By Keith Knepp InkFreeNews SYRACUSE — The June edition of Syracuse’s “Last Friday” event  enjoyed warm summer temperatures last evening as visitors to the event were treated to vendors, displays, free snacks and two free shows. The evening’s activities were organized  by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce. Taking place from 6-7:30 p.m.. at the …read more.

SYRACUSE – The Lakeland Youth Center is readying for a handful of summer opportunities for kids.

  Syracuse — It took the Syracuse Town Council just 16 minutes to complete it’s business Tuesday night, Jan. 21, during its first meeting of the year. Mike Noe, town manager, requested the council approve Police Chief Jim Layne to be appointed to the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission to replace Dan VanLue who recently passed away. …read more.

SYRACUSE — Mark your calendars for the Wawasee Winter Carnival Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24-25, sponsored by Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission and Lakeland Youth Center. The festival will begin with a soup supper fundraiser Friday evening, Jan. 24, and will continue with activities during the day Saturday, Jan. 25. Kiwanis Soup Supper …read more.

SYRACUSE — James E. Caskey, president of the Kenneth and Lela Harkless Foundation, announced $85,500 in grants have been awarded to various organizations within the Syracuse community.

SYRACUSE — The atmosphere at Syracuse Community Center Saturday morning, Dec. 7, was charged with excitement as over 200 children of all ages came to visit Santa. There was plenty to do for those who came while they waited to see Santa or after their visit with the jolly Ole St. Nick. Local groups from …read more.

SYRACUSE — From 1-4 p.m. today, Saturday, Nov. 16, children of all ages were able to craft their very own gingerbread houses at Lakeland Youth Center, located at 101 W. Chicago St., Syracuse. At the halfway marker, a total of 70 kids had come, according to Cassie Correll, LYC’s activities director. She noted last year had …read more.

  SYRACUSE — It was a dark and stormy night Saturday, Oct. 26, but that didn’t stop area children from attending Lakeland Youth Center’s annual Fall Carnival at the Syracuse Community Center. However, there were no sightings of Snoopy dressed as the World War I flying ace looking for his arch nemesis the Red Baron. …read more.

  MILFORD — Area libraries, city departments, churches and civic organizations will provide a wide variety of Halloween and fall harvest activities for kids and families. The communities of Syracuse, North Webster and Milford have all announced their official trick-or-treat hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. Other events: Friday, Oct. 25 …read more.

Syracuse — Heidi Blake, program director for the Kosciusko County Tobacco Free Coalition came before the Syracuse Town Council to ask about a Tobacco Free Air ordinance during the council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 15. As part of her presentation, she showed the council two zip lock bags with approximately 600 cigarette butts she …read more.

SYRACUSE — Mother & Me, sponsored by Lakeland Youth Center and 702 Salon & Spa in the Oakwood Resort, held Saturday, May 4, offered moms and their daughters an opportunity to bond. Those participating enjoyed a light brunch featuring muffins, fruit and a variety of drinks. Each mother daughter duo got to pick a salon …read more.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation Trails Committee Executive Director Megan McClellan kicked off the committee’s April 15 meeting with news of an award she received on behalf of SWTC from Greenways Foundation of Indiana naming Syracuse-Webster Road Trail “outstanding trail project.” Though it is relatively short, the trail has “high impact,” said McClellan, connecting high numbers …read more.

SYRACUSE — Despite the chilly, drizzly weather that covered Kosciusko County on Saturday evening, Santa Claus made his highly anticipated 6:30 p.m. arrival at Veterans Memorial Park in Syracuse. Ready to greet him were dozens of anxious children and their heat-deprived families. The town’s annual Holiday Magic celebration kicked off at 5 p.m. with students …read more.

SYRACUSE — An annual and popular event dating back to when the Syracuse Junior High School was still open, the Syracuse Fall Carnival was held Saturday evening, Oct. 27, in the Syracuse Community Center. Lakeland Youth Center and Syracuse Parks Department sponsored the carnival with assistance from several service organizations. Volunteers included, among others, Wawasee …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Kids Olympics at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex was cancelled Saturday, Aug. 25, due to inclement weather. Organizers with the Lakeland Youth Center and Syracuse Parks and Recreation have not yet determined if the event will be rescheduled. An announcement will be made early in the week of Aug. 27 on …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation announced Endowment Challenge 50 for ten youth-serving organizations this morning, Friday, May 25. This August will mark the 50th anniversary celebration of the foundation. Endowment Challenge 50 is the first of many ways the foundation will celebrate the milestone through the coming year.  The organizations will have the opportunity …read more.

SYRACUSE — Lakeland Youth Center’s sixth annual Kids First Auction will be held Friday, April 27, at The Owl’s Nest, 7369 E. 800N, North Webster. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Travel the World,” with guests encouraged to attend wearing resort destination clothing or dressing as a pilot or flight attendant. There …read more.

SYRACUSE — Snow couldn’t stop Syracuse residents from enjoying the annual Syracuse Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 10, even after the snowmobile races were canceled.

SYRACUSE — The 9th annual Wawasee Kiwanis Soup supper appears to have been a success Friday night, Jan. 26. Alexis Mast, event organizer and club president-elect, reported she needed to print out more ballots at 6:40 p.m.  Five more tables had to be set up as well. Mast said in the past the event usually …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Kenneth and Lela Harkless Foundation, Syracuse, has awarded $95,000 in grants to organizations in the Syracuse Community, according to James E. Caskey, foundation president. The grants were awarded to the following: Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, $14,100 Rose Home North, $8,000 Syracuse Cemetery Association, $8,000 Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, $8,000 Teen Parents Succeeding, $6,400 …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Dr., was as busy as Santa’s workshop Saturday, Dec. 2, as friends and families gathered to enjoy Breakfast with Santa,  featuring a pancake breakfast provided by the Wawasee Kiwanis Club, live music from the Wawasee High School Christmas Band, sleigh rides, a host of arts and …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kyle Patrick Dukes has announced his intention to seek the appointment by the Republican caucus for the office of sheriff of Kosciusko County.

SYRACUSE — The public is invited to a retirement party honoring Cheryl Manning. The event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at Lakeland Youth Center, 101 W. Chicago St., Syracuse.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Parks & Recreation Department is hosting Touch-A-Truck from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 6, at the Syracuse Community Center, North Long Drive. This hands-on event will provide kids with the opportunity to see, touch and explore their favorite big trucks, heavy equipment and emergency vehicles as well as interact with community support leaders who operate them.

SYRACUSE — For a couple of hours there was fun, food and dancing and also a time of bonding between fathers and daughters. Lakeland Youth Center held its annual Daddy-Daughter Dance Saturday, March 4, in the Oakwood Events Center in Syracuse.

SYRACUSE — The annual Syracuse Holiday Magic event took place Saturday, Nov. 19.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council approved establishing a new riverfront district during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Nov. 15. The new riverfront district is located in the village area near Monteith Tire. Councilman Tom Hoover asked how the riverfront district would benefit the town. Town Manager Henry DeJulia explained it would allow a local …read more.

  SYRACUSE — Mother Nature decided not to cooperate, bringing cool temperatures and rain to the area this weekend. The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department hosted its fourth annual Kids Safety Day Saturday, April 30,hoping the rain would stay away. Participating agencies and organizations included Syracuse Lions Club, Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Camp Mack, …read more.

SYRACUSE — Lakeland Youth Center will be holding a Mother/Son Adventure program at the Syracuse Community Center starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30. The program will enable mothers and sons to travel to destinations throughout the community and complete activities at each location, spend quality time together and finish at Quaker Haven Camp between …read more.

By JUDE STRIEBY-RASKA Staff Writer, The Mail-Journal For Jenny Douglas of Syracuse, starting as new executive director at the Lakeland Youth Center falls in line with her commitment to children and community. “Kids have always been my passion,” she noted. Previously a stay-at-home mom and volunteer co-coordinator for North Webster Church of God Mothers of …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Lakeland Youth Center, at Chicago and South Huntington streets, has been a familiar place for many for over 50 years. In a continuing effort to provide the most conducive space for learning, growing and socializing, the LYC Board of Directors completed needed upgrades at the end of 2015. Recent visitors to the …read more.

SYRACUSE — Students from the Fairfield Cosmetology Class offered appointments for hair styling and nails on Saturday, March 12, before the Lakeland Youth Center Daddy Daughter Dance. Over 75 appointments were made to prepare the young ladies for their night with their dad.

SYRACUSE — The Lakeland Youth Center hosted a family bowling night on Monday, Feb. 29 at Wawasee Bowl on SR 13.

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Community Center will be holding a Family Game Night from 6 to 8 p.m. March 19.

SYRACUSE — Preschool students at Lakeland Youth Center used recycled material they have collected this year to create robots.

SYRACUSE — Lakeland Youth Club recently hosted a sled dog demonstration event. A team of canines from Tarnish’s Domain Malamutes showed off their sled-pulling expertise to crowds gathered to watch. To learn more about the malamutes, click here.

SYRACUSE — Poly-Wood Inc., Syracuse, donated a child’s picnic table to the Lakeland Youth Center. Although the table is weather proof, the children were ready to use it for indoor activity.

SYRACUSE – The Lakeland Youth Center in Syracuse will be sponsoring a Family Fun Night Monday, Jan. 18.

SYRACUSE — Following Monday’s ice storm, Dec. 28, lack of power was a common issue throughout Syracuse and some parts of Milford and North Webster. Four days later, one strip of Syracuse businesses is still waiting in the dark.

SYRACUSE — Christmas programs involving youngsters always bring laughter, applause and plenty of photo opportunities. This was the case Tuesday evening at Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse. Lakeland Youth Center Preschool held its Christmas program with plenty of parents, grandparents, siblings and other relatives in attendance. Here are just a few photographs from the evening’s event.

SYRACUSE — The Kenneth and Lela Harkless Foundation announces it has awarded $94,000 in grants to organizations in the Syracuse Community according to James E. Caskey, foundation president. The grants were awarded to: Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee, $13,500 Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, $11,250 Syracuse Parks Department, $9,900 Syracuse Cemetery Association, $9,000 Teen Parents Succeeding, $9,000 Lakeland Learning …read more.

SYRACUSE – The Lakeland Youth Center is extending its youth basketball league deadline.

SYRACUSE — Syracuse Holiday Magic events will be taking place Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Lakeland Youth Center and Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill.

SYRACUSE — The MutualBank team of Syracuse is inviting the public to attend the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Business-After-Hours event, held at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.

Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse, is sponsoring a mother-son adventure. Scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, it will begin at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, and end at Quaker Haven Camp for dinner.

During its regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening Sept. 8, the Wawasee school board also considered the following agenda items:

SYRACUSE – The Wawasee cheerleading program will partner with the Lakeland Youth Center to host a summer cheer clinic. The three-day clinic will take place Tuesday, June 30; Wednesday, July 1; and Thursday, July 2 from 6-8 p.m. each day at Syracuse Elementary School. Cost is $30 if pre-registered by Friday, June 26, or $35 …read more.

  By TYLER MCLEAD Program Director, Syracuse Parks And Recreation Syracuse Parks Department is hosting its Third Annual Kids Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Syracuse Community Center, North Long Drive. This annual event is designed to educate kids on how to stay safe in a variety of …read more.

Stars will twinkle, little girls will sing along to the music but, most of all, they will dance with their Dads. Lakeland Youth Center’s annual Daddy-Daughter Dance will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Oakwood Resort’s Event Center, Syracuse. The theme for 2015 is “Masquerade Ball” and attendees …read more.

By TRACEY SUMPTER Activity Director, Lakeland Youth Center Tickets are available now at the Lakeland Youth Center office for the Daddy-Daughter Masquerade Ball, sponsored by LYC and Oakwood Resort. The ball will be held from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Oakwood Resort’s Hilltop Center, Syracuse. Tickets cost $25 per couple and …read more.

By MAGGIE KENWORTHY Feature Writer Syracuse Holiday Magic provided local families with a festive day full of activities. Saturday’s events began at the Lakeland Youth Center and later moved to Crosson Mill Park in Syracuse. The Lakeland Youth Center was a scene similar to Santa’s workshop as children were able to design and create their …read more.

SYRACUSE – The Lakeland Youth Center in Syracuse is accepting registrations for its summer golf program. Registration is open to children entering third through eighth grade for the fall of 2014. The program is designed to teach children the basics and etiquette of golf, which includes practice, skills workshops and a tournament day. The program …read more.

SYRACUSE – The Lakeland Youth Center in Syracuse is accepting registrations for spring soccer. The are five age divisions for boys and girls 4-14 years old for the season that runs April 12 through May 17. Cost is $60 for the first child and $40 for each sibling. For U-5 teams, it is $30 per …read more.

A sure cure for cabin fever is to get up and get moving and a local non-profit organization is providing an opportunity for those 21 and older to do that. Join in the Lakeland Youth Center preschool Zumba party from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. All the activity will take place at …read more.

The beginning of the holiday season is Syracuse is on its way. Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Youth Center and the Syracuse Parks Department are bringing Holiday Magic to town from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Anyone of any age is invited to participate in all the activities. The fun kicks off at …read more.

“Often, direct sales are an amazing way for women to make money and still remain housewives,” said Angela Miller. “But it takes training and networking to make it all work.” After moving to Warsaw from Iowa in 2011, Miller began a direct sales business conducting home parties to sell the products she offered. It was …read more.

The Sleepy Owl Supper Club is hosting an evening pre-party, complete with live entertainment and dinner, as well as a live auction at the Syracuse Community Center on Friday, June 14. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Indy Duo and dueling pianos. A cash …read more.

The unofficial Fourth of July holiday continued on Saturday, and an early morning appetizer in Syracuse was the 5K and one-mile Fun Runs sponsored by the Lakeland Youth Center. The 5K, which began in front of the old Arthur’s Market, took runners up Chicago St. to Wawasee High School, through Wawasee Heights, back down the …read more.