Video courtesy Roger Ockoman By Ray Balogh InkFreeNews WEBSTER LAKE — An overnight fire destroyed two Lake Webster homes and damaged a third Friday, April 24. No injuries were reported, as the two destroyed houses were unoccupied at the time. Damage is estimated at more than $300,000. According to Lt. Matt Stamm of the North …read more.

WARSAW — The interior of a riverfront cottage was destroyed by fire on Thursday night, Oct. 31. At 7:33 p.m. first responders were called to a house fire at 2044 East Riverside Drive, a dead-end road off of East CR 550N, southeast of Leesburg. Plain Township Fire Department called for a full assist from Warsaw, …read more.

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with more accurate information. WARSAW — At 7:34 p.m. first responders from Leesburg, Pierceton, North Webster, Milford and Warsaw were called to a house fire at 2044 East Riverside Drive, Warsaw on Oct. 31. The property was located on a dead-end road off of East CR 550N, southeast …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kosciusko County is known for its large number of lakes and home of the headwaters of the Tippecanoe River. Because of this there is a necessity to have emergency personnel trained for any type of water rescue and even recovery. There are two active dive teams — Warsaw Dive Team, comprised of …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — World class yo-yo champion and juggler Mark Hayward headlines the Summer Reading Program next week at North Webster Community Public Library when he performs 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26. Marveling his audience with his extraordinary skills, he will perform his amazing yo-yo and juggling tricks. Hayward has appeared on the “Late Night …read more.

SYRACUSE — A barn, believed to have been built in the 1930s, was destroyed late Monday night, April 22, on the Roberts Family Farmland LLC, 8464 N. Syracuse-Webster Road, Syracuse. The loss has been estimated at over $100,000. Turkey Creek Fire Territory Chief Mickey Scott stated a passing motorist called 911 at approximately 11:06 p.m. …read more.

SYRACUSE — Things could have been a lot worse if a passing motorist had not seen a fire coming from the roof at Shoemaker Electric LLC, 700 N. Huntington St., Syracuse, at 2:15 a.m. today, Friday, March 29. Because of the caller’s actions and the use of Turkey Creek Fire Territory’s aerial/ladder truck, the fire …read more.

SYRACUSE — A fire this morning, Thursday, Jan. 10, at 302 and 304 S. Syracuse-Webster Road, Syracuse, has been ruled as accidental. Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire Chief Mickey Scott reports the department responded to a report of a structure fire at 11:40 a.m. The owners are Terry Moser and Judy Moser. At the time …read more.

SYRACUSE — The cause and origin of the fire at the home of Curtis and Natalie Smeltzer Wednesday morning, May 16, remains undetermined and under investigation by the Turkey Creek Fire Territory. Turkey Creek Fire Territory responded at 9:11 a.m. to a report of a structure fire at 10469 N. Syracuse-Webster Road. When the first …read more.

SYRACUSE — The home of Curtis and Natalie Smeltzer, 10469 S. Syracuse-Webster Road, Syracuse, was destroyed by fire this morning, Wednesday, May 16. Turkey Creek Fire Territory, along with full assists from North Webster and Milford fire departments received the call at approximately 9:20 a.m. Flames were showing when firefighters received the call. Natalie Smeltzer …read more.

[weaver_youtube o_a-IIcDFfo rel=0]   SYRACUSE — The occupant and her dog were able to escape with only the clothes on their back when a fire broke out at the residence shortly after 1 a.m. today, Friday, Jan. 26. Turkey Creek Fire Territory was called to 12650 N. Rainey Road West, Syracuse. The initial call was …read more.

SYRACUSE — A man and his dog were able to exit their home without injury after noticing smoke and flames in the ceiling at the same time the smoke alarm was activated. The fire has been ruled as accidental due to an electrical malfunction. Turkey Creek Fire Territory were called at 6:16 a.m. Monday, Jan. …read more.

CROMWELL — A fire that destroyed a family home Thursday afternoon, Jan. 4, at 9576 E. Pixie Parkway, Cromwell, has been ruled accidental due to combustible material too close to an appliance. The home, owned by Arturo Mendoza, was occupied by Andrea Lopez. Lopez, one other adult and three children, ages 13, 10 and 1, …read more.

CROMWELL — A mobile home, owned by Arturo Mendoza at 9576 E. Pixie Parkway, Cromwell, in Enchanted Hills, was destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon. All occupants of the home at the time were able to escape, however, everything the family owned was lost. A mobile home to the north, owned by Gail Mast, according to …read more.

SYRACUSE — A metal barn, that can house 2,400 head of hogs, was destroyed by fire late Tuesday evening, Dec. 5. The fire was located at 72193 CR 133, Syracuse, and the barn reportedly owned by Christ Miller. According to Miller, the hogs had been shipped out at Thanksgiving. Outside of the structure, the only …read more.

SYRACUSE — A puppy died in an early morning house fire today, Friday, Nov. 3, at 8 EMS D18A Lane, Syracuse. The cause remains under investigation. Turkey Creek Fire Territory responded to a report of a structure fire at a neighbor’s house with the call originating from 7 EMS D18A Lane at 6:46 a.m. Upon …read more.

SYRACUSE — Lightning hitting the home of Todd McCulloch at 9670 E. 1250N, Syracuse, has been determined the cause of a fire early Tuesday morning, Sept. 19. Turkey Creek Fire Territory was called to the home at 6:03 a.m. McCulloch and his daughter, Brooklyn, were able to get out of the home without injuries. Fire …read more.

“How quick those fire employees got here was amazing” SYRACUSE — Four fire departments and two law enforcement agencies responded to a fire at Lakeland Learning Center, a preschool and latchkey facility located at 1205 N. Long Drive, Syracuse. A staff member at the center noticed fire coming from a hallway overhead light fixture about …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — One driver was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital following a two-vehicle accident at approximately 1:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 14. The accident occurred on CR 450N near EMS B38 Lane. An Oldsmobile Alero and Ford Escape collided nearly head-on. The driver of the Oldsmobile and a young passenger were checked at the …read more.

SYRACUSE — The cause that destroyed a home at 58 EMS D18C Lane, Syracuse, by fire around 3 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, March 1, is undetermined. William T. Doyle, owner of the home, escaped without any injury.

SYRACUSE — A motorist driving in the area of CR 1350N saw smoke Saturday evening Nov. 26, and went to investigate. That motorist found a barn on fire at 9661 E. 1350N, Syracuse. Turkey Creek Fire Territory was notified at 8:14 p.m. and upon arriving found the barn fully involved.

SYRACUSE — It was a thankful, yet heartbreaking Thanksgiving Day for the family of John and Nancy F. Hoard, Carmel, who came to their lake home at 10515 N. Grand Blvd., Syracuse, for the holiday. Thankful because no lives were lost, including that of their two pit mixed dogs, but heartbreaking because of a loss …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — A social media post stating there would be a protest in front of Tippecanoe Township Trustee Steve Ward’s business at 10 a.m. this morning, Aug. 29, did not come to fruition. The business is located on SR 13, downtown North Webster.

NORTH WEBSTER — Earlier reports North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens had resigned from his position, have been clarified by the chief. He has not resigned, but is asking for consideration of two weeks vacation while this matter is investigated and a resolution reached. Likens provided the following statement: “First of all, as the fire …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Word has been received North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens has resigned. While Likens has not confirmed the action, his turnout gear was seen this morning among other firefighters who have left the department.

NORTH WEBSTER — As of 3 p.m. today close to one-half of the 48 North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire and EMS personnel had walked out. This includes volunteer, part-time and full-time employees. More are expected this evening. Those who have walked out thus far have a combined 210 years of firefighting experience. At this time fire …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — It was a long and tedious endeavor, but no one was injured and no evacuations took place in an anhydrous ammonia leak this morning at Home City Ice, 7056 N. SR 13, North Webster.

NORTH WEBSTER — An odor of anhydrous ammonia at Home City Ice, 7056 N. SR 13, North Webster, has caused no evacuations of area businesses or residences at this time. The odor is reportedly on the east side of the building and in the building itself. Wind direction and humidity levels are being monitored. North …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — The cause of a fire at 3795 N. Barbee Road, Thursday afternoon, Aug. 4, is still undetermined at this time. The call was received at approximately 4:45 p.m.

  NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Fire Department, with a full assist from Turkey Creek Fire Territory and tanker assist from Pierceton Fire Department, are responding to a house fire at 3795 N. Barbee Road. The call was received at approximately 4:50 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4. The initial report was the fire was in the …read more.

LEESBURG — A pancake breakfast is set for 7:30-11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at the fire station in Leesburg, 6396 Old SR 15. The event is to benefit a former North Webster firefighter, now a Leesburg firefighter, whose 1-year-old son recently underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. The cost will be a freewill donation. …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Damage was contained to the back portion of a home at 53 EMS B12 Lane, North Webster, in an early morning fire. No one was home at the time of the fire. North Webster Fire Department was called at 7:12 a.m. today, July 6, of a possible cottage fire on EMS B12 …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Firefighters from several area departments will exhibit their strength, agility and stamina during the Firefighters Challenge event Thursday, June 23, at the Mermaid Festival in North Webster. The individual competitors will commence vying for cash prizes at 7:30 p.m. “rain or shine,” according to Kevin Gunkle, a firefighter with the North Webster …read more.

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek Fire Territory, requesting a full assist from North Webster, Milford and Benton fire departments, are still battling a fire at 11639 N. SR 13, on the property of Lakeland Animal Clinic. The building is located north and west of Dr. Richard Brungardt’s home and the animal clinic. Initial reports indicated the …read more.

LEESBURG — The body of the second individual who fell through the ice at a Leesburg quarry has been recovered. Allen Stattler, 41, Dowagiac, Mich., was located at approximately 11 a.m. this morning and recovered from the quarry around noon today, Feb. 22, according to Kosciusko County Coroner Tony Ciriello. The first individual Dustin Reaker, …read more.

PIERCETON — Emergency personnel responded to a residential fire located at 7246 E. South Barbee Drive, Pierceton, around 9:15 a.m. North Webster Fire Department was called to the scene along with Pierceton Fire Department. Turkey Creek Fire was placed on standby for NWFD. Winona Lake Fire Department was called for a full assist.  

LEESBURG — A lawn mower was destroyed by fire on Tippecanoe Lake this afternoon, with the cause still being investigated by fire officials.

TIPPECANOE TOWNSHIP —A combine harvesting beans in a field Monday afternoon caused five separate fires Monday afternoon that resulted in four fire departments responding. The fire was at the intersection of CR 300N and CR 475E, south of the Barbee Chains in Tippecanoe Township.

CROMWELL — Around 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Aug. 1, local fire departments began fighting a house fire near the intersection of SR 5 and CR 200N in Cromwell. Albion Fire Department, Sparta Township Fire Department (Cromwell), Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory (Syracuse), North Webster Fire Department and Perry Township Fire Department (Ligonier) each dispatched equipment and firefighters to …read more.

A driver and his passenger were injured in a two-vehicle accident at 8:41 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, on East Armstrong Road at EMS T13 Lane, North Webster. Taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital were Richard G. Monk, 66, North Westerner Winds Drive, Warsaw, who suffered a contusion/bruise to the back and complained of back pain and …read more.

UPDATE: Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire Department and EMS, Syracuse and North Webster Police departments and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of an armed man outside a residence at 9485 N. SR 13, Syracuse, later finding a vehicle on fire in the woods behind the property. According to Syracuse Police Chief Tony …read more.

Brooke S. Kelly, 24, Lura Circle, Milford, was airlifted by Samaritan Helicopter to a Fort Wayne hospital after suffering a fracture/dislocation of the knee/lower leg in a one-vehicle accident. The accident was at 3:15 p.m. on CR 500E, north of CR 650N, near North Webster. Police report Kelly was southbound on CR 500E, north of …read more.

UPDATE: Brooke S. Kelly, 24, Lura Circle, Milford, was airlifted by Samaritan Helicopter to a Fort Wayne hospital after suffering a fracture/dislocation of the knee/lower leg in a one-vehicle accident. The accident was at 3:15 p.m. on CR 500E, north of CR 650N, near North Webster. Police report Kelly was southbound on CR 500E, north …read more.

Few details are available on a vehicle accident on SR 13 in North Webster, the accident was around 8 p.m. in front of the American Legion. North Webster Fire Department and North Webster Paramedics responded, along with North Webster, Kosciusko County and Indiana State Police.

North Webster Fire Department responded at 11:54 p.m. Thursday to what was initially called in as a residential fire with entrapment at 6605 N. Second Trail. North Webster Fire Battalion Chief Chris Francis reports when firefighters arrived they discovered all occupants were out of the residence. The fire, caused by an individual falling asleep with …read more.

[weaver_youtube MDqd5xrIbAs rel=8]   The fire at 501 S. Edgewater Drive, Syracuse, this morning, has been ruled as accidental. The mobile home is owned by Curtis Smith. Two dogs and a cat perished in the fire. Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire Chief Mickey Scott reported no one was at the residence when the fire was …read more.

At 5:23 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, emergency personnel with Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department (KCSD), North Webster Fire Department and North Webster EMS responded to a report of a vehicle driving off a bridge into water near the Barbee Landing on Barbee Lake Road. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered a white, 2000 Jeep Cherokee …read more.

Residents near North Webster will hear the town’s severe weather siren activated Saturday. North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens stated a test of the system will be conducted at noon Saturday, weather permitting. “If there is any chance of severe weather, we will not do the test.” Normally held the first Saturday of the month, …read more.

North Webster Fire Department was called out shortly after 3 a.m. today (Wednesday), to No. 17 Mid-Lakes Mobile Home Park, Crystal Flash Road, for a mobile home fire. Emergency personnel arriving at the scene reported light smoke coming from the home, owned and occupied by Dan Trofinchuck. Fire Chief Jeremy Likens reported the homeowner fell …read more.

UPDATE: Detectives of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a barn fire that happened Sunday night. The North Webster Fire Department was called to the blaze at 9:44 p.m. at 2687 N. 850 E. The barn was on property owned by the DNR. The fire also spread to fields on either side of the barn …read more.

The North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department will host the fifth annual firefighters challenge at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the north end of the Mermaid Festival fairgrounds. Participants must be in full turn-out gear with SCBA to participate and are responsible for bringing their own gear and SCBA. This will be a timed event …read more.

Quick response from the North Webster Fire Department saved a summer cottage at 7 EMS B33A Ln. on Little Barbee Lake. At about 7:45 p.m. Saturday, firefighters were called to the single story cottage where smoke and flames were seen coming from the residence. NWFD Chief Jeremy Likens said, despite the snow and tight quarters …read more.

[weaver_youtube S4bjxy-Vgdw rel=0] At 1:04 a.m Sunday, Feb. 9, North Webster Fire Department was called to respond to a house fire that was fully engulfed in flames located at 45 EMS B60 Lane. The address was dispatched as a North Webster location and is in the Barbee area near Sechrist Lake. According to North Webster Fire Department …read more.

UPDATE: According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, two people are in serious condition following a head-on crash on SR 13 just south of Syracuse-Webster Road in North Webster. The crash happened at approximately 1:50 p.m. when Lindsey M. Swinehart, 21, of North Webster, lost control of her 2008 Ford Edge and crossed the center …read more.

A single story 20×40 barn in Syracuse went up in flames at about 7:32 a.m. this morning resulting in four fire departments being called. The cause has been determined as accidental with the origin listed as unknown. Turkey Creek Fire Territory, North Webster, Milford and Benton fire departments were called to 6288 E. Pickwick Park …read more.

From the left are Chris Francis, fire captain; LeAnne Francis, Mutual Bank; and Jeremy Likens, fire chief. (Photo by Martha Stoelting) Mutual Bank is coming to the aid of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Fire Department by donating all of the candy for the party. The annual trick-or-treating Halloween event is held annually by the fire …read more.

Because of the threat of severe weather Saturday, Oct. 5, North Webster Fire Department delayed its testing of the severe weather siren until noon Saturday, Oct. 12. North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens wants residents to be aware of the week delay. Testing will then continue the first Saturday of each month, unless there is …read more.

A residential fire was reported at about 5:22 p.m. in North Webster. The North Webster Fire Department was called to 8100 E. Wade Ln. where there was a report of a bedroom on fire. This is a breaking news story and information could change. We will have updates as they become available.

Four fire departments were called to an early morning house fire at 11940 N. 450 E., Syracuse. The initial call came in at approximately 3:50 a.m. to Syracuse/Turkey Creek Fire Department. According to Syracuse Fire Chief Mickey Scott, the home is owned by Jeffrey and Peggy Guyas who were home at the time of the …read more.

Smart Meters are being installed by utility companies, including Kosciusko REMC and NIPSCO, which are basically wireless devices used to transmit utility usage directly to the utility companies. Smart meters are the newest technology being used by power companies as a means to save money and energy, but concerns are mounting about their safety. So …read more.

North Webster Fire Department responded to a fire at 36 EMS T14 Lane, Leesburg, at 1:53 a.m. this morning. The fire was quickly contained to the outside wall of the residence as it started to go into the attic. According to North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens, the fire originated at an outside electrical panel …read more.

The North Webster Fire Department is hosting its first annual Dan’s Fish Fry this weekend to benefit the department and its operations. The all you can eat fish fry and tenderloin dinner will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday and go until the food is sold out. Also being served are baked beans and cole slaw. …read more.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department reports Det. Jon Tyler responded to a report of a fire at 4:02 a.m. Saturday. Utilizing a lake patrol boat, at 4:37 a.m. he located a “building” that was on fire and completely destroyed, but with several hot spots. The fire was on Ball Nature Preserve, owned by Young Men’s …read more.

Because of the threat of severe weather Saturday, June 1, North Webster Fire Department delayed its testing of the severe weather siren until noon Saturday, June 8. North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens wants residents to be aware of the week delay. Testing will then continue the first Saturday of each month, unless there is …read more.

The four-bus chain reaction accident one week ago today on SR 13 north of North Webster, was one no one in emergency services has seen during their careers and no one wants to experience again. While physical injuries are on the mend, the emotional trauma may take time to heal. The accident occurred at 3:30 …read more.

At approximately 5:20 p.m. Monday an employee of T-Square Construction in Leesburg, Ind., reported a fire that had begun in one of their buildings. According to North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens, the fire, which burned mostly the cellulose insulation and an exhaust fan in the top level of the building, caused minimal damage to …read more.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbUFbx6sPZY] Members of the community gathered today for the fourth annual “Polar Plunge” located at Pied Eyed Petey’s on Lake Tippecanoe. The event benefitted food banks in North Webster and Syracuse by raising cash and non-perishable food item donations while featuring food, outdoor warming stations, and an organized run into the icy waters off the …read more.

North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Fire Department and EMS held its annual Fire and EMS Appreciation Dinner Dec. 1. A slide show produced by Ken Strong was enjoyed along with a dinner prepared by the North Webster American Legion Post 253. Awards were presented by North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens and EMS Director Alyssa Schmucker. Pictured …read more.

North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Fire Department has been busy getting new dry fire hydrants installed throughout the area. Dry hydrants can draw on standing bodies of water and help to reduce area homeowners’ insurance rates. Explained Lt. Trent Nabinger of the NWFD, “Dry hydrant systems are non-pressurized water supply points and are designed for use in …read more.

One person was killed late Thursday afternoon in a single vehicle crash on the northwest side of Lake Tippecanoe. According to the Kosciusko County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team, Charles Leon White, 85, of Syracuse died when his truck slammed head on into a tree. It happened in from of the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club at …read more.