KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Christmas is a special time of year and local cities and towns want to help make it a special celebration for their friends, families and neighbors. One of the most popular ways to bring the community together for the holidays is with a Christmas tree lighting gathering.

WARSAW — Jeff Wagoner was “never big on decorating for Christmas” during his childhood years in Rochester or his 15 years living in Kentucky. But after he moved to Warsaw three years ago, at the amicable challenge of his neighbors, he went all Clark Griswold. “The neighbors across the road said, ‘You will never match …read more.

    NAPPANEE — Coppes Commons, 401 E. Market St., Nappanee, is, once again, hosting several free events to celebrate the Christmas season on Dec. 6 & 7.  “A Coppes Christmas” will kick off with an open house from 5-9 p.m. Friday evening. In-store specials will be offered throughout the restored 19th Century furniture factory, …read more.

SYRACUSE — “Several hundred” Christmastime revelers braved the elements to enjoy a variety of Yuletide festivities offered by Chautauqua Wawasee Saturday, Nov. 30, at Oakwood Park. For the most part, the rain held off. The cold and blustery winds did not. The temperature hovered just above freezing and a blustery 16-mph wind off Lake Wawasee …read more.

SYRACUSE — For those looking for a unique fun-filled Christmas family activity, Chautauqua-Wawasee plans to celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. The celebration is open to the public, free of charge, no registration is required. The event will be held outdoors on the …read more.

SYRACUSE — “A Christmas Carol” based on the novel by Charles Dickens is clearly a Christmas classic and would likely be one of the most produced high school plays across the United States. Wawasee High School will present “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — The annual Breakfast with Santa at the North Webster Community Center took place this morning, Dec. 8. The Lakeland Kiwanis was busy serving a breakfast of pancakes and sausage beginning at 9:30 a.m. The community center’s gym was filled with the laughter of children until the event’s very end at 11:30 a.m.

NORTH WEBSTER — Though North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce lacked a quorum necessary to take any official action Monday, Nov. 12, the members present discussed a full slate of topics. Brenda Peterson presented the treasurer’s report, noting the organization has $5,019.06 in its general account and $10,813.34 plus an unrecorded October interest accrual in the …read more.

Kids were excited to see Santa and Jingles the elf during Winona Lake’s Christmas event this year. KOSCIUSKO — As we head into the holiday weekend, Ink Free News is once again asking readers to submit their favorite Christmas photos, current or past. We welcome readers’ submissions of funny, sweet and memorable photos related to the …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko County residents must have been dreaming of a white Christmas because the county received snow just in time for the holiday. According to the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana, snow totals varied based on location. Winona Lake received 4 inches, Warsaw received 2.5 inches, Leesburg received 3 inches. As usual, locations …read more.

Santa came to visit the North Webster Community Center earlier this month. Pictured on Santa’s lap, from left are Peyton Bartels and Chloe Bartels. Wyatt Bartels, 14 months old, sits on Chloe’s lap since he is unsure of Santa. KOSCIUSKO — As we head into the holiday weekend, Ink Free News is once again asking readers …read more.

Copelynn Pearson, Warsaw, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus earlier this month at the Warsaw Community Public Library. KOSCIUSKO — As we head into the holiday weekend, Ink Free News is once again asking readers to submit their favorite Christmas photos, current or past. We welcome readers’ submissions of funny, sweet and memorable photos related to …read more.

Carol (left) and Pernell (right) enjoy a laugh with Santa last Saturday, Dec. 17. KOSCIUSKO — As we head into the holiday weekend, Ink Free News is once again asking readers to submit their favorite Christmas photos, current or past. We welcome readers’ submissions of funny, sweet and memorable photos related to the Christmas holiday. Whether it …read more.

Oliver Conley appears a bit uncertain about sharing his Christmas wish list with Santa earlier this month. KOSCIUSKO — As we head into the holiday weekend, Ink Free News is once again asking readers to submit their favorite Christmas photos, current or past. We welcome readers’ submissions of funny, sweet and memorable photos related to …read more.

WARSAW — Owens continued to touch the hearts of the Warsaw community this holiday season. While the Edgewood Middle School wrapped up its food drive at Owens, Manager Kris Johnson and a handful of staff members took Christmas to seniors at Retired Tigers Saturday morning, Dec. 16. “We have a lot of people who come …read more.

Syracuse Church of God, 104 E. Washington St., Syracuse, will hold a Christmas service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. The service will include Christmas carols, candle lighting and communion. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call Pastor Stan Owen at (574) 457-2796.

WINONA LAKE — The holiday festivities continued this weekend as crowds flocked to the Village of Winona for some Christmas fun Saturday evening, Nov. 25, in Winona Lake. Families came out to watch the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree but not until first enjoying some sweet treats, warm drinks, fires and entertainment. Children were …read more.

WARSAW — With winter approaching, many services are looking for donations to help families in need, keep out of the cold and celebrate the holidays. Locally, Combined Community Services and The Salvation Army are options available to those looking to donate. Combined Community Services serves the community offering utility and clothing assistance, helping the community …read more.

WARSAW — “You imposed a life sentence for these folks,” Kosciusko Superior Court III Judge Joe Sutton stated to Mickgomery Hisey, 27, Syracuse, Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 17, before sentencing Hisey for the Dec. 25, 2016, deaths of Kimberly Conrad and her son, Stephen Conrad II, and the injuries sustained by Steve Conrad and Brody Jordan. …read more.

Atwood Aldersgate and Clunette United Methodist churches will alternate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Atwood Aldersgate will host a candlelight service at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. The service will feature Christmas hymns and special music and readings. Pastor Mike Beezley will deliver the message, “Isaiah’s Light.” Atwood Aldersgate United Methodist Church is located …read more.

By DARLA MCCAMMON Lakeland Art Association WARSAW — We first hear about Sinterklaas or Sint Nikolaas long ago. A 4th century Saint from an area now known as Turkey was known for secretly giving gifts. He was known for depositing pennies in the little wooden shoes that were left for him to fill on the …read more.

WARSAW — If you enjoy Christmas lights, North Winds subdivision off CR 100E north of Warsaw is one of the places to check out. Not only does the subdivision have a decorating contest, it is the location for the synchronized Christmas light display of Adam Churchill. Churchill, who could be considered a Clark Griswold, has …read more.

The event, officially titled the North Webster Community Holiday Celebration, featured games, crafts, activities, a photo booth, a live pony and reindeer and Christmas story readings to accompany the visit by Santa.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Giving is one of the greatest parts of the Christmas season whether it be presents, cards or time. It is the time of year when communities and families come together despite all differences and put others before themselves.

SYRACUSE — The smell of burning wood in a fireplace and the path to Ruddell Pavilion lined with candelarias greeted approximately 50 guests to the Second Annual Wawasee Area Conservancy Christmas Lighting Social Friday evening, Dec. 2. The event took place at the WACF Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes & Wetlands Education Center, one mile south of Syracuse …read more.

WARSAW — There are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit in and around Warsaw. These are a few of the activities being hosted by the Warsaw Parks Department throughout month of December. “Letters From Santa” began Nov. 14 and will continue through Dec. 12.  The cost is $2 per letter. The forms can …read more.

WINONA LAKE — The Village at Winona, in Winona Lake, will host its Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony tomorrow to kick off the Christmas season.  The ceremony and many family-friendly activities will take place from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, next to Eagle Creek/Orthocity BBQ. The Village at Winona and Toys for Tots have partnered for this event …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Parks Department is hosting a community indoor garage sale at the Syracuse Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. The center is located at 1043 N. Long Drive.

WARSAW — The annual Combined Community Services Adopt-A-Family sign up will be held 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. next Wednesday, Nov. 2. The program is for Kosciusko County children 13 years of age or younger who would not be able to have Christmas without the community’s generosity and car. CCS is asking that families who were …read more.

FORT WAYNE — The Lutheran Health Services Society — the organization first formed to assist and support Lutheran Hospital – has existed for over 100 years, and has impacted Fort Wayne in numerous ways.

By MICHAEL SAN FILIPPO, MS Senior Media Relations Specialist, American Veterinary Medical Association SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Following a health checkup at the North Pole, Santa’s veterinarian has given the green light to Rudolph’s red nose and the rest of the reindeer that will be traveling the world this Christmas Eve. Dr. Joe Kinnarney, president of the …read more.

NORTH POLE — Santa and his reindeer have left the North Pole with a sleigh full of toys for their annual delivery around the world. Kids can track his progress via the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which uses sophisticated technology to zero in on Santa at any given time during his trek. Because of time …read more.

OLD BRIDGE, N.J. — A 7-year-old New Jersey girl called 911 in a panic when she did something that she thought would get her in trouble with Santa.

BENTON HARBOR, MICH. — It’s a family-owned store in Berrien County that’s been in business for nearly 30 years.

WINONA LAKE — Town of Winona Lake offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24 and 25 for the observance of Christmas. Regular trash pickup will be on Tuesday, Dec. 22, and Thursday, Dec. 24.

Ink Free News is asking readers to submit their favorite Christmas photos, current or past. We welcome readers’ submissions of funny, sweet, and certainly memorable photos dealing with Christmas. These photos can include, photos with Santa, catching Santa delivering presents, a child’s or adult’s expression opening Christmas gifts, making delicious Christmas cookies and treats, or …read more.

CAVERSHAM, ENGLAND — A touching letter written to Father Christmas more than 60 ago is about to be reunited with the man who penned it as a young boy.

No matter the culture the holidays are all about family, celebrating and yes, of course, food. Hors d’oeuvre, finger foods and appetizers are wonderful any time of the year but are becoming more a part of many holiday gatherings.

WARSAW — On Thursday, Dec. 24, the entire community is invited to join St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Warsaw (LCMS) to celebrate a traditional Lutheran Christmas Eve candlelight service. Service highlights include readings from God’s word, recitations from the ancient Christian liturgies, meaningful hymns and a traditional candle lighting procession. A time of fellowship with refreshments will be held before and after. The …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Kent Abernathy, Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), announced today that license branches will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. All license branches resume normal business hours on Saturday, Dec. 26.

The Warsaw Christian School performed and amazing Australian Christmas production under the direction of music educator, Mrs. Shannon Gause. The performance featured WCS’s band, chime players, choir, and students in preschool, first, third and fifth grades. The choir dons their sunglasses as they sing of a Christmas down under.  

[weaver_youtube G_2yLR24AL0 rel=0] WINONA LAKE — Numerous area families visited Winona Lake yesterday, Saturday, Dec. 5, to celebrate the season with the Winona Lake Parks Department at the annual “Kringlefest” celebration. Taking a break from the seasonal duties of decorating Christmas trees, making shopping lists and wrapping gifts, parents and children alike were welcomed to …read more.

[weaver_youtube Ohio4LL_heQ rel=0] WARSAW — December’s First Friday is currently underway in Warsaw. Despite a temperature of 41 degrees, children, adults and pets alike are strolling the streets of Warsaw to enjoy some pre-Christmas holiday cheer. Guests began lining up for a chance to see Santa in the Optimist Club’s Santa House, currently parked at the …read more.

WINONA LAKE — With Thanksgiving quickly approaching this week, many Christmas fanatics are excitedly beginning to “deck the halls,” create shopping lists and even put up the family Christmas tree. For those too excited to wait till Christmas day, Winona Lake Parks and Recreation Department is offering an opportunity to enjoy the season’s cheer. From …read more.

ROCHESTER — TimberWolf Trading Post will host a “Letters to Santa” mailbox in its shop again this holiday season. “Christmas is all about hte children,” said owner William “Cliff” St. Martin. “The spirit of Christmas is alive and well at TimberWolf and this is just one of the ways we are giving back to our community this holiday …read more.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools will be presenting their annual holiday gala at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at the WCHS Performing Arts Center, 1 Tiger Lane, Warsaw.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey!  The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, launching Dec. 1, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more. The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese. …read more.

LEESBURG — The annual Leesburg Candelaria is an event steeped deeply in tradition for many Leesburg families. For Christina Archer, it is this love of tradition and community that has continued to drive her to work with numerous volunteers and businesses to put on the event. According to Archer the event, which will take place …read more.

WARSAW — The weekend following Thanksgiving is rife with deal seeking men and women, young and old alike, on the prowl for a great deal. As Black Friday passes and many begin to look toward Cyber Monday, Kosciusko families looking for a deal almost too good to be true need only to look at a …read more.

WINONA LAKE — With Thanksgiving quickly approaching this week, many Christmas fanatics are excitedly beginning to “deck the halls,” create shopping lists and even put up the family Christmas tree. For those too excited to wait till Christmas day, Winona Lake Parks and Recreation Department is offering an opportunity to enjoy the season’s cheer. From …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kosciusko County’s Roller Derby team, the Bone City Rollers, are looking for a special child to sponsor this Christmas, and they need your help.

WARSAW — The upcoming holidays can be an exciting time, but for many they are a struggle. Some find it difficult to afford gifts after paying necessary expenses like rent and basic groceries. Others cannot afford even that. With this in mind, area organizations are offering ways for local families to enjoy the coming holidays. Combined …read more.

WARSAW — The annual Christmas at the Lake Craft Show will be held from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nov. 7, at the Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw.  This year’s show has 40 vendors displaying and selling their handmade products such as: baked goods, pottery, quilted bags, hand carved wood pieces, painted gourds, handmade rugs, …read more.

WARSAW — Combined Community Services is hoping to give Christmas to families in need this year with its annual Adopt-A-Family event. The event looks to provide meals and gifts for children who have no way of receiving them otherwise. “Adopt-A-Family is for the children who won’t get Christmas,” said CCS Director Peggi Lisenbee-Wright. “They wouldn’t get …read more.

By LAURA CAMPBELL VP of Human Resources WARSAW — Matt Boren, the adult services director, said “I’ve found Cardinal to be a company that values people! I know this personally because they’ve invested in improving me as a person and a professional. The staff and customers of this company are exceptional people and I am …read more.

WARSAW — Combined Community Services is hoping to give Christmas to families in need this year with its annual Adopt-A-Family event. The event looks to provide meals and gifts for children who have no way of getting them otherwise.

MICHIGAN CITY — Open auditions will be held Oct. 4 and 6 for Footlight Theatre’s December production of the holiday comedy, “Dashing Through the Snow.”

WABASH — The Honeywell Center has announced the on sale date for two new concerts: “Kenny Rogers Christmas and Hits: Once Again It’s Christmas with Linda Davis” and Mark Lowry. Tickets for both events will go on sale to the public at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17.

[weaver_youtube KZlmZEU9QQY rel-0]   The response was fantastic. InkFreeNews received a wide variety of holiday photos from our readers, ranging from a baby’s first visit with Santa Claus to a week-old newborn at Riley’s Children’s Hospital. We even received photos of decorations, preparations for Christmas, furry kids ready for Christmas and many more. Every photo we …read more.

There is still time to submit photos of funny, sweet and certainly memorable photos dealing with Christmas, present or past. Photo submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. today and can be emailed to [email protected] Remember these can be any Christmas photos you, our readers, have or treasure, including those surprised faces yesterday morning opening …read more.

By MILFORD LIBRARY STAFF Milford library news and events this week: New Circulation Policy On Monday, Dec. 15 the Milford Public Library board approved an addition to the circulation policy. The newly adopted policy reads, “All new library patrons are limited to two DVDs and two other items for a total of 4 items on …read more.

The biggest question in any child’s life is how does Santa Claus manage to deliver presents all over the world in a single night? The tradition of tracking Saint Nick began back in 1955 after a misprinted advertisement in Colorado Springs, Col., led to children hoping to contact Santa to be connected to the CONAD …read more.

[weaver_youtube DwEg-8ZASHg rel=0] Today, Indiana Governor Mike Pence released a video wishing Hoosiers a Merry Christmas. “The holidays are a time of tradition for families all across the Hoosier state,” stated Pence. “From trimming the tree to singing carols and enjoying time with friends, loved ones and neighbors, every Hoosier family finds their own special …read more.

Pastor Carl Adams and the Cowboy Church in the Meadows will be hosting a live journey back in time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. From 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, join The Cowboy Church in the Meadows to see the wise men, be in awe of the angles …read more.

Don Snemis, Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced today that BMV license branches will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Dec. 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday. All license branches with Saturday hours will resume their regularly scheduled business hours on Saturday, Dec. 27. In addition, license branches will be …read more.

Last night, Susie McEntire wrapped a run of Country Christmas performances with a spirited show in Warsaw at Lakeview Middle School. The show included beloved holiday standards, a few of McEntire’s country classics, a few songs backed by the Warsaw Christian School’s Children’s Choir, a little bit of comedy and a duet with her husband, …read more.

Ink Free News is asking readers to submit their favorite Christmas photos. We welcome readers’ submissions of funny, sweet, and certainly memorable photos dealing with Christmas.  These photos can include, photos with Santa, catching Santa delivering presents, a child’s or adult’s expression opening Christmas gifts, making delicious Christmas cookies and treats, or even your pets …read more.

By DONNA BURROUGHS, EdS Superintendent, Triton Community School Corporation The second grade students at Triton Elementary, along with teachers Karly Biddle, Samantha Phenix and Denise Voreis, went caroling in downtown Bourbon to share the joy of the season. The students also stopped by the Triton administration office to sing for the staff there. Superintendent Donna …read more.

Don Roulo is the chief encouragement officer of Life Quest. He is a life, career and business coach as well as a Certified 48 Days Workshop Facilitator. He travels nationally and internationally to conduct business and career training as well as marriage and family workshops. By DON ROULO We just came through Thanksgiving and are …read more.

By MILFORD LIBRARY STAFF Make and Take Crafts During the week of Christmas, the library will have crafts available for children of all ages. From Monday, Dec. 22 until Saturday, Dec. 27, we will have crafts you can make any time during the hours the library is open. Crafts will be available in the children’s …read more.

The American Legion Auxiliary junior members from Warsaw Unit 49 and Pierceton Unit 258 recently helped spread some holiday cheer. The members got together to make ornaments and decorate a tree for the Marion campus of the Veteran’s hospital. Ornaments included bells, candy cane reindeer and wooden branches of the service symbols, to name a …read more.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, the Pierceton Lions Club will be holding their annual Christmas event. The event will be located in Pierceton at the community building. Santa Claus will arrive escorted by the local fire department to visit with area children. Kids and their parents are invited to enjoy an evening that …read more.

The gang was all there for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Christmas party held Monday evening at the Tippecanoe Township Building in North Webster. Under the direction of committee chairmen and chamber board members Linda Land and Richard Owen, the evening progressed from pleasant to hilarious via entertaining games. The social hour commenced …read more.

Embarking on his 18th annual holiday tour, Jim Brickman, the best-selling solo pianist of our time, will once again wow audiences from coast to coast with On A Winter’s Night. Celebrating the sounds of the season in a big way, Brickman will showcase new music, along with holiday favorites and the hits that made him …read more.

Here is the entertainment listing for this weekend. To have an event added to the list, please email [email protected] with the what, when, where and cost. Warsaw Downtown Warsaw First Friday – 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 Central Park Light Up The Nite – 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 Warsaw Performing Arts Center 6th Annual …read more.

South Bend Woodworks president Mike Lindburg received a delightful surprise over Thanksgiving weekend … a giant sized version of his company’s child’s wooden train engine was chosen to be part of the White House’s 2014 Christmas decorations displays! This unexpected honor has Lindburg and the company’s seven employees ecstatic and the year-old shop abuzz with …read more.

The following is the December event calendar for the Blue Gate Theatre in Shipshewana: Glen Miller Orchestra Christmas Showtime: 7 p.m. (no preshow) | Doors Open: 6 p.m. Prices: Tickets Only: $45, $35, $25, $19 | Dinner and Theater: $60, $50, $40, $34 This Concert will be held at the Shipshewana Event Center The Oak …read more.

Sign-ups for the annual Toys for Tots drive will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Warsaw Police Department located at 2191 E. Fort Wayne St. Guests are asks to park along the side of the building and walk around …read more.

By DONNA BURROUGHS, EdS Superintendent, Triton Community School Corporation The first and second grade students at Triton Elementary School entertained their families with a musical program on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The Christmas spirit was in the air. The music program was under the direction of Mollie Kintzel.

By KEVIN BELLAMY Director of Administration, Towle Theater The Towle Theater is proud to welcome Rita Rose for a one-night engagement on Thursday, Dec. 18. Rita Rose is the alter ego of singer/actress Rachelyn Primm. She has been performing all over Chicago with her Rockabilly Cabaret Show. For the Holiday Season, she has created a …read more.

The Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor will present a traditional German Christmas concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in the beautiful neo-gothic setting of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Catholic Church is located at 518 E. DeWald St. in Fort Wayne. The program is directed by Tom Remenschneider and will be sung entirely in German, …read more.

The Silver Lake Small Animal Veterinary Clinic is hosting a Holiday Food Drive now through the end of the year. Items can be donated for the local food pantry and/or the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County. With your donation you will receive a 10 percent off coupon for any veterinary service or product. For any questions please …read more.

By RICK STEWART Pastor, Palestine Bible Church The Palestine Bible Church will host a Christmas music concert featuring a special performance by local Christian music group – By Grace at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. By Grace features Anna Jackson, Janet Hawley, Rachel Hawley, and Michaela Hawley. By Grace will touch your heart with their …read more.

By SALLY HOGAN Kosciusko County Historical Society Wondering what to give that person who is hard to buy for or that seems to have everything? Well, the Kosciusko County Historical Society has the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person. Four times a year, we publish a fantastic historical magazine called The Thaddeus. Each issue contains …read more.

[weaver_youtube YPPt5DcfrQM rel=0] A long-standing Leesburg Christmas tradition has received a second lease on life. The life-size nativity scene was once a fixture at the old People’s State Bank many years ago. Now, thanks to the efforts of community members Sue and Craig Charlton, Pastor Mike Beezley and local artist Dannielle Robertson, the statues are …read more.

By ALICIA EBAUGH Footlight Theatre Grant Fitch brings his one-man performance of A Christmas Carol to Footlight Theatre in Michigan City on Sunday, Dec. 7. Thrill to this classic tale of laughter, chills and redemption in Charles Dickens’ own words, the original version of the scenes you’ve seen again and again in film, and the …read more.

Saturday night was a magical night in North Webster as Santa made an appearance to light the town’s Christmas tree and welcome in the holiday season.

Unique handcrafted items making good Christmas gifts will be in abundance as always at the annual Wawasee Middle School Christmas Craft Bazaar. This year’s bazaar, the 25th edition, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the school located on SR 13 just south of the intersection with CR 1000N, …read more.

Here is the entertainment listing for this weekend. To have an event(s) added to the list, please email [email protected] with the what, when, where and cost. Warsaw Warsaw Performing Arts Center Symphony of the Lakes Home for the Holidays Pops Concert – 2 p.m. and 7p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 Aloha Lakeside Lounge Open Mic Night …read more.

By CHIP DAVIS Creator, Mannheim Steamroller Mannheim Steamroller will present the best the holiday has to offer this season. The group will perform live for one performance only in Muncie at Ball State’s Emens Auditorium on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Tickets are on sale now and available at the Emens Auditorium box office, 765-285-1539, toll free …read more.

Ruthmere Museum Fall Concert Series concludes on Friday, Nov. 28 featuring an original Christmas composition by the Heartland Chamber Chorale. Their passion for vocal performance comes from the knowledge that vocal music touches the heart, mind and soul in ways no other art form can match. Concert begins at 7 p.m. at Ruthmere Museum, 302 …read more.

Dubbed “A Visit With Santa” all area children are invited to attend a fun and free event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday inside North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St. (SR 13). There will be crafts, activities and games as well as time and a free photo with Santa Claus. Pizza will …read more.

By LARRY PLUMMER Superintendent Warsaw Parks and Recreation Once again the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department will offer a free Holiday Light Display at Central Park. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the lights and music. This year we will have many rope light fixtures as well as carolers, manger scene and Santa …read more.

By BOURBON POLICE DEPARTMENT As families take to the roads this holiday season, law enforcement is reminding drivers extra patrols will be cracking down on impaired driving and seat belt violations to increase safety on the state’s streets and highways. “Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said Ptl. Matt Geiger …read more.

Oct. 11 marked first of 12 shopping Saturdays until Christmas at various shops in The Village at Winona. Throughout this celebration everyone is invited to “Wander the Village” for a special shopping experience. As the holidays approach participating shops will weekly post upcoming themes for gift ideas on their Facebook pages. Participating shops will conduct …read more.

MUNCIE – Mannheim Steamroller will present the best the holiday has to offer this season. The group will perform live for one performance only in Muncie at Emens Auditorium on December 17, 2014. Tickets go on sale July 25th and are available at the Emens box office, (765) 285-1539, toll free at (877) 99-EMENS, all …read more.

Kosciusko County FOP Lodge #149 has begun its annual fundraising campaign to benefit the 2014 Christmas event for local underprivileged children. Letters are being sent to donors and no phones calls will be made by the lodge members unless a letter was sent and attempt to confirm receipt is made. All money raised stays in …read more.

There is something about Christmas that just seems to shine a light on our hearts and encourage most of us to do what we can to brighten someone’s day or create some kind of miracle. This holiday season has proven to be no different. In addition to the usual programs like Adopt a Family through …read more.

[weaver_youtube B5iRflI3SIA rel=0] The annual Toy Give Away began yesterday and provided over 1,000 parents with toys for their children for Christmas morning. The giveaway gives used and new gifts to parents who cannot afford to provide gifts during the Christmas holiday. The giveaway, which is held at the Home and Family Arts Building at the …read more.

Mentone Fire Department is collecting canned goods and other non-perishable items to donate to Helping Hands. They have placed boxes to fill around town in local businesses for this purpose. Mentone Fire Department and Santa will be delivering candy starting at 6 p.m. Dec 23, and will be picking up donations from those who wish to …read more.