the Paper - February 5, 2025 by The Papers Inc.

Good Neighbors . . . 4

Entertainment . . 6-7

Lakeland Quilt Club HONORS VETERANS, serves the community

By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer

Since its inception, the Lakeland Quilt Club has honored veterans and served the community.

The group makes quilts for veterans in Kosciusko County and also serves the community in other ways.

gion Auxiliary picks the veterans and then gives the Lakeland Quilt Club the veterans’ names and service information.

Every year since 2018, the Lakeland Quilt Club members having been making the quilts for veterans.

The first year, it made eight quilts. In 2023, the women made 16 quilts and in 2024, club members made 13 quilts.

“We don’t personally know the veterans,” said Dowell.

Out of the 19 members, the club had 100% participation, she said.

“It’s a labor of love,” Dowell commented. “It means a lot to us, and we put in a lot of effort.”

By working with the American Legion Post in North Webster, Dowell said “we really work hand in hand.”

Each year, the quilts are given to the veterans at a ceremony, usually on Veterans Day at the Legion.

“We buy our own supplies and fabric,” she said. “Each volunteer pays out of their own pockets.”

Dowell added, “We have long-arm quilters.”

The auxiliary gives the club a donation every year. Dowell said she

keeps that money separate so it can be funneled back into the quilts for veterans.

The club gives back to the Kosciusko County community in other ways, too. It makes smaller-size quilts to give to the Cancer Care Center in Warsaw for its patients.

Every year, at Christmas time, the club makes hats, gloves, and socks for North Webster Elementary School students who need them. They give some to the school nurse and the school’s clothing closet for children in need.

The club also make items for Winona Lake Grace Brethren’s foster care closet, a room full of free supplies for foster families.

“We donate quilts to them,” said Dowell. “If we can fulfill a need, we like to do that.”

It also donates handmade items to several different nursing homes, such as The Meadows Care Center in Warsaw.

Dowell said the group is looking for organizations in which they can make quilts or any other items.

Continued on page 2

LABOR OF LOVE Vicki Ober is shown with one of the quilts presented to a military veteran. Club President Lana Dowell said the quilts are truly “a labor of love.”

SEW INTENT Laura Greig, a Lakeland Quilt Club member, works intently on her sewing machine.

SKILLFUL QUILTERS In the front row from left are some of the members of the Lakeland Quilt Club, who are Beth Huber, Linda Greene, Audrey Scharpenberg and Sandy Seyler. In the back row are Linda Felger, Kim Hine, Sharman Neel, Laura Greig, Lana Dowell, Vicki Ober and Beckie Hansen. Photos provided by Lana Dowell.

Dudley Allen keeps on cooking

By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer

Dudley Allen is a chef and owner, along with his wife, Shevonie, of Piña & Coconut, a local restaurant that opened last summer serving Caribbean style dishes.

Cooking and running an eatery is something that is “in his DNA,” and a dream he has pursued through three different restaurants.

Growing up in Nicaragua, Allen was inspired by his mother’s cooking.

Though he always loved making food, Allen didn’t initially pursue it as a career. He first went to college in Guatemala for medicine.

When Allen first moved to the U.S. as a young man, he lived in California, working 22 years as a painter and auto shop owner.

Allen eventually sold his business and moved back to Nicaragua, where he started a small store. Unfortunately, things didn’t end up working out. “A lot of things were taking place in the country at the time,” Allen remarks. “And they believe because I’m a U.S. citizen, they always believe the Americans have money. And

they would try to rip you off in so many ways.”

Allen decided to return to America in 2009. Not wanting to go back to California, his brother told him to try the greener pastures of Indiana.

After moving to the state, Allen worked in the kitchen of a newly-opened Five Guys in Granger. When his manager found out Allen was a chef, Allen proposed they start their own restaurant.

Looking for available properties, the two came to Warsaw and started 8WW Cuisines, which would become Mexican restaurant La Trojé.

Allen later started another downtown restaurant, the Korner Grill, which specialized in “Italian food, (with) Caribbean flair.”

Though the restaurant did well, the Covid-19 pandemic led to the Korner Grill to shut its doors in 2022. Allen moved to fabrication work, though he always intended to go back to the food service industry. “My passion is people,” he adds with a smile. “It’s in my blood… I love making things.”

Allen’s love of cooking and people is easy to see. He cooks with an open window into the dining area, allowing custom-

ers to watch him prepare their food. While making food Allen works with a steady, studied determination. He cuts ingredients, adds spices and tosses entrees over a hungry fire. All of his ingredients are fresh and sourced daily.

The window goes both ways: Allen explains he listens to customers’ feedback, changing recipes or even making things off the menu for his clientele. “You are my priority,” he declares. “I want people to feel at home.”

To sum up his approach to running a restaurant, he says, “The approach that I take is is number one, how would you would like to be treated? I want to be treated with respect. I want to be treated nice. I want you to know that when you come in here I’ll address you — ‘Here is the menu, check it out, sit down. Don’t feel afraid of anything.’”

For Allen, people have always been the most rewarding part of owning a place to eat.

Though he’s had setbacks, Allen is undaunted. He hopes to get a larger building for his restaurant and even start a franchise. No matter what, he’ll continue doing what he loves: make people happy with his cooking.

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has and continues to take a people-first approach, prioritizing making his customers feel at home and satisfied. Photo by Maksym Hart.

Lakeland Quilt

Continued from page 1

“We are looking for more community involvement,” she said. “We are really community minded.”

Dowell said she is hoping to help with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization, which makes beds for children in need in Kosciusko County and provides bedding, such as blankets. Thirty-eight children in the county need a bed, according to its website.

Membership is only $15 a year.

Dowell said if people are interested, they can come for up to three visits to a club meeting before de-

ciding to officially join.

Club meetings are held the second Monday of each month at the American Legion in North Webster, with an optional, less formal, sewing day or a work day, too.

“Sometimes we work on quilts for veterans,” said Dowell of sew day.

In addition, the club does group lessons, makes Christmas ornaments and does quilt retreats. Dowell said the group is always looking for new members. For more information, call Dowell at (574) 551-8447 or email her at lana2dowell@mchsi.com.

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DUDLEY ALLEN COOKS Dudley Allen is the owner and a chef for Piña & Coconut, a Warsaw eatery. Allen has opened three restaurants in the Warsaw area.

one, he

Supermarket Sweep Feb.

5 to help fill area pantries

Grace College and Mission Point Community Church invite the community to participate in the 14th annual Supermarket Sweep Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Kroger, 2211 E. Center St., Warsaw.

Between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Mission Point volunteers will provide grocery lists of nonperishable food items and baby products to Kroger shoppers. Once purchased, these items will be donated to the Salvation Army, Combined Community Services, Warsaw Community Schools and Heartline Pregnancy Center.

“The vast majority of Heartline clients are low income, so they rely on our Babe Store for baby essentials, like diapers, wipes, and formula,” said Brenda Whitehead, the executive director of Heartline Pregnancy Center. “The baby items donated through Supermarket Sweep are a huge blessing and help keep us stocked year-round to meet client needs. We are so grateful for this event.”

Tiffani McClanahan, the director of emergency assistance at Combined Community Services, agreed.

“The food pantry is busier than ever, and Supermarket Sweep will be a fantastic support as we work to provide families with food through the chilly months ahead,” she said.

Last year, Supermarket Sweep had a record-breaking, fundraising year. A total of $38,000 worth of nonperishable items were given to local food pantries, and event organizers said they hope to break the record again this year.

The day of shopping culminates with a game-show-inspired competition among teams of Grace College students, faculty and staff. Beginning at 9:30 p.m., groups “sweep” the store, shopping for items on their list and competing to earn additional gift cards to spend.

At the end of the night, teams are awarded prizes for winning the most money spent altogether and the most money spent per shopper.

After the items are purchased, volunteers from Grace College will sort and pack the donations for the local food banks to pick up.

Leading up to the event, Grace College will provide weekly educational materials for students during growth groups to explore the depth and breadth of food insecurity in the local community.

“Through events and volunteer opportunities, such as this one, it’s a prayer and goal that each of the students can find a way to exercise the love of Jesus to the Warsaw community around us,” said Samantha Fudge, coordinator of the Grace College and Action team.

“Christ called us to be his hands and feet in the way that we care and uplift the people in our community as defined in Matthew 25.”

To give to Supermarket Sweep online, visit missionpoint.church-

center.com/giving/to/supermarket-sweep.

To get more information about Mission Point Community Church, visit missionpoint.net. To learn more about Grace College, visit grace.edu.

Purdue Alumni Club scholarship applications available

Applications are now available online for the Purdue Alumni Club Foundation of Elkhart County’s scholarship program. Completed applications are due by March 1.

Students in Elkhart or LaGrange counties, who will be attending Purdue University as a full-time undergraduate student in the fall of 2025, is encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

Students attending a Purdue or Indiana-Purdue University regional campus are eligible to apply, so long as they are enrolled in a Purdue major.

In 2024, $48,500 was awarded. The foundation hopes to award at least the same amount in scholarships this year, and has awarded over $521,500 since its founding in 2001.

The application can be accessed at Facebook at Purdue Alumni Club of Elkhart and

LaGrange County, scroll down the page to “Scholarship Application 2025” and click on the link, enable editing, and a Word document will open.

Students can complete the application online and return it by U.S. mail or email. All Elkhart and LaGrange counties’ high school guidance offices have also received copies of the scholarship application. High school seniors can contact their advisors to receive a printed copy of the application and must also forward a copy of their transcripts with the completed applications.

If you have questions about the application process, contact Kathy Seltenright at (574) 5339452 or Laurie Sula at (574) 536-4869 or via e-mail at laurie. sula@yahoo.com.

Both applications and high school transcripts must be emailed or postmarked by March 1, to be considered.

Former Leesburg resident retires from federal

After 20 years, Mark McCleese, formerly of Leesburg, is retiring from the United States Probation Office Friday, Jan. 31. McCleese was a federal probation officer in the southern district of Indiana.

During his career, McCleese was the lead safety instructor, Top Gun award winner for being highest marksman in the district and a senior officer. Additionally, in 2005, he won the Thomas E. Gahl Goodwill award. This award is given to officers who demon-

law enforcement

strate positive traits and recognizes Thomas Gahl, the first federal probation officer killed in the line of duty in 1986.

Previously, McCleese, a graduate of Warsaw Community High School, worked for nearly a decade at the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. He completed his Bachelor of Science from Ball State University and Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University. His parents, Marvin and Shirley McCleese, continue to live in Leesburg.

STOCKING UP Grace College and Mission Point Community Church will hold the 14th annual Supermarket Sweep on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Kroger, 2211 E. Center St., Warsaw. Photo provided by Grace College.

Good Neighbors is a column in which readers share friendly advice. To ask or answer questions, write the Shopping Guide News, Good Neighbors, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542; fax 800-886-3796; or e-mail abias@the-papers.com. Please no phone calls.

Editor’s Note: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad. This column will now run every other week.

New questions

Elliptical — Wanted: An elliptical in good condition. Call (574) 773-0027.

Power chair — Does any good neighbor need or know of someone who would benefit from a Jazzy Select power chair? Call (574) 653-2311.

Step stools — Is there a good neighbor who

knows where the Costco brand step stools can be purchased? The ones with one step and a seat. Reply through this column. — A reader

Exercise equipment — I am looking for some good exercise equipment (treadmill, exercise bike, etc.) Can you help me out? Reply through this column. — A neighbor

Transportation assistance — Transportation assistance needed from Camp Mack Road in Milford to Goshen and back for physical therapy beginning Feb. 17. For four to six weeks, two to three times per week. If you can assist, call or text (574) 678-0297.

Sharpening knives — Wanted: Someone who can sharpen draw knives and spoke shaves. If you know of anyone, text or call (574) 549-2227.

Kelsey Lawmaster named to chancellor’s honor roll

Kelsey Lawmaster, Bremen, was named to the University of Mississippi’s fall 2024 honor roll list.

Lawmaster, who is in the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Leadership program, was named to the chancellor’s honor roll, which is reserved for students who earn a se-

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“The remarkable students achieving chancellor’s honor roll are among the best and brightest at the University of Mississippi,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “I commend them for their hard work and dedication resulting in their outstanding academic achievements and this well-deserved recognition.”

To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12-graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.

New book features Virgin Mary as icon of faith

In an exploration of faith, history and storytelling, Judith M. Davis has published Finding the Virgin Mary: Her Evolving Stories from Early Christianity to Modernity (McFarland Publishing, 2024). Davis is professor emerita of French and Humanities at Goshen College, and Finding the Virgin Mary is available at Fables Bookstore in downtown Goshen.

“The first Christians were curious about the mother of Jesus, who is mentioned only a few times in the New Testament,” Davis said. Stories about Mary began to appear in the second century and expanded beyond

the accepted biblical texts, making Mary a dynamic figure in salvation history.

Davis translated and interpreted these stories, beginning with a second-century “gospel” and ending with the Internet. Her book features:

Early Christian Narratives — Mary as a chosen child, her presence at the Last Supper and her vital role in the work of the church after Jesus’ death.

Medieval Miracles — Tales of Mary’s miraculous interventions on behalf of sinners, offering physical healing as well as snatching souls from the ever-present Devil.

VIRGIN MARY SCHOLAR

Judith M. Davis is professor emerita of French and Humanities at Goshen College. Her book

“Finding the Virgin Mary,” a book about the Virgin Mary’s portrayals throughout history, is available at Fables Bookstore in downtown Goshen.

Global Apparitions — The profound impact of her appearances in Mexico, Europe and Africa.

Modern Influences — How Mary remains an icon of strength and agency, celebrated in contemporary art, film and music.

Finding the Virgin Mary offers readers a transformative perspective on this woman of faith and her enduring power and relevance through the ages.

Warsaw

Schools celebrate partnership with Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital

Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital was honored at a special recognition night held during the Warsaw Community High School boys’ basketball home game against Concord High School Friday, Jan. 24.

During halftime, Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert joined WCS board members and administrators to acknowledge the ongoing support of LKH. They were joined by Chad Towner, CEO of Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital; Dr. Patrick Ilada, president of the LKH medical staff; and Dr. Alex Tanase and Dr. Nick Finley, representing the LKH Board of Trustees.

WCS expressed sincere gratitude to LKH and the Lutheran Health Network for its ongoing commitment to the well-being of students and staff. This partnership has significantly enhanced health and wellness initiatives throughout the district.

LKH’s support over the past decade has been instrumental in improving athletic facilities

WARSAW LUTHERAN PARTNERS Warsaw Community Schools administrators and other members of the Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital leadership team celebrate LKH’s ongoing partnership. Shown in no particular order are Dr. David Hoffert, Krista Polston, Kyle Carter, Steven Boy-

and programs. This collaboration exemplifies the shared dedication of both organizations to the success of the Warsaw

Tigers and the overall health of the Warsaw community.

As the area’s only full-service hospital, Lutheran Kosciusko

and Tracy

Hospital continues to grow, having recently completed a $30 million expansion and renovation to its campus and continual

recruitment of medical specialists to serve residents at home. For more information, visit lutherankosciuskohospital.com.

Fairfield Lady Falcons 2025 Girls BB Sectional

millersburglumber@embarqmail.com

— The 2024-25 Fairfield girls basketball team are, front row from left: manager Sierra Bontrager, Hayden Minder, Maddie Treat, Haddee Herbert, Jenna Fought, Paige Park and manager Grace Liechty.

Back row: assistant coach Troy Sands, Macy Worthman, Madison Jones, Mykayla Mast, Eva Herbert, Gisel Lopez and head coach Kyle Hartman.

Photo courtesy Fairfield Athletics.

Horrell, along with WCS board members, Matt Deuel, Tom Westerhof and Randy Polston, Chad Towner, and Dr. Patrick Ilada, Dr. Alex Tanase, and Dr. Nick Finley. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Elkhart Extension program teaches how to raise goats, sheep

Interested in raising sheep or goats? Whether you’re just getting started with sheep or goats or looking to enhance your existing flock or herd, you are invited to join a hands-on program focused on sheep and goat production. The program covers the basics but will also provide insight for seasoned producers.

Each session will feature a practical, hands-on component,

including demonstrations of essential techniques, like castration and tattooing. Key topics include health management and necessary supplies, reproduction and animal selection, nutrition and forages, and housing and fencing. Deworming and biosecurity are specific topics that will be covered during the program because they are both a production concern.

The program will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday from Feb. 25, through April 1, at the Elkhart County Extension Office, 17746 CR 34, Suite E, Goshen, and is free to attend. Register by Tuesday, Feb. 18, if

you would like to participate. You can register at https://tinyurl. com/4tf4ympv or by contacting Kathryn Jennings at (574) 5330554 or jennin30@purdue.edu. This program and all programs of the Purdue University Exten-

sion Service are open to everyone. If you need an accommodation to participate in the program, call Jennings by Wednesday, Feb. 12, at (574) 533-0554. Anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Stay motivated this winter

By EMILY CHRIST Health and Human Sciences Extension Educator Purdue Extension Elkhart County

Winter months can pose significant challenges to maintaining motivation with shorter days, colder temperatures and often gloomy weather contributing to feelings of lethargy and decreased enthusiasm; however, understanding and implementing strategies to stay motivated can make this season more productive and enjoyable. Research shows physical activity, exposure to natural light, and maintaining social connections are crucial for sustaining motivation during winter.

First, physical activity is a powerful motivator during the winter months. Exercise not only improves physical health but also has significant psychological benefits. It releases endorphins, which can enhance mood and combat symptoms of seasonal effective disorder. Even when it’s cold outside, finding ways

to stay active, such as indoor workouts, joining a gym or even brisk walks outdoors when possible, can help maintain energy levels and motivation.

Secondly, exposure to natural light is essential. The lack of sunlight during winter can disrupt our circadian rhythms and reduce the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. Light therapy, which involves exposure to bright artificial light which mimics natural sunlight, has been shown to be effective in treating S.A.D. and improving overall mood. Ensuring you get outside during daylight hours, even if it’s just for a short walk, can also help mitigate the effects of reduced sunlight.

Maintaining social connections is another key factor in staying motivated. Winter can often lead to social withdrawal, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression. Staying connected with friends and family, whether through virtual meetups or

in-person gatherings, can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Engaging in social activities can boost your mood and provide additional motivation to stay active and engaged.

Finally, practicing self-compassion and allowing yourself some grace during the winter months is important. Understand that it’s natural to feel less energetic during this time and that it’s okay to slow down. Taking care of your mental health by engaging in activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, cooking or a hobby, can help keep your spirits up.

In conclusion, while winter can pose challenges to motivation, incorporating physical activity, maximizing exposure to natural light, maintaining social connections, setting realistic goals and practicing self-compassion can significantly enhance your mood and productivity. By adopting these strategies, you can navigate the winter months with greater resilience and motivation.

Manchester University announces its spring speaker series lineup

Manchester University will be offering more than a dozen presentations in its “Values, Ideas and the Arts” series this spring. Presentations are at 11 a.m. on Mondays, in Wine Recital Hall at the North Manchester campus, unless otherwise noted. They are free and open to the public.

Feb. 10: The Rev. Angelo Mante and local students of Fort Wayne’s Peacemaker Academy share their work toward the cultivation of a community of nonviolence through relationships and education.

Feb. 17: Dr. Babu Ayindo, a Kenyan peace educator, discusses the intersection of arts, peace building and decolonization.

Feb. 24: 2012 MU graduate, Ben Tapper, diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the city of Indianapolis, presents, “The Why Behind DEI.”

March 3: Dr. Steve Schweitzer

from Bethany Theological Seminary discusses science fiction and theology.

March 10: Students, who have recently studied away, share their experiences abroad. Panel moderated by Pam Haynes, Ph.D., assistant dean of academic affairs.

March 17: 1958 alumna Shirley Glade, scholar of Russian history, Soviet policy and art history, shares her personal migration and immigration stories.

March 31: Education for Conflict Resolution details how to have healthy conflicts.

April 7: Michael Mears, British actor and playwright, discusses the role of the arts and culture in promoting peace and opposing war.

April 14: Students from the PEAC 320 course, Global Conflict Resolution, will organize an interactive obstacle course for participants, which will demonstrate

effective communication skills, de-escalation and how to defuse micro-aggressive situations. Held in the Upper Jo Young Switzer Center.

April 21: Dr. Craig Higson Smith, South African human rights worker, presents “Juggling on the Precipice: Reflections on 30 Years of Conflict Work.”

April 28: 2018 alumna, Audri Svay, who has been the poet in residence at the Church of the Brethren’s annual conference and the Sing Me Home festival, discusses the power of language to form identity.

May 5: German magician and illusionist, Alexander Mabros, proposes that magic is a universal language. He shares how his illusions transcend verbal barriers and connect people.

May 12: Baccalaureate, an interfaith ceremony to celebrate the class of 2025, is provided by the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, and will be in Cordier Auditorium.

Manchester’s “Values, Ideas and the Arts” programming is intended to broaden students’ cultural experiences, enrich students intellectually and aesthetically, provide opportunities to experience the arts, promote dialogue about ideas and values, and embody in its presentations the values expressed in the university’s mission. The series features speakers, musicians and dramatic performers from the university community, across the country and around the globe.

More information about individual programs can be found at manchester.edu/academics/VIA.

‘Java, Jive and Pie’ to benefit Community Arts Program

The Community Arts Program is planning the annual “Java, Jive and Pie” event to raise much-needed funds for the organization.

The event will be held from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Rodeheaver Auditorium, 901 Park Ave., Winona Lake.

This year, the program will feature songs from around the Midwest, with performances from Vocal Vibes, a select group of singers from within the Community Arts Program Vocal Vision group. A live instrumental jazz quartet will support the vocalists and perform throughout the evening.

Vocal Vibes Director Ardis Faber is eagerly anticipating the event and encourages the community to attend.

“You won’t want to miss this evening filled with dance music, familiar ballads, up-tempo vocals from the swing era and the easy-listening jazz from Wally Brath and Friends quartet,” Faber said. “What better way to relax than to enjoy an evening out with friends, while listening to some great jazz.”

In addition to live musical performances, attendees are encouraged to dress in the style of the 1940s and 1950s.

During the evening, patrons will enjoy charcuterie, coffee, pie and a dance floor.

A silent auction will feature items donated by community individuals and businesses. The evening will close with the annual pie auction, featuring fresh-baked Dan Bauer pies.

“This is our fourth year conducting the ‘Java, Jive and Pie’ fundraiser. We are growing it into a premier event,” said Lori Widman, Community Arts Program president. “We have outgrown all previous venues, and we hope to fill Rodeheaver Au-

EVENING OF MUSIC Members of the Community Arts Program’s Vocal Vibes group, which will perform during the “Java, Jive and Pie” fundraiser, are from left Marah Grant, Kirt Case, Andrea Texiera, Angela

ditorium this year. This will be an evening to enjoy good company, listening and dancing to live jazz music within the Warsaw city limits, all while supporting our artistic programs; you won’t want to miss this opportunity.”

Tickets are available at capwarsaw.com/event-list and are $30 for an individual and

$220 for a table of eight. All proceeds benefit the Community Arts Program’s mission to provide various creative, collaborative experiences, which allow people in Kosciusko County to discover, develop and share their musical and artistic gifts. For more information, contact Widman by email at lwidman@classicartsprograms.com.

Silver Lake Lions to host fish fry Feb. 8

The Silver Lake Lions Club will be holding a fish, chicken and tenderloin fry Saturday, Feb. 8.

The carry-out-only event will start at 4 p.m. at the Silver Lake Conservation Building

and continue until sold out. Side dishes will be available. Also, there will be a bake sale by Gospel Hill Church food pantry. The cost will be $12 per pound.

Winter

“We’re

Reichart, Angel Hamilton, Mike Lewis, Lori Widman, Steve Meulink, and Director Ardis Faber. Photo by Marah Grant Photography.

Milford Food Bank hosting ‘Night of Faith’

Milford Food Bank is inviting the public to its “Night of Faith” fundraiser at 6 p.m. Friday, March 28, at Camp Mack, Milford.

Tickets are required and all proceeds will benefit the food bank’s capital campaign to build a new facility. The building project, set to break ground this summer, will be vital to the food bank continuing to serve its food partners in

northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Milford Food Bank is a faithbased organization with a mission of sharing the love of Christ by providing food to those in need. Located at 111 S. James St. in Milford, it currently distributes over 350,000 pounds of food to over 200 food organizations in Michiana. Due to a growing need, the cur-

rent facility has reached capacity, and Milford Food Bank needs to expand its operations. The new facility will allow the food bank to double its storage space and the number of partners it can serve.

“Night of Faith” will be an impactful evening of faith, community and compassion. Guests will enjoy a special dinner prepared by Camp Mack and will be able to bid

on products, packages and experiences donated by local businesses and organizations in the online silent auction.

There will also be a panel discussion on how the food bank impacts local individuals and families facing food insecurity. It’s the hope of the Milford Food Bank board of directors and staff that guests will leave inspired to help

build a future rooted in faith and support its mission and capital campaign to grow.

To purchase tickets to “Night of Faith” or sponsor a table for your business or large group, visit milfordfoodbank.org/nightoffaith.

If your business or organization would like to donate to the silent auction, email Angie Deak at angie@milfordfoodbank.org.

WARSAW VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL — The Warsaw Lady Tigers in no particular order are: Lucy Andrew, Abbey Peterson, Alexis Neely, Madison Branam, Joslyn Bricker, Kyra Kiser, Brooke Winchester, Brooke Zartman, Braylie Chastain, Leila Knepp and Erin McManus, Kelsey Wrenn and Cayleigh Goheen.

Student assistants are Eva Demopoulos, Makenna Moore, Rose Castillo and Sadie Brown. Head coach is Lenny Krebs and assistant coaches are Jim Speicher, Kevin Bragg, Sarah Etchison, Karen Gardner, Josh Fitzgerald and Jon Andrews. Not pictured: Reagan Robinson. Photo provided by Desiree Wood.

Warsaw, Winona Lake named silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the League of American Bicyclists honored the efforts of Warsaw and Winona Lake to build better places for people to bike with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community award.

Warsaw and Winona Lake join 460 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling.

The award recognizes Warsaw

and Winona Lake for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit residents of all ages and abilities, while encouraging healthier, more sustainable transportation choices.

“Bicycling is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a powerful tool for building healthier communities, fostering sustainability and connecting peo-

ple,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “The cities and towns recognized in this round of Bicycle Friendly Community awards are leading the way by investing in infrastructure and programs making biking an easier, safer and more accessible choice. The leadership demonstrates that supporting bicycling is an investment in a healthier future

for everyone.”

The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for how communities build and benchmark progress toward making biking better. The league strives to provide continual updates to the application as part of its commitment to help communities raise their standards for safety, equity and accessibility.

This round of awards includes 91 new and renewing awardees, joining a total of 460 current Bicycle Friendly Communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The silver BFC award recognizes Warsaw’s and Winona Lake’s commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike ed-

Continued on page 10

Warsaw, Winona

Continued from page 9

ucation programs, regular bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, probike policies and bike infrastructure.

“Warsaw and Winona Lake are thrilled to be designated as a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community,” said Jackson Longenbaugh, assistant city planner for the city of Warsaw and chair of the Ride+Walk Advisory Committee. “Both municipalities are committed to enhancing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure while prioritizing safety. Together with individuals across Kosciusko County, both communities

actively support these initiatives through the Ride+Walk Advisory Committee. The committee’s vision is to develop a comprehensive and accessible transportation network that serves as a valuable community asset. This system, designed for users of all ages and abilities, aims to promote safety, health, education and recreation. Both communities plan to continue expanding the network to enhance connectivity and accessibility.”

Nearly 900 communities have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, which provides a road map to making biking better for com-

munities of all shapes and sizes.

While the award process considers visible elements, such as bike infrastructure, other essential elements include efforts around adult and youth bike education, encouragement through events, like Bike to Work Day, evaluation mechanisms and enforcement, all through the lens of equity.

The application process is an educational tool in itself and includes an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their experiences and perceptions of bicycling in their community.

The five levels of the BFC award — diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze, plus an honorable mention category — provide an incentive for communities to continuously improve. Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure they not only maintain existing efforts, but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards, and community-driven best practices.

To learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/ community.

Local students named to president’s list

The following local students were recently named to the president’s list of their respective colleges/universities:

NorthWood Black Swish

NORTHWOOD VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL — Front row pictured from left: Kinzee Hartman, Claire Hill, Emily Miller, Haylee Heflin, Claire Payne, Tessa Branham, Carissa Goshert and Addie Davis.

Back row pictured from left: Taylor Burkhart, Morgan Olson, Karlee Feldman, Morgan Carich, Brooke Johnson, Ella Branham, Ella Balasa, Leah Foor, Gene Zercher, Jake Everett and Chris Davis.

Southern New Hampshire University

Mentone — Zachary Landis Winona Lake — Frank Seney

KLA cadets get an overview of Kosciusko County economics

The Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets visited the Syracuse Community Center Tuesday, Jan. 21, when they learned about the economics of Kosciusko County.

Dr. John Teevan presented an overview of both the history and current state of economics in Kosciusko County. The economic growth in Kosciusko County has followed what Teevan described as the economic pyramid of growth, moving from an agriculture and textile-based economy, through manufacturing, and into an education, technology, and knowledge-based economy. Teevan said a continued focus on research and development, finance, and medical services, which are at the top of the pyramid, is the key to continued economic success.

Rob Parker, president and CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Warsaw Community Development Corporation, presented on how chambers of commerce serve businesses in

Kosciusko Foundation announces development director

The Kosciusko County Community Foundation has announced Todd Eastis as development director.

A graduate of Manchester University and Regis University, Eastis brings more than six years of professional experience in donor relations, development and fundraising. He became a certified fundraising executive in 2023.

“As someone who has lived in Kosciusko County most of my life, I am excited to serve my community through working at the community foundation,” said Eastis. “We have such a special community, with many generous people, and I look forward to helping inspire philanthropy across the county.”

“We are thrilled to add Todd to our team,” said Stephanie Overbey, chief executive officer at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. “His knowledge of charitable giving and his genuine interest and concern for others will help us provide excellent service to our donors.”

the community by providing business counseling and education, advocacy at the state government, and networking.

Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization with the mission to be the voice of its members to stimulate healthy and diverse business growth in the community.

David Findlay, CEO of Lake City Bank, presented on macro-economics with a focus on banking. Lake City has been in business for over 150 years and started in Warsaw. Findlay explained how local banking matters to community development through a commitment to investing in the community.

Banks provide a safe place for depositors to keep their money and they also provide loans to help businesses expand in the community.

The next KLA session will cover health care in Kosciusko County Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital’s administration classroom, Warsaw.

Grace College to host senior art exhibit

Grace College is showcasing the thesis portfolios of 11 art majors in an exhibition on campus this winter. The exhibition for the Senior Art Show is taking place from through Thursday, March 6, at the Grace College Mount Memorial Art Gallery, 808 Kings Highway, Winona Lake.

The senior students will hold a public reception from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7.

“Throughout the visual art and design program, the students have demonstrated not only exceptional aesthetic skills but the integration of faith in their creative art forms,” said Kim M. Reiff, Ph.D., dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. “Opportunities for internships and portfolio critiques by industry professionals have contributed to preparing them for future success,” she said.

The exhibits showcase the work of these students: Emelyn Aca, Veronica Belousov, Avier Brogden, Abigail Cook, Rachel Germann, Tawn Kizer, Rylie Koepke, Kaylee Lehnert, Allison Mroczek, Miriam Studebaker and Hannah Tate.

Tate, a media arts major with minors in photography and behavioral science from Crawfordsville, is showcasing her senior display, “Reflections in Motion: Beholding His Glory” in the first round of the exhibitions. Tate is showcasing works of photo and video captured over the course of her studies and internship.

“Every picture or video I have displayed is not only a reflection of a singular moment but an example of a greater story in motion,” said Tate. “It’s within these moments of stepping back and reflecting upon the world before me

that I see the presence of the Lord the most. I create to praise my creator. As I look back on my time at Grace, I see the way the Lord has intricately woven my own story and displayed his glory in amazing ways. Though I have come to the point of graduation, my journey as an artist is only beginning.”

The senior art and design portfolio course is the culmination of an art student’s experience in the program.

“One of the things I have appreciated most about my experience in the program at Grace is being challenged to go outside of the confines of my comfort zone,” said Tate. “Seeing the growth that comes along with this challenge, both in myself and in my peers, has been a rewarding experience. It’s been a joy to be able to learn and see this take place alongside other creatives.”

In addition to the exhibition, students will participate in mock interviews as part of the course. This will allow them to practice sharing their portfolios and representing themselves as artists.

The Mount Memorial Art Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The department’s goal is to equip graduates with the ability to communicate visually, possess professional skills and be able to analyze works from historical and contemporary cultural perspectives. Students learn to demonstrate excellence in creative work, which ultimately serves their calling as artists, Christians and professionals.

For more information, call (574) 372-5100, ext. 6022, or email art@ grace.edu.

MISSION TO LEARN The Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets visited the Syracuse Community Center where they learned about the economics of Kosciusko County. Pictured from left are David Findlay, CEO of Lake City Bank; Rob Parker, president and CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce; KLA Cadet Kyle Rainey, sponsored by Zimmer Biomet; KLA Cadet Savannah Beer, sponsored by Snyder Strategy Realty; and Dr. John Teevan, Grace College and Seminary. Photo provided.

TODD EASTIS

SENIOR ART SHOW Grace College is showcasing the thesis portfolios of 11 art majors in an exhibition on campus this winter. The exhibition for the senior art show is taking place from through Thursday, March 6. Photo provided by Grace College.

Earleen Fisher

Indiana Journalism Hall Of Fame Member

Earleen Fisher, an editor and writer whose career across five decades with The Associated Press gave her a front-row seat to some of the late 20th century’s most chaotic and challenging news stories, has died. She was 78 and counted Yasser Arafat and the Dalai Lama among her interviews.

EARLEEN FISHER

Fisher died peacefully Wednesday morning, Jan. 29, 2025, at The Maples at Waterford Crossing nursing home in Goshen, of complications from Parkinson’s disease, said her family. She had been ill from Parkinson’s for a number of years.

She retired in 2004 after 32 years at the AP, a career that took her from her native Indiana to New York as an editor on the agency’s old general desk with stints in Tel Aviv and Beirut, and ultimately to bureau chief jobs in India, Cyprus and Egypt, where she eventually oversaw all coverage of the Middle East.

Fisher oversaw Middle East operations for the AP during tense times of war and conflict in the 1980s. She expected the best from her people but cared about them immensely along the way, recalled longtime AP international correspondent, Robert Reid, who worked with her frequently.

“Earleen was a fantastic editor. She was firm, and she wouldn’t pull any punches, but she was willing to sit down with people and go over their material and show how it should be done,” said Reid, editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes.

Fisher was a progressive traditionalist, always intent on moving the AP forward, suggesting new ideas but steadfastly unwilling to veer from the agency’s bedrock principles of accuracy and speed — sometimes no small accomplishment in the context of covering nations and societies at war.

Fisher was also known for her enthusiastic interactions with AP customers. In 2003, just days after Saddam Hussein vanished during the United States’ invasion of Iraq, Fisher traveled to Baghdad to oversee operations and welcome back a local newspaper as an AP customer. Her entourage was received with tea and hospitality. The staff listened intently as she talked about AP coverage and how it could help them thrive in a new Iraq.

“I can see you love what you do,” the newspaper’s editor told her.

“Earleen Fisher was not only a beautiful writer and talented editor but as the first — or one of the first — women to head a major AP international bureau, she was also very successful at selling AP’s news, photo and video services to newspapers and television stations across the Middle East and in India,” said Edith M. Lederer, the AP’s longtime chief U.N. correspondent, who was friends with Fisher for 50 years and traveled with her frequently.

“I marveled at her almost photographic memory and reveled in our travels in Asia, and her love of history, mysteries and her cats,” Lederer said.

Earleen Marie Fisher began reporting for her hometown newspaper, The Milford Mail, as a sophomore in high school. At Indiana University, she worked for the Indiana Daily Student, becoming managing editor her senior year. AP hired her as a part-time newswoman in Indianapolis that spring and gave her a full-time job after graduation.

She transferred to AP’s New York headquarters in 1971 to work as a supervisor on the U.S. news report. In 1977, Fisher moved to Cairo as a freelance writer, working for the AP, The New York Times and the Voice of America. She covered the rise of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and the signing of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. She rejoined the AP in 1980, working in Beirut and Tel Aviv.

In 1985, she returned to New York, working as a supervisor on the foreign desk. In 1987, she was appointed bureau chief in New Delhi, where she directed news coverage for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan and the Maldives. During that period, she had this to say about the Dalai Lama: He “combines the piety of a simple priest with the pragmatism of a politician.”

In 1992, she became chief of the AP’s Middle East Services, based first in Cyprus and later in Cairo. She directed news coverage for 16 countries. Under her leadership, the bureau covered stories, such as the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Years after being posted in Beirut, Fisher returned there to take stock of how it was doing. She wrote in 1993: “In the nation whose new name became a synonym for death and destruction, people are doing what would have been unthinkable a few years ago — building and repairing things that break.”

After leaving the AP in 2004, Fisher taught at the American University in Cairo, and worked in Beirut on a U.S.-funded media development program for the Middle East and North Africa. She retired to Indiana in 2007.

“Earleen left a huge and positive mark on all the reporters and editors she worked with. Her clearheaded coverage of the Middle East in particular helped AP stand out there for many years,” said Paul Haven, AP’s vice president for global news gathering.

Fisher is a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.

She is survived by her brother, Rex Fisher of Milford.

She was preceded in passing by both parents, Noble and Donna (Doty) Fisher.

Visitation was held from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milford. Funeral services for Earleen followed at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with burial in Milford Cemetery.

The family kindly requests the memorial donations be made to the Milford Friends of the Library, P.O. Box 123, Milford, IN 46542.

To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, visit mishlerfhcc.com.

Max L. Duncan

Former Milford Fire Chief

Lifetime resident of Milford, Max L. Duncan, 80, peacefully passed away on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester.

Kenneth Copeland

Kenneth Copeland, 92, Cromwell, died Feb. 16, 2024, at Savannah Manor Assisted Living, Leesburg, Fla.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.

Evelyn Groves

Evelyn Groves, 90, Goshen, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at The Restoracy of Goshen.

MAX L. DUNCAN

Born in Warsaw on Aug. 17, 1944, Max was the son of Carl and Mary Louise (Boggs) Duncan. He graduated from Milford High School. Max threw shotput on the Milford High School track team and held the school record. He held the record until the school was closed. He was also a member of the basketball and baseball teams at Milford High School.

He entered the Marine Corps after high school. He was a mechanic for tracked vehicles, specifically AmTracs and LVTs. He was eager to tell the stories of his travels in the Marine Corps. Max was honorably discharged in 1966. He was a member of the American Legion Post 228, Milford.

Max returned to the Milford area after his service to the Marine Corps and was married to Mary Duncan in 1967. They were parents to Dan Duncan. They later divorced.

Max’s career was to operate the family farm and he operated an automotive mechanic shop in Milford. He provided automotive services to many people in and around Milford. Max was a hard worker and took pride in working with his hands as well as teaching others. He was the Wawasee High School auto mechanics advisor for numerous years.

Max joined the Milford Fire Department in November of 1966. He held several officer positions within the department and was fire chief from 1982 through 1987. He attended many schools to be a better fireman and officer. He studied fire suppression, fire origin investigation and hazardous materials. He helped to usher in the 911 system, and helped to organize the fundraising for the jaws of life equipment.

He was passionate about Angus cattle. He maintained a cow calf operation. He carefully managed the genetics and the health of the herd. He was also a member of the Kosciusko County Cattleman’s Association.

He enjoyed motorsports and attended the Indianapolis 500 for quite a few years. He worked on cars for several “performance-minded” customers.

He loved his grandchildren and attended many of their events and supported their interests. In later years, he was known to travel the streets of Milford (slowly) and share stories with friends at the local gathering places. Max loved to tell a good joke. Even if it was a mediocre joke, he would laugh hard enough that a chuckle was guaranteed from the listener.

He is dearly missed by his son, Dan and Kelly Duncan, Milford; his two grandchildren, Jay Duncan of West Lafayette and Evelyn Duncan of Milford; his companion for many years, Carolyn Baker; brother-in-law, Arnold Miller; and nephew, Don Battenfield.

Max was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Alice Battenfield Miller Duncan.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Mishler Funeral Home in Milford. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the funeral home, with Pastor Steve Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Milford Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Milford Fire Department, 214 S. Main St., Milford, IN 46542.

Arrangements are currently pending at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Dennis Head

Dennis Head, 72, North Webster, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster.

Wilma Plotner

Wilma Plotner, 92, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at The Villages, Fla.

Arrangements are currently pending at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse.

BSolomon Eli Miller

Calvin and Regina (Yoder) Miller, New Paris, are the parents of a son, Solomon Eli, born at 10:25 p.m. Jan. 24, 2025, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.

Joshua Z. Martin

Eugene and Lydiann (Zimmerman) Martin, Wakarusa, are the parents of a son, Joshua Z., born at 7 p.m. Jan. 25, 2025, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 9 pounds and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Izabel Claire Bontrager

John and Rose (Bontrager) Bontrager, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Izabel Claire, born at 2:59 a.m. Jan. 28, 2025. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces.

Haisley Ariel Miller

Mervin and Diane (Borkholder) Miller, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Haisley Ariel, born Jan. 29, 2025, at home. She weighed 7 pounds, 11.5 ounces.

Joshua Lee Bontrager

Lyndon and Brenda Bontrager, Millersburg, are the parents of a son, Joshua Lee, born at 8:48 p.m. Jan. 29, 2025, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 4.5 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Eagles to host fundraiser for Ashlynn Corn

The Fraternal Order of Eagles 3760 will host a fundraiser for Ashlynn Corn, a 16-yearold student at Wawasee High School, who was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. She is currently

receiving treatments at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

The fundraiser will run from from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. There will be chili, 50/50 drawings, a silent auction,

T-shirts, 20-ounce skinny hot and cold cups with straws and more.

The Eagles Aerie is located at 12889 N. Kern Road, Syracuse, next to Syracuse Elementary School.

Yakym announces district mobile office hours for February

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) recently announced the following dates, times, and locations that his office will be holding mobile staff office hours in February throughout Indiana’s Second District.

Mobile office hours will allow for Yakym’s staff to assist constit-

uents with casework questions. Elkhart County Nappanee City Hall, 300 W. Lincoln St., Nappanee, 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24. Kosciusko County Warsaw City Hall, 102 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24. Marshall County Plymouth City Hall (conference room on the second floor), 124 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, 2:15-3:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24. Wabash County Wabash City Hall, 202 S. Wabash St., Wabash, 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 20.

C ounty R epo R t

Court News

Small Claims

The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Clark’s Marine Inc. v. John Berrier, $2,007.76

SAC Finance Inc. v. Kailey M. Schue, $8,689.03

Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Jamie Wallace, $924.09 Civil Collections

The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding:

Ally Bank v. Luis Arauz Contreras, $62,160.48

CommunityWide Federal Credit Union v. Daryl Borntrager, $7,299.53

Crown Asset Management LLC v. Mark A. Brazis, $3,079.38

Discover Bank v. Alexandra Colgrove, $7,108.68

Capital One NA v. Galen Deniston, $5,855.03

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. David Dilley, $594.34

Synchrony Bank v. Cynthia Gerding, $2,360.28

Westlake Services LLC d/b/a Westlake Financial Services v. Russell Harsh, $11,641.56

J.P. Morgan Chase Bank NA v. Barbara Horton a/k/a Barbara Hurd, $5,669.30

Jefferson Capital Systems v. Jessi-

ca C. Manuel, $1,193.72

LVNV Funding LLC v. Eliseo Martinez, $1,658.43; v. Jonathan R. Mauk Jr., $3,340.84; v. Lorene D. Yates, $943.28

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Triston Reiff, $792.25; v. Joshua B. Slone, $1,141.59

Mariner Finance LLC v. Scott R. Simms, $3,889.15

Snyder Morgan and Kuchmay LLP v. Rick J. Smith, $44,893.38

Plenaries

The following plenary has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court I, Judge Karin McGrath presiding: Kerlin Tractor and Motorsports v. Jay Boggs, $7,827.49

Mortgage Foreclosures

The following mortgage foreclosures have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Freedom Mortgage Corp. v. Beth A. Fisher, $130,516.99; v. Paul B. Maples, $112,036.21

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Speeding — Margarita L. Castillo, Nappanee, $164.50; Shanna R. Webb, Warsaw, $164.50; Krayton G. Schenck, Mentone, $164.50; Andria J. Rex, Silver Lake, $164.50; Adrian Shinners, Warsaw, $164.50; Alison C. Henry, Warsaw, $164.50; James B. Dhomme, Warsaw, $164.50

Disregarding stop sign — Zach-

ary M. Wright, Elkhart, $164.50; Amie R. Earl, Warsaw, $164.50; Malik I. Lindsey, Millersburg, $164.50

Deer check station violations Leon J. Yoder, Etna Green, $189

Hunting waterfowl without a DNR stamp — without an electronically generated migrator — Jonathon R. Fields, Warsaw, $164

Unlawful hunting of migratory birds — Griffin E. Morgan, Warsaw, $164

Driving the wrong way on posted one-way roadway — Cynthia S. Witt, Warsaw, $164.50

Hunting wild animals, fishing or trapping without license — Johnathan C. Shulz, Warsaw, $164

Disregarding lighted signal

Jacquelin K. Sleighter, Warsaw, $164.50

Failure to register — Carlos Nava, Leesburg, $164.50; Andrew C. Guevara, Winona Lake, $164.50

Speeding, failure to register — Alexander J. Letsch, Warsaw, $189.50

Driving while suspended (suspension not a result of a conviction) — Oscar Herrera, Warsaw, $189.50

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Anne Torpy:

Zalar-Murphy

Katherine Rose Zalar, 29, Warsaw, and Jared Michael Murphy, 30, Warsaw

Kratzchmar-Hall

Robert Kratzchmar, 46, Warsaw, and Janelle Hall, 34, Warsaw Sherow-Nesmith

Jessica Sherow, 28, Etna Green, and Kenny Nesmith, 42, Warsaw Rivera-Carvajal

Harry Rivera, 37, Warsaw, and Saris Yolibeth Carvajal, 35, Warsaw

Marriage

Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for a marriage dissolution in Kosciusko Superior Courts I or IV: Weber — Caleigh Weber, Warsaw, and Cayce Weber, Nappanee. Minor child(ren). No additional information was available. Fowler — Elizabeth J. Fowler, Winona Lake, and Kris G. Fowler, Fort Wayne. They were married Aug. 6, 2022; separated Oct. 13, 2024. No minor child(ren).

Atkins-Bozeman — Gary Atkins Jr., Warsaw, and Marena Bozeman, Fort Wayne. They were married May 1, 2010; separated Aug. 30, 2023. Four minor child(ren).

Baut — Michelle E. Baut, Milford, and Steven R. Baut, Milford. They were married Jan. 4, 2003; separated Jan. 24, 2025. One minor child. Walmer — Geoffrey A. Walmer,

Warsaw, and Kari M. Walmer, Winona Lake. They were married June 24, 2006; separated June 17, 2024. Four minor child(ren).

Steinmeyer — Timothy Steinmeyer, Silver Lake, and Cynthia Steinmeyer, Lynnville, Tenn. They were married May 3, 1989; separated Dec. 7, 2024. No minor child(ren).

Hill — Randy Hill, Etna Green, and Jennifer Hill, Syracuse. They were married Aug. 12, 2006; separated March 31, 2019. No minor child(ren). Conley — Samantha K. Conley, Warsaw, and Brandon A. Conley, Warsaw. They were married Oct. 27, 2021; no separation date given. No minor child(ren).

Denney — Andrew Denney, Warsaw, and Michelle Denney, Lynnville, Tenn. No minor child(ren). No additional information was available.

Scarlett-Naeve — Demoya Scarlett, Warsaw, and Neal Naeve, Warsaw. They were married Dec. 13, 2020; separated Jan. 13, 2025. No minor child(ren).

Overmeyer-Devenney — Abbigail Overmeyer, Pierceton, and Alexis Devenney, Warsaw. They were married Feb. 26, 2023; separated May 26, 2024. No minor child(ren).

Norris-Martin — Theresa Norris, no address given, and Douglas Martin, Cromwell. They were married Feb. 21, 2021; separated Jan. 29, 2025. No minor child (ren).

Bailey — Lance Bailey, Akron, and Danielle Bailey, North Webster. No minor child (ren). No additional information was available.

Optimist Club contest seeks young writers, speakers

Deadlines are approaching to enter this year’s Optimist International Essay Contest and the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for area youth, sponsored by the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club.

Optimist Essay Contest

Aspiring writers, ages 19 or younger, will write on the topic “How Optimism Has Paved My Way to Success.” Young people have the chance to craft an essay describing the impact of optimism on their journeys, whether in overcoming challenges, achieving goals or simply navigating everyday life.

By participating, youth can showcase their writing skills and share their unique perspectives; compete for the chance to advance to regional competitions; and maybe inspire fellow youth with their stories.

The deadline to submit an essay is 11:59 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7.

For questions, contact Shari Benyousky by calling (574) 2656782 or sending an email to jux-

tapaused@gmail.com.

Optimist Oratorical Contest

The oratorical contest topic will be “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times.”

The contest will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 30, in the old courtroom on the second floor of the Kosciusko County Courthouse, 100 W. Center St., Warsaw.

Prizes will be awarded to top finishers. The first and second place finishers will qualify for the zone contest, and there are scholarship prizes for advancement in the national contest.

First conducted in 1928, the oratorical contest is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in the program each year. The winners at the club level receive medallions and zone winners receive a plaque.

Districts have the opportunity to provide a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500 and a thirdplace scholarship of $1,000.

The Optimist Oratorical Con-

Mobile food distributions set for month of February

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana has set mobile food distributions for the month of February.

Assorted food items are offered free of charge to those in need of food assistance. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged. Food is available on a first-come, firstserved basis, while supplies last. One box or bag per household.

Kosciusko County

10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 21, at God’s Highway to Heaven, 555 Webber St., Warsaw. This distribution is provided by the USDA and will serve 150 households.

Marshall County

1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at

Plymouth Parks, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, (located by the pool parking lot, Plymouth.

This distribution is sponsored by Kroger and will serve 200 households. Distributions are drive-thru. Remain in your vehicle and open your trunk to receive items. An area will be available for self loading if your trunk does not open.

Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, COSTCO, CVS, KeyBank, and Kroger, sponsor these distributions.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program is financed with federal funds.

test gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships, funded by the Optimist International Foundation, is awarded annually from this program.

The oratorical contest is open to youths younger than 19, as of Oct. 1, 2024, who also are not enrolled as a degree-seeking student of a

post-secondary institution in the U.S., Canada or the Caribbean; there is no minimum age.

The deadline to enter the oratorical contest is Friday, March 28, or when 20 entries have been received by the sponsoring Optimist Club.

Apply online for the oratorical contest at warsawop-

timist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2025-WBOC-Application.pdf.

For questions, contact Letrecia Nichols by calling (574) 265-5632 or sending an email to lnichols@ joes-kids.org, or Jeff Owens by calling (574) 527-1387 or sending an email to contest@jeffowens. net.

Speaker to talk about leadership at Kosciusko HR conference

Jon Bowman will be the keynote speaker Tuesday, March 25, at the annual Kosciusko Human Resources Association conference. Through the topic, “The Fine Art of People Power,” attendees will learn how to lead leaders to greater success.

Born in Pittsburgh, Bowman is the last of four children whose lives were enveloped in poverty and homelessness. By the time he was 17 years old, he and his family had lived in two homeless shelters, a church, a small fourth-floor attic, public housing projects and a hotel, among many other places. However, with his determination to ascend from poverty unaffected, he earned his GED diploma and obtained an associate degree in English and communications at Allegheny Community College. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Point Park University, where he graduated cum laude. Bowman then attended and graduated from Ohio State University College of Law.

Today, Bowman serves as chief executive officer of Clear Picture Leadership. He uses lessons learned from his childhood, leadership skills honed throughout his career, and his artwork to encourage leaders to achieve a “clear picture” vision.

“Picturing your destination is the first step to achieving something great,” Bowman said. Sometimes leaders are tempted to cast aside an imaginative vision because it is deemed “unrealistic,” but Bowman challenges leaders to take “a different perspective — where imagination and reality meet.”

Throughout the day, additional speakers will present on topics such as “Four Ways to Use Social Media to Become a Talent Magnet,” “How to Lead the Way to Picture Perfect Change,” and more.

The conference is geared toward developing leadership skills of area business leaders and human resources professionals. More information on sessions and speakers is available at khra.shrm.org.

The one-day conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw. The registration fee for Kosciusko Human Resources Association members

is $25 and the nonmember registration fee is $50. Visit khra.shrm. org to register.

Kosciusko Human Resources Association is a nonprofit organization of professionals entrusted with human resources responsibilities that promotes educational and networking opportunities for the advancement of human resources.

JON BOWMAN

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Mishler Funeral Homes sold to McHatton Sadler Funeral Chapels

By DEB PATTERSON Editor in Chief

Mishler Funeral Home, Bremen; Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Milford; Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw; Legacy Cremation and Remembrance Center Ligonier; Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier; and McHatton Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw and Pierceton, all have one thing in common. They are all owned by Family Transitions Partners LLC and Michael Wilson.

The traditions customers have experienced at all locations will continue with potentially a new look.

Ryan Mishler; his mother, Brenda Mishler; and Daniel Blevins, owners of Mishler Funeral Homes, Heritage, Legacy and Yeager, sold to Wilson on Dec. 19, 2024. Heritage Monument was also sold to Wilson.

“I’m stepping aside,” said Mishler stating it was time for the next person to take over. “Bigger companies wanted to take it over, but they are concerned with the bottom line.” He wanted to find someone he felt confident in taking on the third/fourth generation family businesses. “I hooked up with Mike,” he said.

Mishler, who serves as Indiana Senator for District 2 stated his schedule in the senate is not allowing him to come into the business on a regular basis. “I didn’t like doing that. My senate schedule is taking up more and more time, 12-14 hours a day. I’m 56 now,” he stated, the same age his father, Greg, was when he died. Mishler commented that he still will stop in at the funeral homes and for services when his schedule allows, and he and Blevins

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.

Phone Bid Real Estate Auction

Bidding open until 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Property located at 10885 W. CR 400S, Millersburg. For bidding, call (574) 642-0444.

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.

Online Commercial

Building Auction

Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11. Property located at 109 N. Walnut St., Etna Green. Metzger Property

plan to keep their funeral director’s licenses active. The transition of ownership was smooth. There’s will be no name changes, the same faces at each location will remain, said Wilson.

“We’re not changing anything,” he said. “We want to be a part of the community more,” he added. “Family is part of the whole operation, bring (all operations) together and work as a family.”

Directors will be readily available and eventually a new director will be located in Milford. Heritage

Monument services will also be available at all locations, which is operated by Tony Ciriello, a very familiar face to many. Ciriello will assist families at all the locations in designing that perfect monument to honor your loved one.

“We will be taking care of families, provide more personal services, be more localized,” Wilson said. They are also honoring all funded preneed policies from any of the facilities.

Mishler and Blevins will continue operating their monument businesses: Carl K. King Memorials, South Bend; St. Joe Monument Works, Benton Harbor, Mich.; Monuments by Design, Cassopolis, Mich; and Mishler Monuments, Bremen. Mishler noted he can better coordinate his schedule to operate the monument businesses, where he couldn’t do so with the funeral homes.

Three Generations of Mishler’s

The Mishler family legacy began in 1946 when Wade Mishler, Ryan’s grandfather, returned from World War II and purchased the former Brittsan Funeral Home on Main Street in Milford. That tradition continued for close to 78 years.

CHANGING HANDS Ryan Mishler has recently sold his funeral homes in Bremen, Milford, Warsaw and Ligonier to Family Transitions Partners LLC and Michael Wilson. Mishler stated his schedule as a state senator is not allowing him to come in to the business on a regular basis. Photo by Deb Patterson.

Greg Mishler, Ryan’s father, joined the business in 1969. The funeral home, which also served as the Mishler home, was too small for two directors. The business was expanded with the purchase of Huff Funeral Home in Bremen. Greg operated this location.

Wade Mishler retired in 1988 selling the business to Gary Eastlund. In 1997, Eastlund built a new facility in Milford. The Mishler name remained constant in business as Eastlund-Mishler Funeral Home. Greg Mishler continued to operate the Bremen facility until his own retirement in 1999, when Ryan Mishler purchased the funeral home.

When Eastlund retired in 2001, Ryan regained ownership of the Milford location and purchased the Syracuse location. “It was important for me to return to Milford where it all began for the Mishler family,” said Ryan. The merger of the Bremen, Milford and Syracuse locations benefited all three communities. Mishler

sold the Syracuse location to Dave and Sheryl Eastlund Colquitt on Dec. 11, 2009.

Helping Fulfill A Dream Gordy Yeager had a dream to own a funeral home. Mishler backed Yeager and began building Yeager Funeral Home on Nov. 7, 2007. However, Yeager passed away on Dec. 18, 2007, before the facility was completed. But Mishler kept Yeager’s dream alive and opened Yeager Funeral Home in April 2008.

In 2011 the Ligonier Monument was acquired and Legacy Cremation and Remembrance Center was opened. Mishler and Blevins also acquired Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Warsaw, and this facility will remain in operation.

business to Wilson in 2021. The history of the original McHatton – Sadler Funeral Chapels has significant connections to the original funeral home in Pierceton, where the Ashley family started providing funeral services within their home. This family owned connection through time was extended to the point of Bud Ashley, a grandson as he was a funeral director at locations, to include his career with the Sadler family at McHatton Sadler Funeral Chapels.

Services, metzgerauction.com.

Sidney Trade Center

Online Auction

Bidding open until 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. Pickup located at 307 S. Main St., Sidney. Exercise equipment, furniture, computer monitors, grills, griddles, holiday decor. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.

Phone Bid Real Estate Auction

Bidding open until 4 pm. Monday, Feb. 17. Property located at 13836 CR 48, Syracuse. For bidding, call (574) 642-0444.

Online Only Auction

Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Vehicles, trailers, farm equipment, fleet vehicles, boats, cars. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.

Online Real Estate Auction

Bidding open until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. Open house 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Property located at 10462 S. Bouse Drive, Silver Lake. Lakefront property with 200 feet of Silver Lake frontage. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.

Greider Estate Auction

6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24. Located at 10419 Turkey Creek Road, Syracuse. Property located at 11672 W. CR 300N, Cromwell. Three tracts, 40.56 acres. SchraderAuction.com.

Online Restaurant Auction

Bidding open until 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27. Property located at 704 N. Huntington St., Syracuse. Restaurant and bar, equipment included. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.

Local student named to president’s list

Long History In Community Gerald McHatton established the original McHatton Funeral Home in 1955, with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Home acquiring its name when Wendell Sadler bought the establishment in 1971. His son, John, joined the business and the two worked side-by-side for many years. The facility was located on the corner of Center and Scott streets. It served the community until 1988 when the Sadlers built a new funeral chapel on Provident court near US 30. John Sadler sold the

This legacy, of Sadler’s and Mishler’s will continue as a family owned and operated funeral service provider, now with its own cremation center, with all the current staff at each locations, familiar faces of staff and funeral directors who have worked there for many years, such as David Baker who has been with Sadler’s for over 20 years, Caryn Durski in Warsaw, Jeff Hazen in Bremen and Jon Waterman in Ligonier. Wilson commented that having dedicated funeral home family members, provides the family dedication, professionalism, care and compassion that our community wants, and needs. Simply put, it’s our families taking care of your families. A funeral service of over 130 years of family style dedication.

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Elliana Moore wins Warsaw Schools’ spelling bee

Warsaw Community Schools held its annual elementary spelling bee Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the Lakeview Middle School auditorium.

The event brought together top fifth- and sixth-grade spellers from each elementary school to compete for the championship.

Aimee Lunsford, chief academic officer, served as the pronouncer, while Kristin Sederberg, principal of Claypool Elementary School, oversaw the event.

The judges included Cheri Sleighter, Washington S.T.E.M. Academy principal; Nate Polston, Leesburg Elementary School principal; and Kyle Carter, chief accountability officer.

Sixteen spellers took the stage after advancing from preliminary rounds where they competed against more than 1,000 other fifth and sixth graders.

District-wide participants included:

Claypool: Elizabeth Alexander (building winner, grade five), Renesme Cobaxin (runner-up, grade six)

Eisenhower: Elliana Moore

(building winner, grade six), Bianca Hodorek (runner-up, grade six)

Harrison: Ezra Suarez (building winner, grade five), Abigail Chrisopher (runner-up, grade six)

Jefferson: Rick Migranyan (building winner, grade five), Carson Neata (runner-up, grade five)

Leesburg: Rene Rodriguez (building winner, grade five), Isaiah Bradfield (runner-up, grade five)

Lincoln: Rahil Patel (building winner, grade six), Raven Burton (runner-up, grade five)

Madison: Sidanth Umesh Kumar Chinnachan (building winner, grade five), Siddarth Reddy Chamala (runner-up, grade five)

Washington: Aarav Jena (building winner, grade six), Caleb Watson (runner-up, grade five)

After 14 rounds and 45 minutes, Elliana Moore, a sixth-grader from Eisenhower Elementary School, won the spelling bee with the winning word “linden.” Sidanth Umesh Kumar Chinnachan, a fifth-grader from Madison Elementary School, took the runner-up spot.

“Our spelling bee is one of the many ways WCS empowers stu-

SPELLERS Warsaw Community

Jan. 28, in Lakeview Middle

School principal; Elliana

Francesca

dents to showcase their strengths, build confidence and celebrate a love of learning,” said Carter. “We are incredibly proud of our students as they demonstrate their hard

work and determination in such a meaningful event.”

Elliana will take the regional qualifier online test between Feb. 7 and Feb. 14. Top performers from

the online test will advance to regional spelling bees, where winners will represent Indiana at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Luck at Sectional Lady Vikings!

Fairfield [15-5]

Feb. 4 @ 6:00 p.m. West Noble [3-17]

[13-7]

Columbia City [17-4]

Feb. 4 @ 7:30 p.m.

NorthWood [16-5]

are: front row from

Gregory, Hailey Stookey, Maycee Koch, Betty Shepherd, Hadley Wise and Gaby Gonzalez.

Middle row: Lydia Craig, Izzy Woodruff, Dalynne Bussard, Lillie Koch, and Karley Hallstrom.

Back row: assistant coach Kaylee Patton, head coach Rebekah Parker, Carlee Snyder, Lucy Hayden, freshman head coach Blaine Hartzler and junior varsity head coach Kalynn Cumberland. Photo by Nathan Pace.

TOP

Schools held its annual elementary school spelling bee Tuesday,

School, Warsaw. Pictured, from left, are Jenna Moree, Eisenhower Elementary

Moore, spelling bee champion; Sidanth Umesh Kumar Chinnachan, runner-up; and

Hoffmann, Madison Elementary School principal. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.