The decision reached in March by Lakeland Christian Academy and Warsaw Christian to merge into one school became official on June 30, when both schools signed the official agreement.

All government offices will be closed Friday as part of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Below is a look at how garbage pickup will be affected. Kosciusko The Kosciusko County Offices will be closed Friday, July 3. Claypool The Claypool town office will be closed Friday, July 3. Trash pickup will not be affected. …read more.

Pictured, from left, are board members Doug Ruch, Joe Cazier and Kevin McSherry. This was Cazier’s first meeting as a board member for the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission. By Maggie Kenworthy InkFreeNews WARSAW — During the Kosciusko Area Plan Commission meeting held today, July 1, the commission showed their support for the proposed Polywood economic …read more.

Martin Bloom Sacks, 73, Warsaw, formerly of Sidney, passed away at 2:20 p.m., June 30, 2020, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw. Martin was an only child born to Henry Martin and Lena (Bloom) Sacks on March 27, 1947. Martin married Bonnie Lu Furnas in 1971. The two were married for thirteen years and …read more.

Donald Richard Golden, born Sept. 22, 1937, to Arthur and Erma Golden of Mentone, went to be with Jesus at 4 a.m., June 26, 2020. Don was an army veteran with a passion for engines, exploring junk yards, and most of all a love for Jesus. Throughout his life he was instrumental in establishing churches …read more.

SYRACUSE – Wawasee graduate Zach Leedy has chosen Rose-Hulman to continue his golf and academic careers.

As the Fort Wayne Philharmonic had the unpleasant task of canceling Patriotic Pops concerts over the summer, its thoughts turned to those in the community.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 6:34 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, North CR 300E, Warsaw. Driver: Richard B. Pierson, 40, East CR 300N, Warsaw. Pierson’s vehicle collided with a deer. Damages up to $5,000. 1:58 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, Winona Beach Drive, Warsaw. Drivers: Nancy A. Blue, 68, …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incident: 3:48 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 10300 block North CR 1000E, Cromwell. A miniature dirt bike with a flat tire was located.   Fulton County Officers with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 12:22 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 300 block …read more.

By Sen. Blake Doriot District 12 R-Syracuse INDIANAPOLIS — This week, the Elkhart County Health Department issued a mandate requiring individuals to wear a face covering in all indoor areas open to the public, all outdoor areas open to the public where a distance of six feet from individuals outside of their household cannot be …read more.

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

Kenneth L. “Kenny” Middaugh, 92, Nappanee, passed away, Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Elkhart Hospice House.  He was born Nov. 26, 1927, in Marshall County, to Noble and Blanche (Balsey) Middaugh. Kenneth was a 1945 Nappanee High School graduate. On Aug. 24, 1947, he married Patricia Joann Hare in Warsaw.  Kenneth was a lifelong area …read more.

Francis B. “Bud” Bushell Jr., 79, formerly of Columbia City, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Timbercrest Home of the Brethren, North Manchester, where he had been a resident since March 2019. He was born on Sept. 17, 1940, in Providence, R.I., a son of the late Francis B. and Virginia Rose …read more.

Arleen Zumbrun, 88, formerly of Churubusco, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Oak Point Assisted Living in Columbia City. Arrangements are pending

Robert L. “Duke” Richards, 87, Churubusco, passed unexpectedly at his home on Monday, June 29, 2020. Born in Churubusco, on Dec. 15, 1932, to the late Lloyd and Juanita (Davis) Richards. He spent his formative years in Churubusco, graduating from Churubusco High School in 1950. He served our country in the United States Army from …read more.

Russell Claude Gagnon Jr., 80, North Manchester passed away July 1, 2020 at 6:08 a.m. at his residence. On Jan. 5, 1940, Russell was born in Silver Lake, to Russel C. and Sara Annabelle (Hamilton) Gagnon Sr. Russell earned his high school diploma through the military graduating in 1962. Russell served in the United States …read more.

Jill Lynn McCarty, 59, Plymouth, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020. Jill was born on June 12, 1961, the daughter of the late Donald and Betty (Jester) Smith. She is survived by four children, Richard Eugene McCarty, Jr of Nyona Lake, Richard Joseph Hopkins, Jr. of Plymouth, Brittney Lynn Madden of Terre Haute, and …read more.

July 4 is set as the reopening date for the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend continues to operate. 

News Release LEESBURG — Maple Leaf Farms continues to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, the company donated thousands of pounds of duck products to give back to its foodservice customers that have been affected by these hard times, and pledged to donate a portion of its e-commerce sales to furloughed …read more.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for SR 14 between CR 150E and CR 200 E beginning Monday, July 6.

An Air Quality Action Day has been declared by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for Thursday, July 2, in Elkhart County.

Governor Eric Holcomb has put a pause on the state of Indiana entering Stage 5 of the “Back on Track” re-opening plan.

The popular First Friday car show present by the Baker Youth Club has been reformatted to a Car Cruise-In.

Between noon Monday, June 29, and noon Wednesday, July 1, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 14 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 506, with three deaths.

A local health official expressed hope Wednesday morning that Gov. Eric Holcomb will not fully move the state into stage 5 in the reopening process.

The town of Syracuse is unfurling new welcome banners, starting this week just in time for the Fourth of July holiday. Featuring four alternating designs, the welcome signs spotlight elements making Syracuse unique.

Hot and dry.

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

Planning is underway for this year’s Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony in Warsaw.

Doris Marie Nafziger, 98, Goshen, peacefully left her earthly home on June 25, and was welcomed into her eternal home in heaven by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Doris was born Oct. 29, 1921, to Harvey and Carrie King, Archbold, Ohio. At age 13, she accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and was baptized …read more.

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is set to open to the public on July 11. 

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incident: 4:18 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 3100 block East Wooster Road, Pierceton. Officers investigated a report of battery committed with a deadly weapon.   Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents: 11:34 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2100 block East …read more.

The Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) today announced the launch of the organization’s updated brand identity. 

The State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis is hosting Fairgrounds Fun Park, which will focus on rides and the food.

Recently, the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion Squadron #49 donated $500 to the Kosciusko County Shrine Club Turkey Shoot to benefit for the Shrine Children’s Hospitals.

WARSAW – Chase Carl and Trey Koontz helped lead the Pirates to an 8-3 win over the Rockies Tuesday at Warsaw Little League.

A Plymouth man was recently arrested after allegedly murdering a woman with a machete.

The Indiana license branch in Warsaw saw a large line of people Tuesday, June 30, in preparation for administration fees being reintroduced.

A hands-free law regarding cellular phone usage while driving goes into effect Wednesday, July 1.

SOUTH WHITLEY – Whitko made three big hires to its athletic department coaching roster in Chris Benedict, Justin Jordan and Mike Howard.

Bryce Lydell Hershberger, 26, of Rochester, passed away at 7:40 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2020, as a result of a motorcycle accident. He was born Aug. 25, 1993, in Elkhart, to Trent and Sheila (Slabaugh) Hershberger. Bryce was a 2012 graduate of NorthWood High School. On May 29, 2013 he married Cathy Robertson in Plymouth. …read more.

Larry Johnson, 79, Avilla, passed away on June 27, 2020, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born in Whitley County, on Jan. 4, 1941, to the late Oscar and Lea (Smith) Johnson. Larry was not afraid to work. He retired from Harvester after 15 years. He also worked for the State of Indiana …read more.

Larry Kaiser, 61, Syracuse passed away on June 25, 2020, at Parkview Regional Medical Center.  Arrangements are pending.

James “Jim” W. Carpenter, 91, North Manchester, passed away June 28, 2020 at 7:25 a.m. at Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester. The first son of Lee and Mildred (Mortensen) Carpenter, Jim was born Oct. 13, 1928, in Amboy. He was later joined by younger brother Robert.  As a child Jim enjoyed visiting and spending time …read more.

Linda J. Dyer, 50, LaPaz, passed away on June 26, 2020, at her home. Linda was born the daughter of Gerhardt Owen “Gary” and Mildred (Griggs) Leed on Nov. 24, 1950, in Plymouth. On July 25, 1989, she married the love of her life, Paul L. Dyer, Sr. They married in Plymouth. She was a …read more.

Nancy E. Owens, 86, of Warsaw, passed at 3:29 pm, Sunday, June 28, 2020, at her residence. Nancy was born on July 11, 1933 in Kewanna, to the late Samuel and Yvonne (O’Dell) Ware. She had been a factory worker and helped people in home health care as well as being a homemaker.  She was …read more.

The State of Indiana has filed an appellee’s brief with the Indiana Court of Appeals in response to Alyssa Shepherd’s appellant’s brief. Shepherd, the 25-year-old Rochester motorist who struck four children, killing three of them at a bus stop on SR 25, is appealing her prison sentence.

Sandra Hartman died quietly, March 26, 2020, at her home in Elkhart. She had been battling the effects of a stroke from 2 years ago and all the other ailments that inevitably come with age. She often mentioned that the golden years aren’t always so golden. No one will write a novel, there will not …read more.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 5:50 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, East CR 900S, Claypool. Driver: Ashley Craft, 36, South CR 825W, Akron. Craft’s vehicle struck a deer. Damages up to $5,000.  5:59 p.m. Monday, June 29, North CR 1000W, Nappanee. Drivers: Kathryn L. Miller, 69, Settlers Trail, …read more.

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday signed an executive Order 2 extending the prohibition on evictions, foreclosures, and the disconnection of utility services.

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Katrina L. Mills has been promoted to Operations Solutions Architect Officer. 

COVID-19 data for Elkhart County continues to show a rise in the number of those tested and positive cases during the last 24 hours.

Josephine Yates, 81, Warsaw, passed away at 5:25 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2020, in Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw. Josephine  was born Oct. 10, 1938, in Prestonsburg, Ky. to Dan and Martha (Marsillett) Reffitt. She was united in marriage to Burnis “Bud” Ousley Sept. 22, 1954 in Floyd County, Ky. He preceded her in death …read more.

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

Mayor Joe Thallemer, who has been an outspoken advocate of taking precautions against COVID-19, has tested positive for the virus.

Boaters preparing for the Independence Day holiday should be aware that Indiana Conservation Officers will be on high alert for violations of boating-under-the-influence laws.

Tippecanoe Valley High School would like to communicate a fully developed, and detailed, plan that is necessary for TVHS to have a safe graduation ceremony.

Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents: 4:51 p.m. Monday, June 30, 1100 block Executive Drive, Warsaw. Trevor A. Williams reported theft.  3:23 p.m. Monday, June 30, 500 block Clinic Court, Warsaw. Kevin A. Frentner reported criminal mischief. 11:03 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 1000 block Anchorage Road, Warsaw. Disorderly conduct investigation. …read more.

Claypool Officers with the Claypool Police Department investigated the following accident: 5:02 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, South CR 450W, Claypool. Driver: Heather A. Horton, 28, South CR 100E, Claypool. Horton’s vehicle struck a deer. Damages up to $2,500.  Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents: 7:11 pm. Monday, June 29, Hepler …read more.

The Rotary Club of North Manchester is taking its Weber Grills on the road for the third annual North Manchester Rotary Grilled Chicken BBQ.

Josephine Yates, 81, of Warsaw, passed away at 5:25 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2020, in Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw. Arrangements are currently pending with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

Martha Jane Brubaker, 82, Warsaw, passed away at 1:43 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake. Jane was born April 9, 1938, in Warsaw, to Chauncey and Margaret (Towns) Tucker. Jane graduated from Claypool High School in 1956 as valedictorian of her class. She married Larry Jay Brubaker on …read more.

Dear Editor, My name is Tim Keyes, and I am a born and raised resident of Warsaw and chose to stay and help make our city a better place after finishing college. I have a great friend and ally in this effort: Travis McConnell. I met him by chance, recommended to his law practice for …read more.

Andrew Mullan “Andy” Culbertson, 71, Silver Lake, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020, at his home. He was born in Augusta, Georgia on July 8, 1948, to Wells and Miriam Culbertson. Andy was a graduate of North Augusta High School and continued his studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Upon graduating Georgia Tech and …read more.

Michiana Forty under 40 is an annual program that is in collaboration with the South Bend Regional Chamber, Young Professionals Network South Bend, and other local partners.

Grace College Worship Arts and Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church will partner for an evening of original worship songs and hymn arrangements at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church Worship Center, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake. 

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. June 22 — 28, 2020 …read more.

A Rochester man died Monday night when his motorcycle crashed into the side of a minivan southwest of Nappanee.

NORTH WEBSTER – The Astros major baseball team in the Wawasee Summer League stood #KryderStrong Monday evening.

Elkhart County The following person was booked in the Elkhart County Corrections Facility: 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:

WARSAW – The CCAC Attack organization won three tournament titles over the weekend in BPA baseball play.

Warsaw Community Schools’ Food Services recently announced that for the week of July 6, there will not be meals served through the summer meals for kids program.

Jim Nichols passed away on April 5, 2020. He will be laid to rest in St. Anne’s Church columbarium on July 2, with a private ceremony. There will be an American Legion salute outside the church at 11 a.m. Friends of Jim are welcome to observe from the parking lot (424 W. Market St. Warsaw). …read more.

Martha Jane Brubaker, 82, Warsaw, passed away at 1:43 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2020, in Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake. Arrangements are currently pending with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel. To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

The public will have the opportunity to enjoy fair food this week at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds even though the community fair has been cancelled.

John E. Gaerte, 98, rural Macy, went to be with the Lord at 6:37 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Woodlawn Hospital of Rochester. John was born on Feb. 17, 1922, west of North Manchester in Wabash County to the late Ray M. and Annette E. (Schipper) Gaerte. On March 28, 1948, in Wabash, he …read more.

Kimberly Sue Diehm, 57, Ligonier, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born on March 27, 1963, in Knoxville, Tenn., the daughter of Donald and Helen (Yearly) Hubbard. On June 5, 1981, she married Gregory Allen Diehm in Fort Wayne. Kim moved to Ligonier in 1985 and …read more.

Habitat for Humanity hosted a blessing for a recently built home for Jamie and Rob Nichter.

Between noon Friday, June 26, and noon Monday, June 29, the Kosciusko County Health Department reported a total of 47 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the county’s total number of reported cases to 501, with three deaths.

WEST LAFAYETTE – Chloe Johnson and her twin sister, Faith, went one-two to top the field at the Central Junior Masters golf tournament.

Diana Marie Sult, 80, Rochester, passed away at 3:15 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2020, at Kosciusko Community Hospital of Warsaw. On June 25, 1940, Diana was born in Rochester to Russell and Mable Craig Wagoner. Diana and William David Sult were married on Nov. 8, 1959, in Richland Township. Their union produced three sons. They shared …read more.

Goshen Health released information on increases at its facility due to COVID-19. The numbers, as of June 29 are:

SOUTH BEND – St. Mary’s College women’s golfer Summer Stillson was named an Academic All-American for the third straight season.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Monday, June 29, denied a joint utility petitioners’ request for a rate hike to offset lost revenue during the pandemic.

Purdue University Fort Wayne has signed an articulation agreement with Ivy Tech Community College.

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incidents: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 300 block South Main St., North Webster. Tyler M. Kissinger reported vehicle theft. Value: $500. 2:15 p.m. Friday, June 26, 100 block EMS W25 Lane, North Webster. Joseph M. Ludwick Jr. reported criminal mischief.   Milford Officers …read more.

Claypool Officers with the Claypool Police Department investigated the following accident: 10:28 p.m. Saturday, June 27, South SR 15, south of West CR 400S, Claypool. Driver: Leanna M. Bell, 47, West CR 1200S, Silver Lake. Bell was traveling south on SR 15 when a deer entered the roadway. Damages up to $5,000.   Kosciusko County …read more.

The Elkhart County Health Department has issued a public health order regarding a face covering mandate. The order was filed at 12:12 p.m. Monday, June 29.

The Nappanee Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship Pageant will headline Thursday’s opening events at the 45th annual Nappanee Apple Festival, September 17.

A Pierceton woman will serve 13 years in prison for two drug dealing cases.

Herman E. Conley passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 27, 2020, in Etna Green, at the age of 88. He was born on April 27, 1932, in Swamp Branch, Ky. Herman was the second oldest of sixteen children born to Lana Frances (May) Conley and Bertie Conley. On June 15, 1957, he was married to …read more.

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

A rare copy of a 16 mm film titled “Marching Forward” was found while volunteers were cleaning out the basement of a home owned by The Warsaw Salvation Army on Arthur Street. 

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: 9:57 a.m. Friday, June 26, East CR 1300N, east of North CR 250E, Syracuse. Driver: Bradley R. Nunemaker, 49, Twilight Street, Edwardsburg, Mich. A low hanging power line was caught on a trailer Nunemaker was pulling as he was driving. No damage …read more.

Milford Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the following incident: 11:47 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 100 block Section Street, Milford. Alesha Simmons reported theft of a bicycle valued at $100. North Webster Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incident: 10:29 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 300 bloc Crystal Flash Road, North …read more.

Thomas D. Smith, 50, Etna Green, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Arrangements are currently pending with Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw. Condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com

The door at 130 S. Main St., Milford, was locked for the last time at Whetten Pizza.

By Briley Gargis InkFreeNews BREMEN – The Mint City Open pickleball tournament had a huge turnout Saturday, June 27. Bremen Pickleball Club hosted their first inaugural pickleball scramble and tournament with the scramble on Friday, June 26, and a proper tournament Saturday, on 16 lighted courts. With over 200 players from 13 states in attendance, …read more.

Sandra L. “Sandie” (Hays) Myer, 72, Leesburg, passed away Wednesday evening, June 24, 2020, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. She was born on Oct. 3, 1947, in Lafayette, to Earl and Marian (Gregory) Hays. Sandie was united in marriage to Robert Lee Myer on Aug. 31, 1968, in Lafayette. She was …read more.

Jerry G. Gidley, 72, of South Whitley, passed away at 8:46 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 18, 1948, in Chauncey Hollow, W. Va., she was the daughter of Alonzo C. and Alberta(Sias) Varney. Jerry attended Magnolia High School in Matewen, W. Va., and …read more.