(UPDATE: The name of the individual who was shot and killed Sunday by officers with the Elkhart City Police Department has been identified as Christopher James Ryckeart, 31, of Elkhart. Ryckeart was allegedly backing his truck into the path of officers as they attempted to place him in custody after a vehicle pursuit.) At the request …read more.

Transhield, Inc. recently announced that it was awarded an $8.3 million contract to supply protective covers for more than 4,500 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in the U.S. Army fleet. The contract also includes covers for 217 U.S. Navy MRAPs, U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs), M777 Howitzers and other critical items. It …read more.

The teenage girl found dead in a Granger home Saturday night was the victim of a homicide. Elkhart County Coroner John White ruled Tiana E. Alter, 17, of Elkhart, died of “multiple sharp force injuries.” The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday said they arrested a person of interest at the home on unrelated charges. …read more.

Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) today announced that, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, it has acquired the net assets of specialty trailer manufacturer Bison Coach from an operating unit of Navistar, Inc. The purchase price, which will be paid in cash, is approximately $16.7 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. “We are pleased to welcome Bison Coach …read more.

Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) today announced the completion of the previously announced sale of its bus business to Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc. and the receipt of $100 million in cash proceeds from the transaction. The cash proceeds will be adjusted to reflect changes in net assets of the bus business since April 30, based on …read more.

JV Picks Up Football Win Wawasee’s junior varsity football team ended its season with a thrilling victory Saturday morning in Syracuse, a 14-7 winner over Goshen. Stephon Miller ripped off a 65-yard rushing touchdown and Cameron Adams added a score for the Warriors, which finish the season 3-6 overall. Jeff Bartman added a 60-yard kick-off …read more.

ELKHART – As the final team standings were being read off at Saturday’s cross country regional at Ox Bow County Park, Wawasee junior runner Bre Robinson stood with her team with a look of concern on her face not knowing the fate of her team at Saturday’s cross country regional at Ox Bow County Park. …read more.

ELKHART – The Warrior boys’ cross country team have a flare for the dramatic. After narrowly escaping the sectional last Tuesday, Wawasee had another close call on Saturday afternoon at Ox Bow Country Park. But close or not, the Warriors team score of 111 more than enough to get them to next week’s semi-state meet. …read more.

ELKHART – Simply put, conditions were ugly for the first round of a hopefully deep postseason run for Wawasee’s boys’ and girls’ cross country teams. Rainy weather led to a muddy course to help set the scene Tuesday night at Ox Bow County Park in Elkhart for the IHSAA Sectional Championships. As ugly as the …read more.

To build upon recent public and private investment in Elkhart, the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce is challenging the community to roll out the red carpet for the next wave of professional residents, something the Chamber calls the “500 Families” initiative. “Elkhart has always been a caring community, providing services to people in need. Now …read more.

NorthWood Rumbles In Regular Season Finale The girls soccer regular season came to an end Thursday for the Wawasee program. Unfortunately, lightning shortened the final match even further, with a 4-0 result in favor of NorthWood standing after one half due to lightning in the area. Wawasee remain winless on the season at 0-16, looking …read more.

Marie Ritenour, 89, of Elkhart, Ind., passed away at Elkhart Hospice House on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. She was born on Feb. 9, 1924, in Bremen, Ind., to Charles and Essie (Bennett) Hummel. Marie is survived by her daughter: Beverly (Greg) Samons, Bourbon, Ind.; a grandson: Steve (Kari) Samons, Fort Wayne; granddaughters: Samantha and Katelin …read more.

Patrick Industries Inc. announced today the acquisitions of the business and certain assets of two related Warsaw-based companies – Frontline Manufacturing Inc. and Premier Concepts Inc. – in a combined transaction. Frontline, a major manufacturer of fiberglass bath fixtures including tubs, showers and combination tub/shower units for the recreational vehicle, manufactured housing and residential housing …read more.

Thor Industries Inc. (NYSE:THO) today announced that Crossroads RV, a wholly-owned subsidiary, named Andy Cripe as president effective Monday, Aug. 26. “We are pleased to have Andy take a strong leadership role at Crossroads RV,” said Bob Martin, Thor president and chief executive officer. “Andy has a strong track record of performance at Keystone RV …read more.

Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) today announced that it acquired the assets of innovative recreational vehicle maker Livin’ Lite through a wholly-owned subsidiary. The purchase is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by August 30, 2013. “We are pleased to welcome Livin’ Lite to the Thor family of RV brands. Adding …read more.

Reverend Joseph Sabo Jr., 86, of Hubbard Hill Village, Elkhart, Ind., passed away at 9:28 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital after an extended illness. He was born April 19, 1927, in Clarksville, Pa., to Joseph and Julia (Smoggi) Sabo. On Aug. 24, 1949, he married Hazel Marie Tremba in Pittgas, Pa. Mr. …read more.

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC in Elkhart has acquired a Nappanee-based trailer manufacturer. Both are subsidiaries of Elkhart-based Thor Industries (NYSE: THO). Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC today announced the acquisition of the assets of Breckenridge, a market leader in the park model business. The acquisition is designed to maximize sales and increase market share in the …read more.

Lippert Components, Inc. (LCI) announces that it has acquired certain assets and the engineering team of Midstates Tool & Die & Engineering, Inc., a designer and builder of automated equipment, production tooling, progressive dies and one-hit stamping dies. The business will be operated as Lippert Automation, Tool and Die. “The assets and people we’ve added …read more.

Andrew Ormanovich, 20, of Nappanee, was arrested by Milford Police at Waubee Trailer Park, south of Milford, Tuesday afternoon. He is allegedly connected to a robbery at Neighborhood Convenience Store, 1712 Oakland Ave., Elkhart, at 8 p.m. June 15. Police received a tip that Ormanovich was at one of the homes in the park. He …read more.

Thor Industries Inc. today announced expansion plans to support the ongoing growth of its businesses. Thor Wakarusa LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thor Industries, purchased the recreational vehicle (RV) production campus in Wakarusa that was formerly operated by Navistar International Corporation. The land and production facilities, including certain related equipment, are to be purchased …read more.

An ambulance manufacturer in Elkhart has announced it will end operations and let go of more than 160 workers. SJC Industries Corp. says the move will not affect its Goshen Coach Inc. facility. SJC Industries was purchased by Florida-based Allied Specialty Vehicles Inc. from Thor Industries Inc. in Elkhart last week. The company expects the separations …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers in Elkhart County are investigating the illegal taking of a large muskie fish in High Dive Park in Elkhart on May 4. Cory Barnett, 23, of Elkhart, was charged by ICO Paul Crockett on one count of taking a game fish by illegal method. Muskies, otherwise known as muskellunge or tiger muskellunge, …read more.

ELKHART – If a golf course could be responsible for wins and losses, Christiana Creek could make that claim Thursday. Unusually high scores from all three teams had NorthWood struggle to a 164 to best host Elkhart Memorial’s 170 and Wawasee’s uncharacteristic 181 in Northern Lakes Conference play. NorthWood’s Dylan Gessinger and Memorial’s Frankie Iavagnilio …read more.

Thor Industries Inc. today announced the sale of substantially all of the assets of SJC Industries Corp., a subsidiary that manufactures ambulances, to Wheeled Coach Industries Inc., a subsidiary of Allied Specialty Vehicles Inc., a privately held company based in Orlando, Fla. Bob Martin, Thor President and Chief Operating Officer, commented, “The sale provides the …read more.

Memorial Squeaks By Wawasee For the second time in as many weeks, Elkhart Memorial did just enough to garner a softball win over Wawasee. The Charger put together two runs in the first inning and one more in the third to defeat the Warriors, 3-1, Friday afternoon in Syracuse. Paula Strausborger was 2-3 for Memorial, …read more.

ELKHART — A huge night from Lauren Strausborger was too much for Wawasee to handle. The slugging center fielder for Memorial had three hits, including a homer, and had three RBIs as the Lady Chargers beat the Lady Warriors 5-2 Thursday night. Strausborger also scored two runs to go with the pair of runs Kara …read more.

Todd Allen Design continued its run of success in 2013, winning two Silver Tellys and one second place at this year’s Telly Awards. The Silver Telly is the international competition’s highest honor.The Telly is the premier award honoring the most outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs. Last year’s competition received over 12,000 …read more.

WorkOne is sponsoring a Youth Job Fair from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, in Elkhart. An emphasis will be placed on Hoosiers in their late teens and early 20s, although the Job Fair is open to the general public. The event will be hosted at the Tolson Center, located at 1320 Benham …read more.

After winning 11 ADDY Awards and two “Best in Shows” in March, Todd Allen Design was again recognized at the prestigious competition’s regional level this month. The advertising agency in downtown Elkhart won three more awards for its “A New Day” video for IU Health Goshen Center for Cancer Care, and its digital work for …read more.

Drew Industries Incorporated, a manufacturer of a broad array of components for recreational vehicles, manufactured homes and other industries, announced plans today to relocate its headquarters from White Plains, N.Y., to here and expand its manufacturing operations, creating up to 800 new jobs by 2017. Drew Industries, parent company of Elkhart County-based Lippert Components Inc. …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers investigated a firearm accident at about 5 p.m. Friday that occurred in the Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area in North Webster. Joey Douglas, 26, of Elkhart, was said to be target shooting when he attempted to chamber a cartridge into the barrel of his rifle. It is believed the rifle had been …read more.

ELKHART — Cassie Shelton didn’t miss a beat, holding Wawasee to a mere two singles in a 10-1 Elkhart Central softball win Thursday afternoon. The Central ace held Wawasee to just three baserunners overall, allowing just singles to Kylie Norris and Allissa Flores and walking Taylor Spangle. Norris scored the lone run for Wawasee. Otherwise, …read more.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Elkhart County, Ind., posted the largest increase in employment from September 2011 to September 2012. According to bureau, the ranking is a result of rising employment in the counties manufacturing sector, which added more than 4,700 jobs in 2011-2012. This is the second time within the past …read more.

MCD Innovations, the world’s leading manufacturer of RV roller shades, announced today it has appointed Kyle Dietzen to head up its regional offices in the RV Capital of the World, Elkhart. Dietzen comes to MCD with over 10 years of experience in the RV industry. His talents include developing relationships and building sales cycles as …read more.

ELKHART, Ind. – Mike Anderson Auto Group is pleased to announce the opening of its newest auto dealership in Elkhart at 1750 W. Beardsley Ave. Since opening its doors in Logansport in 1980, Mike Anderson Auto Group has kept a firm commitment to its customers. “We are very excited about becoming a part of the …read more.

More than 1,700 people in Elkhart will now be represented as part of a class action lawsuit against Soil Solutions Company, VIM Recycling Inc., K.C. Industries LLC, and Kenneth R. Will accused of dumping and processing waste materials in unsafe and negligent ways. The decision to expand the lawsuit, originally filed on behalf of 140 …read more.

Emmy Award-winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence brings her wildly popular national touring revue to the historic Lerner Theatre in Downtown Elkhart on the evening of Saturday, April 6. Lawrence is among the most beloved television personalities of her generation. Plucked out of total obscurity as a high school senior, she went on to become part of …read more.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. this evening, Elkhart County Sheriff’s deputies were once again called to an armed robbery on Elkhart’s northwest side. According to a press release, the Marathon gas station at 51451 SR 19 was robbed by two male suspects wearing black masks and gloves. The suspects entered into the store while armed with handguns …read more.

ELKHART — Wawasee kept pace with Elkhart Memorial in the second half, but a slow start wound up costing the Warriors in a 70-57 loss to the Chargers in boys hoops Friday night at North Side Gym. A monster second half from Alex Clark, who scored 22 of his team-high 27 points after intermission, kept …read more.

ELKHART — Memorial flexed its muscle on the wrestling mat Thursday night, pinning Wawasee eight times in a 60-16 win. The Chargers, which move to 5-1 in the Northern Lakes Conference with its only loss to Plymouth, started the night with back-to-back pins from Nick Vaughn and Chris Morris over Michael Pena and Jake Sumpter. …read more.

ELKHART — A turn of the page on the ol’ calendar meant the two Kosciusko County high school gymnastics teams, Wawasee and Warsaw, kicked into their respective competition seasons. With the ushering in of 2013 meant a trip Thursday night to Elkhart for the annual Blazer Invite. The atmosphere was lively inside Elkhart Central’s gymnastics-exclusive …read more.

ELKHART – Josh Miller and Jayden Parrett were each double winners as the Warsaw boys swim team rolled past Elkhart Memorial 123-61 Saturday. Miller won the 200 IM (2:16.00) and 500 freestyle (5:39.41) events, while Parrett took firsts in the 100 freestyle (50.11) and 100 backstroke (55.20) as the Tigers dominated the Northern Lakes Conference …read more.

Following an investigation that has spanned several weeks, police in Syracuse arrested an Elkhart woman Thursday for dealing drugs near a school. Carol Ann Garcia, 44, 1623 Superior St., Elkhart, was taken into custody yesterday and charged with dealing a Schedule III controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school. Police made an undercover purchase …read more.

CTS Corporation in Elkhart announced on Tuesday that it has completed the sale and leaseback of its Singapore facility for proceeds in excess of the underlying book value. CTS received net cash proceeds of approximately $17.5 million. An estimated $10 million of the total $14.5 million pre-tax gain will be recognized in the fourth quarter …read more.

One person is dead and two others reportedly injured in what Elkhart County police are saying was an early morning shooting, and the investigation is continuing. Officers were called at approximately 2:54 a.m. today to the Gemini Bar & Grill, 23845 U.S. 33 in Elkhart. The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department says a 25-year-old man was …read more.

ELKHART — One of the perks of the boys and girls cross country state tournaments is a runner doesn’t have to run an ‘A’ race to keep a season alive. Wawasee didn’t light the Ox Bow course on fire, but both of its teams did enough to advance to the regional with top-five finishes. The …read more.

Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore said after yesterday’s announcement of New York-based Drew Industries Inc. expanding to norther Indiana, it is clear the RV industry is continuing to rebound. However, he said the community must focus on green and high-tech jobs to fully recover from the recession. A high-tech industrial park is in the city’s future, …read more.

ELKHART, Ind. — A New York-based RV manufacturer is planning to grow in northern Indiana, potentially adding 260 jobs by 2015 and investing $3.65 million as part of the expansion. Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc. of Elkhart and Kinro Manufacturing, Inc. of Goshen, subsidaries of Drew Industries Incorporated, announced today that Elkhart County has been chosen …read more.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Evansville-based Accuride Corp. is planning to close its Gunite facility in Elkhart as it consolidates all North American production into the Rockford, Ill. facility. The vehicle parts manufacturer will phase out its machining operations at Brillion Iron Works in Brillion, Wisc. and close its plant in Elkhart by the first quarter of …read more.

ELKHART, Ind. — Elkhart-based Patrick Industries Inc. has acquired a RV component manufacturer for nearly $3 million, marking Patrick’s fifth acquisition since June 2011. Patrick says Gustafson Lighting, a major manufacturer and distributor of interior and exterior lighting products, ceiling fans and accessories, will keep its name and continue to operate out of its current …read more.

INDIANAPOLIS — Twenty-five companies from 13 counties have been named to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s fifth annual “Companies to Watch” list. Multiple companies from northern Indiana — Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend and Fort Wane — made the list. The employers anticipate having combined revenues of more than $282 million and plan to create more …read more.

Steven and Kathy S. (Love) Serafino, 30262 CR 26, Elkhart, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They were married April 25, 1987, at First Church of God, Goshen, with Rev. Norman Patton officiating. The couple have three children who are triplets: Emily S. Serafino, Winona Lake; David S. Serafino, Elkhart; and Amelia K. Serafino, Winona Lake. Steven …read more.