Joan A. (Porman) Hunter of Bourbon, Ind., and formerly of the North Webster, Ind., area, passed away at 9:20 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at her home. She was born on Feb. 10, 1936, in Plymouth, Ind., to Chester and Irene (Davis) Porman. She grew up in Bourbon and graduated in 1955 from Bourbon High School, …read more.

Sam Stimmel has opened a third location of California Dreamin, a variety store of sorts that was part of a federal raid in September. Stimmel confirmed to the Kendallville News Sun that he has opened a third store at 120 W. Main St. in Albion. At that location, California Dreamin sells “novelties and gifts.” An Elkhart store …read more.

Pierceton Fire Department was initially called for a skid loader on fire in a tool shed, but there was some difficulty with locating the address and dispatcher error was to blame. Initially the dispatcher who received the 9-1-1 call at approximately 8:30 a.m. Wednesday sent the fire department to 7293 E. 150 S. noting a …read more.

Herbert R. “Herb” Gilmore Jr., 81, of North Webster, Ind., passed away at 2 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at his home. He was born on Sept. 26, 1931, in Cadiz, Ind., to Herbert R. and Clio Belle (Yelton) Gilmore. He graduated in 1949 from Anderson High School and served in the U.S. Navy. On …read more.

North Webster Tippecanoe Township Fire Department will be testing the newly installed severe weather warning sirens on Wednesday, Dec. 26, between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon. The sirens are located to the north of North Webster in the area of Lake City Bank and to the south of North Webster south of the North …read more.

North Webster Town Council received three proposals during their meeting Dec. 18 for a cash renting lease on 20 acres of land north of North Webster, which is owned by the town. Council members decided to table a decision on the lease until their end of the year meeting to have time to go through …read more.

Undercover controlled drug buys have resulted in the arrest of a North Webster man. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputies assisted officers of the Drug Task Force Monday in executing a felony warrant for Lynn Allen Umber, 58. Umber, of 41 EMS W14B Ln., North Webster, was taken into custody and preliminarily charged with two counts …read more.

The weather outside may be frightful, but you can count on the atmosphere at the Library’s Cozy Christmas Celebration to be – well – cozy. At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, the North Webster Community Library invites everyone to celebrate the holidays in the North Webster Community Center Banquet Hall. It will be a …read more.

Elijah James Bowser of Warsaw, Ind., was stillborn at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 8, 2012, at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw. He is the infant son of Joshua and Stella (Tilbury) Bowser of Warsaw. He is survived by his parents; a sister: Nevaeh Bowser; maternal grandparents: James and Misuk Tilbury, Milford, Ind.; paternal grandparents: …read more.

Milford Reserve Deputy A.J. Westerman is being credited with putting out a small fire Saturday at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, 505 W. Fourth St. According to Milford Town Marshal Rich Miotto, a call regarding a grease fire in the facility’s kitchen came in at 6:09 p.m. Westerman, the deputy on duty at the time, …read more.

On Dec. 11, Indiana turns 196 years old. It was on that date in 1816 that Indiana became the 19th state of the Union with Jonathan Jennings serving as Indiana’s first governor. You can learn more about Indiana and local history in the North Webster Public Library’s Local History and Genealogy Center where you will …read more.

Ronald Devoe Schmucker, 59, of North Webster, Ind., passed away at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, while surrounded by his family in his home. Ron was born to Chancy and Thelma (Ogle) Schmucker on Sept. 2, 1953, in Warsaw, Ind. On July 29, 1972, also in Warsaw, he and Diane Widman were joined in …read more.

The North Webster United Methodist Church is offering free soup suppers on Fridays, beginning Nov. 30. Deanna Strombeck, director of children’s ministries at North Webster United Methodist Church, says, “So many people need to eat and we are going to be doing free dinner once a month from now on.” The soup suppers will be from …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a tree stand accident which occurred this morning on the Tri County Fish and Wildlife Area near North Webster. Clarence “Daven” Gasaway, 15, of Warsaw, was hunting deer when part of his deer stand broke causing him to fall backward and become stuck upside down in the remaining foot platform …read more.

Kosciusko County Court new filings – for the week of Nov. 21, 2012 Kosciusko County Court small claims – for the week of Nov. 21, 2012 Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Jason McSherry: Cummins—Sullivan Steven Cummins, 33, Etna Green, and …read more.

Members of North Webster American Legion Post 253 presented essay awards and cash prizes to fifth-grade students during the Veterans Day program put on by North Webster Elementary School, with the cooperation of the legion, on Nov. 12. The crowd of students, staff, parents and citizens heard the school choir sing “Put Your Hand On …read more.

Worth “Junior” Packer Jr., 76, of North Webster, Ind., passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, Ind. He was born on June 11, 1936, in Bladen Co., N.C., to Worth and Delia (Edwards) Packer Sr. He attended Bladenboro High School in Bladenboro, N.C., and was married …read more.

It’s almost time to shop till you drop but before that, enter the North Webster Christmas Cash contest at local area merchants. A total of $400 in Christmas Cash will be split between several winners to spend at participating stores. First place earns $250, second is $100 while third place has the opportunity to spend $50. It is similar …read more.

Gilsinger Rentals on SR 15 in Leesburg was granted approval to expand its existing office by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday. The expansion will include construction of an addition 60 feet by 140 feet in size, as well as an addition to the showroom 14 feet to …read more.

Members of North Webster American Legion Post 253 presented essay awards and cash prizes to fifth grade students during the Veterans Day Program at North Webster Elementary School on Monday, Nov. 12. The crowd of students, staff, parents and citizens heard the Fifth Grade Special Choir sing “Put Your Hand On Your Heart,” “You Are …read more.

Genealogy buffs and families can now look no further than the World Wide Web for persons buried right here in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery. With the assistance of the Kosciusko County Historical Society, Oakwood Cemetery has photographed and mapped 95 percent of its 70 acres and 18,000 graves. “We get calls from all over regarding their loved …read more.

Ace In The Hole Films will be holding a red carpet premiere of its short film, The Destination, at the Goshen Theater in Goshen, Ind., this Thursday, Nov. 8. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. The premiere is a charity event to raise money for both Riley’s Children’s Hospital …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officer Cpl. Erick Bolt is investigating a firearm incident that happened in Cromwell and resulted in an injury to a North Webster man. At approximately 1:30 p.m. Friday, Stephen R. White, 70, was sighting in his 12 gauge shotgun using sabot slugs in a field located near 1910 South SR 5. White was preparing …read more.

Students are assigned letter grades based on their performance in school and so are the schools. On Oct. 31, Indiana Department of Education officially released to the public the letter grades assigned to public schools statewide. Wawasee High School was assigned an A grade by IDOE. Grades are assigned to public high schools based on …read more.

Here is everyone’s chance to have a wonderful Christmas season. All area residents have a shot at winning a portion of the $2,000 Christmas Bucks prizes. All that needs to be done is to enter the Christmas Bucks contest which begins today and runs until noon Saturday, Nov. 24. This event is sponsored by participating …read more.

Trick-or-treating will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 31. No times are being altered or postponed due to weather. Times for towns in Kosciusko County are as follows: Atwood— 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Burket— 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Claypool— 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Etna Green ―5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Leesburg― 6 p.m. …read more.

The Korean and Vietnam wars will be the focus of the final session of the North Webster Public Library’s “We Remember” War Series at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30., with Vietnam veteran Bill Pressler as the guest speaker. Sponsored by the NWCPL’s  Local History and Genealogy Center, this five-week series has been well attended as …read more.

Trick-or-Treat Times Trick-or-treating will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Times for towns in Kosciusko County are as follows: Atwood— 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Burket— 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Claypool— 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Etna Green ―5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Leesburg― 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mentone ― 5:30 p.m. to …read more.

Kadence Marie Cooper of North Webster, Ind., was stillborn at 8:06 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, Ind. She is the infant daughter of Dwayne Allen Cooper and Kathryn (Katie) L. Bowser. She is survived by her parents: Dwayne Cooper and Katie Bowser, North Webster; a sister: Brynn Bowser, North Webster; maternal …read more.

(UPDATE: Just minutes after posting this, the owner of the turkeys came and claimed them.) Judy Van Meter has been enjoying the company of some unusual guests all day, but she’s curious as to where they came from. Van Meter lives east of North Webster near Wilmot and says about two dozen turkeys have been …read more.

Harry E. Minnick, 87, of Ligonier, Ind., and formerly of North Webster and Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct 17, 2012, at his home. He was born on Aug. 13, 1925, in South Bend, Ind., to Harry L. and Clara Etta (Hurley) Minnick. He was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko and …read more.

Trick-or-Treat Times Trick-or-treating will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Times for towns in Kosciusko County are as follows: Atwood— 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Etna Green ―5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Leesburg― 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.* Mentone ― 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Milford ― 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.* North Webster ― …read more.

North Webster’s Jerry Rhodes has been selected as a 2012 winner of the AARP Indiana Community Leadership Award. It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their local communities through their volunteerism and service. Rhodes’ years of dedication to the North Webster Community Center and Senior Primelife Enrichment Center secured him the award. “It …read more.

John M. “Jay” Phipps Jr., 57, Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne after a short stay. He was born on Jan. 30, 1955, in Bluffton, Ind. to John Marshall and Gloria Jane (Gardner) Phipps. He graduated in 1973 from Homestead High School …read more.

Lamar Davis of North Webster won the grand prize in the 2012 Heart of the Community Auction and Raffle to benefit the North Webster Community Center. He choose the pontoon boat from Main Channel Marina, Syracuse, and commented, “We were really looking forward to experiencing the auction night, but then a couple of Louanna’s grandkids …read more.

Herbert Kuhn American Legion Post 253 of North Webster is celebrating its 25th year at the post’s present location on SR 13 this month. The current building, that once housed the M & M Restaurant, began operations in late June 1987. Post 253 proudly bills itself as “The Biggest Little Post in Indiana.” When Post …read more.

Incidents Officers of the North Webster Police Department recently investigated the following incidents: Friday, Oct. 5, 11:17 p.m. Crystal Flash Road. There was a physical altercation between two female subjects at Mid Lakes Mobile Home Park. Friday, Oct. 5, 12:11 p.m. North Main Street. An unoccupied vehicle owned by Demiris Williams, Clinic Street, Warsaw, was …read more.

When Fred Davis, North Webster, bought the property at 7509 N. SR 15, all he was looking for was a place for storage. Within the past year, though, his lot of land has become a support for wounded soldiers around the country. Leesburg Pumpkin Patch began its venture with a simple goal: to help. Growing …read more.

The annual Heart of the Harvest Fall Festival in North Webster was held Saturday. The Mail-Journal reporter Sarah Wright was there and shares a sampling of what festival-attendees enjoyed.

Two 14-year-old North Webster runaways were located in Wisconsin Monday after a traveling to six states in seven days. The boys were last seen Sept. 17 at their respective homes outside of North Webster. They were reported as runaways the following day and family members on Saturday were able to obtain information that allowed Kosciusko …read more.

According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Chad Larsh, agents from the Internal Revenue Service are at Stimmelator’s Gentlemen’s Club in North Webster today serving warrants. Larsh confirms that agents are also at the home of the club’s owner, Sam Stimmel on Syracuse-Webster Road, but ISP officers are on scene only as a uniformed presence. Kerry …read more.

Carl L. Hepler Sr., 82, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 1 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Mason Health & Rehab in Warsaw. He was born on Oct. 10, 1929, in Nappanee, Ind., to Willard and Anna (Cripe) Hepler. He was a lifetime Elkhart and Kosciusko County area resident and attended West Millwood and Carris …read more.

The Dixie set out on a special cruise this afternoon to honor the former owners and supporters who have kept the paddlewheel boat in operation since 1929. Birthday cake was served as the individuals responsible for saving the Dixie mingled and reminisced about the Dixie’s history. Karilyn Metcalf, president of Dixie Sternwheeler Inc., gave a …read more.

Dixie Days kicks off in North Webster next weekend and there are a lot of actives on tap. Ski Bees Webster Lake Ski Bees will perform a special, free waterski show for Dixie Days on Saturday, July 28, at North Webster Town Park on Webster Lake. The pre-show begins at 5:30 p.m. and the show …read more.

Members of the North Webster Public Library’s Teen Summer Reading Club will put their expertise to work determining who has the best pizza in town during the Teen Taste Test Pizza Party at 2:30 p.m. July 25. The teens will sample and critique numerous pizzas from area vendors and vote on the ones they like …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating why a North Webster woman drove into Backwater Lake today. At approximately 2:40 p.m., Kosciusko County Central Dispatch received a call of a vehicle in the lake. According to witnesses, 58-year-old Mary Neibert drove her vehicle into the public access boat ramp parking lot, circled the lot, then drove into the …read more.

Even though he officially retired in 2009 from Wawasee Community School Corp. as career and technical education director for Wawasee, Fairfield and West Noble high schools, North Webster resident Phil Metcalf  is involved with education now more than ever. He is being honored for his efforts as well. Metcalf recently received an award from AdvancED, a company he …read more.

NORTH WEBSTER — Dribble to Stop Diabetes made a stop in North Webster on Tuesday, bringing a nationally known professional basketball player amongst its campaign. Working with campers at Camp Crosley in North Webster was professional basketball player Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever. Catchings, a former national champion with the Tennessee Lady Vols, USA …read more.

North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce held at ribbon cutting at Threads Embroidery Shop, 713 S. Main St. (SR 13) Thursday. The public is invited to an Open House at Threads from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 16. Besides embroidery, the company does screen printing, alterations and industrial sewing. Begun in Syracuse last year, …read more.

By PAUL MORALES Thursday evening, North Webster Police Officer Candy Smythe received a call concerning some counterfeit bills that were presented to a cashier at Ace Hardware, located at 733 S. Main St., in North Webster. Officer Smythe tells StaceyPageOnline.com that Dominic Macaroni, manager of Family Attractions Amusements LLC, the carnival that is currently in …read more.

The North Webster Lady Lions are still looking for girls to compete in the Queen of Lakes Pageant. This is a great opportunity for young women to earn scholarship money and other prizes. There are even some sponsors available so girls can enter the contest for just $50. The sponsorships will be given on a …read more.

Have you ever heard the summer song, “Take me out to the Ball Game?” and though that going on a bus trip to Wrigley Field in Chicago and seeing a game up close and personal sounded like fun? The Senior Primelife Enrichment Center of North Webster has the solution for you. The SPEC is hosting a …read more.

Earl J. “E.J.” Campbell Jr., 57, of North Webster, Ind., passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at his home. He was born on April 22, 1955 in Bloomington, lll., to Earl J. and Betty Jean (Crawford) Campbell. He attended Bloomington High School in Bloomington and was a United States Marine.  He moved to Indiana about …read more.

Robert Ray Sherman, 48, of North Webster, Ind., passed away at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, Ind. He was born Jan. 5, 1964, in Savannah, GA., to John Thomas and Martha Frances (Ray) Sherman. He graduated in 1982 from Hickory High School and served from 1983-1987 and 1991-2001 …read more.

Approving a new driveway for the Epworth Forest Conference Center in North Webster was among the agenda items considered by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals during its regular monthly meeting Wednesday in the Justice Building, Warsaw. The meeting was held a day later due to the primary election. Northern Indiana Conference of the …read more.

Maxine Helen Harreld, 96, of Leesburg, Ind., passed away at 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012, in her residence. She was born Jan. 17, 1916, in Marion, Ind., to Russell and Myrtle (Hamaker) Kessler. She graduated in 1933 from Marion High School and on Jan. 16, 1937, she married Robert Sterling Harreld in Marion. He preceded …read more.

Catherine L. Silver, 99, of Vevay, Ind., and formerly of North Webster, Ind., passed away Friday, April 20, 2012. Arrangements are pending at Owen Family Funeral Home in North Webster.