MENTONE — Horizon Bancorp and Kosciusko Financial Inc. announced Friday, Feb. 5, they have executed a definitive agreement whereby Horizon will acquire Kosciusko and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Farmers State Bank, an Indiana state chartered bank, through a stock and cash merger.

SYRACUSE — Rehearsals have begun for the Lakes Area Players 11th presentation of “Christ’s Passion” play.

NORTH WEBSTER — Lakeland Regional Sewer District discussed new ways to handle delinquent customers during the board’s regular monthly meeting Thursday evening, Feb. 4, in the North Webster Community Center. Since the billing process began, LRSD has been dealing with late fees, confused users and plenty of unpaid bills. Now, with approximately 100 customers past …read more.

By GENNIE BRISSETTE-TIPTON CCMLK Promotions Director WARSAW — The Committee to Commemorate Martin Luther King is announces the second annual Black History Month Art Display. This year the CCMLK not only partners with the art department at Warsaw Community Schools, but also the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts as the host site for the …read more.

Weekly prep basketball picks from IFN sports writer Nick Goralczyk.

SYRACUSE — Young driver Deanna Meade, 16, Syracuse, walked away with minor injuries this afternoon after rolling her vehicle near the intersection of Syracuse-Webster Road and CR 700 East. The accident occurred around 3:20 p.m. According to Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department officer Rick Shepherd, Meade left the roadway while traveling east and overcorrected, causing her …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Office of Gov. Mike Pence issued the following photos, after being informed by members of the immediate family of Gov. Edgar D. Whitcomb that the former governor passed away on Thursday, Feb. 4 at his home in Rome. Eric Holcomb, a candidate for United States Senate, issued this statement following news that …read more.

By AMANDA ZAMBRANO Master Gardener Intern WARSAW — Growing vegetables from seed is an economic way to obtain your own produce. While some seeds can be direct-sown, particularly cold weather crops like peas, lettuce or carrots, most of our summertime favorites need to be started indoors as our northern Indiana growing season isn’t quite long …read more.

WARSAW — The United Way of Kosciusko County will hold its Annual Meeting and Celebration from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. The event will be held at 119 East Center Street (Key Bank Building), Warsaw. The presentation will include annual responsibilities of the board of directors, a presentation highlighting the contributions of volunteers and the …read more.

UPDATE: A dump truck driver suffered minor injuries after his truck was struck from behind by a semitractor Thursday afternoon, Feb. 4, on Lake City Highway, west of Commerce Drive, Warsaw. Roger A. Murphy, 65, Baker Street, Plymouth, was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital. Murphy complained of pain to the back and neck. The accident …read more.

WARSAW — George Kreskin, a mentalist of TV talk show fame, will perform at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19. “The Amazing Kreskin,” as he is popularly known, rose to popularity on television in the 1970s, during which he appeared 61 times on “The Tonight Show …read more.

COLUMBIA CITY — Jessica Kissinger, 20, Churubusco, was sentenced to 14 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections today in Whitley Circuit Court. Kissinger was convicted of molesting a child on three different occasions in 2013 and 2014. Prosecuting Attorney Matthew J. Rentschler argued for a stiff sentence: “The court needs to consider the lasting …read more.

By RICH MYERS Public Information Officer, Indiana State Police INDIANA — The Indiana State Police, in partnership with the Governor’s Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, reminds all Indiana motorists to celebrate this year’s Super Bowl responsibly by driving sober and safe. “Whether it’s the Super Bowl or any …read more.

WHITLEY COUNTY — An Avilla man died from injuries he suffered this morning, Thursday, Feb. 4, in a four-vehicle accident on SR 9, north of CR 500E. The accident was reported at 6:14 a.m. James M. Ratliff, 41, Avilla, was pronounced deceased by medical staff at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Whitley County Sheriff’s Department reports Anna …read more.

MISHAWAKA — Congresswoman Jackie Walorski reminded constituents that a member of her staff will be holding office hours to assist constituents with casework and official business.

WARSAW — Stephanie Hilliard from Tippecanoe was the grand prize winner of an Arctic Cat 300 ATV from Kerlin Trailers Motorsports Western. Local radio stations, with title sponsors Arctic Cat and Kerlin Trailers Motorsports Western, held a “Pigskin Picks” contest where their listeners picked which NFL team they thought would win each game night. Hilliard …read more.

WARSAW — At the age of 36, Warsaw native Jay Hocking has already lived a full life all over the world. Based in an office in Portland, Ore., Hocking shared favorite memories of Winona Lake and Warsaw, the town his family calls “home base” even after living in France, Africa and Oregon. Hocking works as …read more.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton town council met last night, Wednesday, Feb. 3, for an administrative meeting. The only ones present for the meeting were members of the council, although, the meeting was open to the public. Jerry Kreger, clerk/treasurer, stated that the meeting was informal and informational. The topic of the meeting was concerning a …read more.

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek Fire Department and Syracuse EMS were called to a single vehicle accident this morning around 8:55 a.m. at 9765 E. 1350N, Syracuse. Driver Alyxandria Wert, 18, Silver Lake, reportedly lost control of her vehicle while traveling west on the icy roads, causing her to strike a line of trees and telephone …read more.

WARSAW — It was 3:30 in the morning on June 25, 2013, when production crews began to move into Lance’s NewMarket in North Webster. Lighting, sound, and film equipment took over aisles 1 and 12 and a handful of local “extras” arrived to set the background for two scenes of the independent film, “My Elusive …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Lakes Area Autism Network and Bowen Center will present “Training and Education Across the Autism Spectrum” for parents, professionals and the community on March 10. The event will be held at Winona Lake Grace Brethren in The Hub. There is a cost. The event will begin at 9 a.m. with registration and …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — House Bill 1001 has passed the house and moves on to the Senate. Local State Rep. David Wolkins, House District 18, supported the bill. “This proposal would provide adequate funding to maintain and repair our state’s infrastructure with a long-term solution, versus other short-term plans,” stated Wolkins. “Under this bill a larger portion …read more.

WARSAW — Once again, the issue of the public being able to use a platted road to access a lake came up during a meeting of the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission. During its regular monthly meeting Wednesday, Feb. 3, in Warsaw the APC considered a petition by Ronald and Karen Harter to vacate a 14.5-foot wide public way in the Brindle subdivision near Sechrist Lake in Tippecanoe Township.

WARSAW — During its regular monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 3, in Warsaw, the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission considered a rezoning petition for Chad and Annie Zartman in Plain Township. It soon became apparent more than a rezoning was involved, though eventually the APC chose to focus only on the rezoning.

MARSHALL COUNTY — Marshall County Sheriff’s Department investigated several collisions in the Bremen area early this morning, Feb. 4. Road conditions at the time were slick and icy. One of the accidents occurred at 4:15 a.m. on SR 331, south of Sixth Road. David J. Heineman Jr., 28, Plymouth, was driving his 2006 Ford F250 …read more.

[weaver_youtube PwfgfokzyVc rel=0]   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) announced this week’s honoree for her ‘Who’s Who in IN-02’ initiative. During a speech on the House floor Wednesday, Feb. 3, Walorski congratulated David Lawson, a volunteer firefighter with the Rochester Fire Department, for saving a family from their burning home last month. On …read more.

By SGT. RON GALAVIZ Indiana State Police Public Information Officer, Fort Wayne Post WHITLEY COUNTY — The Indiana State Police continues to investigate a two-vehicle crash which occurred Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 3, at the Whitley and Allen county line that claimed the lives of a 43-year-old woman and an 84-year-old man, both from Columbia City. …read more.

WARSAW — The annual Warsaw Police Department’s traffic report showed an increase in traffic accidents and parking violations in 2015. The report was presented Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the Warsaw Traffic Safety Commission. Property damage accidents increased by 91 between 2014 and 2015 while personal injury accidents and the number of people injured decreased. According …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Changes in farming in recent years have been well documented, whether focusing on technology, farmland being sold and developed residentially or the diminishing number of family farms. Another aspect of change, that of what takes place on a grain farm during the winter months, has probably not received quite as much attention.

SYRACUSE – Kem Zolman announced his retirement as the Wawasee girls basketball coach on Wednesday.

WARSAW — On and off street parking sub-committees will reconvene to discuss solutions to provide downtown residents parking. The group will begin meeting in the next few weeks with Dana Hewitt, parking control officer. The decision to reconvene the group came during today’s Warsaw Traffic Safety Commission meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 3. The commission received information …read more.

WARSAW — A parking ban limiting parking on either side of Colfax Street between Main and Clark streets, as well as on the west side of the street from Center to Main Street, is expected to be put into effect Friday following Warsaw’s Board of Works meeting. The parking ban will last through the end …read more.

ALLEN COUNTY — The Indiana State Police is currently investigating a two-vehicle crash, which occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Washington Center Road at the Allen/Whitley County line. The crash has resulted in one fatality. At this time, Washington Center Road is closed at the Allen/Whitley County line while emergency crews work to conduct their …read more.

By PAULA BOWMAN Warsaw First Fridays Organizer WARSAW — Have you heard that 2016 is Indiana’s bicentennial birthday? To celebrate that once-in-a-lifetime event, First Friday is all about the “decades of change” of the past 200 years. We are kicking off our year with our fifth annual “Fire and Ice” celebration Friday night, Feb. 5. …read more.

One of the many statues created by Seward Johnson featured in Warsaw in 2014. WARSAW — After reporting a huge success in 2014, the city of Warsaw will once again feature lifelike and life-sized sculptures by American sculptor Seward Johnson this summer. If you made it to the downtown area during the initial showing of …read more.

WARSAW — This week’s Pets of the Week come from the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County. Trinity Trinity is a female, spayed 9-year-old pretty chocolate Labrador retriever. She’s a sweetheart and may be an older girl but will melt your heart. Trinity is a very calm and loving dog. She walks good on a …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — A bill authored by State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) to extend circuit breaker credits to the some schools’ transportation fund levies passed the Senate Tuesday, Feb. 2, by a 47-3 vote. Senate Bill 329 would extend the protected tax waiver for schools for three additional years, 2017-2019. The bill would increase the eligibility …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory meeting started off at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, with an introduction of all those present, including Jack Daniel and Aimee Shimasaki from Martin Riley Architects of Fort Wayne. Daniel and Shimasaki were in attendance to present preliminary schematics for the new fire station, Station 3, to be located …read more.

MILFORD — Miller said her one post has been shared more than 800,000 times and has been viewed in every country in the world. Larger sites such as GodVine, ForEveryMom and The Independent Journal made contact with Miller about re-publishing her post, which added even more exposure to her small-town blog.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Dr. Jennifer Tank, a Galla professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame, will be the keynote speaker at the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Meeting. The event will be 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Champagne Jam, 2517 E. Center St., Warsaw. Tank specializes in nutrient …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — NIPSCO Manager Christopher Pieri is pictured presenting a check for $18,078.22 to Cardinal Services’ Director of Development, Vickie Lootens and CEO, Jane Wear. The award was made through NIPSCO’s Commercial and Industrial Custom Natural Gas & Electric Incentive Program.  Through the program, NIPSCO offers partial reimbursement grants for the cost of updating …read more.

WARSAW — Dennis Langly Hall, 49, 326 N. Lake St., Warsaw, was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 2, on drug charges. He was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail at 8:27 a.m. Hall is charged with maintaining a common nuisance and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, both level 6 felonies; and possession of marijuana, a …read more.

By DETECTIVE LT. DUANE CULP Marshall County Sheriff’s Department MARSHALL COUNTY —Christina Moren, 806 Roosevelt Road, Walkerton, died in a single-vehicle accident Tuesday evening, Feb. 2, in Marshall County. She was the driver of a 2001 maroon Ford Explorer. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Polk Township Fire Department, Polk Fire Department, LaPaz EMS, and Walkerton …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Monday afternoon, Feb. 1, half a dozen members of North Webster Church of God and DJ Construction nudged their golden shovels into the damp soil during a groundbreaking ceremony on the south end of the sprawling church complex. The original church, built in the 1950s, will be demolished Feb. 9 to make …read more.

INDIANA — The Senate considered two proposals Tuesday, Feb. 2, that would address Indiana’s meth epidemic. One was Senate Bill 80. This bill approaches the topic of giving more power to pharmacists in deciding whether to sell pseudoephedrine or ephedrine on the basis of the pharmacists’ professional judgement. This bill would also give the pharmacist civil …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Jada Monica Drew will offer ways to connect people for social justice at Manchester University. Drew will present “Cultural TAC: Tolerance, Acceptance, Celebration,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in Stauffer-Wolf Arena of the Physical Education and Recreation Center on the North Manchester campus. The event is free and open to the …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — Indiana Farm Bureau’s third house meeting is hosting the state legislators for Kosciusko County at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, in the local Farm Bureau office west of Warsaw on US 30, north-side of the highway and to the right of Biomet. In attendance will be state Senators Carlin Yoder, Ryan Mishler, and …read more.

By FIRST SGT. CHAD HILL, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Public Information Officer PIERCETON — A Pierceton man perished in a morning house fire today near the Barbee Lake area in Kosciusko County. North Webster/Tippecanoe fireman and EMS responded today at 9:07 a.m. to the location of 7246 E. South Barbee Drive, Pierceton, in regards to a …read more.

WARSAW — The community is invited to take a sneak peek at Parkview Hospital’s new Warsaw location during an open house event set for 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. Tours of the 86,000 square-foot facility will take place during that time, giving guests a chance to see the services that will be available starting this …read more.

WARSAW — One Dog at a Time Rescue is taking registrations for the transport to HOPE For Animals, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, in Ft. Wayne. ODTR runs the transport monthly March through October. This transport is open to the public and helps provide a low cost spay/neuter service to people who would otherwise not be able to get their …read more.

DOWAGIAC — Forestry clubs of Michigan State University and Ohio State University are returning to Dowagiac for Ice Time on Saturday, Feb. 6, as they demonstrate lumbering techniques, dating back to the 1880s. Now in its 20th year, the winter arts festival of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce has been profiled as one of …read more.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Beaman Home’s DoVE Outreach Program Coordinator April Slone wants area parents to know that 2 out of 3 teens are experiencing teen dating abuse or violence. Many teens don’t recognize the behaviors as abuse…and 81 percent of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit …read more.

WARSAW — Members of the Warsaw Community High School Band received numerous high ratings during the ISSMA District Solo and Ensemble contest held Saturday, Jan. 30, at Carroll High School in Fort Wayne. In all, Warsaw collected 18 Gold (superior) ratings and three Silver (good) ratings. Eleven solos and four ensembles qualified for state solo and …read more.

MENTONE — Mentone has a new police policy manual following a unanimous vote Monday evening, Feb. 1, during the regular council meeting. The policies have been a hot topic in Mentone for quite some time. Council member Shelly Krueger presented a printout for the council and Town Marshal Jim Eads to review and approve. Eads …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Common Council’s Feb. 1, meeting kicked off with old business and a second reading of an ordinance to increase the Traffic Safety Commission from seven members to nine. Mayor Joseph Thallemer said, “Essentially, it would add a city planner and the street superintendent as voting members. It creates a larger body to discern different …read more.

WARSAW — Yesterday evening, Monday, Feb. 1, members of the Warsaw Common Council met for the second part of a series of discussions surrounding the city’s strategic plan, which was last revised April 19, 2012. The meeting focused on establishing basic goals and objectives for the city for the next four years. Led by Warsaw …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Public meetings regarding gypsy moth treatments proposed by the Department of Natural Resources, will take place Tuesday, Feb.2, through Thursday, Feb.11. The treatments are set to take place in areas of St. Joseph, Kosciusko, Fulton, Marshall and Starke counties this spring. Topics will include the presence of the invasive gypsy moth, problems …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Redevelopment Commission is working with Kosciusko County Habitat for Humanity to purchase five lots on Market Street. The empty lots had originally been donated for the organization to build on, however, the commission felt that was not the right use for that land, so they approached Habitat about purchasing the land …read more.

PIERCETON — Emergency personnel responded to a residential fire located at 7246 E. South Barbee Drive, Pierceton, around 9:15 a.m. North Webster Fire Department was called to the scene along with Pierceton Fire Department. Turkey Creek Fire was placed on standby for NWFD. Winona Lake Fire Department was called for a full assist.  

WARSAW – Anne Secrest again leads our Ink Free News Girls Basketball All-Area Team.

AKRON — Anne Secrest of Tippecanoe Valley has been named our girls basketball Player of the Year.

By TRENT SMITH Public Information Section, Indiana State Police Bremen Post MARSHALL COUNTY — The Indiana State Police SWAT team raided four homes in Plymouth Friday and Monday after members of the Bremen Post Criminal Interdiction Team obtained search warrants for the residences. The state police were assisted by the Plymouth Police Department and the Marshall …read more.

WARSAW — At approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, drug investigation officers with Warsaw Police Department discovered a one pot meth lab in the bathroom of a Warsaw home. Warsaw Police Department and Warsaw Fire Department responded to 2127 Fox Farm Road, Warsaw, to assist in removing the lab and chemicals safely from the property. …read more.

WARSAW — Katy Bowser, 27, North Webster, mother of two girls and fiancé of Dwayne Cooper, was in a coma at Lutheran Hospital just days ago. On Tuesday, Jan. 26, Bowser was at work when said she felt weird and that the left side of her body was “tingly.” She drove herself to Kosciusko Community …read more.

MILFORD — CTB Inc. announced today, Monday, Feb. 1, the purchase of Holding Hamon Développement, a designer and manufacturer of buildings for poultry keeping, processing plants and industry and parent company of Serupa SAS and Mafrel SAS. The company has its headquarters in Merdrignac, France, west of Rennes. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. …read more.

WARSAW — One person was transported to Parkview Hospital, following a three-vehicle accident last week at the intersection of East Center Street and South Bronson Street, Warsaw. At approximately 2:50 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, Jacob D. England, 32, East Center Street, Warsaw, was stopped at the intersection, when his vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle …read more.

WARSAW — Emergency personnel are currently responding to an accident located on Detroit and Main streets, Warsaw.

WARSAW — A Syracuse woman was sentenced on Friday, Jan. 29, in the Kosciusko County Circuit Court for the reckless homicide of her 12-year-old son. The sentencing occurred over a year after Skyler Spore, 12, 202 W. Washington St., Syracuse, was found deceased in his home as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning from generators running …read more.

SYRACUSE — The crock pots were empty and bellies full by the end of the Wawasee Kiwanis Soup Supper. On Friday night, Jan. 31, the Syracuse Community Center gym was transformed into a full-service kitchen as Kiwanis members handed out servings of soup for tasting and voting. This marked the seventh year that the Wawasee …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning drivers of possible slick spots on the roads.[weaver_sc id=”surveybegin”] A combination of wet pavement, patchy fog and temperatures hovering around the freezing mark may create some slick spots on roadways through 10 a.m. this morning, Monday, Feb. 1. Pedestrians should also use caution, …read more.

[weaver_sc id=”surveybegin”] KOSCUISKO COUNTY — Chicken is on the menu at Indiana’s leading farm-to-table restaurants during this legislative session as they feature farm-raised poultry processed under a USDA “grant of exemption” in opposition to a House bill that would prohibit them from serving it. “It is hard to find high quality chicken in Indiana” said …read more.

WARSAW — The Bison-tennial Public Art Project is coming to Kosciusko County as part of Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration in 2016. Kosciusko County Community Foundation will be the project lead for the public art project, officially endorsed by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission. The Bison-tennial Public Art Project is facilitated by Indiana Association of United Ways, whose …read more.

WARSAW — Emergency personnel are currently responding to 2127 N. Fox Farm Road, Warsaw, where meth labs have been located.[weaver_sc id=”surveybegin”] According to Beacon, the home is a residential property owned by Ted W. Tackett. Warsaw Police Department and Warsaw Fire Department responded to the scene. The investigation is ongoing at the scene at this …read more.

WARSAW — Thanks to the those who visited Clean Water Car Wash Wednesday, Jan. 27, approximately 1,435 people will be able to access clean, reliable drinking water.[weaver_sc id=”surveybegin”] Though many wouldn’t just give away their opening day sales, CEO Brian Catron wanted to use the event to give back to a cause near and dear …read more.

Microsoft Word Workshop Series 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 Learn the basics of text layout, formatting, common tasks and working with templates.  All skill levels and ages are welcome – from beginners to those just needing to brush up …read more.

SYRACUSE — Sometimes an interest can stick with a person from childhood even to retirement age.

WABASH — Singer/songwriter, author, comedian and “jackwagon,” the multi-talented Tim Hawkins will be at the Honeywell Center 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 4. Hawkins’ style of clean comedy is for the whole family. He says he takes things from every day life and incorporates it into his act, “The more true it is, the funnier it …read more.

MENTONE — One person was flown to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, following a rollover accident near Mentone. At approximately 12:17 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded to calls about a rollover accident at South CR 1000W and West CR 500S. They arrived to find Daricus D. Phillips, 20, South Washington Street, Warsaw, …read more.

Sure, everyone talks about the weather, but every Feb. 5 we commemorate those who do it for a living. Weatherpersons Day, also known as Weatherman’s Day, is celebrated on the birthday of John Jeffries, one of the country’s first weather observers. Jeffries took detailed weather measurements in Boston every day from 1774 until his work …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University will offer a new certificate in interfaith literacy at its North Manchester campus beginning in 2016-2017. Designed to address the challenges and dynamics of a changing and increasingly diverse world, the certificate will help fulfill Manchester’s mission of graduating people “who draw upon their education and faith” and the University’s …read more.

WARSAW — Emergency personnel responded to an accident located on Bronson and Center streets, Warsaw, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29. The accident reportedly involved three vehicles: a dark blue Chevy Impala; blue Chrysler Town and Country Van; and a black Ford F250. Warsaw Police Department, Lutheran EMS and Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory responded to …read more.

WARSAW — A North Manchester man was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court I Thursday, Jan. 28, for the alleged rape of a woman in May 2015. Noah Emmanuel Akins, 25, 808 Ron Court, North Manchester, was found guilty of rape, a level 3 felony charge, and was sentenced to nine years in the Indiana Department …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — The North Webster Church of God (NWCOG) and DJ Construction will reveal plans sure to delight adults and children alike during a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 1. The ceremony will be held at the NWCOG, and will unveil details of a 15,930-square-foot addition to the church starting Feb. 3. This is the first …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Outstanding school music ensembles and student musicians from across the country will gather in Indianapolis for the 25th Annual Music for All National Festival, presented by Yamaha, March 10-12, to present concerts and participate in music education workshops at top venues throughout Indianapolis. The festival comprises the National Concert Band Festival, Orchestra America …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Center for Lakes & Streams continues to collect samples from local Kosciusko County streams through the winter months. In fact, the center has added new sites throughout the Warsaw area as part of involvement in the Clean Waters Partnership, an initiative including representatives from the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, …read more.

ALLEN COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters invites the community to participate in its largest annual fundraiser: Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Each year, thousands of volunteers across northeast Indiana and south-central Michigan come together to support Big Brothers Big Sisters in its mission to help at-risk children through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. One hundred percent of funds raised …read more.

LEESBURG — One person was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, and one to Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Thursday evening, Jan. 28, following a one-vehicle rollover accident in Leesburg. At approximately 9:53 p.m., officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports that a gray 2002 Toyota, driven by A. Din, 45, West Rudisill Boulevard, Fort Wayne, had …read more.

By BRITTANY LYON Gradway Director WARSAW — Michael Thacker, Tippecanoe Valley High School Gradway student and graduate of 2015, is now attending Grace College. Gradway Director, Brittany Lyon, joined Michael this week to catch up on life after high school. Michael was joined by Grace College professor and mentor, Peter Wolff, who Michael says has …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Purdue Extension will host a Livestock Poss-Abilities Spark Club and Showcase. This is open to any youth in grades 3-12 who are interested in learning about livestock with the 4-H program. The capacity for participants is limited by the number of available mentor families. The 4-H Livestock Poss-Abilities Spark Club …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County has a new man and woman of the year. The chamber held its annual dinner last evening, Thursday, Jan. 28, recognizing several local individuals and businesses for their contributions to the community. Receiving the Man of the Year award was Jon Sroufe, while Jane Wear received Woman of the Year. Jon Sroufe Founder of …read more.

WARSAW – Tickets are still being sold today for the Warsaw at NorthWood boys basketball game tonight.

Weekly prep basketball picks from IFN sports writer Nick Goralczyk.

LEESBURG — Emergency personnel are currently responding to a report of a rollover accident on SR 15 near Plum Street, in Leesburg. The accident involved only one SUV.

INDIANA — Indiana’s largest, free FAFSA filing event is less than four weeks away. Financial aid professionals will be volunteering at 42 sites in Indiana to help college-bound students and their families open the door to financial aid during College Goal Sunday. The event is set for 2 p.m. Feb. 21. The free program assists …read more.

[weaver_youtube ZleBO8saZP8 rel=0] INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Mike Pence today marked the first anniversary of the landmark approval of the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0 waiver at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, where he first announced “HIP 2.0 is open for business.” There, he recognized the early successes of the HIP 2.0 program and called for continued …read more.

MILFORD — Milford Police Department is currently warning residents of active phone scams reported throughout the community. According to a release issued by MPD scammers are currently making phone calls attempting to solicit information for an action of account that an individual has and has not personally requested. Callers are advised to terminate the call …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Saemann Foundation board member Bob List visited Cardinal Services recently to learn more about the foundation’s grant made to Cardinal’s KABS program. Cardinal’s Randy Hall and Rob Cunningham of KABS showed List the new bus, pointing out special features and explaining KABS ongoing need for new buses. Kosciusko Area Bus Service has …read more.

WINONA LAKE — The historic Billy Sunday Home, owned and operated by the history and political science department of Grace College and Seminary, is open for tours. After interior renovations in 2000, work to repair the home’s exterior began last summer. Grace College and other generous donors have provided the necessary funds to fully restore this historic …read more.

By CAPT. JAMES L. BRADBERRY Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department Elkhart — Elkhart County Sheriff’s Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying suspects who were involved in a robbery that occurred earlier this morning, Thursday, Jan. 28, in the 22000 block of Pine Arbor Drive in Elkhart. At approximately 5:12 a.m., the victim, a …read more.

WARSAW — Changes are coming to Warsaw’s trash pickup process and Mayor Joe Thallemer wants residents to know what their options are. By spring, residents will receive new, complimentary trash bins and all they have to do is decide what size they want. Tags will be attached to residents’ garbage bins this week, asking them to select …read more.