By ALYSSA SCHMUCKER The North Webster Lioness Club is planning the 70th annual Mermaid Festival cutie contest. This year the theme is “Back to the 70s.” One of the more popular events of the festival is the Cutie Queen and King pageant. This pageant is open to girls and boys between the ages of 4 …read more.

An exception and a variance were approved at Thursday night’s Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. A petition for National Oil and Gas Inc. was approved. The property is located at 1200 S. Huntington St. A petition for an exception is to allow a temporary remediation trailer to be placed on a commercial tract of …read more.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement advising of patchy, dense fog in the area this morning. Visibility may be reduced to as little as a quarter mile in some places, especially in rural and low lying areas. NWS advises be prepared for rapid changes in visibility. Be sure to allow plenty of …read more.

Lake City Bank, the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:LKFN), announced today that the bank was included in the KBW Bank Honor Roll published by Keefe Bruyette & Woods (KBW). This represents the fourth consecutive year that the bank has been included in the KBW Honor Roll. Lake City Bank is one of …read more.

[weaver_youtube Mh5yx0Osf7w rel=0] AKRON – For some, the thought of soccer at Tippecanoe Valley is unthinkable. The school has never had it, or really ever had the game in the area. But the dream for others is becoming a reality as the official groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday afternoon at the school grounds for the …read more.

By TAMMY SEIBOLD Class Act Dance Troupe brings their award winning pieces to the Warsaw Community High School performing arts center at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19. This non-profit performing company was created in 1986 to provide students with additional opportunities to utilize their dance training and has grown into much more. The company of …read more.

Last Friday afternoon, April 10, the Indiana State Police Department held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis. The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements, deeds of self sacrifice and accomplishments that all too often go without the proper recognition. Ninety employees from Indiana State Police Department from around the state were honored. They were recognized …read more.

Representative Jackie Walorski made the following statement after H.R. 1105, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015, passed the House by a vote of 240-179: “For too long, the death tax has undermined small businesses and the life savings of farmers across Indiana and has become the number one reason why family-owned businesses aren’t passed down …read more.

By AMANDA ZAMBRANO Master Gardener (EDITOR’S NOTE: Amanda Zambrano is the director of advancement at Grace Village Retirement Community. She is a master gardener intern, just learning the ins and outs of successful gardening. Along with her master gardener volunteering, Amanda serves on the board of directors for the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, …read more.

The Warsaw Redevelopment Commission will host a special meeting at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 20. The meeting will be held in the city council chambers. The special meeting will be to take action on Resolution 2015-04-03. This resolution authorizes the execution of a lease between the redevelopment commission and the newly formed Warsaw Redevelopment Authority.

For most, meeting a life-long hero is the thing of legend. For Sam Weller however, meeting his hero was the beginning of a new world of possibilities. Yesterday at 4 p.m., the author visited the Warsaw Community Public Library to discuss his life pursuit of his favorite author. Weller states his love for author Ray …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. Warsaw Barbee Landing Free jukebox and karaoke – Friday, April 17 Warsaw Community Publice Library Scott Workman: A Classical Guitar Recital – 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18 Rex’s Rendezvous …read more.

Rumors of Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, filing an injunction against Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, from purchasing Multi-Township EMS, appear to be just that. Tony Doyle, operations division chief for Multi-Township EMS, states he has heard the same rumors. “There’s a lot of information floating around … We have not been served any papers and neither …read more.

Wednesday’s Silver Lake Town Council meeting saw the announcement that the Sediment Removal Planning Grant had been approved through the Department of Natural Resources. Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer Tonya Conley showed everyone present the areas that she and DNR representative Doug Nusbaum came up with, before asking the Silver Lake residents to let her know of other …read more.

By JUDY FLEMING Local children’s author, Rowena Womack, is flying high. That’s because two of her books, “Popcorn” and “Yellowstone Moose” have been selected by Southwest Airlines eBook content provider, JetBooks, for their new in-flight eBook catalog. The Southwest Airlines eBook store has recently finished beta testing and is scheduled to go fleet wide on …read more.

Those growing up in Silver Lake may remember The Igloo, operated by Forrest “Toby” and Marie Heckaman from 1959 to 1975. Their step-granddaughter, Marilyn McDonald, has brought back not only The Igloo but an ice cream stand to Silver Lake. Located at 108 W. Main St., visitors may notice a little Eskimo in the shop’s logo, …read more.

Bullying is a problem schools have dealt with for multiple generations. To varying degrees from school to school, there are students who choose to intimidate, taunt or threaten other students. But with the increasing use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and others, it has opened a door for forms of bullying that previously …read more.

A Cromwell teenager and Syracuse adult were injured in a one-vehicle accident Wednesday evening north of Syracuse. Macey Taylor, 17, Cromwell, suffered abrasions to the chest and complained of back pain. A passenger in her vehicle, Michael Cavender, 48, Syracuse, suffered a laceration to the back of the head. Both were taken to IU Goshen …read more.

South Bend officers are currently searching for a South Bend woman who has been missing since early Sunday morning. According to officials, 22-year-old Alma Del Real has not been seen since being dropped off at her home by a friend at 3:30 a.m. Sunday after visiting a South Bend club. According to information from the …read more.

Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Alyssa Lowe, marketing and communications manager of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a National Institute Scholarship. Given to professionals across the country, the National Institute Scholarships recognize each recipient for their involvement …read more.

American Idol®, the most successful music competition show in television history, returns this summer with an unprecedented 14th consecutive national tour. The 37-show concert tour launches Tuesday, July 7 in Clearwater, Fla., and stops in major cities, including Indianapolis, New York, Chicago, Houston and Nashville before wrapping in Riverside, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 28 . …read more.

By MEGAN FIZER Ball State University Audiences of all ages will enjoy a wide variety of movement styles and interpretations of music by The Beatles as part of Ball State University’s dance concert, “All You Need Is Love.” The production comes to the University Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. April 22 through 25. “We chose …read more.

Brooke S. Kelly, 24, Lura Circle, Milford, was airlifted by Samaritan Helicopter to a Fort Wayne hospital after suffering a fracture/dislocation of the knee/lower leg in a one-vehicle accident. The accident was at 3:15 p.m. on CR 500E, north of CR 650N, near North Webster. Police report Kelly was southbound on CR 500E, north of …read more.

Barbara L. Dunbar, 62, East CR 500N, Gorvertown and Taylor L. Whitaker, 40, North SR 15, Warsaw, were injured in an accident at 5:17 p.m. Tuesday, April 14. The accident was on West US 30, at CR 150W, Warsaw. Dunbar complained of back pain and Whitaker complained of pain to the chest. Both were transported …read more.

By HILLARY HENRY Purdue Research Foundation Caktus Music Inc., a mobile music app that allows people to connect with friends and find new music through a unique social network, has added a global leader in music streaming, Spotify, to its list of supported music platforms. Caktus was co-founded by Keith Williams, a Purdue University alumnus. …read more.

Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:LKFN), parent company of Lake City Bank, announced that the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend for the first quarter of 2015 of $0.245 per share, payable on May 5 to shareholders of record as of April 25. The quarterly dividend represents a 17 percent increase over the quarterly dividends …read more.

Photos from April’s “First Friday” have been added on our Area Photos posts on InkFreeNews.com. The number of photos appearing in Area Photos, which debuted on InkFreeNews.com in early March, is continuing to grow. We’ve even changed the format to make it easier to view photos from specific events. Check it out. Additional photos from …read more.

UPDATE: Christy L. Gano, 35, West CR 1300S, Silver Lake, complained of pain to the neck after a rear-end collision Wednesday. The accident was at 2:59 p.m. at West Prairie Street and South Buffalo Street. She was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital. Nicholas R. Colquitt, 16, EMS T26B Lane, Leesburg, was eastbound on Prairie Street …read more.

UPDATE: The statewide Silver Alert was cancelled as of 2:25 p.m. Victor A. Weekley has been located.   A statewide silver alert has been declared. The LaPorte County Sheriff is investigating the disappearance of an adult from Wanatah, approximately 13 miles east of Valparaiso. Victor A. Weekley is a 76-year-old white male, 5 feet 10 …read more.

Brock Spangle and Kendra Miller have been named the valedictorian and salutatorian for the class of 2015 at Wawasee High School. Spangle is the son of Brian and Tamie Spangle, Leesburg. He plans to attend either Taylor or Manchester universities majoring in biology premed. Is is a member of the Warrior Leadership Committee, National Honor …read more.

By DENNIS ROSEBROUGH Communication Director, Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann joined 24 other Lt. Governors in a letter to President Obama opposing the administration’s proposed budget cuts for the National Guard. The 2016 Army budget eliminates 8,000 Army National Guard positions. The letter states: “As a unique state based military …read more.

By VINCE ROBINSON American Red Cross The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make a difference in the lives of patients this spring by giving blood. Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are …read more.

By VALERIA FISHER Adult Program Administrator, Warsaw Community Public Library On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor and Confederate sympathizer, fatally shot President Abraham Lincoln at a play at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. Warsaw Community Public Library will host Dave Ehlert of Branson, Mo., who will portray Lincoln in a live …read more.

  The Center for Lakes and Streams at Grace College is hosting their annual Wonderful Water Student Art contest. Each April, fourth graders through high school students from school districts of Kosciusko County are invited to submit their depiction of our local waterways. Artists with winning entries receive cash prizes and the privilege of having …read more.

As of noon today, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for northern Indiana. The warning indicates critical fire conditions are occurring. Winds up to 20 mph out of the east combined with relatively low humidity means wildfires could start easily and spread quickly. Burning is not recommended throughout the afternoon and …read more.

Taking inspiration from two main characters Claudio Sanchez’s fictional works, prog-rock band Coheed and Cambria from New York, US who since formation in 1995 have steadily climbed to the top of the ranks while achieving global success with their Children of the Fence firmly by their side. With the new millennia came new direction encapsulated …read more.

Representative Jackie Walorski announced today she will run for re-election to Indiana’s Second Congressional District. She also announced she raised over $250,000 in the first fundraising quarter of 2015, putting her cash on hand at $453,000. “Serving Hoosiers in the 2nd District is truly a privilege and one of the greatest honors I’ve had,” said …read more.

The Warsaw Community High School Band Department will present its annual “Showcase Concert” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the WCHS Performing Arts Center. The WCHS Concert Band and WCHS Wind Ensemble will each perform a program that they’ve prepared for Indiana State School Music Association competitions in the coming weeks. Admission to the Showcase …read more.

To showcase the diversity and abundance of global culture on campus, the Office of International Education at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) presents “Around the World in an Evening” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16 in the Walb Union International Ballroom. The event will feature examples of song, dance, spoken word, and traditional dress …read more.

Word on a land acquisition grant application by the Warsaw Municipal Airport with the Federal Aviation Association will be received in two to three weeks. The request is for a $534,600 grant from the FAA. The update was provided by Ken Ross, NGC Corporation, airport engineer, during the monthly meeting of the Warsaw Board of …read more.

Last night the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds came alive with the sights, sounds and smells of local agriculture. Celebrating its 17th year, A Taste of Agriculture in Kosciusko County brought droves of families out for samplings of local food, family fun and some education. The local agricultural community hosted a free dinner consisting of cheese, pork, …read more.

  Syracuse Dry Cleaners has been a downtown Syracuse staple for approximately 42 years; however, it will be closing its doors Saturday, May 9. “Times have changed,” said Pam Benson, who currently operates the business along with her husband, Jim, noting people do not dry clean like they used to. The business — originally on …read more.

Tuesday night’s Etna Green Town Council meeting saw town Clerk-Treaurer Laura Baker propose the idea of creating a website for the town that would not only be a database for ordinances, but also a way for residents to pay their  bills online. The council unanimously agreed that the idea was worth further exploration. The council …read more.

There are still some spots available for the spring mommy and son dance. It is being held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive. Reservations are required but admission will be collected at the door. To reserve your spot call Babes & Combs Hair Salon between …read more.

Much important information on the upcoming spring and summer seasons was shared at the general membership meeting of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Monday at the North Webster American Legion Post 253. Secretary Jen Ducey, Tippecanoe Township, presided. North Webster has a new Mexican cuisine restaurant opening Thursday. It is Patinos Mexican Food …read more.

  UPDATE: Melissa A. Long, 40, EMS W23 Lane, North Webster, refused medical treatment after complaining of pain to the head, following a two-vehicle accident at Lake City Highway and South CR 250E , near Warsaw Tuesday evening. The accident occurred at 9:45 p.m. Police report Renee C. Rowland, 16, North Lincoln Park, Warsaw, was …read more.

After a taxing and somewhat unusual trial by jury in Superior Court III, jurors reached a verdict in just under 15 minutes. Following hours of shouting, profanity and disrespect from the self-represented Aubrey Coy, 35, of 4865 E. 1000N, Syracuse, the jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict for interference with custody, a class D felony. Just …read more.

UPDATE: Barbara L. Dunbar, 62, East CR 500N, Gorvertown and Taylor L. Whitaker, 40, North SR 15, Warsaw, were injured in an accident at 5:17 p.m. Tuesday, April 14. The accident was on West US 30, at CR 150W. Dunbar complained of back pain and Whitaker complained of pain to the chest. Both were transported …read more.

All Things New, a proposed addiction treatment and rehabilitation facility for women, was granted approval by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday in Warsaw. The facility had previously been granted approval by the BZA to build on a parcel of land in Tippecanoe Township, but later learned a …read more.

An accident at 2:25 p.m. Sunday at Detroit Street and Anchorage Road remains under investigation by Warsaw City Police. Three people were injured in the accident and transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital. Injured were James Britt, 32, Warsaw, suffering from a back injury; and Megan Slone, 25, Milford, and Cody Hale, 26, North Webster, injuries …read more.

By HANNAH SCHUTTER Marketing Director, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts In order to properly kick off Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts’ 60th season, the performing arts center will host a new kind of fundraiser. On May 18, community members and lovers of the arts are invited to attend a red carpet reception and …read more.

Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Kent Abernathy, is reminding Hoosiers to register their Motor Driven Cycles, commonly referred to as scooters or mopeds, in order to be in compliance with the new law which went into effect Jan. 1. The law divides MDCs into two classes and requires registration, credentials and …read more.

The chambers of Superior Court III are ringing today with profanity, shouting and fantastical claims. Aubrey Coy, 35, of 4865 E CR 1000N, Syracuse, is standing trial today for the interference of a custody order, a class D felony. Just over a year ago, Coy led Michigan police on a high speed pursuit after abducting …read more.

A Friday afternoon theft spree at GNC, Big R and Staples in Warsaw and Dunham Sporting Goods in Columbia City resulted in the arrest of Ralph Cowing, 36, 13011 Cocoplum Court, Fort Wayne. He was preliminarily charged with theft and resisting law enforcement. His bond was set at $2,000 surety. Additional charges are pending. Events …read more.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board heard committee and department reports at the meeting Monday evening. Jerry Riffle reported the tree board continues to work on planting sites for the parks. Riffle also provided information about the black walnut twig beetle which was found in Indiana for the first time last week. Department reports were presented …read more.

Davion Marquis Washington, 25, 111 S. Wood St., Warsaw, was arrested early this morning on preliminary charges of strangulation and battery causing bodily injury. He is being held on $2,000 surety bond. Warsaw Police Lt. Kip Shuter reports Kelsie M. Miller, 20, came to Warsaw Police Department at approximately 11:34 p.m. to report being strangled …read more.

Looks like comedy couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally will be performing in Indianapolis after all. At the end of March, when Gov. Mike Pence brazenly signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act – despite an outcry of opposition from all over the country – Offerman tweeted that the couple’s May 16 stop at the Old …read more.

Milford Town Council had its monthly meeting Monday evening to discuss a wide range of issues from an overall Milford town study to the hiring of lifeguards and concessionaires at the town park. The public input session first heard from Trisha Gall, Milford Lions Club representative, who informed the council the Lions are accepting donations …read more.

Agreements with Consolidated Fleet Services and FireCatt Precision Service Testing were approved at the monthly meeting of the Warsaw- Wayne Township Fire Protection Territory Board on Monday. CFS will be performing the required annual inspection of the department’s ladder truck at a cost of $945. This test must be completed yearly to comply with NFPA …read more.

The Kosciusko County Community Corrections Advisory Board appears to be on track to receive state funding for a community corrections program. This program will provide alternatives to imprisonment not currently offered in the county. Kosciusko County was one of eight counties in the state not participating in the state-wide community corrections alternatives. Kristen Banschbach, an …read more.

After nearly six months in the draft stage, a zoning ordinance pertaining to vision clearance, fences and accessory structures will move forward. But the ordinance will not include any language, at this point, pertaining to fences in front yards. The action to move ahead was taken at the Warsaw Plan Commission meeting Monday evening. Jeremy …read more.

By ALLEN COBLENTZ Engineering and Technology Teacher, Wawasee High School The Wawasee Supermilage team successfully competed in the 2015 Shell Eco-Marathon over spring break. Three cars successfully completed the new road course in Detroit, bringing home two trophies and prize money. The gasoline vehicle placed 10th, obtaining 724 miles per gallon. The ethanol vehicle placed …read more.

Monday night’s Mentone Town Council meeting saw apologies made for the heated exchange that occurred during March’s meeting (see: Heated Exchange Fuels Mentone Town Council Meeting). Council Member Jill Gross started the meeting by stating, “Last month’s meeting got out of hand and was embarrassing to the whole town and to the council. I am …read more.

A request from Area Plan Commission to rezone a residential property in Pierceton turned into a heated debate at last night’s town council meeting. It started out amicably enough. Dan Richard from APC brought the proposal to the board. The tract of land, situated just south of US 30 near Mill Street, is currently zoned …read more.

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZMH) (“Zimmer”) announced today that the “outside date” for completing the proposed merger pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated April 24, 2014, among Zimmer, Owl Merger Sub, Inc. and LVB Acquisition, Inc., the parent company of Biomet, Inc. (“Biomet”), has been extended from …read more.

Did you know a quick internet search on local media sites using the keywords “Child Molestation” will reveal that our local community has had 11 different adults arrested, charged, convicted and/or pleaded guilty to child molestation in the last 24 months? This means at least 11 children are now beginning the challenge of healing from …read more.

UPDATE: Brooke S. Kelly, 24, Lura Circle, Milford, was airlifted by Samaritan Helicopter to a Fort Wayne hospital after suffering a fracture/dislocation of the knee/lower leg in a one-vehicle accident. The accident was at 3:15 p.m. on CR 500E, north of CR 650N, near North Webster. Police report Kelly was southbound on CR 500E, north …read more.

The Arthur Gilbert Family was a recipient of the Hoosier Homestead Award and was recognized as a centennial farm. The family farm is in Kosciusko County. The Arthur Gilbert farm, of Kosciusko County, was one of 63 families receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award from Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director …read more.

The Market Street project is currently in the Engineering phase. (Photos by Jarrett Van Meter) Warsaw will undergo some major changes in the coming years, all of which should improve residents’ ability to get around town and the surrounding area. According to Jeremy Skinner of the Warsaw Planning Department, the goal for the Husky Trail …read more.

  A few Wawasee High School students will literally be crawling into a hole, but it’s not because of anything they’ve done wrong. Instead, it’s part of the National Land Judging Contest May 5-7 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Four Wawasee students — Mason Germonprez, senior, Kevin Schlipf, senior, Conner Sausaman, junior, and Jared Templin, junior, …read more.

Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, will be at the University of Notre Dame on Tuesday afternoon to meet with private business, philanthropic, academic and elected officials from the Regional Cities of Northern Indiana group to discuss how working together as a region is going to change Northern Indiana’s economy and boost …read more.

By DARLA MCCAMMON Lakeland Art Association Artists, like most people, come in all sizes, shapes, and personalities. Some get very pompous about their talent, never realizing it is a gift, and others remain humble and share their riches generously. Artist Bev Garner is one of the latter. A beautiful person inside and out, Garner has …read more.

A special weekend along with a worship celebration and canoe picnic is planned Aug. 28-30 at Camp Mack in celebration of it’s 90th anniversary. Camp Mack is located on Waubee Lake, south of Milford. All who have attended Camp Mack for any event are welcome “Back To Mack” to share with others as the camp …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine today announced the 36rd Annual Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Camp will be held in June and July again this year. There will be two camp session. The first session will be June 23-26 at Pine Creek Camp in Pine Village, in Warren County, serving the northern part of the state. …read more.

Major street work on East Market Street is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of May 4 and continue through mid-October. Through traffic must use Center Street or Jefferson Street for east and west travel, and Bronson Street or Argonne Road for north and south travel. Businesses will remain open during construction and can be …read more.

The Indiana State Fair announces four headline acts for this year’s Shane Co. Concert Series at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum during the 2015 Indiana State Fair – Year of the Farmer presented by Dow AgroScience. Tickets for all four shows will go on sale this at 10 a.m. Friday, April 17 to the general public. …read more.

A bomb threat at 3:33 a.m. this morning caused the evacuation of Zimmer Plant 10 in Boggs Industrial Park. According to Warsaw Police Department Lt. Kip Shuter, a phone call was received from a digitally altered male voice reporting the threat. The caller allegedly stated “I will not tell you when it will detonate, but …read more.

Authorities are currently responding to an accident on Detroit Street, near Anchorage Road, in Warsaw. The driver reportedly collided with the computer system box on the side of the road, causing the traffic lights at the intersection to temporarily lose power.

Authorities are currently responding to a two vehicle accident on SR 13, near CR 500S, in Pierceton. The accident was reportedly the result of a head-on collision. Two individuals involved were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Kosciusko The following individuals were arrested and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: April 11 Moriah Morgan Hambright, 25, 2619 E. 2nd St., Bloomington, arrested for possession of meth and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $2,000 surety. Matthew Steven Murphy, 38, 19 EMS B1 Lane, Leesburg, arrested for operating while intoxicated, possession of paraphernalia and possession …read more.

Area leading from the main fairgrounds down to the livestock area. “I keep hearing around town that the fair will be closed… we are going to be open, everything will be as usual,” stated Tony Zimmerman, Kosciusko Community Fair board president this afternoon. The Kosciusko County Community Fair Inc. had a lawsuit filed against it …read more.

Stephen Ledgerwood, 25, North Webster, is in the Miami County Jail on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (narcotic), participating in a speed contest, and auto theft. He was arrested after police clocked his vehicle traveling 111 miles per hour on US 24 Thursday evening. Indiana State Trooper Steven Glass and officers from …read more.

By NICHOLE HACHA-THOMAS Media Relations Director, INDOT Northeast District The smell of spring is in the air — and for many that means it’s time to start spring cleaning. The Indiana Department of Transportation gets in on the spring cleaning action with its annual Trash Bash along Hoosier roadways. Trash Bash 2015 will begin on …read more.

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has extended today’s wind advisory to 8 p.m. for Kosciusko and surrounding counties. According to the NWS, strong west winds between 25 and 35 mph are expected with frequent gusts up to 45 mph are expected later this afternoon and into the early evening. The NWS warns that …read more.

UPDATE: Approximately 15 fiberglas truck cabs were destroyed at the former Mike Gill Auto and Truck Parts Friday afternoon. Firefighters were at the scene for several hours. No injuries were reported. Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Chief Mike Brubaker reported employees were in the process of doing torch work on a truck cab, when the grass caught …read more.

Trent A. Faulkner, 28, Syracuse, has been arrested by Noble County authorities for false reporting after he reported an active shooter in Brimfield Thursday. That report brought a heavy police response. A press release from the Noble County Sheriff’s Department reports at approximately 12:46 p.m. Noble County Communications received a 911 call from a man …read more.

Saturday volunteers will take to the street to distribute yard signs to support the WCS Building Referendum. Friends of Warsaw Community Schools, a non-profit, privately funded support group for the proposed referendum to rebuild Lincoln Elementary and repair Washington Elementary and Edgewood Middle School, will be distributing yard signs to residents throughout the county. At 9 a.m. Saturday, …read more.

The Board of Trustees of the Nappanee Public Library will meet in regular session at 7 a.m. Thursday, April 23, at 157 N. Main St. The public is invited to attend.

Wabash native Michael Palascak will head back to town to perform at the Eagles Theatre on at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23 as the final performance of the Thursday Night Comedy Series. Audience members will be welcomed by Sparkle 101.9 and 105.9 The Bash. Sponsorship for this performance is provided by Bucheri McCarty & Metz LLP …read more.

Biomet, Inc. has announced financial results for its third quarter, which ended Feb. 28. Consolidated net sales decreased 2.6 percent to $800.9 million worldwide during the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, compared to net sales of $822.5 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Excluding the effect of foreign currency, consolidated net …read more.

After a long period of discussion, the Kosciusko County Council voted four to three in approval of a motion to create a wheel tax ordinance that will be voted on at next month’s meeting. The ordinance will set the annual wheel tax to $15 for trailers weighing between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, $25 for trailers …read more.

Aaron Neville, a four-time Grammy Award-winning singer and musician, will receive the University of Notre Dame’s 2015 Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics, at Notre Dame’s 170th University Commencement ceremony Sunday, May 17. “Aaron Neville proudly embraces and honors his faith through his God-given musical talents,” said Notre Dame’s …read more.

On April 14, 1865 John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor and Confederate sympathizer, fatally shot President Abraham Lincoln at a play at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. Warsaw Community Public Library, will host Dave Ehlert of Branson, Mo. who will portray Lincoln in a live theatrical production. Hear the story of the Civil War through …read more.

America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will be performing his signature stand-up routine at The Morris Performing Arts Center. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Seinfeld now sets his sights on performing both nationally and internationally in 2015. His tour will …read more.

By JONI TRUEX Builders Association of Kosciusko and Fulton Counties Environmental Protection Agency’s new lead paint rule went into effect April 22, 2010, for builders, remodelers, property managers, and subcontractors. This requirement required all contractors to be EPA certified and to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination when working in homes and housing …read more.

By NEIL LEDET DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife Anglers are wasting no time taking advantage of the early season walleye bite on several northern Indiana lakes. The best reports are coming from Lake Maxinkuckee and Lake of the Woods in Marshall County, Winona Lake in Kosciusko County, Sylvan Lake in Noble County and Crooked …read more.

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, in association with Fairmont Homes, will host a hiring event at the Warsaw Community Career Center, 751 Anchorage Point Drive Warsaw. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18. Positions are sought for the Build Plant and Door Shop. Build Plant positions require blueprinting skills, …read more.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a notice on March 12, for a Class II recall for all lots and sizes of the Zimmer Persona® Trabecular Metal™ Tibial Plate knee implant. According to the FDA’s website, all lots and sizes are affected of the 11,658 devices that were recalled. “Zimmer Inc. is initiating …read more.

The National Weather Service Northern Indiana has issued a special weather statement for strong westerly winds to be expected today. Frequent wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour are expected behind a strong cold front. Wind gusts will begin to diminish late this afternoon. Winds this strong can make driving high profile vehicles difficult, …read more.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued until 3 a.m. Friday for northern Indiana by the National Weather Service Northern Indiana. The counties in the watch include: Kosciusko, Elkhart, Marshall, Whitley, Fulton and Noble counties. Showers and thunderstorms will move across the area this evening and overnight. There is a chance of severe weather but …read more.