Staff Report WASHINGTON – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday, May 8, that the nation’s jobless rate surged to 14.7 percent in April, making it the worst report since the World War II era. The economy lost an estimated 20.5 million jobs because of business closures and disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic, according …read more.

The Indiana Department of Education recently announced that Claypool, Jefferson and Madison Elementary Schools are now certified in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM.)

NORTH WEBSTER — The Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees has changed its meeting location for its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 11. The meeting will be held in the old courtroom on the second floor of the Kosciusko County Courthouse, 100 W. Center St., Warsaw.

A Milford man will serve six months in jail pending his acceptance into work release after he and three juveniles broke into a nursing home.

The Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved a new three-way permit for HopLore Brewing and renewed six permits for local businesses during a virtual meeting on Thursday, May 7.

The Syracuse Redevelopment Commission had a busy morning, Thursday, May 7, as it met in executive session with members of the Syracuse Town Council, then held it’s own public meeting.

  By LAUREN ZEUGNER InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Town Council and Syracuse Redevelopment Commission had a busy morning Thursday, May 7, as they hammered out the details for an economic development agreement and a real estate purchase agreement in an executive session. The council and redevelopment commission then met publicly in separate meetings via …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Health Department has received no new COVID-19 cases as of noon Thursday, May 7. Kosciusko County has 39 total positive cases with one death reported and 20 recoveries. Statewide, the latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews Jeremy Joe Jones WARSAW — A Warsaw man faces an additional criminal charge after stalking a man he allegedly pointed a firearm at a week earlier. Jeremy Joe Jones, 26, 3495 W. CR 100S, Warsaw, is charged with stalking, a level 6 felony. On April 23, a Warsaw Police officer went …read more.

Warsaw’s Traffic Safety Commission approved the addition of two new street-side handicapped parking spots on Market Street.

By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews WARSAW — A group of remonstrators showed up at the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission meeting held Wednesday, May 6, to object to a vacation request that would limit their lake access. The vacation request was made by Griffith’s Wawasee Marina, 9171 E. Ross Drive, Syracuse. The request included vacating three …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A former Kosciusko County Jail officer is facing criminal charges after stealing items from the jail. Alvin D. Dials, Jr., 61, 3216 S. Oak St., Warsaw, is charged with possession of a legend drug, a level 6 felony; and theft, a class A misdemeanor. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s officers obtained …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews Scott Lennox WARSAW — Former local attorney Scott Lennox, 51, St. Clair, Mich., is officially disbarred from practicing law effective immediately. According to a court document filed May 6 and signed by G. Michael Witte and Julie E. Bennett, executive director and staff attorney for the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, …read more.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — Information on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the total positive number of cases of COVID-19 in Indiana is now at 21,870. Statewide, the latest posting on the ISDH website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana rose to 1,264, up from 1,213 reported on Tuesday, …read more.

Mayor Joe Thallemer announced the City of Warsaw’s local plans for reopening businesses and public offices during the city’s weekly COVID-19 press conference on Wednesday, May 6.

Below is the five stages of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s phased-in approach to reopening the state.

By Ray Balogh InkFreeNews KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Four candidates are vying for the position of judge of Kosciusko County Superior Court 3 in Warsaw. Each candidate was requested to submit a short bio and answer the same two questions. Their responses, listed alphabetically by their surnames, appear below. The Candidates Robert Bishop was raised in …read more.

Staff Report WARSAW – Food distribution by the Salvation Army and the Food Bank of Northern Indiana will continue through May. That’s the word from Ken Locke, envoy for the Salvation Army in Warsaw. Locke was working at a drive-through distribution event at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Wednesday morning, May 6, where a long line …read more.

Kosciusko County has announced its timeline for reopening its offices.

Local law enforcement officials have established a new advocacy group for children that will work to ensure young people being interviewed in connection with abuse cases can do so in a safe and supportive environment.

  SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Town Council and Syracuse Redevelopment Commission will hold a joint executive session at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7, for discussion of strategy with respect to a real property transaction prior to execution of a contract or option (I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(D). Executive sessions are not open to the public. Following the joint …read more.

Indiana is entering its second phase of re-opening the state this week after a statewide stay-at-home order was implemented toward the end of March.

Life as we know it is different.

The Kosciusko County Health Department recently reported one new COVID-19 case and one new recovery.

Press Release WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School Principal Troy Akers has announced details regarding the Class of 2020’s graduation item pickup times and routes. On Friday, May 8, WCHS will have pickup times available for seniors to collect their Herff Jones orders, including caps and gowns. WCHS will also have Tri-Kappa awards and honors …read more.

Press Release SYRACUSE — On Monday evening, May 4, Geoff Walmer, Wawasee High School principal, released the following letter regarding a graduation ceremony for the class of 2020: “Dear Seniors: “We wanted to wait until Governor Holcomb’s announcement this past Friday before finalizing any plans with regards to a graduation ceremony. Now that we better …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Council has changed the location of its May 14 meeting. Instead of the old courtroom in the courthouse, the meeting will take place in the multi-purpose room of the Justice Building, located at 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw, basement level, at 6 p.m. May 14.

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake Town Council will hold its regular public meeting at 7 p.m. on May 13. The location has changed and is now at 702 E. Main St. Silver Lake. Social distancing will be used and the maximum of 25 in attendance will be kept, per Governor’s orders, according to the town.

Staff Report SILVER LAKE — The sixth annual Silver Lake Fire Dinner and Auction, hosted by the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department, will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9. The dinner will take place at the new fire station at 702 E. Main St., Silver Lake. The dinner is a freewill donation tenderloin …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A local apartment complex’s staff are working diligently to keep residents informed and safe during the pandemic while also receiving donations of essential items and services from many in the community. Retired Tigers Senior Apartments, 320 W. Main St., Warsaw, primarily houses those who are 62 and older and/or …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WABASH — The Wabash County Health Department reported the county’s second death related to the COVID-19 virus on Sunday, May 3. Wabash County has 63 positive cases. The Kosciusko County Health Department recently reported two new COVID-19 cases over the weekend. One new case was received on Saturday, May 2; the …read more.

News Release WARSAW — Free online (or telephone line) support group meetings are now being offered four times a month by professional facilitators with Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana. If you need a listening ear from a community of people who care for someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia, please join a group …read more.

News Release GOSHEN — The Center for Healing and Hope is now offering rapid tests for COVID-19 for people without insurance who live in Elkhart County. This testing has been arranged in collaboration with the Elkhart County Health Department and with a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the United Way …read more.

News Release FORT WAYNE — Parkview Health is gradually resuming some of its suspended services, including elective and non-urgent surgeries and procedures. Based on recommendations from various professional societies, accrediting bodies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the reopening plan will follow a tiered approach. The health system will resume suspended services while …read more.

  By Dan Spalding InkFreeNews PIERCETON – Free pizza on a Sunday afternoon? Why not? Pierceton Presbyterian Church on 1st Street had 210 pizzas to give away Sunday afternoon. The distribution was supposed to begin at 4 p.m., but neighbors as close as the house next door started showing up a few minutes before. The …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools recently announced that all WCS elementary schools and both middle schools have been recognized as Project Lead The Way Distinguished Schools for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of preK-12 students and teachers in schools …read more.

By Deb Patterson InkFreeNews NORTH WEBSTER — The largest dinner distribution since March 29 was achieved Saturday evening at The Owls Nest, CR 800N, North Webster. Through the generous donations of numerous families and businesses, 1,100 meals were handed out. As seen with other food distributions, cars began arriving early. The first car, a load …read more.

Press Release SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Public Library is checking out items from the library’s collection to local residents for pick-up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Patrons can go into the Evergreen catalog to look for items in the Syracuse Library collections. Items are limited to 10 per check-out (only five …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Farmers’ and Artisans Market opened for the 2020 season in downtown Warsaw on Saturday, May 2, albeit with a few minor changes in operation. Dozens gathered between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to enjoy the windy but warm weather and buy essential items …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana rose to 1,115, up from 1,062 reported on Friday, May 1. The total positive number of cases statewide is at 19,295. More than 104,000 Hoosiers have been tested for COVID-19. …read more.

Press Release INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced on Friday, May 1, the Back On Track Indiana plan to safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting Hoosiers’ health and well-being. “Across Indiana, we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that has touched my heart,” said Gov. Holcomb. “May …read more.

News Release COLUMBIA CITY – Northeastern REMC, a member-owned electric cooperative powering six counties in Northeast Indiana, launched a way for neighbors to help other neighbors. When COVID-19 started impacting northeast Indiana in March, Northeastern REMC (NREMC) created a way to allow the local community to contribute monetarily to help cover other members’ electric bills. …read more.

WARSAW — The latest posting on the Kosciusko County Health Department website shows the number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana rose to 1,062, up from 1,007 reported on Thursday, April 30.  Total positive number of cases statewide stands at 18,630, up from 17,835 yesterday.  Kosciusko County is reported to have performed 554 COVID-19 tests and …read more.

Press Release SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber/SWCC Foundation Inc.’s Placemaking Task Force is honoring Wawasee High School seniors with an interactive mural designed by Emily Austin. Seniors can have their picture taken with this board outside of the Pickwick Theater. Special thanks to The Revolving Closet for the chalkboard, the Pickwick Theater for allowing the task …read more.

WARSAW — Here’s the latest schedule of local food bank distributions via Food Bank of Northern Indiana coming up next week: Monday, May 4 – Elkhart County 10 a.m. to noon at Nappanee Elementary School, 755 E. Van Buren St., Nappanee Wednesday, May 6 – Kosciusko County 10 a.m. to noon at Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, …read more.

WARSAW – A weekend warm-up is on the way for northern Indiana, according to the National Weather Service. After a few days of cloudy conditions, Friday, May 1, will be sunny with a high of 65 and an overnight low of 50. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain and a …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School Principal Troy Akers was recently selected as District 2 Principal of the Year. The Indiana Association of School Principals annually recognizes outstanding school leaders in each of the 12 Indiana districts who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities of students. These principals are acknowledged by their …read more.

WARSAW — Oakwood Resort and The Pier & Back Porch Oakwood partnered with both Sysco and Stanz Foodservice to provide 200 gourmet meals to healthcare workers at KCH. They delivered the meals to Kosciusko Community Hospital Thursday, April 30.        

News Release INDIANAPOLIS  – Kosciusko County has been awarded $245,000 to use for loans to businesses to offer zero-interest, forgivable loans to businesses for the purpose of business retention as a result of the pandemic. The money comes from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The use of the funds includes several categories. …read more.

By Phoebe Muthart InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — Louie’s Bar and Grill in Syracuse gave away 700 free meals today, Thursday, April 30. Vehicles started lining up well before the starting time of 4 p.m. for free meals. The owners, Kenny and Kim Johnson, started promptly at 4 p.m. handing out the free dinners with numerous volunteers. …read more.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — There has been a lot of focus on the dangers healthcare workers face during the COVID-19 crisis — and rightfully so.  Physicians and nurses treating patients are at high risk for exposure. Healthcare workers have to deal with concerns not only about being infected themselves but also about unknowingly …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A Warsaw woman received a suspended prison sentence for a child seduction case involving a foreign exchange student. Stephanie Lynn Emrie, 31, 975 Logan St., Warsaw, was charged with child seduction, a level 5 felony. A possession of child pornography charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews ROCHESTER — The Fulton County Health Department recently reported the county’s first COVID-19 death. According to data from the FCHD, as of April 29, Fulton County has 30 positive cases. In total, there have been 157 total tests administered in the county. Currently, the Indiana State Department of Health website reflects …read more.

News Release INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced the state is partnering with Maximus to centralize contact tracing and investigations for Hoosiers who test positive for COVID-19. This move, in tandem with a previously announced partnership with Optum to significantly expand testing across the state, is an essential component of efforts to safely …read more.

News Release WARSAW — Domino’s of Warsaw recently presented staff at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel with eight free pizzas. “At this time, we wish to create smiles by making life easier in our community,” said Dale Smith, manager at Domino’s Pizza Warsaw. “A donation was given to the staff of McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel as a thank …read more.

Press Release WARSAW – First Friday Warsaw will hold its first “virtual event” from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 1. Be sure to tune in to the live stream featured on the “First Friday Warsaw” Facebook page for live center stage performances, a sidewalk chalk art contest, and plenty of entertainment for kids and …read more.

Press Release *UPDATE*: This Silver Alert has been cancelled as of Friday, May 1. NAPPANEE — A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared for an Elkhart man. The Nappanee Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Corey L. Ellis, a 29-year-old white male who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He …read more.

 WARSAW — Stephanie Weldy has been promoted to residential mortgage sales manager at Interra Credit Union. Ron Cannon, vice president of mortgage lending, announced the promotion in a recent news release. She will manage the mortgage sales team and lead in new product and team development strategies, the news release said. Weldy has a vast …read more.

  By Lauren Zeugner InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — Anyone driving down Brooklyn Street may notice a foundation is being laid between two existing Polywood buildings. According to Matt Sandy of the Kosciusko County Area Planning office, a foundation permit was issued to Polywood Thursday, April 2. According to Sandy, Polywood is working on a major expansion, …read more.

By Darla McCammon InkFreeNews Columnist Before we start this week, I want to thank Senior Master Sergeant Lehman for his call about the recent “nose art” column. He correctly identified our nose art aircraft as an A26 (also called a B26 after World War II) instead of a P38. I am embarrassed because my husband …read more.

WARSAW – Kosciusko County Health Officer Dr. William Remington shed some light on the recent uptick in local COVID-19 cases. In the past week, the county recorded 10 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 34. Seven of those new cases were part of a testing effort tied to nursing homes outside of the …read more.

By Tim Ashley InkFreeNews MILFORD — Environmental study work is in progress on plans to extend CR 1300N west from Old SR 15 to SR 15 in Milford that would include an overpass across the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. According to Steve Moriarty, superintendent of the Kosciusko County Highway Department, environmental work includes soil borings …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The number of reported coronavirus cases in Kosciusko County remains unchanged at 34, with 19 reported recoveries. Meanwhile, the latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the total number of cases statewide rose to 17,182, with the number of deaths in Indiana now at 964. …read more.

News Release WABASH — Grow Wabash County and the City of Wabash will be awarding Rapid Response loans to 11 local businesses as part of Grow Wabash County’s Revolving Loan Fund program. “The City of Wabash and its partners, Grow Wabash County, Community Foundation of Wabash County and Wabash Marketplace Inc., are working hand in hand …read more.

News Release WARSAW – In an effort to help out local businesses, Stafford’s Solid Waste Inc. has put together a plan to give back to the community. “The Stafford family has been blessed and feel very fortunate to be able to “pay it forward, and do our part to support our great community and the …read more.

News Release NORTH MANCHESTER – Students of Manchester University invited the neighbors to come over and dance for a good cause, but COVID-19 waltzed in and shut it down. Instead of giving up, the students took it online. “Where Dreams Come True Dance Marathon” to benefit Riley Hospital for Children was supposed to be Friday, …read more.

By Briley Gargis InkFreeNews WARSAW – The Board of Directors for the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District decided on Tuesday, April 28, to temporarily suspend its latex paint recycling program because of the pandemic. The decision was made during the board’s monthly meeting, which was conducted through WEBEX, a video meeting service similar to …read more.

Fifty-six dogs were removed from a home in Silver Lake on April 7. An arrest warrant has been issued for the dogs’ owner. Photo provided by Silver Lake Fire Chief John Conley. By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews SILVER LAKE — A Silver Lake man is facing two criminal charges after 56 dogs were removed from his …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The number of reported coronavirus cases in Kosciusko County has risen to 34, with at least 19 cases that have recovered. But the number of reported deaths has been revised. According to the Kosciusko County Health Department, the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 was dropped from two to …read more.

By Lasca Randels InkFreeNews WARSAW — A good portion of the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, April 28, involved discussion about the eventual reopening of county offices. On March 31, a motion was approved to extend the county offices’ closure for two weeks, provided that it was not greater than Gov. Eric Holcomb’s extension, and …read more.

News Release GOSHEN – Jim Kirk has joined Interra Credit Union as a financial advisor. Kirk comes to Interra with over 20 years of financial advising experience. Originally from Ohio, Jim recently moved back to the Midwest and resides in Shipshewana, Indiana with his family.  “I look forward to serving Interra members with their retirement …read more.

From left, are Jackson Lunsford, Sophie Lunsford, Justin Lunsford, Izzie, Aimee Lunsford and Vittoria D’Anuano. Photo provided. By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Warsaw Community School Board of School Trustees approved recommendations to hire three people in administrative and coaching positions for Warsaw Community Schools. The board met via Zoom on Monday, April 27. …read more.

News Release WARSAW – The Kosciusko County Republican Party’s annual Spring fish fry has been cancelled. The GOP’s Central Committee unanimously agreed to cancel the Spring Fish Fry which had been scheduled for May 6. “It was a difficult decision that we have labored over for several weeks,” said GOP Chair Mike Ragan. “Our first …read more.

Staff Report INDIANAPOLIS — An update regarding whether Indiana will extend its stay-at-home order is expected to be made Friday, May 1. The timing of the upcoming announcement was mentioned Monday, April 27, during Gov. Eric Holcomb’s press briefing on the virus outbreak. Business owners and those who have lost jobs as a result of …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — Kosciusko County’s coronavirus numbers remain unchanged at a total of 30 positive COVID-19 cases, with two deaths reported. According to the Kosciusko County Health Department, at least 13 of those patients have recovered. Currently, the Indiana State Department of Health’s website shows Kosciusko County at 29 cases. KCHD Epidemiologist …read more.

WINONA LAKE — A Leesburg man was recently arrested after allegedly helping burglarize a residence in Kosciusko County. Mickey Dean Tubbs II, 26, 8071 E. CR 500N, Leesburg, is charged with burglary, a level 4 felony; possession of methamphetamine and theft, both level 6 felonies; possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor; and driving while …read more.

The Library Offers Essential Services Watch for a date soon when the Syracuse Library will begin offering curbside service for book and movie checkouts. When the library begins bringing staff back in to work together, there will be limited hours and no patrons in the building. Call-in or online orders from the Syracuse Library’s collection …read more.

A birthday drive-by ‘parade’ took place Friday, April 24, in Winona Lake. The birthday boy, Easton Setser, and his sister, Harper, are seen here. Harper had her own birthday ‘parade’ earlier in the week. Easton, on the right, turned 8. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels. WARSAW — Birthdays are being celebrated in a unique new …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — More than 79,000 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Indiana as of Saturday, April 25, according to the Indiana Department of Health. The latest posting on the ISDH website shows the total number of deaths statewide as 785, up from 741 on Friday, April 24. The number of positive cases in Indiana …read more.

Indiana has secured $130.4 million from tobacco product manufacturers this year under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, Attorney General Curtis Hill announced today.

Kosciusko County election officials are scurrying to prepare for an in-person primary on June 2. The county election board, consisting of Republican Randy Girod, Democrat Bill Morton and County Clerk Ann Torpy, were joined by chairmen from both political parties on Friday to hash out preliminary plans for the primary, which was moved from May …read more.

Staff Report WINONA LAKE — The “An Evening with Elizabeth Smart” event, which was originally scheduled for April 23, has been rescheduled to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Smart’s presentation in Winona Lake was delayed due to county and state guideline precautions for social distancing for the COVID-19 virus. All existing tickets will be honored …read more.

Press Release NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University has moved its summer pharmacy camp online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. High school and college students considering pharmacy as a career are invited to attend MU Virtual Pharmacy Week from July 14 to 17. It is free and any student with an interest in the health …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A North Manchester man was recently arrested after battering and threatening to kill people. Talbot Neal McKee, 23, 307 S. 1st St., North Manchester, is charged with two counts of battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and two counts of intimidation, all level 6 felonies; resisting law enforcement, a …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Health Department reported one new COVID-19 case, bringing the county’s total number of positive cases to 27. According to a KCHD press release, 13 people in the county have recovered from the virus. Two deaths as a result of COVID-19 have been reported. Currently, the Indiana …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — A Silver Lake man received a 2 1/2 year prison sentence in connection to a home improvement fraud that cost an elderly woman tens of thousands of dollars. Robert Kenneth Melton, 32, 46 E. Center St., Silver Lake, was charged with home improvement fraud, a level 5 felony; and …read more.

Video courtesy Roger Ockoman By Ray Balogh InkFreeNews WEBSTER LAKE — An overnight fire destroyed two Lake Webster homes and damaged a third Friday, April 24. No injuries were reported, as the two destroyed houses were unoccupied at the time. Damage is estimated at more than $300,000. According to Lt. Matt Stamm of the North …read more.

WINONA LAKE — Grace College junior Mackenzie Moeller was awarded a $2,000 Alfred H. Nolle Scholarship through the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. Only 10 such scholarships are awarded nationally each year to students from a pool of nearly 300 Alpha Chi chapters across the United States. “These are very competitive national awards,” said …read more.

Press Release FULTON – Indiana State Police Master Trooper Randy McPike and his team of inspectors completed annual bus inspections at Caston Schools. Caston received a perfect score. This means their 24 buses had no violations the first time through the inspection line. “This is extremely rare,” said McPike. “I have been doing this since …read more.

By Kory Betts InkFreeNews WARSAW — The Indiana Department of Transportation recently announced the recipients of the 2020 Next Level Roads: Community Crossings Matching Grant. Several area counties and communities were on the list of grant recipients. InkFreeNews reached out to several for more information on projects in the respective areas. Warsaw received $497,822 in …read more.

STAFF REPORT INDIANAPOLIS — A second person has died from COVID-19 in Kosciusko County. The Kosciusko County Health Department reported three new cases of COVID-19 as of noon on Thursday, April 23, with one of those being a death.  This brings the total number of positive cases in Kosciusko County to 26, with two deaths.  …read more.

Press Release WINONA LAKE — An Early Childhood Alliance Pop Up Center will be opening at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church on Monday, April 27, to provide free, temporary childcare for essential healthcare workers. The center will be open from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. According to a press release from the …read more.

Press Release LEESBURG — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect businesses and workers across the U.S., Maple Leaf Farms is partnering with chefs and meal organizations to help feed furloughed employees and frontline healthcare workers. The company has donated thousands of pounds of duck products to give back to its foodservice customers that have …read more.

News Release WARSAW — Mason Geiger of Warsaw is participating in an online charity ride Saturday, April 25, to raise funds for a local nonprofit organization, Spoonful of Imagination. “Spoonful of Imagination Studio exists to overcome boundaries and redefine art as a critical and healing component of community life. Given the current state of our …read more.

News Release Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect new information about Kosciusko County. INDIANAPOLIS  – Noble and Fulton counties and the town of North Manchester were among 13 communities to receive relief funds through the state. On Wednesday, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) …read more.

Press Release WARSAW — The City of Warsaw was notified that the intersection of North CR 100E and Pound Drive will continue to be closed to all traffic for approximately two additional weeks to allow for asphalt to be laid. The road closure was originally closed last week on Wednesday, April 15. Motorists traveling from …read more.

Staff Report WARSAW – Cloth masks are available for free at the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory fire station on Center Street in Warsaw. The fire station has a selection of masks available in the entry area that the public can choose from. The masks are not medical-grade but are still viewed as a way to help …read more.

By Liz Shepherd InkFreeNews WARSAW — Madison Elementary School educators, community members and students recently teamed up to create a GoFundMe campaign called “Feed3,” which benefits local restaurants, students and nurses. The GoFundMe was started on April 15 by Madison Elementary Principal Ben Barkey. Funds raised are used to purchase family-style food from local restaurants, …read more.

By Phoebe Muthart InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee had its monthly meeting Monday night, April 20, via Zoom. An update on the Conklin Bay project was discussed. The concrete work is almost complete and the asphalt work started this week. Work continues on the railings. A completion date for the Conklin Bay project is …read more.

Press Release FORT WAYNE — Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne/Warsaw has joined a statewide effort to address the current personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fort Wayne/Warsaw Campus has begun using its 3D printers to produce more than one thousand face shields. A portion of the face shields will …read more.