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Cardinal Services seeing lives improved through FITNESS CENTER
Text and Photos
By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer
Cardinal Services in Warsaw has seen a lot of changes in its 70 years of existence but the goal it has for its fitness center is to see changes in lives.
The fitness center opened last year and Executive Director Vickie Lootens said the center is quickly making an impact.
“Everything revolves around health and that’s why health is one of our highest priorities because the individuals we serve, for many, have multiple health issues. That compromises your quality of life. The healthier an individual can be, the more opportunities and better quality of life they will have,” Lootens said.
Cardinal Services, located at 504 N. Bay Drive, has been searching for more ways to serve local people with disabilities after the success of its RedBird Art Studio.
The art studio was founded in 2016. Lootens said local artists were able to interact with those with disabilities and form real connections with them. Lootens hopes the fitness center will achieve the same objective when community members become more involved in the center.
“Health in general is one of our highest priorities for the individ-
uals we serve and our employees,” Lootens said. “We want the community to come in. Whether it is to lead a fitness class or if they just want to exercise right alongside the people we serve.”
One person benefiting from the fitness center is Warsaw resident, Rachel Matthews. Mathews plays basketball in Special Olympics.
“I like to come out here and do my weight routine. I like doing squats. I’ve lost weight since this has been up and running,” Matthews said.
Alex Cunningham is on staff at Cardinal Services and enjoys having a front row seat to how the fitness center is transforming lives.
“Part of my job is to help schedule everything that we do here,” Cunningham said. “We do a lot of cardio drumming. I just enjoy watching the clients be so happy. We have a few clients who have a lot of health and wellness goals.
We’ve seen them not only expand in healthy eating, but also in coming in here almost daily, which has been a pretty consistent thing across the board for them. My main thing is making sure these services are running smoothly.”
Lootens said the two biggest activities in the fitness center usually are cardio drumming and lifting weights.
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The fitness center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lootens said the fitness center sees roughly 100 visitors a week but opportunity is there to increase the number significantly. The fitness center is free and open to the public. Those interested are encouraged to call Michelle Boxell, community relations manager, at (574) 371-1387 to learn more.
“There are many times where the club room is not full so we have the capacity for many more to come and exercise alongside those we serve,” Lootens said.
Cunningham sees the fitness center as a place where people
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can exercise no matter where they are physically.
“The big thing is it gives everybody an opportunity to do every-
thing at their own pace, and it’s just really awesome to see how happy they are when they come in here,” Cunningham said.
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HANG TIME — Kim Holloway throws an exercise ball in the fitness center, located inside Cardinal Services in Warsaw.
POWER LIFTER — Rachel Matthews has a goal to lift 100 pounds while she receives advice from Cardinal Services staff member, Samantha Blosser, left. Matthews plays basketball in Special Olympics.
DRUM TO WELLNESS — Jennifer Ortiz takes part in a cardio drumming exercise at the fitness center, located at Cardinal Services in Warsaw.
Felt artist favors bold, colorful creations
By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer
“I’ve always had a day job as an artist because that can pay my bills, but then in my art I can be as weird as I want,” said Jason Rowland, a Warsaw native.
Rowland graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1997 and has stayed in the area since. He has owned the Wawasee Auto Spa in Syracuse for the past 20 years.
While an avid artist in his younger years, Rowland took a break from it for a while, getting back into drawing when his children were young.
“We’d be bored at a restaurant and I’d draw an Elmo for them or something. I’d say, ‘oh, yeah, I forgot I could do this.’ Once they got out of the toddler phase, I just jumped into it,” he recalled.
Rowland had started out drawing things he saw in magazines, particularly logos. As an adult, he moved on to working
“So
with wood and spray paint and created that way for about 10 years.
In the past year, he’s been creating felt art. Felt allows him to achieve a similar look to spray paint in less time. In general, Rowland favors a colorful, graphic style in his art.
“It just draws people in, and there’s a lot of negative stuff. A big, bright, happy, fun thing just knocks you back and resets your day,” he said.
Rowland’s process involves making a stencil for the design first. He then cuts pieces out of sheets of felt with an X-Acto knife and lays them on top of the stencil to create the image, “kind of like a puzzle,” he explained.
He works on top of a piece of glass to keep from cutting into the table underneath.
The scraps from his projects are also reused to make more abstracts pieces.
Rowland’s family is made up of other creatives. His son, Baxter, is a tattoo apprentice,
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Rousseau:
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Oswego Home and store at Leesburgh
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daughter, Mia sews her own clothes, and wife, Michelle, has an eye for interior design.
“(Creativity) is really important to us; it’s mostly what we talk about. ... It’s nice to have people in the house you can bounce ideas off of,” he said.
Rowland also mentioned his mother, aunts and grandmother were artists before him.
His first exposition was at Warsaw Community Public Library back in the early 2000s.
After that, he said, “I stopped being nervous and I started emailing everybody. A lot of it
is, you’ve just got to ask and be personable, and not take things personally. I got a lot of no’s, but I also got some yeses.”
Some of his pieces are now on display in galleries in Indianapolis, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Rowland said group shows are his favorite to participate in, especially themed shows, where an artist needs to be creative inside the parameters of the theme.
“Shows I get asked to do will be like, 1980s cult-classic movies. I’ve done a ‘Groundhog
Day’ themed show; films of 1994, I did a ‘Wedding Singer’ piece. ... It helps you bend your brain in different ways, I guess,” Rowland said.
Rowland described himself as an introvert, so group shows are a once-a-year affair for him, though he does enjoy meeting the variety of people.
In his downtime, Rowland spends time with his family and their three dogs and adds things to his various collections, like rocks, musical instruments, skateboards and stickers.
author’s historical novel now an audiobook
“Furs and Fevers,” a novel focusing on Kosciusko County’s pioneer history, has now been released in audio format through iTunes, Audible or Amazon.
“I enjoyed having a launch party three years ago when
my novel was released by Austin-Macauley Publishers, and I have since then given readings from the novel at book clubs and libraries,” said author Lynn MacKaben Brown, Warsaw. “However, many of today’s readers enjoy listening to books on tape while driving or exercising or doing chores. The release of my novel in audio format meets their needs.”
Brown intends to write an entire series on the history of Indiana, and to that end she is currently at work on book two of the series, “Dust and Destiny.”
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“I have been doing extensive research related to the customs, politics, businesses, religions and social aspects of this settlement era of Indiana history,” Brown said. “My goal is to take actual historical figures and breathe life into how they developed this land. The diversity of personnel is broad — pioneers, Native Americans, priests, farmers, fur traders, politicians, explorers, military leaders. They all have stories and adventures.”
As a former newspaper columnist, registered nurse and teacher, Brown said she now enjoys using all of her varied training to create novels that both entertain and inform.
“Indiana has been called the ‘Crossroads of America,’ and it earned that label by hosting a vast array of travelers and homesteaders,” said Brown. “There is a wealth of sagas to discover.”
BRIGHT AND GRAPHIC Jason Rowland is pictured cutting out pieces for felt art from his home studio in Warsaw. A few of his smaller, framed pieces sit on the table. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.
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are Syracuse Elementary’s December 2024 Book
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Operation Read celebrates ‘Book Boogie’ winners
By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer
Operation Read celebrated another month of its district-wide Book Boogie program in Syracuse Elementary Friday, Jan. 10. Prizes were given to students from each grade and one teacher.
The top winners for December, were Quade Sanders in kinder-
garten, Beatrice Lehman in first grade, Nikolas Palicki in second grade, Luke Hurst in third grade, Micah Martin in fourth grade, and Coy Hunter from fifth grade.
Principal Karen Brock was the top teacher winner.
The Book Boogie program is meant to encourage reading outside of school. Operation Read’s mission is to develop good read-
ing habits in young children, by making reading fun. The program is sponsored by Operation Read, Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, Esther Pfleiderer Charitable Trust, and Maple Leaf Farms.
Book Boogie will continue to hold monthly awards ceremonies until the end of the school year in May, where the program will present its grand prizes to the top
Kiwanis hosting its traditional Winter Carnival Soup Supper
Wawasee Kiwanis will be hosting a soup supper, a Winter Carnival tradition, Friday, Jan. 31. The event will be from 6-8 p.m. in the Syracuse Community Center.
The supper is a fundraiser for children initiatives in the community, supported by Wawasee Kiwanis.
The soup supper is also a contest. Participants can enter in such categories as restaurant, business nonprofit and individual. Winners will be recognized in each category and best overall.
The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids age 12 and under. Cash only will be accepted at the door. The cost includes soup, dessert and drink. Participants will be able to taste all the soup and vote on a favorite.
The soup supper was a staple a number of years ago when the Kiwanis hosted the annual Syracuse-Wawasee Winter Car-
nival. The carnival activities, which included snowmobile races on Syracuse Lake, were suspended after mother nature
failed to cooperate and allowing enough ice to form on the lake. But the soup supper has remained a yearly tradition.
two students in grades K-2 and 3-5, and one top reading teacher. To donate to Book Boogie, or for
more information, contact Operation Read at (574)-529-5783 or go to operationreadusa.org.
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BOOKWORMS Pictured
Boogie winners. In the front from left are Beatrice Lehman, Harper Hudson, Abagayle Kuta, and Quade Sanders. In the back: Micah Martin, Carter Bager, Luke Hurst, Jayce Grendys, Kiyoko Parker, Nickolas Pawlicki, and Miciah Bontrager. Photo provided by DeeAnna Muraski.
READER LEADERS Pictured are the winning teachers in Operation Read’s December 2024 Syracuse Elementary Book Boogie. In front from left are Karen Brock, Kaila Grimm, Tiffany Goff, and Todd Lucas. In the middle: Mackenzie Gunter, Julie Hays, Dina Coverstone, Katie Young and Dawn Yoder. In the back: Valerie Leininger, Molly Hunter, and DeeAnn Wilczynski. Photo by Maksym Hart.
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“Smiling is definitely one of the best beauty remedies. If you have a good sense of humor and a good approach to life, that’s beautiful.”
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Lilly Center collaborates with WACF for Lake Talk & Eats
The Lilly Center, in partnership with the Wawasee Area Conservancy, invites the public to the first in a series of Lake Talk & Eats events. The event will take place at WACF’s education center in Syracuse at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1.
Frank Levinson. Ice Fishing, from Ed Clayton. Ice Safety will be presented by a panel.
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EDITORIAL OFFICES, CIRCULATION, DISPLAY AND CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
WARSAW OFFICE MILFORD OFFICE SYRACUSE OFFICE
114 West Market St. 206 S. Main St. 102 East Main St. Warsaw, IN 46580 P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 Syracuse, IN 46567 Phone (574) 269-2932 Phone (574) 658-4111 Phone (574) 457-3666 Fax 888-371-2934 1-800-733-4111 Fax 800-886-3796
Out-Of-County: Phone 1-800-733-4111
OFFICE HOURS: 8:00-5:00 Monday Thru Friday www.thepapersonline.com
‘the PAPER’ reserves the right to refuse for publication any advertising that is considered offensive, misleading or detrimental to the public, the newspaper or another advertiser and to edit advertising at its discretion.
Publisher, Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com
Business Manager, Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com
Editor-In-Chief, Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com
Editor, Phoebe Muthart pmuthart@the-papers.com
Warsaw Office Manager, Mary Beth Spalding warsaw@the-papers.com
Director Of Marketing, Kristin DeVittorio kdevittorio@the-papers.com
Advertising Representative, Carl Lauster clauster@the-papers.com
Advertising Representative, Susan Stump sstump@the-papers.com
Circulation Manager, Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com
Commercial Printing Sales Representative
Rodger Salinas rsalinas@the-papers.com
Commercial Printing Customer Service
Tina Kaplan tkaplan@the-papers.com
Rich Krygowski rkrygowski@the-papers.com
The first Lake Talk & Eats event features several speakers with different areas of expertise. Enjoy a continental breakfast as several speakers take you through a jour-
ney through lakes in the winter: What happens in the water under the ice? Hear from Dr. Nate Bosch, Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams director. What happens to fish under the ice? This will be explained by Matthew Linn, DNR Fisheries Research Biologist. Ice boating, presented by Bob Fanning and Frank Levinson. Polar plunging, presented by
‘Captain Cash’
No RSVP necessary. Event will take place at the Education Center on the WACF property, 11586 SR13, Syracuse. Unable to attend in-person? The event will be available over Zoom via this link or email pam@wacf. com.
coming to Lincoln Elementary
“Captain Cash” says, “It’s never too early to save.”
“Captain Cash,” an elementary curriculum designed by Purdue Extension for third grade students, is setting sail in your community. It’s never too early for children to learn how to become eager earners, savvy savers, wise spenders, and careful borrowers. This financial literacy program engages children in money-smart activities and takes them down the road to financial fitness.
Lincoln Elementary School has partnered with Purdue Extension educators to bring “Captain Cash” to its third grade classrooms Tuesday, Feb. 4. Each student will participate in four class sessions with take home parent newsletters given at the end of each lesson.
Newsletters contain suggested at-home games and activities, which focus on earning, saving, planned spending, and wise borrowing of money. Each session
introduces money-related vocabulary words and teaches money concepts, which are based on Indiana’s academic standards for math and social studies.
To learn more about “Captain Cash” in your school, or embark on a money voyage of your own, contact Shannon Shepherd, Kosciusko County educator, at (574) 372-2340 or via email at shephe52@purdue.edu.
Remember, good financial habits start young.
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Jan. 20 through March 2, a
which park the icon is in, create a photo in the same location — make sure the background matches — and complete the weekly photo challenge.
A total of six challenges will be shared throughout the event to help players dream of warm weather. Those who complete all six by Sunday, March 2 will be entered into a prize drawing for a $50 Nappanee Chamber Gift Certificate, redeemable at participating merchants.
Submit all six photos via Google Form by March 2. Prize drawing will take place on March 5, and the winner will be notified via email. Those who participate agree to allow your images to be used for promotional purposes by the Nappanee Parks Department.
Be sure to follow @NappaneeParks on social media for weekly updates and challenges.
— Rashida Jones —
Lake City Bank announces
Lake City Bank has announced a promotion and a new member of its team.
Jessica L. Slone has been promoted to assistant vice president, retail banking officer at the bank’s Winona Lake branch.
In this position, Slone leads sales and service efforts in the branch, manages the daily operations of the office and supports office staff in their efforts to pro-
vide quality service and build customer relationships. She has been with the bank for six years.
Slone is on the fundraising committee for Joe’s Kids. She volunteers with Junior Achievement, Kate’s Kart, North Webster Church of God and the American Red Cross blood drives.
Lake City also is welcoming Lisa G. Landers as vice president, retail banking officer of the
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Greenwood branch.
In this position, Landers leads sales and service efforts in the branch, manages the daily operations of the office and supports office staff in their efforts to provide quality service and build customer relationships. She has 22 years of experience in financial services.
Landers is a member of Aspire Johnson County.
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Winona Lake bestows Fireman of Year, service awards
The Winona Lake Fire Department recently bestowed annual awards to its personnel at its Dec. 7 Christmas party.
Brian Marshall received the distinction of being named Fire-
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man of the Year for the department. Fire Chief Kevin Gelbaugh earned the Service Award for the year.
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JESSICA SLONE LISA LANDERS
FIREMAN OF THE YEAR Brian Marshall, left, received Winona Lake Fire Department’s Fireman of the Year award on Dec. 7. Shown at right presenting the award is Fire Chief Kevin Gelbaugh. Photo by Al Disbro.
SERVICE AWARD Winona Lake Fire Department Chief Kevin Gelbaugh, right, received the department’s Service Award on Dec. 7. Shown at left presenting the award is Assistant Fire Chief Carson Kintzel.
Photo by Al Disbro.
Reflections as a Ball State Singer
By DEVIN VAN LUE Wawasee High School graduate
As I reflect on my time with the Ball State Singers, I am filled with gratitude for the ways this experience has shaped me — not only as a musician but also as a leader and as a person. From the first rehearsal to this final performance, the Ball State Singers have been a place of faith, hope, laughter and love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this group.
When I first joined the Singers, I came with a deep love for music, but I quickly learned that this group was much more than a place to sing — it was a community. Each member brings something unique. Over time, I realized that the Ball State Singers were about more than just rehearsals and performances; they were about building relationships and supporting one another, both on and off the stage. We laughed together, faced challenges together and celebrated each other’s successes. It’s a place where faith in one another’s abilities and a shared sense of hope in our goals, allowed us to achieve far more than we ever could alone.
Through my time with the Singers, I’ve had the privilege of growing into leadership roles that have helped shape who I am today. Starting as outreach coordinator, I learned to organize, communicate and build connections. This role helped me see the importance of bridging the gap between the group and the community. I transitioned into the role of assistant company manager, where I gained more responsibility and a deeper under-
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standing of what it takes to keep everything running smoothly.
Now, as company manager, I’ve had the honor of working closely with the team, making sure everything from rehearsals to performances is executed flawlessly. These leadership opportunities have pushed me to grow. I am forever grateful for the trust and confidence my fellow Singers have shown me.
In addition to leadership, the values of faith, hope and love have been central to my journey. I’ve learned that leadership is about inspiring others and creating an environment where every-
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one feels supported and valued. There is a deep faith and hope that every performance will reflect our collective efforts and a love for the music and the people we share it with. These values have guided me through every challenge and triumph, both in the group and in my own life.
This year holds special meaning for me as it marks one my final performances with the Ball State Singers at my alma mater, Wawasee High School. Perform-
ing here, where my love for music began, is a full-circle moment I’ll treasure. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and the powerful impact that music, community and leadership have had on me.
As I take the stage one last time, I’ll carry with me all the lessons, memories and relationships I’ve gained through the Ball State Singers. The laughter, faith, hope and love we’ve shared will stay with me long after my final performance. I’ll forever be grateful.
Dan’s Fish and Tenderloin Fry Feb. 8
The North Webster Lions Club will hold its annual Dan’s Fish and Tenderloin Fry Fundraiser Dinner from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the North Webster American Legion Post 253 on SR 13 in North Webster. People can dine-in for all-youcare-to eat at the American Legion. Carryout will also be available. A ticket includes fish and/ or tenderloin, coleslaw, chips and tartar sauce. Tickets are $14 for adults and $9 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under eat for free; choose from fish and tenderloin, fish only or tenderloins only. Tickets are available from any North Webster Lions Club member and North Webster Ace Hardware and Clark’s Marine. Tickets may also be purchased at the event. Credit cards, Venmo, cash or checks will be accepted at the door. Pre-sale ticket holders are guaranteed food until 5:30 p.m. Visit the Facebook page for Mermaid Festival for more information or contact Scott Fox at (574) 527-1645. Proceeds go to support the Lions Club various programs in the North Webster area.
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BALL STATE SINGERS Wawasee grad Devin Van Lue is shown in the center. Photo provided by Devin Van Lue.
Hearing set on Student Activity Center at Wawasee
The Wawasee Board of School Trustees will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 and Tuesday, Feb. 11 to discuss building a new Student Activity Center. The hearings will be held in the Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse Discussion on Feb. 4 will be on
renovation and improvements to Wawasee High School, including construction of a Student Activity Center and renovations and improvements to the natatorium; renovation and improvements to facilities in the corporation including deferred maintenance and site improvements and the purchase of equipment and tech-
nology. Opportunities for objections and support will be given.
The Feb. 11 hearing will also include discussion, hearing of objections and support regarding the proposed projects and the consideration of adopting a resolution making a preliminary determination to enter into a lease agreement and to issue bonds to
Indiana Novelists to sign books at Goshen’s First Friday Feb. 7
National award-winning novelists, Kathryn and Steven Cain, will visit Fables Books, 215 S. Main St., Goshen, to meet and greet readers. The Cains have published nine novels. The event will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. as part of Goshen’s First Friday events.
The authors are recognized as finalists in the American Writing Awards, Outstanding Creator Awards, and honorable mention with the Hollywood Book Festival. Steven Cain chuckles when he mentions that Kathryn Cain received first place for the sexist character of her tiny faery, which she named Sally.
The married couple write sideby-side but separately, mainly during the Indiana winters. Kathryn Cain said, “While all our novels are fiction, we cover many genres.” Those include thrillers, science fiction, historical, romance, horror, inspirational, and fantasy.
Their novels reside in the Indiana Authors room of the State Library along with the likes of Kurt Vonnegut, James Whitcomb Riley, and many others.
Analysis shows that Kathryn Cain writes like a cross between D. H. Lawrence and Upton Sinclair, while Steven Cain’s readers
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compare his writing style to Ernest Hemingway. All of Steven Cain’s books take place in fictional towns in Indiana. Several of Kathryn Cain’s do as well. “My romance novel takes place in a 13th-century castle, so it couldn’t take place in Indiana,” said Kathryn Cain.
The couple dedicated themselves to bringing the limelight to Indiana. Steven Cain added, “We all see stories about Paris, New York, and Chicago. We write to bring mystery and intrigue to Indiana.”
For more information on the novels, visit Kathryn Cain’s website at
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kathryncain.com and Steven Cain’s at stevenacain.com. Or visit Fables Books.
finance the projects.
The public is invited to attend and participate in either or both of the hearings.
Vehicle service center goes tobacco free
Boggs Pit Stop vehicle service center, 1721 E. Center St., Warsaw, is now tobacco free, according to a news release from Kosciusko Cares and Kosciusko Drug Free Coalition.
The service center, which is locally owned and operated with certified technicians on staff, no longer sells tobacco products.
The business, located next to Hometown Pharmacy, includes a quick lube and tire center and automotive repair. In May 2024, Lassus removed the gas pumps at the location, which allowed the business to focus on vehicle service.
Kosciusko Cares and Kosciusko Drug Free Coalition said it’s proud to partner with Boggs Pit
Stop as the business transitions to no longer selling tobacco products and focusing on automotive services.
“Our responsibility as a local business goes beyond our doors. We are committed to serving our community for years to come, and we are proud to partner with Kosciusko Cares and Kosciusko Drug Free Coalition to become a tobacco-free business,” said Julie Tuinstra, business director of Boggs Pit Stop.
Kosciusko Cares and Kosciusko Drug Free Coalition implement programs, initiatives and strategies to prevent youth substance use and improve the mental and physical health of youth and families.
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Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.
Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.
Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.
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KATHRYN CAIN
STEVEN CAIN
Cathy Craig
Cathy Craig, 70, Dewart Lake, Syracuse, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.
Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster.
Kyran Lee Hoover
Kenneth and Nila (Martin) Hoover, Goshen, are the parents of a son, Kyran Lee, born at 2:23 a.m. Jan. 8, 2025, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 19 1/2 inches long.
Peter Hodges
Peter Hodges, 93, Leesburg, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster.
Adelyn Noelle Miller
Marcus and Lisa Miller, Millersburg, are the parents of a daughter, Adelyn Noelle, born at 2:22 Jan. 23, 2025, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 1.9 ounces, and was 20 inches long.
Local students named to dean’s list
The following local students were recently named to the dean’s list of their respective colleges/universities:
Ohio Wesleyan University
Syracuse — Garrett Smith
Wartburg College
Claypool — Lydia Miller
Jacksonville State University
Ligonier — Julio C. Macias
Indiana University Kokomo
Bremen — Caroline Fish
North Manchester — Hope
Elizabeth Martin
Silver Lake — Lily Kerlin
Syracuse — McKenna Audrey Hartley
Southern New Hampshire University
New Paris — Meghan Leppek
Midway University
Silver Lake — Josie Briner
Eastern Mennonite University
Warsaw — Claire Reichenbach
Saint Mary’s College
Winona Lake — Elizabeth
Stone
Albion College
Winona Lake — Gray Willig University of Kentucky
Warsaw — Macelyn Marcuccilli
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At Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, our caring and knowledgeable staff is here to guide you in making the best choices for your family - decisions that honor your loved one while remaining in your budget.
Choosing Titus Funeral Home’s Cremation Center for your loved ones cremation is ideal for many families. We own and operate our own crematory with licensed and certified staff.
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Court News
Small Claims
The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Stump’s LP Gas v. Robert Chupp, $1,257.15
Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Ana Granados, $1,468.60; v. Sabrina Hall, $2,639.07; v. Timothy Hines, $5,069.61; v. Juan Jimenez Sanchez, $1,354.76; v. Peggy Moss, $800.48; v. Kachelle Robinson, $1,520.08; v. Scott Werner, $2,002.94
Total Recovery Services Inc. v. Rafael Malagon, $3,551.43; v. Agustin Villa, $3,683.60
First Federal Savings Bank v. Jennifer McLaughlin, $5,538.54
Drive Now Auto Credit Co. Inc. v. Calvin D. Ousley, $6,212.82
General Audit Corp. v. Kimberly Shepherd, $1,619.50
Civil Collections
The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding:
Discover Bank v. Karla Anderson, $3,780.54; v. Trena McDaniel, $7,345.70; v. Linda Norman, $5,054.52; v. Stone Rager, $6,161.85; v. Cesar O. Solorzano Malacara, $8,194.50; v. Laura Williams, $6,023.46; v. Carole Wilson, $4,263.43
BSREP II MH Heritage Capital v. Edgar Bautista, a/k/a Edgar Becerra Bautista, $46,888.57
Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Sean L. Bloom, $12,512.38
Goshen Hospital Association Inc. v. Susie Ann Griffith, $1,088.23
TippiRiver Downs v. Rocky and Sasha Hall, $12,726.90
Capital One NA v. Kimberly E. Hope a/k/a Kimberly Lagasse, $1,862.51; v. Craig R. Hurley, $4,763.18; v. Charlotte R. Thatcher, $3,930.99; v. Jarod S. Werner, $4,240.67
LVNV Funding LLC v. Melissa Islas, $14,966.91
Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Virginia Mahaska, $2,726.79; v. Sheila Padilla, $1,507.50; v. Penny Pruitt, $562.17
Velocity Investments LLC v. Hillary Pohl, $2,649.97
Prestige Financial Services Inc. v. Tammy J. Rothenberger, $25,662.55
Synchrony Bank v. Rodolfo San-
toyo, $3,756.25
Lakeland Villa Apartments v. Britney Savage, $1,709.55
Spring Oaks Capital SPV LLC v. Herman Smith, $1,235.11 Plenaries
The following plenaries have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court I, Judge Karin McGrath presiding: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, a/s/o Shepherd v. Myron A. Dill, $4,017.92
Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals v. Daniel Holland, $10,000 Evictions
The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Sky Properties, d/b/a KCB Management LLC v. Amanda Craft, $1,751.25
Culver Development Corp. v. Danielle Diemer, $6,000 FR Syracuse v. Victor Santana Rosario, $4,333.11
Skyteam Properties v. Britney L. Riley, $6,000 Superior Court III
The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Jonathan D. Bell, Warsaw, $164.50; Oscar G. Valtierrez Salgado, Warsaw, $164.50; James R. Hoover, Pierceton, $164.50; James B. Dhomme, Warsaw, $164.50; David E. Messer, Pierceton, $164.50; Joseph C. Salvo, Syracuse, $164.50; Caleigh A. Byrer, Warsaw, $164.50; Andrew D. Lamb, Claypool, $164.50; Learner’s permit violation, no headlights — Esmeralda Saucedo Camarillo, Winona Lake, $189.50
Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility
Joe Antonio Rodriguez Perez, Warsaw, $189.50
Failure to register — Rush G. Nichols, Warsaw, $164.50
Driving while suspended (suspension not result of conviction) Honorato C. Moyotl, Warsaw, $189.50; Anderson Jean-Louis, Warsaw, $189.50
No valid driver’s license — Cruz M. Cacahua, Warsaw, $164.50; Martin L. Dixon, Warsaw, $164.50
Failure to take deer to DNR — Rodney D. Nichols, Syracuse, $164
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Michael L. Miller, Syracuse, $25; Richard A. Todd, Nap-
panee, $25
Authorization for IAC conservation violations — Easton R. Hummitch, Warsaw, $164
Improper passing — Erica J. Durand, Warsaw, $164.50
Deer check station violation
David L. Bontrager, Nappanee, $164.50
Child restraint system violation — Jerbis J. Manzanillo Rincon, Warsaw, $25
Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Anne Torpy: Gibson-Jones
Katelyn Alyn Gibson, 28, Syracuse, and Myk Allen Jones, 28, Syracuse Gorski-Baldridge
Stacey Jean Gorski, 43, Claypool, and Garold Andrew Baldridge, 44, Claypool
Avila-Perez Taveras
Jonmarc Francisco Avila, 40, Milford, and Leidy Marisol Perez Taveras, 34, Milford Texeira-Kennedy
Andrea Lynn Texeira, 51, Silver Lake, and John Robert Kennedy, 55, Mishawaka Escobar-Cruz
Noe De Jesus Mazariegos Escobar, 21, Warsaw, and Karla Ernestina Cruz, 19, Warsaw Esenwein-Backus
Jon Fredric Esenwein II, 24, Leesburg, and Skyler Dannyel Backus, 24, Warsaw
Samayoa-Salazar
Orli Yovani Samayoa, 25, Pierceton, and Maiely Naidelin Salazar, 22, Pierceton
Marriage Dissolutions
The following couple has filed for a marriage dissolution in Kosciusko Superior Courts I or IV: Reutebuch — Kyle Reutebuch, Warsaw, and Treva Reutebuch, Warsaw. They were married Nov. 20, 2019; separated Dec. 7, 2024. No minor child(ren).
Elkhart County Extension offering program on Heart-Healthy Nutrition
Heart-healthy eating is an important way to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. With heart disease being the top cause of deaths in Americans, it is important to choose heart-healthy foods. In this program, people will go over a list of heart-healthy foods and share recipes, which are beneficial for one’s heart health. Join this free educational pro-
gram presented by Emily Christ, Purdue University Extension educator in health and human sciences in Elkhart County.
This program is being offered at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Owls Club, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart. To register, call the Owls Club at (574) 336-2652.
The Owls Club is a private, community organization which exists to help aging adults in Elkhart County and surrounding communities thrive. The program will last about an hour.
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This program and all programs of the Purdue University Extension Service are open to everyone. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, call (574) 533-0554 by Wednesday, Feb. 5.
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HATTON-SADLER FUNERAL CHAPELS
“Our families serving your family with professionalism, compassion and care.”
Pierceton and Warsaw Michael and Tracy Wilson
Pine Outdoor Apparel named NWTTCC Member of the Month
Pine Outdoor Apparel, downtown North Webster, and Andrea Hagen, owner, have been awarded North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce’s January Member of the Month.
With the theme of “Where style and the outdoors come together, Pine Outdoor Apparel carries brands of clothing specifically designed for people who like the outdoors, or just enjoy comfortable clothes.
The shop opened in 2023 on Main Street and carries clothing for fishing, camping, hiking, or relaxing. It carries brands including Kuhl, Free Fly, Burlebo, Marsh Wear, Hydro Flask, Chaco, Native
Shoes, Binky Bro, Smartwool, Huk, Reef, Cotopaxi, Bogg Bag and more. Hagan says, “Community is very important to us. We strive to offer exceptional quality clothing and products to our community. Not only are the items well made, but the brands and companies give back in one way or another through sourcing responsibly to partnering with different organizations.”
NWTTCC awarded Pine Outdoor Apparel Member of the Month for its dedication to give back to the community in various ways. For more information on store hours or to shop online, visit Pine Outdoor Apparel’s website pineoutdoorapparel.com.
Vocal Vision prep classes start Jan. 27
The Community Arts Program is again offering music classes for kindergarten through second-grade students.
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Students will learn the fundamentals of rhythm, beat, pitch, good singing tone, and other musical elements through games, songs and various activities.
Starting Monday, Jan. 27, two class options will be available: the morning class will meet from 1010:45 a.m., and the afternoon class will meet from 5:15-6 p.m. Both classes cost $60 for the eight-week session and will be held at the Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High St., Warsaw. Registration for both classes is found at capwarsaw.com under the Vocal Prep page. Questions may be directed to Judie Meulink, artistic director for the Vocal Vision Youth programs, at jmeulink@classicartsprograms.com.
Kim Rogers will lead the morning session. Rogers is the lower elementary music teacher at Lakeland Christian Academy, teaching kindergarten through third grade. She has been married to her husband, Matthew, who is pastor of First Christian Church, Warsaw,
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for 26 years this October, and has two daughters, Faith and Jordan, who are both studying ministry at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Mo. Their family moved to Warsaw in 2019 from the western Chicago suburbs, where they resided and pastored for 21 years. Before moving to Warsaw, Rogers taught music at Downers Grove Christian school (preschool through eighth grade) for six years and led an after-school extracurricular, called Jesus and Motion, for nine years, teaching first through fifth graders to combine music with things like dance, rhythm sticks, black light, sign and more. She has loved leading kids in worship for the past 23 years in her two churches, as well as in the chapel at both schools.
Marlise Burkholder will lead the late afternoon session. Burkholder graduated from Grace College with a degree in music education. She has been working with the youth choir since 2018 and loves teaching the singers and watching their talents and love for music grow. She lives in Wakarusa with her husband, Levi, son, Zachary, and a very friendly golden retriever.
Spaghetti dinner fundraiser Feb. 1
A spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the community center, 1764 S. CR 915W, Cromwell. The dinner is a fundraiser for Norm and Cindy Vanlaningham. The couple recently lost their home to a house fire.
The Vanlaninghams have been Knapp Lake residents for a number of years. On Jan. 5, their house was destroyed by a fire.
The fundraiser will also include a bake sale and silent auction.
The fundraiser is to help house them, and replenish lost items. This is strictly a voluntary fundraiser, done by the community and not the lake association.
Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and older and $5 for children under 13.
Silent auction tickets are $5
for three tickets. There will be a blind drawing on each item. Volunteers are also needed.
Nabinger, Kinetic Firearms, chamber director.
of Commerce.
Lake City Bank announces promotion
Lake City Bank has announced that Phillip P. Nguyen has been promoted to commer-
Pierceton food pantry announces additional hours
Beginning the week of Jan. 20, and continuing the third week of every month, the Pierceton Food Pantry will have hours from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
Pantry organizers are hoping the extra hours will benefit some of the families who have working parents but still need some help with food. The pantry is usually closed the third week of every month.
The pantry will still be open the hours that have been followed for several years: noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday and 2-4 p.m. Thursday.
The pantry is located in the alley behind the township trustee’s office located on Main Street.
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cial portfolio management officer. In this position, Nguyen assists commercial banking officers with prospect and customer communication, as well as handling various aspects of loan monitoring and loan documentation. He has been with the bank for eight years, with previous experience in retail banking and the Wealth Advisory Group. Nguyen has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University Fort Wayne. He is a committee member at St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and volunteers with Junior Achievement.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING STATE OF INDIANA KOSCIUSKO COUNTY SS: BEFORE THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, INDIANA IN RE: THE PETITION OF KEVIN HOHMAN TO VACATE AN ALLEY IN THE JANNIE WARREN’S SUBDIVISION NO. 4 ON DIAMOND LAKE, KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, INDIANA
TO THE CITIZENS OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, INDIANA
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a petition has been filed with the Board of Commissioners of Kosciusko County, Indiana, by Kevin Hohman, requesting the vacation by ordinance of an alley in the Jannie Warrens Subdivision No. 4 on Diamond Lake, Kosciusko County, Indiana, more particularly described as follows:
A. All of the unimproved alley lying between Lot 7 and Lot 8 in the Jannie Warrens Subdivision No. 4 on Diamond Lake, Kosciusko County, Indiana, specifically beginning at the Southeast corner of Lot 8, thence Westward along the South line of Lot 8 a distance of 100 feet; thence Southernly a distance of 20 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 7; thence Easternly along the North property line of said Lot 7 a distance of 100 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot 7; thence Northward 20 feet to the point of beginning. This description is intended to include all of the platted alley lying between the original plat of Lot 7 and Lot 8 in the Jannie Warrens Subdivision No. 4.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Board of Commissioners of Kosciusko County, Indiana, has set the Petition for hearing at 9:30 a.m. on February 11, 2025, at the Courthouse, 100 West Center Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46580. Any person may appear and be heard upon the Petition at the time, date and place above scheduled for hearing and/or may send written comments or response to the Auditor of Kosciusko County, Indiana at 100 West Center Street, Warsaw, IN 46580.
After hearing, the Petition may be granted, denied or continued and an ordinance may be introduced and passed according to law, providing for the vacation of said alley and street.
Witness my hand this 21st day of January 2025. Michelle Puckett, Auditor Kosciusko County, Indiana
ROCKHILL PINNICK, LLP
By Scott E. Reust
105 East Main Street Warsaw, Indiana 46580
574-267-6116
Attorneys for Petitioner
MEMBER OF THE MONTH Pine Outdoor Apparel, North Webster, is North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce’s Member of the Month for January. Shown in the front row, from left, are Tyler Huffer, Titus Funeral Home, chamber director; Emily Shipley, North Webster Community Center, chamber president; Elise Guy, Guy’s Lawn Care, chamber treasurer; Connie Hagan, Pine Outdoor Apparel; Andrea Hagan, Owner, Pine Outdoor Apparel. In the back: Chris Trowbridge, Maverick Promotions, chamber director; and Nicole
Photo provided by North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber
PHILLIP P. NGUYEN
KIM ROGERS MARLISE BURKHOLDER
C LASSIFIED A DVERTISING
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theIndianaSecretaryofState’sFraud Hotlinebeforesendinganymoney. 1-800-223-8791
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Willis Trash Removal. Residential, commercial and industrial. Bobcat, dumpsters and burn barrels available also. (574)
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January brings two, new members to Warsaw Altrusa club
Altrusa International of Warsaw held its monthly dinner meeting at Papa Vino’s Thursday, Jan. 16. Sixteen members and one guest were present.
President Mary Garrett presided. Standing committee updates were given.
Vicki Martin, financial chair and treasurer, shared the financial statement for the period ending Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Income and disbursements were reviewed with explanations for each.
Beth Huffer and Garrett provided a review of upcoming service committee projects. Six members will be helping with Operation Read Wednesday, Jan. 22, while four members will be serving the kids at Baker Youth Club Tuesday, Jan. 28. Garrett asked the service committee to consider a project to assist Head Start.
The membership report was giv-
en by chair, Julie Hall. She reported that two new members would be initiated. The membership committee will have an information table at the upcoming bazaar.
Communications chair, Bev Faulkner, informed members of the two Facebook pages used to communicate Altrusa information. She reminded members to check emails for communications from the president and committee chairs.
Hall initiated the two, new members, Lan’a Bevely and Pam Kraft. The initiation ceremony provided an explanation of the two membership pins and the organization’s logo, “Leading to a Better Community.”
The club conducts a raffle each meeting to support general operating expenses. A Salvatore’s gift card, provided by Huffer, was won by Hall.
Hall and Faulkner gave updates on the upcoming spring bazaar. The bazaar will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Lakeview Middle School, Warsaw.
All booth spaces have been sold with 12 vendors on a waiting list. There will be a total of 99 vendors participating. The food and hospitality committee will be asking for volunteers. A sign-up sheet will be available at the Thursday, Feb. 6 meeting.
Garrett led the members in the benediction, signifying adjournment.
Altrusa-Warsaw’s next meeting will be at the Kosciusko REMC building. The meeting will be at noon Thursday, Feb. 6. Anyone interested in learning more about Altrusa is welcome to attend.
Information about Altrusa can be found on the Altrusa-Warsaw, IN Facebook page.
Grace education students foster girls’ ‘love of science’
Grace College’s elementary education students are facilitating their fourth year of “Girls in S.T.E.M.,” an after-school program for nearly 150 first- through thirdgrade girls at Madison, Washington and Jefferson elementary schools.
S.T.E.M. is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The club, which meets once a week from 4-5 p.m., exposes local girls to robotics, electric circuits, coding and problem solving with the goal of teaching and inspiring the next generation of women in S.T.E.M.
“At ‘Girls in S.T.E.M.,’ Grace students work with small groups of girls to foster a love of science,” said Rachael Hoffert, Ph.D., chair of elementary education at Grace. “Our goal in these partnerships with the local schools is to not just teach education but to build relationships and serve our community. We believe the best way to do that is through collaborations like this that benefit teacher candidates, S.T.E.M.-certified elementary schools and the students they serve.”
Jodi Hanson, a part-time professor at Grace for six years, was instrumental in launching the “Girls in S.T.E.M.” club four years ago and securing funds for the clubs’ robotics. She brings seven years of ex-
Marshall County FFAs to hold Toy Show & Ag Expo
Marshall County will be the scene of an FFA Toy Show & Ag Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at LaVille High School, 69969 SR 931, Lakeville. A number of FFA chapters throughout the county will be participating.
Admission is $2 and free for children under age 13.
The expo will feature farm toy vendors, local agriculture services, silent auction items and a live auction supporting Marshall County’s FFA chapters at 3 p.m. Food will be available for purchase.
perience integrating S.T.E.M. into reading, math and writing as an elementary teacher. She has served on several S.T.E.M. committees for Warsaw Community Schools.
“The School of Education is so thankful to have quality parttime instructors, like Jodi, who has taken a hands-on approach to the critical thinking involved in S.T.E.M.,” said Hoffert. “She facilitates powerful science lessons in the classroom, trains our students on S.T.E.M. equipment and creates impactful ways for our candidates to apply their knowledge while serving our community.”
According to Hanson, throughout her Methods of Science class, the Grace students’ feelings toward science “completely flip.”
“They are so much more positive at the end of a lesson than when we start,” said Hanson. “The goal is that our students complete the course with an understanding that science is all around them.”
Avery Samms, a third-year se-
nior at Grace studying elementary education, has valued the handson experience she has gained through volunteering with “Girls in S.T.E.M.”
“This program creates a safe space for elementary girls to build social skills and ignites interest in primarily male-driven work, ultimately building up our girls’ confidence and self-esteem,” she said. “I have personally benefited from the exploration of different technologies and S.T.E.M.-related material as we have learned how to weave each of the components together to build lessons that are more engaging and practical for the real world.”
To learn more about the “Girls in S.T.E.M. club, watch a video online at youtube.com/watch?v=5sHU5hzCzM.
For more information about the school of education at Grace, visit grace.edu/academics/academic-schools-departments/ school-of-education.
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P ublic A uctions
Phone Bid
Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. Property located at 6560 N. 450W, Shipshewana. For bidding and bidding updates, call (260) 499-0216 or (260) 499-0093.
Online Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. Pickup located at 2653 E. U.S. 30, Warsaw. Antiques, oil paintings, comics, toys, advertising, quilts, tools, porcelain and glass. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Comic Book Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Collection of 2,500-plus comic books ranging from 1950s to 2000s. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Real Estate Auction Bidding open until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. Open house, 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Property located at 521 E. Clark St., Warsaw. 1.5-story home on cor-
ner lot. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Real Estate Auction Bidding open until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. Property located at 4671 E. Woodland Acres Drive, Syracuse. Bid online at bid.kraftauctions.com.
Online Silver and Coin Auction Bidding open until 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Silver dollars, graded coins, proof and mint sets, coin books. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Late Model Ag and Construction Auction 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. Located at 72345 SR 15, New Paris. Online Coin Auction Bidding open until 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Gold, silver dollars, silver bars, platinum rounds, coin books, large cents. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction. com.
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SILVER LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT
604 N. JEFFERSON ST. ~ P.O. BOX 159 SILVER LAKE, IN 46982-0159 TX (260) 352-333
The Silver Lake Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Chief Deputy marshal. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Salary to be determined. Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Tier 1 or Tier 2 graduates in good standing are strongly preferred.
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
• Must be a citizen of the United States and must have reached his or her twenty-first birthday as of the date that the basic training ends.
• Applicants must have high school diploma or achieved their equivalent GED.
• Shall possess the strength, agility, vision, and hearing necessary to complete all requirements of the appropriate board-approved basic training program. The applicant shall have no physical or mental impairment that creates a safety hazard for self, other students, or training staff while participating in basic training.
• Shall possess a valid driver’s license from the state of residence.
• Shall be of good reputation and character as determined by a police department character and background investigation on the applicant.
• Shall not have been convicted of any felony or any other crime or series of crimes which would indicate to a reasonable person that the applicant is potentially dangerous, violent, or has a propensity to break the law.
• Pass a reading and writing examination.
• A dishonorable discharge from military service shall disqualify the applicant, and a discharge other than honorable may be grounds for rejection.
Those interested may pick up an application for employment at the Silver Lake Town Hall during regular business hours. Questions may be sent to SLPD@TOWNOFSILVERLAKE.COM
Town Marshal Jason P. McGlennen
JOINING THE CLUB Altrusa membership chair, Julie Hall, left, recently initiated two new club members, Lan’a Bevely, center, and Pam Kraft, right. Photo provided by the Warsaw Altrusa Club.
Milford Food Bank officially launches $1 million capital campaign for new facility
Milford Food Bank, a vital resource in the fight against hunger in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, announces the official launch of its $1 million capital campaign to fund the construction of a new 12,000 square-foot storage facility.
This new facility will not only provide expanded storage but will also house office space and an upgraded food packaging room to help the Food Bank significantly increase its capacity to serve those in need.
Groundbreaking for the new building is scheduled for later this year, marking a transformative step forward in the organization’s mission.
Milford Food Bank has a long-standing history of sharing the love of Christ by providing food to individuals and families facing food insecurity. With the new facility, the organization will be able to more than double its food output, ultimately helping to feed hundreds of thousands more individuals in the Michiana region each month. The expanded space will also allow for more efficient food packaging and distribution,
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improved logistics, and a greater ability to support their hundreds of regional food partners.
“We are at a critical point in our growth, and with the continued support of the public and our incredible food partners, we can reach even more people who are struggling with food insecurity. This new facility will allow us to dramatically expand our capacity and extend our reach to more partner organizations, all while staying true to our mission of sharing the love of Christ and serving those in need,” said Angie Deak, development manager of Milford Food Bank.
Milford Food Bank’s services currently extend across Kosciusko and Elkhart County, and 22 other counties in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, reaching over 125,000 people each month. By partnering with food pantries, recovery homes, churches, backpack programs and community kitchens, Milford Food Bank distributes over 350,000 pounds of food each month, providing a lifeline to those in need.
The capital campaign to raise $1 million will be supported by
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Food Bank.
individuals, businesses and organizations who are committed to ending hunger in the region. Milford Food Bank is offering several sponsorship levels, each with special recognition in the new building, including naming rights for various areas of the facility and tickets to its Night of Faith fundraiser on March 28, 2025. They want to ensure that donors are honored for their generosity in helping to build a stronger, healthier community for all.
“We are reaching out to individuals, local businesses, and our partner organizations to ask for their support in this campaign,” said Deak. “With donations big and small, we can build a facility
that will not only serve our immediate needs of today but also position us to continue serving Michiana for decades to come.”
The new facility will be a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands of families and individuals struggling with hunger across the region. Milford Food Bank is committed to continuing its mission of being the hands and feet of Jesus, providing food, compassion, and love to those facing food insecurity.
For more information on how to contribute to Milford Food Bank’s capital campaign, visit milfordfoodbank.org/newbuilding or contact Deak at angie@milfordfoodbank.org.
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Kosciusko Realtors group inducts board of directors
The Kosciusko Board of Realtors inducted its 2025 Kosciusko Board of Realtors/Multiple Listing Service board of directors during the general business meeting Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Owl’s Nest in North Webster.
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Scott Gingerich, of The Gingerich Group, will serve as the 2025 Kosciusko Board of Realtors president, while Mindy Scaggs, of Legacy Group Real Estate, steps into the role of vice president. Fred Steffen, of Steffen Realty, will lead as the 2025 MLS president.
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The directors for 2025 include: Michael Conrad, Jeremy Doerr, Fab Holsclaw, Phil Kuhn, Rod Nissley, Kerri Patrick, Carol Presley-Rogers, Tamera Smith, Chris Wagoner and Kay Young.
The Kosciusko Board of Realtors was granted its charter in 1948 by the National Association of Realtors and originally began as the Warsaw Board of Realtors with just eight members. Today, the group has grown to 191 Realtor members and contributes to the larger community of 20,887 Indiana Realtors and 1,515,837 members of the National Association of Realtors, the largest trade association in America.
KBOR’s Realtor members are committed to advancing the dream of home ownership and are involved in nearly every aspect of real estate transactions. The goal is to uphold the highest ethical standards in the industry while giving back to its communities through charitable initiatives.
RENDERING OF NEW FACILITY A rendering of the new 12,000 square-foot storage facility for Milford
FRED STEFFEN
MINDY SCAGGS
SCOTT GINGERICH