WINONA — The Winona Lake Police Department has purchased six new body cameras and five videos cameras for their police cars. During the Winona Lake Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20, town marshal Joe Hawn announced the WLPD had received grants that enabled the department to make the purchases. They are in the process …read more.

WINONA LAKE — It is one thing to practice a foreign language in the classroom, but quite another to put your proficiency to the test in a real-world setting. For 14 Grace College Spanish students, the test came in an opportunity to assist the Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition during We Care Warsaw on Nov. …read more.

SYRACUSE — During the last meeting of 2016, the Syracuse Town Council approved using economic development income tax funds to finance needed but unfunded infrastructure improvements. The council meet Tuesday night, Dec. 20. The council approved using $125,000 from 2016 EDIT funds to be used for the new riverfront district and marketing the new technology …read more.

North Webster Town Council finished its 2016 business Tuesday, Dec. 20. “Our past year has been good,” said Jon Sroufe, council president. “We are looking for a smooth 2017,” said council member Lisa Strombeck. “We did a lot of upgrading to our infrastructure.” Much of that upgrading involved the town’s sewage system, wastewater plant and …read more.

First Sergeant Chad D. Hill Public Information Officer KOSCIUSKO — The Kosciusko County Drug Task Force and Nappanee Police Department have arrested two Nappanee brothers on drug related charges. Kosciusko County Drug Task Force officers concluded a recent investigation last evening, Dec. 20, as they responded to the address of 13317 North CR 700W, Nappanee.  …read more.

INDIANA — In an effort to support local families in need this holiday season, Shopko customers donated hundreds of pounds of food for Feeding America and thousands of toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. All food items were distributed to community food pantries prior to Thanksgiving, while toys will be donated to Toys …read more.

WARSAW — In observance of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, City of Warsaw offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2. The following changes will be made to City provided trash services: Friday, Dec. 23 will be picked up Thursday, Dec. 22 Monday, Dec. 26 will …read more.

SYRACUSE — The mood at the December meeting of Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District turned quickly from jolly to pensive as the board moved from Christmas party mode to discussions of a $53,000 study during the Monday, Dec. 19, meeting.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Both organizations are excited to partner together to benefit the organization and its mission to help local children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentor relationships. In the spirit of Holiday Giving, the partners of Indiana Physical Therapy presented a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters to support their mentoring programs …read more.

Atwood Aldersgate and Clunette United Methodist churches will alternate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Atwood Aldersgate will host a candlelight service at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. The service will feature Christmas hymns and special music and readings. Pastor Mike Beezley will deliver the message, “Isaiah’s Light.” Atwood Aldersgate United Methodist Church is located …read more.

WARSAW — A swearing in ceremony was held at the Kosciusko County Courthouse, Tuesday, Dec. 20, for elected county officials. The Honorable Judge Michael W. Reed performed the administration of oaths. Elected Officials include: Commissioner Northern District – Bradford Jackson Commissioner Middle District – Ronald Truex Council at Large – Sue Ann Mitchell Council at …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Kosciusko County Highway Department is warning that winds are causing drifting today that could lead to bad road conditions for this evening and tomorrow in Kosciusko County. Some roads in the county are already experiencing significant drifting and are already down to one lane. The National Weather Service warns below freezing …read more.

WARSAW — Monday, Dec. 19, Warsaw Police Department continued a local tradition, with the fourth annual Shop with Heroes event taking place. Shop with Heroes is sponsored by the Warsaw Police Department, Meijer and Quality Dining, Inc. The Warsaw Burger King restaurant, owned and operated by QDI, donated dinner and cookies to participating officers, selected …read more.

BOURBON — A man is being charged with felony theft after being issued a $12,648.22 check for services he was contracted to provide. Troy A. Sell, 31, 402 N. Main St., Bourbon, is being charged with theft, a level 6 felony. According to the affidavit of probable cause, on July 26 an officer with the Kosciusko …read more.

By Joyce Corson Master Gardener My friend Bonnie Albert, discovered a tree covered with golden fruit this past September. Neither she or husband Gene knew they had any fruit trees, except a cherry, and it became a mystery. They had recently moved to their new home which had many flowers, trees and shrubs. In the …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools is proud to announce the Warsaw Area Career Center has been recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as a “Promising Practices: Making it Happen” facility. The Making it Happen initiative celebrates and recognizes schools across the state of Indiana for their effective implementation of innovative and/or inclusive educational practices. …read more.

WARSAW — Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine approached the commissioners at today’s commissioner meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 20, to clarify a request he made at the previous meeting for an automated phone system due to non-emergency, after hour phone calls being answered by 911 dispatch. The sheriff clarified that he was referring to non-law enforcement agencies. He asked …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Builders Association of Kosciusko and Fulton Counties voted in its 2017 Executive Officers at its December Board of Directors Meeting. Voted in were 2017 President David Johnson, CGB, of Signature Building & Design; Vice President Samuel Beachy, CGP, Reliance Construction; Treasurer Byron Kauffman, Wetzel Insurance Agency; and Secretary Adam Clemens, Rabb Water Systems. Brett …read more.

WARSAW — Three Warsaw residents were arrested after selling various drugs from a home while a child was there. Ashley Cummins, 27, 340 E. Levi Lee Road, Warsaw, is being charged with conspiring to commit a felony, possession of a narcotic drug with enhancing circumstances, possession of methamphetamine with enhancing circumstances and neglect of a dependent, …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees held a special meeting Monday, Dec. 19, at the North Webster Community Center to pass a motion authorizing members to sign off on approval of the Indiana Bond Bank payment and U.S. Department of Agriculture loan closing. By doing so before Jan. 1, the board …read more.

WARSAW — While agenda items for Warsaw Common Council were routine approvals of ordinances and resolutions, it was at the end of the meeting Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer updated council members on the high speed rail proposal to run from Chicago, Ill., to Columbus, Ohio. This includes regular stops in Warsaw. Thallemer, who piggybacked Fort …read more.

CLAYPOOL — It was a short meeting for the Claypool Council on Dec. 19, as they tied loose ends to close out business in 2016. Town Marshal Chuck Lewallen put in his resignation at a special Dec. 5 meeting. At that meeting Dalis Owens was appointed as the new town marshal. Owens’ first request as marshal …read more.

WARSAW — On Wednesday, Dec. 14, two Warsaw Community School’s bus drivers assisted in saving the life of an Edgewood Middle School student. Julie Goon was on her way to school when a student who had been eating a piece of candy began to signal he was choking. Goon, who had lost her own voice …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Allowing Christ To Shine donated hams and turkeys to help families this holiday season. Over Thanksgiving ACTS donated to help over 186 families through the Helping Hands food pantry. The Tippy Valley students helped to distribute food to families in need this season. As Christmas approaches ACTS will be making a special …read more.

WARSAW —During the city of Warsaw Hearing Docket of code violations on Monday, Dec. 19, it was discussed thata  home at 502 W. Winona Ave., Warsaw, has still not been repaired and cleaned after a fire in October. Due to the fire, windows were shattered and firefighters had to cut a hole in the roof. The …read more.

WARSAW — The Board of School Trustees for Warsaw Community Schools approved the 2017-2018 school calendar at the regular board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15. Some dates to be noted: The first teacher/staff development days for the 2017-2018 school year will be Aug. 14-15, 2017 The first student day for the 2017-2018 school year will …read more.

By DARLA MCCAMMON Lakeland Art Association WARSAW — We first hear about Sinterklaas or Sint Nikolaas long ago. A 4th century Saint from an area now known as Turkey was known for secretly giving gifts. He was known for depositing pennies in the little wooden shoes that were left for him to fill on the …read more.

WARSAW — An amended complaint, with 17 counts, was filed on Dec. 15 by Atta Belle Helman and son Larry Dwayne Helman against Barnett’s Bail Bonds Inc., The Papers Inc., Stacey Staley, Tadd S. Martin, Daniel S. Foster and Michael C. Thomas. The complaint was filed after Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed dismissed the …read more.

WARSAW — Don’t miss the Oak Ridge Boys’ return to the Wagon Wheel at 6 and 8:30 p.m. on March 17. Theirs is one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits and a Number …read more.

WARSAW — Zakkary R. Pifer was sentenced this morning, Dec. 19, for the Sept. 2015 involuntary manslaughter of Tyler S. Boocher, Leesburg. Pifer, 26, Winona Lake, was sentenced on charges of possession of a narcotic drug, a level 4, and involuntary manslaughter, a level 5 felony, stemming from his Feb. 18 arrest and possession of a …read more.

WARSAW — The faculty of Debra Collier’s School of Dance in Warsaw would like to thank everyone for the gracious donations they received during their annual toy and food drive. The studio collected hundreds of items to be distributed throughout the community by The Beaman Home DoVE Program. “Each season it is wonderful to see …read more.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office has received a couple of 911 calls over the past two days of vehicles with the accelerator stuck. The callers have been unable to stop the vehicle. If you find yourself in a situation with the engine racing and you are unable to stop your vehicle, follow these instructions. Place …read more.

NOBLE COUNTY — Five people were injured in a one-vehicle accident Thursday, Dec. 15, in the area of US 33 and CR 50N, in Noble County. The accident occurred at 4:19 p.m.

WARSAW — On Jan. 23, Purdue will be holding one of five Crop Management Workshops in Warsaw. If participants were to pick one meeting to receive an update on crops, this would be a good one to attend. The program will be held on the Grace College campus in the Winona Heritage Room, 901 Park Avenue, Winona …read more.

MILFORD — The fire at the Thomas Penrod home at 404 W. Catherine St., Milford, Saturday, Dec. 17, appears to be electrical in nature, according to Milford Fire Chief Todd Haines. The fire department, with manpower assistance from Plain Township, was called to the home at approximately 1:25 p.m.

WARSAW — At 8:25 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Chris Anderson was tending to a few slide-offs in the area of US 30 and CR 450E, Warsaw, when a vehicle hit an emergency responder assisting with traffic control. Pierceton Fire Chief Gordon Baker, 52, West Tulip Street, Pierceton, had stopped …read more.

Photo and article by Michelle Ball of Pierceton Elementary PIERCETON —Mrs. Ball’s fourth grade students at Pierceton Elementary School have demonstrated great Christmas generosity for our U.S. troops. Mrs. Ball’s students donated a variety of items – enough to pack three large “Boodle Boxes” to say thank you to U.S. soldiers serving overseas!  Students and …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — A Wind chill advisory is in effect from now until noon on Monday, Dec. 19. Counties under the advisory include Kosciusko, Lagrange, Steuben, Noble and Fulton. The National Weather Service anticipates temperatures from 10 to 20 degrees below zero. Bitterly cold wind chill values are expected that can cause frostbite to exposed …read more.

WARSAW — At approximately 8:25 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Department, Warsaw Fire Department and Lutheran EMS responded to a fryer fire at Arby’s in Lake Village Shopping Center, 3300 Lake City Hwy, Warsaw. Flames had been extinguished by the time emergency personnel arrived; however, upon further inspection, it was discovered that the fire had …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Temperatures are forecasted to plummet below freezing later tonight, creating the likelihood for icy conditions as wet and melting precipitation refreezes. The National Weather Service has declared winter weather advisories for most Indiana counties. As of 4 p.m., the Indiana Department of Transportation plans a deployment of more than 600 yellow salt …read more.

MILFORD — At approximately 1:30 p.m., today, Dec. 17 emergency responders were dispatched to a house fire at 404 West Catherine St., Milford. Milford Fire, Plain Township Fire, Lutheran EMS and Milford Police responded to the fire. Upon arrival, emergency responders worked to release smoke from the home. No active flames were visible from the …read more.

WARSAW — Andrea Miller, an art teacher in the Warsaw Community School District, has received a Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship. Miller teaches at both Washington STEM Academy and Claypool Elementary in WCS. With a grant of $12,000, Miller will find, purchase, restore and travel in a vintage camper. The travel will follow parts of …read more.

By Amy Mann and Katie Warrener, Children’s Services Denial is futile. Winter has come. The white stuff is on the ground, temperatures have turned frigid, and frolicking outside in shorts and flip-flops is no longer an option. What to do… Have you considered visiting your public library to escape the cold and boredom of Winter …read more.

  WARSAW —  Shortly after 9:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17,  emergency personnel from Lutheran EMS, Winona Lake Fire Department, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Warsaw Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle accident on US 30. Slick road conditions led to a rear-ending accident. Traffic was at a standstill in the westbound lane. One person was …read more.

SYRACUSE — The following events will take place at the Syracuse Public Library: A Perfect Time to Bring in Some New The Syracuse Library is getting new computers on Monday afternoon on Dec. 19. Users who want to use the public computers should be aware that there will be a limited number of computers available …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — With area schools closed for Christmas break, parents will be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained. Bring them to the North Webster Community Public Library for Family Bingo 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29.  It’s lots of fun for all ages with prizes for everyone. No one goes home empty handed. Crafts …read more.

WARSAW — A few weeks ago, Cardinal Services put out word that they were looking for members of the community to become elves. In so doing, the Elf agreed to buy a gift for a person with a disability who is served by the non-profit. The goal was to match elves to 168 adults served …read more.

WARSAW — Strategic planning for the next five years of Warsaw Community Schools is well underway. During the Warsaw Community School Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15, the board discussed the committees that will be heading the research projects learn how to improve several areas in the school system. The research committees will …read more.

Weekly prep hoops picks from IFN sports writer Nick Goralczyk.

WARSAW — Don’t miss Phil Vassar at the Wagon Wheel at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 10, 2017. Tickets available online here, over the phone at (574) 267-8041, or in person at the box office. Regular tickets are $30, $75 for front row including a backstage pass, and $40 for second row. Phil Vassar is …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The deadline to apply for the Next Generation Teacher Scholarship is Dec. 31. The scholarship pays $7,500 a year for students pursuing a career in education. The scholarship is available to 200 high-achieving high school and college students each year who either graduate in the top 20 percent of their class or earn …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Beginning in approximately the mid to late 1800s, quite often farmers wanting a way to drain their land so they could farm it came together to seek ways for proper drainage. At that time, the type of tile used for drainage was made of clay.

WARSAW — Bonds for the new Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Fire Station were sold Thursday according to an announcement at the Warsaw Board of Works meeting Friday morning, Dec. 16. Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer stated the bonds totaled $2.95 million, just under the $3 million cap and at an interest rate of 3.119 percent.

By Tippecanoe Canoe Marketing Director Aaron Leedy  AKRON — In recent years, attracting new students and retaining current ones to public school corporations has become just as competitive as businesses competing for customers. Just like the success of a business depends on the revenue from shoppers, a public school corporation can’t operate without funding from state …read more.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee Community School Corp. announced it is one of 433 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the seventh annual AP district honor roll.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s unemployment rate decreased by two-tenths of a percent to 4.2 percent in November, which marks its lowest point since 2001. The unemployment rate is a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicator that reflects the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labor force. Indiana’s total labor force stands at over …read more.

INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Transportation is monitoring multiple weather forecasts predicting a mix of rain, freezing rain, snow and ice to move across Indiana beginning Friday evening. A few degrees can mean the difference between rain, ice or snow, so freezing rain can be difficult for forecasters to pinpoint far in advance. INDOT …read more.

WARSAW —The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory to be in effect from 4 p.m. EST Friday, Dec. 16, until 7 a.m. EST Saturday, Dec. 17. Warsaw, Winona Lake, Syracuse, Mentone, Plymouth, Columbia City and other area towns are included in this advisory. According to the NWS, snow will develop by late …read more.

LEESBURG — At 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, Kosciusko Sheriff’s Department, Atwood Fire and Lutheran EMS responded to a report of an overturned vehicle on CR 600N in Leesburg. A female and two children were reportedly in the vehicle. All passengers were wearing seat belts, and no severe injuries were reported. None of the passengers were transported. …read more.

WARSAW — During the Warsaw Community School Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15, the board unanimously voted to terminate the contract of the Warsaw Community High School Band Director Michael “Mickey” Ratliff. Warsaw Community Schools responded to termination with the following statement: “WCS possess clear policies that are designed to safeguard against any …read more.

  WARSAW — One hundred kids in the area who may not have gotten Christmas gifts this year were able to receive toys and clothing with the help of local law enforcement agencies. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 149 held their annual “Christmas with a Cop” event on Thursday, Dec. 15. Officers from the …read more.

WARSAW — The Y wants to make sure that kids have a safe and fun place to go while they’re out of school over Christmas Break.  School Break Camp will keep kids Kindergarten through sixth grade entertained, active and learning from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1305 Mariners Drive, Warsaw. On Dec. 23, 26-30 and Jan. …read more.

WARSAW — Curt Hermann has served as a member of the Warsaw Community Schools board of School Trustees during the last four years. Hermann’s last board meeting was on Thursday, Dec. 15, Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert said, “Herman has been a dedicated and passionate member of our local school board. His belief of local control …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Schools sixth, seventh and eighth grade bands will present their Winter Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 20. The concert will be held in the PAC Auditorium at Warsaw Community High School, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. There will be a donation box …read more.

WARSAW — The Indiana Department of Education released the school letter grades early this week based on the 2015-2016 ISTEP testing. Lincoln Elementary received an A. Claypool Elementary School, Eisenhower Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School, Leesburg Elementary School, Warsaw Community High School, Edgewood Middle School, Washington Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School received Bs. Madison …read more.

LARWILL — Whitko Community Schools is one of 433 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll. To be included on the 7th Annual Honor Roll, Whitko had to, since 2014, increase the number of students participating in Advanced Placement or college level …read more.

WARSAW — Judge David Cates sentenced a Warsaw man in Superior I Court Dec. 15 after he admitted involvement in an Etna Green mini mart burglary. Daricus Da-Jon Leigh Phillips, 20, Warsaw, was sentenced on count I burglary, a level 5 felony. The charge stems from a May 26 burglary of an Etna Green mini …read more.

WARSAW — Three men were arrested after a fight involving local blood gang members broke out in a Warsaw McDonald’s. Frankie Vernon Winiavski Jr., 24, 5205 E. Pierceton Road, Pierceton, is being charged with criminal gang activity, a level 6 felony; battery, a class A misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct, a class B misdemeanor. Johnathan Michael Pappas, …read more.

WARSAW — Every December, the Fraternal Order of Police Warsaw Lodge #149 conducts the Christmas with a Cop program.  The event utilizes law enforcement officers from throughout the Warsaw area. The Christmas with a Cop program allows children of struggling households the opportunity to receive Christmas gifts for their families.  The children are preselected by …read more.

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake council members will now be able to share information easier and cut down on paper waste after the approval for purchasing chromebooks during the Town Council meeting held last night, Dec. 14. Two different quotes were presented to the board for the purchasing of four new chromebooks. The board approved …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Schools Food Services Department found a unique way for students to celebrate Indiana’s 200th birthday. On Friday, Dec. 9, the food services department prepared an entire menu for all area school students out of food completely grown or prepared in Indiana. Director of food services Marci Franks said the schools already …read more.

WARSAW — With cases of hepatitis C on the rise, Positive Resource Connection has begun offering free testing at the Kosciusko County Health Department. PRC has been offering testing in Kosciusko for over 15 years. While free HIV testing has been available, the rise in hepatitis has inspired the company to offer free hepatitis C …read more.

PIERCETON — A man was arrested after he became violent with a woman who questioned him for urinating on her son’s bed. Christopher Wiggs, 33, 6913 E. South Barbee Drive, Pierceton, is being charged with domestic battery with a child under 16 present, a level 6 felony; and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor. On …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club announces that applications for their annual public speaking contest are now being accepted. There are at least two lessons we ought to have learned from the recent national election: First, we live in a society with too much animosity and negativism and, second, our youth have a lot to say …read more.

WARSAW — If you enjoy Christmas lights, North Winds subdivision off CR 100E north of Warsaw is one of the places to check out. Not only does the subdivision have a decorating contest, it is the location for the synchronized Christmas light display of Adam Churchill. Churchill, who could be considered a Clark Griswold, has …read more.

WARSAW — Lake City Bank is pleased to announce the following promotions:

SILVER LAKE — A Silver Lake man has been charged again for not disclosing information about his HIV status to three of his sexual partners. Travis Spoor, 37, 10255 South CR 200W, Silver Lake, is being charged with four counts of malicious mischief after having sexual relations with three woman without telling them he had HIV. Spoor …read more.

ETNA GREEN — Barry Baker and Andrew Cook were both recognized for their service to Etna Green at the monthly council meeting last night, Dec. 13. Barry Baker, currently serving as Etna Green’s water and electric superintendent, has been a town employee for 25 years. Andrew Cook, Etna Green’s wastewater and street superintendent and former …read more.

PIERCETON — A Pierceton woman started a fire in a Pierceton home  after an argument with the homeowner. Twila Dawn Zentz, 51, 9567 East Adams Road, Pierceton, is being charged with count I arson, a level 6 felony, and count II criminal mischief, a class A misdemeanor. According to the affidavit of probable cause, on …read more.

WARSAW — Cleaning out your toy box? Ami Pitt and her team are looking for used toys for their annual toy consignment sale. The annual Toy Time consignment sale and Combined Community Services toy giveaway is happening now. Drop off gently used toys at the Home and Family Arts building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds from 9 …read more.

WARSAW —  Lutheran Health Network Kosciusko Community Hospital has been recognized by iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health for overall excellence in quality and financial strength, reflecting top quartile performance among all rural acute care hospitals in the nation. “Receiving this award from iVantange Health Analytics is very …read more.

  KOSCIUSKO — James Smith was honored as veteran of the month at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting yesterday, Tuesday, Dec. 13. Smith was born and raised in Warsaw. He graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 2000. Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a senior in high school. He decided to enlist …read more.

WARSAW — A wind child advisory will go into effect for Akron, Warsaw, Winona Lake, Syracuse, Mentone, Columbia City and many other area towns from 10 p.m. EST tonight, Dec. 14, until 1 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 15. According to the National Weather Service, wind chill temperatures of 15 below zero to 20 below zero …read more.

WARSAW — Thomas Glen Hursey, Warsaw, who was initially charged with two counts of murder; robbery resulting in serious bodily injury; and aiding/inducing obstruction of justice in the Feb. 19, 2015, murders of Tara Thornburg and Josh Knisley, entered a plea agreement this morning, Wednesday, Dec. 14. The plea agreement was taken under advisement by …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation’s 2017 General Scholarship Application is now available online. The deadline for the General Scholarship Application and all references is at 4:30 p.m. on March 15, 2017. The Community Foundation awarded about $500,000 in scholarships to 228 area students in its most recently completed fiscal year. These scholarships are …read more.

SYRACUSE — A few years ago, the Wawasee Community School Corp. entered into a partnership with Syracuse Family Medicine in order to try to control medical costs for the school corporation and also to provide more direct access and better choices for school corporation employees. This is the sixth year for the partnership.

SYRACUSE — Several construction or renovation projects in Wawasee schools to be done next summer were approved during the regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board Tuesday evening, Dec. 13, in Syracuse.

WARSAW — KC Recycling Depot Director Shelly Heckert presented “HHW Past, Present and Future” to the Solid Waste Board at their Dec. 13 meeting. The presentation was sparked by the information presented to Heckert when she attended the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association conference in September. She cumulated information regarding the history of hazardous …read more.

WARSAW — Horizon Bank announces donation to Gradway in Warsaw. The donation, in the amount of $1,000, was presented by Lindy Breeden, market president of Kosciusko County to Gradway President, Ot Schroeder on Nov. 10. “The support that Horizon Bank has provided will provide continued Graduation Coaching for young people so that they may be …read more.

WARSAW — Meghan Beer is passionate about wanting to help pets, especially dogs, and her Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy project will benefit the Animal Welfare League in Warsaw.

WARSAW — Residents of The Beaman Home were surprised by the news that Susie McEntire and husband, Mark Eaton, were stopping by the shelter for a short time while in town before the soundcheck for their Community Christmas Concert last Saturday evening. While at the shelter, the two were warm and inspirational as they enjoyed …read more.

    WARSAW — A request for an automated phone system was made at the commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13 by Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine. Rovenstine states that the director came to him recently and asked if it was possible to get an automated system that would allow for only emergency calls to go to …read more.

    LEESBURG — Modification of the Leesburg Town Hall Building was the main topic of conversation at the Leesburg Town Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 12. The Leesburg Town Hall Building does not currently meet the requirements of the American Disability Act, which requires that all public buildings be accessible by people who have …read more.

By JEFF BURBRINK Extension Educator Purdue Extension GOSHEN — Forecasts are predicting temperatures well below freezing for at least the next seven days. For those working or playing outdoors that means it is time to bundle up. However, it isn’t always the temperature that gives the air that nip. The “feel like” temperature is usually …read more.

AKRON — Tippecanoe Valley board members debated whether Tippecanoe Valley Middle School cheerleaders should be allowed to attend a winter classic cheer competition that will be held on a Sunday because the school bylaws do not permit students to attend school activities on Sundays. During the Tippecanoe Valley School board meeting on Monday, Dec. 12, …read more.

ELKLHART COUNTY — Over the past two weeks there have been two incidents of fraud reported to the Elkhart County Sheriff Department. In both of these cases, the suspect has targeted an elderly person, provided them a fictitious but believable story concerning a loved one being in trouble and needing a large sum of money. …read more.

AKRON — The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation board of trustees approved the 2017-2018 master school calendar at its regularly scheduled meeting Dec. 12. Superintendent Brett Boggs said the calendar is almost identical to the current 2016-2017 school calendar, with only minimal differences between the two. The newly-approved calendar features 91 days of school for students …read more.

WARSAW — Daniel and Linda Stuckman’s petition for an exception was tabled for another month by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Warsaw.

WARSAW — Warsaw resident, E. R. Blake has always had a love of history and storytelling, which she credits to the influence of her grandmother and mother. It has been her lifelong dream to publish a book. In November 2016 that dream became a reality with the publication of Blake’s first book in a series, …read more.

MARSHALL COUNTY — With the ever changing weather of winter and spring it’s always a good idea to stay informed. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department has the Nixle program for the Marshall County residence to help do just that. Nixle.com is an additional tool for communicating a variety of messages to the public. It will …read more.