I hope this letter finds you and your family save and healthy. The historic times we’re living shut down the Hoosier State Press Association for a bit, which delayed my writing of thank you letters to legislators.

I hope this letter finds you and your family save and healthy. The historic times we’re living shut down the Hoosier State Press Association for a bit, which delayed my writing of thank you letters to legislators.

Dear Editor, We have all experienced something that most people in the last 100 years never thought would happen. We’ve all now experienced shutdowns, record unemployment, political turmoil and a lot of other things that I’m sure we would all rather have done without. Now that we are here, I’d like to voice concern about …read more.

I want to encourage everyone to visit the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page to view part one of their three-episode documentary on Kosciusko’s JCAP program.

After the death of George Floyd, there was historic, national consensus that we needed to make sure an episode like it never happens again. The American people took to the streets, sending a message loud and clear – and Congress was listening.

I hope this letter finds you and your family save and healthy. The historic times we’re living shut down the Hoosier State Press Association for a bit, which delayed my writing of thank you letters to legislators.

Todd Young Guest Columnist Editor’s note: This column was originally published in Indianapolis Reporter. Since the murder of George Floyd and the protests that have ensued, two words have been on my mind: Listen and Act. I ran for the United States Senate because I wanted to represent all Hoosiers — not just those who …read more.

The Elkhart County Health Department has issued a mandate requiring individuals to wear a face covering in all indoor areas open to the public, all outdoor areas open to the public where a distance of six feet from individuals outside of their household cannot be maintained, and all private indoor or outdoor areas where a distance of six feet from individuals outside of their household cannot be maintained.

Why are there Commissioner districts?

By Leo Morris Guest Columnist In 1936, Bob Wian sold his car and used the $350 as a down payment on a 10-stool diner in Glendale, Calif., which he turned into a hamburger joint called Bob’s Pantry. Shortly, thereafter, the story goes, two things happened. Members of an orchestra stopped in and asked if Wian …read more.

By Don Zolman Guest Columnist At age 11 in 1965, I watched the March on Selma with my family on the evening news. I saw the dogs unleashed and people getting knocked senseless with billy clubs. I asked my parents why they were being attacked and my dad said it was because they wanted to …read more.

Dear Editor, My name is Tim Keyes, and I am a born and raised resident of Warsaw and chose to stay and help make our city a better place after finishing college. I have a great friend and ally in this effort: Travis McConnell. I met him by chance, recommended to his law practice for …read more.

By Travis McConnell Guest Column As a candidate for commissioner, you may be wondering something that I once did and many have asked me – “what the heck does a commissioner do anyway?” We have a Board of three commissioners and a County Council of seven people. Generally, commissioners are in charge of the exercise …read more.

Can we please fix our firework ordinance in the city?

Dear Editor, Recently, local attorney and County Commission candidate Travis McConnell submitted a letter outlining why he and his supporters should be able to display yard signs even though candidates of the past (my self included) have always adhered to a “no signs should be displayed until 60 days before the election” policy. McConnell’s contention …read more.

Dear Editor, Have you turned on the news, seen organized groups pulling down statues—not of Confederate soldiers, but of our Founding Fathers or other presidents—and found yourself wondering what’s going on? My wife, Amanda, and I have watched with disgust as memorials to our country’s great heritage are attacked and vandalized. Our three girls are …read more.

Larry DeBoer Guest Columnist Enough already. The economy is bad. This is the sharpest, deepest recession in 80 years. We get that. Let’s talk about something else. Like, how does the economy recover? Unfortunately, to answer that question we need to know what kind of recession we’ve got. So let’s look at some measurements that …read more.

By Brandon Allen Guest Columnist As someone who has worked in journalism and studied political science, I’ve always been fascinated by the comment section on posts from news organizations across the country. Oftentimes, you can see the breakdown of the political spectrum right before your very own eyes. The last three years have been very …read more.

Dear Editor, I’m not sure what is going on with Kauffman Medispa, but the business will not answer phone calls, or respond to phone messages. They returned to the office after being closed due to Covid-19 and made new appointments, but are not open. The website has been removed as well. I have a credit …read more.

Dear Editor, The following is a letter to families and community members: We’ve just finished an unprecedented year of K-12 education and want to take a moment to recognize all of our educators and school staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve students and families with unwavering determination, dedication, …read more.

Dear Editor, Numerous yard signs for the campaign of Travis McConnell for Commissioner are going up around the county. Apparently one or two have been tagged with notices questioning the legality of their posting, citing Indiana Code 36-1-3-11. That law states in sections (c) and (d): (c) Subject to subsection (d), an ordinance or a regulation …read more.

Senate Republicans have suggested a “July time frame” for passing the next coronavirus package. As they consider their options, they should realize that the time for more relief has passed. Congress should now focus on passing an economic stimulus package.

By Michael Hicks Guest Columnist The past several months ushered in unprecedented changes in economic activity. By the end of May, roughly one in four workers were unemployed and many sectors of American commerce ground to a virtual stop. The previous high of unemployment was registered at 25.5 percent in the summer of 1933, the …read more.

Dear Editor, It’s time to change institutions that exacerbate and perpetuate racism. Real estate taxes that are used for local schools only is number one. At least in Illinois, kids in poor neighborhoods have a low tax base and crumbling schools. Rich kids in the suburbs go to school in educational palaces. Maintain the tax …read more.

Leo Morris Guest Columnist FORT WAYNE – It has been a spring packed with surreal moments, but one, in particular, stands out for me. About a week after protests started in downtown Fort Wayne, the marchers were joined by the police chief, City Council members and the mayor, who linked arms with protesters and declared …read more.

Dear Editor,

I have learned from reliable sources that although the North Webster Community Public Library staff is currently in the process of moving library books and office equipment into the new library building, they will be unable to provide services from there for at least a month, if not more.

I write this letter with mixed feelings of sadness, frustration, questioning, and hope, and yet reminded that the world we live in is imperfect.

Dear Editor, I’ve taken some time to reflect over the past campaign and election season and I am left with an overwhelming sense of deep gratitude and appreciation for the people of this county. I am grateful for my team and their tireless efforts: Steve, Mike, Christine, Chris—I could not have done this without you …read more.

Dear Editor, Unfortunately, last Tuesday, Primary Election Day, a black female poll worker was subjected to an appalling and degrading racist comment from the white male Republican Inspector. We thank Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Ragan for strongly condemning the inspector’s comment and for pledging to prohibit him from ever serving as an Inspector again. …read more.

Dear Editor, I have just read the reporting by the Warsaw Times-Union and InkFreeNews regarding a serious incident that happened at one of the polling locations on Tuesday. A white male inspector made a demeaning comment regarding a black female poll worker. At the time, the other poll workers who were in the vicinity did …read more.

Dear Editor, It was a warm summer night in 1972; I was 24 and had just pulled our car off US Highway 27 onto a County road south of Fort Wayne. We sat there, a young couple just starting our adult lives together and stared at an orange glow in the sky over the city. …read more.

Dear Editor, I know that “token” is intended to be a derogatory statement, but I see it differently.

Dear Editor, As the dust settles following this truly unusual campaign season, I wanted to write this letter to thank the county for the confidence that it has placed in me and also to extend sincere well wishes to the other candidates who ran for the Superior 3 Judgeship.

Dear Editor. I want to congratulate Mr. Craig Snow on his victory in the Primary.

While dozens and dozens of cities have seen extensive rioting, looting and vandalism in recent days in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, it was gratifying to see a peaceful protest in Warsaw Saturday afternoon. Warsaw certainly was not the only community to see protesters exalt their Constitutional rights and convey their …read more.

Dear Editor, In a recent campaign stop in Kosciusko County, Republican Attorney General candidate Todd Rokita stated: “We were tired of people in Lake County and even as close as Elkhart, where cases were not being prosecuted, elections being stolen by people who cheated our system.” Former Secretary of State Rokita did not provide a …read more.

Dear Editor,  The health of our Kosciusko County residents and our communities is more important than ever before. Tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally every year. More than 7 million of these deaths are from direct tobacco use and approximately 1.2 million are due to non-smokers being exposed to secondhand smoke Early findings …read more.

Dear Editor, I am a local attorney and proud to voice my support for my friend and colleague, Karin McGrath, in her campaign for Judge of Superior Court 3. Karin is incredibly intelligent, wise, passionate about her work and the law, humble, unbelievably hard-working, and an all-around amazing woman. In my law practice, I appear …read more.

Dear Editor,  Judge Joe V. Sutton has served honorably for over two decades in Superior Court 3 and is stepping down. Thank you for a job well done! Judge Sutton set a high standard for anyone taking over this job. We believe experience and personal character will be the keys for the new Judge. Karin …read more.

Dear Editor, We, a group of local attorneys with over a century of combined experience, wanted to write about an issue of concern in our local Superior Court 3 judicial race, because most of us serve as public defenders in the Kosciusko court system in addition to our private law practices. For those who may …read more.

Dear Editor, Precious Pam and I are reaching out to Kosciusko County with our sincere request that you vote for Karin McGrath for judge of Superior Court 3. Allow me to briefly share my vantage point for making this recommendation. I have practiced law for 45 years, which has included serving in the United States …read more.

Dear Editor,  I am writing to endorse my friend and law partner Chad Miner in his candidacy for the Superior Court No. 3 Judgeship because I am confident that he would do an outstanding job. I have worked with Chad for many years and during that time, I have had the opportunity to observe his …read more.

Dear Editor,  Karin McGrath was my appointed public defender back at a time when my addiction got the best of me. From the first time we met, I could tell she wasn’t a typical lawyer. She took the time to explain my charges and the law in detail and she answered all my questions. Beyond …read more.

Dear Editor,  Have you ever missed a trash day? Or perhaps did some spring cleaning and had a little extra trash so you set the extra bags on top to make it easy for the trash collector? Apparently in Syracuse, the extra trash is just thrown on the ground. I even tied the bags together …read more.

Dear Editor, With less than a week before the local elections, I would like to again share my knowledge of Karin McGrath, candidate for judge of the Kosciusko County Superior Court 3.

Editor’s note: The deadline for campaign letters is 5 p.m. Thursday, May 28. -Dan Spalding, Editor

Dear Editor, I am writing this letter to support Chad Miner, who is a longtime family friend, in his campaign for the Superior Court No. 3 Judgeship. This is an important office and I firmly believe that Chad is the right candidate for the job. Chad has lived in Kosciusko County his entire life and …read more.

Dear Editor:

I want to take this opportunity to recommend to InkFreeNews readers Chad Miner for Judge of Superior Court 3 in this upcoming primary election. In nominating him, you are nominating an outstanding candidate for the Fall Election and an outstanding person to fill the role of Judge, Superior Court 3.

Dear Editor, Chad Miner would be a great fit for Superior Court 3 Judge due to his passion for the community, experience, moral and conservative political beliefs. He is also very familiar with Superior Court 3 since he has served as Judge Pro Tem often. If you are not used to the legal world, you …read more.

Dear Editor,  When I heard that Dave Wolkins was going to retire from the General Assembly, I knew that whoever was going to succeed him had a big pair of shoes to fill. Dave Wolkins was a kind, gentle representative who stood his ground and advocated for all of us. It did not matter if …read more.

Every crisis has new heroes. During the 9/11 attacks, they were the first responders running into burning and crumbling buildings as others ran out.  Now, during the Coronavirus pandemic, the most visible heroes are the health care professionals, who are saving others and risking their own lives while doing so.

Dear Editor, I am a litigation/trial paralegal of thirty-seven years. I worked in Kosciusko County as such from 1988-2014. During that time, the majority of my work was preparing cases for trial alongside the attorneys I served. This entailed participating in pretrial hearings and trials. I have spent countless hours before judges who are charged …read more.

Dear Editor, I am Ann Darlington, a resident of North Webster, and I am writing in support of Karin McGrath for Judge of Superior Court 3.

We all have been following what seems to be the hottest political Judge campaign to hit Kosciusko County.

Dear Editor, It is important that Hoosiers in the 22nd district reelect State Rep. Curt Nisly. He has the experience in both Indianapolis and the district needed to represent the community’s values before the state government. Nisly is a man of high moral principles who has never backed down for doing what is right or …read more.

Dear Editor, I am writing to support my friend Chad Miner in his campaign for Superior Court No. 3. Chad has provided legal assistance to my family and me over the years in our farming operations and related ventures. I have always enjoyed working with Chad and have valued his common-sense approach to dealing with …read more.

Dear Editor, I am unemployed, therefore a very low budget for advertising. This, by no means, suggests that I cannot get in the arena and fight for a right & fair representation on the Kosciusko County Commissioners. Ask yourselves why top Republican officials are rewarded with the highest paying jobs?  There is palm greasing going …read more.

If you live in District 18, then there is only one constitutionally conservative candidate this election, and that man is Russell Reahard.

Dear Editor, My name is Dave Williams and my family is on vacation this week at Fisherman Cove Resort in North Webster at no charge, thanks to the kindness of Chuck Lawrence, the owner. We have been visiting North Webster for the last 18 years on vacation, with this year being our 19th year. Last …read more.

Dear Editor, I’m happy to write this letter to you today in support of Kathy Groninger for the Kosciusko County Council at-large position. Kathy is honest and trustworthy with a strong character that is guided by her Christian faith and her conservative values. Kathy cares about people and has a servant’s heart. She is what …read more.

Dear Editor, I first want to thank publicly the Honorable Joe V. Sutton for serving as Judge of Kosciusko County Superior Court III since 1997. As a longtime social studies teacher, as well as being a local public official myself, I have a great deal of respect for the tremendous demands and major responsibilities associated …read more.

Dear Editor, I am a lifelong resident of Kosciusko County and for over twenty-five years, my work enabled me to meet and observe judges and attorneys working in our community. Based upon my experiences with Karin McGrath, I believe that she is the most qualified candidate to serve as Judge of Superior Court 3. I …read more.

Dear Editor, I am Wayne 1 Precinct committeeman and am running for re-election. I am asking for your vote in the June 2 primary election. The following are some of my qualifications, which I believe are very important in your decision-making process.My husband Terry Howie and I have lived in Winona Lake since 1969 where …read more.

Dear Editor, For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working as an associate attorney at the Miner & Lemon law firm. During that time, I’ve had an office right next to Chad Miner’s. I’ve gotten to know him well, and I’m proud to support him for judge of the Kosciusko Superior Court …read more.

Dear Editor, I write this letter to enthusiastically support Karin McGrath’s campaign for Judge of Superior Court 3. I have known Karin for many years, having met her while I worked in the child support division of the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office. What I respect most about Karin is that she is genuine and down-to-earth. …read more.

The election for Superior Court III is very competitive with four qualified candidates vying for the judgeship.

Dear Editor, As a Kosciusko Countian, I am honored with Kathy Groninger’s desire to serve as Kosciusko County Council at Large Member. Not only is she highly qualified for this position with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from DePauw University and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence, law theory, from Indiana University School of …read more.

Dear Editor, I, Christopher Davis, would like to announce my candidacy for the U.S. House of Representative for Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District. As a Mishawaka resident and currently a signal maintainer for Norfolk Southern Railroad, I am familiar with what it means to be a Hoosier. My decision to run emanates from my ability to …read more.

On Tuesday, June 2, I am voting for Curt Nisly for House Representative for District 22.

Dear Editor, It is our privilege to be able to write this letter in support of Karin McGrath for Judge of Kosciusko Superior Court III. We have known the McGrath family from the time they moved to Warsaw over 20 years ago. From the time they arrived in town, Keith, Karin, and their family have …read more.

Dear Editor, I am writing this letter to show my support of Chad Miner for Kosciusko County Superior Court III. I have known Chad for a number of years. My professional experience with him is as Secretary of my board of directors at the Senior Center in Warsaw.  Throughout my time as Executive Director, I …read more.

Dear Editor, So many voters have complained to me that when we send a good person to Indianapolis or Washington, “they change on us.”

Dear Editor, My name is JD Ayres and I ask that you vote for Karin McGrath for Judge of Kosciusko Superior Court 3.

Dear Editor, I write to thank Dave Wolkins for his 32 years of public service to his district and the state of Indiana. I have always admired Representative Wolkins for his willingness to listen and stand up for people he represents, regardless of party affiliation. He has fought for lower taxes, less government regulation, and …read more.

Dear Editor, I recently was sent a mailer from a candidate for office claiming that Curt Nisly was against protecting children as he was the only representative to vote against HB 1004 from 2019. That person never actually bothered to read the bill in its entirety. This bill is a mandate by the state upon …read more.

By Mark Medley Hospital Week has deeper meaning this year as the Lutheran Health Network hospital teams celebrate our work to provide, safe, high-quality care for patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it crystal clear just how much communities rely on their local hospitals and also how much we rely on you. During the past …read more.

Dear Editor, The election for Kosciusko County Superior Court III Judge is highly contested this year. A review of each candidate’s legal experience shows that Karin McGrath has more diverse experience that really matters for this courtroom. We have known Karin and her husband, Keith, for over 20 years. After their children reached their teen …read more.

Dear Editor, On Tuesday, June 2, I’m voting for Dr. Chris Magiera for the Indiana District 3 Congressional seat. In 2016, when then-candidate Jim Banks ran for this seat, he sold himself as the liberty-minded, small-government Republican candidate. As Congressman, Banks has voted for and funded government spying, voted to bust spending caps and increase …read more.

Dear Editor, Please allow me to use this public forum to express my thoughts on the candidates in the upcoming  June 2, Republican Kosciusko County primary election. Based on my years serving our local community at the local and state levels, I first want to express my appreciation to the four filed candidates for their …read more.

Dear Editor, My belief is that there are two competing philosophies about the relationship of people to their government. One philosophy has those in power asking themselves what decisions would be best for the people. This view is that decisions are made at the government level for our good and that our input is to …read more.

Dear Editor, I’m writing today to endorse Karin McGrath as our county’s next judge for Superior Court III. I have had the privilege of knowing Karin for some time and have taken great joy in seeing her career first as a prosecuting attorney and now as a defense attorney at Rockhill Pinnick. More recently, I’ve …read more.

Dear Editor, I’d like to take a moment and endorse Karin McGrath as the next Judge for Superior Court 3. Karin’s experience, mindfulness, and love of the law make her the ideal choice for this seat. I believe she is the absolute best choice. Karin brings a common-sense conservative approach to all things. She’s meticulous, …read more.

By Leo Morris I was going to write a wry but pointed column about Indiana’s coming search for a new tourism slogan, something along the lines of, “Wave on your way to Michigan” or, “Thanks for not stopping by.” I was going to write a wry but pointed column about Indiana’s coming search for a …read more.

Dear Editor, In this time of government overreach, it’s more important than ever that the people we elect are true conservatives that will not endorse the kind of tactics we’re seeing from our government right now. I’ve spent time and hard work researching candidates for Superior Court 3, and found one of them to be …read more.

Dear Editor, On Monday, April 20, I found myself in a situation that I needed help. I would like to thank 911, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and Lutheran EMS for their rapid response. My injuries were minor but I was in a situation that required assistance It is comforting to know that when you are at …read more.

Dear Editor, In his initial press release, and on subsequent occasions, Chad Miner has claimed he is qualified for the judgeship of Kosciusko Superior Court 3 due to serving as a judge pro tem in that court on numerous occasions.  As the general population of Kosciusko may not know what a judge pro tem is …read more.

Dear Editor, Politics … at times can be a downright dirty word. According to the dictionary, it means the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power. It’s really more about feelings. How a leader or those …read more.

Over the past few months, everyone’s worlds have been turned upside down by COVID-19.

Dear Editor: Tobacco smokers can be more susceptible to COVID-19, are more likely to be hospitalized and intubated, and are twice as likely to die on a ventilator. Tobacco smoke travels through spaces of buildings, in bars and membership clubs, and in outdoor spaces such as parking lots and parks. Low-income families, children, individuals with …read more.

By Kelly Hawes Someone on Twitter said she had interviewed a guy for a landscaping job and decided not to hire him because he had a bumper sticker supporting President Donald J. Trump. “Now I’m feeling a little guilty about it,” she said. “Should I?” Her followers were pretty much unanimous in their response. “Absolutely …read more.

To The Editor: Why is Secretary of State Connie Lawson ignoring the safety of Hoosier voters? All Indianapolis voters are being mailed a Primary Election absentee ballot application. How can Indianapolis, with all of its big-city troubles, find enough money to make sure that all of its voters can vote? It’s just not fair that …read more.

By Jim Banks US Congressman While no one needs a reminder that our nation is under extreme duress due to COVID-19, I do think we all need a reminder that the best of America is on display right here at home in northeast Indiana. In the last month, as my team and I have made …read more.

By Doug Lemon In this unprecedented season of trial and uncertainty, the citizens of our community are eager to hear and read more from local leaders concerning our preparedness (or lack thereof) for the pandemic which is sweeping across our nation and our state.  Kosciusko County has been my home for the whole of my …read more.

People can hear daily and nightly on television what is happening nationally and state-wide with the COVID-19 outbreak. But what about your community? Even though no cases have been confirmed locally, we are being widely affected. This is what InkFreeNews is all about. Bringing our readers what they need to know about our area, what …read more.

By JEFF BURBRINK Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources – Horticulture and Crops Purdue Extension Elkhart County ELKHART — Every so often, a new plant disease comes to town. Some of them promise to be plant killers and end up fairly benign. Others, like tar spot on corn, can knock crop yields for a big …read more.

By Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer I recently attended a panel discussion with a large group of local elected officials at our annual AIM (Accelerating Indiana Municipalities) conference. Leading the discussion was a distinguished economist from Ball State University, a national site selector, and a mayor from a rapidly growing Indianapolis suburb. It was a thought-provoking …read more.

I moved here from Howard county seven years ago. Howard County (Kokomo area) formerly had lots of issues with road repairs. New council folks and a new manager changed things for the better. The planning for road repairing was changed and now the county has excellent roads. I am quite disappointed in this county’s planning …read more.

There has been a lot of conversation on social media outlets, local papers and regional TV stations about how the Kosciusko County Community Fair, Inc (Fair Board) is losing money and might have to close the fairgrounds. This makes us wonder about the Fair Board‘s current management capabilities. They claim that racing has become their …read more.

Dear Editor: As a resident of Kosciusko County, I care about what my community looks like. I care about the welfare of those who surround the area, and I especially care about how I can help Warsaw continue to be a beautiful location to live. However, one area where I notice a concern is something …read more.

Editor: The Kosciusko Area Bus Service has provided public transportation in Kosciusko County for 40 years, including 58,000+ rides in 2018. People count on KABS to go to work or school, the doctor, or shopping, and every KABS vehicle is fully accessible, exceeding ADA requirements. KABS provides a vital link for people who cannot drive. …read more.