar storyline to the loss of Coach Brian Hooker at Rochester last year, Coach Jeff Shriver received a terrible diagnosis of cancer and in a …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Grace College welcomes Ted McKinney, undersecretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, to be the keynote speaker at its second annual Ag Night. The event will take place at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, Westminster Hall, 105 9th Street, Winona Lake. Ag Night is hosted by Grace’s agribusiness program, said …read more.

WARSAW – Much of northern Indiana did not receive as much rain as the predicted 3-5 inches over the weekend. Check out the chart above from the National Weather Service for rain totals in your area.  

MENTONE — Bell Memorial Public Library, 101 W. Main St., announced a Teen Craft Night and more for the week of Jan. 13-17. Teens and young adults, join us from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, for Teen Craft Night. Teens will have an opportunity to make a reusable 2020 calender using Post-It Notes …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Members of the North Webster Community Public Library Board of Trustees recently toured the construction site of the new library facility. A new library is being built on land immediately south of the North Webster Community Center. The floor has been poured, and walls and trusses are installed along with parts of …read more.

WARSAW — Dr. Sean Roades, president of the KCH Medical Staff, presented a $1,500 donation on behalf of the medical staff to Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County. The Cancer Care Fund provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families living in Kosciusko County. In 2019, over 100 clients were served with financial help totaling …read more.

By Amy Mann Children’s Services The library’s Winter Reading Program started Jan 6. Are you signed up and participating? The Children’s Department at Warsaw Community Public Library is using a Bingo card to keep track of what a child is reading and doing. Register in person at the Children’s Desk. The program continues through Feb. …read more.

The Silver Lake Community Center is at 979 West SR 14, Silver Lake, in the former West Eel River Brethren Church. Photo provided by Silver Lake Community Center. SILVER LAKE — The Silver Lake Community Center will host a public discussion about what an outside group deems “The Sexualization of Children in Today’s Public Schools.” …read more.

WARSAW — City officials are urging residents to prepare for possible flooding ahead of heavy rain starting Friday. Four or more inches of rain is expected over the next 48 hours, bringing a threat of flash flooding and flooding in low areas over the next several days, according to a news release from the city. …read more.

WARSAW — Two Warsaw Community High School alumni who are Indiana State Police Troopers were recognized in a press release by Warsaw Community Schools. Brandon Johnson and Jacob Bill are both currently assigned to District 21, which is the northwest portion of Indiana. Both troopers were former cadets who are serving not only as state …read more.

WARSAW —Dr. Rudy Kachmann, neurosurgeon and wellness expert, speak at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11 in the KCH Administration Classroom. He will be speaking on the topic of diabetes and disease management, said a news release from KCH. Community members are welcome to attend. If interested in attending, please call (574) 529-2652 to be added …read more.

PIERCETON — Pets of the Week are available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League, located at 1048 S. CR 325E, Pierceton. Max Max may seem quiet and unassuming for a senior dog, but once he is out of his kennel, he is ready to party. Max is a nine-year-old, neutered, male Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Husky …read more.

WARSAW — Law enforcement officers and staff throughout Kosciusko County raised more than $1,200 for Christmas with a Cop by participating in Hair for the Holidays. Sheriff Kyle Dukes treated several of the officers to dinner, according to a post on the sheriff’s Facebook page. Afterward, John Conley and Ethan Bradley, from The Shop, provided …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for Kosciusko County and other parts of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan from Friday night, Jan. 10, through Saturday evening. NWS predicts widespread moderate to heavy rainfall will develop Friday evening and continue into Saturday evening. Rainfall amounts of 3 to …read more.

WARSAW — The KCH Health and Wellness Center and KCH Regional Rehabilitation Center recently updated member facilities. KCH welcomes the community to stop in during a week-long open house planned for Monday, Jan. 13 through Friday, Jan. 17, said a news release from KCH. Tours, refreshments and complimentary sampler classes are included throughout the week. …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Vistors Commission denied a grant request from the City-County Athletic Complex at its meeting Wednesday morning, Jan. 7. The commission denied a $62,988 grant proposal from the City-County Athletic Complex. The funds would have gone toward the construction of new restrooms on the east side of the …read more.

PIERCETON — The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County recently announced the hiring of a new executive director. Sally Scott officially stepped into the role on Dec. 26. She graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne with a major in visual communication and design. Scott has also worked at the AWL for the past three …read more.

BRISTOL — In late December, 37 new troopers graduated from the 79th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy after completing a journey of 25 weeks of intense training. The recruits completed more than 1,100 hours of academic and hands-on training in criminal and traffic law, crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms and other classes …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Schools Board of School Trustees discussed curriculum changes at Warsaw Community High School during a work session on Tuesday, Jan. 7. WCHS Principal Troy Akers and Warsaw Area Career Center Assistant Director Jill Jackson were both present at the meeting to discuss curriculum changes for the 2020-2021 school year. Akers …read more.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee High School announces parent-teacher conferences have been scheduled from 3:15 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13. Teachers will be available in their classrooms for you to meet with that evening. There will be students to help you find teachers and rooms if you need assistance. You can pick up a paper copy …read more.

WARSAW — KC Recycling, in it’s “Recycled News & Views” announced big changes at community drop-off bins throughout the county starting Jan. 1. While new receptacles and new signage are the noticeable changes, the biggest change is items that will be accepted. The updated guidelines for the community drop-off bins include: clean paper products, metal …read more.

WARSAW — About 200 people attended a prayer vigil outside of Lincoln Elementary School on Monday, Jan. 6, after an area atheist group made a complaint to Warsaw Community Schools regarding alleged First Amendment violations. The large group gathered on a sidewalk to the east of the school, many holding glow sticks while several pastors …read more.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee’s Iron Pride began the winter half of the season by presenting to the Wawasee Kiwanis of Syracuse Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Syracuse Community Center. Teams 574C and 574D talked for more than an hour about the upgrades made to the robots during the winter break and their goals for the rest …read more.

FORT WAYNE – The Fort Wayne TinCaps are auctioning off the team’s batting practice tops from 2018-19.

From the files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society: This is a retrospective column that will run a few times a month on InkFreeNews.com. Jan. 5, 1974 — Firemen battled near zero degree temperatures and a stubborn blaze that completely gutted the quarter-block Boice Building at the intersection of Center and Indiana streets in downtown Warsaw …read more.

WARSAW — Parkinson’s Support Group of Warsaw will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, at the administrative offices of Kosciusko Community Hospital. The first meeting of 2020 brings Medtronics representative Bruce Gardner, who will give up-to-date information about their deep brain stimulator implant device. Each month is an opportunity to learn …read more.

MENTONE — Bell Memorial Public Library released its announcements for the week of Jan. 6-10. The library is creating space for its “Makerspace!” Think of a Makerspace as a spot inside the library for making, sharing, learning and exploring. Patrons have the potential to use things like a high-quality laser printer or maybe even a …read more.

By Melissa Chapman Cataloging Supervisor Biographies and autobiographies are some of the most fascinating books written. Thousands are written every year. Below are some of the newest titles about some world-renowned charismatic people. “Me” by Elton John is his first and only official autobiography. He reveals the truth about his extraordinary life. Reginald Dwight was …read more.

MILFORD — Lego Crew and Teen Book Club kick off Jan. 11 at Milford Public Library. At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, the Lego Crew will meet in the meeting room of the library. On the second Saturday of the month from May to September, children of all ages are welcome to come play with …read more.

WARSAW — A motion for summary judgment made by Barnett’s Bail Bonds, Warsaw, in a lawsuit by Atta and Larry Helman was taken under advisement in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Friday, Jan. 3. The Helmans are suing Barnett’s Bail Bonds and three bounty hunters for their involvement in the Aug. 25, 2014, shooting and death …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed K9 Besz to their ranks. According to the KCSO Facebook page, Besz was born in Ukraine in May of 2018 and is a Belgian Malinois. She is assigned to Deputy Craig Summers. “K9 Besz and Deputy Summers will start training at Vohne Liche Kennels on Monday …read more.

  WARSAW – Supporters of One Warsaw – Celebrating Us hosted a New Year’s Eve party Tuesday at Cardinal Services. Cardinal clients gathered for drinks and conversation in a festive atmosphere. “People felt included and valued and that wouldn’t have happened without One Warsaw taking the initiative. I’m excited that a group like this exists …read more.

COLUMBIA CITY — At 1:26 a.m., Wednesday, Jan 1, Colby Allen was the first Whitley County baby born at Parkview Whitley Hospital in 2020. Colby Allen was born to parents Marcus and Julia. He weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz., said a news release from Parkview Whitley Hospital.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved an alcoholic beverage permit for a new Syracuse restaurant during a meeting on Thursday, Jan. 2. Elizabeth Kennedy, owner of Cafe Liefde, 105 W. Main St., Syracuse, was present at the meeting in regards to the permit. Cafe Liefde will be a restaurant with a …read more.

WARSAW — Hogs R Wild BBQ’s restaurant opened on Thursday, Jan. 2. The restaurant at 1527 N. Detroit St., Warsaw, is run by Mark Poling, who operated his business as a food truck for four years. The new store operates in the same location as Chicago Doghouse, which closed last year. “I’ve always thought the …read more.

WARSAW — At 1:34 p.m., Jan. 1, the first baby of the year was born at Kosciusko Community Hospital in 2020. Atlas Anthony weighed 8 lbs, 2 oz and was 20.5 inches long following the birth, according to a news release from KCH. For the sake of patient safety, the hospital did not release the …read more.

WARSAW — On Jan. 1, Steve Moriarty will take over as the Kosciusko County Highway Department superintendent following Scott Tilden’s retirement. Moriarty has been the assistant superintendent for the past seven years.

WARSAW — In 2019, the Kosciusko County community mourned the deaths of multiple prominent local figures. Below are a few of those. George Louis Robertson, 71, passed away Feb. 23. He served as president of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation for eight years.               Mitchell “Mitch” Ray Titus, 47, …read more.

WARSAW — In 2019, several businesses throughout Warsaw and surrounding areas opened to the public. However, many other well-known businesses decided to shut their doors permanently. This story is a recap of the biggest openings and closings of restaurants and stores in Kosciusko County. Openings Dunkin’ – Dunkin’ in Warsaw opened to the public in late …read more.

SYRACUSE — A Facebook fundraiser has been recently established for a Syracuse man with cystic fibrosis. Haiden Morgan is a 29-year-old orthopedic machinist at Zimmer Biomet who enjoys playing music, as well as studying medicine and physics. However, he’s spent approximately three years of his adult life in hospitals. “I’ve lost quite a few jobs …read more.

By Darla McCammon A farm near Atwood was the foundation for the current exhibition at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery. Susan Ring is an artist who can capture just about anything with her paints and make it better than the reality. That farm is where Ring grew up and it provides much of the inspiration for her …read more.

WARSAW — The Salvation Army served 140 families through Christmas Eve with its Angel Tree program.  This year, 289 children ages 12 and under were given a gift, book, as well as a hat and gloves according to Ken Locke, Salvation Army Administrator for Kosciusko and Whitley Counties. Sixty teens were given gift cards from …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Sterling Group, the Mishawaka based owner of Greenhaus Apartments, Syracuse, is wrapping up $300,000 in renovations as they switch from income-based housing to market rate.

NORTH WEBSTER — Make it a New Year’s resolution to get involved in the many monthly and weekly programs offered at North Webster Community Public Library. Let’s Move is a dance exercise class that meets 6 p.m. every Thursday through June 26. Yarn crafters are invited to attend Knit 1 Crochet 2 at 2 p.m. …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library announced it’s eleventh annual amateur photography contest Grand Prize Winner is Karla Ellis of Winona Lake with “Winter Lighthouse.” Ellis’ winning photo was taken last winter at the Saint Joseph North Pier Inner Lighthouse near Silver Beach, Saint Joseph, Mich. The grand prize and first place in the …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Public Library announced new and returning programs for the new year. An Oxbow County Park Pass is available to check out from the Syracuse Public Library in 2020. Go fishing, hiking on dog-friendly trails, picnic by the river or play disc golf for some nearby fun. This winter sled or cross-country …read more.

WARSAW – Greyhounds are coming to the Warsaw Community Public Library, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28.  A regional greyhound rescue will be bringing a few of their foster dogs to the library for kids to practice their reading in 15-minute time slots, said a news release from the Warsaw Community Public …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Involvement in the Wawasee High School super mileage team began for Scott Fox in 2012, when his oldest son got involved. In the super mileage team, students build cars or improve on them in order to get the best miles per gallon in the Shell Eco-marathon.

SYRACUSE — On Dec. 7, Roger and Stacy Gray along with the Lakeland Eagles 3760 held their second annual Crohn’s and colitis benefit to help raise money and awareness for the Indiana chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. A check for $4,400 was presented to Amanda Thomas of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Indiana chapter by the Grays and other Eagles members Thursday, Dec. 26.

NORTH WEBSTER — Tippecanoe Township has operated the past year under the leadership of a new township trustee, Christopher Francis. His first year has seen a lot of activities that will carry over into 2020. Francis feels fortunate to have Jen Ducey as the township clerk; her vast amount of knowledge is a valuable asset …read more.

SYRACUSE — This was a year of significant upgrade to the equipment and facilities of the Turkey Creek Fire Department. During the year, the fire department oversaw: • Renovations to the department’s two fire stations in Syracuse • Purchase of a new four-wheel-drive pickup truck to replace the department’s previous 2004 two-wheel-drive model • Purchase …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee had a great year. One major project was started while others have been completed. The committee also hired a new executive director. The trail committee is part of the Syracuse-Wawasee Parks Foundation, a not for profit corporation. The committee is comprised of all volunteers who live and work in the …read more.