Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 5:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, Dresdin Drive, Warsaw. Driver: Larry Cripe, 80, Naomi Drive, Naples, Fla. Cripe’s vehicle struck a refrigerator in his garage. Damages up to $1,000.  2:47 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, SR 15, south of Easterbrook Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Amy …read more.

Months, even years spent in discussions came to a reality Tuesday morning as workers with Precise Pile Driving Inc., Fort Recovery, Ohio, moved in equipment and began work on improvements to the Syracuse Lake Control Structure, or Syracuse Dam.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the renovated Amphitheater at Lucerne Park in Warsaw Wednesday, June 24. 

A workshop explaining pollinators was held Monday evening, June 22, at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Ruddell Pavilion, hosted by WACF, The Watershed Foundation and other partners. Approximately 45 people attended to hear a presentation by Brad Clayton, Clayton Garden Center, who is a watershed conservationist for TWF with a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science — crop science.

Wawasee Community School Corporation is applying for grant money to be awarded through Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Emergency Education Relief.

Whitney Downard CNHI Statehouse Reporter INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosiers still don’t know the full toll of COVID-19 in long-term facilities that care for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents. Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on nursing homes still have errors, despite two separate updates since the agency first released statistics on June …read more.

Tamara Sue Neiswonger, 73, of Warsaw, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 1:15 p.m., in her residence. Tamara was born Jan. 11, 1947, in Greenville, Ohio to Dr. Charles Richard and Mildred (Niswonger) Haworth. She was united in marriage to Ronnie L. Neiswonger on June 8, 1969 in Greenville, Ohio. She was a …read more.

Forty-eight businesses located in the City of Wabash will receive grant funding totaling $250,000 through a grant program offered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) awarded to the City of Wabash and administered by Grow Wabash County.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Sharon Jean Wolf, 80, Columbia City, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 8:50 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2020, from her home. She was born on July 25, 1939, in Columbia City, a daughter of the late Franklin E. and Ilene M. (LaFever) Bates. She grew up in Columbia City and graduated …read more.

Betty I. Leffel, 94, North Manchester, passed away June 22, 2020, at Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester. On Aug. 8, 1925, Betty was born in Dalton, Ohio at her cousin’s home. Although Betty was an only child, her parents Ralph M. and Mayme (Huntsberger) Garn were a foster home to many children over the years. …read more.

Kevin Michael Finn, 66, of Tinley Park, Ill. passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Bremen. Kevin was born on July 25, 1953, in Chicago, the son of the late Alfred and Grace (Mocny) Finn. On October 16, 1982, he married Allison Beeson. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Allison; …read more.

Lannie D. Stecher, 67, Nappanee, died at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Goshen Hospital.  He had been in ill health since December. He was born July 21, 1952 in Hopkinsville, Ky. to Harold and Beatrice (Assbury) Stecher. Mr. Stecher’s first marriage was to Jill Sluder. She preceded him in death in 2007. He …read more.

Bruce Earl Fansler, 74, Rochester, passed away at 2:22 p.m., on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at  St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of Mishawaka. On Oct. 22, 1945, Bruce was born in Fulton County.  He was a treasured son of Earl and Mary Jane Edington Fansler. Growing up he shared his childhood with an older brother Ed. …read more.

Ruby May, a longtime resident of Kosciusko County, passed away in the loving care of her great-granddaughters, LaShea May and Cadence May in their Warsaw home on Monday, June 22, 2020, just after 4 p.m. She was 85 years old. Born in Prestonsburg, Ky. on April 6, 1935, she was the daughter of the late …read more.

The Board of Directors for the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District is facing some hurdles with the recycling depot’s budget for 2021.

GOSHEN – Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College will host a free virtual workshop for educators interested in learning more about the research, pedagogy and approach within two approaches – Forest Kindergartens and Nature Preschools. The workshops are aimed at teachers who are interested in learning more about the growing movement and are …read more.

Democrats have filled out a full slate of candidates for the three available seats for Kosciusko County Council and it comes with a historical note.

Eight student historians representing Warsaw Community Schools recently competed in the 2020 National History Day Contest held virtually this year from College Park, Md.

Ruby May, 85 Warsaw, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020, in her great-granddaughter’s Warsaw home at 4:02 p.m. Arrangements for her Life Celebration service are pending with Titus Funeral Home. To leave condolences, visit the funeral home website at www.TitusFuneralHome.com

SYRACUSE – Wawasee athletics has announced athletes will need an updated physical on file to participate in 2020-21 athletics.

The 91st Indiana FFA State Convention was held virtually June 16-19.

Dear Editor, Recently, local attorney and County Commission candidate Travis McConnell submitted a letter outlining why he and his supporters should be able to display yard signs even though candidates of the past (my self included) have always adhered to a “no signs should be displayed until 60 days before the election” policy. McConnell’s contention …read more.

Ken “Hawkeye” Locke was one of three veterans honored as Veteran of the Month by Kosciusko County Commissioners in June. 

Rev. Jack E. DeVault, 87, Ligonier, formerly of Dunlap, relocated to his heavenly father’s estate on Sunday, June 21, 2020. Although it came as a surprise on Father’s Day, we know it was when he was scheduled to leave, because he always told us that he “wouldn’t leave a day before The Lord called him …read more.

Larry Hollar Sr. of Warsaw was honored as Veteran of the Month at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, June 23.

Dear Editor, Have you turned on the news, seen organized groups pulling down statues—not of Confederate soldiers, but of our Founding Fathers or other presidents—and found yourself wondering what’s going on? My wife, Amanda, and I have watched with disgust as memorials to our country’s great heritage are attacked and vandalized. Our three girls are …read more.

Claypool Officers with the Claypool Police Department investigated the following incident: 5:23 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 200 block South Church St., Claypool. Officers investigated a report of vehicle title fraud.   Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 8:06 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 200 block East Nelson Drive, Milford. …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 5:22 p.m. Monday, June 22, East CR 400N, west of North CR 400E, Warsaw. Driver: Makayla L. Stansbery, 24, West Spencer Street, Columbia City. Stansbery was traveling east on CR 400N when a deer entered the roadway. Damages up to $10,000. 2:40 …read more.

Susan L. Stover, 57, Warsaw,  passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 2:17 a.m. in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Susan was born Oct. 31, 1962, in Warsaw. Her parents were Larry and Nancy (Mitterling) Stover. She was a lifetime resident of Warsaw. She graduated from Warsaw High School in 1981 and studied at Indiana …read more.

Warsaw Community High School senior Ryan Harris recently won a car for perfect attendance.

Larry DeBoer Guest Columnist Enough already. The economy is bad. This is the sharpest, deepest recession in 80 years. We get that. Let’s talk about something else. Like, how does the economy recover? Unfortunately, to answer that question we need to know what kind of recession we’ve got. So let’s look at some measurements that …read more.

Terry Burnworth, owner of Pyramid Consulting Services out of Indianapolis, asked for the approval of Kosciusko County Commissioners to send out requests for proposals for a radio vendor as the county moves forward with the public safety broadband system project.

A Syracuse man was recently arrested after allegedly stealing his friend’s vehicle and traveling to Kentucky.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Contractors for the Indiana Department of Transportation will close SR 14 in both directions between CR 850W and CR 925W next week as part of a culvert replacement project. 

Syracuse Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following incident: 2:02 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 500 block Inwood Circle, Syracuse. Jordan A. Crisler reported auto theft. Value: $300.   Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents: 6:03 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2400 block East Center St., Warsaw. Lynette D. Mollette …read more.

Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents: 5:37 p.m. Monday, June 22, East Market Street, near South Indiana Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Diane L. Raber, 69, South Detroit Street 372, Warsaw; Sasha R. Bolen, 27, West CR 250S 140, Warsaw; and Jodi M. Conley, 56, West CR 1200S, Silver Lake. Raber was …read more.

Vickie G. Lerch, 68, Milford, passed away at 1:59 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. Arrangements are pending at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.

Cassandra Marie “Cass” Fleck, 32, North Manchester, formerly of Akron, passed away at 8:11 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Major Hospital in Shelbyville. Arrangements are pending at Owen Family Funeral Home, SR 13 and Cr 500N, North Webster.

By Brandon Allen Guest Columnist As someone who has worked in journalism and studied political science, I’ve always been fascinated by the comment section on posts from news organizations across the country. Oftentimes, you can see the breakdown of the political spectrum right before your very own eyes. The last three years have been very …read more.

Crossroads bank has opened its new location here in Warsaw.

More Kosciusko County residents read Ink Free News than any other news source. Turn to InkFreeNews.com to get the story that is fresh, fast, and accurate.

KENDALLVILLE – Keara Eder held off Cybil Stillson in a playoff to claim the title at the Northern Junior Masters golf tournament.

INDIANAPOLIS – The IHSBCA released its Academic All-State list Monday evening for the 2020 baseball season.

During the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held tonight, June 22, the board granted a variance for the sign located at the Health Services Pavilion, 1515 Provident Drive. 

Between noon Friday, June 19, and noon Monday, June 22, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 29 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 408 positive cases, with two deaths.

The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club has partnered with several local companies to provide a 2020 prom event for Juniors and Seniors from the 2019-2020 class.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked at the Kosciusko County Jail:  

Kosciusko County  Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 2:26 p.m. Monday, June 22, 1900 block Lake Street, Warsaw. A Kosciusko County Highway Department sign was damaged. The suspect vehicle drove off.  9:10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 8200 block East CR 150N, Pierceton. Report of criminal mischief.  3:25 a.m. Saturday, June …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 5:38 p.m. Sunday, June 21, SR 13, south of Waco Drive, Syracuse. Drivers: Sharon E. Siegel, 64, Northshore Drive, Syracuse; and James W. Adams, 52, Carroll Road, Indianapolis.  Siegel was backing out of a parking space when her vehicle struck Adams’ vehicle. …read more.

Manchester University is collaborating with Manchester Community Schools and the town of North Manchester to present the 2020 Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Display on Saturday, July 4. 

James Rautenkranz, 63, of Claypool, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 5:22 p.m., in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. James was born Oct. 8, 1956, in Huntington, to John and Phyllis (Cook) Rautenkranz. He was united in marriage to Virginia Fish on Sept. 20, 2003, in Warsaw. James proudly served his country in the …read more.

 Peggy D. Felkner, a resident of Largo, Fla., died in in the care of Suncoast Hospice Care Center North Pinellas on June 9, 2020. She was 81. Peggy was born on June 26, 1938, in Stearns, Ky. She moved to Goshen, where she raised a family of five children and worked in local businesses. On her …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS – The IHSAA has appointed its choices for the 2020-21 Student Advisory Committee.

A Warsaw woman will serve two years in jail after dealing methamphetamine.

Purdue University Fort Wayne is sharing its plans to resume in-person instruction in the fall.

A Facebook fundraiser has been recently established for a newborn baby whose family lives in Milford.

Dear Editor, I’m not sure what is going on with Kauffman Medispa, but the business will not answer phone calls, or respond to phone messages. They returned to the office after being closed due to Covid-19 and made new appointments, but are not open. The website has been removed as well. I have a credit …read more.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

There’s an old adage that says military veterans die twice – once when they pass away and again after their names are never mentioned again.

Tamara Neiswonger, 73, of Warsaw, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at 1:15 p.m., in her residence. Arrangements are currently pending with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel. To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Susan L. Stover, 57, Warsaw, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 2:17 a.m. in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Arrangements are currently pending with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel. To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Much needed rainfall will come the first part of the week, the National Weather Service forecasts. 

Syracuse Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following incidents: 11:47 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 300 block West Boston St., Syracuse. Doniven M. Combs reported criminal mischief to a cellphone. 5:24 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 400 block North Main St., Syracuse. Shanna L. Miller reported vehicle theft. Value: $500.   Warsaw Officers with the …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 9:58 p.m. Sunday, June 21, East CR 200N, east of North CR 100E, Warsaw. Driver: Mark D. Dunn, 65, Chapman Lake Drive, Warsaw. Dunn was traveling west on East CR 200N when a deer entered the roadway. Damages up to $2,500. 10:01 …read more.

Douglas Brian Miller passed away in his Elkhart home surrounded by his wife (Steffany), daughter (Grace), son (Gabriel), daughter-in-law (Erica), granddaughter (Bridgette Rose), and sister-in-law (Starr Cox) on June 15th, 2020. On April 29, 2020, Douglas was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver. Cancer did not win the battle …read more.

William L. “Bill” Tarman, 89, of Goshen, formerly of New Paris, passed away 8:50 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at Green House Village of Goshen and is now with his Lord & Savior. He was born on March 21, 1931, in Denver, Colo. to Wilma Tarman. He graduated in 1949 from New Paris High …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER – The annual Romp & Roll camp for school-aged children is just days away.

Weekly little league scores for Warsaw Little League and Wawasee Summer League.

Paul E. Schmucker, 93, of Nappanee, passed away at 12:06 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. He was born Nov. 7, 1926, near Nappanee to Daniel and Fannie (Miller) Schmucker. Paul took over the family farm at the age of 16. On October 12, 1947, he married Bertha Brandenberger in Goshen. …read more.

Bell Memorial Public Library 2020 Summer Reading Programs will begin July 6 and run through August 8, 2020.  Sign up begins Monday, June 22, 2018.  Open to all age groups!  Prizes available! 

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is requesting your assistance in finding people wanted on felony or misdemeanor warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these 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 each person is based …read more.

The Etna Green Town Council will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. It is open to the public.

Warsaw Warsaw police investigated the following accidents: 11:15 a.m. June 19, at 827 S. Union St., Warsaw. Two-vehicle accident. Driver: Timothy Ellis, 52, West CR 400S, Warsaw. Ellis was backing out of a parking spot and struck a parked vehicle. Registration information did not include the name of owner. Damages up to $2,500. 4:59 p.m. …read more.

Warsaw Warsaw police investigated the following incidents: 9:11 a.m. June 19, a report of boots and a padlock were taken from a storage unit in the 800 block of East Winona Avenue in Warsaw. The combined value of $825. 9:22 a.m., June 18, a license plate was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 500 …read more.

Bruce Fansler, 74, of Rochester, passed away at 2:22 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.  Arrangements are pending in the Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester.

Norma Jean Wagoner 93, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 2:43 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020, at her home. On Aug. 22, 1926, Norma Jean Stansbury was born in Fulton County to Hudson and Ina Belle Carruthers Stansbury. Growing up as the second youngest of eight siblings …read more.

Susan “Sue” E. Clark, 72, Silver Lake, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 5:27 a.m. She was born in Warsaw on November 4, 1947, to Robert and Leona (Winger) Leckrone. She was raised on a farm in southern Kosciusko County. Sue attended Sidney School until it closed and then transferred to South Whitley High …read more.

Marilyn Elaine Workley, of Warsaw, passed away at 5:17 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at her residence at the age of 79. She was born on Oct. 25, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, Mich., to Iva Myrtle (Beverlin) Estep and Roy Hobart Estep. On Oct. 12, 1963, she was married to Walter A. Hamilton, who …read more.

Naomi Ruth Boyer, 90, a resident of North Webster, died at 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester. She was born Aug. 13, 1929, in Windfall, to William Darrell and Wilma (Smith) Clouser. Naomi spent the majority of her childhood on a family farm in Windfall, they later …read more.

ELKHART – The driver killed in an accident on US 6 Friday, June 19, has been identified. Travis Newcomer, 30, of Ligonier, died in the crash that happened at about 2: 45 p.m. near the intersection of CR 37, according to a report issued by Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office. Newcomer’s 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse was hit …read more.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: Elkhart County The following person was booked in the Elkhart County Corrections Facility: Marshall County The following people were booked in the Marshall County Jail: Whitley County The following people were booked in the Whitley County Jail:

SYRACUSE – The sixth annual Mudtastic lived up to expectations Saturday at WACF.

During the summer months is a great time to read! The Warsaw Community Public Library staff is happy to be back in service to our community. Below are a few new titles that might be of interest.

A Nappanee man was recently arrested in Elkhart County after molesting and raping a child.

By Dan Spalding InkFreeNews WARSAW – Marsha Cook returned to teaching and her outdoor classroom on Friday night seemed to relish the opportunity. Cook was one of several speakers featured at the second annual Juneteenth celebration held in Warsaw Friday, June 19, that attracted more than 100 people outside of the Kosciusko County Courthouse. Juneteenth …read more.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is requesting your assistance in finding people wanted on felony or misdemeanor warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these 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 each person is based …read more.

Mary Ann Wilson, 68, of Akron, died at 1:17 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2020, at her residence after being seriously ill for 2 weeks. She was born on April 14, 1952, in Rochester to the late Alvin and Pauline (Swihart) Ruff. She married 20 years ago to Monte L. Wilson, who survives. She retired from …read more.

News Release COLUMBIA CITY – The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of Gary L. Cox, an 81-year-old white man who is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. He has gray hair with brown eyes, and last seen wearing a t-shirt under a beige fishing shirt and beige cargo shorts. …read more.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer spoke about the improvement in COVID-19 numbers across the state during the City of Warsaw Board of Public Works & Safety meeting Friday, June 19.

ELKHART – A driver was killed after being hit from behind by a recreational vehicle on US 6 Friday afternoon in Elkhart County. Police said the 2017 Thor Miramar was traveling too fast on US 6 when it slammed into the back of an unidentified vehicle, according to a report issued by Elkhart County Sheriff’s …read more.

Goshen-based Ben’s Soft Pretzels LLC is continuing its growth across the U.S.

A Warsaw man is facing criminal charges after a vehicle pursuit Friday morning.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Kosciusko Literacy Services a $10,000 grant to support adult literacy.

If you haven’t looked or ordered your 2020 Wawasee Flotilla Apparel, you have until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 21 to do so.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Elva Jay Miller, 78, Ligonier, died at 10:41 p.m. on June 18, 2020, at Goshen Hospital. He was born on May 21, 1942, to Eli and Anna (Fry) Miller. On June 22, 1994, in Elkhart, he married Martha Otto; she survives. Other survivors include, three daughters, Esther Anna (Floyd) Eash of Ligonier, Erma Jean (Harley) …read more.

The Art-world was shaken by the ease with which forgeries had been accepted and acclaimed. Museums, galleries, auction houses, and art experts had all been rather easily fooled with an assortment of fake and forged artworks.