Todd A. Smith, 46, of Perrysburg, Ohio, of formerly of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, after battling brain cancer. He was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., on July 27, 1966, to Roland C. Smith and Susie (Blue) Smith. He resided in Fort Wayne and Fremont, Ind., during his childhood and moved …read more.

Edwin F. ‘Ted’ Rogers, 90, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at his residence. He was born on a farm near Ridgeville, Ind., on Nov. 15, 1922. He lived on the farm until his graduation from High School. He married Marjorie Power in 1942, and they had two children; a daughter, Carolyn, …read more.

Alice Twait, 74, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 12:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at I.U. Goshen Hospital in Goshen, Ind. She was born on May 13, 1938, in Lansing, Mich., to Frank and Verbena (Groenveld) Oostra. She grew up in Lansing and attended Lansing High School. She moved to the Syracuse area in 1967 …read more.

A Syracuse man has died from injuries he suffered in a single vehicle crash earlier this week. According to information provided by the Kosciusko County Fatal Accident Crash Team, Corey Kneller, 20, was injured in a crash near Tippecanoe Country Club early Sunday, Dec. 23. Officers were called to Kosciusko Community Hospital at approximately 2:50 …read more.

Corey Kneller, 20, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 2:50 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne, Ind., from injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was born on June 14, 1992, in Goshen, Ind., to Andrew J. and Cathleen K. (McDonald) Kneller. He was a lifetime area resident and attended …read more.

As the Jan. 7, 2013 BCS National Championship nears, Notre Dame fans everywhere are gearing up for big game and showing their support. In Syracuse, Tim and Kim McCreary are showing their team spirit by dressing up a snowman in their front yard. The couple emailed the photo to us and noted, “We weren’t sure …read more.

Bryon Berry, 52, passed away on Dec. 27, 2012, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. Private family interment services will be provided by Eastlund Funeral Home.

William M. “Bill” Beemer, 86, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at the IU Health Goshen Hospital. He was born April 4, 1926, in Plumtree, Ind., to Oral and Irene (McCourg) Beemer. On Aug. 14, 1949, he married Barbara Keplinger who survives. He was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1944-46. Bill …read more.

Firearms license applications and firearms sales are on the rise across the country and in Indiana and, according to gun retailers, it’s being sparked by fear of government control. Steve Long of Eagle Creek Firearms LLC, Argonne Road in Warsaw, said guns are “flying off the shelves. If (people) come in, they buy something. They’re …read more.

Wawasee Kiwanis is hosting the 2013 Snowmobile Race Day drags on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, on Lake Wawasee. The annual event is a fundraiser for Wawasee Kiwanis community projects and this year will also benefit the Harold Schrock Youth Complex and Riley Hospital for Children. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. in Syracuse Lakeside Park, 1013 …read more.

Dr. J. Rex Parent, a noted eye surgeon, and his sons, Jason and J.R., are the new owners of The Oakwood Inn in Syracuse. These videos are courtesy of Wawascene.com and are a series of brief interviews with Rex Parent and Jeremiah Heierman, property manager of Oakwood, discussing the vision for the well-known Lake Wawasee inn. Oakwood …read more.

Teaching can get in the bloodstream and teachers form strong bonds with students. Year after year, it keeps them motivated to keep coming back in spite of all the challenges, demands and obstacles. But in reality, many teachers are no different than those in other career fields. Eventually the timing is right to retire or …read more.

Dr. J. Rex Parent, a noted eye surgeon, and his sons, Jason and J.R., are the new owners of The Oakwood Inn in Syracuse. The videos below are courtesy of Wawascene.com and are a series of brief interviews with Rex Parent and Jeremiah Heierman, property manager of Oakwood, discussing the vision for the well-known Lake Wawasee inn. …read more.

Frank Janzen, 74, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at his residence. He was born on May 1, 1938, in Watrous, Sask., to Jacob and Elizabeth (Dyck) Janzen.  He was a truck driver for many years having drove for Horizon, Maple Leaf Farms, Culver Duck Farms and Quality Drive Away. He is …read more.

Linda Smith, 71, of Pierceton, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at Wesley Health Care in Auburn, Ind. She was born on Dec. 10, 1941, in Plymouth, Ind., to Howard and Elnora (Glover) Hill. She was a lifelong area resident. Linda worked for many years at Augsburger’s then Lance’s New Market in North …read more.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested two adults and two juveniles who were allegedly involved in a recent daytime home burglary. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Detectives had staked out a residence at 9732 Excalibur Place, Cromwell, this morning in an attempt to locate a possible burglary suspect. Officers confronted a female leaving the residence who was identified …read more.

Discussion about renovating station one took up the majority of the Turkey Creek Fire Territory Board’s time during its regular monthly meeting Thursday evening. What has been discussed is a single story renovation for $242,000 plus an additional $26,000 for exterior work versus $410,000 for a second floor renovation. Bill Dixon, chairman of the board, …read more.

SYRACUSE — It’s almost to the point of the season that neither team had the energy to realize it was a major rivalry night in the swimming pool. As the holiday break approaches, two very tired swim programs returned to the competition lanes for yet another Northern Lakes Conference dual. And with it came a …read more.

Newtown, Conn., is nearly 800 miles away from the Wawasee school district, but Friday it seemed right next door. Wawasee teachers, administrators, students and staff, as well as parents of students, reacted with shock, sadness and broken hearts as more than 25 adults and students were killed in a shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary …read more.

Dr. J. Rex Parent, a noted eye surgeon, and his sons, Jason and J.R., are the new owners of The Oakwood Inn in Syracuse. The videos below are courtesy of Wawascene.com and are a series of brief interviews with Rex Parent discussing the purchase and the family’s vision for the well-known Lake Wawasee inn. Oakwood …read more.

Warriors Score Second At Swim Invite In its home Invitational Saturday, the Wawasee boys swim team scored 294 to claim second place. South Bend St. Joseph’s, powered by seven championship swims, easily clinched the title with 424 team points. Winning a championship for the Warriors was diver Tristan Mauk, scoring 194.95 points in his finest …read more.

SYRACUSE — It’s impossible for a team to win a game in the first half of play. It is, however, entirely possible for a team to lose a game in that same period of time. That was the case Friday night when the Warsaw Tigers traveled to Syracuse to take on its bitter rivals, the …read more.

SYRACUSE — While the schedule has been very demanding, Plymouth posed no threat Thursday night as Wawasee posted huge wins in boys and girls swimming. The Lady Warrior and Warrior teams both posted clean sweeps, winning all 24 events in a 140-35 girls win and a 139-43 boys win. Bre Robinson, Kendra Miller and Rachel …read more.

SYRACUSE — If Warsaw wrestling coach Justin Smith could count on two kids to get the job done, they certainly proved the part Thursday night. Trailing by 11 points with two matches to go, Warsaw’s Luis Munoz and Luis Cervantes needed pins to help Warsaw to its first Northern Lakes Conference win of the season. …read more.

The Rose Home is a place for women who are struggling with drug and alcohol problems. Currently, there are four women in the home, but the house can accommodate up to 10 women. It is a women’s residential recovery home located in Syracuse. “Our residents are women who are in recovery from drug and alcohol …read more.

SYRACUSE — “Wawasee wanted it a little more than we did in some matches.” Concord head coach Justin Rockenbaugh expressed some frustration after a Northern Lakes Conference wrestling match against Wawasee. Rockenbaugh’s squad was upended by the Warriors, 45-33, in Syracuse Tuesday night. While Rockenbaugh did not name any specific matches he was disappointed in, …read more.

Bruce A. Furney, 39, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at his residence. He was born on Sept. 3, 1973, in Elkhart County, Ind., to Bruce and Mary (Holtzman) Furney. On Dec. 28, 1992, he married Minnie Smith who survives. He was a lifelong area resident. Bruce was a mechanic, handyman …read more.

Robert E. Dickinson, 81, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Syracuse, Ind., died on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. He was born June 26, 1031, in Indianapolis to George and Eleanor Dickinson. He lived most of his life in Indianapolis except for a few of his early teen years in Tennessee and Kentucky. He attended John Strange grade …read more.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee’s girls swim team posted six victories and a handful of top-threes to cruise to a Wawasee Girls Swimming Invitational title Saturday afternoon at the Wawasee Middle School Natatorium. Wawasee rang up 372 team points to repeat as champions. Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger were in second with 295 points and East Noble were …read more.

Colleen A. Schwalm, 58, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at her home. She was born on Dec. 11, 1953, in Goshen, Ind., to Harry L. and Peggy (Nolan) Coy. She was a lifetime Syracuse area resident and graduated in 1972 from Wawasee High School. She was employed at Crossroads Bank in …read more.

SYRACUSE — It took one moment of quick thinking to erase what had been a horrendous evening. Goshen’s lone senior, Aimee Swihart, made up for a dismal performance with a late steal, layup, and another steal in the final 30 seconds of a 39-35 Goshen girls basketball win at Wawasee Friday night. Swihart, who had …read more.

At approximately 6 p.m. Thursday, Syracuse Police were called to a local home in regards to an out of control teenage. When police arrived, the teen fled the house on foot. Responding police units were unable to locate the 14-year-old and subsequently called for assistance from the Turkey Creek Fire and EMS at 7:46 p.m. A search was …read more.

Notices recently went up on the doors of the Oakwood Inn announcing it will be open May 18. A phone number was also provided for those who want to make reservations. Ian Rolland, receiver for Oakwood, said closing on the property will take place between Dec. 15 and the end of the year. Meanwhile he …read more.

SYRACUSE — After taking two on the chin Saturday, Concord rebounded with a pair of jabs of its own Tuesday night. Bouncing back from a pair of losses to rival Northridge Saturday afternoon, Concord faced another Northern Lakes Conference rival in Wawasee Tuesday night and edged out wins in both swimming competitions at the Wawasee …read more.

Be sure to get a program at the door this winter. The looks of the two Kosciusko County gymnastics teams will feature a handful of new faces, some thrust into varsity roles right from the get-go. So Warsaw and Wawasee gymnastics fans, head’s up. Lady Warriors Heading Into Banner Year The Wawasee gymnastics team will …read more.

Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Syracuse Community Center at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Visit with Santa and then join in a fun craft to make your own snowflakes. Call the Syracuse Public Library with any questions. This is a free program. Food for Fines Now through Dec. 15 you can pay …read more.

Indiana House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced committee assignments and leadership appointments for the Indiana House Republican Caucus. Committee chairmen and caucus leaders are selected biennially by the majority party after each election year. “I am confident in the abilities of each of these leaders, and I know that they are each eager to …read more.

SYRACUSE — Like a prize fighter, West Noble took Wawasee’s best punches and landed offense when it needed. While not playing for any titles or championship belts, round one went to the Chargers, 44-32, in a boys basketball tilt Saturday night. In a pace that could have been a knock-down, drag out slugfest that permeated …read more.

Dennis D. “Denny” Woods, 60, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at his home. He was born on Feb. 27, 1952, in Goshen, Ind., to Glenn L. and Louise E. (Culp) Woods. He was a lifetime Elkhart County resident except a short time in Idaho and graduated from Northridge high School …read more.

SYRACUSE — When Northridge were faced with adversity Thursday night, the bell was rung every time. Winning three key swing bouts, the Raiders claimed 13 big points to beat Wawasee, 48-27, in Northern Lakes Conference wresting. At 182 pounds, Raider sophomore Dylan Swank squared off with freshman Stephen Possell and Swank did the heavy lifting. …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Hardwood Teepee was the site for the most recent establishment of Lady Warrior basketball Tuesday. The undefeated Wawasee girls hoops team welcomed in the Lady Chargers of West Noble and ground out a 47-41 victory in a game littered with fouls and turnovers. The night started well for Wawasee as senior KiLee …read more.

Thelma Crow, 92, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 3:22 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born on March 24, 1920, in Milford, Ind., to Charles Washington and Clara (Leatherman) Price. She graduated from Milford High School in 1938 and was married on June 14, 1941 in Milford …read more.

Wawasee High School’s music department is presenting a concert of seasonal music at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the high school auditorium. The high school concert band, under the direction of Joyce Dubach, opens the concert with “Jingle Bell Rhapsody,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Deck the Halls and All That Jazz.” …read more.

Geraldine H. “Gerrie” Smith, 95, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at her residence. She was born on Feb. 19, 1917, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Robert T. and Evelyn (Druitt) Smith. Gerrie lived and worked in Fort Wayne while also living and raising her family in the Syracuse area. Upon …read more.

SYRACUSE — Technicalities were all that separated Wawasee from a November Super Duals title in its own tournament Saturday afternoon. Criteria points were the difference in what became a 41-40 decision given to Columbia City against Wawasee in the final round of the Duals. City’s pins on Wawasee became the deciding factor that broke the …read more.

When local artist Brian Whirledge reached a plateau in his craft, he sought a teacher who could instruct him further. Unfortunately, teachers of Byzantine art and music are few and far between, and hundreds of miles from his home in Syracuse. But when this art teacher learned of the creativity grants for public school teachers …read more.

Indiana Legislators were sworn in today, Organization Day, which marks the first meeting for the 118th General Assembly. All 100 members of the House, including 19 new Republicans, were sworn in by Chief Justice Brent Dickson. “Just like a responsible family, we will sit together at our desks on the House floor and in the …read more.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee kept chuckin’ the ball and eventually put away Fairfield. Hoisting a dizzying 50 three-point shots, Wawasee nailed 15 of them and several came at key moments of a 80-61 boys basketball win by the Warriors in the season opener for both clubs. The new school Warriors were alive and well opening the …read more.

SYRACUSE — If there is one thing for certain, a good portion of the Wawasee swim team won’t be able to drive the team bus this year. A team roster that has two-thirds of its members as sophomores or freshmen, Wawasee are green in age, but there are several members that have at least one …read more.

Thomas Jeremy Archer, 9 days old, of Goshen, Ind., passed away at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. He was born Nov. 4, 2012, to Jeremy Archer and Beth Nichole Davis of Goshen, formerly of Syracuse, Ind. He is survived his parents: Beth Davis, Goshen; and Jeremy Archer, …read more.

SYRACUSE — A huge third quarter from KiLee Knafel, who scored 14 of her game-high 34 points in the frame, pushed Wawasee past Fairfield 64-43 Saturday night at the Hardwood Teepee. Knafel hit two of her five three-pointers in the third as Wawasee outscored the visitors 22-13 to break open what was just a five-point …read more.

  Nov. 8 marked a milestone for a very special lady at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. Evelyn Bobeck celebrated her 104th birthday! A surprise birthday party was held at the facility for Evelyn with family, friends, residents and staff. It was full house , full of best wishes and full of smiles from Evelyn. …read more.

Kirby A. Kitson, 37, of Mishawaka, Ind., and formerly of Syracuse, Ind., died at 7:45 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at IU Health Goshen. He was born July 23, 1975 in Goshen to Bob and Judy (Beer) Kitson. He lived his lifetime in this area.  Kirby was a 1994 graduate of Fairfield High School and …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are excited about the upcoming deer firearms season and working with ethical hunters who will be taking to the woods this weekend. Deer hunters will be taking to the woods this weekend when firearms season officially begins, and they’ll be facing some new regulations this year. Indiana Conservation Officers are reminding hunters …read more.

SYRACUSE — How Wawasee progresses through the 2012-13 boys basketball season may be entirely up them. What the Warriors already know is the pace once again will be brisk once again. A roster hit hard last season by injuries and into this fall with big graduation numbers leaves plenty of holes and questions for what …read more.

Wawasee High School is a community gripped by tragedy after the loss of their classmate, Kalee Skaggs. Skaggs died early Tuesday after being struck by a train near Cromwell. (See related story) As students mourn, the school is providing counseling services to aide students in the grieving process. “Guidance and staff spoke with students yesterday …read more.

There is an old saying of “What have you done for me lately?” It could possibly be applied to the Indiana Department of Education’s letter grading system for public schools statewide. During Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee school board in Syracuse, the board heard a brief presentation from Bob Cockburn, data specialist for …read more.

Get into the holiday spirit by attending the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s annual Syracuse Holiday Magic event, which will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. Festivities will start at Lakeland Youth Center at the corner of SR 13 and Chicago Street. There, visitors will be able to enjoy creating a gingerbread house craft or …read more.

Kalee Nicole Skaggs, 15, of Cromwell, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. She was born on Oct. 11, 1997, in Warsaw, Ind., to Joe and Valerie (Goshert) Skaggs. Kalee was a freshman at Wawasee High School. She is survived by her parents: Joe and Valerie Skaggs, Cromwell; three brothers: Alick, Brad and Scott …read more.

Wawasee High School senior guard KiLee Knafel was chosen as one of three girls high school basketball Players of the Week by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association for the first week of the season. Knafel’s only game of the week was a huge one, scoring 42 points on 17-of-26 shooting including seven three-pointers made in …read more.

A Syracuse man is reportedly in fair condition today after an accident Friday near the Goshen Municipal Airport. Police responded to a three vehicle crash on U.S. 33 at C.R. 42 just after 9 p.m. Juan Najera, 50, of Syracuse, suffered serious back injuries and was flown from the scene to Parkview Hospital in Fort …read more.

SYRACUSE — Wawasee opened its 2012-13 swim campaign with very little opposition from visiting DeKalb, winning 148-34. Wawasee took first and second place in all 12 events, and in a half dozen cases, swept the entire event. Leading Wawasee were Kayla Hershberger, Kendra Miller and Breanna Robinson, each laying claim to responsibility of four wins. …read more.

Charles M. Prescott, 98, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Nov. 11, 2012, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw, Ind. He was born near Cromwell, Ind., on June 27, 1914, to Vincent and Elsie May (Reed) Prescott. After graduating from Cromwell High School he worked for farmers, building contractors and defense plants. On Oct. 15, …read more.

Christmas is less than two months away and some are already looking for gifts. Several gift ideas will be under the same roof during the 23rd annual Wawasee Middle School Holiday Craft Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. More than 170 vendors will have a variety of items for sale in …read more.

SYRACUSE — The assault by KiLee Knafel on the Wawasee record books won’t put Shanna Zolman’s eye-popping numbers in jeopardy, but page turning will happen this winter. The senior guard is already among the greatest scorers in Wawasee girl’s basketball history, sitting in third place all-time at 1,138 points. Just 153 points will have Knafel …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Wawasee High School athletic department announced Tuesday night its fall sports awards for the 2012 season. Eight sports and cheerleading were spotlighted in the banquet held at WHS. BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Warrior Way Award – Reid Stichter Most Improved – Spencer Gilbert Warrior Award – Bailey Yoder Mental Attitude Award – Adam …read more.

Gene “Peanut” Felts, 86, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. He was born to the late Lloyd and Edna (Laughlin) Felts on Oct. 1 1926, in Syracuse. Peanut was a WWII veteran and active member of the American Legion. He was a retired ceramic tile setter. He loved to play bingo and …read more.

A Kosciusko County man charged with stabbing another man in a Syracuse fight earlier this year was sentenced today to probation. Scott Koontz, 20, was arrested April 8 after police were called to a fight where Tyler Niles, 24, was stabbed in the neck. Niles suffered several stab wounds and was rushed to the hospital …read more.

Dawn M. Reeves, 42, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 7:10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, at her home. She was born on Jan. 16, 1970, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Pamela Sue (Hawkins) Bailey. She grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Ben Davis High School.  She moved to the Kosciusko County area 15 years ago …read more.

The town of Syracuse is issuing a boil order for Wednesday, Nov. 7. The boil order is necessary while construction of water mains takes place. Water service will be interrupted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then, beginning at 1 p.m., the boil order will be in affect for those in the area north of High …read more.

A Cromwell woman died early this morning when she struck a deer on U.S. 6 near Syracuse. Susana Meza, 36, was killed when her vehicle struck a deer, causing her to lose control of her vehicle. Meza ran off the south side of U.S. 6 and struck a ditch, resulting in the driver side door …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.

Syracuse Cub Scout Pack 3828 is holding their 2nd Annual Cake Auction at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. Everyone is invited to the Syracuse Community Center to bid on a cake and support the Cub Scouts.

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.

One person was reportedly trapped inside a vehicle following a 3 a.m. crash in the 3800 block of Bowser Road, Syracuse. According to Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department information, Kevin R. Anderson, 29, of Leesburg, was westbound on Bowser Road and apparently crossed the center line. When he attempted to correct the vehicle, he began sliding …read more.

SYRACUSE — “Gage and I have been quarterback and receiver since seventh grade and we’ve just had that chemistry all throughout that time,” said Wawasee sophomore receiver Clayton Cook as he talked about his relationship with Warrior quarterback Gage Reinhard following a memorable night for the duo. With just over two minutes left in regulation, …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.

Eighth grade language arts students of Wawasee Middle School studying the Holocaust heard a different perspective concerning one of history’s darkest eras. Many familiar with the Holocaust are aware the Nazis targeted the Jewish, anyone not thought of as belonging to the Aryan race and political enemies. But not often talked about is Jehovah’s Witnesses …read more.

Four Syracuse residents were hurt in a crash near U.S. 6 just before 8 a.m. this morning. According to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Kassidy Schafstall, 18, was airlifted after the crash. Police say she pulled from a private drive on SR 13 just south of U.S. 6 and into the path of a northbound 2006 …read more.

The Wawasee Community Educator’s Association is hosting a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Tuesday, Oct. 30. The public forum to introduce school board candidates will be held in the Wawasee Middle School lecture room beginning at 7 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. School Board candidates will be answering a series of questions that …read more.

Any club or organization interested in conducting fishing tournaments on Lake Wawasee or Sylvan Lake are encouraged to have a representative attend a meeting that will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. The meeting will be at the Indiana Conservation Officer’s District 1 Headquarters located at 9822 N. Turkey Creek Rd., along the …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.

Kenneth E. Willard, 92, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at his residence. He was born on March 25, 1920, in Elkhart County to Clark and Josephine (Sheline) Willard. A lifetime area resident, he was married to Mary Culler on Sept. 29, 1943. He worked for the Syracuse Post Office for …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.

Paul A. Rush, 86, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away at 12:04 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at Grace Village Nursing and Rehab in Winona Lake, Ind. He was born on Jan. 10, 1926, in Mentone, Ind., to William R. and Bernice (Goshert) Rush. He lived most of his life in the Kosciusko County area, graduated …read more.

The Syracuse Fall Harvest Festival combined with the Artisans and Farmers Market this morning to offer special fall activities. Today also marked the final Artisans and Farmers Market for the year. Held at Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill, today’s festival featured apple cider making on an antique cider press, pumpkin decorating, food vendors and more. …read more.

Lucille Lung, 96, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born on June 29, 1916, in Syracuse, Ind., to George and Maude (Anderson) Mellinger. On May 14, 1938, she married Maurice D. Lung who preceded her in 1988. She was a lifelong are resident. …read more.

After 10 months of review and discussion, the Turkey Creek Fire Territory Executive Board sent plans for renovating Syracuse Fire Station No. 1 back to the drawing board during its regular monthly meeting Thursday night. Discussion on the plan lasted over an hour. Board member Brad Jackson presented a plan for a one story renovation …read more.

SYRACUSE — In its final regular season game, and the final home appearance for five seniors, Wawasee had hoped for a much better showing than it displayed. A 25-19, 25-18, 25-8 loss to Northridge set a tone for a couple paths of focus heading into tournament play next weekend. “We just didn’t play well at …read more.

Kosciusko County Courts New Filings – for the week of Oct. 11, 2012 Superior Court II The following traffic infractions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court II, Judge James Jarrette presiding: The following traffic violations have been filed by Kosciusko County Courts: No valid driver’s license ($123.50) – Jose Vazquez, Cromwell; Mariano Marquez-Nunez, Warsaw Speeding …read more.

Wawasee Lakeside Chapel in Syracuse invites the public to Dan’s Fish and Tenderloin Fry on Saturday, Oct. 20. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children. Kids under 5 eat for free. Serving is from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and carryout is available.

A “Pint Size Hero Blood Drive” will be held at Syracuse Elementary School from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15. Anyone interested in donating blood can schedule an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org by entering the sponsor code “syraelem,” call 1-800-RED-CROSS or simply show up at the school during those times.  

Voting locations for the Nov. 6 general election have been established and announced by Kosciusko County Auditor Marsha McSherry. The locations are designated by the county commissioners. Local voters will be voting at the following locations: Clay Township All precincts, 1st and 2nd, will vote at Claypool Lion’s building, 205 W. Calhoun St., Claypool Etna Township Heritage …read more.

The Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board held its regular monthly meeting Monday evening. The second reading of the 2013 township budget was conducted. No taxpayers were present to question the reading, and no objections were raised after advertising the budget in The Mail-Journal twice, according to township trustee Barb Griffith. The 2013 general budget stands …read more.

The Wawasee High School athletic department is looking to do its part in October to help raise awareness for cancer related research. As part of the national Breast Cancer Awareness campaign throughout October, WHS will sell pink cups leading up to the home football game against Goshen this Friday, Oct. 12. The cups, which are …read more.

SYRACUSE — The Wawasee volleyball team hosted the Lady Trojans of Triton High School Tuesday night in Syracuse for senior night. It would prove to be a senior showcase both on and off the court for the Lady Warriors as they would sweep Triton three sets to none 25-13, 25-20 and 25-20. The first game …read more.

The Mail-Journal recently asked state and U.S. Congressional candidates to submit a brief biography and answer one question: “What is the most important issue facing the officeholder this term and why?” The answers from those who responded are compiled below: United States Representative – 2nd District Indiana: Brendan Mullen, Democrat: No response. Joseph Wayne Ruiz, …read more.

Accidents Officers of the Syracuse Police Department recently investigated the following accidents: Monday, 6:01 p.m. East Main Street, Syracuse. Driver: Irma L. Miller, 42, CR 143, Ligonier. Miller was backing from a parking space and did not see a parked vehicle behind her vehicle. The parked vehicle is registered to June L. Trcka, Prairie Drive, Goshen. Damages: up …read more.

Quaker Haven Camp, 111 EMS D16C Lane, near Syracuse, is known for hosting well-attended community events, and this fall will be no different. Beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, Quaker Haven Camp will host contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and author Michael Card in concert. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased …read more.