Brenda (Close) Mell, 64, of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, at the Hospice House after an illness. She was born June 6, 1949, in South Bend, Ind., to Clayton and Dolores Close. She is survived by her two daughters: Lisa (Kyle) Kaczmarek, Osceola, Ind.; and Shellie (Jason) Huffer, Granger, Ind.; six …read more.

The Wawasee home boys basketball game scheduled for tonight has been postponed. The snow in the area has moved the home game with Lakeland  to Tuesday, Feb. 4 with  a 6:15 p.m. JV start at the Hardwood Teepee. The bad weather has also forced Warsaw to postpone its home girls basketball game tonight versus NorthWood. …read more.

SYRACUSE – Simply put, there was nothing good about Friday night for the Wawasee boys basketball team. The Warriors welcomed in Concord for a Northern Lakes Conference tilt at the Hardwood Tee Pee and practically handed the game to the Minutemen with a flurry of turnovers and missed shots. Concord took advantage of nearly every …read more.

The Wawasee Academic Fair originally scheduled for Jan. 27 and not held due to the weather has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb. 11. It will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the auditorium of Wawasee High School. Students and parents or guardians of students in grades nine through 11 are invited to …read more.

Adams Trumps Short-handed Wawasee South Bend Adams made the most of the night in Syracuse, outlasting Wawasee 49-39 in girls hoops in a make-up game from early December. Wawasee, dealing with team suspensions, played just six players Thursday night but hung with a South Bend Adams team that had 12 wins coming into the night. …read more.

Duffy’s Pub & Grub in Syracuse is facing a lawsuit following a battery that occurred there in 2012. According to documents filed with Kosciusko courts, on July 8, 2012, Christina Golden was a patron at Duffy’s Pub & Grub. Another patron, Jonathon Heckaman, one of the defendants in the lawsuit, allegedly began taunting and harassing …read more.

The following is a list of film times for local movie theaters for Friday, Jan. 31, through Thursday, Feb. 6. Pickwick Theater (108 W. Main St., Syracuse) Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Rated: PG-13 Starring: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley Showtime: 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday; $5.50 North Pointe Cinemas (1060 Mariner Dr., Warsaw) Matinees: All shows before 5:30 …read more.

A Syracuse woman was arrested by Kosciusko County Drug Task Force officers this morning for allegedly dealing a synthetic “look-a-like” drug. DTF officers and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested and preliminarily charged Braska Sue Cartwright, 20, Syracuse, with felony dealing a synthetic cannabinoid. DTF officers say Cartwright sold undercover officers a synthetic “look-a-like” drug …read more.

Kosciusko County Court Judgments Kosciusko County Court New Filings Small Claims
 The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding: Davis Kohnen & Assoc. LLC v. Lisa Hite and John May, Warsaw, $1,604 Dewayne Busz v. Elaine Lackey, Warsaw, $1,399 Michelle and Steve Ritchie, Warsaw, $974 Glen …read more.

Knights of Columbus in Syracuse is hosting an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast as a fundraiser for Wawasee Middle School. The breakfast will be held from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 414 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse. All you can eat pancakes, sausage and eggs. For more information, call …read more.

Wawasee Kiwanis Club is celebrating winter with its legendary and rejuvenated Snowmobile Drags happening this Saturday, Feb. 1, and its Soup Supper, taking place this Friday, Jan. 31. With plenty of ice on Syracuse Lake and below average temperatures throughout January, everything is ready for these events. The action is centered on the lake out …read more.

Local businesses took center stage during Tuesday’s Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner — catered by Grill-N-Grate — as several were recognized for their various services. There was a record-breaking attendance with 183 people filling the Syracuse Community Center’s gym. Chamber President Richard Owen noted the chamber had decided against having a speaker this …read more.

Several more individuals have filed their candidacy for the May 6 primary, with less than 8½ days until filing ends. New filings, all Republicans, as of Jan. 24 are: Kosciusko Superior Court 2 Judge — Tyler S. Haines and Torrey J. Bauer Township Trustees — Beth Krull, Jefferson, incumbent Township Advisory Board Members — William …read more.

The Annual Syracuse/Wawasee Chamber Banquet/Awards Dinner set for Tuesday, Jan. 28, will go on as planned. Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. The event is being held in the Syracuse Community Center.

Robert ‘Bullet Bob’ Niles, 64, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Jan. 25, 2014, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born on Sept. 10, 1949, in Goshen, Ind., to Butch and Vivian (Banghart) Niles. Bob was a Syracuse High School graduate. He also earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Riddell College. …read more.

Jerry Lee “Scoop” Claybaugh, 64, passed away Saturday, Jan. 24, 2014, at the IU Health Goshen Hospital after a year-long battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 6, 1949, in Goshen, Ind., to Lawrence and Patricia (Cook) Claybaugh. He graduated from Syracuse High School in 1968 and attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, studying radio …read more.

This week’s Crime of the Week comes from the files of the Syracuse Police Department. On Jan. 13, the Syracuse Police Department responded to a theft report from Polar Kraft Boats on Chicago Street in Syracuse. According to the report, sometime during the night of Jan. 12-13, suspect(s) stole a boat motor and jet drive …read more.

The Shrine Circus trip for Kosciusko County 3rd graders today has been cancelled today due to inclement weather. Warsaw Community School System and Wawasee Community School Corporation third grade classes visit the Shrine Circus, in Fort Wayne every year and have been doing it for more than 25 years.

The following is a list of film times for local movie theaters for Friday, Jan. 24, through Thursday, Jan. 30. Pickwick Theater (108 W. Main St., Syracuse) Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Rated: PG-13 Starring: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley Showtime: 7 p.m. nightly; $5.50 North Pointe Cinemas (1060 Mariner Dr., Warsaw) Matinees: All shows before 5:30 …read more.

Kosciusko County Court New Filings Kosciusko County Court Judgments Small Claims
 The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding: Martin Financial Management Inc. v. Nicole M. Iwankowitch-Kelly, Milford, $4,515.13 Rent-A-Center v. Leann M. Ritenour, Warsaw, $1,248.33 Civil Collections

 The following civil collections have been awarded in …read more.

Legacy Five, a Southern Gospel singing group, will make its annual stop in Syracuse at a concert to be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Wawasee High School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The group was organized in 2000 when Scott Fowler and Roger Bennett decided to continue the musical tradition of the …read more.

Special Activities Over the Holidays Members of the Children’s Book Club from the Syracuse Library met Jan. 14. They had an unbirthday to include everyone, with pizza and cake. The latest craze is to make rubber band bracelets, so they made many intricate designs. Next month the club is going to Hawaii for a luau …read more.

From paying retainage fees, looking at sign options and approving bids for striping, Syracuse Town Council spent a good portion of its January meeting Tuesday night discussing the SR 13/US 6 industrial and technology park. Discussion began during the financial report with the council agreeing to approve paying the retainage fee to H + G …read more.

Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, through the Rotary Foundation, donated a total of $600 to Milford, North Webster and Syracuse public libraries. All three libraries are anticipating using the funds toward summer reading programs, their biggest expenses, yet provide the biggest return through youth participation. Each library received $200. The funds were raised through various fundraising efforts …read more.

Donn Baird, treasurer for the Syracuse Wawasee Trail Project, had good news to report at the committee’s regular monthly meeting Monday night. In addition to approximately $28,000 being raised through the annual holiday mailer, the trail committee received a $50,000 grant from the K21 Foundation. An anonymous donor, who offered to match up to $50,000 …read more.

For the past few years, the Wawasee Kiwanis have hosted the Winter Carnival Snow Mobile races and a soup supper to precede it. This year marks the fifth annual Soup Supper to be held at the Syracuse Community Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. Soups are made and donated to the supper …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following incidents: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2:43 a.m. Charlee Ormanovich reported the theft of medication. Monday, Jan. 20, 10:38 p.m. Maria Sutton reported a residential entry and theft of jewelry in the 1600 block East 200 North, Warsaw. Monday, Jan. 20, 6:41 …read more.

Time is running out for firefighters to get tickets for the first ever Ignite the Night Firefighters Ball in Kosciusko County. Sponsored by the Kosciusko County Fire Association, the formal/semi formal event on Saturday, Feb. 8, will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and include fine dining, raffles and dancing. The Ignite the Night Firefighters …read more.

Two fifth graders in Dina Coverstone’s class took top places at Syracuse Elementary School spelling bee held last week. In first place was Isabelle Brunner and runner-up was Jace Mishler. Brunner will head to the county spelling bee to complete against other area winners at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Lakeview Middle School in …read more.

The much anticipated, annual snowmobile drag races presented by the Wawasee Kiwanis and held on Syracuse Lake at Lakeside Park, 1013 N. Long Drive, will be Saturday, Feb. 1. There is no black out date. Lunch will be available on site on the day of the race. Registration is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following incidents: Sunday, Jan. 19, 10:36 a.m. Grace A. Williams, of 650 West in Warsaw, filed a missing person’s report. Sunday, Jan. 19, 6:38 a.m. Officers investigating reports of harassing phone calls at 2400 block of Lake Sharon Road, Warsaw. Sunday, …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following accidents: Sunday, Jan. 19, 7:54 p.m. Armstrong Road near 475 East, North Webster. Driver: Tristan R. Mauk, 17, Blaine Street, North Webster. Mauk hit a patch of ice, which caused him to lose control of his vehicle. The vehicle hit …read more.

[weaver_youtube vB7fw3qCRws rel=0] SYRACUSE – And the streak goes on. For the seventeenth consecutive time the Wawasee Warriors boys basketball team has lost a Northern Lakes Conference game. Friday night at the Hardwood Tee Pee the Warriors had their chances to end the streak but it was Elkhart Memorial who played the better game and …read more.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, Syracuse Elementary School, 502 W. Brooklyn St., is sponsoring a Technology and Assessment Information Night from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for community members, parents and students. At 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., there will be short question and answer sessions about the assessments for students at the elementary level, including …read more.

Indiana Department of Education publicly released its annual school corporation accountability grades Jan. 15. Wawasee Community School Corp. was given a C grade, the same as a year ago and the corporation’s points were down slightly from 2.57 a year ago to 2.32 today. Dr. Tom Edington, Wawasee superintendent, said he did not recall corporation …read more.

Students and parents or guardians of students in grades nine through 11 are invited to attend the first Wawasee Academic Fair from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, in the auditorium of Wawasee High School. Eighth-graders will be spoken to at 7 p.m. WHS Principal Mike Schmidt and guidance counselor Kevin Taylor will …read more.

[weaver_youtube Wc63p2mKGyY rel=0] SYRACUSE – The Wawasee gymnastics team was on cloud nine after a solid victory over defending sectional champion Angola this past Tuesday night. Unfortunately for the Warriors, that high did not last as long as they were hoping. Wawasee was brought back down to Earth on Thursday night following a 103.35-95.08 loss …read more.

SYRACUSE – The Wawasee wrestling team found itself over-matched by one of the premier teams in the Northern Lakes Conference when Elkhart Memorial came to town on Thursday night. The Warriors fell into a big hole early and never had a chance to climb out as the visiting Chargers would take home a 61-12 victory …read more.

State Rep. Rebecca Kubacki (R-Syracuse) introduced House Bill 1222, which would provide a state tax credit for individuals who adopt a child. The bill passed out of the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee that Rep. Kubacki chairs, and will now proceed to the House Ways and Means committee for further review. “I am incredibly …read more.

The following is a list of film times for local movie theaters for Friday, Jan. 17, through Thursday, Jan. 23. Pickwick Theater (108 W. Main St., Syracuse) Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Rated: PG-13 Starring: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley Showtime: 7 p.m. nightly; $5.50 North Pointe Cinemas (1060 Mariner Dr., Warsaw) Matinees: All shows before 5:30 …read more.

Kosciusko County Court New Filings Kosciusko County Court Judgments Small Claims The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding: Ana Meyo v. Miriam Salazar, Warsaw, $1,001.42 Allen Collections Inc. v. Merlin D. Miller, Sarasota, Fla., $675.36 Bill Rayburn & Janet Bowling v. Trenton Grindle, Burket, $842.91 …read more.

During the regular monthly meeting of the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board Monday evening, Dennis Darr was reelected as board president for 2014 and John Heckaman was welcomed as the newest board member. “I’ve been here all my life and I have an interest in the township and helping the fire department,” the Syracuse marine …read more.

During the regular monthly meeting of the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board Monday evening, Turkey Creek Township/Syracuse Fire Chief Mickey Scott suggested a way to provide a break to taxpayers within the year. “Since the equipment replacement fund levy was not reduced by the … trustee for 2014 … we would suggest that we not …read more.

During the first regular monthly meeting of 2014, the Wawasee school board approved moving forward with a bond project for construction work at Wawasee High School. A 1028 hearing, required by state law since the project will cost more than $1 million, was held in conjunction with the meeting. Mike Schmidt, principal of WHS, gave …read more.

Syracuse Park Board approved a motion to allow park superintendent Chad Jonnson and program coordinator Tyler McLead to write checks so referees could be paid for working basketball games for the adult basketball league underway. The motion was made during the board’s regular monthly meeting Monday evening. The board also learned it has about $40,000, …read more.

[weaver_youtube 3OZWq8xbkYI rel=0] SYRACUSE – The Wawasee Lady Warrior gymnastics team wasted no time in making a statement in the 2013-14 season. The talented squad was challenged by its head coach, Nika Prather, to make an impression in the season’s first dual meet against defending sectional champion Angola. The Lady Warriors rose to the occasion …read more.

Syracuse Fire Chief Mickey Scott provided an update on a lake hydrant on Pickwick Park Drive to the Turkey Creek Fire Territory Board during its regular monthly meeting last week. Last month it was reported water could not be drawn from the hydrant. Scott told the board a large catfish had been pulled up into …read more.

Kosciusko County Commissioners heard Tuesday the county qualified as a one-day snowfall event and broke a record for the amount of snowfall, meaning the county will more than likely qualify for a federal disaster declaration. A reported 14.3 inches of snow fell in the county during “the arctic blast” of Jan. 5. The previous record …read more.

Familiar with Nappanee’s apple sculptures or the Elkhart County elk sculptures? Well, something similar might be in store for Syracuse. Jeff Stillson, an artist from Nappanee, visited the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s board meeting recently with a presentation about potentially bringing similar sculptures to the downtown area and in front of local businesses. Stillson played …read more.

Ruth M. ‘Maxine’ Hughes, 91, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at Millers Merry Manor in Warsaw, Ind. She was born on Oct. 11, 1922, in Plymouth, Ind., to J. D. and Bessie M. (Crist) Leiter. She attended Mentone Public Schools and moved to Syracuse in 1942 from Warsaw. …read more.

Larry A. Harkleroad, 65, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 2:26 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at I.U. Goshen Hospital in Goshen, Ind. He was born on May 1, 1948, in Richmond, Ind., to Harry M. and Lena F. (Falcone) Harkleroad. He graduated in 1966 from Richmond High School and attended Indiana University East in Richmond. …read more.

Baking Recipes Wanted January is the month when adults are offered a chance to win baking scented candles during the Like a Hug reading program. The Syracuse Public Library is also collecting favorite baking recipes to share at the conclusion of the program. Anyone with a tried-and-true, unique or a just too-good-to-not share recipe is …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following accidents: Sunday, Jan. 12, 10:11 p.m. 5000 block Armstrong Road, Leesburg. Drivers: Jomy Francis, 26, Lake Street, Warsaw; and Matthew G. Hamman, 18, Armstrong Road, Leesburg. Automobile collision. Damages: more than $1,000 Sunday, Jan. 12, 9:29 a.m. Hatchery Road near …read more.

[weaver_youtube o8etiDRUt8g rel=0] SYRACUSE – With the Northern Lakes Conference girls swim championships just a week away, several scores still needed settling in the conference round robin. The first came Saturday morning as Wawasee hosted Goshen in a huge girls swim showdown. And the hosts stunned Goshen, 113-73, in a huge statement heading into one …read more.

[weaver_youtube 4eAIuWLL7r0 rel=0] SYRACUSE – With all the buzz surrounding the girls meet going on simultaneously Saturday morning at the Wawasee Natatorium, the Wawasee boys were able to swim with less pressure. That feeling found Wawasee on the winning end of nine events and a somewhat surprising 107-79 romp of Goshen. On the strength of …read more.

Dorothy (Dot) Mae (Neidigh) Wysong, 81, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Saturday morning, Jan. 11, 2014, of natural causes in Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born Sept. 17, 1932, to Ralph A. and Mary White Neidigh in Martinsville, Ind. She married Richard M. Wysong on June 5, 1954. Dot was a member of …read more.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum is proud to announce the receipt of a NIPSCO Community Investment Grant in December 2013. The $600 grant was awarded to help fund the cost of new technology at the museum. The computer equipment and software purchased with the help of these funds are vital to carrying out the museum’s mission …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following accidents: Thursday, Jan. 9, 4:16 p.m. SR 19, south of CR 200 South, Mentone. Driver: Phillip L. Talarico II, 26, Shordon Road, New Haven. Talarico was was attempting to pull over for an ambulance when he ran off of the …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following incidents: Thursday, Jan. 9, 9:21 p.m. Officers were called to the 1400 block of South Raspberry Court, Warsaw, for a reported battery. Thursday, Jan. 9, 3:30 p.m. Officers investigated a property damage accident in the 5700 block of East 950 …read more.

The following is a list of film times for local movie theaters for Friday, Jan. 10, through Thursday, Jan. 16. Pickwick Theater (108 W. Main St., Syracuse) Saving Mr. Banks, Rated: PG-13 Starring: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks Showtime: 7 p.m. nightly; $5.50 North Pointe Cinemas (1060 Mariner Dr., Warsaw) Matinees: All shows before 5:30 p.m. …read more.

Wawasee High School students involved with the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy are working with Special Olympics for their KYLA project. The Special Olympics basketball team known as the Panthers, will be playing a scrimmage game during halftime at tonight’s Wawasee basketball game. There will be a fundraising component to the event. Three members of the KYLA …read more.

STATEHOUSE – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced the House Republican agenda for the 2014 Legislative session. Titled “Indiana: Working on Progress” the agenda focused on five key areas to make Indiana a better state. These areas included preparing kids for their careers, connecting crossroads to communities, equipping the workforce, cutting taxes and stopping …read more.

Kosciusko County Judgments Kosciusko County New Filings Small Claims The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding: Shamrock Village v. Amber L. Burnworth and Michael C. Macy, Warsaw, $1,604 Civil Collections

 The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko County Courts: Capital One Bank v. …read more.

Frances Eby, 91, formerly of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Jan. 8, 2014, in Kimmell, Ind. She was born in Tenstrike, Minn., on Sept. 23, 1922. Fran lived in foster homes from age 7 or 8 until age 14. She graduated from high school in 1940. Fran received a scholarship and entered nurses training at …read more.

Senior Meteorologist Sam Lashley with the National Weather Service Northern Indiana office near Syracuse, said the NWS is looking for volunteer rain and snow observers across the Michiana region. “Having a dense network of weather observers can help improve local forecasts and warnings and this gives people with weather interests a chance to get involved,” …read more.

Syracuse Police Chief Tony Ciriello will serve as president of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police for 2014. He was elected in 2013 by the 438 chiefs who are members to serve as first vice president or president-elect. “I am very humbled to have been chosen to serve as the president of IACP, an …read more.

Encouraged by others and showing an interest in township matters, John Heckaman, Syracuse, was appointed in a Turkey Creek Township Republican Caucus to fill the unexpired term of Bill Dixon Tuesday evening. Dixon resigned effective Dec. 31, 2013. His term of office is up for election in 2014. “I’d been asked last term if I …read more.

State Rep. Rebecca Kubacki of Syracuse has been chosen as a member of the 2013-2014 Class of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series. The focus of the Lugar Series is to encourage and inspire women to play a more active role in all levels of the politics and government. The 2013-2014 class …read more.

The following are the most recent closings and cancellations we have. This list will be updated as information is provided. Send notices to [email protected]. Advance Disposal and Claypool Hauling are running a day behind for the municipalities. For residential customers, no trash will be picked up this week. Normal schedule will resume Jan. 13. Hoosier landfill we …read more.

Ignite the Night is Kosciusko County’s first ever formal/semi formal Firefighters Ball. Sponsored by the Kosciusko County Fire Association, the evening of Feb. 8 will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and include fine dining, raffles and dancing. The Firefighters Ball is being held to honor retirees and recognize officers and members who dedicate their …read more.

[weaver_youtube pmxRHi6DtvA rel=0] SYRACUSE – The words “Columbia City versus Wawasee” in boys basketball has traditionally brought reason to pay attention. Some of the most memorable moments in Wawasee basketball in the past 10 years have included Columbia City on the court. That wasn’t the case Saturday night, as the Eagles only added to its …read more.

The following is a list of film times for local movie theaters for Friday, Jan. 3, through Thursday, Jan. 9. Pickwick Theater (108 W. Main St., Syracuse) Frozen, Rated: PG Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel Showtime: 7 p.m. nightly; $5.50 North Pointe Cinemas (1060 Mariner Dr., Warsaw) Matinees: All shows before 5:30 p.m. Tickets: $7 …read more.

Calling all artists. The Oakwood Fine Arts Festival, presenting by Chautauqua-Wawasee, is now accepting submissions to this annual juried fine arts festival that will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2014. Join Chautauqua-Wawasee for the long awaited return of this premier art festival that will be held along the scenic …read more.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum is proud to sponsor a two-part presentation entitled “A History of Syracuse and the Indians of Kosciusko County” by Jack Elam, local historian. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, and will take place in Syracuse Community Center’s Celebration Hall, located at 1013 North Long Drive in Syracuse. …read more.

Kosciusko County Court New Filings Kosciusko County Court Judgments Small Claims
 The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding: Anthony Wayne Credit Adjusters v. Richard Allen, Warsaw, $273.15 Larry F. Anglin, Goshen, $369.94 Gregory W. Chalfin, Elwood, $939.96 Ricky D. Daniels, Warsaw, $643.01 Richard D. Gaylord, …read more.

Glen Stiffler, 83, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Jan. 2, 2014, at his residence. He was born on July 26, 1930, in Syracuse, to Chester and Mary (Coy) Stiffler. On August 23, 1956, he married Lucy ‘Sue’ Martin who preceded him in death. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He is …read more.

Don Arthur Bish, 84, of Wawaka, Ind., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at his home. He was born March 26, 1929, to Clyde and Vivian (Fought) Bish in Topeka, Ind. On Aug. 4, 1956, he married Mary Ellizabeth Tredway, she survives. He graduated from Wawaka High School in 1947 as Valedictorian of his class. …read more.

Miriam L. Ridings, 90, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. Miriam was born Nov. 8, 1922, in Ossian, Ind., to the late Glenn F. and Maude (Weirich) Jackson.  She married Jackson D. Ridings on Dec. 6, 1941, who preceded her in death on Dec. 29, 1990. …read more.

Judy Dillman-Morganthaler, 72, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born Jan. 24, 1941, in Anderson, Ind., to Russ and Louise (Bookout) Regenold. Judy lived in the Syracuse area for the last 20 years coming from Anderson. She is survived by her husband: Tim Morganthaler; …read more.

The Kenneth & Lela Harkless Foundation has awarded $79,500 in grants to organizations in the Syracuse community, according to James E. Caskey, president of the foundation. The grants were awarded to the following organizations: Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, $12,500; Syracuse Cemetery Association, $10,000; Teen Parents Succeeding, $10,000; Rose Home, $9,000; Lakeland Learning Center, $7,000; Syracuse Parks …read more.

Ruth M. Rose, 72, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 9:35 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at Kosciusko Community Hospital. She was born on June 6, 1941, in Elkhart, Ind., to Edward and Eva L. (Kiser) Lock. She graduated in 1961 from Elkhart High School and moved from Elkhart to the North Webster/Syracuse area in …read more.

The following is a list of film times for local movie theaters for Friday, Dec. 27, through Thursday, Jan. 2. Pickwick Theater (108 W. Main St., Syracuse) Frozen, Rated: PG Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel Showtime: 7 p.m. nightly; $5.50 North Pointe Cinemas (1060 Mariner Dr., Warsaw) Matinees: All shows before 5:30 p.m. Tickets: $7 …read more.

The Shop Local for the Holidays committee wrapped up the month-long awareness campaign on Dec. 14 and awarded Jo Butler of Syracuse a $500 shopping spree for her support. The campaign was a county-wide initiative to encourage residents to support local businesses.  Through the combined efforts of the Kosciusko Chamber, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber, Pierceton Chamber, Kosciusko …read more.

StaceyPageOnline.com is compiling a list of local stories that made headlines this year. Unlike print media, we are able to base the top stories on the number of views each story received. However, because our digital daily newspaper continues to grow and gather new readers every day, we want to to know what you think …read more.

Sharon A. Hensley, 66, of Elkhart, Ind., passed away at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at Woodland Manor Nursing Home in Elkhart. She was born Sept. 6, 1947, in Goshen, Ind., to Nelson C. and Norma J. (Liechty) Wogoman. She was a lifetime of the Elkhart, Kosciusko and Noble counties area resident and received …read more.

Kosciusko County Judgments Kosciusko County New Filings Small Claims The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding: Berger Farms Inc. v. Kirk W. Depoister, North Webster, $1,594 The Car Company v. Linda Chupp, Centreville, Mich., $1,094 Commerce Bank v. Susanna Gibson, Leesburg $11,258.19 Credit Bureau Collection …read more.

This week’s Pets of the Week come from the Save a Dog Rescue in Syracuse. Poseidon is a Bulldog/Staffordshire Terrier mix. He is a big bundle of joy. He is great with kids, and other animals. He is around 90 pounds and approximately 2 1/2 years old. He is very strong and does pull on …read more.

Warren G. Benson, 89, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at his home. He was born on May 26, 1924, in Etna Green, Ind., to Ora and Celia (Jones) Benson. He lived most of his life in the Syracuse area and graduated in 1942 from Syracuse High School. He …read more.

Brook Pointe Inn has announced it will start accepting BitCoins as a suitable form of currency starting Jan. 1. BitCoin is a consensus network that enables a new payment system and is completely a digital form of money. It is the first decentralized peer-to-peer payment network powered by its users with no central authority or …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following accidents: Monday, Dec. 16, 5:00 a.m. SR 13 near 800 North, North Webster. Driver: Andy R. Collins, 36, Crystal Flash Road 7, North Webster. Driver struck a deer. Damages: up to $5,000 Sunday, Dec. 22, 10:57 p.m. 700 South near …read more.

An old building has received a new lease on life. The former Syracuse Church of the Brethren has been sold and is now being used by The Gathering Place of Northern Indiana to study, worship and meet. If you’ve seen lights and other signs of life around the historic property at the corner of West …read more.

The Syracuse/Wawasee Community Fund, a component fund of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, recently announced three grants impacting the Syracuse area. Baker Youth Club received $1,000 in support of their after-school mentoring and homework help program for Syracuse Elementary School students. Boomerang Backpacks received $1,000 in support of their weekend food program for low-income Syracuse …read more.

Gymnasts Open At LaPorte The official open to the Wawasee gymnastics season took place Saturday morning in another time zone. Wawasee senior Emily Allen scored an 8.75 on floor and 7.75 on bars to lead the team at the LaPorte Pairs. Matched up with some of the top teams in the Region, Wawasee did not …read more.

On the last day of school before Christmas break, after several months of delays, letter grades for schools were publicly released by the Indiana Department of Education. It left school administrators not exactly in a “holly jolly” mood. “Only the Grinch would release school grades on the last day before Christmas break,” said Dr. Tom …read more.

SYRACUSE – In a game that came down to the final possession, Warsaw managed to hold on for a 37-36 freshman boys basketball win at Wawasee Thursday night. The Warriors had Carter Jones and Tyler Smith both score nine points, but the team missed seven of its 14 free throw attempts in the game. Warsaw …read more.

Two petitions were approved at the regular meeting of the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals Thursday. Larry and Kathryn Stanley’s petition for a variance was granted. The petition is to allow a change and alteration to a previously granted variance by allowing the residence to be raised and reconstructed at 18 feet from the water’s …read more.

SYRACUSE – The Wawasee boys and girls concluded its pre-Christmas Northern Lakes Conference schedule Thursday night with a pair of big wins against visiting Plymouth. The Lady Warriors moved to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in the NLC with a 143-36 victory while the boys earned its second win in three days with a 122-37 triumph, …read more.

The following is a list of film times for local movie theaters for Friday, Dec. 20, through Thursday, Dec. 26. Pickwick Theater (108 W. Main St., Syracuse) The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (3D), Rated: PG-13 Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman Showtime: 7 p.m. nightly; $8 North Pointe Cinemas (1060 Mariner Dr., Warsaw) Matinees: All …read more.

Syracuse Town Council tied up loose ends before the new year started during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night. The board approved the retainage release for Cripe Excavating for work it had done at the new industrial park as well as a tax abatement request from Polywood and PW Reality LLC. Polywood is expanding and …read more.

This week’s Pets of the Week are from the Save a Dog Rescue in Syracuse. Dallas is a Staffordshire Terrier that was owner surrendered when his owner had to move. He is a very sweet boy and likes everyone. He is confused and doesn’t know why he’s here. He is 1 year old and 50 …read more.