SYRACUSE — Winter will not be officially finished for more than a month, but school administrators are already planning summer construction or renovation projects for Wawasee schools. During the regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board Tuesday evening, Feb. 9, in Syracuse, the board approved architectural firm Barton-Coe-Vilamaa to begin advertising for bids for capital funds summer projects.

NORTH WEBSTER — Emergency personnel responded at approximately 5 p.m. to a report of a shed fire at 111 EMS W 26 Lane, North Webster. Emergency personnel are reportedly still at the scene at this time.

By MADISSON HEINL Communications Specialist, Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College WINONA LAKE — The Center for Lakes & Streams conducts regular stream sampling on county streams which feed into several local lakes in Warsaw, Winona Lake, North Webster and Syracuse even throughout the winter months. Stream sampling is a way to gauge …read more.

Responses from the state Republican Chairman Jeff Cardwell, U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and State Senator Jim Banks have been distributed shortly after Gov. Mike Pence’s announcement that Eric J. Holcomb has been chosen as his nominee as the 51st lieutenant governor for the state. Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann is expected to step down in the …read more.

By LT. GOV. SUE ELLSPERMANN INDIANAPOLIS — Over the past 3 1/2, I have had the special honor to serve my fellow 6.5 million Hoosiers as their lieutenant governor serving alongside a great governor and friend Mike Pence. He invited me to be his partner on this journey and I am so very proud of …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mike Pence announced his intention to nominate Eric J. Holcomb as the 51st lieutenant governor for the state. The announcement was made during a press conference early this afternoon, Feb. 9. Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann will be submitting her resignation in the months to come as she pursues the presidency of Ivy …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — The upcoming North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce awards dinner and the dues deadline for inclusion in the 2016-17 North Webster Community Guide were highlights of the February meeting of the chamber. It was held Monday, Feb. 8, at North Webster American Legion Post 253.

WARSAW — Wawasee Yacht Club wants to enclose a wraparound porch and also in the future build a pavilion on its property on Trusdell Avenue at Lake Wawasee. The petitions were among those on the agenda of the regular monthly meeting of the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals Tuesday, Feb. 9, in Warsaw.

One month into the new year, Turkey Creek Township Trustee Barb Griffith has already made what will likely be her largest single expenditure of 2016. Griffith told the township advisory board Monday, Feb. 8, she applied the $35,000 balance of the township’s rainy day fund toward the purchase of the fire department’s new grass truck. …read more.

WARSAW — The county commissioners’ meeting kicked off Tuesday, Feb. 9, with naming Max Miller, Warsaw, as February’s Veteran of the Month. He is a veteran of the Army Air Corp and the Air Force. Miller went into service immediately after graduation in 1948 and served until December, 1954. Miller is a member of the Pierceton …read more.

MILFORD — Milford Town Council opened its Monday, Feb. 8, public meeting with a reshuffling of its officers. Bob Cockburn, citing the need to pass the presidential duties on after serving two years, nominated Dan Cochran for president, who, in turn, nominated Doug Ruch vice president. Both motions carried without objections. Milford police lieutenant Travis …read more.

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek Fire Chief Mickey Scott issued a public service announcement at the Monday, Feb. 8, meeting of the territory’s fire board. “Due to the recent changing conditions with the warm weather and rain in our area, we would like to remind everyone that even though we do constantly train in the various …read more.

LEESBURG — It was a brief yet productive meeting for the Leesburg Town Council Monday evening, Feb. 8. The council approved the trading of its current bobcat, utilized by both the street and sewage departments, as well as heard an update on the recent visit of a state auditor. The discussion of whether or not …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Plan Commission members spent the bulk of its meeting Monday evening, Feb. 8, going over a draft of definitions of housing for its zoning ordinance. Tim Dombrosky, assistant city planner, presented a PowerPoint showing a draft of new definitions, old definitions and the intent of the change. Only two definitions from the …read more.

DONALDSON – Come and learn about Ancilla. Join us at noon on March 3, for Access Ancilla Day, and see for yourself why so many students choose Ancilla as their foundation for success. Access Ancilla Day starts with free lunch at noon, March 3. You and your family can talk with our counselors, faculty and …read more.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton town council meeting Monday evening, Feb. 8, started off with the discussion of the completion of the town’s $1.4 million sewer lining project and the news of the infiltration being reduced from 40 percent to 38 percent. The next order of business was the trash totes from Advanced Disposal mentioned in …read more.

By DAVE WOLKINS State Representative INDIANAPOLIS — The 2016 legislative session recently reached the halfway point, with House Republicans moving forward on passing agenda items focusing on road funding, supporting public educators and curbing illegal drugs: House Bill 1001 would establish a comprehensive plan to fund Indiana’s short- and long-term infrastructure needs at the state …read more.

INDIANA — During the course of a year, Indiana State Troopers assist nearly 200,000 motorists along Indiana roadways while driving more than 37 million miles. The Indiana State Police categorizes this encounter with the public as a police service. These police services cover a wide range of different circumstances but typically involve the trooper assisting a …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Eric Holcomb is dropping out of the race for U.S. Senator. He filed his withdrawal today with the Secretary of State’s office. In a statement released today, Monday, Feb. 8, Holcomb said: “Today I withdrew my name as a candidate for the United States Senate as Janet and I believe we have been called …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) announced yesterday at the Cass County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner that he is seeking the Republican nomination for Attorney General at the Indiana Republican State Convention in June. “After careful consideration and lots of encouragement from party leaders, I have decided to seek the Republican nomination …read more.

WARSAW — An alleged dispute over the changing of a Wi-Fi password resulted in one female being arrested on charges. Welcome Suzanne Lloyd, 30, 513 Sophie Lane, Warsaw, was arrested Friday evening, Feb. 5, on charges of residential entry, a level 6 felony, and battery, a class B misdemeanor. Court documents, filed Feb. 4 by …read more.

[weaver_youtube mAFWxc0H70Q rel=0]   FORT WAYNE — Conservative farmer and businessman Kip Tom, Leesburg, hit the airwaves on Saturday night with the first television advertisement of his campaign for Congress in Indiana’s 3rd District. “As a political outsider who has grown a family business and created jobs in our community, the positive reaction we are …read more.

BRISTOL — The Jeff Petermann for Congress campaign filed a complaint Thursday, Feb. 4, with the Indiana Election Commission, against the Republican Party. Peterman believes there have been unnecessary delays in obtaining primary voter election data for Indiana District 2 Congressional Race. “I knew my opponent, Jackie Walorski, was a part of the Washington establishment …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The ballot is set for the May 3 Primary election. Candidate filing ended at noon today, Friday, Feb. 5. At the county level, the Republican ballot will have two contested races: county commissioner-northern district and county council at-large. On a state level there will be a race for for State Senator District …read more.

Temporary no parking on Colfax, agreements, contracts, and pay applications on projects were among items of business for Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety Friday morning, Feb. 5. The board unanimously passed a resolution establishing temporary no parking on the west side of North Colfax Street, between Center and Clark streets, and the east …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mike Pence is directing flags at state facilities statewide be flown at half-staff to honor former Gov. Edgar D. Whitcomb, who passed away Thursday, Feb. 4. Flags should be flown at half-staff for seven days from his passing, through Thursday, Feb. 11. Pence also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags …read more.

WARSAW — We Inspire Support Empower Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and support of the professional career interests of women, will present, “State of Women’s Leadership Today,” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at Champagne Jam. This event will be hosted by Alison Martin-Books, CEO of Diverse Talent Strategies, founder of Mentoring Women’s Network …read more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Real Services will celebrate unsung heroes in Kosciusko, Elkhart, LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph Counties through the Age of Excellence awards. These heroes include spouses, sons, daughters, neighbors, friends, businesses and professionals who give of themselves to care for the elderly and low-income in the communities. Nominees must reside in one of …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.

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.

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.

INDIANAPOLIS — Tomorrow, First Lady Karen Pence, Indiana’s bicentennial ambassador, will welcome members of the Indiana State Assembly Club to the governor’s residence for an 1816 bicentennial high tea. The first lady and guests will dress in period attire. The 1816 bicentennial high tea, an official First Lady Bicentennial Legacy Project, is set for 3 …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.

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.

[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.

INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosier business leaders were prepared to offer testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, Jan. 27, on Senate Bill 66. The bill, which was not called for a vote, includes language similar to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that was initially signed into law in March, 2015. The bill could have created opportunity for …read more.

UPDATE: PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP —  Following a statement from Julia Goon, Prairie Township trustee, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, Lutheran EMS has announced an agreement has been reached between Prairie Township and the EMS service provider. “We are pleased to have reached an agreement earlier today (Wednesday, Dec. 31) with Prairie Township for EMS services,” noted Scott …read more.