NORTH MANCHESTER — 6 p.m. Monday, March 7, parents, citizens, and public education advocates are invited to Manchester University for a viewing of the documentary Education, Inc., followed by a panel discussion in the Flory Auditorium in the Science Center on the North Manchester campus. The panel will be comprised of Manchester University Professor Mike …read more.

WARSAW — The Lee Anne Stewart Fusion Dance Team recently participated in DanceMakers Regional Competition and Convention, Indianapolis. Dancers take classes from nationally renowned choreographers in contemporary, lyrical, tap, ballet and hip hop styles. Instructors stress the importance of technique, poise and etiquette. Another focus is the importance of nutrition and healthy body image. The …read more.

AKRON — Tippecanoe Valley Schools Boomerang Backpacks program received a donation today from Rosy Jansma and the K21 Health Foundation. Jansma serves on the board of directors of the foundation and for her involvement and commitment to the community K21 made a donation of $1,000 in Jansma’s honor. She chose to donate that money to …read more.

SYRACUSE — One case was approved at the regular monthly meeting of the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals Thursday evening, Feb. 18. Teen Parents Succeeding’s petition is to allow a change and alteration of a granted exception by allowing a 12-foot by 24-foot addition. The petition was approved as requested. The property is located at …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Recently, 35 people, including educators, nonprofit leaders, two sisters and a warden, opened their mail expecting bills and junk mail. Instead, they found a new pair of shoes. Four were from Kosciusko County. The surprise was in honor of the Dekko Foundation’s 35th birthday. “Stepping back to consider young people’s developmental needs …read more.

By  REP. JACKIE WALORSKI U.S. House of Representatives, Indiana District 2 The United States faces the “most diverse array of challenges and threats” in almost 50 years. Those were the words that James Clapper, the President’s director of National Intelligence, used at a recent Congressional hearing to describe the world we live in today. As …read more.

SYRACUSE — Just a couple of years ago, the marine mechanics program for Wawasee High School was in its first year and though hopes were high, no one was quite sure just how much it would grow. It has grown and reached a point where some students likely won’t be accepted because it is at a maximum level.

BURKET — No one was injured in a head-on collision Wednesday morning, Feb. 17, but one of the drivers was cited. The accident occurred at 8:44 a.m. on West CR 700S, west of South CR 500W, Burket. Jose J. Castillo, 44, North CR 175E, Warsaw, was cited for driving while suspended following the accident. Kosciusko …read more.

WARSAW — United Way of Kosciusko County has honored several from the community who have made contributions over the past year. At its annual meeting and volunteer celebration, held Thursday, Feb. 18, in the lobby of Key Bank, Warsaw, United Way said farewell to retiring board members, recognized board members elected to a second term …read more.

SYRACUSE — Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of Wawasee Community School Corp., reports there was a small incident at Wawasee Middle School, prior to the start of school, this morning, Feb. 19. “There was a smoking electrical panel in the gymnasium area,” Edington reports. Turkey Creek Fire Territory was notified when the automatic alarm system was …read more.

WINONA LAKE — A 25-year-old Winona Lake man has been initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in the Sept. 29, 2015, death of Tyler S. Boocher, 20, Leesburg. Zakkary Ryan Pifer, 25, 701 Robson Road, Winona Lake, was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Thursday morning, on a charge of dealing a narcotic over 10 grams. …read more.

Scott Leon Wilkins WARSAW — After almost 5 1/2 hours of deliberation, the jury found Scott Leon Wilkins, 37, 136 N. Main St., Milford, guilty on two of three charges. He will be sentenced at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, in Kosciusko County Superior Court 3. The jury unanimously found Wilkins guilty of causing death …read more.

Kami Ellis WARSAW — The prosecution and defense have made their closing arguments and the jury has gone into deliberation in the case of Scott Wilkins. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Karin McGrath presented her argument first. McGrath appealed to the jury to consider the evidence, to take into account eyewitness accounts and to keep in mind …read more.

SYRACUSE — Several Wawasee Middle School students are exploring the sky and using the school’s planetarium to show to others what they have learned.

(This article was originally published on Wednesday, Feb. 17, in the Kosciusko edition of The Paper.) WARSAW — Melody Barker, Warsaw, has been through more in a little more than a year than most people can handle in a lifetime. Roller coasters are part of life, but Barker’s stamina was tested the past couple of …read more.

By AMY MUNCY
Advanced Master Gardener
WARSAW — Vermicomposting is using specifically, worms to compost kitchen scraps. This is probably the best way of composting kitchen wastes.

WARSAW — Lakeview Middle School will host officers with the Kosciusko County Sherriff’s Department Saturday, Feb. 20, for an active shooter training day.

ELKHART- Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill officially filed his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Indiana Attorney General. The filing was made at the Indiana Republican Party Headquarters. The nominee will be chosen by delegates at the Indiana Republican Party Convention in June in Indianapolis. Shortly before Hill filed his candidacy he to spoke to …read more.

MARSHALL COUNTY — Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public’s assistance in a break-in and burglary of a residence. Marshall County Sheriff’s Department reports between the hours of 6:45 a.m. and 4:04 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, unknown persons drove to the 13000 block of Ironwood Road. The individual(s) broke into and entered the home, …read more.

CROMWELL — Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District held a special monthly meeting Wednesday night, Feb. 17, after canceling Monday’s regular meeting. The board met at the Cromwell office for a quick series of updates on the SWAP project and getting the district’s customers ready for the improvements. Jones and Henry Engineer Brian Houghton met with …read more.

By TRENT SMITH Public Information Office, Indiana State Police-Bremen District 24 MARSHALL COUNTY — The Bremen Post Criminal Interdiction Team served two drug related search warrants early Thursday morning, Feb. 18, in Plymouth. State troopers raided both 610 Randolph St. and 1200 W. LaPorte St. shortly before 6 a.m. Both residences are located within 500 …read more.

WARSAW — George “The Amazing” Kreskin, a mentalist, will perform at the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19.

ELBERTON, GA. — Turns out this veterinarian can lend a home and a heart.

HARTLAND, WISC. — A Wisconsin family is calling their dog a hero. They say their pet’s persistence is the reason they’re still alive to share their story.

Site renovations for Washington Elementary WARSAW — The Warsaw School Corporation has started making the dream of a new Lincoln Elementary and renovated Washington Elementary and Edgewood Middle School a reality. Monday, Feb. 15, the construction began with trees being removed from the front of the WCS administration building to make a new road to …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw’s annual Polar Plunge is this weekend beginning at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Center Lake. On-site registration, including walk-ups, will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Center Lake Pavilion, 117 E. Canal St., Warsaw. Sunny and 48 degrees is the forecast for Saturday. The plunge will be a live radio …read more.

MILFORD — A Nappanee man has been arrested on a charge of battery to a person less than 14 years of age, a level 5 felony, and battery, a class A misdemeanor. Jesse Doe Walker, 25, whose address was listed as 8784 N. CR425W, Milford, at time of booking into the Kosciusko County Jail Wednesday, …read more.

WARSAW — The case against Scott Wilkins, 27, 136 N. Main St., Milford, will be going to the jury late this morning, Thursday, Feb. 18. Wilkins has been incarcerated in the Kosciusko County Jail since his arrest on Jan. 2, 2015. The fourth day of the trial began at 9:09 a.m. in Kosciusko Superior Court …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Lake City Hoopsters and and Syracuse Police Department played in a charity game to benefit Veenstra Victory.

NORTH WEBSTER — A failed attempt to break into an ATM machine has landed a North Webster resident in the Kosciusko County Jail. David Allen Baker was booked under the address of 221 S. Brook St., Mishawaka, at 7:40 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16. His age was listed as unknown. According to court documents filed Wednesday, …read more.

Kami Ellis WARSAW — The prosecution rests in the trial of Scott Wilkins, 37, 136 N. Main St., Milford. The trial reconvened following a lunch break Wednesday, Feb. 17, with further testimony by Lt. Chris McKeand, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. McKeand is a part of the department’s Fatal Alcohol Crash Team and responded to the Dec. 27, accident …read more.

WARSAW — A 17-year-old Warsaw teen has been waived to adult court on multiple charges. Ivan Gonzalez Herrera, 17, 1041 N. Park Avenue, Warsaw, was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail at 10:29 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, then released on his own recognizance. Court documents show the multiple charges against Herrera. Charges are: two charges …read more.

This was the vehicle where Kami Ellis was found after an early morning crash on Dec. 27, 2014. The alleged driver, Scott Wilkins, Milford, is standing trial on charges stemming from her death. (Photo by Deb Patterson) WARSAW — It was a short morning for testimony, Wednesday, Feb. 17, in the jury trial of Scott …read more.

WARSAW — Washington STEM and Madison Elementary School students regularly enjoy games of chess when their respective chess clubs meet. At Washington, 65 students from kindergarten to sixth grade are members; Madison has about 68. Jay Bolduc, a choir teacher with Warsaw Community Schools, oversees both programs.

By 1ST SGT. CHAD HILL Public Information Officer WARSAW — Detectives from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department are warning citizens of yet another local telephone scam that appears to have resurfaced from last year. Officers have recently received various reported incidents of local citizens who have been contacted by individuals via telephone portraying themselves as …read more.

[weaver_youtube RPb4XtaY40g rel=0]   WARSAW — Local lakes area band United has announced their upcoming 2016 show series. Winners of the People’s Choice award at the 2014 CCF Battle of the Bands, Etc. and contestant on the 2015 Michiana’s Rising Star TV series. United features an eclectic mix of their own originals plus unique covers …read more.

Milford Lizard’s Bar  9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Karaoke with Chris Cage Gunslinger will preform Saturday, Feb. 20. No cover charge. American Legion Post 253 North Webster 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, Short Term Memories. Silver Lake The Silver Inn Reckon will be playing at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. No cover charge. To have …read more.

By TRENT SMITH Public Information Officer, Indiana State Police-Bremen District 24 PLYMOUTH — Two Plymouth men awoke to the sound of a flash-bang and the Indiana State Police SWAT team Wednesday morning, Feb. 17, as troopers served a drug related search warrant at 17149 Lincoln Highway Apt. 1. Members of the Bremen Post Criminal Interdiction …read more.

WARSAW — An 18-year-old Warsaw teen, who was 17 years old when charges were initially filed, was waived to adult court Tuesday, Feb. 16, on multiple charges. Derek Shea, 18, 1815 Hepler Drive, Warsaw, was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail at 2:16 p.m. Tuesday and released on his own recognizance. Court documents show the …read more.

WARSAW — During the 2015-2016 school year, Warsaw Community School Corporation staff, parents and community members have been researching and reviewing math curricula for potential adoption beginning in the 2016-2017 school year in grades K-8.

INDIANAPOLIS — Ivy Tech Community College will celebrate its 5th annual Ivy Tech Days of Service, which will take place Feb. 14 through Feb. 20 at all campuses statewide, in conjunction with National Random Acts of Kindness Week.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Farmers Market will hold its Winter Market Saturday, Feb. 20 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) awarded $127,000 in livestock grant funding to 15 nonprofit organizations to fund projects that will foster growth within the Hoosier livestock industry.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Common Council is one step closer to adopting a strategic plan for the next four years. City Planner Jeremy Skinner met with the council for the third in a series of work sessions centered around identifying what the plan should encompass. The council briefly revisited the last meeting’s topic of communication, particularly in …read more.

SYRACUSE — During the Syracuse Town Council meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 16, Town Manager Henry DeJulia stated they are considering cutting back the sidewalk directly outside of town hall by 18 inches.

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Mike Pence and Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers joined Indiana business and local government leaders today to kick off “You Can. Go Back.”

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council was asked to consider a flow of changes during its regular meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 16. Public Works Director Rob Merchant shared plans to tighten up the town’s leak adjustment policy to shave down on lost revenue. The tighter policy would place more burden on residents to maintain their pipes …read more.

WASHINGTON, DC — Tomorrow, during its Digital Learning Day Live event, the Alliance for Excellent Education, a Washington, DC non-profit, will announce that Indiana’s Warsaw Community Schools is one of three recipients of its Excellence and Innovation in Secondary Schools award.

NORTH WEBSTER — It was almost a record setter for brevity. But the North Webster Town Council meeting missed it by a couple of minutes. It was held Tuesday evening, Feb. 16, at the North Webster Community Center.

SCOTTSBURG — As co-chair of Indiana’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said he commends the recent federal proposal to expand funding for addiction treatment programs targeting prescription drug and heroin abuse.

WARSAW — A number of individuals were recognized Tuesday evening, Feb. 16, at the annual Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District meeting. Recognition awards for soil judging and distinguished service were presented along with those farmers who participated in the Shatto Ditch Watershed project. Awards were also presented to those practicing nutrient and grazing …read more.

WARSAW — With a very brief agenda, the Warsaw City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 16. The council passed on second reading an amendment to the existing snow ordinance. There was brief discussion and the ordinance passed on second reading. Conflict of interest statements were also taken into account for 11 people. …read more.

[weaver_youtube 7yyWI6sm7l0 rel=0]   WARSAW — The Shatto Ditch project in Kosciusko County is being watched world wide and the results may help the influx of nitrates in Lake Erie and the Gulf of Mexico which has caused toxic algae blooms. Dr. Jennifer Tank, Galla professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame, …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — No one was injured in a head-on collision on CR 700S, west of CR 500W, at 6:44 a.m. today, Feb. 17. Burket and Mentone Fire Departments along with Life-Med responded to the scene along with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.

  WINONA LAKE — After 40 years of service in law enforcement for the Warsaw and Winona Lake communities, Paul Schmitt, Winona Lake town marshal, will retire effective April 1. The announcement came during the Winona Lake Town Council monthly meeting. Schmitt served for 30 years with Warsaw Police Department before becoming a member of …read more.

SYRACUSE — Fire crews are currently responding to a mobile home fire reported at 9581 King Arthur’s Trail in the Enchanted Hills subdivision. According to the owner of the property, who was present on scene, the property is a rental and became filled with smoke after a clothing dryer inside the home caught fire. The …read more.

WARSAW — When Vicki Simmons, Catherine Street, Milford, lent her vehicle to a friend in December, 2014, little did she know the events that would unfold surrounding it. Simmons testified as a witness Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 16, day two of the trail of Scott Wilkins, 37, 136 N. Main St., Milford, pertaining to an accident that happened …read more.

WARSAW — Testimony continued today in the Scott Wilkins trial with witness accounts not quite matching up. The trial for Scott Wilkins, 37, 136 N. Main St., Milford, continued today with Karin McGrath, deputy prosecuting attorney, calling Officer Derek Crider, Milford Deputy Marshal, to the witness stand. Crider stated upon the witness stand he was …read more.

BURKET —One person was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital following a two-vehicle accident at CR 200S and CR 400W this afternoon. Initial reports are the driver of a red Ford Focus failed to see a white Oldsmobile, causing the vehicles to collide in the intersection. The Oldsmobile went off the southwest side of the roadway …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter has announced the promotion of Sergeant Kevin W. Smith to the rank of First Sergeant within the Field Investigation Section to serve as the District Investigative Commander for the Fort Wayne Post.

INDIANAPOLIS — Teen pregnancies dip while child maltreatment deaths spike. The Indiana Youth Institute released its annual “Kids Count” health report, highlighting trends impacting youth and adolescents.

By STEPHANIE OVERBEY Associate Director, Kosciusko County Community Foundation KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation and Kosciusko County Farm Bureau are hosting its Second Annual Barn & Business Breakfast from 6:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center located on the Grace College campus. The event is designed for business, …read more.

SYRACUSE — Goals, short-term objectives and current projects were discussed at the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee meeting Monday evening, Feb. 15. The committee gave updates on the Conklin Bay and Eli Lilly Road projects. Regarding the Conklin Bay boardwalk and trail project, first, Earth Source LLC must submit plans. Construction is expected to begin in the …read more.

SYRACUSE — Lakeland Youth Club recently hosted a sled dog demonstration event. A team of canines from Tarnish’s Domain Malamutes showed off their sled-pulling expertise to crowds gathered to watch. To learn more about the malamutes, click here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) reminded Indiana residents about details of her tour to recognize recipients of her ‘Who’s Who in IN-02’ initiative.

WARSAW — A Warsaw man has been arrested for selling suboxone strips. Suboxone is a prescription used to treat narcotic (opiate) addiction and may be habit forming. Jacob William Meyer, 27, 3567 E. Birchwood Court, Warsaw, was arrested Monday morning, Feb. 15, and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on a charge of dealing in …read more.

WARSAW — Due to lack of business, the Thursday, March 10, meeting of the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, April 14.

CLAYPOOL — It was a short meeting as the Claypool town council met in regular session Monday evening, Feb. 15, in the Claypool Lions Club building. Board President Nikki Miller announced that clerk-treasurer Beth Brewer will resign her position effective March 1 due to health concerns. The council will meet with the Indiana State Board of Accounts to find …read more.

SYRACUSE — Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team is at 304 W. High St., Syracuse, where a meth lab is being dismantled. The home is at the corner of Mill and High streets. According to the Kosciusko County property search, the home is owned by Jason W. Meade. Documents found at the Kosciusko County Jail …read more.

WARSAW — “He left her. He recklessly killed her and left her for dead. Alone to burn. Scott Wilkins walked away from the inferno that claimed a life. He ran, he hid, he tried and covered his tracks. His friends helped him.” This was part of the opening statement of Karin McGrath, deputy prosecuting attorney, …read more.

NORTHERN INDIANA — The National Weather Service of Northern Indiana has issued a special weather statement for much of northern Indiana, including Kosciusko, Marshall, Starke, Noble, Lagrange, Elkhart, St. Joseph and LaPorte Counties. Patchy freezing drizzle is expected early this evening, Monday, Feb. 15. Patchy freezing drizzle may cause a few slick spots on roads and …read more.

By MICHELLE WEIDENBENNER, Local Author, Speaker, Trainer, John Maxwell Team FORT WAYNE — Everyone makes mistakes. Those who make a poor choice, commit a crime and get caught often find themselves with a conviction on their record that keeps them from getting a job. Many offenders regret their choice and want to turn their life around, get …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Police are announcing the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) statewide youth education initiative designed to reduce cyber victimization of youth between the ages of eight and eighteen.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Public meetings regarding gypsy moth treatments proposed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources have taken place in areas of St. Joseph, Kosciusko, Fulton, Marshall, Starke, Whitley and LaPorte counties.

By AMANDA BANKS Director of Public Relations, Grace College WINONA LAKE — Paul Angone, one of the leading voices in the nation to and for the millennial generation, is coming to Winona Lake. Angone is the creator of AllGroanUp.com, an online community for those asking “what now?” and best-selling author of “101 Secrets For Your …read more.

WARSAW — Tonight, Monday, Feb. 15, is the Warsaw episode of “The Bachelor.” Among the features in the episode will be Ben Higgins at Baker Youth Club interacting with the youth along with several members of the Indiana Pacers. To coincide with this episode and the look Higgins is giving the country into his hometown, …read more.

By DANI BARKEY Warsaw Community Schools WARSAW — The Warsaw community and school corporation experienced a tragic loss over the weekend. Edgewood Middle School and Gateway Educational Center student, Chris Davis passed away at a hospital Saturday evening, Feb. 13. The school corporation offers its deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to his family. Guidance counselors …read more.

Scott Leon Wilkins WARSAW — A  scheduled five-day jury trial began this morning in Kosciusko Superior Court 3 against Scott Leon Wilkins, 37, 136 N. Main St., Milford. Wilkins has been charged with the Dec. 27, 2014, death of Kami Ellis, 27, Nappanee, in a traffic accident. Wilkins has been charged with causing a death …read more.

WARSAW — A Warsaw man has been arrested on two charges of battery to a person less than 14 years of age and on a warrant for failure to appear. He also faces a new charge of battery. Jack Daniels, 33, 340 E. Levi Lee Road, Warsaw, was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail early …read more.

UPDATE: Drivers involved in a two-vehicle accident at 5:43 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment. The accident occurred on Lake City Highway and East Old Road 30, Warsaw. Warsaw Police report Bob D. Montel, 79, North Union Street, Warsaw, was westbound in his 2014 Chevrolet, and stopped for the traffic …read more.

WARSAW — Crews are responding to reports of a trailer on fire at 340 E. Levi Lee Road, Warsaw.

WARSAW — Residents of Warsaw and the surrounding communities are taking the cold weather literally on Saturday, Feb. 20, as they brave the wintry waters once again for the 2016 Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics Indiana. On-site registration (including walk-ups) will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Center Lake Pavilion, 117 E. Canal St., …read more.

SYRACUSE — On Saturday afternoon, Feb. 13, Polar Plunge was not an exaggeration at all. The actual temperature was 14 degrees and with the wind chill factored in, it felt more like about -2.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Area Career Center will host Have a Heart for Step One, a pulled-pork meal fundraiser, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Warsaw Community High School. Other events will include a bake sale and a food drive for the Salvation Army. The menu will include one sandwich and two …read more.

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced his office will host a Veterans History Project event at Lake City Place Senior Living, Warsaw, from 2:30–4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. The Veterans History Project is an effort by the Library of Congress to preserve the historic experiences …read more.

NORTHERN INDIANA — The National Weather Service office in Fort Wayne is predicting lake-effect snow squalls that will drop new snow across north central and northeast Indiana through Saturday. Another weather system brings increasing snow chances statewide beginning on Sunday. Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance supervisors will continue to monitor evolving weather forecasts this weekend. …read more.

NORTHERN INDIANA — The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the following counties: Kosciusko, Marshall, LaGrange, Noble and St. Joseph. This includes the areas of Warsaw, Winona Lake, Syracuse, Mentone, Plymouth, Bremen, Culver, LaGrange, Topeka, Shipshewana, Kendallville, Ligonier and Albion and portions of southern Michigan. Lake-effect snow showers will diminish later …read more.

MARSHALL COUNTY — Marshall County Emergency Management has issued  a travel advisory due to blowing and drifting snow across county roads, primarily in the northern part of the county. Drivers are reminded to use caution while traveling and avoid driving through roads that appear to be drifted closed. Marshall County Highway Department has crews out working to clear …read more.

WARSAW — Though plans are still underway for the Indiana Bicentennial celebration, both on the state and county level, area residents can experience a fun “sign” of things to come. Indiana’s 2016 Bicentennial celebration aims to honor our state’s 200 years of history, and to do so in a modern way that engages all 6.5 …read more.

WARSAW — It was a big night in the Tiger Den Friday, Feb. 12, and not just because of basketball. Just before the varsity game began, officials from Warsaw Community Schools and Lutheran Health Network Kosciusko Community Hospital gathered on the playing floor to announce a partnership that will bring $1 million to WCS athletic programs. …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Jenna Bragg and Kaylee Shull, of Warsaw, and Gabriel Shennum, of Winona Lake, are featured in the first 2016 senior artwork showcase at Grace College. The Mount Memorial Gallery will host three exhibits before graduation. Seniors from the department of visual, performing, and media arts are displaying cumulative and thesis work. It …read more.

WARSAW — A progress report on design-build projects for Warsaw Community Schools was presented Thursday evening to members of the Warsaw Community School Board. The presentation was made during the board’s monthly work session. Officials from Performance Services presented details of work completed the past 30 days at one location along with work to occur …read more.

[weaver_youtube BKUEIWZBMNc rel=0] WARSAW — Three local veterans received a warm gift Friday afternoon, Feb. 12, at Kosciusko County Senior Services. Guests of honor included David White, who served with the Marines during Vietnam and Malcolm Case, who served with the Navy during World War II. Sherman Coy Jr., who served with the Army during World …read more.

BOURBON — Triton High School senior and Distinguished Young Woman of Triton, Alexis ‘Lexi’ Miller, will travel to Kokomo Feb. 14 where she will prepare to compete for the 2016 title of Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana on Feb. 18, 19, and 20.

WARSAW — 1st Source Bank has donated $25,000 to Beaman Home for the construction of a new emergency shelter and outreach center that will be used to serve families affected by domestic violence.

Leesburg Pie Eyed Petey’s Karaoke from 8 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Feb. 12. The Hipposonics will preform from 8 p.m. to midnight, Feb. 13. North Webster Ye Olde Pub Cap’n bob, the “Singin’ Skipper” will be performing for diners from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. There is no cover charge. The Pub will be offering …read more.

Weekly prep basketball picks from IFN sports writer Nick Goralczyk

WARSAW — In observance of President’s Day, offices for the City of Warsaw will be closed Monday, Feb. 15.

WARSAW — A 45-year-old Chicago man has been booked in the county jail for defrauding a local financial institution. Kevin Phillips, 25, 8925 Parnell St., Chicago, Ill., was booked at 7:17 p.m. Thursday, on two counts of fraud on a financial institution, both level 5 felonies. He is being held on $10,000 surety and $250 …read more.

WARSAW — Travel-associated Zika infection is on the rise in the United States and one case has been reported in the Hoosier state. According to a press release from the Indiana State Department of Health, with confirmation from the Center for Disease Control, Feb. 9, marked the first case of the Zika virus in Indiana. …read more.