the Paper - June 5, 2024

Towns around Kosciusko County take an interest in downtown revitalization

Text and Photos

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

“The downtown is the heartbeat of a town, and, I like to say, the front door to the city,” said Terry Sweeney, the new downtown development director for Main Street Warsaw.

Indeed, the downtown is often the oldest part of a community, around which other developments spring up over the years. It functions as an economic, civic and cultural center for a town.

In recognition of the downtown’s importance, Main Street Warsaw was first formed by a

group of business people as the Warsaw Community Development Corporation in 1980. Common concerns of the time were vacant buildings, dilapidated storefronts, parking and traffic flow. Since then, downtown development has been a continuous process.

“Development and revitalization is never done,” explained Sweeney, whose hiring was announced by the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce earlier this month. Before coming to Warsaw, he had worked in downtown management in Indianapolis, Lexington, Ky., and Corpus Christi, Texas.

When it comes to plans for Warsaw, Sweeney said, “anything that will come about as we move forward will have basis. Some will have basis in the recently completed HyettPalma plan, as well as portions of the Critical Corridors plan.”

HyettPalma, Inc. conducted a study on the downtown area in 2002, then again in 2023 to look at what had been accomplished and what could be improved. Some main points of the recent HyettPalma study include attracting businesses, encouraging mixed use of buildings, adding multi-family housing, refreshing the streetscape and

improving parking.

“The county’s looking at a parking garage. I think you’ll see some really significant steps taken here over the next 12 to 24 months that will change how downtown operates from a parking perspective,” said Sweeney.

A comprehensive outline of the study and its vision for downtown can be found online at warsaw.in.gov.

Warsaw is not the only town looking to improve. Elsewhere in the county, Syracuse is in the process of starting its own Main Street organization for next year.

Town Manager David Wilkinson explained the reasoning behind

this interest in downtown revitalization.

“Years ago, the development of towns and cities left the downtown and became part of what they call ‘urban sprawl.’ People moved out into the suburbs, away from the downtown, and then all the stores followed them and built on the outskirts of town. Shopping destinations became periphery to the town centers and so town centers, the local shops, were suffering as a result. There was a revitalization awhile back trying to restore the downtowns, that’s kind of where the Main Street organization came from,” Wilkinson said.

POINTING THE

is a way-finding

that points people in the direction of

and other noteworthy destinations. Other communities, like

and

are looking to implement these for better navigation to and around their own downtown areas. Continued on page 2

DOWN ON MAIN STREET Milford’s Main Street is located a few blocks off of the busy SR 15, so directing people to it proposes something of a challenge.

IDEAS ON THE TABLE Milford’s Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall, left, attends a downtown development committee meeting with Made on Main owner, Angie Deak, Milford Town Council President Doug Ruch, and Olivia Nix of the Michiana Area Council of Governments. The committee has discussed revitalizing their small downtown through beautification, facade grants and way-finding signs.

PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY Airika Houser, right, looks through some of Jasmine Penn’s wares at a sidewalk pop-up outside the Elysian Co. boutique in downtown Warsaw. Wider, more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks — a downtown development goal for some area communities — are meant to allow for activity such as this.

WAY — Pictured

sign

downtown Warsaw

Milford

Syracuse,

Director of communication highlights happenings at Warsaw Schools

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“I was a special ed teacher for nine years and really enjoyed having hands-on with my students in the classroom,” stated Krista Polston, Warsaw.

“When I began at Warsaw Community School Corporation I was working at the central office as the grant coordinator. I enjoyed working with partners in the community. But I also enjoy the area of communications and educational leadership. January of 2023, I transitioned over to Director of Communication and Strategic Partnerships. My goal is to highlight the happenings in our thirteen school buildings, and to reach out to partners in the community.”

Polston received her bachelor’s degree in special education and early childhood development at Ball State University.

“My original intention was to work in special education with preschoolers. I ended up in a school classroom.” She went on to get a master’s degree in general education, also from Ball State. “I received my MBA in educational leadership and my educational specialist degree from Indiana State University.”

Being a student at Warsaw High School, Polston credits her love of writing to two of her

favorite teachers. “Dr. Hoffert, who is now my boss, was my history teacher. Jim Gilmore was another of my history teachers. I did a lot of writing in those two classes and loved it. I also did a lot of writing in my special education classroom with reports and other paperwork I needed to fill out for the students.”

No two days are alike for Polston. “I do press releases and supervise the social media platforms. I also have a lot of meetings, especially in the strategic partnership area of my job.”

She wears many hats. “As a communicator I pass on news about what is happening at our schools for the community and the parents. After meeting with the principal, I go to work interviewing staff members or students and putting their stories together. I’m also the person who is alerted in a crisis situation. My job is to get the word out immediately.”

Along with writing articles, there’s a lot of photography that needs to be included. “I’ve taken a couple photography courses. Mostly the camera does the work for me.”

In the area of strategic partnerships, Polston travels out to the community. “I help connect partner organizations to our school corporation. For example, we do a lot of work with Zim-

mer Biomet. When we had our recent eclipse, the organization supplied special glasses for the students to watch the phenomenon at school. Bowen Center supplies some counseling for students and staff members. I’m also on the YMCA board. Reaching out to the organizations in the community is my job.”

Polston sometimes misses the hands-on work she did in the classroom. To remedy this, she has teamed up with Scott Green’s digital media class.

“This lightens my load and allows the students to actually do the work of interviewing, writing or videotaping. Scott and I supervise their work.”

Right now, the class is interviewing a bus driver, a custodian and a paraprofessional.

“These are some of the job slots we need filled at WCS. The kids highlight the jobs so future applicants can see how important and interesting they are.”

Polston and her husband Na-

than have two boys: Madox, 10 and Nash, 9. This past fall break the family took a cruise to the Bahamas.

MANY HATS –

Krista Polston is director of communication and strategic partnerships at Warsaw Community School Corporation. As director of communication, she passes on news about what is happening in the school corporation for the community and parents. As director of strategic partnerships, she connects partner organizations to WCS, such as Zimmer Biomet, that donated glasses for kids to view the recent eclipse at school. Photo provided by Krista Polston.

Towns around Kosciusko

Continued from page 1 the busy highway.”

The small town of Milford, population 1,614 at the 2020 census, is embarking on its own downtown journey. In April, a special committee of town officials and a few Main Street business owners formed to discuss using Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant funds to revitalize the downtown.

“Some of the ideas were beautifying the downtown with trees, making it very nice and inviting,” said Milford’s Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall, a member of the committee. Members have also discussed improving storefronts through a potential facade grant. Gall, who has lived in Milford for 20 years, mentioned she would like to see more inclusive and family-friendly eateries set up shop in downtown.

All three communities have discussed sidewalk improvements, namely making them wid-

er and more “pedestrian friendly” for walking and biking.

“That’s a more modern interpretation of how sidewalks should be. They used to just be pathways and now they’ve become more functional,” said Wilkinson.

“People like the idea of being able to walk. And you want to see that activity — walking, shopping, sightseeing,” said Sweeney.

Milford and Syracuse are also looking to improve navigation to their downtown areas by adding way-finding signs.

“One of the main issues is getting people to your downtown, no matter where it is,” Gall said. In Milford’s case, SR 15 runs through the town, leading some non-residents to believe that SR 15 is their Main Street. Their downtown, featuring the town hall, post office, library, auto parts store and two bars, is in fact a few blocks off

According to Wilkinson, Syracuse’s downtown features many restaurants but fewer retail stores. By adding more retail, improved sidewalks, better parking and navigation, the goal is to entice more people to stop and spend time in the downtown.

“If your downtown’s dead, your town is dead, essentially. ... You can get your big box stores and make money but that leaves a lot of dead spaces and dead buildings in the heart of the community. That does not bode well for people wanting to live there or shop there or anything else. Then, that cascades around to other taxing units, like schools,” Wilkinson said.

While downtown development has its enduring principles, it has also changed over time.

“It used to be that people followed jobs,” Sweeney recalled. “Jobs follow people now because people are so mobile. ... In a remote, post-COVID economic world, it’s even more so. So, having an asset like a downtown that really has that sense of place, opportunity, entertainment, gathering space, cultural destination, is really important. How do you create that so you’re the first choice, not the second or third choice?”

As downtown development continues, communities will keep asking these questions.

The Lilly Center For Lakes and Streams announces art contest winners

The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams has announced the winners of the 2023-24 art contest. Students in grades 4-12 from across Kosciusko County submitted their artwork of native plants, animals and landscapes for this year’s theme, “Memories at the Lake.”

This year’s winners are:

Sixth To Fourth Grades

• First Place: Claire Lindquist, “Hiking By The Marsh” (homeschool, fourth grade).

• Second Place: Adeline Eherenman, “Fishing On The Dock” (homeschool, fourth grade).

• Third Place: Jordan Zielasko, “The Bass” (Lakeland Christian Academy, fifth grade).

Seventh And Eighth Grades

• First Place: Aspen Stanley, “The Green Frog” (Edgewood Middle School, eighth grade).

• Second Place: Alexis Lynn Hollon, “Lilly Pads” (Lakeview Middle School, eighth grade).

win

• Third Place: Evelyn Oest, “Papakeechie Lake” (homeschool, seventh grade).

Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital to end outpatient medical oncology services

Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital announced Wednesday, May 29, that outpatient medical oncology services provided through the hospital’s LKH Cancer Center will end June 30.

Medical oncology involves treatment for certain types of cancers using medications, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to destroy and change tumors and cancer cells. Radiation oncology services will continue to be offered at this center and are not affected by this change. Radiation oncology is the treatment of cancers using radiation.

There are other medical oncology programs in the area, including Warsaw. Patients receiving medical oncology treatment at the LKH Cancer Center are being notified directly and provided with support to transition their care.

Patients with questions can call the information line at (574) 549-6990.

“We recognize the need to shift treatment to a different center may cause concern among our patients, and we want to quickly alleviate concerns. We will work with our patients and the other area treatment centers to make this transition as smooth as possible,” said Lynn Mergen, Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital

chief executive officer. “While we had hoped to continue this service indefinitely, we have been unable to secure a fulltime permanent medical oncologist to oversee management of this program. We are grateful to the team who has been supporting the delivery of high-quality care for many years.”

The organization is actively seeking transfer assignments and other roles within LKH and across the broader Lutheran Health Network for staff and providers affected by the change.

“Five

Ninth And 10th Grades

• First Place: Emma Morse, “Small Splashes” (Whitko High School, 10th grade).

•Second Place: Alena Hindbaugh, “I Spy With My Little Eye...” (Whitko High School, 10th grade).

•Third Place: Hannah Moore, “Memory From The Past” (Whitko High School, 10th grade). 11th and 12th Grades

• First Place: Monica Barboza, “Five More Minutes” (Warsaw Community High School, 11th grade).

• Second Place: Madalyn Dafforn, “Bond At The Pond” (Whitko High School, 12th grade).

• Third Place: Cassidy Skinner, “Oh, To Be A Fish” (Whitko High School, 11th grade).

The Grace College Art Department evaluates each piece on creativity, artistic merit, and representation of the theme. Cash prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third place winners from each grade category; first place receives $100, second place receives $75, and third place receives $50.

The winning artworks are now on display at the South Whitley Public Library and at The Alley in downtown Warsaw. They will also be printed on bookmarks and greetings cards.

The art contest is one of the Lilly Center’s education programs for K-12 students, as well as the Classroom Lake Experience, Lake Adventure Days and field trips. To sponsor the art contest or support K-12 educational programs in Kosciusko County, call (574) 372-5281.

For more information and contest details, visit lakes.grace.edu/ education/art-contest.

FIVE MORE MINUTES Warsaw 11th grader, Monica Barboza, took home a first-place

with her submission,

More Minutes.” Photo provided.

SMALL SPLASHES Whitko High School 10th grade student, Emma Morse, took home first place with her submission, “Small Splashes.” Photo provided.

M ilestones

Open house to celebrate Harts’ golden wedding anniversary

Fifty years ago, two lives became one “devoted to God and to each other. ... Two flames became one still aglow after a lifetime of love, joy and amazing adventures,” wrote the daughters of John and Becky Hart.

The Harts’ daughters invite others to join them and their family as they celebrate the 50th

wedding anniversary of their parents.

An open house in honor of the Harts will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at the Mentone Town Hall, 121 W. Main St., Mentone.

The couple request no gifts, just the presence of family and friends.

Trine University students complete spring degrees

Trine University students completed degrees at the end of the spring 2024 semester. The following area students completed their degrees:

• Conner Bale of Warsaw, earning a degree in civil engineering.

• Kyle Baumgartner of Warsaw, earning a degree in civil engineering.

• Amanda Dines of Etna Green, earning a degree in Master of Science with a major in criminal justice.

• Josiah Guerra of Warsaw, earning a degree in mechanical engineering.

• Ryan Harris of Warsaw,

earning a degree in mechanical engineering.

• Joseph Irons of Mentone, earning a degree in associate in business administration.

• Brayanna Kelly of Milford, earning a degree in psychology and criminal justice.

• Naresh Reddy Kusa of Warsaw, earning a degree in Master of Science in engineering management.

• Matthew Shoemaker of Leesburg, earning a degree in design engineering technology.

• Aundreya Wegener of Syracuse, earning a degree in elementary education/special ed dual licensure.

their milestone wedding anniversary with an open house June 9 in Mentone. Photo provided.

Warsaw senior wins four-year

Evan’s

golf caddie scholarship

Thomas Solloway, a senior at Warsaw Community High School, has been awarded the Western Golf Association’s Evan’s Scholarship.

The Evan’s Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition and housing scholarship.

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Solloway will attend Purdue University, West Lafayette, in this fall.

Solloway was awarded the golf caddie scholarship based upon a number of criteria.

The number of golf “loops” (rounds), his high school GPA, recommendation letters sent on his behalf, his school sports/club involvement, his community services and overall dedication and

Inc. Milford Community Building 11:00 am-4:00 pm puBlic welcome

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS, go to redcrossblood.org, or contact Kathy Bartman at The Papers, 574-658-4111 - ext. 2386 to schedule your blood donation appointment.

commitment to caddying at his home course, Tippecanoe Lake Country Club.

Solloway will be living in the Evan’s Scholar house on the campus of Purdue University with many fellow Evan’s Scholarship winners throughout Indiana and beyond. Solloway is the son of Jenny and Jay Solloway, Warsaw. Chick Evans in 1916 won, as an amateur, the U.S. Open championship and the U.S. Amateur golf championship in the same year. Evans started his golfing career as a caddie. With encouragement from his mother, Evans decided to give back to the sport by starting a scholarship for caddies to assist financially with their future collegiate endeavors. Participating Western Golf Association Evan’s Scholarship universities in the state of Indiana include Purdue University, Indiana University and University of Notre Dame.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY John and Becky Hart are shown on their wedding day 50 years ago. The couple will celebrate

SCHOLARSHIP WINNER Scholarship winner, Thomas Solloway, middle, is shown with Tippecanoe Lake Country Club members and Western Golf Association directors Tom Dormin, left, and Chris Hoke, right. Photo provided.

Grace College students, faculty showcased at Monroe Community Church Art Show in Grand Rapids

Grace College will exhibit 78 works by 19 students and three faculty members at the Monroe Community Church Art Show at Monroe Community Church, 1020 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids,Mich. The exhibit runs from May 4 to July 13 and will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to noon during Sunday services.

The exhibit’s theme is “Elements of Grace” and will feature pieces that correspond with the four natural elements: water, fire, wind, and earth.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to be invited to participate in this exhibit,” said Dr. Kim M. Reiff, co-dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and chair of the Grace College Department of Visual and Performing Arts and professor of visual art and design. “The students’ work will have significant exposure in Grand Rapids, a city known for promoting the arts.”

The show features students’ photography, drawing, painting and ceramics. Some artworks have been pulled from students’ existing portfolios, and others have been produced specifically for the event. The exhibit provides visual art students the opportunity to display their foundational training at Grace.

Grace College’s association with Monroe Community Church began in the fall of 2023 when the venue displayed Reiff’s

artwork as part of an art competition. Steve Fridsma, MCC’s art ministry leader, invited Grace College faculty and students to return and showcase their artwork in the church’s award-winning gallery space.

“The pieces in this exhibit demonstrate not only artistic skill but also wit and cleverness,” said Fridsma. “The show adorns and complements our building in a meaningful way. Our congregation and our guests will be blessed for the duration of this exhibit, and we are already discussing doing this again in the future.”

Malia Butler, a photography major and visual communication design minor of Dyer, is showcasing six of her photographs for the exhibit.

“I’m the most proud of my water-drop photos,” said Butler. “This is significant to me because it is my first time showing my work in an art exhibit.”

According to Reiff, each piece bears significance to the artist’s personality and values, particularly their Christian beliefs.

“In our program, students learn it is the elements of art and principles of design that provide the framework for creative expression,” said Reiff. “When students want to show their faith, I encourage them to make art, because every artwork is an autobiography. People will find you, and they’ll often find God.”

In addition to the weekly visiting hours, the show can be viewed during the Avenue for the Arts’ Third Thursdays. The next one is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20.

“Grand Rapids is known for its promotion of the arts,” said Reiff. “Potentially thousands of people will see Grace students’ work during its exhibition run. It’s an incredible opportunity for our students.”

The goal of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Grace is to equip graduates to communicate visually, possess professional skills and be able to analyze works from historical and contemporary cultural perspectives. Students learn to demonstrate excellence in cre-

ative work, which ultimately serves their calling as artists, Christians and professionals. For more information, contact

or email

Local students named to president’s list

The following local students were recently named to the president’s list of their respective colleges/universities: Trine University Bourbon — Jolie Groves, Lauren Snyder Leesburg — Matthew Shoemaker Ligonier — Luke Schermerhorn Milford — Brayanna Kelly

The Bell Memorial Public Library in Mentone has adventures planned for kids, teens and adults this summer.

The Egg Festival was unofficial kickoff to the library’s 2024 “The Adventure Begins at Your Library” summer programs.

Participants will get a chance to explore hidden natural gems in Kosciusko County with park adventures. The first event takes place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at Potawatomi Park and will also feature s’mores around the campfire.

A “Silly Safari” will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at Mentzer Park. “Messy Twister” will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Mentzer Park. Stop by the library for a full list

of adventures.

Free movies will be offered in the library’s newly air-conditioned conference room at 1 p.m. every Wednesday. You can munch on free popcorn while watching “Super Mario,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Dora” and more. Many prizes are available through the library’s summer reading challenges, including a Minecraft basket, Lego sets and S.T.E.M. activity kits. S.T.E.M. stands for science, technology, engineering and math. Plenty of prizes are available for teens and adults, too. You can visit the library’s front lobby to see all the goodies. Visit the library’s website at bell.lib.in.us for more information.

Nappanee —

Silver

—

Syracuse —

Aundreya Wegener Warsaw — Conner Bale, Kyle Baumgartner, Thomas Greene, Josiah Guerra, Ryan Harris, Morgan Howett, Abigail Sanner, Kyle Voirol, Colton Wampler Winona Lake — Jackson Reed

Mary Jane Miller Trust Scholarships Granted to Kosciusko County Students for… 2024

The Mary Jane Miller Scholarship Trust was established by

Mary Jane Miller of Warsaw to provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. Ms. Miller cared greatly for our county and community. Her ambition was to provide scholarships to high school seniors and college students residing in Kosciusko County.

Michael Valentine and Lake City Bank are co-trustees of the Mary Jane Miller Scholarship Trust. Applications are available each new year at the counselor’s office of all Kosciusko County high schools and at Lake City Bank, Wealth Advisory Group, 202 E. Center St. Warsaw, IN. Applications and additional information can also be found at www.lakecitybank.com/scholarships. Completed application packets will be collected before April 1st in consideration for the next academic year.

Please Congratulate

The 2024 Recipients Of The Mary Jane Miller Trust Scholarship

Wawasee

Other Recipients

Pole Barns Additions

Madalyn Loftis

Stone Shipley

Warsaw

McKale Hagg

Melaina Hawblirzel

Tippecanoe Valley

Kaylynn Miller

Anna Arter

Thomas Boggs

Abigail Bowers

Leina Helfers

Marissa Howett

Morgan Howett

Tiana Keene

Sara Peugh

Michael Ray

Keely Roe

Other Recipients (cont.)

Jackson Reed

Brooke Schroeder

Ethan Spencer

Joseph Springer

Abigail Stevens

Jackson Stover

Elena Sullivan

Trace Stookey

Macy Wayne Nehemiah Wright

ART INSTALLATION — From left Hannah Tate, Sallie Hoy, Janae Wise, Tawn Kizer, Dr. Kim M. Reiff and Clif Palmer install Grace’s artwork at Monroe Community Church. Their work will be on display at Monroe Community Church in Grand Rapids, Mich,. until July 13. Photo provided by Grace College.

Grace’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts at 574-3725100, ext. 6022

art@ grace.edu.

Millersburg — Collin Scheffers

Marshall Beebe

Lake

Noah Prater

Keegan Hurst,

The annual Brad Hollar Memorial Golf Outing has been scheduled for Friday, Aug. 2, at McCormick Creek Municipal Golf Course, Nappanee. Tee off is at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

The cost is $350 per team. Sponsorships are available, ranging from $100 for a tee sponsorship to $1,000 for a major sponsorship, which includes a team.

All proceeds from the event go to the Bradley 5 Charitable Fund Inc. for blood clotting research in memory of Brad Hollar, who died in 2013 at the age of 26 of a rare blood disease. Hollar grew up in Nappanee and was the son of Dana and Dawn Hollar.

There will be food, raffles, silent auctions and cash prizes. There will also be a “hole-in-one”

opportunity to win $30,000 in cash and prizes.

Sign up now before it’s too late. Registration for the event fills up quickly. Call (574) 354-1088

or email Dlhollar@yahoo.com for more details.

To learn more about the Bradley 5 Charitable Fund Inc., visit bradleyfive.org.

Donations needed for

‘America at the Ballpark’

The annual fundraiser for the Wakarusa baseball/softball league is in need of donations for the raffle drawing.

“America at the Ballpark” will be held Friday, June 21, at the ballfields by Wakarusa Elementary School.

Gift ideas include gift baskets, electronics, outdoor items, business-specific gifts, gift cards and

cash donations. Drop off all donations at J&N Stone, 905 E. Waterford St., Wakarusa, or at the concessions stand at the ballpark no later than Monday, June 17.

The generous donations by businesses and individuals make the league possible.

Yakym’s mobile congressional office in Nappanee

Congressman Rudy Yakym (R) has announced that his office will be holding mobile staff office hours in June throughout Indiana’s Second District. Mobile office hours will allow for Yakym’s staff to assist constituents with casework questions.

Staff members will be at Nappanee City Hall from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 5. City Hall is located at 300 W. Lincoln St.

Should you not be able to go to the Nappanee event, staff members will also be at the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, 232 S. Main St., from 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, June 13.

Other locations and times also are available. For more information, call (574) 204-2645.

Letter to the editor Officer Baumgartner deserves recognition

Editor’s note: This letter of support for Woodview Elementary School Resource Officer James Baumgartner was written by fifthgrader Eric Kenevan. His class assignment was to write a persuasive letter to the editor of a newspaper, convincing them they should write an article about an influential person in the community.

Dear Editor:

In my opinion, someone really important to the Nappanee community is Officer James Baumgartner of the Nappanee Police Department. He has done countless things for Nappanee, and I think he should be recognized for it. He is a sensational role model for not just kids. No, he is a staggering role model for any and everyone with a pulse.

One reason why I think Officer Baumgartner should be recognized for his nobility is because well, he is a police officer, a good one matter-of-factly. Every single day, he risks his life for Nappanee, and for the citizens that call it home. Not to mention, at my school, Woodview Elementary, he is our police officer that would protect all the kids from harm’s way, even if it meant putting himself in danger.

Another reason is that he helps the community besides being, in my opinion, the best officer Nap-

We welcome readers’ letters.

panee’s got. One example is that he is a minor league baseball coach for his son’s team, and at one point, mine. The time when he was my coach, he was still deep in undercover work as a cop, and still managed to balance it all out, and be a stellar dad, cop and coach.

Finally, when I think about James Baumgartner, I do not think of a nasty cop that plays dirty to get a higher paycheck. I think of the good old caring, passionate and dedicated officer that people should strive to be. When I was on his team, he was always so patient with kids, even when we had a kindergartener on our team. We were not the best, but he taught us that it does not matter what place you get, all that matters is that we are a team, and a team that tried our absolute best.

In conclusion, Officer James Baumgartner is someone who is deserving, worthy, and a good enough person to at least get him in the newspaper, heck, he should win the Nobel Prize. Even though I am not even close enough to be in the same century as him, he treats me, and everyone else as his peers. He is one of the main reasons why I want to do something in law enforcement with my life, and I hope one day to make him proud.

Eric Kenevan Nappanee

Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signatures will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for verification, but will not be published. Letters may be emailed to dpatterson@the-papers.com. Again, letters must include an address and phone number. We ask that letters be limited to 400 words.

Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns.

Send letters to: ‘the PAPER,’114 W. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580.

Grass clippings can be dangerous

The city of Nappanee reminds residents that grass clippings on the street can be hazardous, especially when wet or accumulated, creating slippery conditions that pose risks to pedestrians, drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Grass clippings can clog storm drains and contribute to water pollution, hampering their efficiency and increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains. If you can, bag the grass, put it in a trash container, or buy bag tags at Martin’s Supermarkets. For questions or further information, call Nappanee City Hall at (574) 773-2112.

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground in Mentone for home for family of six

Text and Photos

By DAVID SLONE Times-Union

Fifteen years ago, the town of Mentone had its last Habitat for Humanity home built.

About five years ago, Tim and Jackie Croy purchased three lots on North Franklin Street and then decided to donate the property to Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County.

Thursday evening, May 30, Habitat for Humanity, the Croys and business sponsors broke ground at 405 N. Franklin St., for what will become the first home for Kimber Boyd, her four daughters and her mother.

“I actually go to The River through WCC (Warsaw Community Church), it’s a single moms group, and they posted that applications were open on their page, and it was just the right timing,” Kimber said. “My mom had recently been in the hospital and the path that we were going on for a home, realistically, got us really thinking that we weren’t going to be able to

and then it opened back up, so it was like it was meant to be.”

Currently living in Warsaw, she said living in Mentone will be a huge change for them.

With the six of them, she said they currently have no space where they’re living and “it’s falling apart. Our landlord does not do the best job at keeping up with the maintenance on it.” When the Mentone home is completed, and everyone will have their own space, Kimber said that will be a big benefit for everyone.

Habitat homeowners have to put sweat equity into their home build. Kimber estimated she was at about 116 hours of the required 250 hours by the dedication ceremony.

“It’s been really fun though,” she said, meeting new people and coming out of her bubble a little bit.

Before the groundbreaking, Ben Logan, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County, explained, “We actually have enough land to do two houses, but this is only one house right now, so we’re breaking ground on the first house in Mentone.”

Free summer lunches for children

The Center, formerly Family Christian Development Center, has brought back its annual summer lunch program, and it’s better than ever.

Now in its 10th year, the program is ready to begin in Nappanee and Wakarusa. The Center is offering free lunches to all local children. Lunch is served at noon Monday through Friday. A craft will take place at 12:30 p.m.

In Nappanee, the lunches are served in coordination with the parks department’s “Art in the Park program, which takes place

June 3 to Aug. 2 at rotating parks in the city.

For specific locations, visit nappaneeparks.recdesk. com/Community/Program/ Detail?programId=896.

In Wakarusa, the lunches will be served in the town park, starting at noon Monday, June 10.

For more information about the lunches, call The Center at (574) 773-2149.

Lunches are while supplies last. Locations subject to change. Changes will be posted on social media.

Etna Green Lions hosting Nelson’s fundraiser June 8

The Lions Club of Etna Green will be holding a Nelson’s Golden Glow fundraiser.

The event is set to start at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at both Heritage Park and Double Shot Liquor Store in Etna Green.

Nelson’s famous chicken, pork chops and potatoes will be available.

No specific time was given for when sales will end, so those who want a taste of Nelson’s may want to stop by early.

He said the home will have four bedrooms and two bathrooms, which is his first Habitat build with four bedrooms since he became executive director.

Dennis Judy, Habitat construction manager, said each lot is 72 feet north and south and 130 feet east and west. The Boyd home will be about 1,350 square feet.

Logan said excavation, by G & G Hauling & Excavating, is slated for the week of June 10. Judy said they’re hoping for construction to be completed in five to six months, if everything falls into place.

Tim and Jackie Croy donated the property to Habitat back in 2020, Logan said.

“So we ended up buying the property ... It had a rundown house on the one lot. and it wasn’t being kept up ... we ended up purchasing that before it went to tax sale. ... the house was taken down that was in disrepair and then we kind of sat on it for a while,” Tim recalled.

He read an article on Habitat for Humanity and how one of their biggest problems was getting land donated. Jackie said they discussed donating the Franklin Street property to Habitat before making the decision to do so.

“It’s like, ‘we’ve got three lots over there, let’s donate those to Habitat.’ ... but we know what it’s like to struggle in life, so we wanted to give back to our community, which is what I’m all about,” Tim said.

“We’re really glad to be a part of it, and glad to be able to do something like that — to help our community,” Tim said.

As a member of the town council and chamber of commerce, he reiterated that he is all about giving back to the community. “And this is one great example of how we can give back to such a great organization to help a family.”

For the Boyd home, Logan said there are some great sponsors involved, including Sym Financial, Lake City Bank, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing, G & G, Kuert Concrete, Wildman — Kimber’s employer — and Creighton Brothers.

Before the ceremonial turning of the dirt for Thursday’s groundbreaking, Logan said Habitat has not been in Mentone since 2009. “For me, that’s too long, and I’m very excited to be back,” Logan

said, thanking the Croys for securing the land.

When asked to speak, Josh Wildman, Wildman CEO, brought up Audrey Russell, Wildman director of dream management, with him. He said Russell and Kimber have a super cool relationship, and having a home was Kimber’s dream.

“That’s our whole purpose at Wildman is to help change lives, and we do that by getting dirty things clean and delivering them back with love, and Kimber has been a huge asset to our team over so many years, ...” Wildman said.

Mindy Truex, Creighton Brothers president, said, “Habitat is such a great organization. They do so much good in all of the communities in Kosciusko County and in the United States. But when this opportunity in Mentone came up, it just felt very special and something that I really hoped I could get those that needed to, to also jump on that bandwagon ... approval from to say yes, and it was one of the quickest

ones that I’ve ever received.”

Representatives of Sweetwater Assembly gave the blessing and prayer for the ceremony.

There will be Women Build days for the home, specific dates will be announced, Logan said. “It’s going to be changing up a little bit, but hopefully it’ll be bigger and better,” he said. “Definitely, if people are interested, keep a watch on our Facebook page and our eNewsletter. ...” Support for Habitat and their builds can come in various ways.

“If anyone is interested in financially supporting this house, we always need donors to help us buy the materials that our volunteers build with, and also if you’re interested in volunteering, you can sign up on our website kosciuskohabit. org. You can volunteer, you can financially donate and support the Boyd family and this house project, ... we’re just excited to be back in Mentone and excited to have an active build site again soon,” Logan said.

NEW HABITAT HOME Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County had a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for a home for the Boyd family at 405 N. Franklin St., Mentone. Shown from left are Josh Wildman and Audrey Russell, Wildman; Mindy Truex, Creighton

Brothers; Tim and Jackie Croy; Kimber and Isabella Boyd; Drew Scholl, Wildman; Lexi and Aubrey Boyd; Jim Zaugg, Wildman; Bill Smith, Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors vice president; and Ben Logan, Habitat for Humanity executive director.

HELPING TO CHANGE LIVES Wildman CEO Josh Wildman, right, speaks with Wildman Director of Dream Management Audrey Russell at the groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for the Habitat for Humanity home at 405 N. Franklin St., Mentone.

After six-year hiatus, Silver Lake Days are back

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

After a six-year break, Silver Lake Days are coming back in 2024. The festival is set for this weekend, June 7-8.

“We understood why we didn’t have it (for a while),” said Sherry Rapp, one of the committee members planning this year’s festival. “Because the ones who had done it for 40 some years were tired.”

Rapp, Russ Bauer and others have been working since last year to bring Silver Lake Days back as a way to bring the community together.

“We’re very excited to bring the community back together again,” Rapp said.

The committee has been getting a lot of help.

“Those who used to do the festival have been very helpful with their knowledge,” Rapp said.

Rapp herself is excited about the festival especially for Knockerball, the dunk tank and more.

Several special guests will be in the dunk tank, which will be held from 3 p.m. until dark, Friday, June 7.

“Everything is so expensive for families, all activities are free, so the kids can come and have fun,” Rapp said about Silver Lake Days, explaining organizers didn’t want parents having to worry about spending a fortune.

Parents will need money for the food and craft vendors.

So what will be taking place during Silver Lake Days?

Garage sales begin at 8 a.m. Friday, June 7, and go through Saturday afternoon, June 8.

Food and craft vendors will open at noon Friday.

The fun officially starts at 2 p.m. Friday with a car show in downtown. Music will be provided by D.J. Ricky G from 3-8 p.m. The Ain’t Ryte band will perform from 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, June 8 starts early with a tractor show from 8-10

a.m. There will be a parade at 11 a.m.

The fire department’s TouchA-Truck, tenderloin dinner, the motorcycle show, the barnyard petting zoo and the children’s train rides all start or open at noon.

Knockerball starts at 1 p.m. as does A.B.A.T.E’s tiny tots motorcycle experience.

The cornhole tournament will start at 2 p.m. The entertainment begins at 3:30 p.m. with the Class Act Dance Troupe.

The Barrel Scrapers Band will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Unwound Band at 6 p.m.

All events will be held in downtown Silver Lake, Rambler Park or on High Street.

Coming for the entertainment? Be sure to bring lawn chairs for the live music and entertainment.

For more information, check out the Silver Lake Days’ Facebook page.

CUTE TRIO — Two little kids and their dog seem to be having a blast riding on a float in the last Silver Lakes Days parade in 2018. The festival is returning this weekend, June 7-8. File photo.

DNR to host guided hike at Pigsah Marsh Nature Preserve

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a guided hike at Pigsah Marsh Nature Preserve from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 15.

An Indiana birdwatcher’s hidden treasure, Pisgah Marsh includes grassland, marsh, lake, and upland habitat. Nestled on the Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley county lines in northeast Indiana, Pisgah Marsh is an ecologically sensitive, geologically significant

and biologically diverse area accessible through a boardwalk.

Two state-endangered species are found here, the massasauga rattlesnake and Blanding’s turtle.

The wetland and upland areas also provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, sandhill cranes, beavers, rails, squirrels, raccoons and deer.

The Pisgah Marsh boardwalk and golden eagle viewing deck were constructed to allow visitors

the opportunity to experience and understand the natural habitat and diversity of the marsh while protecting the habitat.

The guided hike is free and registration is required. For more information or to register for the event, visit events.in.gov/event/guidedhike-pisgah-marsh-nature-preserve-kosciusko-county?utm_ campaign=widget&utm_ medium=widget&utm_ source=State+of+Indiana.

Noon Optimists donate to Sleep In Heavenly Peace

The Warsaw Noon Optimist Club recently donated $500 to Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The donation will be used to build two beds. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a local not-for-profit organization. It builds beds for children who currently do not have a proper place to sleep.

SWEET DREAMS Pictured from left are Eric Coburn, Warsaw Noon Optimist Club president; Mike Webb, Sleep in Heavenly Peace co-president; and Bob Dillon, Sleep in Heavenly Peace delivery manager. Photo provided by Warsaw Noon Optimist Club.

SMOKEY THE BEAR Smokey the Bear made an appearance during the Silver Lake Days Festival in 2018. The festival returns offering free music and entertainment for the family. File photo.

Silver Lake Days Festival

Supporting those who dive in and make a difference in our communitiesSupporting those

Supporting those who dive in and make a difference in our communities

Supporting those who dive in and make a difference in our communities

and make a difference in our communities

OUR HOMETOWN STATION COFFEE SHOP • CANDY

201 S. Jefferson St., Silver Lake, IN 46982 Phone 260-352-0880

Hours: Wed. 6-2, Thurs. 6-2 Fri. 6-2, Sat. 8-2

Friday, June 7

Times

2:00pm-Dark Car Show (Sponsored by Par-Kan)

3:00pm-8:00pm Music by DJ-Ricky G

3:00pm-Dark Dunk Tank

8:00pm-11:00pm AINT RYTE Band

Saturday, June 8

Times Events

8:00am-10:00pm Tractor Show

St.

11:00am Parade SR 14 (E)/SR 15 (S)/E. Sycamore St.

12:00pm-1:00pm Motorcycle Show E. Sycamore/High St. (Rambler Park)

12:00pm-3:00pm Fire Dept. Touch-A Truck SR 15/W. Sycamore St.

12:00pm-3:00pm Fire Dept. Tenderloin Dinner W. Sycamore/Elm St.

12:00pm-3:00pm Barnyard Petting Zoo Rambler Park (Sycamore/High St.)

12:00pm-4:00pm Children Train Rides Downtown/Side Streets

1:00pm-4:00pm ABATE Tiny Tots Motorcycle Experience Rambler Park

1:00pm-7:00pm Knockerball Rambler Park (Sycamore/High St.)

2:00pm-5:00pm Cornhole Tournament Downtown

3:30pm Class Act Dance Troupe Downtown

4:30pm-6:00pm Barrel Scrapers Band (Bluegrass/Gospel) Downtown

6:00pm-9:00pm Unwound Band (Various Genre) Downtown

GARAGE SALES BEGIN FRIDAY MORNING @ 8AM THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON

CRAFT AND FOOD VENDORS ARE BEGINNINGAVAILABLE ATON12:00PMFRIDAY

BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS FOR THE LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT PETTING ZOO KNOCKERBALL

Chad Metzger • Rod Metzger • Tim Holmes Brent Ruckman • Tim Pitts • Jason Conley Rainelle Shockome • Gary Spangle

Brian Evans • Dustin Dillon • Mike Gentry Tiffany Reimer • Dodie Hart • John Burnau Austin Metzger • Neil Snyder Justin Nicodemus 260-982-0238

EARL-LOVE FUNERAL HOME

811 E. Rochester St. Akron, IN

• Subs • Soda • Pizza

• Lottery • Groceries Hot Deli Daily Lunch Specials Featuring Tenderloins Every Thursday & Fresh Fried Pollock Every Friday State Road 15 N., Silver Lake 260-352-2558 SILVER LAKE DAYS CAR

Silver Lake Days Festival

SHOW 2024

Friday, June 7

Sponsored by: PAR-KAN CORPORATION

Registration Starts at 2:00pm

Judging Starts at 5:00pm Awards at 7:30pm

Show Officially Ends at 7:45pm

Live Music by AINT RYTE at 8:00pm

Dash Plaques - First 100 Registered Cars

D.J. MUSIC DURING SHOW ENTRY: $10 DAY OF SHOW

• Best Of Show

• Sponsors Choice • Best Interior

• Best Engine • Best Paint • Top 20 FOOD DRINKS AND VENDORS 50/50 DRAWING

SILVER LAKE DAYS PARADE

Saturday, June 8 @ 11:00am

The parade will form at the east end of Silver Lake on SR 14 (Home Design lot). We are expecting a large number of entries. We encourage participants to arrive at the parade site prior to 10:00am. Parade participants are responsible for obtaining their unit numbers from parade officials at the parade site. Entries should have the numbers visible on the left side, visible to the judges.

14 Plaques Will Be Awarded (ONE for each category)

Email entry to silverlakedays24@gmail.com. Phone entries will also be accepted by calling Sherry Rapp 574-780-7759 or Russ Bauer 219-670-6361. Please make sure to have all information available at the time of call.

1. NAME

4. DESCRIPTION FOR PARADE

5. CATEGORY (Only Choose One)

Antique Vehicle, Commercial Entry, Service Club, Horse(s), Tractor, Church Entry, Cutie King, Cutie Queen, Street Rod/Specialty Car, Motorcycle(s), Color Guard, Miscellaneous/Float, Bicycle, Band

The Silver Lake Days Committee, Town of Silver Lake, Silver Lake Lion’s Club or anyone affiliated with the Silver Lake Days Events shall assume no liability or be held responsible for any injuries, damages, thefts or the like to any person/s attending or participating in the Silver Lake Days Parade. You assume all liability upon participation.

Saturday, June 8 8am to 10am

Registration Starts at 8:00am - NO FEE East End Of Silver Lake Near The RR Tracks On St. Rd. 14

Plaque For Best Of Show

All Tractors Are Then Invited To Participate In The SLD Parade At 11:00am Parade route is west on St. Rd. 14 to St. Rd. 15, then South one block to Sycamore, then East back to the stage area.

FMI Russ Bauer - Ph: 219-670-6361

SILVER LAKE DAYS MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Saturday, June 8 Entry Fee $5.00

Motorcycle Show Location: E. Sycamore/High St. (Rambler Park)

Registration 12:00-1:00pm ** Show Starts Immediately Following Parade ** Categories

Trike • Antique 1999 Or Older Metric • Touring

FMI Russ Bauer - Ph: 219-670-6361 AWARDS

Plaques For 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Winners Of Each Category & 1 Plaque For The BEST OF SHOW Winners Announced At 2:00pm

O B ituaries

Steven L. Whetten Sr.

Owner Of Whetten Pizza

Steven L. Whetten Sr., affectionately known as Steve, passed away in his home in Syracuse on Thursday, May 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 67.

He was born Sept. 30, 1956, at Elkhart Memorial Hospital to his mother, Nancy Whetten Savala (Stevens), and father, Larry L. Whetten.

Steve led a remarkable life filled with entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for his family. Throughout his career, he owned his own business, Whetten Pizza, and was a successful self-employed semi driver. His dedication and hard work shone through both in his career and personal life.

Beyond professional achievements, Steve will be remembered for his caring, loving nature with a touch of stubbornness that added to his personality. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life — from sharing lectures with his family to embarking on memorable trips to the Wisconsin Dells and going to NASCAR races.

His hobbies and interests were just as unique as Steve; old cars, racing, poker, coins and frequent visits to casinos, particularly enjoying the penny slots. Traveling held a special place in his heart, especially during his time as a truck driver. He enjoyed exploring new places and taking photos that he would send to his children.

Steve’s proudest accomplishments revolved around his family. He is survived by his children, Steven Lee (Lia) Whetten Jr. and Stephanie Viora Whetten; grandchildren, Boston Matthew Edwards, Emma Viora Edwards, Niv Lee Whetten and Alaska Viora Ann Stewart; father, Larry L. Whetten; ex-wife, Tanya Tyler; brother, Albert Whetten; sister, Pam Walker; and nephew, Cory Whetten. He is further survived by many, many friends.

He was preceded in passing by his mother, Nancy Savala; and brother, Russel Whetten.

Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with the care of Steve and his family. Friends and family gathered for visitation from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at the funeral home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. At 3 p.m., his funeral service began. Steve was laid to rest at Milford Cemetery.

Memorial gifts are appreciated to his family, while written condolences may be left at TitusFuneralHome.com.

Ronald Terry Cameron

Ronald Terry Cameron, 77, Wabash, died at 12:47 a.m. May 27, 2024.

He was born June 21, 1946. On Oct. 21, 1986, he married Christine Fairchild; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Mindy Cameron and Terisa Cameron, both of Pennsylvania, Richard Sprague and Danielle Cameron, both of Rochester, Charles Daub, Wabash, Janice Daub, Fort Wayne, Michelle

CDaub and Margaret Warren, both of North Manchester; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Sue Campbell, Wabash, and Caren “Pat” Poole, O’Brien, Fla. Services were held May 31 at Christian Heritage Church, Wabash. Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, was in charge of arrangements.

Sharae Clark

Sharae Clark, 66, died May 26, 2024.

O unty r ep O rt

Court News

Small Claims

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

Aegis Dental Group Warsaw PC v. Landon O. Bunch, $936.04

Client Services KL v. Ashley N. Cochran, $1,087.65

Porter Estates v. Steven Dunkel, $5,396.94

Lydia Landue v. Kirk Edwards, $393.11

Family Transition Partners Indiana LLC, d/b/a McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels v. Jeff Fuller, $6,251.82; v. Cheyanne Lamb, a/k/a Cheyanne Carpenter, $7,319.56

Miller’s Health Systems Inc. v. Amber Hester, Sara Hoover, $3,429

Gloria Ruiz v. Gerver Anthonio Medina Flores, $6,100

Juan Medina v. Francisco Javier Victoriano, Jocelyn Victoriano, court costs.

Civil Collections

The following civil collections have

She was born Aug. 3, 1957.

Surviving are her parents, Betty and Eddie Hand, Wakarusa; and siblings, Chuck Clark, Fort Wayne, Kent Clark, Goshen, Kevin Hand, Milford, and Kathy Cline, Warsaw; nieces and nephews; great-nephews and nieces; and special friends.

Visitation will be held from noon to 3 p.m. with a celebration of life beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Wakarusa Missionary Church, 202 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa.

Chester A. Fingerle

Chester “Chet” A. Fingerle, 96, formerly of North Manchester, died at 5:55 a.m. May 29, 2024.

He was born Oct. 24, 1927. On Jan. 29, 1948, he married Helen Frantz. She preceded him in death Oct. 23, 2017.

Surviving are his children, Richard Duane Fingerle, Burlington, James Allen Fingerle, Pierceton, Gary Dean Fingerle and Cheryl Ann Ganger, both of New Paris; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services were held June 3 at Old German Baptist Brethren Church, North Manchester. Burial was in the Old German Baptist Brethren Cemetery, North Manchester. Grandstaff-Hentgen Bender Chapel, North Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.

Larry Dean Gibson

Larry Dean Gibson, 70, Claypool, died May 29, 2024.

He was born Feb. 28, 1954. On July 29, 1977, he married Cheryl Spangle; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Isaac Gibson, Seymour, Tenn., and Lucas Gibson, Akron; daughter, Amanda Shively, Tippecanoe; 10 grandchildren; mother, Greathel Gibson, Warsaw; brother, Don Gibson, Knoxville, Tenn.; and sisters, Carol Savage, Warsaw, and Samantha Young, Mentone. A celebration of life was held June 4 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, at a later date.

Sylvia LeCount Harder

Sylvia LeCount Harder, 87, died May 25, 2024.

She was born Oct. 25, 1936. On Nov. 25, 1960, she married Donald Emile Harder; he survives.

She is also survived by a brother,

been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding:

Bank of America N.A. c/o Lloyd and McDaniel v. Stacey Boettcher, $3,102.32

TD Bank N.A. v. Kelly Brown, $4,863.41

Automobile Acceptance Corp. v. Kimberly Caudill, $21,285.62

Capital One NA v. Michelle A. Cole, $1,596.61; v. Bethany L. Smiley, $4,120.06

Mariner Finance LLC v. Amelia D. Dunlap, $4,122.21; v. Kayla L. Young, Continued on page 13

Dr. R. Dale LeCount Jr., Matthews, N.C.; sons Brian and Alan; a grandson; daughter-in-law, Anne Garner Harder; and cousin, David Jones, Syracuse.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at the funeral home. A private family burial will follow at Syracuse Cemetery.

Larry N. Hartzler

Larry N. Hartzler, 88, Ligonier, died at 10:14 a.m. May 24, 2024.

He was born June 24, 1935. On May 21, 1960, he married Linda Lou Johnson.

Surviving are his children, Amy Groff and Darrell Hartzler, both of Ligonier; two grandchildren; two greatgranddaughters; and a sister, Royann Sprunger, Albion.

Services were held May 29 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial was in Oak Park Cemetery, Ligonier.

Jo Lynn Hays

Jo Lynn Hays, 66, North Manchester, died May 26, 2024.

She was born Oct. 23, 1958. On June 12, 1983, she married William Bentrup “Bill” Hays; he survives. Also surviving are sons, David Hays, Warsaw, and Brian Hays, Spring Lake, Mich.; brother, Craig Haecker, North Manchester; six grandchildren; and a niece and nephew.

Services were held June 3 at North Manchester First Brethren Church. A private family burial will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester, at a later date. McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.

Irene Hodges

Irene Hodges, 91, Warsaw, died May 27, 2024.

She was born Feb. 17, 1933. On Feb. 2, 1957, she married Charles Hodges Sr.; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Valerie Thiesen and Chuck Hodges, both of Warsaw, Joseph Hodges, Bowlingbrook, Ill., and Michael Hodges, Las Vegas, Nev.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, May Jensen, Alexandria, Minn., and Hazel Erickson, Hot Springs, Ark.

Services were held June 1 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Mina Deann Manns

Mina Deann Manns, 60, rural Wabash, died at 7:09 p.m. May 26, 2024. She was born Aug. 29, 1963. On April 25, 1987, she married Ken Manns; he survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Ashlie Manns, Claypool, and Marcy Rasche, Mishawaka; a granddaughter; mother, Betty J. McKillip, Wabash; and brothers, Michael McKillip, Wabash, and Marvin McKillip, Milton, Fla.

Services were held June 4 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash. Burial was in Falls Cemetery, Wabash.

Dana Marcum

Dana Marcum, 63, North Manchester, did May 29, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

William Wayne McMillen

HATTON-SADLER FUNERAL CHAPELS

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

neral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Gary Lee Miller

Gary Lee Miller, 73, Tippecanoe, died May 23, 2024.

He was born Nov. 5, 1950. On March 1, 1974, he married Donna Shields. She preceded him in death April 19, 2023.

He is survived by a son, Shane Miller, Pierceton; and three grandchildren.

Graveside services were held June 1 at South Union Cemetery, Nappanee. Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, was in charge of arrangements.

Robert Miller

Robert “Dale” Miller, 93, died at 8:30 p.m. May 12, 2024.

He was born June 10, 1930. On June 19, 1954, he married Rosalie Yoder; she survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Deb Armington, Mishawaka, and Penny Martin, Warsaw; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held June 2 at Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church, Goshen. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, was in charge of arrangements.

Janice M. Ryman

Janice M. Ryman, 80, Milford, died May 28, 2024.

She was born Aug. 1, 1943. On Sept. 15, 1962, she married Larry Ryman; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Tammy Stewart, Milford, Tracy Ryman, Rome City, and Terry Ryman, South Bend; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Services were held June 3 at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse. A graveside service was held June 4 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Milford.

Katherine Valdes

Katherine Valdes, 67, Warsaw, died May 29, 2024.

A life celebration was held June 3 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Joann L. Young

Joann L. Young, 89, Bourbon, died at 12:37 a.m. May 24, 2024.

She was born Oct. 18, 1934. On July 26, 1952, she married Raymond Dale Young. He preceded her in death Feb. 26, 2007.

Surviving are her children, Steve Young, Fort Wayne, Allan Young, Bremen, and Linda Helmuth, Bourbon; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marlene Hueni, Bremen.

Services were held May 28 at Bremen United Methodist Church. Burial was in Bremen Cemetery.

Vincent Oberg

Alexis Dillon and Dylan Oberg, Warsaw, are the parents of a son, Vincent, born at 5:29 p.m. May 24, 2024, at Goshen Hospital. He weighed 10 pounds, 3.3 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Marlin Ray Miller

William Wayne McMillen, 87, Silver Lake, died May 29, 2024.

He was born April 23, 1937. On July 3, 1964, he married Patricia Jackson; she survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Diana Goshert and Dana Willard; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

His family is grieving privately. No public services will be held. Titus Fu-

THANK YOU We want to thank Hospice Transition, Titus Funeral Home and all others who helped when Forrest passed away.

Forrest Vining Family

Owen and Velda (Mast) Miller, Bremen, are the parents of a son, Marlin Ray, born at 9:10 a.m. May 25, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 4.5 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Samuel and Martha Mast. Paternal grandparents are Marlin and Sharon Miller.

Zachary Cole Yoder

LeRoy and Emily (Schmucker) Yoder, Bremen, are the parents of a son, Zachary Cole, born at 9:32 p.m. May 26, 2024. He weighed 8 pounds.

Hailey Nicole Schwartz Ryan and Glenda (Hochstetler) Schwartz, Milford, are the parents of a daughter, Hailey Nicole, born at 3:24 a.m. May 29, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 9 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.

STEVEN L. WHETTEN SR.

C ounty R epo R t

Continued from page 12

Samuel K. Young, $22,672

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Kylee N. Eaton, $992.36

Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Lindsey L. Fitzpatrick, $991.54

Bank of America N.A. v. Gregory S. Guthrie, $18,056.48

Cavalry SPV I, LLC, as assignee of Synchrony Bank v. Jessica King, $1,769.26

Eagle Finance Co. v. Jeffrey Lawrence, $3,492.07

OneMain Financial Group LLC v. David D. Morgan, $15,209.06

Discover Bank v. Ryan Price, $2,183.68; v. Adam Sharpe, $11,035.62

LVNV Funding LLC v. Roxanne M. Ratliff, $1,290.06

IOM Health System LP v. Mike Reynolds, $25,000

Citibank NA v. Randy Weaver, $2,046

Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Richard Heath v. Dustin Bonar, $10,000

Neighbors of Timbercreek Estates v. Megan Butts, $2,440

Sherri Makinson v. Breanna Jackson, $2,616.48

Premier Property Managers LLC v. Stanley Sayler, $6,000 Superior Court III

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

Speeding — Rasheedat A. Akinola, Warsaw, $164.50; Lauren A. Sasso, Warsaw, $164.50; Mary A. Marshall, Burket, $164.50; Amber G. Reynolds, Warsaw, $164.50; Lamar R. Schwartz, Warsaw, $149.50; v. Joshua

P. Boillat, Rochester, $164.50

Failure to register — Benjamin D. Lowe, Hammond, $164.50; Paul M. Stearley, Warsaw, $164.50; Kasey D. Benedict, North Manchester, $164.50

Passenger on a motorcycle violation — Patrick A. Overholt, Warsaw, $164

Driving while suspended Jose S. Nunez Sauza, Warsaw, $189.50; John J. Kuipers, Syracuse, $189.50; Dylan D. King, Tippecanoe, $189.50

Disregarding lighted signal

Rosalinda L. Lagos-Molina, Leesburg, $164.50

Disregarding stop sign, speeding — Natali Y. Nevarez-Ramirez, Warsaw, $189.50

Distracted driving — Rebekah A. Leitch, Larwill, $164.50; Jensine M. Stroh, Etna Green, $164.50

Disregarding official traffic control device — Tommy L. Hol-

MADISON NATIONAL CHAMPIONS The Madison Elementary School third grade and under chess team placed first place overall at the national championship. Pictured from left are Sawyer Schlemmer, Liam Allen, Asher Reneker, Anastasia DeRuntz and James Whitehead. Photo provided.

National championship caps great season of chess for Warsaw Community Schools

The 2024 chess season at Warsaw Community Schools will go down in the record books.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, WCS hosted the Indiana State Individual Scholastic Chess Regional. Over 120 young players from across northern Indiana came to Warsaw to try and qualify for the state final in Indianapolis.

Several players from Warsaw qualified for the state final and competed at the event. Fareed Sultan Mohammed, a chess player from Washington S.T.E.M. Academy won state champion at the event in the upper elementary junior varsity division.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, nine teams from Warsaw competed at the Indiana State Chess Team Regional in Goshen. Teams were comprised of players from Edgewood Middle, Jefferson Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Madison Elementary and Washington Elementary schools.

All nine teams qualified for the state final in March. Top performance went to the Madison third and under chess team, which placed third in the third grade and under section.

The annual Warsaw Chess Tournament, Checkmate Hunger, was held at Washington Saturday, March 9, and 130 players from WCS participated in the event with representative from every school in the district. Many players earned trophies at the event and, more importantly, a sizable amount of money was raised to help feed needy families in Haiti.

The Indiana Chess Team State Championship was Saturday, March 23, in Hammond. The nine teams that qualified at regional participated in the event. Top teams from Warsaw came in the third and under section. Lincoln placed ninth, Madison placed fifth and Washington placed third. All teams represented

Warsaw with class.

On Saturday, April 27, the Indiana State Girls Chess Championship took place. In the primary division, Azra Anwar tied for first but was awarded second place due to tiebreaks. Maryam Anwar placed fourth in the championship division, a notable accomplishment in a very competitive group.

The weekend of April 26-28 was the kindergarten through sixth grade chess nationals held in Columbus, Ohio. The third grade and under chess team from Madison placed first overall in the third grade and under unrated section competing against players from across the United States.

The Warsaw Chess Club would like to thank the Warsaw Education Foundation and American Table Restaurant for its years of patronage and support of the chess programs at Warsaw Community Schools.

The Papers Inc. hosting blood drive June 13

brook, Warsaw, $164.50

Motor vehicle lights/reflectors violation — Joshua W. Mohr, Leesburg, $164.50

Operating an unregistered off-road vehicle or snowmobile on public property — Steven Paul Haberman, Warsaw, $127.30

Marriage Licenses

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

Anne Torpy: Bolt-Davis

Shelby Elizabeth Bolt, 22, Warsaw, and Dawson Jeremiah Davis, 23, North Webster Rodriguez-Tamez

Daniel Rivera Rodriguez, 47, Rochester, and Elizabeth Rodriguez Tamez, 43, Warsaw Stout-Brunner

Codi Allen Stout, 34, Mentone, and Natasha Ann Brunner, 34, Mentone Hoffman-Hathaway

Jade Hoffman, 27, Claypool, and Cameron Hathaway, 29, Claypool Mangas-DeYoung

Kyle T. Mangas, 25, Winona Lake, and Karen M. DeYoung, 26, Redlands, Calif. Allwine-Diehl

Brett Marshall Allwine, 45, Pierceton, and Melissa Michelle Diehl, 45, Pierceton Tondini-Primiani

Jerry Michael Tondini, 33, Warsaw, and Leah Suzanne Primiani, 24, Warsaw

Mullet-Borkholder

Keith Lamar Mullet, 23, Leesburg, and Rhoda Elaine Borkholder, 22, Nappanee

Shumaker-Shepherd

Todd Henry Shumaker, 39, Warsaw, and Morgan Marie Shepherd, 29, North Webster

Ervin-Abbs

Natashia Racquel Ervin, 31, Syracuse, and Nicholas Edward Abbs, 36, Syracuse Sands-Dobbins

Trenton Daniel Sands, 23, Winona Lake, and Jaylyn Ann Dobbins, 22, Warsaw

Norby-Doyle

Alexyss Nicole Norby, 25, Warsaw, and Adam Thomas Doyle, 26, Warsaw Bechtold-Conkling

Cade Lamar Bechtold, 23, Warsaw, and Reagan Layne Conkling, 21, Warsaw Tarlton-Gulley

Travis A. Tarlton, 35, Warsaw, and Stephanie M. Gulley, 36, Warsaw

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Superior Courts I and IV: Boen-Sanchez-Brito — Courtney E. Boen, Claypool, and Juan P. Sanchez-Brito, Warsaw. They were married March 20, 2016; no separation date given. One minor child. Angelo — Jennifer Angelo, Warsaw, and William Angelo, Fort Knox, Ky. They were married Aug. 9, 1997, and separated May 29, 2024. No minor children.

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Five Grace College School of Education seniors awarded for excellence

Several Grace College School of Education students were recently honored for excellence in student teaching: Mallory Hiatt, Hayden Mullett, Olivia Bergman and Beverly Winters. Anna Huggins was awarded the school’s Micah 6:8 Award.

“These ladies and this gentleman exemplify the excellence, both in and out of the classroom, of Grace School of Education graduates,” said Dr. Cheryl Bremer, dean of the School of Education at Grace College.

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Each year, the school selects one or more students who demonstrate excellence in their role as student teachers. Recipients are awarded a plaque and recognition for their achievements in the classrooms.

Mallory Hiatt, Rochester, was named Outstanding Future Reading Teacher.

“There are many stories I could share that I will never forget,” said Hiatt.

This fall, Hiatt will return to Jefferson Elementary to teach third grade with her mentor teacher, Shawn Longenberger. A former athlete on Grace’s cross country roster, Hiatt looks forward to coaching Jefferson’s cross country team as well.

Hayden Mullett, Fort Wayne, was named Outstanding Prospective Secondary Education Teacher. A social studies education and history education major, Mullett was inspired to pursue education by many of his educators, including his second-grade teacher.

“She was so relational and encouraging,” said Mullett.

education but a lifelong friend.

At Grace, Bergman has found her professors to be a significant resource, supporting her as she’s progressed through her education.

“Not only did I have the chance to be their students, but I was able to work for them and see how they truly live out their mission,” she said.

Post-graduation, Bergman plans to teach second grade at Madison Elementary School, Warsaw.

“I hope every student of mine knows how loved they are and the value of hard work,” said Bergman.

Beverly Winters, Clayton, an elementary education major, was named Outstanding Prospective Elementary Education Teacher.

According to Hiatt, who received an elementary and special education dual-licensure degree as well as an intense intervention licensure from Grace, her family has played an invaluable role in her decision to become an educator. Her grandmother, grandfather, aunts and uncles were teachers, one sibling is a teacher and another plans to major in education.

As a student in Grace’s education department, Hiatt cites her practicum at Jefferson Elementary School, Winona Lake, as especially formative.

“Nothing prepares you more than learning from experience,” said Hiatt.

Hiatt has found the relationships she formed with her students to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession.

According to Mullett, his placement under Grace alumnus Hunter Reed at Warsaw High School was the highlight of his practicum experience.

“Mr. Reed was a great resource, helping me transition to taking over his classroom and giving me wisdom on lesson planning and connecting well with students,” said Mullett.

This fall, Mullett plans to teach social studies in either Warsaw or Fort Wayne. A former Grace athlete, he also hopes to coach cross country and track. He aspires to be a school administrator or a professor at Grace College.

Olivia Bergman, Swanton, Ohio, was named Outstanding Prospective Special Education Teacher. A dual-licensure major in elementary and special education, Bergman describes her second-grade teacher as not just her inspiration to pursue

Many teachers in Winters’ life have informed her choice of career, from her mother, who currently teaches, to her educators throughout childhood.

“There are so many people who have inspired me to become a teacher,” said Winters.

Winters said the connections she made with her students was her favorite part of her placements.

“Each student has impacted me in so many ways — from learning more about their interests, to attending their sports events, to having mini dance parties in class,” said Winters.

In the fall, Winters will teach third grade at Mill Creek West Elementary, Amo, where she attended elementary school as a child.

Learn more about Grace College’s School of Education at grace.edu/ academics/undergraduate/academicschools-departments/school-of-education.

RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE — Shown are this year’s Grace College School of Education seniors, who were honored for excellence in student teaching.

Shown from left are Mallory Hiatt, Hayden Mullett, Olivia Bergman, Beverly Winters and Anna Huggins.

Photo provided by Grace College.

Feminine touch on American art

By DEEANNA MURASKI and DARLA MCCAMMON Guest Writers

The artist in our current American Art series is a true blooded American. She was the eldest girl in a family of seven children and never left the United States until she was in her late 60s.

Georgia O’Keeffe was one of the great American artists of the 20th century. Born in 1887, she lived through the Stock Market Crash, Great Depression, the Cold War, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War conflict, and women’s right to vote. All of which played a part in the development of her art.

Like many of the burgeoning artists of this time, O’Keeffe felt compelled to use art as her mental outlet. At first, she was reticent to share what she felt was an intimate glimpse into her soul. With everything the world was experiencing, it seemed to be a healthy way to manage the very real feelings of anxiety and perpetual change. Like Jackson

Pollock, O’Keeffe also preferred a large expansive canvas. Even with the massive canvases, she still felt confined to express all she wanted to say with words onto the artwork.

Her desire to express herself led to her creation of synaesthesia — the effect of blending music and art. Many of her paintings suggested movement indicative of undulating musical scales and figures dancing about the page.

O’Keeffe was not musical. In fact, she had difficulty singing in key, another reason she liked the outlet of the paintbrush.

Synaesthesia was an about face from the traditional European art depicting elaborate extremely detailed portraiture posed in exacting fashion. While she did not spend time in other countries, she still continued to be well informed of the work done by international photographers and artists. Because she had spent so much time with photographers, Alfred Steiglitz with whom she had a long open love affair then eventu-

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ally married, and Paul Strand, she desired her artwork depict subtleties the eye could not see when photographed one dimensionally.

For example, O’Keeffe’s still life painting “Apple Family,” which on first blush reflects a basket of apples, was in fact depicting the large Stieglitz family on holiday, I guess they can be glad they were not watermelons.

While she experimented with many different mediums: charcoal, pastels, oil, and pencil, her favorite was watercolor. The influence of Wassily Kandinsky’s color theories and abstract spirituality are evidenced in most of her paintings. O’Keeffe is most well known for finding her voice with floral painting in oil. It hit a nerve with Americans, who were desperate to see the beauty in a world seemingly so war torn.

O’Keeffe passed away in 1986 and continued painting well into her 90s, even when she was too frail to walk and nearly blind. She had previously been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977) and National Medal of Arts (1985). She was a woman way before her time and didn’t only break the path for women in the 20th century man’s world but also paved it.

Upcoming Event

Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery: New exhibiter Brenda Ramseier. The City Hall is located at 102 S. Buffalo St. in downtown Warsaw. The exhibits are on the first floor and the building is handicap accessible. The office is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. open Monday through Friday.

Senior Services director speaks to Warsaw DAR members

The Agnes Pruyn Chapman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Tuesday, May 28, at Pizza Hut.

The speaker was David Neff, executive director of Senior Services for Kosciusko County, the only nonprofit for seniors in the county. Money is raised by donations for the three programs Neff oversees.

The programs include Mobile Meals, transportation and Senior Activity Center.

Mobile Meals uses volunteers for delivering meals on eight routes, with eight to 10 stops each.

Chapter member Mary Hartle is a longtime volunteer. She and her husband, Lee, deliver two to three times each week.

In the area of transportation, 12,000 rides are provided each year for seniors for appointments and getting groceries.

The Senior Activity Center has noon meals and activities, including chair yoga and bingo on Thursdays. It also has a program, Threads of Valor, through which volunteers make quilts and present them to veterans in the county.

After lunch, Regent Paulene Holderman opened the meeting

with the DAR opening rituals. Susan Creamer read the president general’s message, and Kathy Gawthrop gave the national defense report on the origins of the popular New Zealand “Invercargill march” from World War I. Holderman gave a report on the Medal of Honor origins.

Creamer read the secretary’s report, and Janice Cox gave the treasurer’s report. Gawthrop provided a rundown of the many award certificates the chapter has earned for the year, which were given at the state convention.

The slate of officers presented were voted on and approved unanimously. They include: regent, Kathy Gawthrop; vice regent, Laura Lockridge; secretary, Susan Creamer; treasurer, Janice Cox; registrar, Laura Lockridge; and chaplain, Janet Kirkpatrick.

The next meeting will be at noon Tuesday, June 25, at Pizza Hut.

Membership in Daughters of the American Revolution is open to any woman who can prove her ancestor fought in or aided the American Revolution. More information is available at dar.org.

JIMSON WEED — American painter Georgia O’Keefe’s popularity soared when she started doing florals in oil with Americans desperate to see the beauty in a world that seemed war torn.

O’Keefe continued to paint well into her 90s. Photo provided by DeeAnna Muraski.

SUMMER at the lake 2024

County fair returns in July

One of Kosciusko County’s longest running traditions, the Kosciusko County Community Fair returns in July in another fun-packed week.

All the sights, sounds and smells will return to the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in Warsaw July 7-13.

This year marks the 107th year of the fair. This year’s theme will be Kids, Country & the County Fair.

Opening ceremonies will be held Sunday, July 7, and there will be a parade.

The fair board has lined up the following nightly attractions:

•Monday, July 8, Motorized Horse Show featuring ATVs and UTVs

•Tuesday, July 9, Extreme Monster Truck Madness

•Wednesday, July 10 Extreme Monster Truck Madness

•Thursday, July 11, KOI drags

•Friday, July 12, demolition derby

•Saturday, July 13, truck and tractor pull.

The extreme monster truck madness shows will be different for Tuesday

and Wednesday, July 9-10.

Admission tickets are $8 and may be purchased online at kcfair.com/tickets or at the gate. Senior tickets, for those aged 65 and over, are $3. Children ages 9 and under receive free admission. Sunday, July 7, will be free day at the fair.

The lunchtime special pass also returns. Visitor from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. may purchase a pass at the main gate ticket booth for a $5 deposit to enjoy lunch on the fairgrounds. Return the lunch pass by 2 p.m. for a full refund. Lunch pass tickets are not valid for same day reentry hand stamps.

The county fairgrounds are at 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw.

Gates open at 9 a.m. daily

Carnival hours are:

•No carnival hours Monday, July 8

•2-11 p.m. Tuesday, July 9

•3-11 p.m. Wednesday, July 10

•3-11 p.m. Thursday, July 13

•2-11 p.m. Friday, July 14

•1-11 p.m. Saturday, July 15

PARKVIEW KOSCIUSKO HOSPITAL The high-quality care the lakes community has come to depend on from Parkview has expanded to include more services and specialties than ever before at the full-service Parkview Kosciusko Hospital. Both inpatient and outpatient care is accessible at one location along with a 24/7 emergency department.

In addition to the emergency department on the hospital’s first floor, patients have access to expanded outpatient services, including cancer care. This includes clinical space with seven exam rooms, an infusion center with nine infusion bays and a healing garden.

The second floor is home to surgical services, including two operating rooms, two procedure rooms and 19 pre- and post-anesthesia care unit bays. Inpatient services are located on the third floor, which has 28 beds.

Additionally, patients still have access to an in-house lab, advanced diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation services, as well as primary care and specialized physician offices that have been serving the community for over eight years.

Parkview Kosciusko Hospital is located at 1355 Mariners Drive. Follow the Husky Trail roundabout and exit on Mariners Drive. Photo by Parkview Health.

INDEX

Shown on the cover preparing for the Fourth of July, on the left, are Jade Patterson, daughter of Cody and Jenn Patterson, North Webster; and Destiny Sigsbee, daughter of Ollievia Sigsbee, Syracuse and Jeff Lanning, South Bend. On the right is Ronan Cox, son of Ollivia Sigsbee, Syracuse, and PJ Cox, Winona Lake. Photo by Al Disbro.

IMPERVIOUS SURFACES Pam Schumm, right, demonstrates the difference between porous and impervious surfaces using a cement block and sod to guests during a WACF breakfast.

The WACF has lots of fun educational programs planned to engage the entire family this summer. File photo.

WACF brings fun and excitement to environmental education

Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation is excited to offer a plethora of fun and educational events this summer.

Education is one way of supporting WACF’s mission and there are many opportunities to become educated about the watershed this summer.

Each education event focuses on some aspect of the water and watershed. Learn about biodiversity, food webs, water testing, nutrient loading, macroinvertebrates and more.

• Learn to gather water samples and test the watershed tributaries on Snapshot Water Testing Day. This event will be from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, June 17 at the WACF education center. Training will be provided. Contact Pam Schumm at pamschumm@wacf.com to register.

• Trivia Night, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at the Ruddell Pavilion at WACF. Create a team and register with Emily at Emily@ wacf.com. Proceeds from the event will support educational opportunities. Last year WACF reached 2,500 individuals through its educational programming and it wants to reach even more. Trivia night will have a nautical theme, so wear your swimsuit, cover-up or best sailing gear.

• Early Friday morning Canoe 10 Lake Trips begin at 7 a.m. Friday, June 21, and will run through Aug. 9. Cost is $5. Register at info@wacf.com.

• Wetland Adventures will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, June 4, 25 and July 9 and 30. Bring a picnic lunch or come and go as you please for interactive educational activities and crafts with the kids or grandkids. Each week will offer different activities.

• WACF’s famous Lake Talks and Eats

kicks off 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 1 with a talk on edible native plants. There will be native plants available for sale from local vendors. Breakfast is available for free.

• Bug catch will be 9 a.m. Saturday, July 6. Learn about insects living in the lakes and then use a net to see them up close. Bring life jackets and water shoes and prepare to get wet during this free family event, which has become extremely popular.

• Fishing with the Department of Natural Resources, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3. Families are invited to the WACF property Between the Lakes, located across from the Channel Marker Restaurant for a morning of fishing and identifying catches. Poles and bait will be provided.

• Annual Lake Celebration and Brunch, 9 a.m. Saturday, July 27 at the Buletty Pavilion, located between the lakes. This event is free and open to the public. Learn firsthand about the work accomplished for the good of the lakes in 2024.

• Annual agricultural tour, 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 31. This tour is for adults. Learn about sustainable farm practices and a healthy watershed. Register at pamschumm@wacf.com

• Lillypad cruise, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. Brunch will be available. For ticket price information or to register, send an email to info@wacf.com.

WACF’s mission is to preserve and protect water quality in the greater Wawasee watershed for future generations to enjoy. For more information about these events or questions about educational events or to volunteer, email pam@wacf. com. Watch WACF’s Facebook page for posting of events and up-to-date information.

Providing a safe and delightful experience for lake residents

Often overlooked thanks to its more well-known neighbor, Syracuse Lake is a paradise for those wanting a more laid back and less frenzied lake experience. Situated on 414 acres with a maximum depth of 34 feet and an average depth of 13 feet, the natural lake is connected to Lake Wawasee by a channel on its south end.

Syracuse Lake offers a smaller, quieter experience with less boat traffic. It also offers a terrific venue for waterskiing, tubing, swimming or just a relaxing summer afternoon on a pontoon.

One of northern Indiana’s best kept secrets has become less of one as boaters, waterskiers and fishermen from around the area have discovered what the welcoming waters of Syracuse Lake have to offer.

An organization comprised of the property owners of Syracuse Lake, the Syracuse Lake Association seeks to protect the interests of its members and overall health and beauty of the lake.

The SLA was organized in 1946 and continues to oversee the quality and care of the lake. As part of its efforts to make the lake more visible and welcoming to everyone, SLA has been a strong supporter of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee’s efforts in building a walking, running and biking trail around the lake.

Additionally, the SLA contributes to the Wawasee Area Conservancy Founda-

tion to help protect the lake’s water quality and continues to be involved in the lake and community.

The SLA sponsors its own Independence Day fireworks show, held July 4. The festivity begins at 9:45 p.m. for this annual event which includes fireworks set to music.

Holiday revelers are invited to view the fireworks from their boats on the lake or from a blanket or lawn chair on the shore as the pyrotechnic show explodes skyward from barges set on the water.

Boater safety is always a concern for lake associations and the SLA does its best to ensure everyone’s safety. It has its own lake patrol boat, serving in concert with two other boats staffed by local law enforcement officials and trained volunteers.

The patrols mostly operate Thursdays through Sundays, as well as during other busy periods on the lake.

For personal safety, boaters should remember the sundown speed limit of 10 mph and keep an eye out for potential hazards while enjoying the lake. Deck chairs and piers have often been known to float away into boating areas, especially after a storm.

The SLA will have its annual breakfast at 9 a.m. Aug. 17, at the Syracuse Community Center. Breakfast is free for members, $10 for non members.

Shown is a photo taken by Dina Coverstone of the municipal pier on Syracuse Lake. The photo was posted on the Syracuse Lake Association’s Facebook page.

Along with information about what is going on in the association, SLA’s Facebook page showcases photos of the lake throughout the seasons.

Stay in shape with summer road races

Summer heat will not keep away the busy road races in several Kosciusko County communities over the next several weekends. A host of road races and triathlons will be held this summer in the area featuring Syracuse, Winona Lake and Milford. Unfortunately, the Sailors and Mermaids 5K in North Webster, part of the Dixie Day Festival, will not be held this year.

Below is a list of races and website links for registration information.

• The Blackburn Run 4 Others is on Saturday, June 15 at 9 a.m. at Winona Lake. For more information, visit https://

runsignup.com/Race/IN/WinonaLake/ BlackburnRun4Others.

• The Food Truck Fun One Mile makes its debut in Milford at 7 p.m. Friday, June 21. For more information visit meetmilford.org/upcomingevents.

• The Optimist Triathlon is set for 7 a.m. Saturday, June 22 at Winona Lake. For more information visit warsawoptimist.org/shop/triathlon.

• The Firecracker 5K, also in Winona Lake, is at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 29. For more information visit https://runsignup. Continued on page 5

Left to right: Abby Anderson, Amanda Hare, Kathy White and Amber Burchard.

LAID BACK PARADISE Syracuse Lake is known for being more laid back and less frenzied than its sister lake, Lake Wawasee.

TO THE FINISH LINE — Ashley Scott, left, and Jemma Kasier, right, walk through their team’s spirit finger tunnel before crossing the finish line at the Saliors and Mermaids 5K in North Webster in 2023. However, this 5K will not take place in 2024. The Mail-Journal file photo.

Stay in shape

Continued from page 4

c om/Race/IN/WinonaLake/myteamtriumph5k.

• Wawasee Flotilla Road Race in Syracuse is at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 4. For more information visit wawaseeflotilla.com.

• The Wawasee Kiwanis Sprint Triathlon in Syracuse will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 27. For more information visit trisignup.com/race/in/syracuse/wawaseekiwanistriathlon.

International service clubs help others

The area’s four most active nonprofit service organizations stand ready to assist the communities with year-round projects, scholarships and other programs with civic improvement. All appreciate guests from other clubs to join in their organization.

Lions Clubs International has clubs in Warsaw, Syracuse, North Webster, Milford and Leesburg. Information about when the clubs meet is online at www.lionsclub. org/en/start-our-approach/club-locator.

Kiwanis International has groups meeting in Warsaw, Syracuse, North Webster and Milford. Specific days, times and Continued on page 6

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS Columbia House Interiors is a third generation, familyowned business. It specializes in custom shades, blinds, shutters and draperies for your home. It offers free estimates and takes pride in its “service after the sale.” Give Michelle a call at (260) 212-2799 today. Photo provided.

“We are a third generation family owned small business specializing in

STATE FARM Which one is the cardboard cutout: Dan Buchman or Jake from State Farm? State Farm agent, Dan Buchman, loves what he does and it shows. He enjoys helping people with their insurance needs. His insurance office is located at 1101 S. Huntington St., Suite 2, Syracuse. Stop by and say “hi” to him or “Jake.” Photo provided by State Farm.

FOURTH OF JULY HEROES This pirate-themed boat took first place in last year’s Dewart Lake Flotilla. This year, participants will be showing off their boats with a patriotic “Heroes That Make The 4th Happen” theme at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 6. Photo provided.

Dewart Lake Flotilla returns with ‘Heroes That Make The 4th Happen’ theme

This year’s Dewart Lake Flotilla will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 6. Lineup begins at 12:45 p.m. at the public access boat ramp.

Registration is not required for this

International service

Continued from page 5

locations for each one are available at kiwanis.org/clubs/find-a-club.

Rotary International meets in Warsaw and Syracuse. Information is located

event and there is no cost to participate. The theme for this year’s flotilla is “Heroes That Make The 4th Happen.”

For more information, visit dewartlake.org.

online at my.rotary.org/en/club-search to find a club.

Warsaw has two Optimist International Clubs. More information is available at optimist.org/join.cfm.

When I Say Good You Say Neighbor

Chautauqua-Wawasee announces summer schedule

Chautauqua-Wawasee, located on the shores of Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, will be offering several family-friendly events this season.

Chautauqua-Wawasee has invited Founding Father, Ben Franklin, to speak as part of its Patriotic Speaker series. The performance will feature professional actor Barry Stevens as Ben Franklin.

Meet and discuss events with this man, the most famous man in America at the time he lived. Franklin has a long list of accomplishments: printer, inventor, scientist, politician, musician, postmaster and founder of the University of Pennsylvania as well as the first fire department in the colonies.

Franklin will speak from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30, in the Wawasee High School Auditorium, 1 Warrior Path Building 1, Syracuse.

At 7:30 p.m. that same day on the lawn of the Oakwood Resort, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Patriotic Pops will perform. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Stop by the Chautauqua tent for a free flag and glow stick.

A new program coming this summer is the Pawasee Dog Parade, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Oakwood Resort, 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse. Registration is just $5. Awards will be presented for best dressed dog, best dog trick, best tail wagging and other categories. Bring your furry friend for loads of fun at this pawtastic event.

Another new program this year is Fa-

mous Hoosiers featuring John Wooden. The lecture will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at the Oakwood Inn Resort.

Join Dr. Richard Gunderman, author of the book “Hoosier Beacons,” at the Oakwood Resort as he shares tales of Indiana’s own John Wooden, known for playing at Purdue and coaching basketball at South Bend Central High School.

Wooden went on to a successful career as an NCAA coach for the UCLA Bruins, winning 10 national championships.

Back by popular demand is Walk Down Memory Lane, which was introduced last year. Join Chautauqua at the Oakwood Resort for this second in a multi-year program, featuring old movies and great memories from lake families from the past and not so distant past. This presentation will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20.

Chautauqua-Wawasee will be participating in North Webster’s Dixie Days this year. Come visit the Chautauqua-Wawasee booth on Main Street in North Webster. Learn more about upcoming program, plus all children receive a free gift.

Myaamiaki Stories will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 7. Last year’s program about regional Miami Native Americans was so popular that requests for a follow-up program poured in. Dani Tippman will present more stories at the Wawawsee Area Convervancy Pavilion, 11586 N. SR 13, Syracuse.

Tools and Weapons of Indigenous People

will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 12, at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.

Trevor Tipton will discuss and display his Indian artifact collection acquired from Noble County and weave the local history of Native Americans into this presentation.

Archaeology of the French in Northern Indiana — Does it Exist? will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at the Syracuse Community Center.

Dr. Mark Schurr, professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame, will speak about what archaeologists know about northern Indiana from the very first humans to settle here more than 10,000 years ago through the historic occupations of the Potawatomi and Miami.

Life back in the 1800s — Up Close and Hands On will be presented from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 14, at the WACF pavilion. Eight individual activities and experts share information on what life was like back in the 1800s. These include demonstrations of the Atlatl tool, flint knapping, Myaamiaki games and more.

Tickets are now on sale for the popular Then and Now Historical Cruise, which will be held from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26.

This cruise sells out quickly for both the spring and fall cruises, do not wait to purchase tickets.

Tickets are $25. Board the S.S. Lillypad at The Frog Tavern, 116 S. Harkless Drive, Syracuse.

COMING TO SYRACUSE Founding Father Ben Franklin, aka Barry Stevens, is coming to Wawasee for a lively discussion. Bring your questions for this inventor, entrepreneur and early historian.

Franklin is part of the ChautauquaWawasee’s Patriotic Speaker series and will be in Syracuse June 30. Photo provided by Chautauqua-Wawasee.

Many trails allow for exploration

Kosciusko County is blessed with an extensive and diverse system of trails which cater to bicycles and pedestrians alike. In fact, according to ridewalk.com, the Wawasee and Winona Lake communities enjoy 180 miles of bikeways, 5.67 miles of greenways, 2.87 miles of bike lanes, 3.03 miles of sidepaths, 9.70 miles of mountain bike trails and 2.68 miles of signed paths.

In and around Warsaw is the Lake City Greenway. Included is the Beyer Farm

Trail, which stretches 1.2 miles between Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital and Pike Lake Park. It begins immediately west of the hospital and features a boardwalk that extends approximately two-thirds of a mile and allows visitors to exercise and enjoy the wetlands at the same time.

Along the trail, riders and walkers can see a fake bison and even a rusty old tractor, which accentuate the wetlands and scenery that helps make Kosciusko a

unique county, blending the peacefulness of rural living with the hustle and bustle of a thriving city.

The boardwalk portion of the trail extends to Pike Lake campground, a multipurpose campsite that features opportunities for camping, biking and fishing. The site also has a playground, fire pits, a public beach and fish cleaning stations.

The Heritage Trail offers a look into Winona Lake’s character and is dotted

with artistic additions. Dubbed the “Heritage Trail Art Project,” the works are selected by the Winona Lake Art Commission. The artwork represents some of the virtues of the village of Winona, including kindness, generosity, community, gathering, beauty, respect, legacy, peace and love.

The Heritage Trail is more than three miles long, starting along Roy Street and working its way to the campus of Grace Continued on page 8

Many trails

Continued from page 7

College. The trail passes through Miller Field, home of the school’s outdoor sports teams, and back onto campus near the Beta

House, one of the school’s oldest buildings.

The Winona Lake Trail is a popular destination for hikers, bikers and runners. The trail system covers more than 137

GENERAL CONTRACTORS Buhrt Builders are general contractors doing business in Kosciusko County for over 75 years. From large lake homes to custom projects, Buhrt Builders can be trusted to always get the job done right. This photo is an example of a bathroom it has recently completed in a new home build on Lake Wawasee. Photo provided.

acres and more than 10 miles of beaten bath. Despite its situation between Winona Lake and Warsaw, there is a peaceful serenity to the trail. Much of the distance is wooded and features plenty of wildlife, including deer and several types of birds.

The Winona Lake trail system also has several running events on its surfaces throughout the year, including a portion of the Optimist Triathlon and Oktoberfest.

Further north in the county is the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail, which connects Syracuse, Syracuse Lake and parts of Lake Wawasee. The trail features more than 12 miles of accessibility for residents and visitors to safely walk, run and bike. Recently, the committee that administers the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail system announced a 2.2 mile expansion project, dubbed the Wawasee South Campaign, which will connect from Grandview Drive south to Wawasee Middle School.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Trail currently includes the Eli Lilly Road Trail, which is the section that started it all; the Pickwick to Cornelius Road Trail, on which you can ride your bike to see wildlife in the wetlands; the Harkless Road Trail, which allows you to get in shape and stop for lunch at a variety of local restaurants; and the Syracuse Lake Loop, which allows you to stroll more than four miles of trail around the lake. On the loop, you can take in the architecture and keep track of your

MULTI-USE TRAILS Whether you’re a runner, walker or biker, there are numerous trails for you across Kosciusko County, including this portion of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail. Photo provided by SyracuseWawasee Trails.

mileage using mile markers that start at Lakeside Park and run clockwise.

The Conklin Bay Boardwalk and Trail expansion opened in May 2020. This trail includes one-third mile of boardwalk that goes through the Rolland Wetland Conservation Area. A total of four overlook areas are available for trail users to sit, observe and enjoy a natural lake ecosystem.

In North Webster, plans are moving ahead to build a trail that will connect the town to Wawasee Middle School to the north. Eventually, the trail is planned to connect the northern part of town with the southern end.

THREE GENERATIONS AND 75 YEARS OF SUPERIOR SERVICE

Founded in 1997, The Watershed Foundation has flourished over the past 27 years.

The TWF was founded with the name “Tippecanoe Environmental Lake and Watershed Foundation.” The founding residents and leaders from Lake Tippecanoe realized that to protect and enhance their community, a larger version — a focus on the entire watershed — was needed.

TWF has expanded into a sophisticated organization addressing a myriad of water-related issues in the upper Tippecanoe River watershed.

Lake and river water quality, pollution problems and solutions begin on land and this is were TWF focuses its efforts to reduce runoff and associated pollutants from flowing off the land into local waterways.

TWF and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will host a Healthy Shorelines Worship from 5:30-7 p.m. June 13, at the Winona Lake Community Cen-

ter, 1590 Park Ave., Winona Lake. Learn about healthy shoreline practices and costsharing opportunities. Presentations will be made by The Watershed Foundation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources LARE and the INDR Division of Water.

To register visit forms. gle/8SDCUBjtTpnzG25i7.

An Indiana Department of Natural Resources Safe Boating Class will be held from 6-9 p.m. June 19 and 20, at Patona Bay Resort and Marina, 162 EMS T22 Lane, Leesburg.

This event is sponsored by the Lake Tippecanoe Women’s Association, Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association and The Watershed Foundation.

The Watershed’s annual photo contest will be held from July 1 through Dec. 31, showcasing the communities, culture and natural beauty of the Upper Tippecanoe River Watershed. Each year the contest received hundreds of submissions. Entry

Summer events in Warsaw sizzle

Summer will be sizzling in Warsaw parks this year. The parks department is offering programs, events and concerts this summer.

A family carnival will be from 6-9 p.m. July 26, in Central Park.

There will be pickleball clinics on various dates in June. Pickleball is fun for the whole family.

A family movie night is at 7:30 p.m. June 7, at Kelly Park.

Nature Explorers is from 2-3:30 p.m. June 10, 17 and 26, at Lucerne Park. This for ages 8 and up.

A slip and slide luau and foam party will be at 4 p.m. June 26, at Kelly Park.

Science Camp will be 2-3 p.m. July 1, 8 and 15, at Pete Thorn Center. This is for ages 8 and up.

Imagination Station is 10-11 a.m. July 2 and 16, at Pete Thorn Center. This is for ages 3-7.

“Wipe Out” is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 10, at Pike Lake Beach. This is a water obstacle course.

A slip and slide luau, 1 p.m. July 31, at Kelly Park. All ages.

A family movie night is at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23, at Lucerne Park.

Concerts will also take place in the summer. All concerts are at 7 p.m. Friday evenings.

The concert schedule is:

June 7, gospel, The Sound, Central Park Plaza.

June 14, blues, Lightnin’ Rod and The Thunderbolts, Lucerne Amphitheater.

June 28, 1950s-1970s, The Moon Cats, Lucerne Amphitheater.

July 12, Irish music by Kennedy’s Kitchen, Lucerne Amphitheater.

Aug. 2, concert band, Lake Area Community Band, Central Park Plaza.

Aug. 9, blues, Big Daddy Dupree’s Broke and Hungry Blues Band, Lucerne Amphitheater.

Aug. 16, country, Hubie Ashcraft, The Glover Pavilion.

Other summer concerts will be held

Continued on page 10

information will be posted on The Watershed’s website, watershedfoundation.org, in June.

TWF and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will host a free Hoosier Riverwatch volunteer stream monitor training from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 17 at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St., North Webster.

TWF will host the Lake Tippy Cottage Tour on Saturday, July 27. Tickets are on sale now on the TWF website.

The Winona Lake Cottage Tour will be

held Saturday, Sept. 7.

The Watershed Foundation is partnering with the Kosciusko County Soil and Water District to host the eighth annual Snapshot Water Monitoring Day from 2-6 p.m. Sept. 19. Assist TWF in monitoring water quality in 100 sites throughout Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties in one afternoon. To register, visit the TWF website. Learn more about TWF and its work at watershedfoundation.org or by calling (574) 834-3242. TWF also has a Facebook page.

Front row (left to right): Jill Knafel, Kathy Cole, Analisa Perry Back row (left to right): Sande Wappes, Holly Urbin, Donna Hare

CONCERTS IN THE PARK A Country Concert for St. Jude will be Friday, July 19 in Warsaw. Pictured is Kimberly Perry. She is one-third of the Grammy award-winning superstar sibling trio, The Band Perry.

provided.

Summer

Continued from page 9

June 21 (Rockin’ for Riley) and July 19 (Country Concert for St. Jude). For more information about summer events or summer concerts in Warsaw, visit warsaw.in.gov and click on “parks and recreation.”

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS Looking to buy or sell a lake property? The Deb Paton Showley Group is a team of experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals and fellow lake lovers. Deb and her team are ready to assist with any lake home needs, creating the ultimate lake lifestyle and building a stronger community.

As a lake native herself, Deb and her team’s love for the lake and lake communities is undeniable. Not only is their lake expertise extensive, their enthusiasm for the lakes area is undeniable. Deb

was featured in

for homes on

For exceptional service, call the Deb Paton

Group today (574) 527-6022 or visit debpatonshowleygroup.com. Office location is 210 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw.

Shown from left are Brittney Niles, Linda Goshert, Katy Dilley and Deb Paton Showley. Photo provided by the Deb Paton

Group.

HURRY HOME

Photo

HGTV’s “Lakefront Bargain Hunt” in 2017 and 2019

Lake Tippecanoe and Chapman Lake respectively.

Showley

Showley

Old Jail Museum to celebrate Indiana’s circus history

The Kosciusko County Historical Society and the Old Jail Museum will be joining in the Warsaw Third Friday fun on June 21 to celebrate and recognize Indiana’s rich circus history.

“There was a time when every major circus made its home in Indiana,” said Greg Steffe, co-director of the museum. “We are billing the event ‘Museum Under the Big Top.”

Steffe said the museum will be bringing in a rare steam calliope from Peru, which was once known as the “Circus Capital of the World.”

Additionally, the phenomenal Peru Circus Festival Band. The sounds of the band have mesmerized circus audiences for over 60 years. Both amateur and professional musicians volunteer their time for nearly two weeks each summer to provide the musical background for over 200 amateur circus performers. Dating back to the 1800s, the original circus band consisted of around 20 local musicians. Today, membership has grown to over 130 including musicians who travel from as far away as Louisiana, New York and Virginia to participate.

There will be something for everyone, including face painting and activities for children.

LOCAL GEM

The Kosciusko County Historical Society and the Old Jail Museum preserves many pieces of local history. It will be celebrating the area’s rich circus history during Warsaw’s Third Friday event on June 21. Photo provided by The Kosciusko Historical Society.

The fun will begin around 4:30 p.m. and will continue through the evening. For more information, call Steffe at (574) 269-1078, or stop by the Old Jail Museum, 121 N. Indiana St., Warsaw, to learn more about local history.

STATE-OF-THE-ART WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT — Rabb Water has been serving north central Indiana since 1951. The family-owned company supplies customers, both residential and commercial, with advanced, state-of-the-art water treatment equipment. Many are unaware Rabb, as the area’s only authorized nonelectric Kinetico dealer, offers a wide variety of products from all the major manufacturers of water treatment equipment. Its purchase power as one of Indiana’s largest independent water companies allows management to offer products for any budget.

Rabb Water Systems’ main products include: water softeners, drinking water systems, sulfur removal, whole house filtration, bacteria treatment, ultraviolet, arsenic removal, saltfree systems, whole- house reverse osmosis, business/commercial large-scale softening, chemical injection, de-ionization, laboratory grade water and iron filtration.

Rabb Water Systems takes pride in its installation and service department, servicing all makes and models. The technicians are factory trained and certified through the Water Quality Association. It offers 24-hour emergency service and its goal is to earn the right to be recommended. Photo provided by Rabb Water Systems.

Lake patrols converge on Syracuse, Wawasee and Tippecanoe lakes each summer helping boaters follow the rules of the water. These lake patrols run from Memorial Day to around Labor Day. The lake patrol is spearheaded by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Corporal Michael Heady.

The lake patrols are funded through state and federal grants, but the corresponding property owners associations are responsible for purchasing the boat as well as any maintenance or fuel needed for the watercraft.

The focus of the lake patrols is boater education and safety. Members of the lake patrol receive an orientation and training through the Department of Natural Resources.

To prevent serious injuries or even death, boating safety and abiding by the rules of the water is incredibly important.

According to the Wawasee Property Owners Association, all motorboat operators in Indiana must have a valid driver’s license to operate on all public waters. Persons less than 15 years of age shall not operate a personal watercraft.

Boats less than 16 feet long, and a canoe or kayak of any length, must have onboard a United States Coast Guardapproved personal flotation device for everyone onboard. Boats 16 feet and longer must have wearable personal flotation devices for everyone onboard plus at least one throwable personal flotation device.

Reckless operation of a boat, when a boat is operated carelessly in willful disregard of the rights, safety, or property of others, is a crime in Indiana. Examples of reckless operation include but are not limited to: excessive speed in regulated or congested areas or during times of restricted visibility; operating in a manner that may cause an accident; operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operating a personal watercraft which endangers life or property.

When operating a personal watercraft do not: weave through congested traffic, follow a watercraft that is towing other

individuals, jump the wake of another watercraft, cut between a boat and an individual being towed, cross paths with another watercraft when vision is obstructed or street toward an object or person in the water and turn sharply at close range.

Follow the rules of the water and make summer memories that will last a lifetime. To find out more information about the lake patrol, contact your property owners association or the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office at (574) 267-5667.

Know your lake, enjoy your lake

By DR. NATE BOSCH Creighton Brothers Endowed Director The Lilly Center

Aleyna and Alesha are two sisters who attended a fishing event hosted by the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams. Their dad, Greg, was unfamiliar with fishing, but he was excited to try a new activity with his daughters. He brought his daughters to Pike Lake and received a free fishing license. Aleyna and Alesha quickly learned the ropes and were hooked. Days

later, Greg purchased fishing gear for his girls, and they made their first catch.

Connecting with your lake is the first step toward caring for it. Whether you are visiting a beach, boating, or strolling along a boardwalk, it is an opportunity to appreciate all our lakes offer. Here are two ways the Lilly Center equips you with scientifically-sound resources to protect your lake.

The Lilly Center researches potentially toxin-producing, blue-green algae by collecting water samples from 12 all-sport lakes, plus Center and Pike lakes, every Continued on page 13

Front row: Courtney Miller, Whitney Olson, Karen Eyer Back row: Bria McCulloch, Lisa Hare, Sirena Morgan, Deana Downton

LAKE PATROL — Lake patrols run from Memorial Day to around Labor Day. The purpose of the lake patrols is to help boaters in distress and promote boater education and safety. Photo provided by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

CRITTER ENCOUN -

TERS “Critter Encounter” attendees connect with native critters as their first steps to caring for local lakes and streams. Photo provided by Lilly Center.

Continued from page 12

summer from June to August.

The “potentially” part in “potentially toxin-producing” means that some species produce toxin, while others do not. When ingested, blue-green algae toxins can harm pets and even humans.

The Lilly Center publishes toxin reports every Friday through the summer to help lake residents make the best choice for their families. Learn more about blue-green algae and sign up for notifications at lakes.grace.edu/bluegreen-algae.

Free community events, like Critter

Encounters, expeditions and workshops, empower lake lovers with opportunities to get to know native critters, expand their lake-friendly gardening knowledge, and even go fishing. Events are available for all ages and abilities. Learn more and RSVP for an inspirational, hands-on event at lakes.grace.edu/events.

Whether you are a first timer, like Aleyna and Alesha, or you have spent your whole life on the lake, you can take the next step in making your lake clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful.

For more information, visit lakes. grace.edu.

Local beaches offer a place to stay cool from summer heat

Kosciusko County summer revelers can beat the heat and humidity at several beaches located at various lakes. All venues are “swim at your own risk” if no lifeguard if on duty.

Milford

The beach at Waubee Lake Park, 325 E. Camp Mack Road, is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the summer. Along

Continued on page 15

SPLISH SPLASH Winona Lake’s Limitless Park has a beach, splash pad, tennis courts, playground, pavilions and picnic tables, which makes it a perfect place to spend a hot summer day. Photo provided.

Syracuse-Wawasee Trails to begin next phase

By AMANDA PLANK Executive Director Syracuse-Wawasee Trails

There’s nothing like summertime around the lakes. The Syracuse-Wawasee Trails provides opportunities for walking, running and biking on its diverse trailways throughout our community. The Trails recently announced a rebrand and that updated signage along the current 12 miles of trailways throughout the Syra-

Local beaches

with a sloped, sandy beach, the park offers a playground, picnic area, lake access for boat launching and a clean lake for swimming and fishing.

North Webster

North Webster Park, South Dixie Drive, offers a sandy beach, swing for adults, picnic shelter and public piers to bring in boats. Other activities at the park include The Dixie sternwheeler tours and Ski Bee performances.

Syracuse

Lakeside Park on Syracuse Lake offers a beach area open from 8 a.m. to dusk Memorial Day to Labor Day. Amenities include an open air pavilion, playground, beach volleyball and a swimming beach.

Hoys Beach, a small park on the Henry Street right-of-way to Syracuse Lake, offers trees and plants in decorative planting beds, picnic tables and benches. It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

cuse-Wawasee community will be installed later this year to improve the experience of all trail users. You will see maps, distance markers, and educational materials about our wetlands, birding and more along the routes. Keep an eye out for their new look!

The Trails’ Committee recently announced the Wawasee South Campaign, adding another 2.2 miles of trails in and around Syracuse. In this next phase of expansion from Grandview Drive, they Continued on page 16

Warsaw

Center Lake Beach, 119 E. Canal St., is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 1 to Sept. 30. Amenities include picnic tables, lake access, restrooms and vending machines. Lifeguards are on-duty 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Saturday; however, lifeguards are not on-duty if the temperature is below 70 degrees.

Pike Lake Beach and Park, 1009 E. Arthur St., is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 1 through Sept. 30. Amenities include a boat launch, lake access, playground, restrooms and vending machines. Camping is available for a fee. Lifeguards are on-duty 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Saturday; however, lifeguards are not on-duty if the temperature is below 70 degrees.

Winona Lake

Limitless Park, 1590 Park Ave., offers a beach area, splash pad, tennis courts, playground, pavilions and picnic tables. To stay up-to-date with Winona Lake Limitless Park, visit facebook.com/WinonaLakeLimitlessPark/.

Food Truck Fridays back for year three in Milford

What began in 2022 as Food Truck Fridays in Milford keeps getting bigger each year. Founded by the group “Meet Milford,” the first Food Truck Friday event of 2024 is slated for 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 21. The theme for the opening night is Milford in Motion.

Food Truck Fridays occur on the third Friday of each month from June to October on July 19, August 16, September 20 and October 18.

The opening night on June 21 features a one-mile fun run called the Food Truck Fun One Mile. The run/walk takes place at 7 p.m. All proceeds go to the Milford Food Bank. Registration for the run is $20 and $25 for registration on the day of the event.

The Meet Milford team consists of Karena Wilkinson, Sierra Clark-Kern, Angie Deak and Tricia Gall. The four had the idea to turn a small parking lot next to the Milford Town Hall into a place to gather and enjoy dinner from area food trucks once a month.

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provided.

Golfing options in no short supply locally

There are numerous golf courses in the Kosciusko County area open for business.

Food trucks at the event vary each month to give attendees a chance to experience different cuisines and offerings. Not only does Food Truck Friday provide an opportunity for social gathering, it also provides an opportunity for vendors to develop new fans of their food and earn additional weekend revenue.

The Meet Milford team continues to add more to the event, including a touch-a-truck for kids, live music or other entertainment. Guests are sure to enjoy a few hours of relaxation and good food to help kick off their weekend.

Last year’s events ran from 6-9 p.m. but have been moved up an hour from 5-8 p.m. in 2024. There is no charge for admission other than your own food purchases and entertainment is always free.

For further information, email the Meet Milford team at meet milfordindiana@gmail.com, visit their Facebook page, or call 574 221-0327.

Cart rules vary from course to course, which can be checked with the courses before play. McCormick Creek, 1300 N. Oakland Ave., Nappanee, has various offers ranging from $12 to $48. Twilight specials are $30 Monday through Thursday and $35 on the weekend. Call the course at (574) 773-2725 for daily specials and tee time reservations.

Maxwelton Golf Club, 5721 E. Elkhart County Line Road, Syracuse, offers various levels of pay and play as well. Monday through Thursday rates range from $16 for nine holes of golf without a cart to $48 for 18 holes of golf with a cart. Friday through Sunday rates range from $20 for nine holes of golf to $64 for 18 holes of golf with a cart. You can book your tee time at maxweltongolf.com/tee-times.

Located at 1700 Rosella Road in southwest Warsaw, Rosella Ford Golf Club asks golfers to call (574) 376-4160 for a reservation. The course offers five sets of tees for each of its 18 holes. The Rosella Ford Golf Club offers a $2 discount for those paying in cash.

Another golfing option in Warsaw is Stonehenge Golf Course, 2850 E. Pierceton Road. You can book your tee time and view their rates at teewire.net/stonehenge.

Tippecanoe Lake Country Club located at 7245 N. Kalorama Road, Leesburg,

asks golfers to call (574) 453-4441 for more information.

Wawasee Golf Club, 7654 E. Eli Lilly Road, Syracuse, is an affordable nine-hole course situated just yards away from Lake Wawasee and the Eli Lilly properties. Call (574) 457-0224 for course availability and rates.

WAWASEE AT THE TEE — Wawasee junior Myles Everingham on the tee at the 18th hole at the Maxwelton Golf Club. Photo by Nathan Pace.

Photo

Syracuse-Wawasee

Continued from page 15

LIFE IS BETTER — This map outlines the present state of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails. The portion in green represents the next addition to the trails, the Wawasee South Campaign, which will include 2.2 miles of trails from Grandview Drive to Wawasee Middle School. Map provided by Syracuse-Wawasee Trails.

Upcoming summer events include the Pawasee Dog Parade on June 22, Tour des Lakes on July 20 and the Trails Annual Fundraiser on Aug. 22. Life is Better on the Trails!

will push south to Wawasee Middle School. This will allow our community’s first schoolto-school connection, providing safe trailways along SR 13 and the vital link to the east and north sides of the lake. Projects like these take a village. Please consider joining the movement by making a donation today! Visit us at SyracuseWawaseeTrails.com for more information.

SHOWROOM SPLENDOR Owners Jon and Jill Blackwood of JB’s Furniture, 2101 E. Center St., Warsaw, are pleased to offer 36,000 square feet of furniture on display. From entryway benches to stately, leather living room sets to comfy mattresses, JB’s meets the furniture needs for any room. Photo by Carl Lauster.

HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:00-5:30

Downtown Warsaw hosts third Friday events

Main Street Warsaw Events Coordinator Mackenzie Parker said Third Friday events in downtown Warsaw are about “good food (and) good music,” among other things.

The theme for the event is encouraging downtown activity, said Parker.

Third Friday is an ongoing event that brings a fun, festive atmosphere to downtown Warsaw. Once a month, the downtown streets are turned into a huge block party. Downtown merchants host the party.

June, July and August’s Third Fridays will be from 4-7 p.m. June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16.

Parker said MSW is coordinating with the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department’s large rock and country concerts at Central Park on the June and July dates and a smaller one on the August date.

On June 21, a pre-concert bike rally will take place.

While downtown for Third Friday, head to the Historical Society for a Circus Extravaganza.

THIRD

FRIDAYS Third Friday events in downtown Warsaw are about good food and good music. Photo provided.

Country Night for St. Jude is July 19.

Kaitlyn Baker and Joe Lasher will open the show at 6:30 p.m. and Kimberly Perry will follow at 8 p.m.

Step back into the past at Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum

The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum was founded in 1987 with funds raised from the Syracuse Sequicentennial Celebration. Once occupying a small room in the Syracuse Public Library, the museum was able to move and grow into its current location in the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The museum offers a wide range of interesting events for community members to participate in, learn and enjoy. The museum recently underwent renovations and is

hosting an open house Saturday, June 15.

One of the events the museum has held for the past several years is the weekly camp, The Youth History Club.

The Youth History Club meets 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, June 6 through Aug. 8.

The museum will be closed for July 4 but will be open to present two Centennial programs occurring 10:30 a.m. July 13 and Aug. 10. The museum is teaming up with Chautauqua-Wawasee to present Archaeology Month. The event

Continued on page 18

A car show, sponsored by Kosciusko Board of Realtors, will be Aug. 16.

The annual Taste of Kosciusko event will be from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 20. During it, people may pay a fee to try food and drink from area eateries.

Vendors and food trucks will also be set up, with at least seven musicians performing in front of area businesses.

“We just want to provide something each month where families, couples or in-

dividuals can come out and look forward to,” said Parker. “Once they’re there for fun activities, good food, good music, they also get to see how vibrant downtown Warsaw is and all of the businesses that make it so special.”

Businesses, nonprofits or individuals may sign up to be vendors at the events by reaching out through mainstreetwarsaw. org, with information under Third Friday on the events tab.

Churches offer area boat-in services

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, worship is offered on water on three lakes in Kosciusko County: Dewart Lake, Tippecanoe Lake and Lake Wawasee.

Dewart Lake

Dewart Lake Community Friends Church conducts services at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, at Quaker Haven Camp’s Lakeside.

Boaters are invited to listen to talented musicians and the good news of Jesus via boat, kayak or on the shore of Dewart Lake at Quaker Haven. If attending on shoreline, it is recommended to bring a blanket or chair. Guest musicians will join Pastor Jesse every Sunday to help lead worship.

In inclement weather, the boat-in service will be held in the church, also known as Quaker Haven Chapel.

For more information, call (574) 5290687 or visit dewartlakefriendschurch.org/ boat-in.org or facebook.com/Dewartlakecommunityfriendschurch/.

Tippecanoe Lake

Leesburg United Methodist Church

hosts a Sunday boat-in service at Patona Bay at 8:30 a.m. Guests may worship by land or water. If you come by boat then you may anchor in front of the shore or bring a chair and listen from the shore. Each week, a talented guest musician and Pastor Rob Seewald will share a message.

For more information, call (574) 4534703 or visit myleesburgmethodist.com/ summer-worship or facebook.com/LeesburgUMC4152014/.

Lake Wawasee

The Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association sponsors a boat-in service on Lake Wawasee that begins at 8:30 a.m. Climb aboard The SS Lilly Pad behind The Frog Tavern by 7:30 a.m., pull up a chair in front of Oakwood Resort to attend by shore, or anchor alongside with your own boat.

This one-of-a-kind, half-hour service praises God with special music and a devotion designed to kick your week off on the right foot.

For more information, visit wawaseecompass.org/#boat-in.

Seeking a common good for lake residents and the community

The largest natural lake in the state of Indiana, Lake Wawasee, is known throughout the Midwest as a scenic venue to get away from the stresses of the everyday world. Encompassing more than 3,000 acres, visitors and property owners come from Chicago, Indianapolis and other locales to enjoy its recreation and scenery.

It has been a popular site for vacations, retirement or year-round residency.

With approximately 90% of Lake Wawasee’s 25-mile shoreline developed, the Wawasee Property Owners Association helps keep the area’s delicate ecosystem in balance. WPOA works together with Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams to ensure the lake and the surrounding area remain healthy and viable for the present and for generations to come.

“Neighbors dedicated to the preservation and orderly development of Indiana’s largest natural lake” is how the WPOA describes itself. Safety on the lake is paramount to the organization, and its sponsorship of the volunteer Sheriff’s Lake Patrol helps to ensure a day on the lake is a safe and enjoyable experience. Our officers are volunteers that spend a good amount of time in the off-season training. Each has a great knowledge of the lake and spends many hours on patrol being ready to help anyone that is in need on the lake,” said Kay Young, WPOA president.

The WPOA publishes a directory that is distributed to the law enforcement agencies and fire departments in the area. Over the years the WPOA has helped provide advanced life support training and specialized equipment for local responders as well. This directory also goes to each paying member of the association during the month of May.

Additionally, the WPOA provides a variety of family gathering events such as its members’ annual meeting and the Independence Day weekend fireworks.

One of its longest standing events is the annual Pancake Breakfast held at the

Oakwood Resort. Saturday June 15 is the date for the 2024 event. Hours are from 7:30 to 10:30 and the WPOA looks forward to seeing old and new friends of both Wawasee and Syracuse lakes as they welcome in the summer season.

The directors are all volunteers and live in the neighborhoods around the lake, giving the board a wide range of knowledge and experience as well as insights in to each areas needs.

WPOA also supports the annual Lake Wawasee Fireworks display. This year it will be the largest fireworks show in the community’s history. The WPOA fireworks are funded totally through donations. The fireworks will begin at 10:15 p.m. Saturday, July 6, from the center of Lake Wawasee with synchronized music. Check out the website for details and on how you can support this event as well.

To cap off the summer, the annual end of the year dinner cruise on the Lillypad will take place Saturday, Aug. 17

Dixie Day Festival fires

up on July 27

The headline summer event for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Valley Chamber of Commerce is set for Saturday, July 27. The annual Dixie Day Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is the 15th year for the Dixie Day Festival, celebrating over 85 years of the Dixie Boat operating on Webster Lake.

The Dixie Sternwheeler, the oldest stern-wheeled paddleboat in Indiana, will depart for two cruises for the day at Continued on page 20

WORSHIP ON WATER Three local churches offer boat-in worship from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Photo from Dewart Lake Community Friends Church.

Dixie Day

Continued from page 19

2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Cruises on the Dixie do require a ticket. Tickets are available for purchase at The Cove (corner of Huntington and S. Dixie Drive) or prior to each ride. Space is limited as tickets are $7 with no discounts for children or seniors. The cruise is handicap accessible.

One big change is the Sailors and Mer-

OUTDOOR RECREATION

maids 5K will not be happening this year.

The Dixie Day Festival will also include an arts and craft fair, an open-air market, scavenger hunt, food court, antiques and an area boat dealer show. Dixie Day features auto shows for cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors. For the first time in 2024 is a Kids As Vendors craft show.

The chamber expects a similar crowd

in recent years as over 4,000 people have attended.

More info can be found on the cham-

ber website, www.northwebster.com, or on the Facebook page, North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.

QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR SUMMER FUN Pedals & Paddles has catered to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts since 2017. Located in North Webster, the sporting goods store specializes in an array of products ranging from watersports and cycling to disc golf and pickleball gear.

Need watersports equipment? Pedals & Paddles has water skis, floating mats, wakeboards, wakesurf, kneeboards, tow ropes, tubes, life jackets, swimwear, wetsuits and more. They also have Connelly NCGA ski vests, pool floats and O’Neill surf apparel.

Pedals & Paddles carries a wide variety of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, including accessories. Not ready to buy? Pedals & Paddles offers affordable rental of kayaks, paddleboards and bikes. They also have basketball, volleyball and soccer products.

Whether you are seeking thrilling adventures on the water, exploring your favorite bike trail or playing outdoor sports, Pedals & Paddles is your source for outdoor fun in the northern Indiana lakes region. Photo by Susan Stump.

SWEET RIDE — Toby Weaver standing next to his 1961 Dodge Lancer at the 2023 Dixie Day Car and Truck Show. The Mail-Journal file photo.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

LUAU ON THE LAKE Last year’s Wawasee Flotilla’s theme was “Luau on the Lake.” This year, the theme is “Family Game Night.” The Wawasee Flotilla is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6.

Wawasee Flotilla 2024 theme is ‘Family Game Night’, commodore announced

Celebrating the time-honored lake tradition of family-friendly competition, this year’s Wawasee Flotilla theme allows you to highlight your favorite pastime around the game table, in the yard or on your pontoon. This year’s Flotilla will be 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. The Flotilla Road Race will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 4, at Lakeside Park. Registration for the road race opens at 7 a.m.

Is your go-to a classic like Monopoly or Clue? Maybe it’s a spirited yard game, like cornhole or bocci. How about some Left-Center-Right? Whatever gets your family’s competitive juices flowing, celebrate it by entering and decorating your boat for the 2024 Wawasee Flotilla Parade. You can also celebrate on land by decorating your yard or your pier to reflect this year’s playful theme.

Flotilla participants should plan to gather at 1 p.m. along Natti Crow Beach to organize and begin the parade traveling counter-clockwise around the lake. As always, there will be several designated prizes and cash awards.

Prizes include the coveted Commodore Cup, The DNR award, The Neighborhood Award, Wawasee History, Most Patriotic, Commercial, Nonprofit, Wooden,

Classic, Antique Most Original and several new awards reflecting a game-night theme. There are also awards for the best on-shore displays.

In order to be eligible for an award, you must register. Registration forms will be available on the Flotilla’s Facebook page, at local retailers or at Team Tuttle Mortgage, Syracuse. Follow the Flotilla’s Facebook page for more information and updates on merchandise, additional prizes and other information.

The Wawasee Flotilla committee has announced Dr. J. Rex Parent as the commodore. Parent is a lifelong lover of Lake Wawasee, starting with family vacations at rental cottages on Natti Crow Beach.

“My summer fun and summer vacation wishes have always been based on Lake Wawasee,” Parent explained.

A nationally-recognized innovator and leader in the field of ophthalmology, Parent’s love for Wawasee was well illustrated with the acquisition and re-imagining of Oakwood Resort. Under Parent’s leadership, Oakwood has become one of the premier lakeside resorts in the entire country.

Gather the family for the 2024 Wawasee Flotilla and get your game on.

Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

BOAT-IN WORSHIP Celebrating the 54th year of serving the spiritual needs of the communities, boat-in worship takes place in front of Oakwood Resort from 8:30-9 a.m. every Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.

Suitable attire will consist of whatever you wish to wear, from a coat and tie to a bathing suit. Each Sunday, there are some of the best musical groups along with a short sermon and prayers. Boat-in worship is brought to you by the Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association.

Come by boat or on shore at Oakwood. Seating is also available on the Frog’s S.S. Lillypad. Photo provided by Harlan Steffen.

Services will be held on the lake in front of Oakwood Inn & Resort. Come

LAKE WAWASEE BOAT-IN WORSHIP

Memorial Day (May 30th) to Labor Day (Sept 5th) - Sundays 8:30-9:00 www.wawaseecompass.org

Lions Club holds 78th

Mermaid Festival

The North Webster Mermaid Festival presented by the North Webster Lions’ Club will return this year for its 78th anniversary.

The theme this year is “The American Dream.” The Festival will begin Wednesday, June 19, at 5 p.m. but the North Webster United Methodist Strawberry Festival on the festival grounds starts at 4:30 p.m. The Annual Cutie Parade is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. opening day on Main Street in North Webster. The Cutie Parade entry is free of charge as Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation will provide chances to win a portion of $30,000 of scholarship money. The Cutie King and Queen pageant as well as the Queen of the Lakes Pageant also offer scholarship money.

Another main event on Wednesday, June 19, is the North Webster Lions Club Bicycle Give-A-Way at 8 p.m. The band “Beez and the Rocker” will perform immediately following the bicycle giveaway.

Thursday, June 20, will feature the Wheels of Agriculture Game Show at both 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Merlin’s Stage. The

same game show will take place at the same times on Friday, June 21 with four showings on Saturday, June 22.

The band “Consider” will take Merlin’s Stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20. Friday, June 21, will see a performance from the the “Incognito Cloggers” at 7:30 p.m. on Merlin’s Stage.

The Cutie Pageant is set for 7 p.m. Friday, June 21, at the North Webster Community Center.

The Mermaid Festival Parade will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22, on Main Street. The Queen of the Lakes Pageant is later in the day at 7 p.m. at the North Webster Community Center.

For more information visit nwmermaidfestival.com or email event officials at nwmermaidfestival@gmail.com. You can follow the Mermaid Festival on Facebook at www. facebook.com/mermaidfestival.

If you have questions you can also call the office at (574) 834-4316. The office is not manned on a daily basis so leave a message and someone will return your call.

HONOR THE ANTHEM — North Webster police officers stand and salute during the singing of the national anthem at the start of the Cutie Parade at the 2023 Mermaid Festival. The Mail-Journal file photo.

Webster Ski Bees back at it in 2024

The Webster Ski Bees Water Ski Club will begin their 2024 season soon and their events can be viewed by the public at the North Webster Town Park, 401 S. Dixie Drive. The park is the place for premium seating for the show however, boaters are welcome to watch from beyond the buoys on Webster Lake.

The 2024 show schedule gets underway with the first show of the year at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Most shows begin at 6 p.m as the Webster Ski Bees will perform their annual mermaid show on Saturday, June 29 at that time.

The Fourth of July Show is Saturday, July 6, and the group will perform for the Dixie Day Festival on Saturday, July 27. The final show of the season is Saturday, August 10. Sunday, August 11 is the club picnic and ski around the lake day at noon.

Except for the COVID pandemic year of 2020, the club has performed on Webster Lake since 1956. Skiers of every age join the fun to please crowds gathering to enjoy the water ski shows. The Ski Bees were organized as a way to promote water skiing as a family sport.

While the shows are free to attend, goodwill donations are accepted to defray gas costs for the ski boats. Narration can be heard for free at the park. Bring your own seating and park for free in the town

lot across from the Lake View Pizza King Restaurant and the town lot behind the Dixie Haven Resort on East Himes Street.

To sign up, please visit websterskibees.com and click on the PDF, fill it out, bring the form and join us for sign-up day on 9 a.m. Saturday, June 15.

“We are always looking for new performers for our ski shows, so bring your friends,” said club secretary-treasurer Doug Jones. “Anyone interested in working behind the scenes is also welcome. We

June 4 — Wetland Adventure | 10am-3pm

June 17 — Snapshot Water Day | 12-5pm

June 20 —Trivia Night at WACF | 7pm

June 21 — First Canoe Trip | 7am*

June 25 — Wetland Adventure | 10am-3pm

June 28 — Canoe Trip | 7am*

July 3 — Fish with the DNR at Between the Lakes | 9am

July 6 — Lake Talk & Eats Bug Catch | 9am

July 9 — Wetland Adventure | 10am-3pm

July 12 — Canoe Trip | 7am*

July 19 — Canoe Trip | 7am*

July 26 — Canoe Trip | 7am*

July 27 — Annual Lake Celebration at Between the Lakes | 9am

July 30 — Wetland Adventure | 10am-3pm

August 2 — Canoe Trip | 7am*

August 3 — S.S. Lilly Pad Brunch Cruise | 10am-12:30pm

August 9 — Canoe Trip | 7am*

October 5 — Fall Tastic Trail Walk | 12-4pm

October 6 — Fall Tastic Trail Walk | 12-4pm

December 7 — Tree Lighting | 5:30pm

can find something for you to do.”

For more information on how to be a part of tradition, visit the Webster Ski

Bees Facebook page or websterskibees. com. The club’s motto is “Life begins at the end of a rope!”

COME OUT FOR THE BUG CATCH Join the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation for its annual Lake Talk and Eats Bug Catch at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 6. It’s fun for all ages to learn about macroinvertebrates and catch them in the lake. Which ones indicate good water quality? How many different ones will they find this year?

The WACF volunteers want to see you at Ruddell Pavilion July 6 for Bug Catch. Plus, there’s more to do at WACF Wetland Adventures — this year’s dates are June 4 and 25 and July 9 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; drop-in as you wish.

WACF has crafts, experiments, scavenger hunts, safety instructions and more, and are hosting fishing with the DNR from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Between the Lakes.

Photo provided.

Our goal is to protect, preserve and enhance the Wawasee Area Watershed for present and future generations.

Wetland Adventures are special programs for kids accompanied by a parent or adult. Each day will focus on different aspects of the wetlands and our watershed with crafts, special activities and a canoe scavenger hunt. No registration is necessary but bring a life jacket and an adult!

Canoe Trips — Every Friday in June, July and August (weather permitting).

Take a guided canoe trip down the upper watershed of Lake Wawasee. This is a first-class wetlands education. While canoeing you will see the spring fed lakes and wetlands that provide us with good water. You will see varying flora and fauna and miles of shoreline protected by WACF. Each trip is different, starting at 7:00 am and finishing about noon.

*Advanced registration is required online at www.wacf.com education tab.

Lake Talk & Eats is held on the first Saturday of June, July and August. Join us at the Ruddell Pavilion for informal demonstrations, hands on activities and ways to help protect our lakes and watershed. This year June 1 is Native Plants Talk & Sale, July 6 is the Annual Bug Catch and August 3 is the cruise aboard the S.S. Lilly Pad. The cruise will require registration and a ticket. Go to www.wacf.com for more information.

Family Friendly events at 11586 SR 13 in Syracuse unless otherwise noted.

BLACK PANTHER ON WATER — A young member of the Webster Ski Bees wears a Black Panther mask for a show in 2023. Photo courtesy of the Webster Ski Bees.

KBOR CAR SHOW The Kosciusko Board of Realtors is hosting its Annual Car Show for KBOR’s Children’s charities Friday, Aug. 16, in partnership with the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Third Friday event.

Pictured at last year’s car show from left are Heather King, Meridian Title; Shari Vermillion, Interra Credit Union; John Coffee, car show judge, Boggs Automotive; Ashley Black, Patton Hall Real Estate; LeAnne Francis, Ruoff Mortgage; Heather Deal, H Team Dream Homes; and Nicole Parson, Beacon Credit Union. Photo provided by Liz Decker.

KBOR car show Aug. 16 in Warsaw

The August Third Friday car show is from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 16.

Visit downtown Warsaw for a fun-filled night. The annual Cruise-In for Kosciusko Board of Realtors Children’s Charities will be in partnership with the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Third Friday event.

This year’s cruise-in will be more of an informal event, with no entry fees, just a fun time for car enthusiasts and attendees.

This will be the fourth annual Kosciusko Board of Realtors car show.

In 2023, the cruise-in raised $12,000 for KBOR’s Children’s Charities via sponsorships. Those charities include six, $1,000 college scholarships, back-to-school backpacks and Boots for Scholars, among others.

KBOR’s Realtor members believe that children and families are made stronger when the community works together as partners to assist and support families in need.

For more information, call KBOR at (574) 269-6706.

NO. ONE DEALER Wawasee Boat Company was recently named the No. one dealer by Nautique for all of North America for excellence in the market. It had the highest market share in its assigned territory, combined with the highest CSI scores from surveys filled out by customers of any other dealer in North America. Wawasee Boat Company’s service after the sale cannot be beaten. Stop by today. Photo provided.

Syracuse Artisans and Farmers Market now open

Syracuse Artisans and Farmers Market is back for its 15th season, as it opened for the 2024 season back on May 18. The Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through August 31, for a total of 16 weeks.

The market is located at Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill, located at 303 W. Henry St., Syracuse.

Displays of locally grown produce, flowers, baked goods and art fill the park to create a diverse and friendly community shopping experience.

The market strives to be a growersand-producers-only market with vendors required to grow at least 50 percent of their items for sale.

Vendors may supplement up to 50% of their displays with items procured from other producers, as long as those items are locally grown within 150 miles of Syracuse and clearly labeled with the farm name.

Other items found at the market include candies, preserves, syrup, honey and more. Arts, crafts, jewelry and other items

are original and handmade by the vendor offering them for sale.

Pre-manufactured, mass-produced, imported or commercial products will not be sold at the market. Independent consultants representing direct sale companies are not permitted to sell at the market.

Vendors who sell or sample any food for consumption on-site must have a food service establishment permit from the Kosciusko County Health Department.

A maximum of two prepared food vendors may participate at any given market.

All vendor products are subject to review by the market staff. All items deemed inappropriate will either be denied entry into the market or requested to be removed from the vendor’s display.

For more information, contact Darin Lursen at (574) 457-3440 or email him at dlursen@syracusein.org.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, a contract can be downloaded at at syracusefarmers.market.org.

Mudtastic Classic celebrating 10 years

The 10th annual Mudtastic Classic is right around the corner and the Syracuse Parks Department is anticipating the muddy adventures.

The 2024 iteration of Mudtastic Classic is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, and is presented by the K21 Health Foundation.

The event will run on the trails near the Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes and Wetlands Education Center located on SR 13, one mile south of Syracuse. This mud run will feature several fun and challenging obstacles along trails near Lake Wawasee. Both adults and kids ages 7-14 will have the opportunity to participate in teams or as individuals.

Fees are $25 for both adults over the age of 15 and for children under 15. Participants will be able to register at the Syracuse Community Center or online at www.

runreg.com/mudtasticclassic. A nominal service fee will be charged to those registering online. Participants must register by Sunday, June 2 to receive a T-shirt as there will be no guarantee of size or availability after this date.

The event will take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather the run will be rescheduled to June 23. Money raised from the event will support the Syracuse Parks Department.

More than 250 participants have competed in this untimed race in recent years which covers a 2.25 mile layout with over 15 different obstacles. Competitors will get muddy.

The courses will have uneven ground, water, mud, climbing and crawling. Participants will have the choice to complete or

FUN IN THE MUD — Cynthia-Centeno takes part in the 2023 Mudtastic Classic. The Mail-Journal file photo.

bypass any obstacle. This is not a race; the objective is to have fun and get dirty.

The adult waves depart at 9 a.m. and the adult/youth waves at 10 a.m. The youth waves depart at 11 a.m.

The Syracuse Parks Department will update any changes needed for the race.

For more information, contact the Syracuse Parks Department at (574) 457-3440.

LOYAL CUSTOMER — Debbie Buck buys flowers at the Artisan and Farmers Market last summer in Syracuse. The Mail-Journal file photo.

Warsaw Biblical Gardens are

Warsaw’s Biblical Gardens are a rare oasis, rich in beauty and tranquility.

The gardens have been planted with every effort made to achieve botanical and historical accuracy. References especially helpful in the planning of the gardens were Plants of the Bible by Harold and Alma Moldenke and Planting a Bible Garden by F. Nigel Hepper. Each plant is labeled with a marker bearing its name.

The gardens, situated on approximately 3/4 acre, currently contain over 100 plants that are named in the Bible. A diversity of climates can be found in the Holy Land, which allows for most of its plants to be grown somewhere in the U.S. These gardens represent those plants hardy enough to the environs of the Midwest to survive here. Several tender plants that are grown in the gardens are wintered in greenhouses from October to April.

Guided tours are offered through Sept. 15. Call (574) 267-6218.

Gardens of Central Park

The Gardens of Central Park are located near the Biblical Gardens.

The park, near the southern shore of Center Lake, was completed in 1995. Local residents, Robert and Roma Maish, loved flowers and flower gardens, and they had a vision: build a perennial garden that everyone could enjoy.

The one-third acre flower garden is

located on the northeast corner of Central Park alongside North Detroit Street.

Each plant is planned and designed for each bed. The “beauty” of a perennial garden is that any particular time of the growing season, one type of a perennial is in bloom, while another one is at the end of its season. There is always something new to see, and it has been referred to as “a treasure of living beauty.”

The hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 1 to Sept. 30 and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 1 to April 30.

GARDENS OF CENTRAL PARK

The Gardens of Central Park are located off SR 15 near Center Lake in Warsaw. Each plant is planned and designed for each bed. Photo provided by Warsaw Parks Department.

Many places for fireworks on Independence Day weekend

The lakes of Kosciusko County are famous for spectacular fireworks displays as part of their annual Independence Day festivities.

Unfortunately, unless you’re able to clone yourself, you’ll have to pick which one to enjoy, since many will take place simultaneously on Saturday, July 6.

Landlubbers can enjoy the fireworks

from the comfort of the shore. Most of the lakes have a public space where you can set up a lawn chair and enjoy the pyrotechnics. For those who prefer the water, nonresidents can use the public boat launches to spend the evening afloat. Get on the water early, though, as the day is always one of the busiest of the summer. Here is a list of dates for fireworks in

the area. While exact start times may vary, most will begin shortly after dark. Inclement weather rescheduling dates will vary, as well.

• Winona Lake — Saturday, June 29

• Webster Lake — Saturday, July 6

• Chapman Lake — Saturday, July 6

• Lake Wawasee — Saturday, July 6

Continued on page 27

BASEBALL IN THE RAIN A softball game marches on despite the rain at Schrock Fields in Syracuse. The minor softball game on Thursday, May 16, was a matchup between the

Hit a homer with the Wawasee Summer League

The Wawasee Summer League is in full swing for 2024, as the league has a long history and tradition of baseball and softball and of teaching the next generation the summer pastime.

The league stands by its mission statement, “The Wawasee Community Summer League strives to create a baseball and softball league which promotes fun, athleticism, exercise, leadership and safety for the baseball and softball players in our communities.The goal of our league is to use baseball and softball as a means for the youth in our community to exercise outdoors, learn the skills of baseball and softball, make friends in their towns and become role models in our schools and community.”

Games are played in Milford, North Webster and Syracuse. In Milford, the dia-

Many places for

Continued from page 26

• Tippecanoe Lake — Saturday, July 6

• Dewart Lake — Saturday, July 6

• Sechrist Lake — Saturday, July 6

• Syracuse Lake — Thursday, July 4

• Waubee Lake — Friday, July 5

In Winona Lake, the display will be preceded by The Symphony of the Lakes presentation of “Salute To America!” at the Miller Sunset Pavilion. The free concert starts at 8 p.m.

The community is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the concert. Both the concert and fireworks are visible from the grassy area next to the Miller Sunset Pavilion.

BURSTING IN AIR — Fireworks explode over Lake Tippecanoe during last year’s Independence Day celebration. Many lakes in the area will be holding fireworks displays again this year. Photo provided by Lake TIppecanoe Property Owners Association.

monds are behind the Milford School and in North Webster the diamonds are adjacent to the Memorial Festival grounds.

The league opened its new facility in Syracuse in 2023 in the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex. The facility is south of Wawasee High School on Kern Road. The complex is managed by the Syracuse Parks Department.

The minor baseball and softball season began on April 27 and will conclude on Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19. The minor baseball games are on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The minor softball games are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The major baseball and major softball games have similar schedules.

Games are currently underway and are free to attend.

PLACE TO HANG OUT — Chubbies Pub-N-Grub, Syracuse, is a great place to hang out and catch a game or grab a bite to eat. Chubbies features pizza, wings, burgers, tenderloins and more. Don’t forget about their bloody Mary buffet every Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Thursday is always 1/2 pound build-a-burger day. Photo provided.

GREAT

Hericanes and the Lil Tortugas. Photo by Nathan Pace.