Gerald Willard Holland, 80, Syracuse, passed away peacefully at 1:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2020, in Elkhart General Hospital. Gerald was born on March 14, 1940, in Flint, Mich., the son of the late Willard and Aleitha Parker Holland. On Sept. 22, 2000, he married Mary Moretto. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; …read more.

MISHAWAKA – Mishawaka leaves 90-plus years of comfort of the Northern Indiana Conference to join the Northern Lakes Conference in 2020.

News Release INDIANAPOLIS – The results of the first statewide random sample study in the United States to measure the spread of COVID-19 indicated a general population prevalence of about 2.8 percent in Indiana. This closely monitored study was conducted by the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI in collaboration …read more.

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.

Grace Village Retirement Community has announced its new CEO.

Small Claims The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding: Warsaw Health System LLC c/o Komyatte & Casbon PC v. Tera L. Bumgardner, $2,680.49 Karlee Kintzel, $2,734.06 Glenbrook Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Terry L. Eastwood, $5,897.81 Heather R. Grant, $6,000 Rhonda Johnson, $6,000 Deborah Morrison, $6,000 …read more.

A North Webster national historic monument, the Dixie sternwheel paddleboat, is being honored Saturday, July 25.

The  Syracuse Clerk-Treasurer’s office at the Syracuse Town Hall will be open to the public by appointment only starting on Monday the 27.  This will remain in effect until further notification.

Staff Report INDIANAPOLIS – The rivalry between Attorney General Curtis Hill and Gov. Eric Holcomb expanded on Wednesday, July 22, when Hill announced his opposition to the way Holcomb introduced a new statewide mask mandate. Hours after Holcomb announced the mandate, which begins Monday, Hill released an opinion saying it’s not constitutional. Hill issued an …read more.

Kosciusko County Health Department is now asking organizers who are planning for events larger than 250 people to now fill out a form explaining how precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be addressed.

The Syracuse Lake Association Breakfast and Annual Meeting, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, has been cancelled.

After almost 27 years of service, Suzie Light has officially retired as CEO of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. 

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

Kosciusko County Officers with the Warsaw Police Department responded to the following accidents: 1:47 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, on SR 15, near East Main St., Warsaw. Drivers: Jeffery A. Moore, 60, West CR 800S, Claypool; and Earl E. Stutzman, 90, Grey Wolf Court, Warsaw. Moore was traveling west on Main Street when he went through …read more.

The state’s drive-thru testing site in Warsaw will continue for an additional two weeks, said Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer during a coronavirus media briefing on Wednesday at City Hall.

Joe Devon “Joey” Riegsecker, 28, Nappanee, passed away at 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020, as a result from an accident.  He was born Dec. 20, 1991, in Goshen, to Joe and Linda (Hochstetler) Riegsecker.  He was a lifelong area resident. Surviving are his parents, Joe and Linda Riegsecker, Nappanee; sister, Delaine (Matthew) Troyer, Nappanee; …read more.

George M. Young, 86, Warsaw, died at  9:36 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2020, at his residence. Arrangements are pending with Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com

Teresa Marie Swarthout Shaffer, Tuscon, Ariz., formerly of Winona Lake, and Cuba, N.Y., lost her five-year battle with ALS aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease on Friday, June 26, 2020. Teresa was born July 15, 1950, in Cuba, to Merle Ward and Elizabeth Agnes Wood Swarthout. She married Roger Shaffer Aug. 14, 1971. Teresa was a high …read more.

Joy Louise Flora, 64, Warsaw, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at 11:17 p.m. at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne surrounded by family. Joy was born on Feb. 23, 1956, in Bangui (FEA), Congo, but was a lifelong area resident. She was a member of Warsaw Community Church and enjoyed devoting her time to …read more.

Eleanor Wells, 83, LaFontaine, died at 7:15 a.m., July 22, 2020, at Rolling Meadows Healthcare Center in LaFontaine. She was born Nov. 11, 1936, in Martin, Kentucky to Paul and Eva (Kilborn) Samons. Eleanor married Darvin Wells in Clintwood, Virginia on Feb. 24, 1966; he died June 25, 2008. She retired from Wagner’s in Wabash. …read more.

Jeffrey E. Knepper, 56, passed away on July 21, 2020 at 7:35 p.m. at the South Bend Hospice House. Jeffrey, son of Richard and Shurla (Cudney) Knepper, was born on Oct. 27, 1963 in Plymouth, Indiana, where he remained a lifelong resident. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1982. After graduating, he spent several …read more.

ELKHART – After nearly two decades inside the confines of the Northern Lakes Conference, Elkhart Memorial is morphing into Elkhart High School and rejoining the Northern Indiana Conference.

Results from the 2020 Kosciusko County 4-H Livestock Auction have been released.

Between noon Monday, July 20, and noon Wednesday, July 22, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 27 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 721, with eight deaths.

Three people signed paperwork to run for Warsaw School Board positions, including two incumbents and one newcomer.

Marshall County UNIT Officers ended numerous lengthy investigations and coordinated a multi-agency operation resulting in the apprehension of 20 individuals in and around Marshall County for drug offenses.

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.

The 2020 graduates of Bethel University’s School of Nursing at Grace College boast a 100% NCLEX-RN Boards exam pass rate so far.

Grace College celebrates Dr. Paulette Sauders’ 55 faithful years of service upon her retirement this summer.

The Claypool Town Council discussed the town’s fire contract with the Claypool Volunteer Fire Department during a meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

Beginning Monday, July 27, Hoosiers will be required to wear masks.

Tornado Siren testing for the Town of Silver Lake is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, in the afternoon.

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

The Kosciusko County Community Foundation is opening a special grant program to address financial challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is asking Hoosiers to pay with a credit card or check when possible to complete transactions.

An Atwood man is facing multiple criminal charges after continuously messaging and threatening a woman while violating a protective order.

Robert G. “Bob” Hickman, 57, Milford, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2020, at his home. He was born on Aug. 11, 1962, in Goshen, to Jackie Dale and Nancy J. (Galvin) Hickman. He graduated in 1981 from Wawasee High School in Syracuse and 1986 from Ball State University in Muncie. He returned to Milford …read more.

Candace Smythe was honored for her 25 years with the North Webster Police Department at the North Webster Town Council meeting, Tuesday, July 21. It was held in the North Webster Community Center. She received an engraved plate to commemorate the anniversary from President Lisa Strombeck and Police Chief Greg Church to a round of applause to those in attendance.

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

The Winona Lake Residential Parking Study was presented to the town board Tuesday, July 21.

Demand for free COVID-19 testing remains strong in Warsaw.

Alan Tio, CEO of Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, provided an update on the organization to the Syracuse Town Council during its monthly meeting Tuesday night, July 21.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 8:48 a.m. Monday, July 20, 300 block EMS D15 Lane, Syracuse. Roger Mikels reported the theft of items from a vehicle. Items stolen include fishing rods and tackle boxes. Value: $6,225. 7:47 a.m. Monday, July 20, 7800 block East CR 1000N, Syracuse. …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 4:35 p.m. Monday, July 20, West US 30, east of North CR 350W, Warsaw. Driver: Courtney L. Shadday, 23, West 8th Street, Rochester. Shadday was traveling west on US 30 when her vehicle struck a large wooden object in the roadway. Damage …read more.

Although the board filled the entire garage bay of Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District with chairs, only two public members were present for its monthly meeting Monday, July 20. There is still no official word on whether the district will move forward with sewering parts of Wawasee, but the board did provide updates on some of the moving pieces required to finalize plans.

On Saturday, July 11, 11 Lakeland Christian Academy graduates walked across the stage at the annual commencement ceremony.

The Syracuse Town Council made quick work of approving a number of resolutions and ordinances associated with Polywood’s expansion during its regular meeting Tuesday night, July 21. This was the first time the council met in person since the state shut down due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Robert “Bob” Devon Konkle, 75, Enoree, S.C., passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2020. He was born on Thursday, Feb. 1, 1945, in Warsaw, to the late Ray Konkle and the late Iva Jean Willard Konkle. Bob was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of Cedar Shoals Baptist Church in Enoree, …read more.

Karen White, 70, Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 20, 2020, in Fort Wayne’s Lutheran Hospital. Karen was born on Feb. 12, 1950, in Wabash. She was the daughter of the late Lloyd D and Roselyn L (Shafer) Benner. She was a 1968 graduate of Wabash High School and was a real estate broker, …read more.

Gerald O. “Jerry” Boyd, 90, formerly of Columbia City, died at 3:20 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2020, at Saint Anne’s Retirement Community, Fort Wayne, where he was a resident for the past week. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 4, 1930, he was a son of the late Clarence Oyvand Boyd and Winnie (Harris) Boyd. …read more.

Bobby Holland, 77, passed away from a sudden heart attack on Monday July 20, 2020, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth. Born in Sassafras, Ky. on Jan. 9, 1943, Bobby was the son of Arnold Holland and Ruth (Woods) Ritchie. In Franklin, Ohio Bobby married Sandra L. Richards in 1965. And to this happy …read more.

Ronnie G. Baldridge, 54, Winona Lake, passed away at 12:09 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd. 15, Warsaw

Robert G. “Bob” Hickman, 57, Milford, passed away on July 20, 2020, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse,

WINONA LAKE – Local boy gone good, Jake Poyner, is leading Grace College to unprecedented heights as its cross country head coach.

If you have a passion for gardening and enjoy teaching others how to grow plants, the Purdue Extension Service has a class for you.

Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: Elkhart County The following people were booked in the Elkhart County Corrections Facility: Fulton County The following person was booked in the Fulton County Jail: Noble County The following people were booked in the Noble County Jail: Whitley County The following people were …read more.

A petition requesting that Warsaw Community Schools develop a safer reopening plan has been launched at change.com.

Since the Mermaid Festival could not be held due to COVID-19 restrictions, the North Webster Lions Club felt it would like to bring a bit of fun to the community for one day only in 2020, ending with the Demolition Derby.

Lois L. Murray-Ulerick, 87, Rochester, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Monday July 20, 2020, at Life Care Center of Rochester. She was born on Feb. 7, 1933, in Rochester , the daughter of Emmett and Lenora (Smith) Frasa. On April 27, 1956, at Bruce Lake, Indiana, she married Ronald L. Murray. He preceded her in …read more.

Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee discussed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Conklin Bay project at the Monday night, July 20, meeting.

An update on the new project was also discussed. Minor issues are still being addressed. Selge Construction was on-site last week to follow up. Erlene Yentes, executive director, updated the committee that educational signs are located along the trail.

By Lauren Zeugner InkFreeNews SYRACUSE  —  In a brief 20-minute Zoom meeting Tuesday morning, July 21, the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission passed two resolutions that will keep Polywood’s proposed expansion and the development of a new ballpark moving forward. Dennis Otten, of Bose McKinney Evans, the law firm assisting the town on this project, briefly explained …read more.

Thomas “Tom” Lee Simpson, 72, Silver Lake, passed away at 5:36 a.m., July 21, 2020, at his home. On Aug. 26, 1947, Tom was born in Wabash, to Floyd and Martha (Hiner) Simpson. Tom married Tamara “Tammy” McCullough on June 15, 1985. The two were wed for thirty-five years. For many years Tom worked as …read more.

A local man will serve two years in prison after a traffic stop resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine.

Fredrick Dean Hershberger, 82, Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. He was born on July 10, 1937 to his late mother, Francis Evelyn (Kaylor) Neff. Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Andrea (Riffe) Hershberger; daughters Betsy Hershberger (Brian Habic) of Elkhart; Jennifer (Todd) Crist of Granger; son Fred (Whitney) Hershberger Jr. …read more.

Community Corrections Executive Director Barry Andrew came before the commissioners with a vehicle purchase request at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, July 21.

One year after an initial investment of $400,000 in 2019 to begin the Whitko Career Academy, The 80/20 Foundation Trust, led by John Wood and the Board of Directors decided unanimously to invest an additional $2,433,877 in the future of manufacturing.

Warsaw resident Paul Schue captured photographs of Comet NEOWISE, which made its closest approach to the sun on July 3.

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

The special meeting of the Wawasee Community School Corporation board of trustees Monday, July 20, lasted only 12 minutes, but the board’s action could have districtwide impact for the next eight years.

City Council is already making adjustments in funding for road work in anticipation of shortfalls in revenues as a result of the pandemic.

News Release  LARWILL – The Whitko Community School Board approved the back-to-school plan for the 2020-2021 school year Monday, July 20. The re-opening plan includes a manual that was sent out to students, parents, teachers, and other staff that outlines multiple student learning options. The school district will continue to issue all K-12 students a …read more.

Breanna Therese Waldenville, 25, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Born in Fort Wayne, Breanna was the daughter of Corey Waldenville and the late Carolyn Mudrack. Breanna attended Northrop High School. Breanna like her mom Carolyn, loved to care for her residence at Majestic Care. She loved her children and cherished each moment with them. …read more.

Waunita P. “Nan-Nan” Cunningham, 83, Milford, passed away July 17, 2020, at home surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born, May 30, 1937, in Grantsville, W. Va. to Arthur and Minnie (Bennett) Richards. Nan-Nan loved children and taking care of people. She loved animals, enjoyed watching her favorite …read more.

Karen White, 70, died Monday, July 20, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital. A Life Celebration is pending with Titus Funeral Home. To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com.

Paul Edwin Heimbach, Warsaw, passed away after a lengthy illness at 2:45 a.m. on his 53rd birthday, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He was born on July 7, 1967 in Reading, Penn. son of Janet Marie Heimbach and Stanley P. Heimbach, Jr. On Aug. 21, 1993, …read more.

Vivian L. Vetor, 89, died Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Goshen Hospital. She was born Oct. 14, 1930, in Nappanee, to Denzil L. and Gertrude V. Smith Babcock. On Nov. 24, 1961, she married Fred Vetor. He survives along with two children, Cynthia R. Vetor DeLaMer and family, Egg Harbor, Wis.; and Nanette M. (Jim) …read more.

Patricia Ann Aitken, 87, and a longtime resident of Warsaw, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on Aug. 17, 1932, in Wabash, and was the daughter of the late Pierre Marvin and Hazel Bush Marvin. Pat, as most knew her, was a 1950 graduate of …read more.

WINONA LAKE – The Hohm Home for Chris Hohm and his family is going to drastically change as they prepare for a move to Tanzania in August.

InkFreeNews offers outstanding advertising solutions whether your marketing goal is to launch a new business, drive traffic in-store or online or build name recognition. Look below to see last week’s viewership numbers and take advantage of what InkFreeNews has to offer. For advertising, call Kip Schumm. (574) 658-4111, ext. 2328. July 13 — 19, 2020 …read more.

MENTONE — The Tippecanoe Valley School Board approved the corporation’s reopening plan at the meeting held tonight, July 20. The main points from the reopening plan introduced last week remain the same. There were minor changes regarding the wording related to COVID-19 symptoms and positive test protocols. These two sections now come directly from the …read more.

Caroline Day, left, accepts the corporation’s Teacher of the Year award from School Board President Aaron Zolman. MENTONE — The Tippecanoe Valley School Board chose to honor the corporation’s teachers of the year during the meeting held tonight, July 20. Tania Grimes, director of curriculum, explained that each year, the Indiana Department of Education conducts the …read more.

Between noon Friday, July 17, and noon Monday, July 20, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 84 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 694, with eight deaths.

Fulton County The following people were booked in the Fulton County Jail: Marshall County The following person was booked in the Marshall County Jail: Whitley County The following people were booked in the Whitley County Jail:

Elkhart County Officers with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accident: 10:43 p.m. Sunday, July 19, SR 15 and CR 146, New Paris. Drivers: William Huston, 85, Columbia City; and Jeffrey Mathews, 45, New Paris. Injured: Alberta Lee, 83, North Binkley Road, no town listed, complained of pain to the neck, chest and …read more.

Elkhart County Officers with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 12:15 p.m. Monday, July 13, Daniel Marchand of D&S Trucking LLC, CR 23, New Paris, reported an unknown person entered onto the property and removed a 2021 Heartland North Trailer camper between July 9 and July 13. 6:19 a.m. Saturday, July 11, …read more.

A Warsaw man has been arrested after allegedly taking items from the company he worked for.

The man who drove his car into Carr Lake on July 15, shoots himself during a police interaction in Celina, Ohio, according to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, and Darrin Wright of WOWO news. 

Douglas Eugene Marsillett III, a big name for a little boy with an even bigger heart, who was affectionately known by everyone as just Dougie, was taken from this world too soon. He passed away at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, on Friday, July 17, 2020 at the age of 5. He was born on …read more.

A Warsaw man was arrested after entering into a contract to perform roof repair and then allegedly failing to complete the job. 

Candy L. Housouer, 63, of Nappanee, died at 3:35 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2020, at her residence of natural causes. She had been in ill health since 2004.  She was born Feb. 2, 1957 in Plymouth to Earl E. and Carolyn Sue (Ham) Elliott. Mrs. Housouer moved to Nappanee 26 years ago. She married Jerry Housouer …read more.

Melesio Sosa of Warsaw, passed away at 9:18 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne at the age of 64. He was born on Feb. 12, 1956, in Tierra Blanca, Tantoyuca, Veracruz, Mexico to Santana Sosa and Leonica (Ponce). On April 2, 1977, he was married to Maria Moctezuma, who …read more.

Lorene C. Tesh, 72, Warsaw and formerly of Wabash, passed at 4:38 p.m., Sunday, July 19, 2020, at her residence. Lorene was born on May 13, 1948, in Floyd County, Ky., to the late Fred and Myrtle (Manns) Conley. She married on Oct. 21, 1967, to Leon F. Tesh, who preceded her in death on …read more.

A Syracuse man was recently arrested after choking a woman twice with a belt.

Calling all elementary kids. Bring a parent to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation this Wednesday morning at 9 for a fun experience learning about wetlands.

Paul Eugene Gibson, 61, Claypool, passed away at 3:06 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2020, in Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Paul was born April 27, 1959, in Warsaw, to Richard and Athne (Slone) Gibson. He was united in marriage to Rosemary (Honeycutt) Sexton on Aug. 31, 1997 in Claypool. Paul was a lifetime resident of …read more.

WARSAW — There’s no denying that the YMCA and the history of sports are uniquely intertwined. The YMCA is where many young people are first introduced to playing sports and even where many sports, like basketball and volleyball, were invented. The YMCA was even the first organization to pay someone to play quarterback, making him the first professional football player.

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

Below is COVID-19 activity for Goshen Health as of July 20, going back to March 11.

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Dave Wolkins is urging residents to participate in the 2020 Census. Census responses are critical to future federal funding in local communities, and Hoosiers should respond now if they have not already done so, Wolkins said in a news release. Door-to-door visits by Census workers was set to begin in some …read more.

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