INDIANA — Fireworks season has arrived and the State Fire Marshal is reminding all Hoosiers to be mindful of fireworks laws when celebrating this summer. “Fireworks can be very entertaining to watch but there are laws in place that are often overlooked when it comes to their usage,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. “We …read more.

WARSAW — The Fort Wayne Mad Ants Director of Communications Kara Stevenson recently reached out to Joe’s Kids in regards to partnering with Joe’s this holiday season to receive a toy donation from the Mad Ants and the Indiana Pacers. Stevenson, stated that the affiliation with the Indiana Pacers and the promotion of Season of …read more.

[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.

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 — A free “Home for the Holidays” community event will be held at the Kosciusko Community Senior Center, 800 N. Park Ave., Warsaw, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Lunch will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CLAYPOOL — The Nov. 16 Claypool Town Council meeting dealt with topics including 2016 holidays and changes to appropriations for the 2016 budget. However, no topic was more lively than the parking situation at South Main Street.

By TIFFANY ADAMS Manager, Akron Community Center The community is invited to a Holiday Extravaganza, set for 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Akron Community Center, in Akron. This event is to showcase artisans from around the state who have unique and handmade items. Jewelry, crafts, baked goods and wine and cheese tasting are a few …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 MARY KITTRELL Executive Director, Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau Kick off your holiday season by attending the Holiday Open House at the Visitor Center hosted by Indiana’s Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The open house will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Santa Claus will be at …read more.

By KELSEY MYERS Business Development Specialist, Kosciusko Community Hospital The holidays are a time to reflect on lost loved ones. This year, place a free ornament on the Celebration Tree at Kosciusko Community Hospital to remember your lost friend or family member. Stop in to the KCH Lobby between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, …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.

By JESSICA FLORES Communication Specialist, Nappanee Public Library Nappanee Public Library Events This Week Pinterest Night Looking for some ideas for hand-made last-minute Christmas gifts and supplies? The Nappanee Public Library will host its monthly Pinterest Night in the Cube, the Library’s new Makerspace, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. All materials …read more.

By JESSICA FLORES Communication Specialist, Nappanee Public Library Nappanee Public Library events this week. Tuesday Tales Eudora Welty once said “Listening children know stories are there. When their elders sit and begin, children are just waiting and hoping for one to come out, like a mouse from its hole.” Listening children of all ages are …read more.

By RICHARD L. OWEN Owen Family Funeral Home The staff at Owen Family Funeral Homes is preparing for their ninth annual Holiday Memorial Service. The funeral home will be offering two services to accommodate room for the families. The first service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Owen Family Funeral …read more.

The Society of St. Andrew, which supports feeding America’s hungry, invites any Kosciusko County individuals, food agencies, pantries, kitchens and churches needing potatoes to help feed the hungry to receive free potatoes beginning at 8:30 a.m. until supplies are gone Friday, Nov. 28, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. Potatoes are provided through a grant by …read more.

A new recording of favorite Christmas music is available just in time for the start of the holiday season from the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. The Best of Festival of Carols: Volume One features music heard in recent seasons at Festival of Carols, the annual holiday performances featuring the 200-voice Symphonic Choir. The CD is $20 …read more.

By BECKY BROWER Communication Services, Syracuse Public Library Activities for the week of Dec. 1 through Dec. 6: The Syracuse Library has two craft programs to help with gifting. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 is a drop-by crafts time for adults. Individuals are invited to bring gifts that are ready to …read more.

By KATY BERGER Communications Specialist, Kosciusko REMC For the ninth consecutive year Kosciusko Rural Electric Membership Corporation donated $5,000 to the Winter Heating Assistance Program at Combined Community Services. KREMC President and CEO Bruce Goslee, presented a check to Executive Director Steve Possell of CCS. “Last year’s winter was brutally cold and we are hearing …read more.

By VALERIA FISHER Information Services Program Coordinator, Warsaw Community Public Library Photography Contest The seventh annual Warsaw Community Public Library Amateur Photography Contest will start Dec. 1. Amateur photographers ages 18 and up may enter up to two photographs that were taken during 2014, in color or black/white categories. Each entry must be framed, and …read more.

By VINCE ROBINSON Indiana American Red Cross Give something that means something – Give blood or platelets The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give something that means something this holiday season – a lifesaving blood donation. Blood donations often decline this time of year when donors get busy with holiday festivities and travel. …read more.

The Sewing Guild of Warsaw recently made and presented 110 handmade Christmas stockings to the Warsaw American Legion Auxiliary unit 49. These holiday reminders from home will be filled by the Auxiliary members with personal care products and treats to be sent to soldiers overseas.

The holiday season is rapidly approaching and it’s time to start celebrating. Enjoy your first taste of the holiday season at the Symphony of the Lakes Home for the Holidays Pops Concert at 2 p.m. and 7p.m. Saturday Nov. 22, 2014, at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center. Home for the Holidays will be a complete holiday …read more.