WARSAW — Once theatre gets into your blood, it’s hard to leave. At least that’s the case for several local community members who are returning again to strut on the stage to present Center Street Community Theatre’s third show, “M*A*S*H,” coming to the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts’ stage in October.

AUBURN — The Auburn Police Department is investigating the disappearance of an adult from Auburn. Auburn is located approximately 24 miles north of Fort Wayne. Carlin F. Carteaux is a 79-year-old, white female, 5’3″ tall, 124 lbs, with gray hair and brown eyes. Carlin F. Carteaux was last seen on Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Auburn, …read more.

WARSAW — Recent news of a local man’s future as The Bachelor has been abuzz throughout the Kosciusko Community. Ben Higgins, formerly of Warsaw, and recent contestant on The Bachelorette, may soon be bringing his search for love back home to Warsaw, where filming scenes for the upcoming season is proposed to take place.

By AUBREY SITZMAN Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau NASHVILLE — Typically known for its beautiful fall foliage, Brown County has been gaining notoriety lately for its world-class mountain biking trails as well. Combining the best of both worlds, the Brown County Epic Mountain Bike Festival not only will showcase Brown County’s exceptional trail systems, …read more.

By ORION LEMLER Triton Junior Miss Board of Directors BOURBON — The Triton Junior Miss board of directors announced the contestants for the 52nd Distinguished Young Woman of Triton at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Tickets to the Indiana Bicentennial-themed show are available from contestants and the night of the show for $6 per person, free for …read more.

FLORENCE, S.C. — Salvors who picked over a Civil War gunboat probably thought the cannons were with the rest of the wreckage in a South Carolina river.

WARSAW — Celebrating the completion of its new 11,000 square feet Warsaw facility, Precision Engineered Products/Trigon held an open house for customers, prospects and Warsaw community, Wednesday, Sept. 30. Preceding the festive event was a ribbon cutting hosted by the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce.

AKRON — Mentone emergency personnel responded to a rollover accident on South 890 West that occurred around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. There were no injuries on the scene, and there was only one individual involved in the rollover.

SYRACUSE — A hastily convened 11th-hour special meeting of the Turkey Creek fire board Wednesday morning, Sept. 30, will save local taxpayers $17,564.

By AMY ACREE And BETHANY HALL, Manchester School Corporation We have created a website entitled readitglobal.com that will launch live Oct. 1. The purpose of readitglobal.com is to encourage readers to read from various genres, and to connect readers from around the globe, as books are shared by using a hashtag. Each month we will …read more.

Lindsay Jancek Communications Director, U.S. House of Representatives WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jackie Walorski announced this week’s honoree for her, “Who’s Who in IN-02,” initiative. During a speech on the House floor, Walorski thanked Fulton County pharmacist, Harry Webb, for his dedication to curbing the meth epidemic that has taken Indiana by storm. Webb, along with the …read more.

SYRACUSE — Indiana Conservation Officers Jonathon Boyd and Dustin Whitehead, along with Kosciusko Lake Patrol Officer Ken Troutman, received national recognition from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for their courageous rescue of seven boaters on Lake Wawasee this summer.

INDIANA — Every year, first responders, highway maintenance crews and tow truck drivers across the country are injured or killed on the job while providing services to motorists along America’s highways. The “Move Over” law aims to improve safety for police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and all roadside emergency and maintenance professionals. The Indiana Department …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Those who love history and being spooked are in luck. There are several haunted walking and bus tours taking place this weekend in downtown Fort Wayne that are sure to intrigue and scare. Haunted Walking Tours This is no ordinary walking tour. Participants will tour downtown Fort Wayne and hear about its dark, bloody past …read more.

WARSAW — Bernie Joe Montileaux, 35, 416 W. Winona Ave., Warsaw, was arrested for assaulting Kosciusko Community Hospital medical personnel while being treated.

WARSAW — Goodwill’s Warsaw Community Career Center will host several free events in October to offer job seekers education opportunities and employment resources.

PIERCETON — Joseph Luis Criswell, 35, was injured after an ATV accident behind his residence Saturday, Sept. 26. He suffered lacerations to his right arm and hand as well as a laceration to the top of his forehead and other scrapes and scratches.

WARSAW — Heartline Pregnancy Center, Inc. invites the community to participate in their annual “Walk for Life/5K” event on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the K21 Health Services Pavilion, Warsaw. Participants can register online at www.friendsofheartline.webs.com.

WARSAW — Police arrested a 28-year-old from Chicago, Ill., on two counts of fraud on a financial institution, a level 5 felony. Jamar D. Beach, 6053 S. Winchester, Chicago, Ill., was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 29.

GRANGER —The ITR Concession Co. announced the beginning of Phase 1 of its Travel Plaza Master Plan on Sept. 28, which will extensively renovate Indiana Toll Road amenities available to travelers. With a budget of more than $30 million, the massive restoration plan includes the demolition and rehabilitation of eight travel plazas. After this project is …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — It is that time of year when fun and excitement descend on North Webster in a big way. It is the North Webster Community Center Heart of the Community Charity Auction & Raffle.

INDIANA — A recent study by WalletHub found several cities in Indiana ranked in the top 515 in the nation for fastest-growing economies. Fort Wayne was listed at number 293 with Columbia, Md., and Norwalk, Conn.; . Others included Fishers, at number 119; Indianapolis, 215; Carmel, 219, tied with Missouri City, Texas; Muncie, 225, tied …read more.

Do you hear that? The sounds of runners, with their panting breaths and sweaty palms. If you run fast enough maybe you can avoid the grievers by barely making it to the maze doors before it begins to change.

WARSAW — Staff from KCH Cancer Care Center, Lutheran Kosciusko EMS, KCH Emergency Care Center and KCH Women’s Imaging Center all gathered today in front of the KCH Cancer Care Center to promote early breast cancer detection and prevention.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Board of School Trustees had a special meeting tonight, Sept. 29, to bring forward the teacher contracts for the 2015-2016 school year.

MICHIANA — “Everybody Has A Story,” the all-volunteer community organization that promotes music events to benefit Michiana charities, announces their second annual concert of music and variety this fall. The date has been set for Friday, October 23, 2015 at O’Laughlin Auditorium on the campus of St. Mary’s College.

INDIANA — As the federal government prepares to close the books on its fiscal year Sept. 30, the Indiana Department of Transportation announces it has invested all $897,920,888.32 in federal highway funds available to Indiana. Funds not assigned to projects by the end of September each year are sent back to Washington D.C., and shared among all U.S. states and territories.

WARSAW — “It is a product for kids, benefiting kids,” said Dave Bazzoni, about “Joe Journeyman – The Only Player To Play For All 32 NFL Teams,” a search and find story, created by two local residents and a local business. Net proceeds from the sale of “Joe Journeyman” products are donated to support “Joe’s Kids” in Warsaw, as well as children’s hospitals such as Riley Hospital for Children.

WARSAW — Bryan Lee Dawson, 38, North Hartzler Street, Warsaw, entered a plea agreement of guilty to criminal confinement as a level 6 felony, and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor.

Admittedly, I love caffeine. Coffee, chai lattes, frappes… really anything that is hot and delivers liquid “energy” to my brain. Upon hearing from a coworker that it was “National Coffee Day,” I naturally had to take a drive into town to get a morning brew. There are several options to enjoy a warm cup of …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Laurel Mitchell was a spirited young girl, part of many community organizations even at such a young age. She was just 17 years old when an unknown killer raped and murdered her, dumping her body in the Elkhart River in Noble County.

WARSAW — Co-ops, internships and careers in the growing orthopedic industry allow students to make a real difference in the world while earning a great payback and enjoying many opportunities to grow and advance. OrthoWorx recently launched the Think Ortho campaign as part of its OrthoWorx Talent Development Initiative. OrthoWorx is spreading the message on …read more.

The 2015 Fishers Renaissance Faire opens on Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. and closes Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.  It is located in Hamilton County at the Klipsch Music Center. Tickets are available online and until Oct. 1. Faire-goers may be able to get advanced early bird tickets, which are $10 for adults, $5 for …read more.

WARSAW — A special exception to allow a home occupation and a variance to allow a second sign, both in residential areas, were unanimously approved by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Monday evening, Sept. 28.

WARSAW — Aristides Palencia Jacinto, 46, 340 E. Levi Lee Road, Warsaw, has been arrested on three counts of child molesting, level 4 felonies. He was arrested Sunday evening and held on $15,250 surety bond in the Kosciusko County Jail.

Syracuse Eagles is holding a fundraising pork chop dinner to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Kosciusko County headquartered in Warsaw. The dinner will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Syracuse Eagles location behind Wawasee High School, 12889 N. Kern Road.

[weaver_youtube kFEgMcp-cYo rel=0]   WARSAW — Police officers are mandated to receive specific training each year. This costs departments money to send officers to training classes, not only for class fees and mileage, but also comp time for the officers. For small departments it can be expensive. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers Travis Shively, Kevin …read more.

PIERCETON — Bowen Center has officially broken ground for its new location on Pequinot Drive, Pierceton. The building will be a new inpatient unit. Site work plans are expected to be finished within the next two to three weeks. Construction is set to begin this winter. The goal is to have the building erected by March and the …read more.

CROMWELL — Syracuse Police and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s officers responded to a call of a stabbing at 11970 N. Camelot Lane East, Cromwell, in Enchanted Hills. After Syracuse Police and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department officers arrived on scene, they confirmed it was not a stabbing, but a domestic dispute.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Eagles is holding a fundraising pork chop dinner to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Kosciusko County. The dinner will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Syracuse Eagles, 12889 N Kern Road, Syracuse. The dinner will feature broasted pork chops, baked potato, vegetables and a roll.  The cost is …read more.

MENTONE — Kosciusko County took part in another DUI checkpoint during the weekend of Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27. With at least one officer from nearly every police department in the county, the checkpoint ran from 10 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Sunday and ended in two arrests.

GARY — The Gary Police Department is investigating the disappearance of an adult from Gary, Ind., and a regional silver alert has been issued.

LEESBURG — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an incident that occurred early Sunday morning. Around 2 a.m. Dominic Fisher, 32, Milford and Tiffany Fugate, 22, Auburn were stationary sitting on board a 15-foot aluminum fishing boat on Lake Tippecanoe.

NEW BUFFALO, Mich. — The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ Four Winds New Buffalo is pleased to announce a concert by REO Speedwagon at its Silver Creek Event Center at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2. Hotel and dinner packages will also be available on the night of the concert.

MILFORD — Milford Public Library will celebrate Teen Read Week, from Oct. 18-24, with a selfie station for teens and refreshments on Wednesday, Oct. 21, after school until 6 p.m. in the teen area of the library.

SOUTH BEND – The South Shore Line could be suspending service come Jan. 1.

PIERCETON — Pierceton Fire Department will host a Fire Prevention Week Open House from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. The event is in partnership with Paragon Medical and the American Red Cross. The event is geared toward all ages for a night of fun and interactive learning.

By ELLEN MOLINA Senior Publicist, Heron Agency CHICAGO — Fresh off the success of their September live entertainment and dining events, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, 1 W. Wacker Drive, continues to impress with an array of unique happenings throughout October. Showcasing vibrant Chicago talent and offering a twist on typical social hours, Renaissance’s weekly events instill …read more.

WARSAW – Registration is still going on for a 5K event being sponsored by the Kosciusko County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 149.

WARSAW — A prior criminal history, including federal charges, netted a Milford man with the mandatory sentence for dealing cocaine.

PIERCETON — Northern Indiana Cooperative Invasive Management will host an invasive Species Field Day from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 17. The event will be at the Koinonia Nature Preserve, Pierceton.

FORT WAYNE — Join Science Central Saturday, Oct. 3, as they put the science in science fiction. As part of Science Central’s 20th anniversary activities, the science center will host a special event celebrating science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comic books and more.

ELKHART COUNTY — A Sidney teen has been arrested on three preliminary felony charges after he lead police on a chase Saturday near the intersection of CR 17 and the Indiana Toll Road.

GOSHEN — Lindi Ortega is coming to Ignition Music Garage, voted Top Ten Favorite Venue by the Americana music association Saturday, October 10. Opening is Smooth Hound Smith.

NORTH WEBSTER — Two people were transported to hospitals and one person was arrested following a boating accident at 2 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, on Lake Tippecanoe.

BLOOMINGTON —REO Speedwagon will be coming to the IU Auditorium, presented by New Covenant Productions at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.

SYRACUSE — During the regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, of the school board for the Wawasee Community School Corp., among the agenda items will be consideration of the renewal of the contract for Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent.

TERRE HAUTE — Grammy Award-winning country icon Kenny Rogers today announced his retirement following a 2016 tour. Rogers will perform live in Terre Haute, Indiana at ISU Hulman Center Monday, Nov. 30. Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets.

SYRACUSE — Indiana Conservation Officers are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) in a hit and run boat accident which occurred on Lake Wawasee at 1 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. Witnesses heard a loud crash at Pier 52 off of Ogden Point Road at 1 a.m. and heard two men’s voices. The suspect boat …read more.

A dire warning greets guests when they first enter the haunted house. WARSAW — Unwary guests are invited to the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in October, where they will experience sights, sounds and even smells that will send a chill down their spine. Greeting “victims” at the door will be the Soul Taker himself, ushering them into …read more.

WARSAW — Being a YouTuber is a hobby for many, but for lifetime Syracuse resident Aaron Bushong, it’s a professional nine to five job. Bushong, who works for Jas. Townsend and Sons, spends most of his days editing and producing videos for his business’ popular YouTube channel.

WINONA LAKE — Football season is in full swing and what better way to celebrate and raise awareness than a community-size tailgate celebration. Joe’s Kids held its first-ever tailgate and auction Saturday evening, Sept. 26, at the Winona Lake Trails meadow, Winona Lake. Guests donned their sportswear and enjoyed a casual, tailgate-themed dinner while a live band entertained. A …read more.

[weaver_youtube cwe9I7bwaDc rel=0] WARSAW — Sarah Jane Gibbs, Warsaw, would have turned 35 two days ago, Thursday, Sept. 24, but she never got the chance. Last December, just a few days before Christmas, Gibbs was murdered and her house set on fire. The killer is still at large. Saturday afternoon, Sept. 26, family and friends of …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Heart of the Harvest Fall Festival is off to a great start this afternoon, Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Mermaid Festival fairgrounds. Families from around the local communities are joining in the fun until 4 p.m. today.

WARSAW — If you walk the halls at Eisenhower Elementary, it is nearly impossible to not find something to be impressed with. The school blends fundamental education, a love of arts and expression and advancements with STEM education to enhance student learning across all subjects. InkFreeNews recently had the opportunity to visit the school and …read more.

WARSAW — Approximately 240 Cub Scouts from throughout northeast Indiana have gathered this Saturday morning, Sept. 25, for the last of four racing events in the 15th annual Lincolnway Cub Mobile Race. The event has scouts from throughout northeast Indiana competing one-on-one in homemade race cars, vying for first place in six classes, including featherweight, bantam, middle weight, fly weight, heavyweight …read more.

AKRON — Typically, the response I receive from people when asked if they would ever want to be a bus driver is, “No way!” Everyone knows how critical transporting students to and from school is to the success of students. Many imagine how difficult it is to accomplish this task especially taking into consideration the conditions of our roads in the winter months, student behavior, and a lack of parental support. But, our bus drivers still get the job done day in and day out.

BOURBON — Vincent G. Winieckie Jr., Elkhart, was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated early this morning, Saturday, Sept. 26, by Bourbon Police. He was taken to the Marshall County Jail and held on a cash bond of $3,000 due to a prior conviction of OWI within five years and being on probation. Bourbon …read more.

FORT WAYNE — A single engine, fixed wing airplane crashed early this morning, Saturday, Sept. 26, in the 1400 block of Ludwig Park Drive, just south of Smith Field, injuring one of its believed two occupants.

CLAYPOOL — A driver was transported Saturday, Sept. 26, with non-life threatening injuries after rolling his vehicle down an embankment near Claypool. According to police reports, Joshua L. England. 40, of Rochester, was driving on SR 15 south of Warsaw when an animal ran into the path of his vehicle. England swerved to miss the …read more.

CLAYPOOL — Crews are responding to a rollover accident on SR 15 near CR 800S, Claypool.

WARSAW — Initial hearings, for those individuals, arrested are normally routine: charges read, constitutional rights explained, sentencing terms, status of an attorney and future court dates set. Normally the hearings last no more than 15 minutes. However, an initial hearing Thursday for one individual resulted in the initial hearing being anything but routine.

WINONA LAKE — Part of Grace College & Seminary’s annual homecoming events, today five outstanding men and women received various alumni awards for their accomplishments.

SYRACUSE — You hear them coming? The screams of warriors as they roam through this world. You can feel the passion, taste the pride, see the strength and smell the endurance. Warrior blood is in their veins. Recently, Wawasee High School has experienced grave loss. In the past three years the world has lost five of our mighty warriors.

ELLINWOOD, KAN — Around 9:46 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, police were called to the area of Northeast 10 Road and Northeast 120 Avenue near Ellinwood. They found an abandoned vehicle in the roadway, which was impounded by deputies.

CHICAGO — One woman in the Chicago area is asking for people to share a random act of kindness that she recently witnessed in a McDonald’s restaurant.

By STACEY STAGNER Communications Coordinator, South Shore CVA HAMMOND — A full-size replica of the train that carried President Abraham Lincoln’s body across the United States more than 150 years ago will be on display at the Indiana Welcome Center Thursday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 11. The Lincoln Funeral Train has attracted thousands of …read more.

WARSAW — Come and celebrate the Kosciusko County Historical Society’s 50 years of preserving county history at its 50th annual Dinner. The event will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw.

Who doesn’t remember visiting old friends, experiencing exciting adventures, traveling to new worlds — all courtesy of that glorious art form known as the comic book? First appearing in the United States in 1933, the comic book has remained a steadfast mainstay of literary entertainment for young and old alike. Every Sept. 25, we celebrate …read more.

[weaver_youtube MXBtDMl16JI rel=0]   WARSAW — While it is common for college campuses to swarm with students who are thinking about their futures, it is not so common for those students to be elementary school age. Friday morning, Sept. 25, Warsaw’s Ivy Tech campus hosted kindergarten through second-grade students from throughout Kosciusko County for “Walk Into My …read more.

WARSAW — A man serving his sentence in work release, walked away from the facility on Monday, Sept. 21 and was charged with escape Thursday.

ELKHART — Woodlawn Nature Center is hosting a Creatures of the Night Festival from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 10. Families can take a hike along Woodlawn’s Woods to learn about creatures of the night and gather a few treats.

NEW BUFFALO — The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ Four Winds Casinos are pleased to announce that W Club members can win a 2015 Tesla Model S or a share of over $25,000 Saturday, Oct. 17.

WARSAW — Over 900 students from 39 classrooms in Kosciusko County participated in the Center for Lakes & Streams’ annual Field Days Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24 and 25 at Lucerne Park. The Center for Lakes & Streams partnered with local volunteers, local DNR officers, and Grace College elementary education students to make the event a success.

Following a lengthy 2014 world tour that hopscotched the Atlantic and entertained thousands on the globe’s most prestigious stages, Broken Bells will bring their acclaimed live show to living rooms across the country. “Broken Bells: Live at the Orpheum Theater” showcases James Mercer and Brian Burton’s beautiful live performance that was shot during an Oct. …read more.

WARSAW — The best time to start a garden project at a site that is sod is the year before. If it is a site with unplanted soil, you can start planning the garden right away.

WARSAW — Mariners Drive, Warsaw, will be completely closed to traffic from Husky Trail to Lynn Lane on Saturday, Sept. 26, according to a construction update on the Mariners Drive Rehabilitation. The rehabilitation project is from Husky Trail to west of North Pointe Drive.

Weekly picks of local prep, college and pro football games from IFN sports writer Nick Goralczyk.

WARSAW — Warsaw Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126 has two new murals honoring those who have served in America’s armed forces. The murals were dedicated Thursday evening, Sept. 24, with VFW personnel and city, county and Kosciusko chamber personnel gathered. Each mural was dedicated separately, with its own ribbon cutting. As crowds gathered, the Extension …read more.

SYRACUSE — No one was injured when a truck, boat and trailer slid into the channel Tuesday in Syracuse.

WARSAW – The Kosciusko County Democratic Party cordially invites the public to its annual 2015 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. This year’s theme is “We Can Do Better!”

WARSAW — A 14-year-old male, found to be a juvenile delinquent in Kosciusko Juvenile Court, received an undisclosed term on probation Thursday morning. The juvenile was charged with four counts of child molesting.

Matthew Gene Wagoner WARSAW — It was an incredibly emotional day in Kosciusko Superior Court III today as presiding Judge Joe Sutton passed down the sentence of Matthew Gene Wagoner, 30, formerly of North Webster. Wagoner faced numerous charges in relation to a crash Sunday, July 20, 2014, that claimed the life of a Pennsylvania …read more.

WARSAW — For the youngest students in Kosciusko County, college will be something they no longer have to just imagine — it will be a place they have visited and seen for themselves. On Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, every kindergarten through second grade student in Kosciusko County will visit Ivy Tech for a day full of activities and fun. Students will celebrate the efforts they have been making to “Walk Into My Future.”

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Historical Society has published a new book titled “That’s Life, Stories of Kosciusko County.” This fun-filled, 226-page book is available now from the Old Jail Museum in Warsaw.

INDIANAPOLIS — On the heels of strong U.S. ticket sales for its first leg of tour dates, and by popular demand, an additional 65 cities and 100 performances have been announced for Peppa Pig’s first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash.

WARSAW — Alongside the recent release of Joe Journeyman, The Party Shop in Warsaw will be hosting a fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3. The shop will be working in conjunction with iDNA, Warsaw, to raise money for Joe’s Kids Foundation using iDNA’s new book “Joe Journeyman.”

Autumn air is blowing into Kosciusko bringing with it the change in leaves, the emergence of the fabled “pumpkin spice latte,” fall fare and most exciting of all, fall festivals. On Oct. 3, Winona Lake will welcome guests of all ages for an Oktoberfest celebration. The event, which honors Germany’s longest running celebration, will kick …read more.

Here is the entertainment listing for this weekend. To have an event added to the list, please email [email protected] with the what, when, where and cost.

On Friday, Oct. 2, downtown Warsaw will be adorned with art all around the courthouse square. Both seasoned artist and artist-hopefuls are invited to attend the event, titled “Art-tober,” and celebrate their inner artist. As usual, First Friday will be held from 5-9 p.m. Music will begin at the center stage at 6 p.m. with …read more.