the Paper - February 28, 2024

JENNIFER TOMPOS

When I went to get my first car registered, their antiquated computer didn’t acknowledge Feb. 29, and they suggested I just go park it while they got it all worked out. I’ pretty sure my eager-to-drive 16-year-old

AMBER HARDY

ALLEN DENNEY

I often get the question of when do I celebrate, Feb. 28 or March 1, to which I reply Feb. 28, as I like to keep it in the same month. Growing up, I celebrated both days.

“It’s always a conversation starter when anyone asks for my ID. The novelty of it is very fun, and the odds of being born on that day are pretty low.”

ARIKA CHILBERG

As you get older, it’s always fun to joke about how old I turn. This year, I will be 11. I will always stay young. Wouldn’t that be nice if it were actually true?

By KEITH KNEPP Staff Writer

When you ask most people how many days there are in a calendar year, the answer you’re most likely to get is 365. However, for a small subset of people, it’s that 366th day that only comes once every four years that is the most significant.

day was always a little more special. The novelty of it is very fun. My family and friends still make a big deal about my birthday, especially every year like this one, when I’ll be 16 and not 64. Thinking more about it and digging up some old pictures reminds me how special it was, and is.”

though, all in all, and when I do get to celebrate my actual birthday it makes it extra special.”

It is estimated that there are 8 billion people on earth. Doing the math, that means somewhere around around 5.4 million of those people were born the day the calendar read Feb. 29.

ERIN HOPKINS

My daughters and I enjoyed being the ‘same age’ together. My oldest, Olivia, who is now 18, and I were 8 years old together. My youngest, Skylar, is currently 11, and this year she and I will be

A request was issued on social media to find local people who were leap year babies. Surprisingly, the responses were plentiful, with people tagging friends and relatives in the comment section.

“Well, the very first one was special,” said Allen Denney. “I was the first baby born (on that day) in 1960 in Warsaw, and Mom won all kinds of baby things, and it was the on the front page of the local newspaper, which I still have. Over the years, every birth-

“I enjoy being a leap year baby as an adult, but maybe not so much when I was younger,” mused Arika Chilberg of Wakarusa. “It is fun when I get to see my birthday on a calendar as it doesn’t happen every year like most. If it’s not a leap year, we always celebrate Feb. 28, since it’s still in February. When I was little, I struggled with it at times. My older brother would tease me and say I couldn’t get my license until I was 64, since that is when I would be 16, and I believed him and would cry. But then I would try to use it to my advantage to get the children’s price at mini golf and other places. People looked at me like I was crazy. It’s been fun

“I do feel special being a leap year baby, especially since I was born before planned deliveries were a thing,” said Amber Hardy. “I don’t celebrate my birthday much anymore really, due to the fact that one, I am getting old, and two, my son’s birthday is two days after mine and my daughter’s is two days after his. That’s a whole lot of celebrating in one week. The best highlight is my youngest nephew with his constant teasing of my age in relation to his.”

“Being born on a leap day is special to me because it’s unique,” added Erin Hopkins. “Not many people can say that. I was due on Valentine’s Day in 1980. My mother, the late Lynn Allegret, started going into labor Feb. 27, but I didn’t make my debut until Feb. 29, 1980. Birthdays always seemed sweeter every four years, and I remember

being extra spoiled with my favorite foods, family, friends and gifts. I got a surprise sweet 16 birthday party when I turned four in leap years. I remember my father, Terry Griffith, always saying, ‘when my daughter is 64 years old, she’ll really only be 16 and driving, and I won’t have to worry about it because I’ll be long gone.’ I always get asked, ‘when do you celebrate your birthday since you don’t have one every year?’ For me it doesn’t matter. Some tell me happy birthday Feb. 28. Some tell me March 1. At the end of each year, we are all another year older, right?”

“What’s special? Not much really,” said Jennifer Tompos. “I always have an answer to the ‘one interesting fact about you’ ice breaker. In high school, I was able to milk it a little and insisted I celebrate my birthday both days. The first thing my mom said when I came out was, ‘but when do I celebrate her birthday?’ Alas, I now have resorted to counting my birthdays as opposed to years old. It just sounds better.”

Know Y our n eighbor

Local photographer excels in bringing out the personalities of her subjects

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“I’ve always been creative,” stated Morgan Fouce, Claypool. “I love to tell a story in my art. I also enjoy bringing out the personality of my subjects. Generating genuine smiles and emotion, capturing this moment in their lives, is the perfect session.” This enthusiastic photographer is the owner of Fouce Photography.

“I got my first camera in my junior year of high school. It was a film camera. I enjoyed using it in our photography class at school. We learned the basics on becoming skilled photographers and how to develop our photos in the darkroom.” It wasn’t until the end of her senior year that Fouce got her first professional digital camera.

“I started my college classes at IPFW in Fort Wayne. Then when I moved to Florida, I finished my education at Florida SouthWestern State College.” Her degree is in fine arts and science.

Fouce moved back to Kosciusko County in 2018. By that time, she was working full time as a photographer. And although she shied away from wedding photography in her earlier days, it’s one of her favorite shoots now.

“When my husband Donald and I got married, I was disappointed in our wedding photos.

So often photographers don’t have the proper equipment to do good wedding shoots, especially in terms of lighting issues. I somehow knew that I could do weddings with much better results.”

A couple other favorite genres of Fouce’s are maternity and engagement pictures. “I also do a lot of family shoots.”

Although she does a few traditional shots with everyone lined up and smiling, she enjoys more candid situations. “My family sessions teach me to be flexible. I may not get little junior to sit still. But I can certainly get shots of him interacting with the family members. I might photograph a baby playing a game of peek-a-boo. When the blanket is lifted, I get authentic smiles and emotions.”

Since Fouce grew up close to the Winona Lake Village, she sometimes uses that area as a photo shoot spot. “We can get shots at the coffee shop and ice cream parlor as well as some stunning outdoor and waterfront photos.”

Being a photographer does have its challenges, though. “My first job is to get the people I’m working with comfortable. I’m pretty good at putting people at ease. My goal is to make it a fun experience.”

Fouce believes a successful

photographer needs to be patient and flexible. “When I begin a photo shoot, I’ve got definite plans in my head on how things should go. However, people are unpredictable, especially the very young and active. So, if my original plan does not work, we’ll try it another way. Flexibility is the key. We also have to be able to think on the fly.”

Donald would like his wife to publish a book of photographs. “It’s his dream for me to use some of my photos of structures that are no longer standing because of the hurricanes in southwest Florida, especially the Moon Houses. My favorite activist photographer is Clyde Butcher. I would like to emulate his style.”

The Fouces have a 4-year-old boy Raydn. “We love to watch him experience life. He throws me a lot of curveballs, but that makes life exciting. We love to travel and share experiences together.”

Lilly Center announces new event: Tree ID and wetland hike

cate world of local trees and wetlands near the Lilly Center. Learn how to distinguish and identify trees by their unique bark and branches and how they appear differently during these colder months.

to join them for this event that emphasizes a sense of community and an overall appreciation for the natural world.

Make sure to RSVP. This event is sponsored by The Zimmer Biomet Foundation.

The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams invites the public to join the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, for a fun and educational expedition in the natural environment behind the Lilly Center.

Scott Fetters, private land biologist, and Jade Stuber of Upper Wabash Reservoirs, will lead a winter walk to explore the intri-

Often the local landscape during the winter is overlooked, but this hike will allow the celebration of the beauty of native plants. The Lilly Center encourages you

The Lilly Center hosts many more community events for individuals and families to enjoy.

“Workshop: The Small Farm of the Future” is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at the Lilly Center. Guest speakers, such as Dan Perkin, will walk through the world of sustainable agriculture and other effective techniques and practices for your gardens and fields. RSVP required.

“Critter Encounter: Fish” is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 14, at the Lilly Center. Learn about fascinating fish through games, projects, hands-on activities, and story time. RSVP required. Snacks are provided.

Ecology Summer Camp is at 8:45 a.m. Monday, June 10, at Grace College and Theological Seminary. Dive into the interesting biodiversity of northern Indiana and learn from professionals in the field. Through engaging lessons, high school students will explore the complexities of local plants, water systems, wildlife, and more. Learn more about how to register for this camp on the Grace College website.

Critter Encounter: Mudpuppy is at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 28, at the Lilly Center. Learn about mudpuppies through games, projects, story time, and hands-on activities. RSVP required.

Stories and STEM is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, June 5, and June 12, at Warsaw Community Public Library. A time for nature story time accompanied by a hands-on project. This event is geared toward K-fourth graders.

“Swamp Stomp” is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Lilly Center in partnership with WCPL. This event includes a fun and exploratory hike around the surrounding wetland, including a hands-on activity back at the Lilly Center.

LIFE IN PHOTOGRAPHS Morgan Fouce, Claypool, takes her camera with her through life. It’s her privilege to bring out the personalities of her subjects through photos. Generating genuine smiles and emotions — capturing the moment, that’s what makes a perfect photo session, according to Fouce. Photo provided by Fouce Photography.

Kids Market spring sale in Winona Lake March 9

Kids Market will be hosting its 39th consignment sale Saturday, March 9, at the Gordon Health and Wellness Center, 100 Publishers Drive, Winona Lake, located on the campus of Grace College.

Having grown to have more than 400 consignors, the sale this year features spring and summer clothing and shoes in sizes for newborns through teenagers, all in great or even new condition.

Shoppers will also find books, toys, games, strollers, pack-nplays, bikes, outdoor toys, bedding, nursery furniture, maternity clothing and more. The items are affordable and priced to sell quickly. The sale is large with more than 20,000 items sold each sale.

The sale begins at 8 a.m. At 12:30 p.m., the doors close for one half hour and from 1-4 p.m. everything goes to half price.

Entrance to the sale is free. Shoppers are encouraged to bring a bag or basket to use while shopping.

If you are interested in consigning or volunteering, register to participate in the sale by visiting

the website at kidsmarketinc.com and clicking the “Consign” or “Volunteer” tab. It takes more than 200 volunteers to put on each biannual sale. Four-hour volunteer

shifts start the Wednesday night prior to the public sale and go through Saturday, March 9.

“Kids Market has blessed many families in our community

Bowen Health Clinics offer online self scheduling

Bowen Health Clinics have unveiled an online self-scheduling option for patients. This new feature provides 24/7 access to a calendar of upcoming available appointments, allowing patients to book their visits on any smartphone, tablet or computer.

The service was added in an effort to make it as simple as possible for patients to obtain the health care they need, according to Bowen Center.

“Our goal is to make our integrative health care services as easily accessible as we can for anyone who needs it,” said Rob Ryan, Bowen Center president and chief executive officer. “By eliminating barriers to quality

health care, we are improving and extending Hoosier lives.”

Current and new patients can schedule an appointment by visiting bowencenter.org/ schedule-appointment to enter appointment details and choose an open time slot. Patients will receive an automated text or email confirming the appointment time and date.

Bowen Health Clinics offer health care services, including primary health care, mental health care, behavioral health care, addiction recovery treatment and life-skills coaching. Medicaid is welcome; no one is turned away for an inability to pay or insurance status. For more information, call (800) 342-5653.

and beyond, including my own,” said Jessica Hauck, Kids Market board member. “This semi-annual event is only possible with committed consignors, volunteers and shoppers. We love seeing people come together to care for their families through the sale and give back to other organizations serving women and children in Kosciusko County.”

Kids Market contributes to the community by passing along donated items after the sale to local charities and by distributing grants and vouchers, which total more than $408,000 to date. Consignors earn 66% of what

they price their items at. Kids Market uses the remaining 34% to cover overhead expenses, grants and vouchers. Financial grants are awarded to organizations that fit the Kids Market mission of helping families in Kosciusko County.

Through the years, Kids Market has donated to the following organizations: Agaitas, Beaman Home, City County Athletic Complex, Combined Community Services, Fellowship Missions, Heartline, Joe’s Kids, LifeTouch, Teen Parents Succeeding, Warsaw Community Schools Clothing Closets and others.

DEALS GALORE

The sales floor is packed with merchandise at a previous Kids Market. Photo provided by Kids Market.

Lake City Lions Club starts annual sausage fundraiser

Members of the Lake City Lions Club are currently conducting its annual whole hog sausage fundraiser.

The members will have the following available for purchase: 2-pound bulk package for $12, 6-pound package of 24-count quarter pound patties (seasoned or unseasoned) for $36, and full slab of ribs for $25.

Orders must be placed by Wednesday, March 13. Orders will be available for pickup at Warsaw’s Center Lake Park at the parking lot across the street from the pavilion on Canal Street, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

To place an order, or if you have any questions, call Jon Garber at (574) 491-6126.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will

go to Lions projects such as “The Dictionary Project” for local thirdgrade students, Pediatric Cancer Care, and eyeglasses for local school children in need of assistance.

For more information about the Lake City Lions Club, about volunteering or becoming a member, contact Duane Griner at (574) 2697237 or Robin Claassen at (260) 615-1138.

Builders Association Home Show kicks off March 22 in Plymouth

The Builders Association of North Central Indiana will be holding its Home and Outdoor Show in Plymouth from Friday through Sunday, March 22-24.

The Home Show will be held at the newly remodeled Auto Park Sports Complex, located at 2923 VanVactor Drive in Plymouth. The show opens at noon on Friday, allowing visitors to start seeing what new products area exhibitors have to offer.

Attendees will be able to speak with experts and experienced consultants in a variety of industries — all under one roof. Food and refreshments help to make it an

event for the entire family. Visitors will be able to register to win many prizes and giveaways and take advantage of special pricing and other show incentives offered by exhibitors.

Booth spaces are filling up fast, according to a news release from the Builders Association of North Central Indiana, but there is still time to become an exhibitor by calling the Builders Association at (574) 267-6125.

Additionally, visitors can expect to find various vendors, including builders, contractors, different service providers, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning

and security firms, plumbers, furniture retailers and specialists in flooring, countertops, window replacement and outdoor equipment.

Bin There Dump That Michiana is the premier sponsor for the 2024 Home and Outdoor Show. Cottage Watchman Security Systems is the gold sponsor.

Admission and parking are free for the three-day event. The show runs from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, March 22; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 24. For the latest information and to learn of any changes to the show, visit buildnci.com.

M ilestones

MARTINDALE 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Larry and Patti Martindale, Syracuse, will mark their 60th wedding anniversary Feb. 28. The couple were married Feb. 28, 1964, at Zion Chapel in Syracuse with Carl Gable officiating.

Larry retired in 2006 after 28 years with Dana Corporation. Patti had been a daycare provider for 40 years. Both are members of the Milford Christian Church.

The couple have three children: Christine Hodge, Fort Wayne, Cherie (Steve) Sweatland, Syracuse, and Craig Martindale, Syracuse. They also have three granddaughters: Kayla (Nathan) Beasley, Larwill, Kristin Martindale (Brayden Hixon), Syracuse, and Rachael Sweatland (Clayton Hicks), Ball State.

The couple will celebrate the occasion with family. Photos provided.

Sweetheart Contest applications for Maple Syrup Festival

The Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival is seeking contestants for its 2024 Miss Maple Syrup Sweetheart Contest. The contest is open to all kindergarten girls who live in the Wakarusa Elementary School district, including private and home-school students.

The application is due Monday, March 25, but be sure to apply and submit the required materials in as soon as possible, as it is

limited to the first 15 applicants. Each contestant will attend the queen coronation at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 26. At this event, each girl will be recognized and receive her sweetheart sash and floral bouquet. The Maple Syrup Sweetheart winner will also receive a crown and $25 in Chamber Bucks. Voting will take place at area businesses. Votes will be cast as

money votes. All votes must be made in cash and placed in the voting jars before the voting time ends. The voting period will be April 15-22.

All money collected is used to fund the Maple Syrup Queen and Sweetheart contests. The girl who collects the most money will be crowned the Maple Syrup Sweetheart. Money jars with the girls’ pictures will be displayed at

Basic handgun safety course

The Nappanee Police Department has partnered with JR Firearms to teach a basic handgun course at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19. This will be a hands-on class with no live firing.

The course will include teach an introduction to firearms, safe weapons handling, firearms maintenance and gun laws.

The goal of this class is to introduce new gun owners to the firearms world. Instructors will stress the importance of being comfortable with your firearm, which begins with handling the firearm and knowing everything about it, all of which takes place prior to shooting the first shot.

The class will take place at JR Firearms, 105 E. Lincoln St., Nappanee. It will be led by firearms instructors from the Nappanee Police Department. The cost is $10 per person. Payment can be made in advance or on the day of the event. To register, call (574) 336-0048, email sales@jrfirearms.com or stop by the store.

Soccer registration opens this week

Registration for the NorthWood Soccer Club’s summer recreation league will open Friday, March 1, and will continue until Wednesday, May 1. Late registrations will not be accepted.

Games are played at the Nappanee Soccer Complex at Wellfield Park, located at 501 Wellfield Park Drive.

Age-group specific leagues are available for boys and girls between the ages 4-13, with birth dates between Aug. 1, 2010, and July 31, 2020. The season takes place from mid-June through early August.

The link to sign up online will be available at pumassoccer.com. For questions or further information, email northwoodpumas@gmail. com.

For further information about the course, contact Officer Kris Hershberger at khershberger@ nappaneepolice.com.

Annual Community and Friends Expo March 1-2 in Nappanee

Mark your calendars now for the fifth annual Community and Friends Expo, held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 1, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Claywood Event Center, 13924 N. CR 1100W, Nappanee. There will be more than 70 vendor booths, many offering specials. There also will be a bake sale benefiting TLC Cen-

ter for children with special needs.

Admission to the event is free. Breakfast and lunch will be available Saturday. Dinner will be served Friday night, featuring open-kettle chili and grilled chicken sandwiches. Proceeds will benefit a family in need.

For more information, call Brenda at (574) 546-2250.

Grandma’s Pantry, Richmond’s Feed, Larimer Furniture and the Wakarusa location of Interra Credit Union. Each location will have every girl’s picture on a voting jar.

All applications need to include a picture of your child. Digital pictures are preferred, or a hard copy can be mailed or emailed with the application. Hard copy pictures will not be returned.

The application can be found at wakarusachamber.com/ma-

ple-syrup-festival.

Completed applications and required materials can be mailed to: Maple Syrup Festival Sweetheart Coronation, Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival, P.O. Box 74, Wakarusa, IN 46573. They also can be dropped off at the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, 100 W. Waterford St.

For contest questions or clarifications, contact Aria Skaggs, contest coordinator, at (574) 3437168 or larimer.mail@gmail.com.

Resource Officer James Baumgartner. XXX were recognized for their commitment to being responsible and reliable friends through a difficult situation.

The presentation occurred on

Thursday, Feb. 15, which also was SRO Appreciation Day. Woodview celebrated Baumgartner, a dedicated SRO who goes above and beyond every day to ensure Woodview is a safe and welcoming place to be. You are appreciated beyond measure Officer B!” the school shared on social media.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT — Two Woodview Elementary School students were “caught being good” by School Resource Officer James Baumgartner. Pictured from left are Leslie Mullins, Emma French and Baumgartner. Photo provided by Woodview Elementary School.

E nt E rtainm E nt

‘Burst Into Song’ with Classic Arts Programs in Winona Lake

At 7 p.m. Saturday, March 16, Classic Arts Programs will present “Celebrate and Sing: Burst Into Song!” The performance will be held at the Winona Heritage Room, Winona Lake. Ensembles joining the Community and Youth Chorales of Classic Arts Programs include the Bremen Children’s Choir and Grace College Lancer Chorus.

Songs of poetic reflection, blessing and joy have been programmed, with all musical selections handpicked by the choral members of each featured ensemble. Highlighted favorites include “Dirait-On” from Les Chansons des Roses by Morten Lauridsen, Peter Lutkin’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” along with several classics from the American musical theater repertoire.

Tickets are available for purchase at classicartsprograms.com/ tickets. Prices range from $15 for adults to $12 for seniors, students and active military, with children 5 and younger free. All proceeds benefit Classic Arts Programs’ mission to enhance cultural and spiritual life in the Warsaw area through its sponsorship of youth and adult vocal ensembles.

UNITED IN SONG — The Community Chorale is joined by the Grace College Lancer Chorus in this photo from the Christmas program in 2021. The Youth Chorale from Warsaw and the Children’s Choir from Bremen will also perform. Photo provided by Classic Arts Programs.

Natural Resources Commission seeks input on proposed hunting changes

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission has opened a public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s deer hunting rules before they vote on final adoption of the proposed changes. Most proposed changes intend to simplify Indiana’s deer hunting rules to make them easier to understand.

Public comments can be submitted online at IN.gov/nrc/rules/ rulemaking-docket/ via the “comment on this rule” link in the rulemaking docket for the deer hunting amendments. Comments can also be mailed to: Natural

Resources Commission, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Ave., Room N103, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

The deadline for public comments is March 20. A public hearing will be held from 4-8 p.m., at the Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis; you can attend in person or online anytime during that time frame. To attend the public hearing, starting at 4 p.m. March 20, go to Microsoft Teams and enter Meeting ID: 296 491 887 327, Passcode: xTCuyW. Sign up for updates online at wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulationchanges.

Proposed changes include:

• A statewide bag limit of six antlerless deer.

• A newly created county antlerless Bag Limit instead of season antlerless bag limits. Because of this change, the bonus antlerless license would be the multiple-season antlerless license that could be used in the archery, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons.

• Hunters would not be able to harvest an antlerless deer on Fish and Wildlife properties with a firearm.

• The use of crossbow equipment would be allowed with the archery license.

• The minimum caliber for a muzzleloader would be reduced from 0.44 inches to 0.40 inches.

• If a deer is unfit for human consumption, DNR staff would be able to issue an authorization to take an antlerless deer in its place that will not count toward the statewide bag limit or county limit.

• Adding the deer reduction zones and county antlerless bag limits.

• Removing the special antlerless firearms season.

For more information on the proposed rule changes, visit wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulation-changes.

Questions about the proposed deer rule changes should be directed to (812) 334-3795 or indeerhotline@dnr.IN.gov.

George Aldrich Sr.

Retired From Dana

George Aldrich Sr., 71, a longtime resident of Barbee Lakes, passed away in the care of hospice with love and support from his daughters and grandchildren on Feb. 17, 2024. He was surrounded with love.

George was born in Elwood to John W. and Vivian L. (Hinkle) Aldrich. He moved to the Barbee Lake area in the 1970s and is known for building three houses in the Heron Bay Addition.

George loved classic cars and motorcycles. He always had one or the other. His nickname was Smokin’ George. He loved to take his family to car shows and bike shows. James Dean Days was a family favorite. George was always up to do anything if it was with his family. He was a very loving and cherished father and grandfather.

George retired from Dana in Syracuse right before they closed their doors in 2006.

George is survived by his two daughters, Miranda (Randy) Zorn of North Webster and Angela “Angie” (Will) Fitzpatrick of Syracuse; and his grandchildren, Eric Zorn, Victoria Zorn, Zachary Zorn, Hannah Likens, Kaylee Aldrich, Christian Aldrich, Andrew Aldrich and Julia Duncan. George has one great-granddaughter, Liberty (daughter of Julia). George is also survived by one sister, Patty McKinney.

George is preceded in death by his son, George Aldrich Jr.; a sister, Jackie Rye; brothers-in-law, Duane Rye and Jake McKinney; and both of his parents.

George will be dearly missed by his daughters, all of his grandchildren and all of his family. He will always be remembered for his great love for his family. George was a man who would do anything for family and is also known for being a very forgiving man. His memory will forever live on through them all.

The family will be celebrating George’s life privately with burial at a later date at Mock Cemetery in North Webster. Arrangements were entrusted to Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services of North Webster, 8056 E. 500N, North Webster.

Nancy Clodfelter Buckner

Former Capitol Records Employee

Nancy Clodfelter Buckner, 81, Syracuse, passed away at her home on Feb. 15, 2024. She was an incredibly strong woman, but that damn cancer was stronger.

She was born on April 27, 1942, to Richard and Helen Clodfelter in Goshen and grew up in Middlebury.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Helen; and her brother, Larry Clodfelter.

Surviving are her children, Christopher and Ashley; grandchildren, Alexa, Dylan, Drew and Jase; nephews, Dan and Mike; and niece, Shelly.

Shortly after graduating, she left the small town life for Chicago and eventually ended up in Los Angeles, where she married Jim Buckner.

She worked for Capitol Records and most of the time was located in the famous round Capitol building in Hollywood. Her stories of life at Capitol were endlessly entertaining and we all lost track of all the artists she met and hung out with. Just a week before her death she was on the phone with one of her best friends out there and they were reminiscing over the night they went out drinking with Bob Seger. What a life! Eventually she decided to retire and moved to a house on Syracuse Lake, where she relaxed and enjoyed life and especially grandchildren.

Services were held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, with calling one hour prior.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Syracuse American Legion in Nancy’s memory.

Sharon K. Butler

Mother/Grandmother

Sharon K. Butler (Shock), 75, Syracuse, passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in Edmond, Okla.

She was born on May 6, 1948, to Cecil and Mary (Clark) Shock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Raymond Butler, in 1998; a brother, Jack Shock, in 2019; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Jirles, in 2023.

Jose Fernando Amador

Jose Fernando Amador, 20, Lafayette, formerly of Warsaw, died Feb. 15, 2024.

Visitation and rosary was held Feb.

22 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Mass of Christian burial was held Feb. 23 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Warsaw. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Michael D. Baker

Michael D. Baker, 67, Niles, Mich., died Feb. 19, 2024.

He was born Jan. 1, 1957.

He is survived by a daughter, Angela Baker, Niles, Mich.; two grandchildren; sister, Barbara Cripe, Syracuse; and brother, Mark Baker, Goshen.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Susan Lynn Bonifacius

Susan Lynn (Dean) Bonifacius, 74, Bremen, died at 10:18 p.m. Feb. 10, 2024.

She was born Feb. 27, 1949. She married Donald Bonifacius, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Julie Bonifacius and Jeff Bonifacius, both of Bremen, and Laura Corwin, Edwardsburg, Mich.; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Peggy Germann and Tom Dean.

Per her wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service will take place at a later date. Mishler Funeral Home, Bremen, was in charge of arrangements.

Sharon Bradley

Sharon Bradley, 82, North Manchester, died Feb. 19, 2024.

She was born Nov. 5, 1941. On July 9, 1961, she married Herbert “Hub” Bradley. He preceded her in death Feb. 26, 2020.

Surviving are her children, Jenni-

fer Barber, Warsaw, and Jay D. Bradley, Plainfield; sisters, Becky Naragon, North Manchester, and Janene Dawes, Urbana; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 24 at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Servia.

Norman Lavern Cable

Norman Lavern Cable, 94, died Feb. 15, 2024.

He was born May 21, 1929. On Aug. 22, 1948, he married Floretta E. Oyler, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are sons, Merideth, Ronald and Larry Cable; daughter, Martha; sisters, Linda Lou Koble and Diana Cable-Whitworth; 21 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and eight greatgreat-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 19 at Yellow Creek Old Brethren Church, Goshen. Burial was in Old Brethren Church Cemetery. Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Michael Callaghan

Joseph “Joe” Michael Callaghan, 82, Warsaw, died Feb. 11, 2024.

He was born June 1, 1941. On Feb. 3, 1968, he married Janet “Jan” Johnson; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Terry Williams, Fenton, Mich., and Rory Callaghan, Seattle, Wash.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Montgomery, Davis, Calif., Sally Beadle, Ronnie Edwards and Barbara Callaghan, all of Milford, Mich., and Kay Davis, Naples, Fla.; brother, Jim Callaghan, Clayton, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Feb. 26 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military honors.

Rosalie Ann Carter

Rosalie Ann “Rose” Carter, 83, Warsaw, died Feb. 17, 2024.

She was born June 29, 1940.

Surviving are her children, Tim Carter, Brian Carter and Ric Carter, all of Warsaw; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild.

A life celebration was held Feb. 21 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.

Cindy Collins

Cindy Collins, 54, Claypool, died Feb. 17, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Dennis Edward Debelak

Dennis Edward Debelak, 74, Nappanee, died at 1:10 p.m. Feb. 17, 2024.

He was born Nov. 12, 1949. On April 9, 1972, he married Dianne Bonomo; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Dana Parciak, Nappanee, and David Debelak, Worth, Ill.; and two grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 24 at Nappanee United Methodist Church. Cremation followed services. ThompsonLengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, was in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Marvin D.

Dziabis, M.D.

Dr. Marvin D. Dziabis, M.D., 89, North Manchester, died Feb. 20, 2024.

He was born Oct. 27, 1934. On June 28, 1958, he married Jeanette M. Pickett. She preceded him in death Aug. 27, 2018.

Surviving are sons, Steven P. Dziabis, M.D., David M. Dziabis, Stanely E. Dziabis and Gary A. Dziabis;

Continued on page 8

Sharon is survived by her son, Raymond Butler, his wife Kelly and their son Rhett; daughter, Rhonda Booher, her husband Bret and their sons, Whit and Thaddeus; daughter, Rosey Nguyen, her husband Tuan and their children, Kaytelyn, Riker and Hayden; as well as her siblings, Robert Shock, Peg Shock Mount and Jamie Shock Erb; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Sharon loved being a mother and grandmother. She was extremely proud of her family and leaves behind beautiful memories of joy and laughter. She touched countless lives with her vibrant spirit and fiery passion for life.

Services was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Calling was from noon until 3 p.m. Interment was private.

NANCY CLODFELTER BUCKNER

SHARON K. BUTLER

GEORGE ALDRICH SR.

OContinued from page 7

daughter, Lisa M. Dziabis Calache; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sisters, Marilyn Kay Gibson and Carolyn Mae Carraher.

Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. with a rosary service to follow at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114 West, North Manchester. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 4, with calling beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 1203 SR 114, North Manchester. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester.

Susanna Eakright

Susanna Eakright, 88, Wabash, formerly of North Manchester, died Feb. 16, 2024.

She was born June 29, 1935. On Dec. 25, 1952, she married Max D. Eakright. He preceded her in death Feb. 14, 2003.

Surviving are sons, DeWayne D. Eakright, North Manchester, and Rick Eakright, Laketon; daughters, Deborah Pakis, North Manchester, and Cindy Burke, Urbana; sisters, Judy Stouden and Sereta Jasper, both of Florida; 18 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 20 at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. Burial was in South Whitley Cemetery.

Joe W. Frederick

Joe W. Frederick, 92, died Feb. 19, 2024.

He was born Aug. 13, 1931. On Aug. 26, 1956, he married Lorraine Lee Lawrence; she survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Chris J. Cox, Elkhart, and Karen K. Tharp, Warsaw; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 24 at Beaver Dam Community Church, Akron. Interment took place in New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Charlotte L. Glassley

Charlotte L. Glassley, 93, Syracuse, died Feb. 18, 2024.

She was born June 17, 1930.

She is survived by a son, Sam Glassley; daughters, Karen Widmer, Linda White and Amy Casati; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and son-inlaw, Mark Dunithan.

A memorial service was held Feb. 28 at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.

Betty Gwin

Betty (Postma) Gwin, 96, Nappanee, died at 11:54 a.m. Feb. 21, 2024.

She was born Sept. 23, 1927. On Sept. 17, 1946, she married Max Gwin. He preceded her in death Dec. 30, 2014.

She is survived by a son, Kent Gwin, Elkhart; daughter, Dawn Chouinard, Siler City, N.C.; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Carol Wyman, Nappanee.

Cremation will take place and a graveside service will be held at a later date.

Joseph Hemphling

Joseph “Joe” Hemphling, 80, Pierceton, died Feb. 18, 2024.

He was born Aug. 24, 1943.

He is survived by a daughter, Joanna Lehr, Glendale, Ariz.; sisters, Mary “Libby” Anderson, Pierceton, and Janet Dawson, Cincinnati, Ohio; two neph-

ews; a niece; and two grandchildren. A funeral mass was held Feb. 22 at Sacred Heart, Warsaw. Burial will be at a later date. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Kellee J. Jackson

Kellee J. Jackson, 53, Nappanee, died at 12:20 p.m. Feb. 20, 2024.

She was born March 4, 1970.

She is survived by a son, Cade Jackson, Nappanee; father, Jack Jackson, Nappanee; sisters, Kristen Pasechnik, New Paris, and Kerin Wells, Roann; a niece; and a nephew.

A graveside service was held Feb. 23 at South Union Cemetery, Nappanee.

Delfino Juarez

Delfino Juarez, 78, Warsaw, died at 8:36 a.m. Feb. 20, 2024.

He was born Sept. 10, 1945. He married Petra Patino, who survives.

Also surviving are sons, Andres Juarez, Roberto Juarez and Jose Juarez, all of Warsaw; daughters, Eva Juarez, Fabiola Juarez and Cynthia Juarez, all of Warsaw; 14 grandchildren; one greatgrandchild; and brothers, Dionisio and Leon Juarez, Mexico.

Mass of Christian burial was held Feb. 23 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. RedpathFruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Paul John Kindig

Paul John Kindig, 86, rural Akron, died at 8:45 a.m. Feb. 17, 2024.

He was born Aug. 8, 1937. On Dec. 14, 1963, he married Rosemary Perkins; she survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Marla Jane Kindig, Akron; son, Tim Michael Kindig, Bluffton; a grandson; and six great-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 21 at Akron Church of God. Burial was in Athens Mount Hope (Hoover) Cemetery, Athens. Earl-Love Funeral Home, Akron, was in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis Elaine Leininger

Phyllis Elaine (Mahan) Leininger, 80, Goshen, died Feb. 19, 2024.

She was born Sept. 30, 1943. On June 22, 1963, she married Verne H. Leininger, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Verne Leininger, Timberville, Va., John Leininger, Beavercreek, Ohio, and Barbara Leininger Dickason, Addison, Texas; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Carol Shirey, Sharon Tolla, Fred Mahan, Karen Beran and Betty Koehler, all of Ohio.

Services were held Feb. 24 at Goshen City Church of the Brethren. Burial was in Poplar Ridge Cemetery, Defiance, Ohio. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, was in charge of arrangements.

Joy D.

McCarthy-Sessing

Joy Diane McCarthy-Sessing, 76, died Jan. 17, 2024.

A celebration of life was held Feb. 24 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Burial will be in Barron, Wis., alongside her mother, Bernice, during a private family gathering.

David C. Miller Jr.

David C. Miller Jr., 42, Wawaka, died Feb. 10, 2024.

He was born April 19, 1981. On Oct. 28, 2023, he married Sarah Till; she survives.

Also surviving are his parents, David Sr. and Joy Miller, Ligonier; sisters, Star Mullet, Ligonier, Cari Faulkner, Syracuse, Lisa Musser, Wawaka, Kristie Miller, Ligonier, and Rinda Eskridge, LaPorte; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held Feb. 13 at Ligonier United Methodist Church. A cremation committal followed the service at Legacy Cremation and Remembrance Center, Ligonier. Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, was in charge of arrangements.

Allen G. Myers

Allen G. Myers, 75, Goshen, died Feb. 17, 2024.

He was born June 20, 1948. On March 14, 1970, he married Laura Yoder; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Gordon Myers, Texas, and David Myers, North Webster; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Feb. 24 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial of cremated remains will be at New Paris Cemetery at a later date.

Dr. Philip A. Orpurt

Dr. Philip A. Orpurt, 102, North Manchester, died Feb. 17, 2024.

He was born Aug. 9, 1921. On Dec. 3, 1945, he married Mary Ruth Hayden, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are his children, Karen Crim, Dayton, Ohio, Marcia Young, Medina, Ohio, Steven Orpurt, Chandler, Ariz., Phyllis Peter, Prairie City, Iowa, and Barbara Dayton, Newburgh; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East St., North Manchester. McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, is in charge of arrangements.

Margie A. Powell

Margie A. “Skip” Powell, 92, Warsaw, died Feb. 22, 2024.

She was born Jan. 3, 1932. On June 17, 1951, she married Robert F. Powell. He preceded her in death Dec. 27, 1997.

Surviving are her children, Cheryl Murphy, Silver Lake, Greg A. Powell, Taylorsville, Ky., and J.R. Powell, Warsaw; four grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; and sister, Rosalie Neilsen, Wabash.

Services were held Feb. 26 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron. Interment was in Mississinewa Memorial Cemetery, Wabash.

Ruby Hazel Rink

Ruby Hazel Rink, 92, Millersburg, died Feb. 11, 2024.

She was born Jan. 17, 1932. On Sept. 3, 1950, she married Fred Rink Jr. He preceded her in death Dec. 9, 2020.

Surviving are her children, Debbie George, Wakarusa, Michael Rink and Robert Rink, both of Goshen; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law, Norbert Korty, Lafayette.

Services were held Feb. 17 at Zion Community Church. Burial was in Brown Cemetery. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, was in charge of arrangements.

“Our families serving your family with professionalism, compassion and care.”

Glen Duane Robinson

Glen Duane Robinson, 78, Warsaw, died Feb. 17, 2024.

He was born Sept. 18, 1945.

Surviving are sons, Tyron Robinson, Pierceton, and Ryan Robinson, Leesburg; three grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; and three great-greatgrandchildren. Visitation was held Feb. 23 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Donald M. Shepherd

Donald Malcom Shepherd, 78, Ligonier, died at 7:15 a.m. Feb. 20, 2024.

He was born Nov. 17, 1945. On April 3, 2007, he married Patricia Ann (Teel) Slone; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Brenda Denise Harrison, Argos, Donald Brent Shepherd, Paicines, Calif., Odis Jack Shepherd, Rochester, and Mindy Sue Tackett, Warsaw; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 29 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Claypool, at a later date.

Elizabeth C. Silcox

Elizabeth “Liz” C. Silcox, 70, New Paris, died at 5 p.m. Feb. 9, 2024.

She was born Dec. 6, 1953. On June 6, 1970, she married David A. Silcox. He preceded her in death

B irths

Abigail Dawn Fisher

Bryce and Lindsay (Zieglar) Fisher, Wakarusa, are the parents of a daughter, Abigail Dawn, born at 1:20 a.m. Feb. 10, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 18 inches long.

Ivory Jade Lehman

Aaron and Diane (Schmucker)

Lehman, Middlebury, are the parents of a daughter, Ivory Jade, born at 6:11 a.m. Feb. 11, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 8 pounds, 7.5 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Ivory joins a sibling, Autumn.

Alerie Kate Balcom

Ruth Miller and Logan Balcom, Goshen, are the parents of a daughter, Alerie Kate, born at 7:27 a.m. Feb. 13, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 7 pounds, 15.5 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Ava Raelyn Lehman

Adrian and Melanie (Burkholder) Lehman, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Ava Raelyn, born at 12:33 a.m. Feb. 16, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 7 pounds, 4.5 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Floyd and Linda Burkholder. Paternal grandparents are Daryl and Anne Lehman.

Audaya Shay Hershberger

Earl and Kaylene (Miller) Hershberger, Topeka, are the parents of a daughter, Audaya Shay, born at 10:07 a.m. Feb. 17, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Floyd

Feb. 25, 2016.

Surviving are sons, Jack Price, Macomb, Mich., David “Huck” C. Silcox, Rodney Silcox and Brent Silcox, all of Goshen, and Kevin Silcox, New Paris; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; siblings, Herman Miller, Syracuse, Charles Miller Jr. and Carol Goff, both of Goshen; and sister-in-law, Mel Miller, Goshen.

Services were held Feb. 15 at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen. An additional visitation was held Feb. 17 at Llewellyn Funeral Home, Jellico, Tenn. Burial was in Douglas Cemetery, Jellico, Tenn.

Shirley Ann Stahley

Shirley Ann Stahley, 96, Wakarusa, formerly of Nappanee, died at 8 a.m. Feb. 17, 2024.

She was born Aug. 12, 1927. On June 18, 1948, she married Forest Stahley, who preceded her in death in 2003.

She is survived by a daughter, Abbie Boyer, Nappanee; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, Sharon Chapman and Bill Hartman, both of Syracuse.

Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Continued on page 9

and Ruth Miller, Millersburg. Paternal grandparents are Duane and Anita Hershberger, Middlebury.

Jada Elise Miller

Doris and Luke Miller, Bremen, are the parents of a daughter, Jada Elise, born at 3:29 a.m. Feb. 18, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 7 pounds, 9.5 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Gary Wayne Miller

Melvin and Lila Ann (Helmuth) Miller, Nappanee, are the parents of a son, Gary Wayne, born at 7:50 a.m. Feb. 19, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 1.5 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

Gary joins four siblings: Marla, Daryl, Jared and Lynn.

Archer Weston Hanft

Jessica Moser and Braxton Hanft, Warsaw, are the parents of a son, Archer Westson, born at 10:05 p.m. Feb. 19, 2024, at Goshen Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 4.7 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

Ella Renee Yoder

James and Lois (Kline) Yoder, Ligonier, are the parents of a daughter, Ella Renee, born at 3:28 a.m. Feb. 20, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 5 pounds, 15.5 ounces, and was 18 inches long.

Ella joins three siblings: Alissa, Marcus and Jeremy.

Colson Ty Beechy

Luke and Kayla (Miller) Beechy, Shipshewana, are the parents of a son, Colson Ty, born at 9:23 a.m. Feb. 21, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Colson joins a sibling, Kyan.

Continued from page 8

Mary M. Stamper

Mary M. Stamper, 89, Elkhart, died at 2:56 p.m. Feb. 11, 2024.

She was born Oct. 10, 1934. On April 11, 1953, she married Roy B. Stamper. He preceded her in death Jan. 5, 1980.

Surviving are her children, Bill Stamper and Laurie Byrket, both of Wakarusa, and Tim Stamper, Kansas City, Kan.; seven grandchildren; greatgrandchildren; sisters-in-law, Lucille Schiffer, Michigan, and Harriet Schiffer, California; and two nephews.

Per Mary’s request, a cremation will take place and burial will be at Yellow Creek Cemetery at a later date. Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, was in charge of arrangements.

Delores Rae Stump

Delores Rae Stump, 63, Wakarusa, died at 9:23 a.m. Feb. 17, 2024.

She was born Nov. 4, 1960. On Oct. 12, 1984, she married Terry Stump; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Aaron Stump, Escondido, Calif., Austin Stump Sr. and Alan Stump, both of

Court News

Small Claims

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

Money Matters Professional Collections LLC v. Victor Argumedo, $798.53

Total Recovery Services Inc. v. James Arnett, $1,105.61; v. Keyana Hann, $4,041.37; v. Cindy Hernandez, $1,286.72

Fort Wayne Neurosurgery v. Jaden Bullers, $530.50

Sherri Makinson v. Joshua Cummins, Stephanie Daley, $7,375

AAA Acceptance Corp. v. Travis Dice, $7,276.69

CommunityWide Federal Credit Union v. Rachel Howard, Tessa Lozano, $6,045.62

The Allergy and Asthma Center v. Bryce Kelley, $1,637.27; v. Taylor Kelley, $1,637.27

Money Matters Professional Collections LLC v. Emily Ramos, Daniel Ramos, zero; v. Isis A. Short, $322.43

Civil Collections

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

presiding:

LVNV Funding LLC v. Sylvia Aguirre, $956.29

Capital One NA v. Brittany E. Aleman, $7,299.92

Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Albert J. Araujo, Randi H. Araujo, $18,335.81; v. Kama Grubb, $14,776.82

CommunityWide Federal Credit Union v. Kelsie Davis, $8,034.97

Discover Bank v. Emily Hilliard, $10,713.84; v. Juan G. Pedraza, $4,078.19

Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Erica L. Lehman, $3,808.93

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. Larita Mason, $1,272.08

Crown Asset Management LLC v. Chante Salas, $1,821.165

Bank of America NA v. Steven M. Smith, $3,956.66

Citibank NA v. Mark A. Snyder, $3,532.85

Synchrony Bank v. John Waters, $2,721.27

Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Sherri Makinson v. Bridget Carr, Jeremy Flores, $4,611; v. Adam Overmeyer, $3,183.57; v. Aaron Roberts, $4,083.57

Culver Development Corp. v. Antonio Medina, Juana Ortiz, $3,672.37

Michaels Management, Affordable LLC d/b/a Heron Preserve II Apartments v. Joshua Miller, $8,469.61

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions

Goshen, Amanda Hartsell, Freeland, Mich., and Adam Stump, Wakarusa; 11 grandchildren; siblings, Diana Gall, Nashville, Tenn., Denise Graber, Bristol, Raymond Ely Jr., Cape Coral, Fla., James Ely, Nappanee, Nancy Sharpe, Cassopolis, Mich., David Ely, Goshen, Elizabeth Smith, Osceola, and Carolyn Allen, Phoenix, Ariz.; and mother-inlaw, Arlene Stump, Wakarusa.

Services were held Feb. 24 at Bible Baptist Church, Wakarusa. Burial was in South Union Cemetery. Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, was in charge of arrangements.

Gregory Charles Tann

Gregory Charles Tann, 68, Warsaw, formerly of Beaver Dam Lake, died at 11:41 a.m. Feb. 14, 2024.

He was born Oct. 4, 1955.

He is survived by numerous lake friends.

Services were held Feb. 17 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron. Private burial was in Grant Memorial Park, Marion.

Melissa Ann Triplett

Melissa Ann Triplett, 52, Kimmell, died at 7:35 p.m. Feb. 20, 2024.

She was born April 8, 1971. She mar-

have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner

presiding:

Speeding — Eric A. Eikenberry, Rochester, $164.50; Zoey A. Young, Leesburg, $164.50; Makaila M. Boxley, Warsaw, $164.50; Kaleb J. Elliott, Argos, $164.50; Ryan S. Campbell, Etna Green, $164.50; Leslie N. Kaiser, Rochester, $164.50

Unsafe start — Duane K. Hammond, Akron, $164.50

Stopping or parking in fire lane — Samuel E. Hoffman, Warsaw, $164.50

Disregarding stop sign — Coby M. Martin, Warsaw, $160.50; Collin J. Wallace, Warsaw, $164.50; Andrea N. Chavers, Warsaw, $164.50

Failure to renew registration, off-road or snowmobile — Stephen L. Strain, Mentone, $164 Owner allows dog to stray beyond owner’s premises — Gustavo C. Sandoval, Leesburg, $25 Driving while suspended — Alissa A. Drummond, Warsaw, $189.50

No valid driver’s license — Antoine Destina, Warsaw, $164.50

Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility

Kimberly H. Hernandez Mondragon, Warsaw, $189.50

ried Tom Bays in the 1980s. On Aug. 8, 2023, she married Chris Stover; he survives.

She is also survived by a daughter, Sarah Lucas, Pierceton; two grandchildren; her mother, Mattie Triplett, Garrett, Ky.; siblings, Jennifer Miller, Milford, Matthew Triplett, Vanlear, Ky., Michael Triplett, Garrett, Ky., and Andy Triplett, Milford; nieces and nephews; a great-niece; a great-nephew; mother-inlaw, Georgianna Stover, Kimmell; and brothers-in-law, Ronny Combs, Auburn, Joe Combs, Kimmell, and Eulice Combs, Corunna.

A celebration of life will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier. In keeping with her wishes, cremation will take place and her ashes will be scattered at Sunset Beach, Marathon, Fla.

Paula Vargas

Paula Vargas, 84, Ligonier, died Feb. 17, 2024.

She was born June 25, 1939. On Dec. 6, 1959, she married Jose Vargas; he survives.

Also surviving are her children,

Marriage Licenses

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

Jervis-Heid

Lance Michael Jervis, 34, Pierceton, and Alicia Nicole Heid, 33, Pierceton

Brower-Hallmeyer

James Edward Brower, 71, Leesburg, and Emiliana Rochelle Morales Hallmeyer, 23, Leesburg

Housel-Fisher

Kendra Sue Housel, 26, Winona Lake, and Joshua Davis Fisher, 22, Warsaw

Thomas-Hall

Shaun Michael Thomas, 42, Syracuse, and Arika Lea Hall, 36, Syracuse

Pontious-Ford

Justin Harry Pontious, 33, Silver Lake, and Chantel Eve Ford, 32, Silver Lake

Komdeur-Maganto

Henry David Komdeur, 58, Leesburg, and Jehane Abulayan Maganto, 44, Leesburg

Arturo Vargas and Ricardo Vargas, both of Goshen, Bernice Landeros, Ligonier, and Samuel Vargas, Summerville, S.C.; 13 grandchildren; 16 greatgrandchildren; and brothers, Carlos De Los Santos, Arizona, Samuel De Los Santos and Jose De Los Santos, both of Texas.

Services were held Feb. 20 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier.

Robert Lee Vickery

Robert “Bob” Lee Vickery, 80, Warsaw, died Feb. 10, 2024.

He was born April 15, 1943. On Dec. 14, 2006, he married Ellen M. (Covert) Landis; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Scot Vickery, Anderson, Brian Vickery, Warsaw, and Fred Kreps, Pierceton; stepsons, Timothy Fred Benge, Nocoma, Texas, and Terrance Lee Benge, Flanagan, Ill.; daughters, Tammy Wholford, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Angela Vickery, Warsaw, and Teresa Purvis, Texas; 16 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Joseph Vickery, Fort Wayne, and Daniel Vickery, Muncie; and sister, Nadine Mowery, North Webster.

Services were held Feb. 14 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.

Erich Douglas Walls

Erich Douglas Walls, 56, Chesterton, died Feb. 15, 2024.

He was born June 29, 1967. On June 29, 1991, he married Deborah “Debbie” Hueter; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Connor M. Walls, Seattle, Wash., and Morgan Walls, Chesterton; sister, Kimberly Walls, Santa Rosa, Calif.; an uncle; three nieces; a nephew; and several cousins. A celebration of life service will be

held at a later date by the family. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the care of Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, Chesterton.

Danny B. Willard

Danny B. Willard, 83, North Manchester, died Feb. 21, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Richard E. Wilson

Richard E. “Dick” Wilson, 77, Pierceton, died Feb. 19, 2024.

He was born Oct. 23, 1946.

Surviving are his children, Becky VanOsdol, Charleston, S.C., Samantha Newsome, Mentone, and Rick Wilson, Indianapolis; stepson, Jacob Shock, Warsaw; stepdaughters, Lacey Rodgers, North Manchester, Raven Wilson, Redkey, and Gannon Wilson, Columbia City; 11 grandchildren; nine greatgrandchildren; brother, Merl Wilson, North Manchester; many nieces and nephews; and his ex-wife, Virginia Wilson, Warsaw.

Services were held Feb. 28 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Burial was in Graceland Cemetery, Claypool.

Rodney G. Wright

Rodney G. “Smoke Stack” Wright, 56, rural Akron, died at 7:10 p.m. Feb. 19, 2024.

He was born June 2, 1967.

He is survived by his life partner, Carrie Simpson, Akron; sisters, Sharon Heckaman, Silver Lake, Shelly Davison, Arizona, and Brenda Lester, Noblesville; brothers, Bruce Hogue and Royce Wright, both of Akron; sister-in-law, Janet Wright; and several nieces and nephews. Following his wishes, no service will be held at this time.

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P ublic A uctions

Public Farm Auction

9 a.m. Saturday, March 2. Located at 5170 S. CR 400W, Topeka. Eight horses, one pony. Buggies, harnesses, eveners, farm equipment, butcher supplies, shop tools, lawn and garden, antiques, furniture and kitchen appliances. J & S Auctions.

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Real Estate Auction

Bid until 4 p.m. Monday, March

4. Property located at 9027 W. CR 800N, Nappanee. Parcel 1: 3 acres. Three-bed, 2 3/4-bath house, barn, insulated barn and garden shed. Parcel 2: 4 acres bare land. Inspections by appointment with auctioneers. To bid or get bidding updates, call Chupp Auctions at (260) 499-0216 or (260) 499-0093. More information and photos available at auctionzip.com. Chupp Auctions.

Market Monday Online Auction

Bid now through 5 p.m. Monday, March 4. Bank collection, toys, Pyrex and glassware, antiques and primitives, furniture, tools, household and more. Pickup Tuesday, March 5 by appointment only,

located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Bidding, full catalog and photos at metzgerauction.com.

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Online High Quality Glass Auction

Bid now through 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 4. Stained glass and oil lamps, retro, slag, art glass, hand-painted porcelain, pottery, figurines and more. Pickup Tuesday, March 5 by appointment only, located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Bidding, full catalog and photos at metzgerauction. com. Metzger Property Services. Real Estate Auction

6 p.m. Tuesday, March 5. Located at 9321 N. 850E, Syracuse, across from Tri-County Fish & Wildlife. Five-bed, 2 1/2-bath house and pole barn on 8 acres. More information available at hahnrealtyandauction.com. Hahn Auctioneers.

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9 a.m. Saturday, March 9. Located at 101 Maple St., Millersburg. Forklift, 40’ containers, racking hoppers, office equipment, new boxes, new furniture, mirrors,

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6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12. Located at Millersburg Town Hall, 201 W. Washington St., Millersburg. Property located at 10751 CR 146, Millersburg. Forty acres in five varied parcels. Parcel 1: House, barn, outbuildings and 10.5 acres. Parcel 2: 9.5 acres bare land. Parcel 3: 6.7 acres bare land. Parcel 4: 4.3 acres bare land. Tract 5: 9 acres bare land. More information and photos available at hahnauctionandrealty.com. Hahn Auctioneers. Lake Wawasee/Syracuse Lake

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11 a.m. Saturday, March 16. Located at 5833 Pickwick Dr., Syracuse. Channel front property, 3-bed, 2-bath, featuring 2-car garage and and enclosed porch overlooking channel. Open house 4-6 p.m. Monday, March 4. Hahn Auctioneers.

Evangelism training set for March 2

“Conversations,” a training on evangelism sponsored by the Gideons International WarsawWinona Camp, will be held Saturday, March 2.

The training will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at The Sal-

vation Army, 501 E. Arthur St., Warsaw.

The event is free and sponsored in cooperation with the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association. “Conversations” gives a

three-part presentation on an “effective methodology for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ,” according to a news release.

For more information, call (574) 268-7697.

Interra recognizes three President’s Award winners

Three Interra Credit Union employees were honored at a recent all-staff development day by manager, chief executive officer, Amy Sink. Those who received the award include senior vice president, agribusiness lender, Jason Golden; assistant vice president, manager retail branch, Nicole Henschen; and assistant vice president, senior software engineer lead, Brad Hochstedler.

The President’s Award program was formed in 2018 as an initiative to honor Interra employees who have demonstrated outstanding performance over the past year and embody the culture and values of the credit union.

Last year, 10 Champions of Excellence were added to the program to highlight additional employees who made contributions and developments to the past year.

This year’s Champions of Ex-

AMY SINK

cellence include: mortgage closer team leader, Sherri Borkholder; member relations specialist III, Casey Briano; assistant vice president, senior financial analyst, Heather Cripe; associate, internal communications and engagement consultant, Katie Heckathorn; vice president, manager business lending, Randy Lehm-

an; digital services specialist I, Skylar Lehman; assistant vice president, manager retail branch, Rachel Martin; fraud specialist II, Christine Morris; assistant vice president, manager retail branch, Jackie Powell; and member relations team leader, Emily Rockenbaugh.

The President’s Award and Champions of Excellence winners were selected from nominations submitted by their peers and other employees within the organization with whom they work and volunteer outside the community.

“Not only do all the nominations make me proud to be the leader of Interra Credit Union, but they show me the strength, knowledge and dedication these employees have to make the credit union thrive,” Sink said.

The President’s Award winners will be honored at a special event in March with the executive team and board of directors.

TWF announces new leadership

The Watershed Foundation has announced the appointment of officers to the executive committee and the introduction of new board members for the 2024 term.

John O’Neill, a dedicated advocate for environmental stewardship, has been appointed the president of the board of directors, bringing a wealth of experience to lead the organization forward.

Serving alongside O’Neill, Aggie Sweeney will assume the role of vice president, contributing her expertise to support the foundation’s mission.

The executive committee will maintain continuity with Ryan Drake serving as secretary and Alex Hall as treasurer. Their commitment and dedication to The Watershed Foundation’s goals ensure the smooth operation of the organization.

In an effort to expand the depth of representation, two outstanding individuals have been appointed as at-large representatives to the executive committee.

Walt Hessler of Loon Lake and Stacie Schlichtenmyer of Pike Lake will bring their unique perspectives to the leadership team.

Furthermore, the organiza-

tion welcomes Mikie Crate to the TWF Board of Directors for her inaugural term. Her passion for environmental causes and commitment to community engagement align seamlessly with the values of The Watershed Foundation.

The Watershed Foundation is excited about the incoming leadership and board members, confident that their diverse skills and backgrounds will contribute significantly to the continued success of the organization in preserving and enhancing the water quality of lakes and surrounding ecosystems.

Frantz, Shively, Parker, Gough and FFA members recognized by Kosciusko County SWCD

Text and Photos

By DEB PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief

Tom Parker, Robert Frantz, Dave Shively and Emily Gough along with four high school FFA members were recognized at the 67th annual Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District meeting Tuesday, Feb. 21.

The high school soil judging awards were presented to Hayden Stookey and Lindsay Peterson from Tippecanoe Valley and Wyatt Schafer and Jace Beer from Wawasee High School. The award recognizes four top high school soil judgers in the county in 2023.

Parker, Claypool, was awarded the River Friendly Farmer Award. He has implemented cover crops, no-till, nutrient management, pest management, a manure storage facility and a mortality facility on his approximately 384 acres of cropland and poultry operation.

Frantz, Warsaw, was awarded the Conservation Farmer Award. He has adopted and maintained cover crops, nutrient management and no-till on his 384 acres of cropland for many years.

Shively, Claypool, was presented the Environmental Enhancement Award. He has established over 100 acres of wildlife habitat on his properties. Practices include tree plantings, pollinator

planting, food plots and wetland restorations.

Gough, Warsaw High School Environmental Science teacher, was presented the Conservation Teacher of the Year award. This award celebrates the dedication and commitment of educators who go above and beyond to instill a deep appreciation for the natural world in students. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to environmental education.

The annual meeting includes the election of district supervisors. This year there was one vacancy. Luke Mullet and Ben Schlipf were nominees. Mullet was elected for a threeyear term, replacing Jamie Scott who retired.

Mullet was raised and now lives on the family farm, northwest of Clunette raising corn, soybeans and hay. He farms with his brother Mark and has used his conservation practicees such as no-till and cover crops. For over four years, Mullet has been an associate supervisor in the district helping with many events, particularly the rafting and farmer breakfast.

Schlipf, who grew up near Milford, helped his father on the family farm before going to Purdue University and earning a degree in ag engineering. He spent 10 years in Illinois designing precision engineering equip-

ment. He returned to the county and works full time as the technical lead with his family precision farming business. Schlipf lives in Warsaw with his wife and three dogs.

Canoe Racing

And Conservation

Matt Meersman, who leads the St. Joseph River Basin Commission, was the guest speaker. While he touched briefly on his position on the commission, the focus of his presentation was on his second profession as a competitive canoe racer.

Meersman, who won the Ausable Canoe Race from Grayling, Mich., to Oscoda, Mich., in 2021 and holds the current race record of 13 hours 54 minutes 9 seconds, spoke of his passion.

“I’m gonna try to put work on the back burner and talk to you about me and my real passion, which is this crazy sport of canoe racing,” stated Meersman.

“Most people have never heard of such a thing. The idea of getting in a canoe and paddling 70 strokes a minute for hours on end sounds completely insane to most people,” he added.

Meersman stated canoe racing has changed his life and unleashed exciting things. He grew up near the St. Joe river, ”I always loved playing outside. The river was always fascinating to me.”

He entered his first race, be-

lieving it was going down the river. These races are up river. He started training 5-5:30 each morning. By the third day he was hooked, “it was starting my day on the water … sun coming up, birds and the turtles, all the things that attracted me to going out there in the first place.

“It’s just become a lifestyle, getting out there and moving through space. … what’s this have to do with conservation?” Meersman noted the sustainability, resilience, extending resources, all of which is what conservation is about.

He shed some light on the race itself, which starts at night, goes for 120 miles and usually last 14-15 hours. There are pit crews who wade into the river out to the canoeists to provide nourishment every two hours.

Meersman, who had his carbon fiber canoe and paddles displayed, noted while there is a large purse for the winners, it is

not a lucrative sport.

Additionally he stated how the sport has taken him to far flung places and his experiences in races in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

He did speak about his position. “… if you care about the lake/water, you have to think about the land that’s draining to that water, you can’t fix the problem of the lake just tinkering around the lake. …”

He noted there is a disconnect that land and water are separate. “There is no separation between land and the water, when it comes to its character, how it behaves, its exactly a representation what is going on the land

“What I do for work … all these touch water. We try to work on improving the management, coordinating planning … mostly monitoring and studying the resources to hopefully make better more informed decision about our resources.”

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CONSERVATION FARMER AWARD Jamie Scott, left, presented Robert Frantz with the Conservation Farmer Award at the annual Kosciusko SWCD meeting.

The Vikings are rounding into form with a 4-1 record in the month of January and a 3-0 start in February. Tippecanoe Valley will enter sectional 18, a sectional it hosts, as a sectional favorite. The Vikings are 3-0 against sectional opponents.

Coach Joe Luce is in his second season at Tippy and has won sectional titles at previous coaching jobs in Marion, Richmond and Jeffersonville.

It has been five years since Tippecanoe Valley has won a sectional dating back to 2019. The Vikings have one regional title in the history of its program in 2000.

Junior Ian Cooksey leads the team with 13.9 points per game through mid-February. Sophomore Stephen Akase is right there with Cooksey with 13.8 points per game. Senior Riley Shepherd also scores in double-digits with 12.7 points per game.

Cooksey leads the Vikings in 3-pointers with over 50 made this season at over 40 percent shooting. Akase leads the team in rebounds with over eight boards a game.

Sophomore Davis Cowan leads the Vikings in assists with over four a game.

After an 0-2 start, Tippecanoe Valley has rattled off a 13-4 record from that moment on to Valentine’s Day.

Tippy Valley has defeated sectional foes during the regular season in John Glenn, Bremen and Knox. Only Culver Academy is not on the regular season schedule from the sectional.

The class 3A Vikings have had multiple winning streaks this season playing a schedule that includes Class 4A teams.

Tippecanoe Valley will host its sectional with a round one game on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Semifinals begin on Friday, March 1.

High point of the season: Tippecanoe Valley rattled off 150 points in a two-game span with routs of Wheeler and Rochester in December.

Low point of the season: It was challenging start for the Vikings with two losses to begin the season against Mishawaka and Fort Wayne South back in November.

DEONDRE

IAN

STEPHEN

VIKINGS

WES

Lakeland Christian Academy

Young Lakeland Christian Academy looking to flip the switch

The Cougars enjoyed a dominant 19-6 season last year but with the graduation of seniors Seth Martin and Alex Cook, who combined to average 32.5 points per game for the Cougars, a down year was expected. Lakeland Christian Academy enters the middle of February at a 3-16 record.

Taylor Long is in his second year with the school as the Cougars have yet to win a sectional title in their 11 seasons at Winona Lake where they were eligible for the postseason.

Ben Jackson and Nate Reimink join Martin and Cook as a talented senior class the Cougars had to replace this season. A young team with no seniors is what Lakeland Christian has to offer in 2023-24. Junior Michah Martin leads the way with 17.1 points per game this year. Martin is averaging almost 12 points more per game from his sophomore season.

Junior Joshiah Rice is the second and only other Cougar to average double-figures this season at 10.6 points per game. Rice is averaging seven points more per game from his sophomore year.

The young Cougars had growing pains quickly, losing their first seven games. Of the three victories, two came against Clinton Christian, a school that is still working towards eligibility for postseason events in the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Lakeland Christian has only scored 50 points in just four games through mid-February and two of those came against Clinton Christian.

The good news for the Cougars is they did beat a sectional opponent in Lakewood Park on Feb. 1, 52-43. The two teams met in sectionals last season with Lakeland Christian Academy coming away with a 50-34 win in the sectional opener a year ago.

The Cougars nearly defeated a Class 2A team in South Bend Career Academy as they forced overtime before falling 45-42 on Feb. 9.

Play begins in Sectional 51 on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Bethany Christian.

High point of the season: Lakeland Christian Academy defeated sectional foe Lakewood Park 52-43 in Feb. 1.

Low point of the season: The Cougars began the year going 1-13.

ETHAN GAFF

JADEN MONEYHEFFER

JASHAWN ZIELASKO

JOSIAH RICE

NOAH HIGHAM

Fairfield riding momentum into Lakeland sectional

The Fairfield Falcons will enter sectionals with the most regular season wins it has obtained in a year since 2018. With a 16-4 record at press time, Fairfield will have no issue with confidence heading into Sectional 20 at Lakeland.

The Falcons have rattled off a 7-1 record in the Northeast Corner Conference by Valentine’s Day and have made up for the 5-5 mark last year.

Fairfield coach Derek Hinen is in his third year at the school and is searching for the elusive sectional title the falcons have not achieved since the 2017 season.

While the Falcons have enjoyed a winning season, Fairfield is just 1-3 against Sectional 20 foes. The Falcons lost at West Noble 56-46 on Jan. 26. Defending sectional champion NorthWood defeated Fairfield 36-21 on Dec. 9. The 21 points scored in the game were a season low for the Falcons.

Fairfield opened the season at home with a 47-43 loss to Wawasee, another sectional opponent. A 55-40 win against Lakeland is the only victory against a sectional opponent.

The Falcons have a full team of seniors in Carson Smith, Tyson Frey, Alex Hofer, Mitchell Miller, Noah Mast and Ezekiel Yoder.

Fairfield had success in multiple tournaments in the middle of the season. The Falcons rattled off a 2-0 record at the Parkview Sports Medicine Shootout at Trine University against Class 4A teams from Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne Northrop and Fort Wayne North just prior to Christmas. In January, Fairfield went 4-0 in the Northeast Corner Conference Tournament.

The first game of sectionals begin on Thursday, Feb. 27, with semifinals underway on Friday, March 1. The Falcons will look to change their luck in sectional openers as they have lost their first postseason game in five of the last six years.

High point of the season: Winning the Northeast Corner Conference Tournament in convincing fashion from Jan. 9 to Jan. 13. The Falcons won all four games by double-figures.

Low point of the season: Fairfield scored just 21 points against defending sectional champion NorthWood on Dec. 9, in a 36-21 loss. This makes NorthWood a clear favorite in sectional 20 and Fairfield as an underdog coming in.

ALEX HOFER

BRANT GRABER

CARSON SMITH

COLE KNIGHT

ELIJAH MILLER

MITCHELL MILLER

NOAH MAST

Warsaw ready to take on a rough sectional field

Sectional four at Elkhart might be the most challenging sectional in the area and the strength of the Warsaw Tigers is a big reason why. Warsaw has a 15-5 record prior to press time with wins over numerous, quality teams.

Coach Matt Moore is in his fourth year with the Tigers after stops at Kokomo and Fishers. While Moore has yet to win a sectional title, he has secured a winning season in all four seasons at Warsaw.

The 2023-24 campaign features a young team with Luke Yeager as the lone senior for the Tigers. Listed at 6’8” Yeager is the man called upon to lead the team in the paint and also rebounding and shot blocking.

Junior guard Luke Bricker is the player teams have been trying to contain on the perimeter as a key scoring threat for the Tigers. Other typical starters include junior Robbie Finlinson, Brandt Martin and Carson Gould. Out of the 12 players on the varsity roster, a total of 10 are juniors.

Warsaw has picked up wins against Class 4A programs with winning records in Columbia City, Homestead, Northridge, Penn and Chesterton. Warsaw also won at Class 3A defending state champion NorthWood, 35-34, on Jan. 26.

The Tigers will take a 4-1 record against sectional

foes into the postseason. The lone loss was a 56-45 defeat at Concord on Jan. 19.

The Tigers are seeking their first sectional title since the 2017 season. Sectional play will begin at Elkhart on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and semifinals will be Friday, March 1.

High point of season: Defeating Penn on the road, the defending sectional champion, in overtime on Jan. 9, 5653, sent a message that the Tigers can win the sectional.

Low point of the season: A difficult loss for Warsaw was the 56-51 defeat to fellow NLC foe Wawasee on Dec. 15. The loss would end up taking the Tigers out of the running for an NLC title.

CARSON GOULD

REED NELSON

WARSAW BENCH

LUKE

WARSAW

Triton Trojans keep the wins coming as sectional nears

Winning basketball has been in abundant supply in Bourborn, where the Triton Trojans have not had a losing season since the 2018-19 season. The 2023-24 season has been no exception to the success on the hardwood with a 14-4 record at press time.

Coach Jason Groves is in his 19th season at the school where he has guided his Trojans to a Class A state championship in 2008. Groves has also coached his team to three additional semistate championships in his tenure and a total of nine sectional championships.

The 2023-24 iteration of the Trojans are young with just one senior in Jacob Pitney. The junior class has to carry the weight with seven players in Dante’ Workman, Caden Large, Wayne Reichart, Ben McFarland, Tanner Witt-Hoyo, Isaiah Vaca and Brandt Blackford.

Triton began the season 6-0 with wins over larger, Class 2A schools in South Bend Career, Pioneer and Winamac.

The Trojans have won sectionals recently in 2021 and 2022 as Triton is seeking its third sectional in four years.

The Trojans will be confident with a 4-0 record against sectional foes prior to press time. Triton has defeated Oregon-Davis twice and picked up wins against Argos and Trinity Greenlawn. All four wins were by double-digits.

The offense for the Trojans is peaking at the right time with over 50 points per game in the first five games in the month of February. This includes a season-high 66 points against Rochester on Feb. 13.

Another bit of good news for Triton is that it hosts sectional 50 this season. A total of seven teams are in the sectional in Triton, Argos, Marquette Catholic, Culver, Oregon-Davis, Westville and Trinity Greenlawn with play beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

High point of the season: Triton earned a 59-41 win against Class 2A LaVille on Feb. 9. The victory virtually assured Triton at least a share of the Hoosier North Conference.

Low point of the season: Triton suffered its first loss at home this season to Class A Elkhart Christian Academy 58-67.

CADEN LARGE

DANTE’ WORKMAN

ISSAC QUINTANA

TANNER WITT-HOYO

TRITON BENCH

WAYNE REICHART

NorthWood looks to defend state championship title

Coming off a 28-win campaign that resulted in a Class 4A state championship, this year’s NorthWood High School basketball team knew it would have a tough act to follow. Losing three starters and a key reserve to graduation meant there would be many minutes to fill by this year’s squad of Panthers.

Veteran head coach Aaron Wolfe has relied heavily on two returning starters in senior Ethan Wolfe and junior Tyler Raasch, while mixing in a combination of former reserves and junior varsity players. Joining the starting rotation were seniors Keegin Stats, Owen Roeder and Seth Russell.

The Panthers utilized a shallow rotation, with seniors Grant Miller and Jack Zercher, along with sophomore Mason Pearson, being the only players to receive notable time.

This year’s Panther squad finished 4-3 in the roughand-tumble Northern Lakes Conference, placing them in a fourth-place tie alongside Warsaw, but trailing Mishawaka, Concord and Northridge.

As of press time, scoring leaders for the campaign were Raasch with 15.3 and Wolfe with 14.6 per contest. Raasch

also led the team in rebounds with 8.0. Stats dished out 2.6 assists per game while Wolfe chipped in with 2.2. The team held a 13-7 overall mark with two games left to play.

The Panthers have shot 48.2% from the field as a team, including 34.7% from beyond the arc, while holding their opponents to 38.7% and 28.1% in the same categories. A 210-154 point advantage has resulted in an average score of 46.8-42.1. NorthWood also held a slight edge in total rebounds, 479-469.

NorthWood enters the Sectional 20 at Lakeland as favorites, having gone 4-0 against the sectional field during the regular season, outscoring them by a combined 210154. The closest game was a Jan. 5 contest at Wawasee, which was a 56-53 Panther victory.

High point of the season: NorthWood earned a nice win over NLC and county rival Northridge, 59-57, back on Jan. 11.

Low point of the season: A tough loss to Tindley, 5956, a Class A program, prevented NorthWood from having a chance to win the Bob Wettig Tournament in the middle of the season at Richmond.

ISSAC BELL

NORTHWOOD CHEER

RYDER RANSBERGER

TYLER RAASCH

Wawasee seeking to peak at the right time

The Wawasee Warriors have not won a sectional title since 2010 but the Warriors have shown they are capable of competing against any team on its schedule. The Warriors knocked off county rival Warsaw back on Dec. 15 at the Tigers, 56-51, for the highlight of the season.

Coach Lou Lefevre is in his first year coaching the Warriors after stops at North Harrison, Tipton and Providence. He has won six sectional titles and two regional championships in his time coaching teams across the state. The Warriors have one regional in program history in 2005.

The Warriors have lost to Northern Lakes Conference rival NorthWood in sectionals each of the last four years.

Wawasee Bowl

Wawasee competed with NorthWood in the regular season matchup on Jan. 5, in a 56-53 defeat.

While Wawasee began the season 4-2 the Warriors were 6-14 by the mid-February. The good news is three losses came in overtime and two other defeats were within one possession.

The team has had to deal with the adversity of their top two scorers being out of the lineup for stretches. Senior Collin Ziebarth missed two games in December due to illness. Junior Maddux Everingham missed two and a half games in February after injuring his jaw against Northridge on Feb. 1.

Ziebarth scored a career-high 40 points against

Elkhart Christian on Feb. 6.

The Warriors are 2-2 against sectional opponents and lost to sectional host Lakeland 69-67 on Jan. 27. Wawasee will look to reverse those losses when sectionals begin Feb. 27, with semifinals on March 1. Wawasee plays in Sectional 20 at Lakeland.

High point of the season: Wawasee defeated Warsaw on road 56-51 leading to a court storm by the Wawasee student section. The Warriors were efficient from three in the win shooting 75 percent from outside the arc.

Low point of the season: Wawasee lost to Central Noble on Dec. 20, 68-48 in a game where the Warriors fell behind early and was not able to cut into the deficit.

SR 13 South Syracuse (574)

Team

COLLIN ZIEBARTH

DARIUS LEWIS

WAWASEE STUDENT SECTION