WINONA LAKE — Grace College has received a $100,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its new initiative, Charting the Future for Indiana’s Colleges and Universities. The initiative is designed to help Indiana’s 38 higher education institutions further develop strategies to strengthen their effectiveness and sustainability, said a news release from Grace College. “We are …read more.

  SYRACUSE — Judging from the comments of board members, Turkey Creek fire and township advisory boards Thursday, Dec. 12, made one of their easiest decisions of the year as they each unanimously approved Fire Chief Mickey Scott’s request for expedited purchase of two ambulance cots and power load systems. “If we accept delivery of …read more.

FORT WAYNE — Students from Whitko’s 5th-grade classes at Pierceton Elementary and  Whitko Jr/Sr High School’s business class visited Junior Achievement’s BizTown and Finance Park on Friday, Dec. 6. Previous to 2019, Junior Achievement’s offices were located near Glenbrook Mall behind Kohl’s. After a recent campaign, they have a new location specifically designed to their …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — An implementation strategy and appointment of a board of directors for the newly created Tippecanoe Chapman Regional Sewer District should be taking place in the next few months. Ken Jones with Jones Petry Rafinski, consultant for the project, stated the consultant group established by the Kosciusko County Commissioners will be convening to …read more.

WASHINGTON — For the second year in a row, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and his staff were able to return more than $3 million owed to Hoosiers by various federal agencies. With two weeks remaining this year, the office has resolved more than 1,300 cases, resulting in $3,089,128 returned to Hoosiers.  A core function …read more.

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake residents will soon have another internet option available. Two representatives from RTC Fiber Communications, Rochester, attended the Silver Lake Town Council meeting Wednesday, Dec. 11, and announced that fiber optic infrastructure will be run through Silver Lake, going north to Hill Lake.   Project Manager Scott Zeyen and Technology Solutions Manager Michael …read more.

Ken Seyfert to Retire from Grace Brethren Investment Foundation WINONA LAKE — Kenneth A. Seyfert, president and chief executive officer of the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation Winona Lake, has announced plans to retire effective May 31.  Seyfert joined the staff of GBIF in 1997 as managing director and officer of operations. In 2004, he was appointed …read more.

MILFORD — Milford Town Council received an early Christmas gift at its public meeting on Dec. 12. K21 Foundation President and CEO Rich Haddad was on hand to announce the foundation was celebrating its 20th anniversary by giving incorporated towns in Kosciusko County a grant of $200,000 each to use however they best feel they …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission heard an update from Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO Alan Tio and discussed a CR 1300N project during a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12. During his presentation at the meeting, Tio said KEDCo’s overall goal for 2020 is building infrastructure. “This year, we focused a lot of attention …read more.

BOURBON — Four students from Triton Jr./Sr. High School were recently announced as Junior Rising Stars. These students are selected based on their GPA and leadership within the school. Madeline Ritchison, Jaelyn Bules, Parker Alford and Haley Resnberger are the Junior Rising Stars. The Indiana Association of School principals, as a part of the Indiana …read more.

WARSAW — A Warsaw Man was recently arrested on drug-related charges after being pulled over for driving with no working brake lights. Jason Wayne Stromatt, 44, 2566 West CR 250S, Warsaw, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and driving while suspended, a class A …read more.

WARSAW — New appointments were filled and year-end transfers were made Thursday night, Dec. 12, by Kosciusko County Council. 2020 Office Appointments: Alcohol Beverage Commission — Dan Woods Area Plan Board — Jon Garber Emergency Mgt. Advisory — Joni Truex KC Economic Development Committee — Kimberly Cates Kos. Economic Development Corporation — Kimberly Cates Michiana …read more.

From left, Attorney Antony Garza and Judge Michael Reed, are members of the Executive Committee of the Kosciusko County Community Corrections Advisory Board. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels. WARSAW —  Kosciusko County’s Community Corrections Department has suspended all new “hook-ups” for up to 30 days for offenders entering programs that rely on monitoring bracelets. The …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester Community Schools will hold a special meeting next week after parents voiced concerns about the district’s apparent enactment of a transgender policy. The meeting, set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, comes after parents learned the school district was accommodating a young boy who identifies as a girl and prefers to …read more.

WARSAW — Join Santa and his helpers for a pancake and sausage breakfast supporting Homes 4 Haiti, Saturday, Dec. 14 at Tourmaline, 208 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, 8-10:30 a.m. Santa will be attending and representatives of Homes 4 Haiti encourage everyone to bring the whole family for some holiday fun before heading out to do …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2020 Senate Page Program, said State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen). Through the full-day program, students in grades six through 12 can tour Indiana’s Statehouse, listen to debates and help staff with age-appropriate tasks. Students also have the opportunity to meet with their state senator, …read more.

WINONA LAKE — The Grace College Mediation Team concluded its eleventh season of competition in November. The goal of the team is to establish peace-making values and practice conflict resolution. Dr. Mark Norris, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and mediation coach at Grace College, led the team of five students through two …read more.

WARSAW — Officials for Kosciusko’s Work Ethic Certificate campaign recently announced that Grace College and Manchester University will both support the campaign. Grace has agreed to offer Work Ethic Certificate recipients the following incentives if they choose to go to Grace: free online application, a minimum merit scholarship of $20,000 ($5,000 per year), waiver of …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Police Department connected with local children by hosting its seventh annual Shop with a Hero event, Wednesday night, Dec. 11. This annual event assists children who need a little extra help during the holiday season. Each child is nominated by their school. The focus of the annual event said Officer Rogelio …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ Board of Trustees discussed donations from the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club and the approval of a new school zone light at Husky Trail during a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10. During a safety presentation to the board, Chief Analytics Officer Shelly Wilfong said the Warsaw Traffic Safety Commission approved plans …read more.

WARSAW – Susie McEntire returns for her sixth consecutive visit to Warsaw when she performs a Christmas concert Saturday, Dec. 14 at Lakeview Middle School. McEntire, the sister of country music legend Reba McEntire, has her own musical career. In 1993, Susie released a debut solo record, scoring several hits on Christian country radio. Several …read more.

WARSAW — The Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King recently announced the speaker for the 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Event. This year’s keynote speaker will be Kondo Simfukwe, lead pastor at Mission Point Community Church. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the program is scheduled to run from 11:30 a.m. …read more.

WARSAW — The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts recently announced auditions for youths and teens for its upcoming Wagon Wheel Jr. winter production on Saturday, Dec. 21. Auditions for those ages 9 to 11 will be at 10 a.m., while those ages 12 to 18 will audition at 11:30 a.m. There is no need …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Grace Village Retirement Community recently announced it received a $10,000 donation made in memory of Doris and Harold Strange from their children, Robert (Debra) Strange and Barb (Mark) McCollom. These funds will support the ARTcare therapy program by providing for a wide variety of supplies, allowing Grace Village to accommodate more residents …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Solid Waste Board extended amnesty for the cost of television recycling at its meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 10. KC Recycling Depot currently accepts televisions from county residents free of charge. This includes CRT and flat-screen televisions. Tom Ganser, KC Recycling Depot Director, said they have processed 2,600 televisions in 2019 from 1,482 …read more.

NAPPANEE — Santa will stop at the Nappanee Public Library for a special visit during the month of December. Children are invited to come to the Library to share their Christmas wishes with Santa in his sleigh on Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Please bring your own camera. Visitors are responsible …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Schools Board of School Trustees heard a presentation regarding data on bus routes and school bell times during a meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10. Griffin Scott, a project manager for School Bus Consultants, presented a report reviewing 2017 data on WCS’ school bus routes and efficiency. The firm is an advisory …read more.

SYRACUSE — When students who have not had the opportunity to do so in the past take AP, or advanced placement, courses in high school, they often discover they are capable of handling college-level classes. Such was the message conveyed by John Snyder, assistant principal, during the regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee School Board …read more.

WARSAW — A Claypool man faces felony charges stemming from an incident at the Time Out Inn in Warsaw early Sunday morning, Dec. 8. Devin Michael Brown Devin Michael Brown, 27, 510 South Graceland Ave., Claypool, was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun by a serious violent felon, a level 4 felony; and battery …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — Commissioners approved the following board appointments and department head appointments for 2020 at the Kosciusko County Commissioner meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 10.  Board Appointments: Alcohol Beverage Commission — Alan Alderfer Area Plan Board — Kevin McSherry Area Plan Board (Comm. member) — Bob Conley Board of Zoning Appeals — Charlie Haffner and Lee …read more.

WARSAW — K21 Health Foundation made a recent grant to Live Well Kosciusko to help improve the coordinated effort in caring for those fighting cancer. Live Well Kosciusko is an organization with a mission of promoting the health, well-being and engagement of the people of our local community. They have championed various initiatives including Tobacco-Free …read more.

WARSAW – Jail time was apparently not enough to turn things around for Jason and Bobby Wade and their home at 1015 E. Main St., Warsaw. After two years of trying to convince the couple to bring their house up to code – with only some cooperation – code enforcement Hearing Officer Thomas Earhart ordered …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Those who will be high school juniors or seniors in the fall of 2020 who are considering pharmacy as a career are invited to attend Manchester University Pharmacy Camp from Jul. 7-10, 2020. Campers will do hands-on pharmacy activities, attend a mini-lecture series, take part in team-building exercises and visit settings where …read more.

WARSAW — Lawrence Bernard Gross, Pierceton, was honored as the Veteran of the Month at the Kosciusko Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10.  Gross was born Aug. 19, 1923, in Pierceton, to Earl and Katie. He was the fourth of seven children, which included six boys and one girl. Five of the boys went on the …read more.

By Darla McCammon History tells us that few people in the days before and during the Renaissance could read or write. In order to convey the Christmas story to their citizenry, the church would often pay a commission to the best artists of the day in order to offer the narrative and an understanding of …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — During the Kosciusko Board of Zoning Appeals meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10, the board denied two requests related to the same property asking to allow a home-occupation business and the addition of an oversized accessory building. Michael Neely, 12434 North CR 250E, Milford, sought an exception and a variance. The exception was to allow …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University senior Geraldy (Chris) Francois has been selected for the prestigious Schwarzman Scholars Program, the first person to be chosen for this honor from the Republic of Haiti and from the university in northeast Indiana. One hundred forty-five Schwarzman Scholars were selected from more than 4,700 applicants from 41 countries and …read more.

  AKRON — Tippecanoe Valley High School to host a benefit dinner supporting one of its own. The Jeff Shriver Benefit Dinner featuring Smoked Pulled Pork is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 in the TVHS Commons, said a news release from Tippecanoe Valley High School. Shriver is a TVHS teacher and coach who was recently …read more.

From Left: Pierceton Town Attorney Tammy Keirn, Clerk-Treasurer Jerry Kreger and Council President Matt Brubaker. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Stoneburner-Betts. PIERCETON — The Pierceton Town Council adopted an ordinance for speed limit reduction within town limits at its meeting, Monday night, Dec. 9. Previously proposed and approved at the Oct. 14 and Nov. 11 council …read more.

MILFORD — Milford Redevelopment Commission had its last public meeting of an eventful year Monday, Dec. 9. In attendance was Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO Alan Tio, who praised the commission for the work it has accomplished. “You’re ahead of the other redevelopment organizations in the county,” he stated, Tio was referring, in part, to …read more.

WARSAW — Steve Moriarty will be taking over as the Kosciusko County Highway superintendent in 2020. Moriarty, who currently serves as the assistant superintendent, was officially named as the 2020 department head at the Kosciusko Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10. He has been with the department for 21 years.  Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent Scott Tilden is …read more.

WARSAW — Colder weather arriving Tuesday, Dec. 10, will stick around for two more days before a slight warm-up, the National Weather Service predicts. Tuesday should be mostly cloudy with a high near 28 and a low near 15. Winds will be 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Wednesday will see a chance …read more.

WARSAW — Teachers Credit Union’s Dash for Cash was held in the Tiger Den on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Warsaw Community High School boys’ basketball home game against Homestead. Three ticket winners were announced during halftime. Matt Deeds, Harrison Elementary School principal, won a $10 bill. Rodney Fehr opened his envelope to find a …read more.

WARSAW —  The Executive Committee of the Kosciusko County Community Corrections Advisory Board will hold a special meeting at the Kosciusko County Justice Building on Thursday, Dec. 12. The meeting is open to the public and will be in Room D228/D228A on the second floor at 4 p.m. Thursday. The meeting will be used to …read more.

LEESBURG — Leesburg Street Commissioner Craig Charlton recommended the purchase of two pieces of equipment at the Leesburg Town Council meeting Monday, Dec. 9.  Charlton told council members he obtained four quotes for a skid steer snow pusher for the town Bobcat skid loader. Charlton said the 5-foot bucket they currently have is “a lot of …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library Board of Trustees approved its 2020 slate of board officers during a brief meeting Monday, Dec. 9. During the discussion on the slate of board officers, Jill Beehler offered to step down as board vice-president if any of the current trustees were interested in the role. Board Member …read more.

MILFORD — A Syracuse man was recently arrested for alleged burglary and theft from a Milford residence. Travis Lee Henson, 37, 604 North Huntington Street, Syracuse, was charged with burglary, a level 4 felony; and theft, a level 6 felony. On April 29, an officer with the Milford police responded to a report of a …read more.

WARSAW — Harrison Elementary School will receive a grant of $1,000 on Monday, Dec. 9, following a successful application by Aimee Hagg for an award from the One School at a Time combined project between WNDU and Martin’s Super Markets. At 9:30 a.m., WNDU and Martin’s will present a check for $1,000 toward books for …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School students are holding several holiday events this December. Orchestra Holiday Concert The Warsaw Community Schools orchestra program will hold their Orchestra Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the WCHS Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature sixth-grade, sinfonia, philharmonic, mid-level Lakeview and Edgewood orchestras. There will …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Commissioners will meet in an executive session at the Kosciusko County Courthouse, at 9:30 a.m. or immediately following the commissioners meeting on Dec. 10 The topic involves personnel issues, according to County Auditor Michelle Puckett.  

WARSAW — K21 Health Foundation would like to thank the Women’s Leadership Initiative and the employees at DePuy Synthes for its donation of $1,367 to the Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County. According to a press release, the donation was collected from various events sponsored by the WLI, including a T-shirt drive, taking the Leadership …read more.

From the files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society This is a history column that will run a few times a month.  Dec. 9, 1968 — A new post office for Warsaw was approved by the Post Office Department, according to then-Third District Congressman John Brademas of South Bend. Specifications for the new facility called for …read more.

WARSAW – Police are investigating a stabbing at a Warsaw bar early Sunday morning. A stabbing was reported at about 2:15 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Time Out Inn, 1701 W. Lake St. Officers found a 48-year-old man suffering from a stab wound to the mid-section, according to a news release from Warsaw Police. …read more.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is requesting your assistance in locating people wanted on felony and/or misdemeanor warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these wanted persons, contact the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office at (574) 267-5667. Please Read Our Disclaimer All warrants are the property of Kosciusko County. The age listed for …read more.

MENTONE — The Bell Memorial Public Library announced its events for the week of Dec. 9-13. Monday afternoon at the Movies! Join the library on Monday, Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. for “A Veteran’s Christmas.” In the film, honorably discharged from the Marines, Grace is driving to Cincinnati when her Jeep brakes down. Judge Joe …read more.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with more information. WARSAW – Boeing Road, on the north side of Bell Drive in Warsaw, will be closed beginning Monday, Dec. 9 through Thursday, Dec. 10. The closure is expected to last three days and reopen on Thursday, weather permitting. During this closure, thru traffic will not …read more.

WARSAW — The Wyndham Garden hotel in Warsaw has sold its nearby 2517 Banquet Hall. Exactly who bought the facility at 2517 E. Center Street and what will become of the building remains unclear. The banquet hall and event center was bought by a private business, according to an employee with The Wyndham Garden. 2517 …read more.

Here are a few tidbits to consider: ON THE HORIZON – Ready for another election? Brace yourself. The next one is a biggie and will get underway in about a month. Candidate filing begins on Jan. 8 for the 2020 elections. The last day of filing will be Feb. 7. The local ballot will include …read more.

WARSAW – Fans of the Christmas season found a double dose of fun Friday night, Dec. 6, in downtown Warsaw. Hundreds lined Center Street to watch the annual Twinkle Parade that cruised along Center Street during First Friday’s Hometown Holly Days celebration. The parade, and plenty of people, then streamed down to Central Park where …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has approved the creation of the Tippecanoe and Chapman Regional Sewer District. The order was signed by Commissioner Bruno L. Pigott Thursday, Dec. 5. The order adopting the findings of fact and recommended order of the hearing officer for the establishment of the sewer district consists of …read more.

WARSAW – The city is getting closer to having a fully-staffed police force and is doing so in part by hiring two women. On Friday, Dec. 6, a probationary officer was sworn in during the city Board of Works and Safety meeting and it was then announced the city has chosen two job candidates to …read more.

WARSAW —  Recent organizational changes were implemented at Zimmer Biomet as part of the company’s continued improvement process to simplify the organization and accelerate decision making. Several corporate positions were eliminated as a result of the realignment, the Warsaw-based orthopedic company said. According to Monica Kendrick, vice-president of external communications, individuals whose positions were eliminated …read more.

WARSAW — A Monticello man was recently charged with alleged vehicle theft. Cody Michael Pope, 27, 3230 East Division Street Road, Monticello, was charged with theft, a level 6 felony. On July 26, an officer with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated a report of vehicle theft. The vehicle owner said it was stolen by …read more.

SYRACUSE — Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse Public Library are planning a discussion on “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a World of Change”, to be held Jan. 24, from 1 – 2 p.m. at the Syracuse Public Library at 115 E. Main St. in Syracuse. The book’s authors are Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, said …read more.

WABASH — The 35th anniversary of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis will perform two shows on the Ford Theater stage in Wabash at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Mannheim Steamroller has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for 35 years. Grammy award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Christmas music along …read more.

ROCHESTER — The Mentone Flying Club is offering a free private pilot ground school over the winter at the Fulton County Airport. Curious about what it takes to learn to fly? Need help getting ready for the FAA written test? The Mentone Flying Club is hosting a free nine-week private pilot ground school beginning Jan. …read more.

WARSAW — The National Weather Service predicts cool and mostly clear conditions this weekend with chances of rain late Sunday and Monday. Friday should be partly sunny with a high near 40 and a low near 24. Saturday should see sunny skies with a high near 41 and a low near 32 Saturday night. Sunday …read more.

TCU Hosts Cash Giveaway Tonight At Tiger Den WARSAW — A special pre-game ceremony will be held in the Tiger Den on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Warsaw Community High School boys’ basketball home game against Homestead. Officials from Warsaw Community Schools and Teachers Credit Union will celebrate year three of a 10-year community partnership …read more.

WARSAW — Oakwood Cemetery Sexton Hal Heagy said the cemetery has not given away much firewood this year. At the Oakwood Board of Regents meeting Thursday, Dec. 5, Heagy said only three loads of firewood were given away during the month of November.  Each year the cemetery gives away split loads of wood. Anyone interested …read more.

WINONA LAKE — About 500 attendees from Kosciusko County and beyond gathered at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center on the Grace College campus for a special live event featuring Life.Church Senior Pastor, speaker and author Craig Groeschel, Thursday afternoon, Dec. 5. Groeschel is the founder and Senior Pastor of Life.Church, an American evangelical multi-site church …read more.

    NAPPANEE — Coppes Commons, 401 E. Market St., Nappanee, is, once again, hosting several free events to celebrate the Christmas season on Dec. 6 & 7.  “A Coppes Christmas” will kick off with an open house from 5-9 p.m. Friday evening. In-store specials will be offered throughout the restored 19th Century furniture factory, …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved four alcoholic beverage permits during a brief meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5. The following permits were renewed: V & B Country Club Inc., doing business as Stonehenge Golf & Country Club, 2850 E. Pierceton Road, Winona Lake. Beer, wine and liquor – restaurant. Mallers Joyner …read more.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University is in the midst of adding, adjusting and redesigning programs, allowing it to better align its offerings with what students and employers say they want. This process includes plans to phase out several majors with low enrollment — public relations, economics, physics, engineering science, modern languages and secondary education mathematics. …read more.

LEESBURG — The Leesburg Candelaria and town Christmas party will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, in the old Leesburg firehouse/clerk treasurer’s office on the corner of Pearl and Van Buren streets. Volunteers come together to create more than 1,000 luminarias — small paper lanterns —  to line the streets and …read more.

MERRILLVILLE — Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has approved of a rate hike for NIPSCO beginning Jan. 1. The decision follows an extensive regulatory review and public input process, which began with NIPSCO’s original proposal in November 2018 and has resulted in a balanced outcome for customers. “New rates are anticipated to remain in line with …read more.

Akron — The revitalized Akron Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Akron Church of God and local businesses, are gearing up for a memorable and festive evening in Akron as they Illuminate Akron’s Christmas Cheer on Friday, Dec. 13. The event kicks off with activities for the kids, including pictures with Santa, a Reindeer …read more.

MACY — At approximately 12:50 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, officers from the Indiana State Police and the Miami County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence at 285 N. Allen St., Macy, on a reported battery and a possible hostage situation. When officers arrived, they found the homeowner, Jess Sampson, 36, Macy, had barricaded himself in …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Town of Winona Lake offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 9, at 9:30 a.m. to Noon. Town offices will be closed for the funeral of former Town Council member Terry Howie at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, said a news release from the Town of Winona Lake. Howie died Monday in an accident …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana awarded the Charles D. Smith Award to Maple Leaf Farms & the Tucker Family during the 6th Annual BIG Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at the Winona Heritage Room. Established in 2015 and named in honor of its inaugural recipient, this special accolade recognizes …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — The Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission denied a rezoning request Wednesday, Dec. 4, that would open the door to allow the placement of a communications tower. The request, made by Nick Deeter, involved rezoning a 10.76 tract of ground on Prairie Street, south of CR 400N, Warsaw, from a Residential District to an …read more.

COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County BABE, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing resources and a community for moms and families, announced the appointment of five new members to their board of directors. Tiffany Careins, soulmedic advisor for Remedy Live; Niki Harris, registered nurse; Laura Leffler, long-time supporter of BABE; Carol Radke, homemaker and realtor; …read more.

  MENTONE — The Mentone Town Council heard concerns regarding living conditions in a local mobile home court at its monthly meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 4. Councilmember Tim Croy brought to the council’s attention complaints regarding the conditions at Kline Trailer Court. Jeff and Sarah McCoy, currently of Rochester, lived in a house trailer on Lot …read more.

PIERCETON — The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County has been at its new shelter location for two months now. However, the AWL still needs approximately $800,000 to fully cover the cost of the new shelter. “We are so blessed to have this building,” said AWL Board President Beth Harrison. “We can’t express how grateful …read more.

WARSAW — The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program kicks off Saturday, Dec. 6. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program will kick off in Downtown Warsaw during “First Friday,” Dec. 6, as Warsaw Rotary Club holds its 92nd Annual “Rotary Toy Day.”  Members will bring toys to their club meeting on Dec. 6 and add them …read more.

By Darla McCammon With very little time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, you might want to get a head start on holiday baking. Did you ever think about the art in making those Christmas cookies we leave out, along with a cold glass of milk, for Santa to enjoy? The history of those cookies …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Grace College School of Business recently celebrated the completion of its first Kauffman FastTrac taught in Spanish. The seven-week program sponsored by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and the Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development was a resounding success for the 10 participants and two instructors Dr. Rick Koontz and Dr. Alan Grossnickle, …read more.

Sarah Lockridge, pictured in the center and next to teacher Scott Erba (to her left), stands with students who collected toiletry items for recovering addicts. InkFreeNews Photo by Dan Spalding. WARSAW — As Sarah Lockridge endeavors to collect $10,000 to use for clothing and personal supplies for recovering addicts, she said she recently began to …read more.

LEESBURG — Third graders at Leesburg Elementary School gathered for the twelfth annual Turkey Read Day on Nov. 26. Special guest readers included the coaching team of Warsaw Community Schools, with volunteers from Grace College and Combined Community Services. Students read in their pajamas throughout the day and celebrated with a Thanksgiving feast. Organizers would …read more.

WARSAW – Police believe the same person involved in an attempted robbery of a credit union Tuesday in Warsaw was the same involved in a Nov. 12 robbery. Indiana Lakes Federal Credit Union, 322 S. Detroit St., was the apparent target of a robbery on Tuesday afternoon. Warsaw Police released very few details, but spokesman …read more.

Terry Howie, pictured in the middle, is seen with then-Congressman Todd Young (L) and Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer Kent Adams. Howie died Monday, Dec. 2, at his home in Winona Lake. WINONA LAKE — Longtime Winona Lake civic leader, Terry Howie, passed away Monday evening, Dec. 2. Howie died following an accident at his home. He …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County will consider waiving any late fees for taxpayers who submitted tax payments a day late as a result of an online error. Fall tax payments were due Nov. 12, but the treasurer’s website indicated incorrectly that the deadline was Nov. 13, a mistake that might have led property owners to unwittingly …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Toys for Tots will have its annual toy drive Saturday morning, Dec. 7, with WNDU 16. This year’s toy drive will be at Martin’s Supermarket on Husky Trail next to Menard’s from 7-11 a.m. A caravan of fire trucks will make its way to Martin’s from JB’s Furniture, 2101 E. Center …read more.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Police Department is advising the public, especially those who work jobs that involve accepting money, of a local counterfeiter. On Dec. 2, several local businesses received counterfeit $100 bills. According to the WPD, there are two details that can be spotted on these counterfeit bills. The magnetic strip is on the …read more.

WARSAW — The city of Warsaw has announced the final week for loose leaf pick-up will be next week. Leaves can be raked to the curb or alley (not in the street) by 7 a.m. and the leaf crews will pick them up on your regular trash day the week of Dec. 9 through Dec. …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for its 2019 Chamber Awards. The Chamber annually honors businesses and individuals for their role in business, community and economic growth in Kosciusko County. The Chamber is currently accepting award nominations to honor said businesses. Award nominees must be current members of the Kosciusko Chamber …read more.

WINONA LAKE — “Christmas in the Village: One Starry Night,” a gala choral and instrumental holiday concert featuring Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass, will be performed this Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4:30 and 7 p.m. in the Winona Heritage Room in Winona Lake. “One Starry Night” is a joint effort featuring The King’s Brass, …read more.

WARSAW — Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Karina Cervantes has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, People Development Officer. In this role, Cervantes works with new employees throughout the onboarding process and handles family and medical leave, short-term and long-term disability program requests. She also assists with the bank’s health and wellness …read more.

WARSAW — A Claypool woman faces charges for alleged fraud and theft. Ruth Marie Steffen, 612 East CR 900S, Claypool, was arrested on a warrant for fraud, a level 6 felony; theft, a class A misdemeanor; and a level 6 felony sentence enhancement. On Oct. 3, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office received a report of …read more.

WARSAW — Center Street Community Theatre announces plans for a Spring 2020 production of “On Golden Pond” by Ernest Thompson. Performances are scheduled for Mar. 12-15 at Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts. The show will be directed by Cindy Nash, said a news release from the Center Street Community Theater. Auditions are open to …read more.

WARSAW – A van and car collided on US 30 Monday morning, Dec. 2. The accident happened shortly after 9 a.m. at the intersection of US 30 ad CR 150W, just east of the Explorer Van plant. The accident left a Savana Explorer Van in the ditch along the eastbound lane of US 30. The …read more.