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.

A Warsaw woman will serve more than a year in jail pending her acceptance into the Kosciusko County Work Release program for two fraud cases.

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.

Dear Editor, In a recent campaign stop in Kosciusko County, Republican Attorney General candidate Todd Rokita stated: “We were tired of people in Lake County and even as close as Elkhart, where cases were not being prosecuted, elections being stolen by people who cheated our system.” Former Secretary of State Rokita did not provide a …read more.

Dear Editor,  The health of our Kosciusko County residents and our communities is more important than ever before. Tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally every year. More than 7 million of these deaths are from direct tobacco use and approximately 1.2 million are due to non-smokers being exposed to secondhand smoke Early findings …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. PauPau Please Read Our Disclaimer All warrants are the property of Kosciusko County. The age listed for each person is …read more.

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

Emergency responders were called to an accident in Claypool at 11:33 a.m. Thursday, May 28.

A community cruise through to honor the Wawasee High School senior class of 2020 has been scheduled from 6-6:30 p.m. Friday, June 5.

Anybody, including graduates, is encouraged to participate in the cruise through by decorating their vehicle. Attendees are asked to stay in their vehicles and practice social distancing.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 11:29 a.m. Friday, May 29, Arlington Lane, north of Petro Drive, Warsaw. Drivers: David L. Smith, 84, Arlington Lane, Warsaw; and Sanjuana J. Galvan, 28, Administration Boulevard, Winona Lake. Smith was backing out of a parking space and struck Galvan’s vehicle as …read more.

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.

Phillip C. Hunter, 76, Cromwell, passed away at noon on Friday, May 29, 2020, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.

Restrictions on boating have now been lifted for Tippecanoe Lake and others. 

Kosciusko County The following people have been booked on the Kosciusko County Jail:

AKRON – Wheels On Fire Cancer Crusaders has canceled most of their fundraising events until September. Organizers said in a news release that those activities include their main event, Smash Out Cancer, which was scheduled for Aug. 22. “We do that for the health and safety of everyone involved. Our goal has always been and …read more.

This year, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation awarded over $540,000 in scholarships to 151 students who are pursuing higher education this upcoming school year.

A Claypool man was arrested following a domestic dispute.

Tex Alan Plummer, 72 , a longtime Warsaw resident, passed away quietly at 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, in Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.  Tex was the son of the late Harvey and Nancy (Glause) Plummer. He was a 1966 graduate of Larwill High School and entered into service with the United States …read more.

Naomi L. Whitaker, 66, Warsaw, (formerly of Syracuse) passed away at 4 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2020, at Paddock Springs Healthcare in Warsaw. She was born on April 1, 1954, in South Bend, to George Everett & Betty M. (Merritt) Adams. She grew up in Muncie,  moved to North Webster / Leesburg area in …read more.

The newest piece of public art was been quietly erected in downtown Warsaw last week.

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

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

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 1:37 p.m. Thursday, May 28, Barbee Road, Warsaw. Drivers: Mike Bryant, 65, West CR 200S, Warsaw; and Ronald Shortt, 23, EMS B42 Lane, Leesburg. Bryant was backing out of a driveway when he entered the roadway, into the path of Shortt’s vehicle. …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents; 3:32 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 3100 Block East US 30, Warsaw, Deona G. Moore reported theft of money. Value: $3,500. 9:55 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 200 Block West Main Street, Warsaw, The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office reported property damage. Value: $311. North …read more.

On behalf of the Zimmer Biomet legal team and their partner, Faegre Drinker, Kevin Escapule recently presented a $7,500 check to Rebecca Bazzoni, executive director for Joe’s Kids.

Dear Editor, I am a local attorney and proud to voice my support for my friend and colleague, Karin McGrath, in her campaign for Judge of Superior Court 3. Karin is incredibly intelligent, wise, passionate about her work and the law, humble, unbelievably hard-working, and an all-around amazing woman. In my law practice, I appear …read more.

Dear Editor,  Judge Joe V. Sutton has served honorably for over two decades in Superior Court 3 and is stepping down. Thank you for a job well done! Judge Sutton set a high standard for anyone taking over this job. We believe experience and personal character will be the keys for the new Judge. Karin …read more.

In a four-way Republican race for Indiana Attorney General, incumbent Curtis Hill found himself under attack Thursday night, May 28, by former Congressman Todd Rokita.

A Winona Lake woman will serve a six-year sentence through work release in two drug-related cases.

Infant Charlotte Rose Mast was stillborn on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Bremen Hospital. Surviving are her parents: Cameron Mast and Kari Hoffer, Nappanee; sisters: Lily and Gretta Hoffer, both of Nappanee; paternal grandparents: Matt (Diane) Mast, Milford; Deb (Jeff Lambert) Mast, North Port, Fla.; maternal grandparents: Brian and Angie Yoder, Nappanee; paternal great-grandmother: Barbara …read more.

Bernie Lou Younce, 79, rural Wabash, died at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Rolling Meadows Healthcare Center in LaFontaine. She was born Aug. 16, 1940, in Peru, to Donald and Vivian “Maxine” (Miller) Cole. She was a 1958 graduate of Noble High School and received her nursing certification from Indiana University Kokomo. She …read more.

Frances Louise (Knight) Eltzroth, 74, rural Wabash, died at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at her home. She was born Jan. 31, 1946, in Rochester, to Ernest “Poppy” and Mary “Nanny” (Cunningham) Knight. She was a graduate of Rochester High School. She worked at General Tire in Wabash. She married Michael Warren Eltzroth in …read more.

Robert C. “Bear” DeWitt, 68, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at Valley View HealthCare Center, Elkhart. He was born on May 18, 1952, to Delbert Clyde DeWitt and Marion Louise (Payne) DeWitt in Rochester. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1970. “Bear” was a very kind and caring person who loved …read more.

Kathy Groninger is concerned that financial challenges may lie ahead for our County as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The county funds many programs and Kathy wants to make certain that we are not just throwing money at problems but are rather obtaining the desired results.

NAPPANEE – A basketball state championship and the Patricia L. Roy Mental Attitude award capped off the résumé for our IFN Athlete of the Year Maddy Payne.

In his run for state representative of the 22nd District, Bill Dixon has two primary beliefs that drive him: Listen more than you talk and deliver more than you promise.

NAPPANEE – Our 2019-20 IFN Athlete of the Year, Maddy Payne, huge a monster fall in a volleyball, as laid out in the first of our two-part series on the NorthWood senior.

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

A local man will serve seven years in prison after administering heroin to a man who died as a result of a drug overdose almost two years ago.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Alexa Hill of Grace College was named the winner of the 2020 NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Award.

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.

News Release WINONA LAKE – Grace College engineering students Erin Lawhon and Abbott Joy have donated more than 700 3D-printed ear guards to local organizations on the front lines of COVID-19. The ear guards have been distributed to Fellowship Missions, Grace Village, Miller’s at Oak Pointe, Acorn Academy, Pill Box Pharmacy, Cardinal Services, and Miller’s …read more.

GOSHEN – Goshen High School junior basketball star Brynn Shoup-Hill announced Thursday afternoon her commitment to the University of Dayton.

Nancy L. (Snider) Graham, 80, died Wednesday, May 27, at home, leaving a legacy for others to emulate. She was born Oct. 29, 1939, in Milford to Marshall “Shorty” and Marie (Whitehead) Miller. On May 25, 1957, she married Larry L. Snider. He died Jan. 15, 1986.  On Nov. 28, 1987, she married Douglas L. Graham …read more.

Kenneth L. Anglin, 90, Warsaw, passed away at 7 a.m.  on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, in Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw. Kenneth was born Oct. 9, 1929, in Nappanee, to Virgil and Bessie (Ruby) Anglin. He was united in marriage to Carmen (Thompson) Anglin, who preceded him in death in 2005. Kenneth was a lifetime resident …read more.

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.

Timothy G. Campbell, 58, South Whitley, passed away at 10:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Timothy was born Sept. 5, 1961, in Dyersburg, Tenn.  to Ronnie and Mildred (Leary) Campbell.   After graduating from trade school in 1980, Tim moved to Pierceton, and began working as a machinist. Here, he met and married …read more.

As of noon Thursday, May 28, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported six new cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s number of total positive cases to 105.

CLAYPOOL — Emergency responders were called to an accident in Claypool at approximately 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28. The accident occurred at CR 800S and SR 15, just south of the Louis Dreyfus plant, and involved three vehicles. Claypool Fire Department requested assistance from Silver Lake Fire Department. According to Silver Lake Fire Chief John …read more.

WARSAW – New details have been release about Nextremity Solutions plans to expand its operations in the Warsaw Technology Park. The company initially announced expansion plans last week, but issued a news release Thursday, May 28 saying it plans to create up to 111 new jobs by the end of 2024. “Indiana has a rich …read more.

Small Claims The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding: Trinity Handyman LLC v. Tara M. Burns, $6,000 CommunityWide Federal Credity Union v. Charles R. Kaltenbach, $1,318.78 Paris Property Management LLC v. Shanice Logan, $1,500 Civil Collections The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko …read more.

WARSAW – Two City of Warsaw garbage trucks are currently out of service and that could affect trash pick up Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29. Thursday’s trash routes may experience delays, the city said in a news release. Any residents whose normal trash pickup day is Thursday are asked to leave their cans …read more.

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.

This year’s prom at Wawasee High School was cancelled due to COVID-19, but a few seniors of the class of 2020 have set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds to still have a prom this summer.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: Fulton County The following people were booked in the Fulton County Jail: Marshall County The following people were booked in the Marshall County Jail: Noble County The following people were booked in the Noble County Jail: Whitley County The following people were booked …read more.

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

In 2015, Tobe Forshtay founded Raise the Dough, Inc. to financially help one couple adopt a child. Since then the ministry has blossomed into a major local benefactor with a vision of “saying yes” to 100 families by the end of 2024.

Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents: 10:41 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 500 block Pike Street, Warsaw. Domestic battery incident was investigated.  8:28 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 500 block Pike Street, Warsaw.  An incident of domestic battery was investigated.  5:47 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2400 block Detroit Street, Warsaw. A cell …read more.

Elkhart County Officers with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accident: 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, US 20 east of CR 21, near Elkhart. Driver: Lavern Graber, 18, Nappanee. Graber was traveling too fast on the wet asphalt causing him to lose control of his vehicle. His vehicle hit a guardrail and fence …read more.

In the coming weeks, the United States Department of Agriculture will begin accepting financial relief applications from farmers who report losses related to COVID-19.

Lei Wang, 44, Warsaw, passed away at 8:36 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020, at her home. She was born on Oct. 29, 1975, in Xing Tao, China, to Zeng Hui Wang and Lian Ai Su. She graduated from high school in China, moved to the United States in 1998, and to Warsaw in 2000. She …read more.

Mary E. Rempert, 94, Columbia City, formerly of rural Albion, died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where she was a resident since January. She was born on Sept. 30, 1925, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of the late Oscar and Mary (Brenner) Lewis. Her formative years were spent …read more.

Phyllis I. Call, 93, Columbia City, died at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Millers at Oak Point where she had been a resident since September 2019. She was born March 10, 1927, in Steuben County, a daughter of the late Nevin Ray and Lexie Mae (Powers) Good. She grew up in Kendallville and …read more.

Joyce Roberta Hall, 79, rural Lagro, died at 10:17 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at Parkview Health Randallia in Fort Wayne. She was born May 14, 1941, in Lagro, to Robert L. and Esther “Irene” (Hoover) Ridenour. She was a 1959 graduate of Lagro High School. She worked and retired from Midwest Poultry Service in …read more.

Vernon V. Davis Jr., 77, North Webster, died Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at his home. He was born Oct. 24, 1942, in Goshen, to Vernon V. & Viola P. (Strieby) Davis. On July 13, 1968, in Goshen, he married Patricia (Stiver) Davis and she died July 14, 2007. Surviving are sons: Nelson E. (Michelle) Moreland …read more.

By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews MILFORD — Four candidates, two Democrats and two Republicans, have filed the necessary paperwork to appear on their party’s respective primary ballots. The primary election in Indiana has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 2, and requires voters to choose either the Democrat or Republican ballot, allows party members to select their …read more.

Leon Dale Dickson, 87, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day at his living facility with family at his side. He was the son of James and Clara (Miller) Dickson, born on Nov. 22, 1932, and was a lifelong resident of Marshall County. He was a member of the Plymouth High School class of 1951 and …read more.

Max L. Hetrick, 80, an Argos resident since 1999, passed away at 11:05 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2020. Born at home in Antwerp, Ohio, on July 7, 1939, he was the son of Lester Harmon Hetrick and Golda Mae (Starry) Hetrick. He started in first grade at Farmer Elementary School when his older sister, …read more.

Edna M. Lawson, 87, Leesburg, passed away at 8:16 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, at Owen Family Funeral Home, SR 13 and CR 500N, North Webster. Memorial services will follow at 7 p.m. on Wednesday …read more.

Kenny L. ‘Coz’ Cozmanoff, 68, North Webster, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020, in his home. He was born on March 25, 1952, in Gary, to Michael M. & Delores C. (Paul) Cozmanoff. He graduated in 1971 from Merrillville High School and worked for US Steel & Inland Steel in Gary for many years. …read more.

In his run for state representative of the 22nd District, Bill Dixon has two primary beliefs that drive him: Listen more than you talk and deliver more than you promise.

NAPPANEE – Trevor and Nate Andrews are both in a state of tempered expectations as their football seasons are being figured out.

Beating the odds is nothing new for Karin McGrath, practicing attorney at Rockhill Pinnick and judicial candidate for Superior Court 3; it’s what she’s been doing since she started her legal career.

NAPPANEE – Jake Lone was an All-State selection in two sports, and sits at No. 2 on our athlete countdown.

New Release WARSAW – Pack 3777 Cub Scouts, Mentone; S.A.L. #49, and American Legion Auxiliary #49, both of Warsaw, placed American Flags for Memorial Day in Palestine and Wooden (Harrison Center) Cemeteries on May 18 to honor and remember our local veterans. A Harrison Center Veteran, Corporal John P. Hannold, of the New Jersey Militia, …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS – Former NorthWood and area softball coach Scot Shearer was part of the 2020 induction class for the softball wing of the ICGSA Hall of Fame.

Dear Editor, We, a group of local attorneys with over a century of combined experience, wanted to write about an issue of concern in our local Superior Court 3 judicial race, because most of us serve as public defenders in the Kosciusko court system in addition to our private law practices. For those who may …read more.

Fall classes for Warsaw Community Schools are tentatively set to begin at the normal time but will include some level of hybrid arrangements because of the coronavirus.

Dear Editor, Precious Pam and I are reaching out to Kosciusko County with our sincere request that you vote for Karin McGrath for judge of Superior Court 3. Allow me to briefly share my vantage point for making this recommendation. I have practiced law for 45 years, which has included serving in the United States …read more.

Dear Editor,  I am writing to endorse my friend and law partner Chad Miner in his candidacy for the Superior Court No. 3 Judgeship because I am confident that he would do an outstanding job. I have worked with Chad for many years and during that time, I have had the opportunity to observe his …read more.

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.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and Fulton County Crimestoppers are requesting your assistance in locating subjects wanted on felony and/or misdemeanor warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these wanted persons, contact the Fulton County Crimestoppers at (574) 223-7867.

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

Donald Delbert Masterson, 80, Warsaw, (formerly of Plymouth), passed away at 10:35 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at his residence. Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd. 15, Warsaw, IN 46582, is in charge of arrangements.

Warren W. “Bill” Schmal, 70, Leiters Ford, passed away at 2:17 a.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at Parkview Hospital of Wabash. In Hammond, on Nov. 22, 1949, Bill was born to Donald Lewis and Marilyn Jean Winkler Schmal. Bill moved to Leiters Ford in 1968 from Lansing, Mich. Bill answered the call of patriotism and …read more.

William R. Baldwin, 83, Warsaw, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Ctr, Plymouth. Bill was born June 13, 1936, in Perth Amboy, N.J., to William G. and Lydia (Malwitz) Baldwin.  He spent his childhood in Carteret, N.J., moving to Spring Lake Heights, N.J., at the Jersey Shore. Eventually relocating …read more.

By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews MILFORD — Six candidates – four Democrats and two Republicans – have filed the paperwork to appear on their party’s respective primary ballots. The primary election in Indiana has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 2, and requires voters to choose either the Democrat or Republican ballot and allows party members to …read more.

One of the 13-24 Drive-In popular crowd-pleasers is set to resume, with voting playing a role.

Tex A. Plummer, 72, Warsaw,  passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, in North Manchester at Peabody Retirement Community.  Arrangements are pending with Titus Funeral Home.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 6:05 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, East US 30, near South CR 450E, Warsaw. Driver: Mark W. Ganger, 57, Chapman Lake Drive, Warsaw. Ganger was traveling east on US 30 when a deer entered the roadway. Damage up to $2,500. 2:21 p.m. Tuesday, …read more.

Kosciusko County  Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 8:40 p.m. Friday, May 22, 4700 block North SR 13, Leesburg. Lea A. Couture reported the theft of a boat. Value: $48,500. 8:43 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 500 block North Ward Lane, North Webster. Karen R. Rider reported criminal mischief. 8:11 a.m. …read more.

Timothy G. Campbell, 58, South Whitley, passed away at 10:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Lutheran Hospital Fort Wayne.  Arrangements are currently pending with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

Dear Editor,  Karin McGrath was my appointed public defender back at a time when my addiction got the best of me. From the first time we met, I could tell she wasn’t a typical lawyer. She took the time to explain my charges and the law in detail and she answered all my questions. Beyond …read more.

Dear Editor,  Have you ever missed a trash day? Or perhaps did some spring cleaning and had a little extra trash so you set the extra bags on top to make it easy for the trash collector? Apparently in Syracuse, the extra trash is just thrown on the ground. I even tied the bags together …read more.

Dear Editor, With less than a week before the local elections, I would like to again share my knowledge of Karin McGrath, candidate for judge of the Kosciusko County Superior Court 3.

This week’s Animal Welfare League’s “Pets of the Week” are Biggie Smalls, the dog, and Hank Jr., the cat.

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

WINONA LAKE – The 27th annual Optimist Triathlon will be a virtual event beginning in late June.

A man faces charges in two separate battery cases, one allegedly involving strangulation.