WARSAW — An Ohio man faces vehicle theft charges after allegedly failing to return a rental vehicle. Cameron Harshaw, 27, Kettering, Ohio, was arrested for vehicle theft, a level 6 felony. On Dec. 7, Winona Lake Police officers conducted a traffic stop on US 30 and South CR 450E.  The vehicle was initially pulled over …read more.

SYRACUSE — A Facebook fundraiser has been recently established for a Syracuse man with cystic fibrosis. Haiden Morgan is a 29-year-old orthopedic machinist at Zimmer Biomet who enjoys playing music, as well as studying medicine and physics. However, he’s spent approximately three years of his adult life in hospitals. “I’ve lost quite a few jobs …read more.

By Darla McCammon A farm near Atwood was the foundation for the current exhibition at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery. Susan Ring is an artist who can capture just about anything with her paints and make it better than the reality. That farm is where Ring grew up and it provides much of the inspiration for her …read more.

WARSAW – State Rep. Dave Wolkins announced Monday he will not seek re-election in 2020 and is supporting a bid by businessman Alan Alderfer for the District 18 seat. Wolkins, who has represented the 18th District in the Indiana General Assembly since 1988, has struggled with health issues in recent years. He said his health …read more.

WARSAW – Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) announced Monday that he will host mobile office hours to meet with local residents in Warsaw Thursday, Jan. 2. Rep. Banks will host mobile office hours in the Council Chambers at Warsaw City Hall, 102 South Buffalo St., from 10-11 a.m., said a news release from the office of …read more.

WINONA LAKE — The last day to make a tax-deductible matching donation supporting the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College is Tuesday, Dec. 31. The full amount from matching donations will go toward the donor’s program of choice, said a news release from Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams. This year, supporters …read more.

WARSAW — The Salvation Army served 140 families through Christmas Eve with its Angel Tree program.  This year, 289 children ages 12 and under were given a gift, book, as well as a hat and gloves according to Ken Locke, Salvation Army Administrator for Kosciusko and Whitley Counties. Sixty teens were given gift cards from …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill asked the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm the constitutionality of Indiana’s law requiring parental notice when minors obtain abortions, Friday, Dec. 27. The law at issue applies to minors who already have obtained an exemption from a juvenile court allowing them to proceed with an abortion without parental …read more.

WARSAW – A Warsaw man faces theft charges and a sentence enhancement following an alleged theft at Walmart. Ryan Lee Miller, 43, 920 Anchorage Road 74, Warsaw, was arrested on a warrant from Kosciusko County on alleged charges of theft, a class A misdemeanor; and sentence enhancement theft, a level 6 felony. On Nov. 21, …read more.

WABASH — The Honeywell Foundation announced free activities at Honeywell Center and Charley Creek Gardens, Jan. 2 and 3. All events are part of the Honeywell Foundation’s Winter Bash and are sponsored by Terrell Realty Group, LLC, said a news release from the Honeywell Center. The Honeywell Center is located at 275 West Market Street, …read more.

WARSAW – After high temps reached into the 60s across parts of Northern Indiana this weekend, cold temps and a chance of snow return on Monday, Dec. 30. The National Weather Service predicts a chance of snow for much of Monday in Warsaw, but very little accumulation is expected. Accumulations of 1 to 2 inches …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Make it a New Year’s resolution to get involved in the many monthly and weekly programs offered at North Webster Community Public Library. Let’s Move is a dance exercise class that meets 6 p.m. every Thursday through June 26. Yarn crafters are invited to attend Knit 1 Crochet 2 at 2 p.m. …read more.

Joshua Mort PIERCETON – Police have arrested a suspect in the robbery of the Lake City Bank branch in Pierceton that happened two days before Christmas. Joshua R. Mort, 22, of 702 W. Tower St., Pierceton, was taken into custody early Friday after authorities served him with a warrant at his residence. He was booked …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library announced it’s eleventh annual amateur photography contest Grand Prize Winner is Karla Ellis of Winona Lake with “Winter Lighthouse.” Ellis’ winning photo was taken last winter at the Saint Joseph North Pier Inner Lighthouse near Silver Beach, Saint Joseph, Mich. The grand prize and first place in the …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Public Library announced new and returning programs for the new year. An Oxbow County Park Pass is available to check out from the Syracuse Public Library in 2020. Go fishing, hiking on dog-friendly trails, picnic by the river or play disc golf for some nearby fun. This winter sled or cross-country …read more.

WARSAW – A serious two-vehicle accident on US 30 in Warsaw caused the temporary closure of the eastbound lane Saturday morning, Dec. 28. The crash involved a black pickup truck and what appeared to be a white SUV or van that came to rest on its side in a ditch southeast of the intersection of …read more.

WARSAW – Cary Groninger is ready to launch his first campaign. The 52-year-old Kosciusko County Commissioner, who was appointed by a Republican caucus to replace Ron Truex in 2017, announced plans this week to seek election to his first full term. His appointment was the first foray into county government.  While there is a big …read more.

WINONA LAKE — The Winona Lake Town Council will host a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at the Winona Lake Town Hall. The council will hold a hearing regarding a wastewater rate increase and other minor matters, said Town Manager Craig Allebach. The town’s proposed wastewater rate for residential use could increase …read more.

WARSAW – Greyhounds are coming to the Warsaw Community Public Library, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28.  A regional greyhound rescue will be bringing a few of their foster dogs to the library for kids to practice their reading in 15-minute time slots, said a news release from the Warsaw Community Public …read more.

Tiffany Alberts INDIANAPOLIS — A former Warsaw school teacher was sentenced Thursday, Dec. 26 in Marion County after being accused of injecting her son with feces. Tiffany Alberts, of Walcott, formerly of the Warsaw area, was convicted of neglect of a dependent and six counts of aggravated battery. She was sentenced to seven years in …read more.

SIDNEY — A box truck collided with a tractor-trailer on SR 13 near CR 1250S, south of Sidney, Thursday morning, Dec. 26. Shortly before 10 a.m., a southbound 2015 Hino box truck, driven by Luiz Gomez, 59, of Fort Wayne, struck a forklift mounted on the back of a flatbed semi-trailer, which was being pulled …read more.

WARSAW – The warmth on Christmas Day in northern Indiana was not record-breaking, but it is today, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service reports South Bend already broke its previous record for high temperature for Thursday, Dec. 26. The record arrived at 12:22 a.m. Thursday when South Bend’s temperature hit 56, the …read more.

First off, let me assure you that that headline above represents the final horrible pun of the year from me. I promise.  *  *  * In a city that is overwhelmingly Republican, officials found themselves awash in political strife early in 2019 that exposed some internal tensions. Here’s my recap on some of those moments: …read more.

SYRACUSE — On Dec. 10, the Wawasee School Board met for the last time in 2019. When the board reconvenes Jan. 14 for the first time in 2020, it will be reorganization day and various appointments will be made. Looking back at 2019 and looking ahead to 2020, board president Becky Linnemeier said, “I believe …read more.

SYRACUSE — Chautauqua-Wawasee, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club host “Gardening in the Face of a Changing Climate Workshop”, Saturday, Feb. 8 from 1-4 p.m. The workshop, lead by John Edgerton of Shelbyville, Mich., will take place at the Oakwood Resort, 702 East Lake View Road, Syracuse. The event is free of charge. …read more.

LEESBURG — Leesburg sixth-graders were recently visited by Lake City Bank for a week in December to learn budgeting skills. In fifth grade, students learned about the economy from the perspective of a worker when they went to JA Biztown. In sixth grade, they learned about the economy from the perspective of a consumer. Volunteers …read more.

WARSAW — Multiple injuries were reported after a single-vehicle accident south of Winona Lake late Tuesday morning, Dec. 24. At about 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of an accident near East CR 400S and South Packerton Road. According to initial dispatch reports, there were multiple injuries. One person was entrapped and had to …read more.

  By Darla McCammon When John and I visited the Louvre in France, we walked through a magical assortment of some of the world’s most famous paintings, including The Mona Lisa. This famous art gallery was once a castle, thus it had high ceilings and ornate rooms with elaborate designs and scrollwork on the ceilings …read more.

WARSAW – Members of United Steelworkers Local 809 began dispersing hundreds of meals to the public as the sun rose on Tuesday morning in Warsaw. Union members collected enough money to provide up to 437 sacks of unprepared meals to families shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at the union hall at 420 Little League …read more.

SIDNEY — A log in the roadway caused a rollover accident resulting in a minor injury, Sunday morning, Dec. 22. The accident happened at 10:23 a.m. on South CR 700E near East CR 750S, northwest of Sidney and southwest of Pierceton. The driver, Ashton G. Shepherd, 16, Country Club Road, Warsaw, said he was driving …read more.

MENTONE — A Mentone man faces multiple charges including resisting and intimidating law enforcement. Brad Lamar Witham, 65, 4378 South CR 900W, Mentone, faces charges including intimidation of a law enforcement officer, a level 6 felony; battery of a law enforcement officer, a level 6 felony; and resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor. On Nov. …read more.

PIERCETON – The Pierceton Police Department recently added new police chaplains to its staff. Pastor Glenn Hall and Pastor Eric Trump will volunteer their time as police chaplains for the Pierceton Police. Both pastors are long-time residents of Pierceton, said a news release from Pierceton Police. The chaplains will work closely with Pierceton Police officers …read more.

WARSAW – Twenty three years of service is apparently not enough for Kosciusko County Commissioner Brad Jackson. The 57-year-old commissioner announced Monday that he intends to seek a seventh term in office. Jackson made the announcement after Monday’s commissioners meeting, Dec. 23. Jackson said he looked back at a campaign announcement he wrote 24 years …read more.

BOURBON — Triton Scholars participated in a holiday-themed service day, Sunday, Dec. 22. Teachers planned a service day where Trojan wrestlers wrapped presents for the seniors at Miller’s Senior Living Community in Plymouth, said a news release from Triton School Corporation. Scholars had the opportunity to visit residents and give them little treat bags that …read more.

WARSAW  — In observance of Christmas Eve, Christmas and the new year, multiple town offices in Kosciusko County will be closed with trash pickup delayed in some communities. All local government offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday (Dec. 24 and 25) for the Christmas holiday, but one town will close offices until after the first …read more.

About 2 p.m. police responded to a report of an armed robbery at Lake City Bank in Pierceton, Monday afternoon, Dec. 23. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd. PIERCETON — An armed robbery occurred at the Lake City Bank, Monday afternoon, Dec. 23. At around 2 p.m., law enforcement responded to a report of an armed …read more.

WARSAW — A Warsaw man faces multiple theft charges. Chad Preston Hall, 32, 180 South CR 400W, Warsaw, was arrested on a warrant for charges including theft, a level 6 felony; theft, a class A misdemeanor; and theft prior conviction, a level 6 felony. On Nov. 27, an officer with the Warsaw Police Department responded …read more.

WARSAW — Edgewood Middle School’s annual food drive ended Monday, Dec. 16. Edgewood Elves busied themselves distributing food boxes to many Edgewood families, as well as to families in other Warsaw schools. Additionally, a donation of $500 to both Our Father’s House and to Combined Community Services will help families in the community. Students, staff …read more.

WARSAW – Christmas week will be unseasonably warm in northern Indiana. Temperatures will reach into the 50s for part of the week, according to the National Weather Service. Monday, Dec. 23, will be mostly sunny with a high in the lower 50s. The overnight low will dip to about 32. Tuesday will be partly cloudy with …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — On Dec. 19, the 79th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy completed its graduation ceremony in the Indiana State Capitol rotunda. Opening remarks were made by Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter and Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, followed by a commencement address from James R. White, a retired Indiana State Police lieutenant. …read more.

MENTONE — Bell Memorial Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day). The library will open again for regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. The library will also be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) and Wednesday, Jan. …read more.

From left: Angie Ritchey; Randy Hall, CEO, Cardinal Services; Vickie Lootens, Chief Development Officer, Cardinal Services; former Cardinal Board members Kevin Deardorff, Executive Vice President, Retail Banking; and Peggy Michel, Vice President, Senior Trust Officer, Wealth Advisory Group. Photo provided by Cardinal Services. WARSAW — Cardinal Services is proud to announce that Lake City Bank …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library has announced its upcoming events. Accompanied by his menagerie of animal friends, animal handler Mark Kohlhorst will present his popular Mark’s Ark Live Animal Show at North Webster Community Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3. Kids and their families will get to meet, pet and …read more.

By Denise Keller Adult Programming Administrator The following programs are set to take place in January at the Warsaw Community Public Library: The Winter Reading program starts Jan. 6 and continues through Feb. 29. Read books, log pages, and win prizes. WorkOne computer and résumé/interviewing classes will take place throughout the month. Contact the library …read more.

By Melissa Chapman Cataloging Supervisor There is nothing quite as cozy as curling up with some hot chai and a festive book on a winter night. This holiday season; rediscover classic Christmas novels along with a few modern reads that can help you get into the Christmas mood. “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg …read more.

MILFORD — The Milford Public Library will be closed for Christmas on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25. The library will re-open at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. The library will also be closed for New Year’s on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1. The library will re-open at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Public Library announced its events for early 2020. An Oxbow County Park Pass is available to check out from the Syracuse Public Library in 2020. Go fishing, hiking on dog-friendly trails, picnic by the river or play disc golf for some nearby fun. This winter, go sledding or cross-country skiing, said …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko Kettleheads homebrew club’s annual Christmas meeting was held Dec. 7 at Mad Anthony’s Lake City Taphouse. Members contributed $500 worth of household items, gift cards and money to Combined Community Services, said a news release from Kosciusko Kettleheads. “CCS is always a great organization to contribute to due to the huge …read more.

  WARSAW – Scott Tilden’s 39-year career in road maintenance began the day after he graduated from Tippecanoe Valley High School in 1980. The Akron native started out with a part-time summer job with the Fulton County Highway Department and was hired as a truck driver by the end of the summer. Tilden, who still …read more.

WARSAW —  Kevin Serrano, Warsaw, was the grand prize winner at the 2019 Ornament Smash event at Lakeview Middle School in Warsaw. From Dec. 1 through Dec. 19, WRSW listeners were given opportunities to win an Ornament Smash “Lucky” Blue Ticket. Ticket winners were invited to Lakeview Middle School on Dec. 19 to redeem their …read more.

The first phase of housing on North Buffalo is well underway. The entire project also includes a plaza along Center Lake and a multi-use building nearby. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding. WARSAW – Construction of the Buffalo Street Plaza project will begin next year after the city Board of Works and Safety approved a bid …read more.

WINONA LAKE — New European art gallery, Artista, will open its doors on Jan. 2 with an exhibition of original Venetian art. Located in the beautiful Village at Winona at 801 East Canal St., this gallery offers the charm and culture of Italy right here in Kosciusko County, said a news release from Artista. Meet …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice will hold their annual Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 424 W. Market St., Warsaw. This half-hour long service is for those who are finding it difficult to celebrate Christmas this year because of the death of a loved one.

WARSAW — The VFW James W. Sittler Post 1126 and the Auxiliary Post 1126 each presented checks to the Beaman Home in the amount of $500 each, for a total of $1,000.  The James W. Sittler Post 1126 and Auxiliary donate to a nonprofit organization each year during the holiday season. “The veterans of James …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation recently announced the establishment of the Gidieon Orion Cook Memorial Fund. Gidieon Cook Gidieon Cook was struck and killed by a vehicle on June 10 as he was returning home after summer school classes. Cook had been dropped off at Harrison Elementary and was crossing Husky Trail where …read more.

Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts and the 2517 Event Center have been sold. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels. WARSAW – In a significant acquisition, three properties tied to Wagon Wheel Theatre have been sold. Wagon Wheel Theatre, the 2517 meeting room, and adjacent property at 2515 E. Center St. in Warsaw, have been purchased …read more.

  WARSAW — Join the Cowboy Church In The Meadows on Saturday evening, Dec. 21 in the stables at the Magical Meadows as they share the story of the birth of Our Savior. Admission is free. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and h in amazement the birth of baby Jesus, said a news release from …read more.

AKRON – Eckrich collaborated with Martin’s Super Market to present Tippecanoe Valley High School with a $4,150 donation Tuesday night, Dec. 17. Eckrich committed to donating a portion of eligible products sold at the Martin’s on Husky Trail in Warsaw, between Oct. 20 – Nov. 16, to Tippecanoe Valley High School. The donation will be …read more.

WARSAW — An Etna Green man faces two felony charges of child molestation. Joseph Delbert Doty, 34, 9671 West CR 300N, Etna Green, was arrested on a warrant from Kosciusko County and faces two charges of child molestation, one being a level 1 felony and the other, a level 3 felony. On Oct. 12, the …read more.

WARSAW — Parkview Warsaw’s Center For Healthy Living is again offering the My Best Health program for those wanting to commit to healthier, long-term lifestyle changes. The program focuses on components of nutritional, physical and behavioral changes. Participants receive professional support from a wellness coach, a registered nurse, a registered dietitian and personal trainer during …read more.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Police have announced the hiring of Brooke Koldewey as a full-time officer. Koldewey is from the Fort Wayne area and attended the University of Saint Francis. She previously worked as a Medic for Parkview Health and served as a Reserve Officer for the Pierceton Police. She is currently finishing up her …read more.

WABASH — Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Ryan Pelton to perform as “best Elvis Tribute Artists” on Ford Theater stage Sunday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m., doors open at 2:15 p.m.  The ELVIS Tribute Artist Spectacular is a concert to celebrate the greatest entertainer of all time: Elvis Presley. The show will begin with the …read more.

School officials estimated that there were 250 seats set up for the meeting but several people still had to stand in the back. InkFreeNews photos by Maggie Kenworthy. NORTH MANCHESTER — Upward of 250 people turned out for a special meeting Wednesday night, Dec. 18, that was hosted by Manchester Community Schools to discuss the …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — With dropping temperatures, Indiana Conservation Officers advise being mindful of the potential hazards of frozen lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. It’s also important to keep a watchful eye on neighborhood retention ponds, lakes and other waterways for others who may venture out and find themselves in trouble said a news release from the …read more.

WARSAW — Girl Scout Troop 10380 recently collected over 130 pounds of candy that were “Halloween leftovers” people wanted to have to go to a good cause. Donation boxes were set up at a host of local businesses form Nov. 1 to 8. The candy will go to organizations and businesses with kids who can …read more.

WARSAW — The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have experienced some type of significant loss. “Coping with Losses: Navigating Rough Waters,” a free program, will be presented at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, by social workers Amy Kellar and Jeni Reilly, Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. The program will take place …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University has been awarded a $100,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant is part of the endowment’s new initiative, Charting the Future for Indiana’s Colleges and Universities. “We are deeply grateful for Lilly Endowment for its commitment to higher education and this opportunity,” said Manchester President Dave McFadden. “We …read more.

CLAYPOOL — Claypool Fire Chief Bob Haines has retired after 37 years of fire service. Haines started his fire service career with Winona Lake Fire Department in 1982. In 1985, at the age of 23, he moved to Tippecanoe and became chief at Tippecanoe Fire Department until he moved to Etna Green Fire Department in …read more.

CLAYPOOL — The Claypool Town Council amended a downtown parking ordinance and moved to raise rates for trash pickup on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Council members voted to amend a March 2015 ordinance regarding downtown parking in Claypool. The amendment says parking will no longer be limited to business parking only on South Main Street between …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — A GoFundMe has been recently established for a North Webster woman who has undergone several surgeries after being diagnosed with a jaw tumor. Kailey Ball is a 20-year-old Manchester University sophomore majoring in social work. She graduated early from Wawasee High School with academic honors. However, after multiple surgeries and hospital visits …read more.

CROMWELL — Fun, festive, and final. Each December brings a holly jolly feel to the sewer crew that comprises the board of Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District, and Monday night, Dec. 16, was no exception. Although the board and district said goodbye to member Rex Heil after 20 years of service, there was much to …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — The last 2019 meeting of the North Webster Town Council Tuesday, Dec. 17, was a swift sail through the agenda. Highlights included the approval of a bid for meters for the sewage system, notification that disposable wipes are causing problems and more information about the K21 Health Foundation grant to the town. …read more.

SYRACUSE — After almost an hour of discussion regarding an encroachment agreement between Gordon and Laurie Lord and the town, the Syracuse Town Council chose instead to instruct town attorney Vern Landis to write a letter to the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals instructing it to drop its lawsuit against the Lords. Attorney Steve Snyder, …read more.

From Left: New Winona Lake Police Reserve Officers Dalis Owens and Brittany Lyon being sworn in by Town Attorney Adam Turner, right. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts. WINONA LAKE — The Town Council approved the swearing-in of two reserve officers for the Winona Lake Police Department at its meeting, Tuesday night, Dec. 17. Brittany Lyon …read more.

WARSAW — Lauryn Rhodes and Kirstyn Yoder were recently announced as Kosciusko County Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. Each year, Kosciusko County recommends two students to receive the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship award, which is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the Indiana college or university of their choice. Rhodes is a senior at Warsaw Community High …read more.

PIERCETON — Whitko School Board of Trustees granted permission for the purchase of three new buses in its meeting, Monday night, Dec. 16 at Pierceton Elementary School. The board approved the purchase of three buses through Kerlin Bus Sales in Silver Lake. One minibus and two 81-passenger buses will replace buses in the current fleet …read more.

By Darla McCammon Our second famous masterpiece about the Christmas story is a beautiful, dramatic work by Rembrandt. It is titled “The Dream of St. Joseph” and it is in the Baroque style. We have not talked about the Baroque style of painting before. The definition of this style of painting can be found at …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee wrapped up its end-of-the-year business and also received an update on the Conklin Bay project at its monthly meeting Monday, Dec. 16. While it was the last meeting of the year for the committee, it was the first meeting for the new executive director, Erlene Yentes. Work on the Conklin …read more.

WARSAW – City officials hope to re-open CR 300N – including a roundabout – on Friday before completing the roadwork next spring. The road and roundabout at Shelden Street is west of SR 15N near the Kohl’s department store. The road serves a growing area that includes several apartment buildings, a school and retail areas. …read more.

WARSAW – As City Council works to line up the ability to retain its own attorney, one thing is clear: Individuals on council won’t be able to just pick up the phone and get some quick thoughts. On Monday night, Dec. 16, council decided to take a step back and will retool their plan to have …read more.

WARSAW — Five merit deputies, as well as four reserve deputies and several corrections staff, were sworn in to their new positions during the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office employee swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Dec. 16. Merit and reserve deputies were each sworn in separately by Judge David Cates. Officers’ wives, girlfriends and mothers were a …read more.

WINONA LAKE – Grace College alumna Laura Hoke donated $29,000 to Compassion International to build a school in Tanzania through her workplace matching gift benefit. Hoke’s donation enables 233 children to go to school in Tanzania, and the young millennial plans to continue giving said a news release from Grace College. “This is the best …read more.

MARSHALL COUNTY — Indiana State Police Troopers in Marshall County responded to a crash on Monday, Dec. 16, between a semi and a passenger car at US 6 and Miami Trail, which claimed two lives. At 11:19 a.m., Marshall County Dispatch received a report of a crash between a semi and a passenger car near …read more.

BOURBON —Triton School Corporation Scholars had a successful showing at the State FFA Contest on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Purdue University. Below are the following results according to a news release from Triton Community Schools:

Tim Hori, the owner of Three Crowns Coffee, prepares a drink at the North Detroit Street store in Warsaw. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts. WARSAW— Three Crowns Coffee is offering some new options at its recently-opened second location in Warsaw. Three Crowns Coffee & Craft Sodas at 941 N. Detroit St., opened quietly about almost …read more.

Alyssa Shepherd ROCHESTER — The sentencing for Alyssa Shepherd, who was found guilty of three counts of reckless homicide after hitting four kids who were boarding a school bus, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. She faces a maximum of 21 1/2 years in prison. On Oct. 30, 2018, a school bus was …read more.

WINONA LAKE – Organizers of the World Compassion Network Run/Walk for Hunger 5K are gearing up for their event on March 28. “The 5K is WCN’s community service event that gives 100% of the net proceeds to great local churches, schools and organizations that fight hunger in our area,” said Josh Grill, missions director. The …read more.

WARSAW – An overnight snowfall left about a half-inch on roadways early Monday morning in Warsaw and another small chance of more snow returns later in the day, the National Weather Service said. The morning snowfall was just enough to make a mess on roads but was light and fluffy, making it easy for motorists …read more.

WARSAW – A police chase Sunday afternoon that left a trail of damage in Leesburg and Milford resulted in one man’s arrest. The motorist faces multiple charges after being apprehended at his residence in Warsaw. Joseph Trump, 27, of Warsaw, was preliminarily charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, two counts of resisting law …read more.

MENTONE — Bell Memorial Public Library announced its events for the week of Dec. 16-20. For folks not in the Bell Memorial Library’s tax district, a superb idea for a Christmas Gift would be a Library card! The fee for out of district cards is $88.77 and is good for an entire year. A Library …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library announced music lessons and more for the week of Dec. 16-21. The upcoming week offers a full slate of activities in which to participate. If you like to write, come to Writer’s Corner at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, and bring an essay you have written about …read more.

PIERCETON — Pierceton Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire late Saturday night, Dec. 14. At about 12:15 a.m., first responders were notified of a vehicle fire at 4398 East Compound Lane, just off East CR 600S, south of Pierceton. No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze. However, little information about the …read more.

By Amy Mann Technical Assistant, Children’s Department, WCPL Each December is full of the general busyness of life, along with the added excitement and obligations that the holidays bring. Schedules are knocked cattywampus, and preparations are made to visit others or to make visitors comfortable and entertained in your neck of the woods, or both. …read more.

Susie McEntire, front row third from left, is pictured with the fourth class of JCAP at the Kosciusko County Jail Saturday morning, Dec. 14. Also pictured are representatives from G&G Hauling, including Mike Loher, second from left in the front row. Ink Free News photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts. WARSAW — Country music artist Susie McEntire …read more.

MILFORD — The Milford Public Library announced its news for the week of Dec. 16-20. Milford Public Library Knitting Club is several years running. The club meets twice a month to work on projects and help people who are interested in learning how to knit or crochet, said a news release from Milford Public Library. …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Library is offering many community meetings before the breaks for the holidays. Moms have been meeting other moms when they bring their small children to storytime or tot time. The last storytime in December meets on Monday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Tot time for newborn babies to three-year-old’s meets on …read more.

Former Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe has never been shy about expressing his thoughts on marijuana and came out this week in support of legalizing pot. Kolbe, who has family in Colorado and visits there often, says he’s not inclined to use pot himself (he says he wants to remain mentally sharp for his legal …read more.

PIERCETON — The Pierceton Police Department recently presented two Life-Saving Awards. The first award was presented to Annie Espinoza, who saved her neighbor’s life. On Thursday, Oct. 31, Espinoza ran next-door and applied the Heimlich to her longtime neighbor, who was choking on food. Her intervention allowed for a lifesaving rescue and credited Espinoza with …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ sixth, seventh and eighth-grade bands will present their Winter Concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, in the Lakeview Middle School auditorium. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. WCS will be accepting canned food donations at the door for the community. The concert will feature performances …read more.

MILFORD — During public input at the Thursday, Dec. 12, meeting of Milford Town Council, resident Susan Wert asked the council for relief from a bill of $160, three times larger than her average bill, adding, “others have heard of problems with water meters.” In fact, Utilities Superintendent Steven Marquart has mentioned his department’s problems …read more.