Jewel H. “Judy” Hicks, 96, formerly of South Whitley, died at 1:05 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. She had been a resident at The Oaks since August 2012. She was born Sept. 24, 1918, in Emberson, Texas a daughter of Luther Cromwell and Lilly Bertha (Smith) Harrison. She graduated …read more.

Rudolph Gail Bennett, 83, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 8:32 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2015, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Hospice Care, Fort Wayne. He was born July 3, 1931, in Packerton, a son of the late Russell E. and Fairy M. (Bollinger) Bennett. His formative years were spent in South Whitley and Washington …read more.

James Clay Fullen, 63, of Columbia City, was found dead at his home of natural causes on Thursday, May 14, 2015. He was born Dec. 23, 1951, in Fairmont, W.V., to George E. and Betty M. (Tomlinson) Fullen Sr. His formative years were spent in Monongah. He graduated from Monongah High School. He was employed …read more.

Ned E. Ramsey, age 76, of Columbia City, passed away at 7:17 a.m. Thursday, May 14, 2015, at his home. Arrangements are pending at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home.

Evelyn Maxine DiGregory, 96, a resident of rural Churubusco and wife of Alfred DiGregory, passed away at Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor at Oak Pointe in Columbia City following a lengthy illness. Mrs. DiGregory was born on Aug. 31, 1918, in Thorncreek Township in Whitley County, a daughter of LeVerr (Gaff) Shanabarger, …read more.

Helen Lee Schneider, 92, of rural Columbia City, died Monday May 11, at her home. She had been in failing health. She was born July 14, 1922 in Trimble County, Kentucky a daughter of Roy and Zelphia (Parsons) Ogden. Her formative years were spent in Kentucky. Later the family moved to Madison, where she graduated …read more.

Faye Ann Nemore, 51, of Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly at 8:31 p.m. Friday, May 8, at her home. Born February 24, 1964 in Wabash, she was the daughter of Dale and MaryNelle (Powers) Good. Faye and her family had moved to the Columbia City area when she was in the third grade. She attended …read more.

Ricky Collier, 55, of rural Columbia City, died at 2:19 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. He was born April 13, 1960, in Shelbyville, a son of Vincent Lonnie and Pearl Mae (Holcomb) Collier. His formative years were spent in Columbia City. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High …read more.

With a smile that could light up a room and heart big enough to match, Bruce D. James, Sr., knew that the satisfaction received from a good day’s work was nothing compared to the joy received from a smile of a loved one. No stranger to hard work, Bruce had grown up on a farm …read more.

Donald E. Adams, 76, of Fort Wayne, passed on Monday, March 2, in Sebring, Florida. He was born June 28, 1938, in Tyner, the son of the late Robert and Mary Adams. Donald was married to Betty Jean Drews; she preceded him in death on April 14, 1992. Donald was a 1957 graduate of Columbia …read more.

Gary W. Fouts, 61, of Columbia City, was found dead Tuesday, May 5, at his home. He was born April 6, 1954, in Huntington, a son of Melvin Leon Fouts and Lena Jane (Waters) Fouts Smith.His formative years were spent in Huntington until 1964 when he moved to Pierceton. He completed his education at Whitko …read more.

Harold Collier, 58, of rural Columbia City, died Monday, May 4, at his home. He had been in failing health. He was born Feb. 20, 1957 in Shelbyville, a son of the late Vincent Lonnie and Pearl Mae (Holcomb) Collier. His formative years were spent in Columbia City. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High …read more.

Robert Keith Beck, 85, of rural Whitley County, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, at the Village of Sycamore, Allen County. Born on July 6, 1929, in Huntington County, he was the son of Gerald S. and Ruth D. (Wilson) Beck. He is a lifetime resident of Whitley County and attended first grade …read more.

Leadership Whitley County (LWC) and the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced yesterday that the LWC program will join the EDC and LWC alumnae Carrie Meyer will serve as the new program director. “Leadership Whitley County is an excellent program that will work well with the added support of Whitley County Economic Development,” said …read more.

A 39-year-old Spencerville man is in serious condition after a three-vehicle accident in Whitley County earlier this evening. Whitley County Sheriff’s Department report the accident occurred at 5:03 p.m. on CR 950E at CR 150N. Adam M. Fogle, 39, Front Street, Spencerville, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. …read more.

In as much as she gave, Rosina Harber was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many. A woman of faith who lived by her convictions, life held many blessings for Rosina. She was thankful for much, and lived life completely and fully at every opportunity. Although she found pleasure in many things, the …read more.

Ronald Lee DeLucca, 55, of rural Columbia City, died Wednesday, April 29, at his home. He had been in failing health. He was born August 5, 1959, in Pequannock Township, Morris County, New Jersey, a son of the late John, Jr. and Geneva B. (Engel) DeLucca. At age 8, the family moved to Peru. He …read more.

Cynthia S. McBride, 57, a resident of rural Albion and wife of George Hayes McBride, passed away at 11:20 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at her home. She had been in declining health since September. Mrs. McBride was born in Columbia City on Jan. 28, 1958, a daughter of Paul T. and Verdonna “Tootie” (O’Connell) Konger. …read more.

Floyd K.  Boland, 76, of rural Columbia City, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, at his home in Smith Township. Mr. Boland was born on Jan. 12, 1939 in Columbia City, a son of Roy F. and Anna (Bauermeister) Boland. He spent his formative years in Columbia City. He was employed at Falstaff Brewery Co., and …read more.

James Robert Clifford, 87, of rural Columbia City, died at 3:25 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, at his home. He was born September 18, 1927 in Arcola, a son of Oscar and Hazel (Felger) Clifford. As a young boy his family moved to Coesse and he completed his education at Coesse High School. On Nov. 10, …read more.

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Genevera Wilhelm Arnold created a priceless collection of memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. A loving wife and devoted mother to be sure, she was delighted to become a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and her family was her greatest source of pride and joy. With …read more.

Joan Marks, 90, of Huntsville, Ohio, passed away at 10:17 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine, Ohio. She was born Nov. 8, 1924, in the Etna Troy township of Whitley County, the daughter of William and Irene (Heintzleman) Clingerman. Joan worked at Blue Bell, the 10 Pin Restaurant, and was a …read more.

Robert R. Laux, 71, 10020 S. 800E, Roanoke, died from internal injuries following a farm accident at 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 17. The accident was at 1849 W. Keiser Road in Whitley County. Whitley County Sheriff’s Department reports Laux was on private property when he was accidentally run over by his John Deere 8630 tractor …read more.

As of noon today, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for northern Indiana. The warning indicates critical fire conditions are occurring. Winds up to 20 mph out of the east combined with relatively low humidity means wildfires could start easily and spread quickly. Burning is not recommended throughout the afternoon and …read more.

The Indiana Supreme Court awarded $242,911 in grant money to benefit 19 counties in support of local family court projects. The grants, ranging between $35,000 to $4,000, were awarded to the following counties: Judge Charles Pratt, Allen County – $35,000 Judge Cynthia Ayers, Marion County – $30,000 Judge Cynthia Ayers, Marion County IV-D Court – …read more.

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development is improving the lives of the residents of Whitley County by presenting two Rural Economic Development Loans (REDLG) to the Columbia City Municipal Electric Utility. The funds will promote rural economic development in the area. The funding is being provided through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and …read more.

By NICHOLE HACHA-THOMAS Media Relations Director, INDOT Northeast District The Indiana Department of Transportation announces signal improvements to numerous intersections along US 30 in both Whitley and Kosciusko counties. Beginning on Monday, April 6, Shambaugh and Son of Fort Wayne is scheduled to begin the $1 million modernization project near Etna Green in Kosciusko County, …read more.

The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (Regional Partnership) today announced that local economic development professional Alan Tio is joining the leadership team to serve as Senior Vice President. Tio will join the Partnership effective May 4 and lead the organization’s business development, marketing, and regional initiatives. “Alan is a great addition to the leadership team of …read more.

The National Weather Service has issues a hazardous weather outlook and special weather statement for northern Indiana. Periods of snow can be expected during the day throughout the region. Accumulations of 1 to 3 inches may be possible on grassy areas, and slick road conditions could occur during heavier periods of snowfall. The snow is …read more.

Michelle Stimmel A Whitley County woman has been sentenced for numerous drug related charges. According to a sentencing order provided by the Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office, Michelle A. Stimmel, of Kimmel, has been committed to the Whitley County Jail with assignment to work release for aiding in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; …read more.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of northern Indiana. Melting snow combined with frozen ground is expected to water ponding in areas with poor drainage. Additionally, rapid river level rises could occur in areas prone to ice jams. Kosciusko, Elkhart, Marshall, Fulton, Whitley and Noble Counties are affected by …read more.

The Indiana State Police along with local and county police are currently on the scene of multiple crashes and slid offs at the following locations: Allen County:  I-69 southbound between 302-303 mile markers Huntington County:  I-69 northbound at the 273 mile marker involving a jackknifed semi Whitley County:  U.S, 30 west of Columbia City The …read more.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for portions of northern Indiana. Gusty winds out of the southwest have the potential to bring blowing and drifting snow to the area. These winds are expected to persist throughout the afternoon. Winds of 15 to 25 mph, with heavy gusts up to 35 mph, …read more.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for portions of northern Indiana and southern Michigan. The advisory goes into effect at 4 p.m. today and should last until noon tomorrow. NWS is forecasting wind chill values between 10 below zero and 25 below zero. These conditions are expected to set in this …read more.

Former Whitley county auditor Jenny R. McGuire was sentenced to 5.5 years in jail Monday, Feb. 9. However, 18 months of the sentence was suspended by the judge and the remaining four years will be served in work release. McGuire pleaded guilty to and was convicted of stealing more than $100,000 from the county and …read more.

SGS Specialty Group, a contract manufacturer for the development of medical devices, surgical instruments and specialized cutting tools, announced plans today to expand its operations, creating up to 17 new jobs by 2019. The company, previously known as Oak View Tool Company, will invest $773,767 to equip its 9,500 sq. ft. facility at 724 Swihart …read more.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook and special weather statement for portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Snow coming up from the south is expected to overspread the area. Two to four inches of snow, possibly mixed with sleet and freezing rain, is expected to come down over the region …read more.

By EMILY SHIPLEY Development Coordinator, Heartline Pregnancy Center, Inc. The 2015 Board of Directors for Heartline Pregnancy Center, Inc. announces Amy Rosswurm as the new executive director. The public is invited to meet Rosswurm and to tour the center’s facilities and ICU Mobile Unit from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at a …read more.

If you haven’t already noticed, the roads in and around Kosciusko County are a little rough this morning. Kosciusko County is currently under a advisory level travel advisory, which means roads could be slick and snow covered. “With the wind they’re calling for today, I don’t see it getting any better,” says Ed Rock of …read more.

Krystal Conley, 21, 2184 E. CR 300N, Huntington, was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital with head injuries following an early morning accident in Whitley County. According to the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department the accident occurred at 6:50 a.m. today at SR 114 and SR 105. Jeremy Gayed, 37, 6678 W. Maple Grove Road, Huntington, …read more.

Developer 30 Spec Realty, LLC yesterday announced plans to construct a 16,000 sq. ft. expandable shell building in “shovel ready” certified Park 30 Business Center in Whitley County. The shell building will be located on a 2.36 acre lot on Progress Court in Park 30 Business Center. The Carey Group has been selected as the …read more.

By SERGEANT RON GALAVIZ Public Information Office, Indiana State Police A Whitley County trooper, Sergeant Aaron W. Cook, was recognized recently for 20 years of service. Cook was appointed as a trooper on Dec. 4, 1994, as a graduate of the 51st Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. During his career, Cook has served the Department …read more.

Locally based Ag Plus LP and ChromaSource, Inc. today announced plans to expand their respective local operations, which will involve the companies investing a combined $3.327 million and creation of up to 23 new jobs in 2015. Ag Plus, a farmer-owned cooperative based in South Whitley, is establishing a joint venture with St. Paul, Minn. …read more.

The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation announced yesterday the EDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Initiative (SBEI) is preparing for the second cohort of the Growth Ventures business accelerator program, which will begin Jan. 12, 2015. The SBEI Growth Ventures business accelerator program launched in spring 2014 with its initial cohort of four business owners. Participants …read more.

Frank D. Boggs, 85, North CR 50W, Columbia City, died from injuries sustained in an accident at SR 109 and CR 400N, in Whitley County. The accident was at 2:35 p.m. Saturday. Information regarding Boggs’ death was released Sunday afternoon by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department. A passenger in his vehicle, Sherrill D. Boggs, 78, …read more.

Whitley County Sheriff’s Department investigated a triple fatality Friday evening on CR 300E and Hartman Road. One-vehicle was involved in the accident at 11:02 p.m. Perry J. Coffelt, 50, South CR 300E, Columbia City; Eric D. Hoffman, 19, West CR 350S, Columbia City; and Savannah E. Labenz, 19, East Anderson Road, Churubusco, were all pronounced …read more.

The Whitley County Sheriff’s Office released the cause of death for arrestee Kevin J. Minnix who died Tuesday while incarcerated in that county’s jail. (See related) The autopsy reveals asphyxiation as the cause of death. According to Mark E. Hodges, sheriff, at approximately 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, Minnix was found unresponsive and sitting on the floor …read more.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement to be in effect until 8 p.m. this evening for Kosciusko and Whitley counties. According to the NWS, snow will continue to spread throughout northern Indiana late this afternoon and early this evening as an upper level disturbance tracks into the region. The accumulating …read more.

Jennifer McGuire According to a probable cause affidavit from the Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Police Detective Deven Hostetler states the Jennifer R. McGuire knowingly or intentionally exerted unauthorized control over Whitley County property between the dates of Feb. 12, 2011 and June 30, 2014. McGuire faces two theft charges and one charge of …read more.

Cleo L. Brown, 81, of Columbia City, passed away at 6:36 pm Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born on April 24, 1933, in Whitley County, he was the son of Lee and Ethel (Weeks) Brown. On Nov, 14, 1959, he married Annabelle L. Brown. A lifetime resident in Whitley County, Cleo graduated …read more.

A total of 23 Indiana Lake and River Enhancement projects, including some in Kosciusko, Whitley and other neighboring counties, are receiving a portion of $994,300 in grants to care for Indiana’s water bodies. The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife operates the LARE program which includes water quality monitoring, bank erosion control, and watershed land treatments to …read more.

Anthony M. McClellan Anthony M. McClellan (Noble County Sheriff’s Department photo) Police from several agencies spent hours Tuesday afternoon searching an area near Whitley County’s Big Lake, for a suspect wanted on several outstanding warrants and for trying to run down a police officer with a vehicle. (See related) Anthony Michael McClellan, 23, of Churubusco, …read more.

Just minutes after releasing information that they were searching for a missing Alzheimer’s patient, police in Whitley County cancelled the alert. A 71-year-old white female had been reported missing, last seen in the area of CRs 600 South and 800 East. As of 6:25 p.m., police said the woman had been located.

WHITLEY COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces that the SR 9 bridge over Catfish Creek, located six miles north of Columbia City, will be closed on Friday, April 11, at 6 a.m. Work includes a new concrete bridge deck and rehabilitation of two piers. The official detour is U.S. 30 to SR …read more.

(UPDATE: Whitley County Coroner Randy Dellinger has released the identities of the two men who died in the fire. The victims are Robert L. McKinzie, 58, and Frederick Karl Niemann, 54.) A Whitley County house fire located in the 2400 block of South Barr Street in Coesse has claimed the lives of two people. The …read more.

Whitley County Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory and are encouraging residents to stay home if travel is not essential. The advisory has been issued due to drifted and snow covered roads which are impassable in some places. Drifts have closed roads in many areas of Whitley County and, while county highway crews are …read more.

Indiana State Police are investigating a single vehicle crash that occurred early this afternoon in rural Churubusco in Whitley County that killed a 26-year-old man who was fleeing a police officer. The preliminary investigation by Sgt. Aaron Cook indicated that at approximately 1:54 p.m., a 1989 Dodge Neon driven by Tristan Andrew Bender, 26, from …read more.

As overnight temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, a freeze warning has been issued for Kosciusko County and surrounding areas. The National Weather Service office in Northern Indiana issued the freeze warning that will go into effect from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday. Overnight temperatures are expected to dip to as low as …read more.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating what appears to be the drowning death of a toddler in Whitley County. According to Indiana Conversation Officers, at 1:40 p.m. Saturday the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch received a 911 call reporting the possible drowning at 8009 W. 300 S. Emergency units responded and discovered family members performing CPR …read more.

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — Breyden Products Inc., a manufacturer of lacing tapes, twines and yarns for the military and aerospace industries, announced plans today to expand its headquarters here, creating up to 23 new jobs by 2016. The company, which relocated its headquarters here from Hesperia, Calif. in 2004, will invest $2.2 million to purchase …read more.

The Indiana State Police responded to and investigated a single vehicle crash involving a motorcycle late Monday night on SR 205 in Whitley County. The crash injured two people. According to Senior Trooper Joel Lemmon, at approximately 10 p.m., a 1986 Honda F70 motorcycle was being operated northbound on SR 205, just north of CR …read more.

Solstice Medical LLC, a leading provider of advanced inventory management and workflow optimization software solutions for the healthcare industry, announced today it was recently awarded U.S. and International patents for its Radio Frequency Identification tag solutions specially designed for use in the healthcare industry. The recent awards of U.S. Patents 8,462,062, 8,344,889 and 8,461,992 compliments …read more.

Kosciusko, Elkhart, Marshall, Fulton, Whitley, Huntington, Lagrange and Noble are among the Indiana counties under a Heat Advisory that will go into effect from noon Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana is forecasting temperatures in the low 90s Thursday and Friday with heat indexes around 100 degrees both days. …read more.

The Whitley County Highway Department is paving Lincolnway West west of SR 5 to the Kosciusko County line today. Expect brief delays as the work is completed.

This weekend’s weather may have put a damper on many spring activities, but one community event proved that April 20 was a sunny day for babies as 150 participants joined together to help give every baby a healthy start. The total raised by Kosciusko and Whitley counties for March for Babies stands at $22,000 with …read more.

Jerry Lee Shaffer, 75, Washington Township, Whitley County, Ind., died at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at Oakbrook Village, Huntington, Ind., where he had been a resident since April 22, 2009. He was born Sept. 2, 1937, in Whitley County, a son of Landy and Cora (Hennemeyer) Shaffer. His formative years were spent in …read more.

COLUMBIA CITY – U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement today, applauding 80/20 Inc. for its plans to invest $11 million to expand its Columbia City headquarters, creating as many as 97 new jobs by 2016. Construction of a new addition to the company’s existing 250,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin next month. “I …read more.

Cub Scouts throughout Lincolnway District (Kosciusko and Whitley counties) will be participating in their annual District Pinewood Derby on Friday, March 15, at Harrison Elementary School in Warsaw. Registration will be held from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. with the race starting immediately after. Cost is $1 per racer, while spectators cost is $1 each …read more.

A Columbia City man was killed early this morning in a snowmobile accident in Whitley County. Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers and emergency personnel were called at approximately 1:45 a.m. to the 2000 block of West CR 200 North. Whitley County Sheriff’s Department deputies said two men, including the victim, Justin Hinen, 21, …read more.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is advising motorists that there will be intermittent lane restrictions on U.S. 30 in Kosciusko and Whitley counties this week. Starting today, INDOT maintenance crews will be working in both directions on U.S. 30, between SR 13 and SR 5. As work is in progress, the road will be restricted …read more.