Several firefighters received recognition Saturday at the Turkey Creek Fire Territory annual awards dinner. Winners and their awards were: Kyle Stamm, Chief’s Award, Airboat Operations; Larry Weaver, Jr., Firefighter of the Year; Quinn Hunter, EMS Member of the Year; Howard Birkel, Officer of the Year; Travis Miller and Janelle Fancil, 10-Year Service; Cody Manges, EMS …read more.

At the Winona Lake Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, resolution 2014-12-2 was introduced, which would raise sewer rates to $42 per month. “We engaged in a wastewater study to determine if our rates were sufficient,” said Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach. “According to the studies that have been done, we’re looking at …read more.

Syracuse Town Manager Henry DeJulia requested his contract be renewed during the Syracuse Town Council monthly meeting Tuesday evening. Council member Larry Siegel requested two slight language changes in two paragraphs of the contract, which DeJulia agreed to. Discussion ensued when Siegel asked to limit DeJulia’s compensation time to no more than five days. As …read more.

Renovation efforts are well underway at the Syracuse Public Library — and they are much needed renovations after 20 years. “Twenty years ago the library was just going online with its catalog,” said Becky Brower, who does communications for the library. “It was time to repaint, re-carpet.” However, Brower noted, “It’s not just an appearance …read more.

Lakeland Regional Sewer District opened bids Tuesday night for the second section of construction of a sewer collection system to be installed in the area around Big Barbee, Little Barbee, Banning, Kuhn, Shoe, Seachrist, Sawmill and Irish lakes. Grassy Creek up to East CR 500N will also be included in the new sewer district. Present …read more.

A sidewalk will be an expensive undertaking for the town of North Webster according to information provided by Rick L. Pharis of Triad Associations Engineering. He gave the North Webster Town Council the news at the monthly meeting Tuesday evening in the North Webster Community Center. An estimate of about $70,000 to extend the sidewalk …read more.

[weaver_youtube AuhtjZgSQoM#t=48 rel=0] (video and photos by Esteban Pommier) From bell ringing, food and toy drives to helping those in emergency situations, the Salvation Army has assisted the lives of thousands. Though these acts of charity are among the most known of the Salvation Army’s work, the organization also works to create change on an individual …read more.

At a ceremony held at the Kosciusko County Courthouse on Tuesday, Dec. 16, the elected officials who will serve the county in 2015 were sworn in. The ceremony started with a welcome by Kosciusko County Commissioner Ron Truex. Veteran Service Officer Rich Maron offered the invocation, and County Treasurer Sue Ann Mitchell said the pledge. …read more.

By LISA PAXTON FFA Advisor, Tippecanoe Valley High School The Tippecanoe Valley FFA recently held their annual Greenhand Celebration to honor the first year members in the FFA Chapter. These young members have studied the history of the FFA Association, recited the FFA Creed, practiced parliamentary procedure, investigated potential agricultural industry career avenues, including a …read more.

Sonya Lynn Armontrout Sonya Lynn Fick will be approximately 75 1/2 years old when she is released from prison after serving two consecutive sentences: attempted murder and murder. She is expected to be transferred to Pendelton Diagnostic Center Wednesday morning. Fick was sentenced this afternoon in Kosciusko Circuit Court by Special Judge Curtis Palmer, Marshall …read more.

No one was injured in a two-vehicle accident at North Parker Street and Lake City Highway Tuesday. However, one driver was checked by medics at the scene. Warsaw Police report Jennifer A. Lee, 32, Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, thought she had a green arrow to turn left instead of a normal green light. Lee …read more.

Emergency personnel are currently responding to an accident located on Lake Street in Warsaw. The accident was located in front of Hayden’s Laundry Center and involved two vehicles and a semi. According to officers with Indiana State Police Department, the driver of a Cadillac involved in the accident sustained a non-incapacitating facial injury and was …read more.

At a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Kosciusko County Commissioners approved a number of board and department head appointments for 2015. Those appointments are as follows: [table id=2 /] Additionally, Kosciusko Emergency Management Director Ed Rock appointed Ron Truex to the Emergency Management Advisory Council. All of the above appointments were approved with a …read more.

Last week, out-going Kosciusko County Sheriff Rocky Goshert, along with a number of other past and current Hoosier sheriffs, was honored by Indiana Sheriff Association Executive Director Stephen Luce at a state-wide ISA conference. According to a press release from Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Chad Hill, The ISA was quoted saying, “The Indiana Sheriff’s …read more.

With a new budget for 2015, Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee met Monday night to wrap up some business and prepare for 2015. For the first time since the committee’s inception, executive director Megan McClellan submitted a budget. McClellan discussed the budget with committee members. The budget is for known expenses, she told the board. The budget …read more.

A public meeting for Warsaw City residents to review a draft ordinance regarding neighborhood preservation/rental registration ordinance Monday evening was attended by mostly owners of rental property. There were approximately 40 filling the council chamber room. Many of the rental property owners focused on the state statue which called for fines of up to $5,000 …read more.

  A brief presentation of the South Side Drainage Study by Warsaw Stormwater Utility was presented during Monday’s Warsaw Common Council meeting. Theresa Sailor, stormwater coordinator, stated a contract has been entered into with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC, South Bend, on a South Side Drainage Study. The study is being paid for from stormwater …read more.

Monday night’s Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation’s  board meeting was the final meeting for long time board members Rod Eaton, who has served on the board since 1998, and Mark Wise, who has served since 1994. Board member Bryan Murphy began the meeting with a few remarks about his time working with both men, and stated, “When I …read more.

During last night’s Warsaw Community School Corporation regular board meeting, a fond farewell was given to long-time board member Delores Hearn. Hearn, who has served on the WCS school board for the past eight years, enjoyed her last board meeting before retirement from the school board last night. Hearn has a long history with education. Graduating …read more.

Two individuals were taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital following a one-vehicle accident around 7:30 a.m. today. The accident was at Cook and Sheridan streets, Warsaw. Indiana State Police are investigating the crash.

A head-on crash south of Syracuse today has injured three people, one of those critically. Officers and emergency personnel responded today at 2:44 p.m. to a 9-1-1 report of a head-on vehicular crash near the intersection of SR 13 and Waco Drive. Responder arrived and located the driver of a 2006 Pontiac Gran Prix, identified …read more.

[weaver_youtube AuhtjZgSQoM#t=48 rel=0] (Video by Esteban Pommier, Warsaw Salvation Army Commanding Officer) Looking at the charred, dilapidated house located at 423 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, it is hard to believe that a story of hope and redemption began just across the street. For Lynn Butts though, crossing the street to the Salvation Army led her to a …read more.

Darrick W. Spore With responses barely audible, Darrick W. Spore, 34, North Long Drive, Syracuse, changed his plea in the June 2014 death of his son Skyler, 12. Charged with neglect of a dependent, a class A felony and reckless homicide, a class C felony, Spore plead guilty to reckless homicide. Skyler Spore was tragically …read more.

Wal-Mart of Warsaw is participating in a national campaign to support The Salvation Army with its efforts during the holidays to help those in need. A display will be at the front of the store near the Market entrance where donors can leave new toys and new or gently used coats. The collection will take …read more.

Dustin Edward Owens, 40, 10402 S. SR 15, Silver Lake, has been charged with two counts of child molesting, level 1 felonies. His bond has been set at $200,000 surety.

Frank D. Boggs, 85, North CR 50W, Columbia City, died from injuries sustained in an accident at SR 109 and CR 400N, in Whitley County. The accident was at 2:35 p.m. Saturday. Information regarding Boggs’ death was released Sunday afternoon by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department. A passenger in his vehicle, Sherrill D. Boggs, 78, …read more.

    Two people were arrested early this morning following surveillance by Warsaw Police Narcotics Officers. Arrested were Joshua Golden, 34, homeless, and his girl friend, Jasmine Currie, 32, North Webster. Both are being held in the Kosciusko County jail. Sunday  evening, an investigation led Warsaw Police narcotics officers to perform surveillance on a residence on …read more.

[weaver_youtube EGdYSpRWn2Q rel=0] The town of Leesburg was alight Saturday evening with both the soft glow of luminaries and Christmas-time merriment. Men and women both young and old attended the annual Leesburg Candeleria. According to event organizer Christina Archer, this is the fifth consecutive year that Leesburg has featured the Candeleria after the event took an …read more.

Emergency personnel responded to an accident located on South SR 13 and CR 650E that left three people injured. According to an accident report filed by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, officers responded to the scene to discover a black 1998 Audi passenger car with severe damage to the rear of the vehicle stopped on …read more.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a freezing fog advisory in northern Indiana until 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. According to the NWS, areas of freezing fog with some patchy freezing drizzle will lead to slick spots on walkways and roadways. Localized visibilities are expected to be limited to a quarter of a mile. …read more.

The National Weather Service has just issued a special weather statement for northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Areas of heavy fog are expected in much of this area throughout the evening. The statement warns that visibility could be as low as a quarter mile in some areas. Additionally, with temperatures hoovering right around the freezing …read more.

By LINDSAY JANCEK Communications Director, Office of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski Congresswoman Jackie Walorski made the following statement after the House passed H.R. 83, the FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill, by a vote of 219-206. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration. “Today’s legislation includes a number of extremely important provisions to help …read more.

The Indiana State Board of Nursing ordered an emergency suspension of Rose Watson’s license to practice nursing at its hearing in Indianapolis yesterday. Watson is the owner of a drug rehabilitation facility in Goshen called New Day Home, which is accused of operating illegally and jeopardizing residents’ health and safety. The Indiana Attorney General’s Office …read more.

By KARA BROOKS Office of Governor Mike Pence Governor Mike Pence announced a new signature event of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission today during Statehood Day remarks in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse. The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay will touch each of Indiana’s 92 counties during the 2,300 mile journey across the state. The torch …read more.

Jason Arnett’s relationship with a 15-year-old minor not only landed him with a charge of sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 4 felony, but also cost him his job. Arnett was arrested on or about Oct. 30, and booked on a charge of sexual misconduct with a minor. (See Webster Man Arrested For Sexual …read more.

Emergency personnel are currently responding to an accident located on US 30 and SR 15. According to Reporter Jarrett Van Meter, minor injuries were reported and are being treated at the scene.

At its Dec. 11 meeting, the Kosciusko County Council granted Warsaw orthopedic manufacturing company Alpha Manufacturing a tax abatement. The abatement was requested at the council’s November meeting. “We’re going to triple the workforce with this tax abatement,” said Alpha’s representative Richard Helm. Alpha Manufacturing is planning a significant expansion project. A planned $5.62 million …read more.

By LINDSAY JANCEK Office of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski Congresswoman Jackie Walorski has announced her committee assignments to the 114th Congress. She will serve on the House Committee on Agriculture and chair the Nutrition Subcommittee and remain on the House Armed Services Committee and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “With more than 14 million acres of farmland …read more.

Emergency personnel are responding to an accident located on South Huntington and Bowser streets in Syracuse. According to Reporter Chelsea Los, two vehicles were involved in an accident where one male was taken to the hospital for a reported head injury. Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire Department and Paramedics responded. Air bags were deployed in …read more.

The Hoosier state turns 198 today. On Thursday, Dec. 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union. “Indiana has a remarkable history that illustrates for the world the strength, inventiveness, and compassion of the Hoosier spirit,” said Governor Pence. Yesterday, Pence signed a declaration proclaiming Dec. 11 Statehood Day. To celebrate Gov. Pence …read more.

By TAMMY COTTON Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce announces the addition of an assistant to the chamber director at our office! Kristi Martin, life-long Syracuse resident and passionate community member has been added to our team. With her community work and involvement in many local businesses, Martin has already …read more.

By HILLARY CHERRY Press Secretary, Senate Majority Communications Office Local students in grades six through 12 can submit requests to serve as a page with State Sen. Ryan Mishler’s office at the Statehouse during the Indiana General Assembly’s 2015 legislative session. Mishler serves State Senate District 9 which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and …read more.

Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue University’s College of Engineering have signed off on a transfer agreement that creates a path for Ivy Tech pre-engineering students to continue their studies towards a bachelor’s degree in one of two engineering disciplines at Purdue. The agreement joins several transfer agreements between the two schools, including the innovative …read more.

The gang was all there for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Christmas party held Monday evening at the Tippecanoe Township Building in North Webster. Under the direction of committee chairmen and chamber board members Linda Land and Richard Owen, the evening progressed from pleasant to hilarious via entertaining games. The social hour commenced …read more.

By LINDSAY JANCEK Office of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski In an effort to reduce the number of veterans and troops who commit suicide, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski recently supported legislation she co-sponsored to increase access and improve the quality of mental health care administered to veterans. H.R. 5059, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, …read more.

The Mail-Journal and its sister publication, the online daily InkFreeNews, were well represented at the 48th annual Hoosier State Press Foundation Newsroom Seminar Saturday. It was held at Indianapolis Marriott North and followed by the awards luncheon. Attending for The Mail-Journal were David Hazeldine, Sarah Wright and Martha Stoelting while InkFree staff were Deb Patterson, …read more.

Yesterday evening during the Warsaw Community School Board board work session, Chief Academic Officer David Robertson presented the board with an overview of new, deleted and revised course offerings for the 2015-2016 school year. The updates to the WCS curriculum were decided upon by the WCS curriculum counsel. Recommendations began in the fall and Robertson …read more.

As part of the regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board Tuesday evening in Syracuse, a 1028 Hearing was held in conjunction with the new Syracuse Elementary School to be built off Kern Road. Such a hearing is required by state law for a project of this scope. Building a new Syracuse Elementary will …read more.

Under the state’s complicated letter grading system for public schools, a school can improve its grade from the previous year but still be required to submit an improvement plan because, for example, too many students showed a low growth rate. During the regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board Tuesday evening in Syracuse the …read more.

[weaver_youtube vPp9bcwHBUI rel=8]   Milford Fire Department is at the scene of a rekindled house fire at 824 E. CR 1250N. A full assist from Turkey Creek Fire Territory and Leesburg Fire Departments, with tanker assists from New Paris and Benton fire departments are also at the scene. Water is being shuttled by tankers to …read more.

In a meeting that lasted only 17 minutes, Etna Green Town Council President Andy Cook received the 12th Man Award from Triton Junior Football Chairman Jeff Hoffman. Hoffman said that he originally created the award to honor members of the community who contribute greatly to the league’s efforts. Hoffman expressed his gratitude to the members of …read more.

By BRITTANY LYON Director, Kosciusko County Educational Development Kosciusko County Educational Development is pleased to introduce Kayla Creech. Creech is a 2014 graduate from Whitko High School. Creech started with KC-Ed halfway through her junior year at Whitko and explains that were it not for the relationship she had with her graduation coach, and knowing …read more.

Want to have input on a city ordinance? There will be an opportunity at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. A public meeting will be held in the Warsaw Common Council Room at city hall, on the Neighborhood Preservation and Rental Ordinance. This meeting, open to any city resident and property owners, will begin work on revamping the …read more.

There will be another cellphone tower in the landscape of Van Buren Township. During the regular monthly meeting of the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals Tuesday in Warsaw, the BZA approved a petition for Central States Tower to erect a 199-foot cellphone tower on the south side of CR 1250N, west of Creek Bend …read more.

Milford Fire responded to a fire at 824 E. CR 1250N, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. The home is owned by Timothy Yoder. At the time of the fire, Jessica Harner and her son were in the home along with a dog and cat. According to  Milford Town Marshal Rich Miotto, Harner was asleep on …read more.

Turkey Creek Advisory Board Monday night approved a bid of $100,865 to purchase a new grass fire truck that will replace the fire territory’s current vehicle, a 1998 Chevy pickup. “We budgeted $120,000 in the 2014 equipment replacement fund for this purchase,” reported Fire Chief Mickey Scott. Bidding was closed Friday, with the winning bid …read more.

At last night’s Pierceton Town Council meeting a public hearing was held for two ordinances that will raise sewer and water rates. According to Pierceton Clerk/Treasurer Janet Castle, there were no comments from the public regarding ordinances 2014-11-1 and 2014-11-2. Castled reports that the new ordinances will raise the minimum monthly bill for water, sewer …read more.

By LINDSAY JANCEK Communications Director, Office of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed her concern with the high rate of military sexual assaults after a report released by the Department of Defense reported 19,000 incidents of unwanted sexual contact in 2014. The report, which anonymously surveyed members …read more.

Continued from the October meeting, the petition for All Things New, a proposed addiction rehab facility for women in Tippecanoe Township, was tabled again, this time until Jan. 13, during the regular monthly meeting Tuesday of the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals in Warsaw. During the October meeting, the BZA wanted a more detailed …read more.

Syracuse Parks and Recreation board reinstated Mary Hursh for another term as a member of the committee during its regular monthly meeting Monday evening. Jason Traycoff reported he will not be returning for another term but is willing to assist in other ways. The board continues to look for a replacement to fill the available …read more.

Turkey Creek Fire Board made short work of it Monday night, receiving Fire Chief Mickey Scott’s monthly report, approving a bid for a new brush fire truck and voting to continue Steve Snyder as a board member. The agenda’s most significant item involved the purchase of a new grass fire truck. The department received a …read more.

Monday night’s Mentone Town Council meeting saw the approval of new computers for the town marshal’s office, wage increases for the town’s part-time employees and the scheduling of an executive meeting for later in the month. The meeting was originally scheduled for last Monday, Dec. 1, but due to Board President Tim Croy being out …read more.

During its regular monthly meeting Monday evening, Milford Town Council decided to table any decision to adjust the 2015 pay rates of town employees until their end-of-year meeting, scheduled for 8 a.m. Dec. 30. Council member Doug Ruch made a motion to freeze pay increases at the current levels following Town Clerk Joellen Free’s estimate …read more.

Plans for the East Market Street Neighborhood Plan and a bike and pedestrian plan map, part of the Warsaw Comprehensive Plan, will be going to the Warsaw Common Council for approval. The plan also includes the Center Street Grade Separation Plan. A public hearing was held as part of the Warsaw Plan Commission Monday evening …read more.

This week’s crime of the week comes from the files of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department would like the community’s assistance in locating individuals responsible for a burglary that occurred at a boat storage facility on the east side of Lake Wawasee. The facility is located on CR 1000N. Between …read more.

Saturday morning, Santa made his annual appearance at the Syracuse Community Center for breakfast with Santa. Visitors ate pancakes and cookies and decorated Christmas crafts, sponsored by the Syracuse Public Library. Wawasee High School’s band kept the mood festive by playing classic Christmas tunes. And, of course, children could sit on Santa’s lap and recite …read more.

Rita Allen, 45, 66 EMS B6 Lane, Leesburg, ran from police after her vehicle almost hit another vehicle. A police pursuit followed with her being arrested for resisting law enforcement with force or a deadly weapon, her vehicle. Early Saturday morning, Syracuse Police Officer Joe Denton observed a vehicle turn a corner and almost hit …read more.

A female was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital early Saturday after a male attempted to strangle her. She was treated and released. Shane Andrew Timmons, 27, 677 Walter Way, Warsaw, was arrested on charges of strangulation, domestic battery in the presence of a child under the age of 16 and aggravated battery. According to Warsaw …read more.

Cherish Heckaman, 30, 3104 E. Wooster Road, Lot 24, Pierceton, was arrested Sunday on a warrant for dealing a schedule I, II or III controlled substance, a class B felony. According to court documents, filed on Oct. 3, an undercover narcotics investigation was conducted at the Aloha Bar, 937 N. Detroit St., Warsaw. The investigation …read more.

The first distribution of teacher performance grants from the State of Indiana was distributed last week to more than 1,300 schools with more than $30 million given to reward “high-performing” teachers. Locally, nearly all schools received grants to disperse as bonuses to teachers with only Wawawsee School Corporation (see related) and Tippecanoe Valley Middle School …read more.

Milford Fire Department and Multi-Township EMS responded to an RV fire on SR 15 today around 9:40 a.m. Milford Town Marshal Rich Miotto reported he saw the RV was traveling north on SR 15, and heard a loud explosion when it neared the intersection of SR 15 and Emeline Street. Miotto followed the RV observing …read more.

UPDATE: According to a press release from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Rick Neff, 57, Syracuse, was operating an ATV off road near the 11,000 block of Webster Road in Syracuse at approximately 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Neff stated the throttle stuck on the vehicle. He attempted a right turn, but was unable …read more.

By LINDSAY JANCEK Communications Director for Congresswoman Jackie Walorski A Department of Veterans Affairs hotline established to help homeless veterans missed thousands of opportunities to help at-risk vets last year, the agency’s inspector general said. The VA’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, launched in mid-2012, didn’t consistently ensure that veterans who called the hotline …read more.

  Young and old alike gathered tonight in downtown Warsaw to celebrate both Hometown Holly Days, Warsaw’s December First Friday, as well as Light Up The Nite, the lighting of the Central Park holiday light display. The Christmas-themed event offered guests opportunities to embark on a wintry, enchanting carriage ride for the cost of $5 …read more.

Thursday night’s Lakeland Sewer District meeting left a bit to be desired by the public present. The main topic of the meeting was the ongoing grinder and waste management plant project. Although the board refused to estimate what the large district project will cost, one member joked he was hoping the lowest bid would come …read more.

Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety entered into a development agreement between the city and Parkview Health Systems during Friday morning’s meeting. The agreement states Parkview will construct a four-floor building of approximately 86,000 square feet along with landscaping and parking on the property. The construction value is estimated to be approximately $20 million …read more.

By LIZ MCKINLEY Recreation Director, City of Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department Celebrate the first lighting of the Central Park Holiday Light Display at 7:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 5. Walk through the festive lights and enjoy holiday performances in the park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride in the First Friday Twinkle Parade at 7 …read more.

By CAPT. JAMES L. BRADBURY Elkhart COunty Sheriff’s Department Beginning Monday, Dec. 15, those requiring out of state vehicle inspections, which live in the unincorporated areas of Elkhart County, should have those completed at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The service will be provided at any BMV location and is a convenient way to …read more.

Items representing Purdue University’s contributions to flight and space history flew onboard this week’s first test of Orion from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex. Purdue is the alma mater of 23 NASA astronauts. The Orion flight test, a two-orbit, four-hour flight that tested many of the systems most critical to safety, was …read more.

By LINDSAY JANCEK Communications Director, Office Of Congresswoman Walorski Yesterday, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski supported helping individuals with disabilities by voting for H.R. 647, the ‘Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act’. The bill, which Walorski co-sponsored, allows families to create tax-free savings accounts, similar to college savings accounts, for their child with disabilities to allow …read more.

On Thursday, the state announced the awarding of $30 million to more than 1,300 schools to reward high-performing teachers in the first such distribution of teacher performance grants. But because the Wawasee Community School Corp. does not have its new teacher pay system in place, it was not eligible to receive any of the state funding. …read more.

UPDATE: MCSD reports, “The leak at Tractor Supply in the Kmart plaza has been fixed. Fire and EMS have left the scene.” Marshall County Sheriff’s Department has just reported a faulty valve was discovered on a large propane tank at Tractor Supply Company in the Kmart plaza in Plymouth. The tank is leaking gas. MCSD …read more.

By KARA BROOKS State of Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed Executive Order 14-11 to dissolve the Center for Education and Career Innovation, effective on or before Friday, Feb. 20. “We launched the Center for Education and Career Innovation to advance learning outcomes for Hoosier students and adult workers, and they have done that,” said Pence. …read more.

By KARA BROOKS Office Of Indiana Governor Pence At the Bingham Greenebaum Doll 2014 Legislative Conference this morning, Governor Mike Pence unveiled his education agenda for the upcoming legislative session which begins on Tuesday, Jan. 6. “For Indiana to continue to prosper, education must work for all of our students,” said Governor Pence. “To accomplish …read more.

By SUMMER ZIMMER Director of Communications and Social Responsibility The Kosciusko Community YMCA will be offering a Winter Sampler this December for two weeks (Dec. 8-21) to give participants a chance to sample classes before the longer seven-week session starts in January. Winter 1 Classes will run Jan. 5 through Feb. 23. Classes in youth …read more.

By TAMMY TILLEY DJ Construction In order to adapt physical areas to changing needs, Syracuse Public Library is receiving interior cosmetic upgrades. The library is located at 115 E. Main St. DJ Construction’s Service Group is overseeing the project. The Service Group, as the name implies, serves clients on projects smaller in scope or size …read more.

School bus routes can change literally from day to day due to family situations and other factors. A student may ride one bus for a few days to go to one parent’s house and then ride a different bus to the other parent or a grandparent. Trying to manage those routes and keep track of …read more.

By KARA BROOKS State of Indiana In its first distribution of teacher performance grants, the State of Indiana today awarded more than 1,300 schools with $30 million to reward thousands of high-performing teachers. Among schools in Kosciusko County receiving teacher performance grants are: Akron Elementary, Claypool Elementary, Edgewood Middle, Eisenhower Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, …read more.

At the Dec. 4 meeting of the Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, the board finally made its recommendation on renewal of Stimmelator’s Gentlemen’s Club’s, located in North Webster, beer and liquor license. There was much discussion on both sides of the issue. Attorney Jeff McKean came before the board and stated that he and …read more.

Theo Richard Timmerman II, 20, 5219 E. CR 500N, Leesburg, has been arrested and charged with sexual misconduct with a minor. The charge is a level 5 felony. The state statute describes sexual misconduct with a minor is when the defendant is at least 18 years of age, and who with a child at least …read more.

By ZACH WEISMILLER State Representative Office House Speaker Brian C. Bosma announced standing committee assignments Wednesday for the 119th General Assembly. Standing committee assignments are made biennially after each election. State Rep. Curt Nisly, House District 22, received three committee assignments. “It is an honor and privilege to have been selected to serve on these …read more.

Sophia Elizabeth McMillan The fourth, and possibly final, individual in the robbery and assault of a victim on Thanksgiving Day was arrested Wednesday afternoon. Sophia Elizabeth McMillan, 20, 202 W. Hovey St., Atwood, was booked Wednesday in the Kosciusko County Jail on a charge of aiding/inducing/causing a felony. Her bond has been set for $17,500 …read more.

A 911 call for a burglary in progress resulted in the arrest of three individuals on meth charges today. Arrested were Shane Wesley Hallstrom, 21, Akron; Ashton Phillips Krider, 20, Silver Lake; and Caitlin Olivia Heisler, 20, Claypool. All three have been preliminarily arrested and charged with felony manufacturing methamphetamine. All three are being held …read more.

Yesterday, in a letter to Attorney General Greg Zoeller, Governor Mike Pence directed that the State of Indiana join 16 states in a lawsuit seeking to have President Obama’s executive order that unilaterally changed American immigration laws without input from Congress ruled unconstitutional. Governor Pence issued the following statement regarding Indiana’s participation in the lawsuit: …read more.

Sign-ups for the annual Toys for Tots drive will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Warsaw Police Department located at 2191 E. Fort Wayne St. Guests are asks to park along the side of the building and walk around …read more.

The Central Redevelopment Buffalo Street Project was distributed to members of the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission earlier in the week by Jeremy Skinner, city planner. Skinner advised the commission noted the latest document provides a description of what all the project entails to help begin stages of the project and a property acquisition list. Commission members …read more.

Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission approved Dec. 3 a resolution to conform with a plan of development for a proposed tax increment financing district located near Mentone, on the south side of SR 25. The boundaries of the district are CR 700W on the east, CR 1000W on the west, CR 700S on the south …read more.

Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce board members approved upgrading the chamber’s ChamberMaster membership during their regular meeting Dec. 3. With this upgrade, the chamber will be tweaking its website to fully integrate ChamberMaster. These changes will take advantage of several benefits provided through the software, such as doing billing through ChamberMaster, being able to formulate different …read more.

[weaver_youtube bw9tIwznZtc rel=8]   It was almost three-years ago to the date that Tracie Hodson and representatives from DJ Construction toured the facility at 603 N. Parker St., Warsaw. Today that dream became a reality as the official announcement came that construction will begin on Dec. 15. After almost 30 years, The Beaman Home is …read more.

It was a messy but ultimately successful exercise in local democracy. Tuesday evening’s meeting of the board of directors of the 735-member Enchanted Hills Community Association was peppered with unintelligible crosstalk, interruptions and mutual volleys of invective, accusations and innuendos, but, at the end of the 2 1/2-hour session, everyone achieved essentially what they came …read more.