The cause of a fire that occurred Sunday afternoon, July 26, is still under investigation, according to the Plain Township Fire Captain.

Loretta Lynn Studebaker, 48, South Whitley, died peacefully at her home at 5:00 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2020. She had been in declining health. She was born June 26, 1972, in San Diego, Calif., a daughter of the late Ronald Jack Glass and Deborah Lynn (Richcreek) Glass. Her formative years were spent in Elkhart. On …read more.

Donald Milton Miller, 101, of Wabash, died at 8:20 a.m., on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Miller’s Merry Manor West in Wabash. He was born on Saturday, Jan. 4, 1919, in Covington, to George and Cecil A. (Johnson) Guerin. Don was a US Navy veteran serving on a PT Boat in the Pacific. He married …read more.

Mary Ann Best, 87, passed away on Sunday July 26, 2020, at St. Joseph Regional Hospital, Plymouth. Born on March 8, 1933, to Felix and Gertrude (Ostrowski) Pozorski in Culver, IN. She graduated from Grovertown High School with the class of 1951. She married Donald Boyer in South Bend, IN in 1953. Mary Ann was …read more.

SYRACUSE – Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club will host a Nelson’s Chicken sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. The event will be at Calvary United Methodist parking lot, 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. All proceeds to benefit the Rotary Scout Lodge where Boy Scout Troop 728 meets. Last year, the Syracuse Wawasee Rotary …read more.

Be where your audience is. Tens of thousands visit Ink Free News every week.  We offer our readers and advertisers unmatched coverage of breaking news, county accidents and incidents, sports and, the passing of our friends and neighbors. Ink Free News is the most read and most followed news site in Kosciusko County, no matter …read more.

Area sports news and notes from a busy couple of weeks of July.

WARSAW — During the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held tonight, July 27, the board unanimously approved all three requests. This meeting was held at City Hall but streamed online with some board members opting to attend virtually. Visitor comments were welcome via text. Sandra Del Pilar Foreman of 119 E. Baker St., Warsaw, …read more.

Twelve jury members and two alternates were selected Monday, July 27, in the first day of what is expected to be a five-day jury trial over the April 2018 death of a Pierceton infant.

An Albion man will serve 10 years in prison for dealing methamphetamine to an undercover officer on two occasions.

A Warsaw man will serve three years in prison after a fatal shooting in October 2019.

Walter Edward “Ed” Oliver, 72, North Manchester, passed away at his home surrounded by family at 2:45 a.m., July 25, 2020. One of eight children, Ed was born Dec. 5, 1947, in Rochester, to Leo Rue and Melva A. (Lowe) Oliver. In 1966 Ed graduated from Rochester High School. It was seven years later that …read more.

Benjamin Andrew Gentry Sr, 32, of Rochester passed away at 4:38 p.m., July 24, 2020, at his residence. On Oct. 7, 1988, Benjamin was born to Perry and Helen Noftsger Gentry. In 2007, Ben proudly graduated from Rochester High School. Ben worked as a concrete finisher with Heiman Construction. Being with his family was a …read more.

Helen M. Presson, 84, of Rochester, and formerly of rural Akron and Paris, Tenn. passed at 10:46 p.m., Sunday, July 26, 2020 at her residence. Helen was born on March 29, 1936 in Etowah, Ark. to the late John and Ardella Gurtrue (Trucks) Johnson. She married Billy Gene Presson on June 13, 1953 in Corinth, …read more.

Dr. Arthur “Art” Lee Moser, treasured community physician, beloved husband to Claudia, cherished father of six and adored Papa to eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren, died of natural causes at the age of 87 on July 26, 2020. Just as he requested, he passed away in his home in Warsaw, surrounded by loved ones, …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 10:28 a.m. Monday, July 27, 4900 block North CR 100E, Warsaw. Quentin E. Wright reported theft of $1,450. 10:56 a.m. Sunday, July 26, 4200 block South CR 750E, Pierceton. KCSO received report of a gunshot wound. 10:31 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 6800 …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriffs Office responded to the following accidents: 3:03 p.m. Sunday, July 26, East Ryerson Road, east of South CR 750E, Pierceton. Driver: Tanisha R. Rose, 49, South CR 675E, Pierceton. Rose lost control on Ryerson Road, left the roadway and went into a ditch. Rose was transported to …read more.

A Warsaw man is facing two charges of child molesting after allegedly touching a minor multiple times.

“Lots of patients are coming through COVID-19 without being very sick, but we have had 18 deaths so far at our hospital (70 in our county) and even one death is difficult for that patient’s friends and family,” said Dr. Dan Nafziger, Goshen Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Infectious Disease Specialist. “We are grateful to everyone in the community who continues to take all the recommended precautions — physical distancing, wearing masks, handwashing, and staying home when sick. When you keep yourself from getting infected, you are preventing harm to others, especially those closest to you.”

William F. Chupp, age 84, of Nappanee, died at 5:00 am, Monday, July 27, 2020 at his home after a short illness.  He was born March 20, 1936, in Kosciusko County to Floyd J. and Mary Ann (Miller) Chupp. On Jan. 1, 1959, he married Minerva D. Hochstetler.  She survives along with their children, Barbara …read more.

Cecil Clem of Warsaw, passed away at 3:55 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne, at the age of 58. He was born on Nov. 23, 1961 in Columbia City, to Gladys (Parks) Clem and Ova Clem. On Aug. 23, 1996, he was married to Donna (Patrick) Clem, …read more.

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) wants to remind Hoosiers that the deadline to apply for energy assistance in Program Year 2020 is on July 31.

A Warsaw woman who allegedly bit a man’s finger is facing criminal charges.

Tippecanoe Valley High School seniors gathered for one final time Sunday, July 26, to celebrate graduation – 132 days since they last sat in classrooms together.

WINONA LAKE – Grace College garnered several Scholar Athlete awards for athletes from tennis, track and softball.

NORTH MANCHESTER – The HCAC, including Manchester University, are moving select sports from the fall to the spring.

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

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

Kosciusko County has assured that residents who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom are honored with their names on the War Memorial at the corner of Center and Lake Streets at the courthouse. 

Dr. Arthur L. Moser, MD passed away at 9:05 a.m., Sunday, July 26, 2020, in Warsaw residence. Arrangements are currently pending with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Lakeland Christian Academy has released its re-entry plan to families.

Frances Marie Shaw, 94, Nappanee, died at 5:35 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Hospice House in Elkhart.  She was born on May 11, 1926, in Kosciusko County, Indiana to Ethel Kilmer. She lived most of her life and raised her family in Nappanee.  On October 16, 1945 she married Robert L. Shaw, Jr. …read more.

Marilyn J. “Jeanie” Phillips, 89, Columbia City, died at 6:59 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2020, at Parkview Whitley Hospital where she was admitted earlier that day. Born on Aug. 25, 1930, in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late Lowell and Lula Belle (Nichols) Palmer.  Growing up in Anderson, she graduated from Anderson High …read more.

Benjamin Andrew Gentry, 32, of Rochester passed away at his home on July 24, 2020.  Arrangements are pending in the Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester.

Carol Ann Casey, 76, Rochester passed away at 5:13 a.m., July 24, 2020, at St. Vincent’s Hospital of Indianapolis. In South Bend, on Feb. 16, 1944, Carol Ann Hecht was born. She was a precious daughter of Russell Harold and Velma Jean Yard Hecht. As one of 14 of the Hecht kids, she grew up as …read more.

Betty Haines, 98, Warsaw, passed away on July 25, 2020, at Masons Health Care. She was born on Jan. 14, 1922, in Syracuse, to Elmer and Berniece (Weimer) Baugher. She was a 1940 graduate of Syracuse High School. On Aug. 17, 1945, she married Robert “Smokey” Haines who preceded her in 2008. She retired as …read more.

WARSAW — The great tradition of youth sports lives on today at the Parkview Warsaw YMCA, and the value of participating in those sports is more important than ever! Today’s youth live increasingly sedentary lifestyles; in fact, only 1 in 3 children participate in daily physical activity. Youth sports help fight this lifestyle by building a foundation for lifelong health, encouraging social and community bonds, and teaching young people to overcome challenges. 

The annual Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s Celebration and meeting wasn’t open to the public, but hundreds could view the meeting happenings through a live stream on the foundation’s Facebook page. Over 304 people viewed and heard about the activities of WACF, recognitions and overview on the first year of the Wawasee Inlet Nutrient Study.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. Sunday, July 26, Lutheran EMS and Plain Township Fire Department responded to report of a possible structure fire at 4125 North Runkle Drive in Warsaw.

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.

On Saturday, July 25— initially reserved for the 2020 Dixie Day Festival, which was scuttled by the pandemic —the North Webster Lions Club treated attendees to a much welcomed, albeit scaled down, day of family-friendly activities at the Mermaid Festival fairgrounds.

I hope this letter finds you and your family save and healthy. The historic times we’re living shut down the Hoosier State Press Association for a bit, which delayed my writing of thank you letters to legislators.

Patsy Kuhn, 78, passed away Friday July 24, 2020, at home. Arrangements are currently pending at Johnson Danielson Funeral Home.

The memorial service for Harold Rex Wildman of Warsaw, known to everyone as “Rex,” has been cancelled due to concerns about the risks of public gatherings during the current pandemic. The family will be pursuing other means to honor his memory. Rex passed away Feb. 28, 2020, at the age of 96.

Clifford Tackett, 68, Mentone, died Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital.   A Life Celebration is pending with Titus Funeral Home. To leave a condolence for the family, visit the funeral home website.

Stephen Kent Priser, known to many as “Steve,” passed away quietly in the early hours of July 24, 2020, in his rural Nappanee home. He was 78 years old. Born on Nov. 7, 1941, Steve was the son of Herbert and Mildred (Heeter) Priser. He was a graduate of Manchester High School and completed his …read more.

George Marrs Young, Warsaw, went home to be with the Lord from his residence at 9:36 p.m. on Monday, July 20, at the age of 86.  He was born on Jan. 24, 1934, in Hesland, Ky. to Jewell (Bailey) Young and Arthur Young.  George grew up in the hills of Kentucky and graduated from Rossville …read more.

The following programs are set to take place in August with the Warsaw Community Public Library: 

A grace period is currently in effect regarding parking tickets in downtown Warsaw.

You’ve heard the claims, read the memes and probably even wondered if the conspiracy over pandemic testing is true.

Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents: 6:07 p.m. Friday, July 24, 700 block Main Street, Warsaw. A bicycle was found. 5:54 p.m. Friday, July 24, 800 block Anchorage Road, Warsaw. Two bicycles were found. 2:44 p.m. Friday, July 24, 1600 block Tippecanoe Drive, Warsaw. Report of prostitution and patronizing a …read more.

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

Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCo) has announced the relocation of its offices to Warsaw City Hall, 102 S Buffalo Street, where the organization will share space with OrthoWorx, a community-based initiative that works to ensure the Warsaw region’s position as the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Warsaw (Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod) has welcomed the Reverend Gino Marchetti II as its newly installed pastor during a special ordination and installation ceremony held Saturday, June 27, at Creighton’s “The Roost” event center.

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 Warsaw Central Park Summer Concert Series features a performance this evening, July 24, by Out of Favor Boys at the Central Park Plaza.

By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews NAPPANEE — While the physical landscape on the northeast corner of US 6 and County Road 3 on on the west side of Nappanee hasn’t been dramatically changed, the signage, the ownership and the future vision certainly have. “The Barns at Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres” held its official ribbon cutting …read more.

Two people were taken to the hospital after a two-vehicle accident in Marshall County involving a motorcycle.

The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts has announced that it will perform “Always… Patsy Cline” outdoors in a tent in an effort to provide the safest experience of theater possible.

Between noon Wednesday, July 22, and noon Friday, July 24, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 26 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 747, with eight deaths.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked at the Kosciusko County Jail: Fulton County The following people were booked in the Fulton County Jail: Noble County The following person was booked in the Noble County Jail: Whitley County The following person was booked in the Whitley County Jail:

City and county police officers will not respond to calls regarding people failing or refusing to wear a mask.

Governor Eric Holcomb’s executive order regarding the state of Indiana’s mask mandate lists exemptions to wearing face coverings while in public.

Ryan Scott Hoffer, 69, Nappanee, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2020, at his residence. He was born May 6, 1951, in Elkhart, to Frank J. and Carole (Heckamen) Hoffer. He was a 1969 graduate of Nappanee High School and was a lifelong area resident. On March 19, 1999, he married Teresa Andrews …read more.

Democrats in Kosciusko County have cancelled a fundraiser set for Sunday, July 26, that would have included gubernatorial candidate Woody Myer.

I hope this letter finds you and your family save and healthy. The historic times we’re living shut down the Hoosier State Press Association for a bit, which delayed my writing of thank you letters to legislators.

Elkhart County Officers with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incident: 11:08 a.m. Thursday July 23, 72000 block SR 15, Milford. Scott Moorehouse reported an ATV was stolen from the property. Fulton County Officers with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 4:33 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, CR 400N and CR …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Jail investigated the following incidents: 8:47 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2400 block West CR 250S, Warsaw. Report of battery incident.  8:33 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 6900 block East CR 500N, Leesburg. Jamie L. Ramos reported identity theft. Fulton County Officers with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the …read more.

A Milford man was arrested in two cases after choking a woman and later failing to report to jail.

A Warsaw man involved in a fatal shooting in October 2019 will be sentenced at 8:15 a.m. Monday, July 27, in Kosciusko Circuit Court.

News Release  INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana cities with fewer than 15,000 residents are being offered the opportunity to host an exhibit from the world-famous Smithsonian through a program sponsored by Indiana Humanities. Six communities will be selected through an application process to host Water/Ways, a national touring exhibit that highlights the role water plays in our …read more.

Karen L. Smith, 82, of Churubusco, passed away on July 23, 2020, at Lutheran Life Villages at Pine Valley. Born in Whitley County, on Nov. 10, 1937, to the late Curtis and Julia (Connor) Gaerte. She spent her formative years in Whitley County, graduating from Churubusco High School in 1955. Karen was married to Roger …read more.

Jeannie Kline, 72, Syracuse, passed away July 21, 2020, at Goshen Hospital. Jeannie was born June 10, 1948, in Pierceton to Richard and Doris (Atchison) Kuhn. She married David Kline on July 16, 1966; he survives. Jeannie is survived by her husband David, three children, Jennifer Kline of Elkhart, James Kline of Goshen, Anthony (Dawn) …read more.

Lois J. Cloud, 85, Beaver Dam Lake, died at 9:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2020, at her home. She was born on Saturday, July 28, 1934, in Wabash, to Glenn and Irene (Hipskind) Bennett. Lois was a 1952 graduate of Wabash High School and attended Marion College one year. She married Carl R. Cloud in …read more.

LaVern Wesley Miller, 82, Wakarusa, formerly of New Paris and Goshen, died 5:45 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2020 at his home. He was born May 26, 1938, in Seattle, Wash., to Wesley and Ellen (Stockman) Miller. On May 26, 1962, he married Lois Ann (Blocher) Miller. Surviving are his wife, Lois Ann Miller, Wakarusa, children, …read more.

Phyllis Hutton, 84, Plymouth, passed away Wednesday July 22, 2020. Phyllis was born on Nov. 30, 1935, to Walter and Mildred (Singleton) Luse in Plymouth. On July 15, 1950, she married Robert Caldwell in Crown Point and together had four wonderful children, Jim, Dave, Deb and Jeff. Sadly, Robert passed away on Nov. 28, 1961. …read more.

Dear Editor, We have all experienced something that most people in the last 100 years never thought would happen. We’ve all now experienced shutdowns, record unemployment, political turmoil and a lot of other things that I’m sure we would all rather have done without. Now that we are here, I’d like to voice concern about …read more.

The Animal Welfare League presents its “Pets of the Week” including Zeke the dog, and Tippy the cat. 

Richard “Dick” Johnson, 73, Warsaw, passed away at 4 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2020, in Peabody Retirement Community Health Center, North Manchester. Richard was born April 6, 1947, in  Rochester, to Emerson and Juanita (Cutshaw) Johnson. He was united in marriage to Sharon (Whittenberger) Johnson on Dec. 6, 1969, in Claypool, who passed away Dec. …read more.

Trauma experienced in childhood can have long-lasting effects.

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

Combined Community Services (CCS) will be holding its annual Tools for School event at the Kosciusko County Community Fairgrounds on Wednesday, August 5, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

An estimated $50 a year is all it will cost freeholders around Syracuse and Wawasee lakes should the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy be established, according to an estimated budget presented during a Natural Resource Commission public hearing Thursday afternoon, July 23. Approximately 13 people attended the hearing, which lasted close to two hours.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 11:02 p.m. Thursday, July 23, North CR 350W, north of Old Road 30, Warsaw. Driver: Diego William Romero, 18, Old Road 30, Warsaw. Romero said he swerved to avoid striking a raccoon that entered the roadway. His vehicle went off the road …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 4:37 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 3500 block Country Club Road, Warsaw. Israel Garza reported theft of a fishing boat valued at $1,500. 3:23 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 600 block North Zimmer Road, Warsaw. Invasion of privacy report. 2:06 a.m. Thursday, July 23, …read more.

Goshen Health has announced a collaboration with Wawasee Community Schools to help children learn about healthier food options and the benefits of staying active while attending four summer lunch site programs, July 20 through Aug. 7.

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana will be distributing food at the following locations the week of July 27:

RE/MAX Results is proud to announce that Jacob Hartle has recently joined our team of dedicated professionals at the Warsaw office.

I want to encourage everyone to visit the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page to view part one of their three-episode documentary on Kosciusko’s JCAP program.

After the death of George Floyd, there was historic, national consensus that we needed to make sure an episode like it never happens again. The American people took to the streets, sending a message loud and clear – and Congress was listening.

Grace College takes another stride forward in its agriculture program by introducing a new sustainable agriculture degree and its new tagline, “Grow with Grace.”

Mrs. Carol Ann Casey, 76, Rochester passed away at  5:05 a.m., July 24, 2020, at St. Vincent’s Hospital of Indianapolis.  Arrangements are pending in the Good Family funeral Home, Rochester.

Ronnie G. Baldridge, 54, Winona Lake, passed away at 12:09 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at his home. He was born on Feb. 21, 1966, in Warsaw, to Will and Delores Marie (Grant) Baldridge. He was a lifetime Warsaw area resident and attended Warsaw High School. He was the former owner / operator of …read more.

Shirley A. Beard, 83, Syracuse died Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Goshen Hospital. She was born Nov. 3, 1936, in Wolf Lake to Roy W. Starkey and A. Loena (Egolf Winebrenner) Starkey. Survivors include daughters, Sandra (Terry) Smith of Middlebury and Tina (Shane, Sr.) Jackson of Shipshewana; sons, Harry Beard, Jr. of Chiefland, Fla., Daniel …read more.

Jack B. Thomson, 92, South Whitley, died at 1 p.m. Wednesday July 22, 2020, at Peabody Retirement Community, where he had been a resident since August 2018. Born in Whitley County, Indiana on Nov. 25, 1927, he was a son of the late Fred H. and Catherine Ruth (Colchin) Thomson. He attended South Whitley Elementary and …read more.

Robert Ralph Harmon, 73, of Larwill, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at his home. Born Oct. 10, 1946, in Argos, he was the son of Harold and Anita (McCutcheon) Harmon. He grew up in Fort Wayne and graduated from North Side High School with the Class of 1965. Robert served in the U.S. Army …read more.

Ronald E. Wolf, 85, Larwill, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at his home. Born July 11, 1935, in Mansfield, Ohio, he was the son of Floyd E. Sr. and Letha F. (Barnes) Wolf. Ronnie grew up in Loudonville, Ohio where he was active in 4-H, enjoyed fishing, riding horses and tractor pulls. While being …read more.

Brian G. Lolmaugh, 69, Columbia City, passed away at 6:29 a.m. on Thursday July 23, 2020, at his residence.  Born on Sept. 10, 1950 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Gail and Margaret (Hart) Lolmaugh. Brian attended Arcola High School and graduated with the Class of 1969.  He worked for Isolatek International for …read more.

James Weaver, 66, Bremen, died 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at his home. He was born April 18, 1954, in Elkhart, to William G. and Annetta (Martin) Weaver. On August 28, 1982, he married Karen (Shaum) Weaver. Surviving are his wife, Karen, Bremen, four children, Julie (Matt) Pletcher, Goshen, Krystal (Justin) Martin, Elkhart, Douglas …read more.

Janet Perschbacher, 75, passed away on Thursday July 23, 2020, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth. Arrangements are currently pending.