INDIANAPOLIS — On January 15, 2016 business owners, dignitaries and community leaders will gather to celebrate the 11th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards Dinner. The Indiana Minority Business Magazine will recognize 12 individuals, organizations and institutions that have demonstrated tremendous effort in the areas of diversity and inclusion.

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after H.R. 1735 the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 passed the House by a vote of 269-151. The legislation fulfills Congress’s constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense, includes a number of key reforms for military operations across the nation, and enables …read more.

By JENNIFER GROTH Director of Communication and Outreach, Indiana Department of Insurance The Indiana Department of Insurance audit of the title insurance accounts of American Homeland Title Agency INC and its agents resulted in findings that Indiana consumers were being overcharged for their title insurance. American Homeland Title Agency is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and …read more.

The Indiana State Police announced Wednesday its participation in the national and statewide Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization occurring Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 31. Officers will join more than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies, and thousands more across the country, to conduct high-visibility patrols encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up. “It’s …read more.

By JOSH GILLESPIE Media Contact, Indiana BMV Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Kent Abernathy, announced today that all BMV license branches will be closed Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. All branches will resume their regularly scheduled business hours on Tuesday, May 26. For …read more.

By CONNOR O’SHAUGHNESSY Marketing Communications Coordinator, Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Sisters honored local entrepreneur, venture capitalist and civil servant Jerome “Jerry” Henry Jr., with the 2015 Don Wolf Award on Tuesday, May 5, at its 42nd Annual Gourmet Dinner. Named after Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana co-founder former CEO of …read more.

By JOANNA GILKESON United States Fish and Wildlife Service The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced the distribution of $1.1 billion in revenues generated by the hunting and angling industry to all 50 state and territorial wildlife agencies. The Service’s Midwest Region will receive more than $224 million of these funds to support a …read more.

By LINDSAY JANCEK Communications Director, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski Today, Congressman Scott Peters and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski’s bipartisan amendment requesting the Department of Defense support non-profit programs that provide support for children of service members suffering from mental disorders was included in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. “Our military families, especially the children, of our …read more.

Two area sports personalities will play key roles in introducing former Wawasee High School and University of Tennessee basketball star Shanna Zolman during her Homecoming tribute at the North Webster Community Center gym, a North Webster Community Center fundraiser at which a limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Roger Grossman, sports …read more.

By KATY BERGER Communications Specialist, KREMC A cold rainy day didn’t keep the crowd of approximately 1,450 Kosciusko REMC members attending the electric cooperative’s 76th Annual Meeting. The primary item on the agenda was the election of directors. William Stump, Jr., Tony Fleming and Dan Tucker were re-elected for a three-year term. KREMC board chairman, …read more.

By DENNIS ROSEBROUGH Communication Director, Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann joined 24 other Lt. Governors in a letter to President Obama opposing the administration’s proposed budget cuts for the National Guard. The 2016 Army budget eliminates 8,000 Army National Guard positions. The letter states: “As a unique state based military …read more.

By DREW JOHNSON Senior Fellow, Taxpayers Protection Alliance President Obama’s energy policies have been a debacle since his first day in office. Now, with Americans dubious of his schemes after being burned by his war on coal, stifling environmental regulations, and refusal to allow the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, the president is pulling …read more.

Due to mechanical problems with trucks, the Town of Winona Lake recycling contractor has advised that Thursday’s regular schedule recycling pick up may not be completed until mid-day Friday. Affected residents are encouraged to check their respective location with the high wind weather forecast and take precautions.

By Mike Pence Governor of Indiana “The freedom of religion for every Hoosier is enshrined in the Constitution of the United States and in the Indiana Constitution, which reads, ‘No law shall, in any case whatever, control the free exercise and enjoyment of religious opinions, or interfere with the rights of conscience.’ For generations, these …read more.

By KARA BROOKS Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence Gov. Mike Pence has penned an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal regarding Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Excerpts can be found below. The full version, which will appear in Tuesday’s edition, can be found here. “I want to make clear to Hoosiers and every American …read more.

By STARLEE COLEMAN The Goldwater Institute Gov. Mike Pence signed into law a bill to give terminally ill patients access to medicines that have passed phase one of the FDA approval process but are not yet on pharmacy shelves. The bill passed both the state House and Senate with unanimous, bipartisan votes. HB 1065, The …read more.

A battery backup sump pump is a great addition, to any home, for homeowners who want to protect themselves and keep their basement or crawl space dry. Here are the main three reasons to have a battery backup system: For when the power goes out. Or the fuse blows, or the circuit breaker trips, or …read more.

By STARLEE COLEMAN The Goldwater Institute A law to give terminally ill patients access to medicines that have passed phase one of the FDA approval process but are not yet on pharmacy shelves has passed both the state House and Senate with unanimous, bipartisan votes, and is on its way to Governor Mike Pence. Governor …read more.

By JOSH GILLESPIE Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Kent Abernathy, commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, has announced a new chief of staff for the agency, Peter L. Lacy. Lacy recently served as National Vice President, Operations at FinishMaster Inc., which is the leading distributor of automotive coatings and associated products in the …read more.

By KASSI ROWLAND Director of Administration, Tom Farms With the warmer weather of spring comes one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year for farmers – planting season. As farmers head to the fields to plant, farm-vehicle traffic increases on local roads and highways. Local farmers encourage all drivers to exercise caution …read more.

By JOHN STAPLETON Office of Congressman Marlin Stutzman U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman announced that this year’s Academy Day will take place on Saturday, April 18. “This is a wonderful opportunity for young Hoosiers to learn more about our terrific service academies. These schools represent some of America’s finest academic institutions, where students have a chance …read more.

By ALYSSA LOWE Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce joined more than 250 local, regional and state chambers of commerce urging Congress to resolve the impending insolvency of the federal Highway Trust Fund, and to pass a long term federal transportation authorization bill. Chambers of commerce know infrastructure investment is an important …read more.

By REBECCA ALLES Van Buren Township Trustee, Kosciusko County The Township Trustee office of Van Buren TWP will be closed Friday, Feb. 27 and Monday, March 2 due to the re-location of the office to 101 S. Main St. Milford. The mailing address will remain the same, P.O. Box 246, Milford, IN 46542. The telephone …read more.

By DANIEL ALTMAN Indiana Department of Education Indiana’s graduation rate for 2013-14 jumped to 89.8 percent, up from 88.6 percent the year before according to data released by the Indiana Department of Education today. Indiana’s non-waiver graduation rate also saw an increase. Importantly, the non-waiver graduation rate was 83.4 percent, up from 81.7 percent in …read more.

By DANI BARKEY Chief Accountability Officer, Warsaw Community Schools Warsaw Community Schools announced that students from Edgewood Middle School were relocated this morning to Warsaw Community High School after a fire alarm sounded. Students were relocated to the high school following emergency protocol and to avoid students exposed to extreme temperatures. Warsaw Fire Department determined …read more.

By KELSEY MYERS Business Development Specialist, Kosciusko Community Services Kosciusko Community Hospital offers assistance to accommodate residents yet to enroll for health insurance through HIP 2.0. HIP 2.0 is a health care coverage program for Indiana’s low-income adults and would replace traditional Medicaid for all non-disabled adults. HIP 2.0 adds choices for Hoosiers while providing …read more.

Contestants in the First Annual Young Artist’s Competition were (from left) Ben Meulink, Warsaw Community High School (marimba), Abigail Brunk Greaser, Goshen High School (violin), Thomas Wheeler, homeschooled (cello), Rachel Horning, Goshen High School (viola), Drew Tomasik, Warsaw Community High School (trumpet), Hannah Marker, Penn High School (harp), Andrew Scott, Elkhart Central High School (cello), …read more.

AT&T is opening a new authorized retailer location in Warsaw to meet the growing needs of its customers in the region. The store will provide customers with options for the latest devices, accessories, and services from AT&T. The new store, owned and operated by Spring Mobile, is nearly 2,400 square feet in size and is …read more.

By DANIEL ALTMAN Media Contact, Indiana Superintendent’s Office Indiana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz has announced that the Indiana Department of Education has reduced the length of the 2015 spring ISTEP+ by over three hours for all Indiana students in all grades. In addition, Superintendent Ritz announced that the Department of Education would seek …read more.

Manchester Main Street will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Main View, 141 E. Main St., North Manchester. This is an open forum for the Board, committees and members to discuss 2014 accomplishments and 2015 goals. Community members interested in learning more about MMS and ways to become involved …read more.

By BENJAMIN KENNEY Indiana State Department of Agriculture The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has announced it is accepting applications for a total of $500,000 in expected federal funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The grant will come from the United States Department of Agriculture and will be available to nonprofits, producers, academic …read more.

By KRISTY AMBROSEN Marketing Coordinator, Elkhart County 4-H Fair The Elkhart County 4-H Fair Board is looking forward to another great concert line-up for 2015 and we’re bringing in a variety of entertainers. Four of our five grandstand acts for the 2015 fair are ready to announce they’re going to be playing at the fair. …read more.

By HILLARY CHERRY Press Secretary, State Senator Ryan Mishler’s Office A bill authored by State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) to reward Indiana’s best teachers and reduce red tape for schools passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development today by a 7-3 vote. Indiana schools spend only 57.5 percent of their budgets on student …read more.

By MARIANNE HOLLAND The Hoosier Environmental Council The Hoosier Environmental Council, Indiana’s largest environmental policy organization, is warning residents in Indiana’s lakeside communities about a sweeping measure moving through the Indiana General Assembly that could decrease their ability to protect the waterways they enjoy for recreation, drinking water and natural beauty. Senate Joint Resolution 12, …read more.

By JOHN STAPLETON Office of Congressman Marlin Stutzman U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued this statement after being asked by Chairman Bill Flores to lead the Budget and Spending Task Force for the Republican Study Committee. “I am honored to Chair the Budget and Spending Task Force for the Republican Study Committee (RSC) at a time …read more.

U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman’s mobile office will be open at the following locations and times Wednesday, February 11th. Congressman Stutzman’s staff will be available to assist Hoosiers on their issues of concern. Noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, located at Warren St., Huntington. 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. …read more.

By RUSTY RITTER General Manager, Rabb Water Systems Rabb Water Systems, the local Kinetico dealer, has partnered with a non for profit organization called Water For Good. Water For Good provides clean water resources for people in the Central Africa Republic. Rabb is donating a portion of their clean water sales to the Water For …read more.

Fulton County’s Joe F. Moore has been awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash for 2015. Moore was born and raised in Fulton County. He’s the second oldest of the four Moore brothers growing up west of Rochester in the Burton Community. Moore has been a lifelong Fulton County resident for nearly seven decades with the exception of his …read more.

By JO NAHOD-CARLIN Director of Marketing, MHS Ambertter from MHS is partnering with the Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition for several healthcare enrollment and education events. These events will focus on educating attendees about the Affordable Care Act and enrolling individuals in the MHS line of products branded as Ambetter from MHS. These events are …read more.

Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Don Snemis, announced Friday that DMV.com has ranked the Indiana BMV as number six in their top 10 state DMV websites in America. DMV.com listed online services, ease of use and informative detail as some of myBMV.com’s highlights: “We are extremely proud of myBMV.com and the convenience …read more.

Jack Wilhite is seeking the Republican nomination for one of the at-large Warsaw City Council seats vacated by board member Elaine Call. Wilhite said, “Councilwoman Call has been a valued asset to the citizens of Warsaw through three mayors and I thank Elaine for her service. Warsaw will miss her experience and dedication.” A 51-year …read more.

By C. AARON ROVENSTINE Sheriff, Kosciusko County With the tragedies and crimes that have been occurring throughout the country involving citizens buying and selling items on Craigslist and other online businesses, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind citizens that our parking lot and/or lobby can be accessed for potential arrangements. In today’s …read more.

By KARA BROOKS Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence Governor Mike Pence is traveling to Washington, DC today where he will testify tomorrow in front of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce at a hearing titled, “Expanding Opportunity in America’s Schools and Workplaces.” You can watch Governor Pence testify live here at 10 …read more.

By LINDSAY JANCEK Communications Director, Office of Jackie Walorski Rep. Jackie Walorski thanked her Senate colleagues for passing House legislation that will reduce the number of veterans and troops who commit suicide. The bill, H.R. 203, which she co-sponsored, provides greater access to mental health care. According to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), 22 …read more.

By JOHN STAPLETON Marlin Stutzman Press Office U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued this statement following the release of President Obama’s budget for fiscal year 2016. “President Obama’s nearly $4 trillion budget is a bloated package of increased taxes and increased spending that never balances. His $320 billion tax hike will slow economic growth and harm …read more.

By KARA BROOKS Office Of Indiana Governor Mike Pence Governor Mike Pence has named Kent Abernathy as Commissioner for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Abernathy currently serves as Chief of Staff at Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Current Commissioner Don Snemis will serve as Special Counsel for Program Integrity at Family and Social Services …read more.

By CHRISTY DENAULT Office of Governor Mike Pence Governor Mike Pence led a letter sent to Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urging the Congress to work with governors to provide states with greater flexibility, control and authority in a number of important issue areas, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, energy, environment and …read more.

Two Illinois men were arrested by Plymouth Police Sunday after an armed robbery at The Cellular Connection, 1605 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Brandon M. Terrell, 26, Kankakee, Ill., and Deshontay L. Lewis, 27, Bourbonnais, Ill., were booked in the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of armed robbery, a level 3 felony. Plymouth Police received …read more.

Tippecanoe Valley High School Distinguished Alumni Class of 2014 has been named. Nine individuals, graduates from the 1970s through 2000s, will join a noble group of TVHS graduates who havae led successful lives while making substantial contributions to their field of work or provided outstanding service to their community, state or county. The class of …read more.

The Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual tree sales program has been postponed for a week. Due to frozen ground conditions, their suppliers have been unable to dig tree stock. SWCD will continue taking new orders until April 14. Tree order forms are available online at www.kosciuskoswcd.org or from the SWCD office at …read more.

Now, as StaceyPageOnline.com celebrates just 17 months in operation as Kosciusko County’s most “liked” news source, the record number of views and even worldwide recognition continues. Last week, StaceyPageOnline.com was contacted by a news producer with ABC World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer. ABC asked to use – with credit – photos, video and information …read more.