A Warsaw man received a four-year prison sentence in Kosciusko County Superior Court 1 Monday, June 15.

WARSAW — Commissioners approved a resolution regarding vacation extension and leave bank availability for county employees at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, April 14. County Auditor Michelle Puckett said in the last two weeks there have been issues when processing payroll in trying to keep an eye on how earned comp time is used.  …read more.

WARSAW – The mother who left her toddler in the care of a friend – only to be severely abused – was given a suspended sentence Thursday, Feb. 13, in Kosciusko County Superior Court 1. Rune Star Springer, 26, was given a two and a half year sentence, but Judge David Cates suspended the sentence …read more.

WARSAW – Below is a list of candidates who filed before Friday’s deadline for the May 5 primary. The list is based on information provided by the Kosciusko County Clerk and the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office’s election website for county races and legislative districts that include Kosciusko County. (Challengers are italicized) Commissioner, northern district …read more.

WARSAW — A Warsaw woman received a suspended sentence for a neglect charge on Thursday, Feb. 6, after being under the influence of drugs and leaving her children unsupervised. Krystal Sue Miller, 28, 340 E. Levi Lee Road Lot 94, Warsaw, was charged with neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony. On April 30, …read more.

WARSAW – Four more candidates from Kosciusko County – all Republicans – filed this week to run in county-level races in the 2020 primary. The filing period began Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, and will continue to Feb. 7. The four who filed this week include: Cary Groninger, an incumbent from Mentone, filed for middle district …read more.

WARSAW — A Warsaw man was sentenced for sexual battery in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 on Thursday, Jan. 16.  Robert Paul Snell, 44, 920 Anchorage Road, Warsaw, pleaded guilty to sexual battery, a level 6 felony.  According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 2, 2019, Warsaw Police were contacted by Snell, who said …read more.

WARSAW — Public figures in Kosciusko County emphasized the importance of community in battling addictions during “The Opioid Epidemic: Our Community Speaks” Wednesday evening, Jan. 15. The event at Center Lake Pavilion was hosted by the Bowen Center, moderated by Mayor Joe Thallemer and funded with a $5,000 grant from Accelerate Indiana Municipalities Many of …read more.

WARSAW — Jon Garber was chosen as the Kosciusko County Council president for 2020 at the council meeting Thursday, Jan. 9.  Ernie Wiggins, although not in attendance, was voted to serve as the vice president. County Attorney Chad Miner and Ken Jones, president and chief executive officer with Jones Petrie Rafinski, Elkhart, told council members …read more.

WARSAW – Seven candidates from Kosciusko County – all Republicans – filed to run in county-level races in the 2020 primary. The filing period began Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, and continues until Feb. 7. The seven who filed on Wednesday were: Ann Torpy, an incumbent from Mentone, filed for County Clerk Michael Kissinger, an incumbent …read more.

WARSAW — New appointments were filled and year-end transfers were made Thursday night, Dec. 12, by Kosciusko County Council. 2020 Office Appointments: Alcohol Beverage Commission — Dan Woods Area Plan Board — Jon Garber Emergency Mgt. Advisory — Joni Truex KC Economic Development Committee — Kimberly Cates Kos. Economic Development Corporation — Kimberly Cates Michiana …read more.

From left, Attorney Antony Garza and Judge Michael Reed, are members of the Executive Committee of the Kosciusko County Community Corrections Advisory Board. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels. WARSAW —  Kosciusko County’s Community Corrections Department has suspended all new “hook-ups” for up to 30 days for offenders entering programs that rely on monitoring bracelets. The …read more.

*Warning: The following article contains information that may not be suitable for all readers.* WARSAW — A Claypool woman arrested in January on charges of child pornography was sentenced to five years in prison in Kosciusko Superior Court I Thursday, Nov. 7. Roselyn Beatrice Burkhart, 39, 107 N. Rebecca St., Claypool, pleaded guilty to two …read more.

*WARNING: The following article contains information that may not be suitable for all readers.* WARSAW — A Lakeville man who admitted to engaging in sex with a female relative received a suspended sentence in Kosciusko Superior Court Thursday, Oct. 24.  William Glenn Davis, 54, 23095 Tyler Road, Lakeville, pleaded guilty to promoting prostitution, a level …read more.

WARSAW — A North Webster man charged with three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor received a 22-year sentence in Kosciusko Superior I Court Thursday, Oct. 17. David Edward Killian, 70, North Webster, was found guilty of the three charges in September, after a two-day jury trial. Sentences for two of the three counts …read more.

While the upcoming Warsaw City Council election (there are four with contested races) will be the main attraction at the ballot box for many on Nov. 5, lots of people at Wednesday’s GOP fish fry in Warsaw already seem focused on contests in 2020. The following are a few enticing tidbits to consider: Karin McGrath …read more.

WARSAW — Local judges and bail bondsmen are expressing concerns over plans by the state to let low-risk offenders awaiting trial out of jail without posting bond. Many people who are arrested after the first of the year and awaiting trial in Indiana may be doing so out on the streets — rather than behind bars — …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — The animal control controversy continued at the Kosciusko Commissioners meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 6, with court security eventually stepping in to cut off one woman’s time at the podium. Columbia City resident Kelly Bolenbaugh, who spoke at the July 23 commissioners meeting, approached the podium once the floor was open for public comments …read more.

WARSAW — “Work release is not an option. He knows he will get sentenced and be incarcerated for a while. In an odd way, he is looking forward to it,” said John Barrett, attorney for Adrian Crabb, 20, 155 EMS B43 Lane, Leesburg. Crabb was sentenced to three years at the Indiana Department of Corrections …read more.

WARSAW — Despite Timothy Eugene Rottger’s apology to the court and victim, Kosciusko County Superior 1 Judge David Cates wasn’t convinced the 44-year-old is taking responsibility for his actions. Rottger, 10018 N. 400E, Syracuse, was sentenced for rape, a level 3 felony, Thursday, March 14. The crime occurred Dec. 7, 2017, at his Syracuse home. “I …read more.

WARSAW — “I suggest you watch who you hang out with … opportunity to show me you can move on.” Those were the final comments Kosciusko County Superior Court Judge David Cates made to Mason Mauk 17, 1049 Chapman Lake Drive, Warsaw, during Mauk’s sentencing Thursday morning, March 14. Mauk, who was waived to adult …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — Commissioners approved County Attorney Chad Miner’s request to file the Tippy-Chapman Regional Sewer District petition with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management at the Kosciusko County Commissioner meeting held Tuesday, Dec. 11. Ken Jones, president and chief executive officer with Jones Petrie Rafinski, Elkhart, cautioned they are a long way from project bids …read more.

WARSAW — Dennis Vandiver II’s attempt to hire his own attorney and take his case to a jury didn’t go as he wanted today, Thursday, Nov. 15, in Kosciusko Superior Court 1. Instead, his plea agreement was accepted and he was sentenced to 30 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with five years suspended. …read more.

WARSAW — A Claypool man was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior One Court Thursday, Oct. 25, after kicking a police officer in the neck. Joshua Brandon Volkert, 33, 2198 W. Union St., Claypool, was charged with battery resulting in bodily injury to a public safety official, a level 5 felony; and battery and criminal mischief, both …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Documents providing arguments against and for Colt Lundy’s sentence modification have been filed by both parties. The state filed its eight-page brief Tuesday, Oct. 9, with the defense filing its nine-page document Sunday, Oct. 14. Special Judge David Cates, Kosciusko Superior Court 1, who took the matter under advisement Oct. 4, will …read more.

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake Partners, LLC, filed a Verified Petition for Judicial Review in the Kosciusko Superior Court on Saturday, June 9, petitioning Judge David C. Cates to reverse or modify Hearing Officer Thomas Earhart’s order to demolish the Silver Lake School. The petition is signed by Michael N. Baur, who is listed as …read more.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in a four-part series on the Kosciusko County Courts.) KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Indiana Office of Court Services provides a report each year on actions of trial courts throughout the state. This report has shown a need for more judicial officers in Kosciusko County. This need was brought before the …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — The appointment of a special judge and a motion for a change of venue have been filed in the case of Clifford Clevenger, Pierceton, against North Webster Police Department, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Wawasee Community School Corporation and specified employees of those agencies. Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge David Cates noted a …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Jordan Scott Bronsing, 17, with addresses of 3762 W. Old Road 30, Warsaw, and 2790 N. US 33, Kimmell, has been waived to adult court. He was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Monday, Aug. 28, and faces charges of manufacturing methamphetamine (aiding), a level 4 felony; two counts of theft, class …read more.

WARSAW — “I’ve been doing this job for 24 years, it’s very rare a case like this runs before my eyes. I find it offensive,” said Brad Voelz during the sentencing Thursday, April 21, of Eric Lee Gibson, 37, 7884 S. Packerton Road, Claypool. Gibson appeared in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 for acceptance of his …read more.

WARSAW — “This is a tough one for me. I’m amazed (you and your wife) are still together. It tells me something,” said Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge David Cates during the sentencing of Kevin Hunter, 49, 600 N. Lake St., Warsaw. Hunter, who was originally charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon, appeared in …read more.

WARSAW — Xavier Juarez, 21, 3762 W. Old Road 30, Warsaw, may face immigration consequences, following his sentencing Thursday, April 21, for sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 5 felony. Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge David Cates sentenced Juarez to four years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, suspended two years to be served …read more.

WARSAW — A man who entered the home of another and stole a pickle jar containing change, was sentenced to five years at the Indiana Department of corrections, but will only serve two years in the county jail. The remainder will be on probation. Fred J. Landolt III, 26, 729 E. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw, …read more.

WARSAW — A day before the start of a three-day jury trial, Sam Stimmel, 66, 7227 N. Syra-Web Road, North Webster, entered a plea agreement before Kosciusko Superior Court Judge David Cates. Stimmel pleaded guilty Monday, March 7, to Count II and Count III, both dealing in a synthetic or look-a-like substance, more than two …read more.

WARSAW — The airport hanger for Image Air was transformed into a Mediterranean night for the 14th annual CASA Holiday Festival with its theme “CASAblanca, Here’s Look’n Out For You Kid!” Throughout the room silhouettes of kids holding messages were displayed and photos of CASA volunteers shown in a slide show while music played throughout …read more.

Joshua J. Kats WARSAW — Despite the pre-sentence investigation report that Joshua Kats would be a low risk to re-offend, Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge David Cates pointed out several factors that appeared to give him some doubt. Joshua J. Kats, 24, 1822 Sharon St., Warsaw, was sentenced to concurrent terms (served at the same …read more.

WARSAW — Initial hearings, for those individuals, arrested are normally routine: charges read, constitutional rights explained, sentencing terms, status of an attorney and future court dates set. Normally the hearings last no more than 15 minutes. However, an initial hearing Thursday for one individual resulted in the initial hearing being anything but routine.

Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge David Cates agreed with defense attorney John Barrett this was Gregory Sutton Jr., 18, South CR 325E, Warsaw, first brush with adult court. Because of this, Sutton was given primarily a suspended sentence with little or no jail time. “I would like this to be your only go around with …read more.

Under the state’s complicated letter grading system for public schools, a school can improve its grade from the previous year but still be required to submit an improvement plan because, for example, too many students showed a low growth rate. During the regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board Tuesday evening in Syracuse the …read more.

Dear Editor, Thank you Kosciusko County! To those of you who supported and worked for my candidacy, and voted for me in the primary and general elections, please accept my gratitude. The breadth of support and extent of the effort expended on my election is humbling. To everyone in our county, please accept my pledge …read more.

A substantial financial gift from an anonymous Wawasee patron could literally benefit the Wawasee Community School Corp. for a period of 100 years. During a special meeting of the Wawasee school board Tuesday in Syracuse, the board voted to approve the gift. A business is being sold into a limited partnership to include the Wawasee …read more.

Clockwise from top left are Curt Nisly, David Cates, Torrey Bauer and Bob Conley. (EDITOR’S NOTE: The Mail-Journal Reporter Deb Patterson contributed to this article.) Tuesday’s primary elections saw a disappointing voter turn out with just 19.61% of all registered voters casting ballots. Since 2002, data from Indiana Secretary of State found that roughly one in …read more.

Dear Editor, As I follow the coverage of the three candidates for Kosciusko County Superior Court 1, I am struck by their differing experience levels. One candidate, it seems, stands well above the rest. While all three men appear to be capable and trustworthy, it is David Cates’ broad experience that I believe makes him …read more.

Dear Editor, David Cates is head and shoulders above the rest in courtroom experience for Kosciusko Superior Court 1. As a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, I have experienced many situations throughout my lifetime that have an effect on the community. I have served on non-profit boards, am active in my local church and have …read more.

It is an unusual year for Kosciusko County courts as two judicial seats are opening up. It is also uncommon to have contests in the races, but this year, a total of six candidates are vying for the two open seats in Superior I and Superior II courts. During a judicial forum last night, sponsored …read more.

The Kosciusko County Bar Association and Warsaw Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce are presenting a Judicial Candidates Forum. That event will offer all candidates seeking judicial seats an opportunity to tell the public about their qualifications and experiences. The Judicial Candidates Forum will be held in Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw from 7 p.m. to …read more.

A total of six candidates — all Republicans — are seeking two Kosciusko County Superior Court judge seats in the May 6 primary election. David Cates, Stephen Harris and Chad Miner are seeking the Superior Court 1 seat currently held by the retiring judge, Duane Huffer. Torrey Bauer, Mark Caruso and Tyler Haines are seeking …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.

Republicans, and one Democrat, have begun filing their candidacy for various county office seats since the start of filing Jan. 8. As of Monday the list of candidates included: Judge, Kosciusko Superior Court 1 — David C. Cates and Stephen P. Harris Judge, Kosciusko Superior Court 3 — Joe V. Sutton (incumbent) Prosecuting Attorney, 54th …read more.

“This announcement comes following careful consideration, prayer, and with tremendous family support,” said attorney David Cates, who has announced his candidacy for Kosciusko Superior Court I as a Republican. Cates will bring the abilities to perform the duties of the office with diligence and commitment necessary to preserve the integrity of the court system. After …read more.

The Turkey Creek Fire Territory Executive Board approved the construction contract for renovation of Syracuse Fire Station No. 1 during its regular monthly meeting Thursday. Fire chief Mickey Scott reviewed a few points of the contract prior to the board approving it. The contract was drawn up by Maust Architectural Services Inc. between the owner …read more.