While Kosciusko County Community Fair officials were applauded Wednesday for canceling the fair over concerns with the pandemic, the same folks are cautiously supporting local Fourth of July fireworks plans.

On Saturday, May 30, during the protest events in downtown Fort Wayne, an Indiana State Trooper was injured by a male protestor that deployed an explosive device against officers.

As of noon Wednesday, June 10, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported 25 new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of positive cases to 277, with two deaths.

Stage 4 of Governor Eric Holcomb’s “Back on Track Indiana” plan will go into effect beginning Friday, June 12 – two days earlier than originally scheduled.

Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation recently approved several loans awarded through its small business relief fund, which was established to support job retention and business recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WARSAW — The National Weather Service of Northern Indiana has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Kosciusko County until 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 10. At 1:14 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located seven miles northwest of North Manchester. This storm will impact Warsaw, Winona Lake, Pierceton, Milford, North Webster, Syracuse, Leesburg and Burket. Portions of …read more.

The National Weather Service of Northern Indiana has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Kosciusko County and surrounding areas until 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 10.

The Etna Green Town Council discussed language within the proposed Etna Township fire contract during a meeting on Tuesday, June 9.

SYRACUSE — For the first time since March, all members of the Wawasee School Board were together for a meeting. Previous emergency meetings since March included only president Rebecca Linnemeier in person with the rest participating by teleconference.

WARSAW — The National Weather Service of Northern Indiana has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for southeastern Kosciusko County until 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 9. At 6:27 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Wabash, moving northeast at 40 mph. 60 mph wind gusts are expected. Expect damage to roofs, siding …read more.

A Warsaw man will serve 12 years in prison after a traffic stop resulted in the discovery of more than 40 grams of methamphetamine.

By Deb Patterson InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — The goal is to open the CR 29 jughandle ramp with US 6, north of Syracuse on Friday, June 12, and the intersection of SR 13/CR 33 with US 6 to close on or after Friday. Crews with Phend & Brown Inc., Milford, have been working on creating an …read more.

WARSAW — A Special Weather Statement has been issued for all of Kosciusko County. At 4:42 p.m., radar indicated a line of showers and thunderstorms located along a line extending from the Rochester area. Movement was north at 55 mph. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible with this line of showers and storms. …read more.

By David Hazledine InkFreeNews Milford Town Council dealt with a number of issues concerning housing at its monthly meeting at the community building Monday evening, June 8. On hand was Alan Tio of Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation to sign a memorandum of understanding with the council and Milford Redevelopment Commission, which is intended to kick …read more.

Garry Ringler, Syracuse, was honored as Veteran of the Month at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting June 9. 

As of noon Tuesday, June 9, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported seven new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of positive cases to 252.

The June Silver Lake Town Council meeting will be held at 7p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the fire station, located at 702 E. Main Street in Silver Lake.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — Representatives from area nonprofit organizations attended the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, June 9, to give budget presentations and request funding for the 2021 budget year. Matt Meersman, director of the St. Joseph River Basin Commission, requested $3,705. Meersman said they receive some funding from the state for special …read more.

Approval was granted for a future concrete plant in Milford during the Kosciusko Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held Tuesday, June 9.

Funding options, a mission statement, district logo, by-laws, and subcommittees were highlights of the Tippecanoe & Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District meeting Monday night, June 8. Approximately a dozen people attended the meeting.

Restrictions on long-term living in campers will likely be implemented in the near future.

By David Hazledine InkFreeNews MILFORD — The town of Milford took another step toward increasing its supply of workforce housing on Monday, June 8. In separate meetings held in the town’s community building, Milford Redevelopment Commission and Milford Town Council voted to sign a memorandum of understanding, along with Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, to embark …read more.

Turkey Creek fire and township boards met Monday, June 8, for the first time since the pandemic shutdown was instituted in March.

As Polywood prepares to launch a $12 million expansion that will bring 300 to 400 more jobs to the area, some have asked if the area has enough housing, child care and classroom space. While not all the new employees may move to the area, it is hoped a large number will.

Between noon Friday, June 5, and noon Monday, June 8, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported 35 new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of positive cases to 245.

News Release SYRACUSE — The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation announces the results from the first year of their landmark Wawasee Inlets Nutrient Study. This study is the first of its kind for the Wawasee Watershed and the data from the three year scientific effort will yield a comprehensive analysis of nutrient and sediment loads. The …read more.

A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared for a woman from Demotte.

UPDATE: This Silver Alert has been cancelled. Press Release INGALLS — A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared for a girl from Ingalls. The Ingalls Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Grace Hammonds, a 15-year-old white female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. She has brown hair and blue …read more.

The Tippecanoe-Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District will be back meeting in North Webster.

A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared for a Fort Wayne man.

A community cruise-through event to honor the Wawasee High School Senior Class of 2020 took place Friday night, June 5. People decorated vehicles, honoring this year’s class, and lined the streets while cars honked in congratulations.

Warsaw Community Schools and Blosser’s Photography partnered together to take pictures of Warsaw Community High School’s Class of 2020 graduates in their caps and gowns.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer announced that July’s First Friday event has been cancelled.

The Silver Lake Lions Club Bingo event originally scheduled for Saturday, June 6, has been cancelled until further notice.

The Claypool Town Council held an administrative meeting this week to discuss a Section Street property and the usage of K21 Health Foundation’s financial pledge to the town.

Between noon on Thursday, June 4, and noon Friday, June 5, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported 12 new cases of COVID-19. Seven of the cases reported on June 4 were identified to reside in various other counties; thus they have been removed from the case count. This brings the county’s number of positive cases to 210.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — Oakwood Cemetery Board of Regents met Thursday, June 4 — their first meeting since March.  Oakwood Sexton Hal Heagy said there were several items to review due to the length of time between meetings.  Heagy discussed restrictions and effects COVID-19 has had at the cemetery. He said his cemetery …read more.

Travis McConnell, a Warsaw attorney, filed paperwork on Friday to run for middle district commissioner in Kosciusko County on the Democratic ticket.

Ivy Tech Community College and Grace College are partnering to create opportunities for Ivy Tech students with a new transfer agreement focused on training elementary educators.

The Syracuse Town Council held a special meeting to pass several resolutions that will lay the preliminary groundwork for Polywood’s proposed $12 million expansion.

The Syracuse Town Council passed three resolutions during a special meeting Thursday morning, June 4, as the preliminary start to Polywood’s $12,000,000 expansion. Polywood intends to purchase the property where the current Harold Schrock Athletic Complex is located and build a 300,000 to 400,000 square foot building for manufacturing.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — Tippy Creek Winery, Leesburg, was approved for a beer retailer permit during a Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission virtual meeting on Thursday, June 4. Lori and Daniel Richcreek, the winery’s owners, were present at the meeting. Lori Richcreek said she and Daniel want to bring in no more …read more.

Eight students in the Warsaw Area Career Center recently received their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.

Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 15, at its district office, 4852 N. 1200W, Cromwell. Social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Notice is being given to property owners, leaseholders and owners of mineral rights located within Waubee Lake Mobile Home Park’s wellhead protection area.

Claypool Elementary School held a virtual award program on May 20 to recognize sixth-grade student achievements.

The guest speaker at the weekly COVID-19 press conference held Wednesday, June 3, at Warsaw City Hall was Kurt Carlson, CEO of Bowen Center.

Pictured, from left, are Board Member Larry Coplen, Area Plan Director Dan Richard, Board Member Jon Garber and Board Member Bob Conley. By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission denied a rezoning request during the meeting held today, June 3. Tori Fehr petitioned to rezone 26.24 acres from a residential …read more.

The emergency order restricting motorized watercraft to idle speed on the Barbee chain of lakes in Kosciusko County has been lifted. Normal boating operations may resume.

Do you know of a youth or an individual wanting to start a small business? Lawn service, baby-sitting, tutoring, pet sitter, dog walker, website, or washing cars are a few examples of businesses one can do, but are not limited to. Matthews’ Painting wants to help people pursue their dreams.

Mayor Joe Thallemer issued a statement Wednesday morning, June 3, ahead of the scheduled protest later in the day about the killing of George Floyd.

Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation, released the following information Tuesday, June 2, pertaining to the summer and the 2020-21 school year:

Indiana Hospitality Group has announced the opening of its newest hotel, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites located at 300 Prosperity Drive in Warsaw.

News Release WARSAW — Kosciusko County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals will meet at 8:45 a.m. Monday, June 22. The meeting will be in the old courtroom on the third floor of the Kosciusko County Courthouse to start its annual meetings for 2020. The board will also be meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, July …read more.

Purdue Extension Health & Human Science educators throughout northwest Indiana have partnered to host a series of free Nourish your Body webinars during the month of June. 

Two incumbents and one newcomer have won nominations for three Kosciusko County Council at-large seats in the Republican primary.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County had a 23.81% voter turnout for the 2020 Primary Election. This was the first election the county used the poll pads in the 69 precincts. Ann Torpy, county clerk, stated the use of the pads went smoothly with less problems at the polls. There are the final results: Republican Ticket President …read more.

Warsaw Community Schools recently announced three important updates for the Class of 2020 and their families regarding tickets for graduation, senior appreciation and senior photos. 

Amidst many local summer events postponing or canceling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Etna Green’s annual Fourth of July parade plans are still marching on. The owners of Etna Elevator brought the parade back in 2019 after years of the town not having an annual parade.

The traditional slow trickle of voters seemed to continue as usual on Primary Election Day Tuesday, June 2, despite the pandemic.

Bike share services from Zagster will be ending in Kosciusko County due to the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana, in cooperation with The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County, will distribute food boxes, meat and dairy to families in need from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 3, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw.

Warsaw Municipal Airport continues to fly on despite the worldwide pandemic.

Kosciusko Rural Electric Membership Corporation (KREMC) wants to hear from the community about internet service.

NEW PARIS — A two-vehicle collision at US 6 and Old SR 15 resulted in transporting six passengers to Goshen General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred at 1:37 p.m. Monday, June 1.

While close to 2,000 registered voters in Kosciusko County requesting absentee ballots, there are still thousands who are eligible to go to the polls.

Voting locations for the June 2 primary election have been announced by Michelle Puckett, Kosciusko County auditor.

The Kosciusko County Health Department reported a second COVID-19 death in the county on Monday, June 1, and saw another substantial jump in the number of cases in recent days.

The Silver Lake Waterworks is notifying Silver Lake residents that hydrant flushing will begin Tuesday, June 2, and continue through Wednesday, June 3.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) reminds Hoosiers that branches will extend hours of operation for the primary election.

Ivy Tech Community College, including its Fort Wayne and Warsaw locations, has announced it is offering free classes and training opportunities for 10,000 participants.

A second protest supporting the Black Lives Matter movement will happen from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, outside of the Kosciusko County Courthouse.

Temps will be in the 80s most of the week, but the National Weather Service is predicting a chance of thunderstorms mid week and a chance of rain Friday.

Warsaw Community Public Library has a wide selection of new films ranging from scary to inspiring. Here are three of our newest. 

SYRACUSE — The 28th Annual Beaman Home Golf Scramble will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020, at South Shore Golf Club in Syracuse. Team registrations are now being accepted. The entry fees are $400 per 4-person team. The tournament format is an 18-hole scramble, and the entry fee includes green fees, cart rental, lunch, prizes and …read more.

When Kent Sawyer was looking for a 1965 Dodge Polara, and couldn’t find one, he started looking for a 1964 model instead. He found one and gave it a nickname. His 1964 Dodge Polara, nicknamed “Junkyard Ram,” was fully restored and was completely detailed.

I’m not sure how Democrats would have handled a similar situation, but from what I saw Thursday night at the GOP dinner in North Webster, conservatives are not big fans of wearing masks. The dinner attracted 130 guests and continued for more than three hours but only about half a dozen or so people were …read more.

SYRACUSE — Recently Polywood announced a $12 million dollar expansion which will include a new 300,000 to 400,000 square foot building. Doug Rassi, president of Polywood, explained the expansion is part of the company’s long term plan which has seen the business double every three years. “That’s how the mind of forward thinking entrepreneurs function,” …read more.

By Lauren Zeugner InkFreeNews MILFORD — Three candidates are running to represent House District 22 in the state legislature. House District 22 covers portions of Elkhart and Kosciusko Counties. Republican incumbent Curt Nisly is seeking a fourth term as House Representative. He is being challenged in the primary by Bill Dixon. Kelly Thompson, of North …read more.

Geoff Walmer, principal of Wawasee High School, released the following information Friday, May 29, about the high school graduation ceremony:

As of noon Friday, May 29, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported 15 new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of total positive cases to 120.

The 2020 Elkhart County 4-H Fair has been postponed.

The year’s first Lincoln Day Dinner in the state since the coronavirus pandemic started was held in Kosciusko County Thursday evening, May 29.

The Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and Family Safety Day Committee have made the decision to postpone Family Safety Day, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 19 of this year. the postponement is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three candidates are seeking the nomination for Kosciusko County Commissioner — Marcia A. Baumgartner, Brad Jackson, and Cary Groninger. Groninger is running unopposed for the commissioner middle district. Jackson and Baumgartner are running for commissioner of the northern district.

News Release WARSAW – Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food Distributions for the week of June 1-4. Wednesday, June 3, 2020 – Kosciusko County 10 a.m. – Noon WHERE: Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St. (Front Parking Lot), Warsaw  Thursday, June 4, 2020 – Marshall County 10 a.m. – Noon WHERE:  Argos Elementary …read more.

Kosciusko County’s Community 4-H Fair is still scheduled for July 12 to 18 despite the pandemic.

The Summer Food Service Program for Children was created to serve nutritious meals to children when the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meals are not available.

As of noon Wednesday, May 27, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported five new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of total positive cases to 99.

A man was recently arrested after stealing a PlayStation 4 and several video games from a residence.

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

The board declined a variance request for a proposed apartment complex during the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held Tuesday night, May 26.

Between noon Friday, May 22, and noon Tuesday, May 26, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported 26 new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of total positive cases to 94.

Sandy Sandoval was recognized for 34 years of service with KABS and Cardinal Services at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, May 26.

The Building Trades program of the Warsaw Area Career Center will be hosting an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.

A veterans’ memorial ceremony was held Saturday, May 23, at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Lake.

Grace College mathematics Professor Dr. Ryan Johnson is creating data visualizations of COVID-19 cases in Kosciusko County and other Midwestern localities.

State Rep. Dave Wolkins recently issued a statement on remembering and honoring fallen service members.

The race for the wide-open Kosciusko County Superior Court 3 contest for judge has been an expensive one. In fact, one could argue that this might be the most expensive race for judge in Kosciusko County ever, but that would be next to impossible to confirm. According to individual campaign finance reports, the amount of …read more.

People gathered on both sides of Main Street in Mentone Friday night, May 22, to cheer for Tippecanoe Valley High School seniors during their graduation parade.