WARSAW — Officers have arrested a Warsaw resident who allegedly battered his wife in the presence of the couple’s two children. Officers with the Warsaw City Police Department received a call Monday, March 28, that a battery had taken place. According to a court affidavit, the victim told police her husband, Martin Bustamante-Contresas, had dropped their …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Recently, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana Grown announced a new partnership with Homegrown by Heroes, a national organization dedicated to providing resources, assistance and product identification to farmer-veterans. Essentially, the partnership allows a veteran-owned Hoosier agricultural business to place a logo, specifically designed for Indiana, on products they grow, sell or distribute. …read more.

WARSAW — A new rescue truck for the fire department, new loaders for the wastewater and public works departments and acceptance of a bid for the Main Street Sanitary Sewer Project, were approved by the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety today, Friday, April 1. Following the recommendation of the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Protection Territory …read more.

WARSAW — Charges have been officially filed for the traffic stop on Friday, March 25, that turned into a hot pursuit, with two being apprehended and one still on the loose. Christopher Michael Spaulding, 23, 610 N. Thompson St., Bourbon and Erika Jean Nichols, 31, 2507, Oriole Drive, Warsaw, are both charged with possession of …read more.

WARSAW — Two Kosciusko County residents have been arrested on drug charges after police found drugs and paraphernalia in their possession. Wednesday, March 21, an officer with the Warsaw Police Department noticed a brown Chevrolet Blazer, driven by Tyler Sheetz, 30, 10582 N. Steffen Drive, Milford, but with plates for a Ford F150 pickup truck registered to Cherish Renee …read more.

WARSAW — Officers arrested Todd Edward Hensley, 46, 3349 E. East Ridge Drive, Warsaw, after Hensley allegedly made threats to a law enforcement officer and injuring another person. Drug charges were also made. Officers with the Warsaw Police Department responded Wednesday, March 30, to reports of a battery. The victim told officers that he had …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department will hold the Mommy Son Adventure from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the Pete Thorn Center gymnasium. This year’s theme is Root for the Home Team. Boys ages 3 to 10 and their moms, aunts, or grandmothers will enjoy games, activities, and snacks related to sports of …read more.

By ANNE GREGORY Media Relations, Manchester University FORT WAYNE — Andrea Cranfill, co-founder and principal of the consulting and leadership firm Flashpoint, will speak about Culture, People, and Clients: Finding Joy in Leading at the Manchester University Fort Wayne campus, 10627 Diebold Road. Free and open to all women, it is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, …read more.

AKRON — Every day in Haiti children are prevented from attending school, adults are unable to work and walking becomes unbearable. A new pair of shoes provides relief so that people can work and play and live in more successful ways. Providing shoes for families in Haiti is an important first step to giving them health …read more.

Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Andrea Reed as its new executive director. Reed will assume her responsibilities beginning the week of April 4, following a short transition period working with Tammy Cotton, who has stepped down to pursue other community-based projects.

WARSAW — The identity of a man, who stole a Note 5 and a Galaxy S7 from the Sprint store on Frontage Road, is being sought by store officials and police. The theft occurred Thursday, March 31. Surveillance cameras show the man in the store and the theft occurring. Authorities state the child in the …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department has announced Dokken and Jack Russell’s Great White Friday along with Tracy Lawrence will be appearing in Warsaw in two concerts at Glover Pavilion in Central Park. Both concerts are free. Dokken and Jack Russell’s Great White Friday will be the double headliners for Classic Rock ‘Rockin’ For …read more.

By BRUCE WILLIAMS Director of Media and Public Relations, Indiana State Museum INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Museum will bestow its most prestigious Heritage Keeper Award to Indiana’s four living governors at the annual Tribute event Thursday, April 28, at the Indiana State Museum. The event is presented by one of Indiana’s greatest stories: the …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Police made several arrests Wednesday evening, March 30, following a welfare check that led to a juvenile in possession of a stolen firearm, 27 grams of cocaine, 88 grams of marijuana, over 110 grams of a controlled substance, and a vehicle being rammed. A 16-year-old juvenile, who had a warrant to be …read more.

Ritchie Hernandez Jr WARSAW — “You have a substantial criminal history,” Superior Court I Judge David Cates said to Ritchie Hernandez Jr. as he sentenced him for burglary, a class B felony; obliterating identification marks on a handgun, a class C felony and robbery resulting in injury, a level 3 felony. Ritchie Hernandez Jr., 21, 762 …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS—Kent Abernathy, commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, hosted a grand opening of the relocated Wabash license branch today, March 31. The new location located at 1679 N. Cass St. now offers plenty of available parking with easy access to the branch. “Our new Wabash license branch location is more open and inviting …read more.

By AMY MUNCY Master Gardener WARSAW — You may need to screen your vermicompost, especially if you’ve used rough stuff (sticks etc.) in the bedding that takes time to break down. A round gardener’s sieve with a 3/16 inch mesh will work best. Try to find one with stainless steel mesh, it’ll do the job …read more.

By AMANDA BANKS Director of Public Relations, Grace College WINONA LAKE— Dr. Doreen Dodgen Magee, a licensed psychologist and national public speaker, has a message of hope and significance to offer to the Winona Lake community next week. Currently practicing in Portland, Ore., Magee has 22 years experience working with adults dealing with issues of …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation has released its annual report for 2015 and things are looking up. According to the report, Kosciusko County saw 11 projects that brought in 850 new jobs and an average wage of $18.26 per hour. These projects included three new employers and 11 expansions to existing workplaces and …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Several additional lighted state torches are beginning to appear in the area, but according to Paula Bowman, member of the county’s bicentennial committee, Kosciusko County has a long way to go to match what other counties are embracing. Penguin Point, Warsaw, has purchased a torch that it is rotating between its locations …read more.

Dustin Edward Owens WARSAW — “May the wrath of God be on you for harming a child,” condemned a relative of the victim. Dustin Edward Owens, 42, 10402 S. SR 15, Silver Lake, was sentenced today to 30 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections on count I child molesting, a class A felony. He …read more.

SILVER LAKE — At approximately 9:45 a.m. Thursday, March 31, crews responded to reports of a semi-tractor that had rolled over on SR 15, south of SR 14, near Silver Lake. There are no official reports yet on whether anyone was injured, however medics were called to the scene. A reader was nearby and captured …read more.

By EMILY DUNCAN Public Relations Director, Office of Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb INDIANAPOLIS — Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb, in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging, announced nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Golden Hoosier Awards. The award, which began in 2008, annually honors Hoosier senior citizens for their lifetime …read more.

NORTHERN INDIANA — The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a hazardous weather outlook for much of the area, including Kosciusko and surrounding counties. Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon, Thursday, March 31. Some of these thunderstorms may be severe, with large hail and isolated damaging winds. Windy conditions are also predicted Friday through …read more.

Leesburg Pied Eyed Petey’s 8 p.m. till midnight Friday, April 1, Karaoke. 8p.m. till midnight Friday, April 1, Pied Eyed Petey’s will have a DJ. Milford Lizard’s Bar 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, April 1, Karaoke. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturday, April 2, He Said She Said. Silver Lake Silver Inn 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, Karaoke …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Several local children picked up their markers, crayons, colored pencils and more for this year’s Easter coloring contest sponsored by The Papers Inc. and other local businesses. Judging of the colorful entries was handled by editorial staff members at The Papers. With many wonderful entries, this year proved to be another tough …read more.

WARSAW —Frustration with Washington is the number one concern U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, a candidate for U.S. Sentate, is hearing from the public. Stutzman was in Warsaw Wednesday evening, March 30, to speak with supporters at a fundraising event at the home of Scott and Cindy Silveus. “I am the most conservative candidate in this …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Ink Free News recently received a report of a dog wandering from the owner’s yard and being shot with a pellet gun at a Warsaw area mobile home park. With spring on the way, people are letting their dogs out and taking them for walks and local leash laws are becoming more …read more.

PIERCETON — Court documents have been filed against Jeffery Lee Brewer, 32, 308 S. Third St., Pierceton, in Kosciusko Superior Court 1. The charges are intimidation and attempted auto theft, both level 6 felonies. According to the affidavit of probable cause, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department was called on March 28 to Regency Estates Mobile …read more.

WARSAW — Looking for something to do Friday evening? Come out to Warsaw’s First Friday and get back to the roots of Warsaw. The evening will center around the years between 1800 and 1900. Events will begin at 5 p.m. downtown and continue until 9 p.m. The theme: “Back To Our Roots” will have some …read more.

NORTHERN INDIANA — The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for Kosciusko, Elkhart, Marshall, Fulton, Noble, Whitley, Wabash county and surrounding counties. These counties should expect low temperatures during the next week to 10 days. Temperatures are expected to drop into the middle and upper 20s at times, with temperatures as low …read more.

NEW BUFFALO, MICH. — The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ Four Winds Casinos are pleased to announce a concert by Air Supply at Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Hotel and dinner packages are available for the night of the concert. Tickets can be purchased beginning at …read more.

INDIANA — Michael Kubacki, Syracuse, has been named by Gov. Mike Pence to the Indiana Economic Development Corp., Board of Directors. Kubacki is executive chairman of the board of directors of Lakeland Financial and Lake City Bank. He replaces former IEDC board member, Bob Taylor, who retired from Do It Best Corp., in January. Kubacki …read more.

WARSAW — For the past two weeks, drivers heading to and from Warsaw may have noticed several cars, signs and a giant, stuffed rat outside MacAllister Machinery Inc.’s The Rental Store north of town. The rat is “Cheesy,” an unofficial mascot of sorts for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, which is currently on strike …read more.

WINONA LAKE — “God has just led me in this direction. His handprint has been on my whole career,” said the new Winona Lake Town Marshal Joe Hawn. Hawn said when he was a sophomore at Columbia City High School, a counselor asked him what he wanted to do with his life after graduation. Hawn …read more.

By SHILEY HECKERT Director, KC Recycling Depot WARSAW — Springtime always brings a flurry of environmental activity to the Depot. While we are open throughout winter on weekdays, April 9th is the first Saturday of the year that we are open. Take advantage of these extra hours to help you finish that spring chore list. …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Protection Territory unanimously approved to recommend Hoosier Fire Equipment, Inc., Valparaiso, be awarded the bid on a new rescue truck. The decision was made at the territory’s regular meeting Tuesday, March 29. The recommendation will go for approval before the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety on Friday, April …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Center for Lakes & Streams staff and research assistants attended the 28th Annual Indiana Lakes Management Society Conference March 11-12, at Swan Lake Resort. Eighteen Grace College students attended the conference in all. Attending the conference provided the opportunity for research assistants and staff at the center to share the findings and …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, Lutheran EMS Kosciusko and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department were at the scene of a two vehicle accident at CR 250 N and Detroit St. A Ford Excursion and Toyota Tundra truck collided at the intersection, shutting down westbound traffic on CR 250 N. Both drivers signed off and no one …read more.

WARSAW — Ed Kipker of the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory has seen four mayors and seven fire chiefs come and go and now it is his turn. Kipker will officially retire Friday, April 1, though his last day on duty is Thursday, March 31. “I’ll miss the camaraderie, the brotherhood,” he said of leaving behind his …read more.

Mark R. Johnson WARSAW — A second individual, Mark R. Johnson, 55, 58640 CR 31, Goshen, was arrested early today, March 30, in connection with the theft of a Bobcat from Jerry Honorable, and John Deere Gator owned by Cheryl Mehlberg. Russell Weldon Leach, 46, 2109 S. Main St., Goshen, was booked in the Kosciusko …read more.

WARSAW — Local residents had the chance to meet and talk Tuesday evening, March 29, with four local candidates for Indiana’s third congressional district. The evening began with a two-minute self-introduction by each candidate, including Republicans Liz Brown,  Jim Banks and Pam Galloway and Democrat Todd Nightenhelser. Question one was, “what motivated you to run for …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko Cares announces Summer Film Camp — a free camp for teens ages 14-18 who live in Kosciusko County. The camp will take place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, at a to be determined location in Warsaw. An application is required to apply and 20 spots are available. The Kosciusko …read more.

CLAYPOOL — The town council of Claypool appointed Patricia Warner as the new clerk/treasurer yesterday evening, March 29, in a 10-minute special meeting that was held in the “Town Barn.” John Barret, town attorney, had been talking with the Indiana State Board of Accounts to see what the town’s next steps should be after Beth …read more.

WARSAW — The past six months have seen two daycare centers close and two more are joining their ranks. Little Blessings Ministry Daycare located at 835 N. Lake St. will be closing on April 22 and Wee-Care Daycare located at 2402 W. Old Road 30 will be closing on May 31. “It’s heart wrenching and …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation has announced its two local recipients of the 2016 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship are Audrey Rich, daughter of David and Candace Rich, and Shay Merley, son of Eric and Angie Merley. Rich is a senior at Warsaw Community High School and Merley is a senior at Tippecanoe Valley High School. Recipients are …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee has received a preliminary estimate for the cost to construct a nearly one-mile long trail segment that will include a boardwalk across the Conklin Bay wetlands and a trail parallel to SR 13, to Grandview Drive. The vision of the committee is to have trails connecting communities around Syracuse …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Kristin Shriver, Akron, and Brenda Stichter, Warsaw, were among the 29 winners of the 2016 Hoosier Women Artists Contest, announced by Treasurer of State Kelly M. Mitchell. A reception was held at the Indiana Statehouse honoring the winners who will have their artwork display in either Mitchell’s office or Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb’s …read more.

By AMANDA BANKS Director of Public Relations, Grace College WINONA LAKE — Grace College students were spread across the world for cultural encounter trips over spring break, Feb. 26 – March 8. Groups of students and advisors traveled to the Bahamas, southern California, Taiwan, Atlanta, Dubai, England, Hong Kong, India and Philadelphia. The teams were …read more.

[weaver_youtube pFCFzV8ocw8 rel=0] By COMMISSIONER KENT ABERNATHY Bureau of Motor Vehicles Over the last year, Governor Pence has clearly stated that it is time for the back office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to run as well as the front office. Significant organizational and operational changes have been made during that time, but the …read more.

[weaver_youtube Vkeh6R0W9jc rel=0] By ALYSSA RICHARDSON Communications Associate, Warsaw Community Schools WARSAW — Enriching the lives of others continues to be at the forefront of what staff and students strive for at Harrison Elementary. Students will soon transform denim jeans and plastic into shoes for Ugandan children. “The idea of Harrison Elementary and their sixth …read more.

By ALYSSA RICHARDSON Communications Associate, Warsaw Community Schools WARSAW — Natalie Biggerstaff’s fourth grade class at Harrison Elementary dedicated the month of February to showing love and kindness to those in their local community. They began a month long service project of funding, creating and delivering care packages to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments through the …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney presented 46 families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture. The awards were presented Monday, March 28, at the Statehouse. Among the families honored were the following: Noble County: The Robinson-Miller Family Homestead received …read more.

By JENNIFER BARGER Communications Specialist, Kosciusko REMC WARSAW — The annual meeting for Kosciusko REMC will be held at Warsaw Community Church on April 16. The doors open for refreshments and the educational energy expo at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. KREMC would like to encourage their members to attend the …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Voter registration ends Monday, April 4. Kosciusko County residents may register in the County Justice Building’s clerk’s office or at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branch by 4:30 p.m. or online at www.indianavoters.com by 11:59 p.m. Verification of registration status can be checked on the same website. Early or absentee voting …read more.

PIERCETON — Jeffery Lee Brewer, 32, 308 S. Third St., Pierceton, has been arrested for unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and auto theft following an attempt to steal a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Monday evening, March 28. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Officers were called to the 8200 block of US 30, Pierceton at 10:07 p.m. …read more.

By JOHN SADLER President, McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels WARSAW — McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels in Warsaw and Pierceton announces the addition of Tony Ciriello to its staff as a prearrangement specialist. Ciriello comes to the business after a 34-year-career in law enforcement where he served the citizens of Kosciusko County. Ciriello is a licensed insurance agent through …read more.

WINONA LAKE — A new Winona Lake town marshal was sworn in today, Tuesday, March 29. Lifetime law officer, Joe Hawn, will be taking over for retired Winona Lake Town Marshal Paul Schmitt, who served the community for 10 years. Hawn will be starting his duties April 4. Hawn is originally from Columbia City, but …read more.

CLUNETTE — A VIN check on a Bobcat skid loader resulted in the arrest of a Goshen man solving the theft of  John Deere Gator and the Bobcat. Russell Weldon Leach, 46, 2109 S. Main St., Goshen, was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail at 6:02 p.m. Monday, March 28. Court documents show he is …read more.

By HEATHER HARWOOD Executive Director, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation SYRACUSE — Recently the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation acquired the waterfront property, which for decades was the Searfoss Family Homestead. The property is located east of the Wawasee-To-Syracuse Lake main channel and across the road from the Channel Marker Restaurant on Pickwick Drive. The property will …read more.

WARSAW — Matthew Christopher Hoshal, 24, 1246 E. CR 400S, Warsaw, is being charged with a Count I robbery (attempt), a level 5 felony and Count II resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor. According to an affidavit of probable cause, filed March, 28, with Kosciusko Superior Court III, Deputy Michael Fowler of the Kosciusko …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne student organizations will hold a fundraising and awareness event surrounding the issue of homelessness, particularly as it exists within Fort Wayne and greater northeast Indiana. “Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness” will be discussed with a special screening and panel discussion at 6 p.m. Thursday, April …read more.

OWEN COUNTY — The man being held in connection to an Owen County toddler’s death has been charged with her rape and murder.

WARSAW — One person was injured in a rollover accident Monday morning, March 28, at the intersection of Detroit Street and Winona Avenue, Warsaw. At approximately 10:29 a.m., Timothy L. Joy, 53, 3797 N. CR 200W, Warsaw, was eastbound on East Winona Avenue in a 2007 freightliner. As he attempted to make a righthand turn, the …read more.

By HOLLY SWOVERLAND, BSW K21 Health Foundation WARSAW — With funds provided by the recent purchase of Multi-Township EMS by Lutheran EMS, MTEMS has made a donation of $250,000 to K21 Health Foundation. K21 will utilize this gift to continue to provide health-related grants that benefit the residents of Kosciusko County. Prior to the purchase, …read more.

FREEMONT AND PIQUA OHIO — Both Sunrise and Trupointe Cooperative members confirmed majority support of the merger that will join them officially on Sept. 1. Much progress has been made since the special meetings on March 7, which tallied the results. Immediately following these meetings, both cooperative’s board of directors held council to select the …read more.

By SAMANTHA WATSON Ignition Music Garage Marketing Contact GOSHEN — “It will be hard to top last year,” said Steve Martin, founder of Ignition Music Garage. “I felt like we fulfilled the vision of the organization’s founders.” Record Store Day is a day, “… for the people who make up the world of the record …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — There is a question on the mind of taxpayers in Kosciusko County. Will the taxpayers be responsible for paying the bill for Sheriff C. Aaron Rovenstine’s defense on charges brought against him by a grand jury? The question may remain unanswered until the wheels of judicial system are complete. Some believe the …read more.

FORT WAYNE — The Indiana Department of Transportation announced that Howe Military Academy has signed on as the first school to Paint the Plow. The school will be paired with INDOT’s Shipshewana Unit as part of the new community outreach program designed to promote safety and awareness of INDOT’s winter operations all year long. INDOT …read more.

By GERRY ST. PETERS The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc. INDIANAPOLIS — Have you planted blue and gold pansies yet? The Garden Club of Indiana’s bicentennial project, Blue and Gold Floral Tribute to Indiana’s Flag is resulting in colorful blooms beginning to burst forth. Vibrant blue and gold colored crocus planted last fall are starting …read more.

MARSHALL COUNTY — A resident in the 100 block of Redwood Road in Marshall County notified the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department that some time over the winter someone stole two dirt bikes from a barn. The incident was reported at 4:41 p.m. Friday, March 25. One dirt bike was a purple and white 80cc Yamaha …read more.

By JUDE STRIEBY-RASKA Staff Writer, The Mail-Journal For Jenny Douglas of Syracuse, starting as new executive director at the Lakeland Youth Center falls in line with her commitment to children and community. “Kids have always been my passion,” she noted. Previously a stay-at-home mom and volunteer co-coordinator for North Webster Church of God Mothers of …read more.

By TERRI KEIM Administrative Assistant, City of Warsaw, Department of Public Works WARSAW — Spring cleaning? Do you have personal documents that need shredding? Integra Certified Document Destruction, a Waste-Away Group, LTD Company has partnered with the City of Warsaw for a Community Shred Day. Integra will be participating in the April 1, First Friday …read more.

It happens millions of times every day in factories around the world. Chunks of graphite and clay are crushed in a rotating drum. Water is added and the mixture is blended, dried, hardened, ground into a fine powder, rehydrated into a paste, extruded into thin rods and baked at 1,800 degrees. Elsewhere in the factory, …read more.

WARSAW — Ed Kipker, who has served with the Warsaw Fire Department since March 1, 1981, will be retiring Wednesday, March 30. The battalion chief has had 35 years of distinguished service and commitment to the community. Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory will host an open house in celebration of his retirement from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, March …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Kent Abernathy, commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced today, Monday, March 28, that the Personalized License Plate program will return on Friday, April 1. “I am pleased that we are able to return this very popular program to the public,” said Abernathy. “Beginning this Friday, customers who have been waiting …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw-Wayne Fire Department and Warsaw Police are responding to a semitractor roll-over at Detroit Street and Winona Avenue. Motorist should avoid that area if at all possible. According to Kai Slusser, who was present when the accident occurred, the semitractor struck the curb causing it to overturn.

BOURBON — The Bourbon Police Department announced today, Monday, March 28, the completion of the March 2016 dangerous and impaired driving enforcement campaign. During the 24-day enforcement period, 37 tickets were written, and eight arrests were made within Bourbon Township. “Dangerous and impaired driving kills,” said Officer Matt Geiger. “It’s a fact we know all …read more.

WARSAW — “It’s been a whirlwind week for us and I think now it’s going to start slowing down a bit. I’m excited to go to Denver, date her well, and just let this craziness kind of slow down,” Ben Higgins said before he and fiance, Lauren Bushnell started the tale of their “Journey to …read more.

WARSAW — Getting Back To Our Roots is the focus for the April 1 First Friday event, as part of the Decades of Change theme. The evening will center around the years from 1800 to 1900, from 5-9 p.m. downtown Warsaw. The Circuit, a praise team band from Clunette United Methodist Church, will provide old …read more.

WARSAW — Lutheran EMS, Warsaw Police Department and the Warsaw Fire Department are responding to an accident at Graceland Mobile Home Park at 761 S. Warbler Lane. The initial report is stating a van has hit a toddler. It was also stated the child is conscious and able to talk. By FIRST SGT CHAD D. …read more.

Whitko High School students dodged for a good cause Friday afternoon, Feb. 25, during the sixth annual Jarrod’s Day dodgeball tournament.

WARSAW — Lutheran EMS, Warsaw Fire Department, Kosciusko Sheriff’s Department and Warsaw Police Department are on scene at a two-vehicle accident on US 30 and Silveus Crossing. At least one injured and transported by helicopter. By CAPTAIN KIP SHUTER Warsaw Police Department Public Information Officer WARSAW — Approximately, 11 p.m. Saturday, March 26, emergency responders …read more.

By ANDREA NEAL In an era of declining church membership for most Christian denominations, one group of believers is experiencing healthy, unprecedented growth. In 2014, the estimated Amish population in Indiana exceeded 50,000, according to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. That’s bigger than the cities of Columbus, Jeffersonville or …read more.

[weaver_youtube nBt-sd0UNdA rel=0] SILVER LAKE — A craftsman is nothing without his tools, but even so, a craftsman’s past and faith can have as much influence on his craft as the tools on his wall. Few understand this better than John Whetstone, woodworker and owner of Whetstone Woodenware. “Back in the 1970s, I was a young …read more.

By MARY ANN LIENHART CROSS County Extension Director, Extension Educator Health & Human Sciences, Purdue Extension Elkhart County GOSHEN — Each year I choose to write my column on dandelion greens for a number of reasons. I will begin that part of the reason is out of respect for my grandparents. I remember them sharing …read more.

By MELISSA CHAPMAN Cataloging Supervisor, Warsaw Public Library WARSAW — One of my favorite genres to read is true crime. I have always been interested in criminology, especially cold cases. While watching the Investigation Discovery Network I watched a couple of shows about the solving of one of the oldest cold cases in U.S. history. …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — The North Webster Lions Club and local Kiwanis hosted a chilly Easter egg hunt this morning, Saturday, March 26. Children were shivering in a combination of cold and anticipation as they lined up at the ropes and gates of the North Webster ball diamonds. Kids were split into three different age groups, …read more.

By JACLYN “JACKIE” FRANKS, MPH HHS Extension Educator, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Kosciusko County WARSAW — It’s probably not a news flash that we eat too much. Anyone that eats at restaurants has probably noticed that food portions have gotten larger and restaurants offer some super-size portions that are enough for at least two people. …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — In order to get ready for the season, InkFreeNews has compiled a list of Easter egg hunts planned around Kosciusko County. We will be updating this list as announcements come to our attention. Dewart Lake Saturday, March 26 — Dewart Lake Community Friends Church invites the community to enjoy a morning of …read more.

WARSAW — “There is a whole social dynamic in going on break and buying a soda,” said Jay Tate, CCI general manager. People with intellectual disabilities enjoy the same things everyone else does and want the same opportunities to work and make money, like everyone else, and CCI Manufacturing, an extension of Cardinal Services, helps …read more.

WARSAW — Harrison Elementary held a school carnival Friday, February 26. During the carnival, they had a silent auction of gift baskets and various other items. One of the items auctioned off was a Pizza Lunch with Ben Higgins. Ben Higgins and his fiancé Lauren Bushnell both came to Harrison School on Thursday, March 24, …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals regular meeting for Monday, March 28, has been cancelled, due to the lack of business. The next meeting of the board will be at 7 p.m. April 25.

SPENCER — The coroner has determined that one-year-old Shaylyn Ammerman died from asphyxiation. Her death has been ruled a homicide.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — In order to get ready for the season, InkFreeNews has compiled a list of Easter egg hunts planned around Kosciusko County. We will be updating this list as announcements come to our attention. Mentone Saturday, March 26 — Mentone’s Easter egg hunt will begin at 10 a.m in Mentzer Park. Milford Saturday, …read more.

WARSAW — If it was not for the persistence of his attorney, Kim Allen Jacquay Sr., 59, 80 Castle Court, Auburn, could have spent the rest of his life behind bars. Instead the class A felony charge of child molesting, was amended to a class C felony and a plea agreement reached. Jacquay was in …read more.

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON Master Gardener SYRACUSE — Every year around the middle of March and as part of our St. Patty’s Day celebration, we plant snow peas and set potatoes in the ground. Some save planting potatoes for Good Friday. The Irish shamrock, Trifolium dubium also known as Lucky Charm plant, was used by …read more.

[weaver_youtube mS5DoFoSRao rel=0]   WINONA LAKE — It was a morning of inspiration, humor, music and even a little bit of imitation at the Kosciusko Community YMCA Community Good Friday Breakfast, which will become an annual event. Over 275 people gathered at Christ’s Covenant Church this morning, March 25, for fellowship and to hear Hunter …read more.

WARSAW — What started as a traffic stop, ended with a police pursuit. Two individuals were taken into custody and according to the report, the driver escaped police. Warsaw Police Officer Ross Minear attempted to make a traffic stop of a vehicle, police later learned was driven by Travis J. Johnson, 39, North Sherman Street, …read more.

SPENCER — Indiana State Police say they have found a body that they believe is the body of Shaylyn Ammerman. ISP said the body matched the description of the missing one-year-old.