C.A.R.E.S. program grows during four years in Warsaw
By NATHAN PACE Staff Writer
If you want to understand what the Community Assistance Resources Emergency Services program does, just take a look at Mikaela Bixler’s car She is prepared for a wide range of community situations
“If you look at the back of my car you probably think, ‘What is happening?’” Bixler said “I have car seats, water snacks and stuff like that, and I have stuffed animals and toys and diapers Just trying to be prepared for anything that happened and anyway we can support people in the community ”
The C A R E S program began in 2021 to assist mental health needs and connect frequent 911 system users with community resources C A R E S operates through the city of Warsaw and the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory At first, the program was done through part-time personnel Today, Bixler and her colleague, Tanya Jackson, are a fulltime staff with a part-time administrative assistant, Karen Smith
The C A R E S team often times gets referred by the fire territory when they get called to a certain individual on a regular basis
“They might respond several times to someone for a fall and they refer it to us because maybe that person needs a walker,” Bixler
The C A R E S team had 763 interactions in 2024 with mental health and elder care situations tending to be the biggest percentage of them
“Basically, we work to fulfill unmet needs in the community,” Bixler said “We can respond if there is a mental health crisis or situation going on We might get requested by fire or EMS We can just help the person and connect them to resources that they might need We also follow up on calls Typically, they are pretty extensive interactions as well ”
Bixler and Jackson said they do not perform counseling on the spot as they actually aim to get people in need connected with the
right service
“When someone has an issue with addicted substances, we are able to connect them to supportive services A lot of elderly individuals, who are living in poor situations, we are able to connect to care,”
Bixler said
For people the C A R E S team has regular consultations with, they encourage the patients to have a medical information pamphlet in a spot where first responders can find should they arrive for a call This helps emergency services know what the person’s health situation is should the patient be unresponsive when first responders arrive
C A R E S helped launched the Crisis Intervention Team program in 2024 to help train first responders when it comes to dealing with mental health situations
Both Bixler and Jackson both grew up in Warsaw and find the job rewarding
“Anytime somebody accepts help, it’s good It makes our day,” Jackson said “I meet a lot of thankful people who
didn’t know who was going to help them They are very thankful that we exist ”
The C A R E S team operates during normal business hours, but also respond off hours when referred by first responders
Bixler said she expected to
help senior citizens in Warsaw through C A R E S but was surprised just how big the local need is for the elderly population
“I think we knew of the needs and the needs related to the elderly population but I don’t
think I knew how much we would be responding to that,” Bixler said “We do work with the senior center a lot I don’t think people think of how many of our neighbors don’t have food or don’t have running water or are struggling mentally ”
HELPING FIREFIGHTERS — Community Assistance Resources Emergency Services’ team members Tanya Jackson, left, and Mikaela Bixler assist the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory with their work.
YOUNG PROGRAM — The C.A.R.E.S. team began the Crisis Intervention Team in 2024 in conjunction with the Kosciusko County Crisis Intervention Team Committee.
Text and Photos
READY FOR THE DAY — Tanya Jackson, left, and Mikaela Bixler have items, such as car seats, available when responding to community situations.
By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer
“I was a practicing attorney for 15 years before I became the executive director of CASA
Kosciusko County,” stated Erin Rowland Jones, Warsaw.
“I was drawn to CASA because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and still practice law. I’ve been the executive director now for five years. Our organization recruits, trains and supports volunteers who become advocates for children who have been abused and/or neglected. We work with at-risk kids who need someone to speak up for them in court.”
Jones earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana Univer-
sity, Bloomington. Then she went on to obtain her law degree from Michigan State University. “I moved back to Warsaw, where I was born and raised, and started practicing law in 2005.”
Jones oversees the organization as a whole. “We’re a non-profit organization, so I’m in charge of fundraising and donor development. I make sure we meet the national and state standards. I attend every court case. I write grants and attend many meetings. Thursday afternoons, cases involving children in need of services are reviewed, so I’m in court much of the day.”
She loves the fact she and her staff of three are making a difference in the lives of children.
“I have a marvelous staff and 57
volunteers, 49 who are actively advocating for a child. I love engaging with the volunteers. My staff members do a great job supporting the volunteers, whatever they may need. Volunteers don’t do this alone as CASA staff help them every step along the way.”
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and have a passion for kids.
“They also have to pass a background test, fill out an application and take 33 hours of training. That way they understand exactly what CASA does. Training is a lot of fun and is offered three times a year. We provide volunteers with a meal, depending on their arrival time. We usually have 5 plus in training, so they get to know one another quite well. We ask them to commit to at least 18 months. That’s the average length of the child welfare cases.”
The volunteers meet with their assigned child at least every 30 days. They also meet with the family, case managers, counselors, etc. “We want to present the
whole picture in the report that goes to court.”
She remarked, “It takes a village. Kids need adults who care and are consistent. It’s important that our volunteers are committed. The young people we work with have been traumatized. Our CASA volunteers provide them with a caring adult speaking up for them, only considering their best wishes. Bowen Health is a great asset for kids who need skilled professionals.”
Jones and her husband Jerrad have been married 15 years. “Jerrad works for the sheriff’s office. My stepdaughter Sidney is currently in cosmetology school.”
Her hobbies are varied. “I just started making candles. I’m brushing up on my artwork with watercolors and mixed media. I love to read and play golf with Jerrad.”
Wanting to give back to the community she loves is the chief reason she chose CASA as her line of work. “Our CASA volunteers also want to give back. Half have full-time jobs while others
are retired. They all want to make a difference.” Applications are available at casachildren. com.
Yakym holding 2nd District mobile office hours in July
Republican US Rep. Rudy Yakym, representing Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District, has announced the schedule of mobile staff office hours for July throughout the district. Mobile office hours allow Yakym’s staff to assist constituents with questions.
“Mobile office hours are designed to be respectful one-on-one conversations with the congressman’s team, primarily for federal casework assistance. These are not town halls and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated,” Yakym’s office wrote in the news release.
Elkhart County
• 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, Nappanee City Hall, 300 W. Lincoln St., Nappanee.
Kosciusko County
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, Bell Memorial Public Library, 101 W. Main St., Mentone.
GIVING BACK TO HER COMMMUNITY — Erin Rowland Jones started her law practice in her hometown of Warsaw in 2005. But she wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people. Five years ago, she took the position of executive director of CASA of Kosciusko County and loves it. Photo provided by Erin Rowland Jones.
Kosciusko County women in sports celebrated
Text and Photos By DEB PATTERSON Editor in Chief
A celebration of women in sports was Saturday, June 28, at the Kosciusko County Jail Museum. Rita Price, a 2005 Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee and broadcaster, was emcee for the event. The celebration was presented by the Kosciusko County Historical Society.
While the display inside the museum focused on honoring the achievements of Kosciusko County’s female athletes, the opening ceremony highlighted the last 50 years.
“We have all kinds of things to celebrate,” Price stated.
Members of the Warsaw Lady Tigers state girls’ basketball champion teams from 1976 and 1978 were called up on stage and recognized, along with the 2025 Warsaw Tigers girls’ basketball class 4A state championship runner up team. Also recognized was the 2015 Tippecanoe Valley girls’ basketball team, which was state runner-up.
Jan Soyez was the Warsaw Tigers girls’ basketball coach of the first IHSAA Girls’ Basketball State Tournament champion team in 1976 and won the third tournament in 1978. She was inducted into the IHSAA Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Each team member present was introduced, with Price adding a few commentary remarks.
The 1976 team made history, as it was the first-ever girls’ championship team. Judi Warren, a member of that team, was also the first Mental Attitude Award recipient.
Price shared how broadcasting girls’ basketball came about on the local radio station. It was the idea of a team member’s father. She also recalled the time she spent with the team.
She noted the group speaking to clubs within a 90-mile radius and how they were able to use an RV to travel to the state tournament as there was no other transportation available. “It was just a great experience.”
All but five of that year’s team members were present.
She said IHSAA Director Pat Roy that went to bat to make sure girls’ basketball was a sport and played full court. She also shared some inside information that one of the board members actually thought it was unhealthy for girls to run up and down the full court, “because it might inhibit them from having children.”
The 1978 girls teams had a repeat performance of the championship with some of the team members also being on the 1976 team.
The 2015 Tippecanoe Valley girls’ basketball team members were introduced by Ann Sechrist, former
team member and assistant coach at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Tippecanoe Valley girls’ team member Taylor Trippiedi received the mental attitude award that year.
The final team to be announced was the 2025 Warsaw Tigers state runner-up girls’ basketball team.
Lenny Krebs and his team took the stage where Brooke Winchester, team captain introduced the team members present. Krebs talked about how he has played it over in his head, how it could have ended differently, but he has seen the girls interact off the court.
Chanda Kline, a member of the Warsaw Tigers 1976 and 1978 girls’ basketball team state champion, and Miss Basketball 1978.
Price talked about Shanna Zolman from Wawasee, who was not able to attend.
“She is probably the best female athlete that ever came out of the county as far as what she did after she was out of school. Zolman, a 2002 graduate, averaged 33 points per game during her career at Wawasee. She scored 3,085 points and held many national records including 92% at the free throw line, which carried over into the Tennessee and WNBA. She was an All American, Miss Basketball, coMVP of the McDonald’s All American game, held the state’s leading scorer for girls and boys or four years and went on to play for the Tennessee until 2006, was drafted in the WNBA by San Antonio. She works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Zolman lives in Seattle, Wash., with her husband and son.
Triton girls’ basketball team was noted as winning championships in 1999-00 and 2000-01. Not Just Basketball
Price noted women of Kosciusko County have set records in other spots besides basketball.
She highlighted Lorene Spearman from Wawasee who set or tied
numerous records in track and field, with some of those records still standing.
Others were Kerry White, Warsaw; Rachel Stichter, Wawasee; Ashley Erba, Warsaw; and the 1975-76 Wawasee 440-Yard relay team from Wawasee which won the state championship. That team consisted of Barbara Yoder, Barbara Brouwer, Kathryn Bice and Spearman. Recipients from the county who received the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award were noted: Judi Warren, Warsaw, basketball, 1975-76; Jennifer Cox, Wawasee, gymnastics, 1975-76; Lorene Spearman, Wawasee, track and field, 1977-78; Tamra Payne, Warsaw, tennis, 198990; Kelly Matson, Warsaw, softball, 1990-91; Kerry White, Warsaw, track and Field, 1991-92; Michelle DeGeeter, Warsaw, basketball, 2003-04; Megan Walker, Wawasee, basketball 2006-07; Melissa Nifong, Triton, basketball, 2007-08; Erica Ridderman, Warsaw, cross country, 2008-09; Ashley Erba, Warsaw, cross country 2012-12; Taylor Trippiedi, Tippecanoe Valley, basketball, 2014-15; Addison Beasley, Wawasee, swimming and diving, 2024-25; and Abbey Pe-
terson, Warsaw, basketball, 2024-25. Other championships included Warsaw’s girls’ softball team which was state runner-up in 1986-87 and champion in 1990-91.
Final recognition for successful women in sports in the county were those inducted into the IHSAA Basketball Hall of Fame: Warren and Warsaw Girls’ Basketball Coach Jan Soyez; Claudia Kreicker Dozier, a member of the 1978 Warsaw championship team; Chanda Kline, a member of the 1976 and 1978 Warsaw championship teams; Cathy Welch Conrad, a member of Tippecanoe Valley’s girls’ basketball team from 1975-1978; and Anita Folk George, a member of the 1976 and 1978 girls’ basketball team for Warsaw.
CAPTURING MEMORIES Chanda Kline, Miss Basketball 1978, and IHSAA Basketball Hall of Famer, captures the memories displayed.
EMCEE — Rita Price, left, served as emcee for the event and shared the stage with Greg Steffee, right, the county’s historical society president.
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Echoes of the Past celebrate with POET
Text and Photos
By CHRISTINA MOREHOUSE Guest Writer
Members of the Echoes of the Past were invited to make ice cream for POET Bioprocessing in North Manchester. It celebrates its wonderful drivers, customers and employees each year around July 4. Ice cream was ready to go at 11 a.m. and guests could start enjoying a cup of tractor-churned vanilla ice cream.
Semis were pulling in all afternoon to enjoy a meal, furnished by POET, ice cream and enter to win some great raffle prizes. Two short hours later, 10 gallons of ice cream had been enjoyed by those in attendance. Some enjoyed more than one cup, but Echoes members promised not to tell.
If you want to enjoy your own delicious cup of tractor-churned ice cream, the Echoes of the Past will be at the Kosciusko County Fair making vanilla and other ice cream flavors every day, beginning Sunday after the parade, weather permitting.
If you would like to have the club make ice cream for your event, email emailtractorechoes@ gmail.com for more information.
ENJOYING
CREAM POET Bioprocessing guests and employees enjoyed the day eating ice cream.
ARRIVING BY TRACTOR Pete Brubaker arrived on his John Deere G to make the ice cream.
TRACTOR CHURNED Dan Ransbottom, left, Dave Morehouse and Pete Brubaker prepared the ice cream.
Kosciusko County Fair announces admission, guidelines
As guests are preparing to enter the gates for the 108th Kosciusko County Fair now through July 12, there is some information to be aware of.
Gates open daily at 9 a.m.
Admission tickets may be purchased online or at the fair gates for $8 each. For seniors 65 and up, admission is $3. Admission is free for kids under age 9.
A lunch pass is available 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at Main Gate C. Purchase a yellow pass with a $5 deposit and enter at the main gate. Return to the main gate by 2 p.m. for a full refund with a yellow lunch pass. Yellow lunch passes are not valid for same day re-entry hand stamps.
Grandstand admission is included with general admission this year and does not require a separate ticket purchase. A separate
pit pass can be purchased for an additional fee.
Midway tickets can be purchased at the gate for $1.50 each, $28 for 20, or $65 for 50. A POP wristband is $30.
Carnival hours are 3-11 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday, July 9-10; 2-11 p.m. Friday, July 11; and 1-11 p.m. Saturday, July 12.
Smoking is not permitted inside the fair gates and should be limited to designated smoking areas outside the gates.
Pets, weapons, alcohol, bicycles, skateboards, metal detectors, hoverboards and soliciting are also prohibited on fairgrounds.
Complete event information and times, as well as a fairground map, can be found at kcfair.org. The Kosciusko County Fairgrounds is located at 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw.
A BOY AND HIS PIG
Braxton Troyer, left, washes Marshmallow the pig as his father, Brad Troyer, watches. File photo.
Beckwith: ag ‘huge part of our economic backbone’
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Agriculture is a significant part of Indiana’s economy, said the state’s Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.
“It’s a $35 billion dollar industry, so it’s a huge part of our economic backbone, and really ultimately agriculture is what I think the foundations of our entire society rest on,” he said. “If you don’t have healthy agriculture, you don’t have good food, you don’t have good health, you don’t have wholeness of society, so agriculture really is I would say the linchpin that holds it all together. It’s the glue that holds it together.”
Beckwith made the comment Tuesday , July 1, at Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe and Coffee Bar, Atwood.
The interview preceded an hour-long roundtable with nine area farmers about their concerns and questions.
Beckwith, who grew up with his father, Jon, working in the dairy industry, serves as Indiana’s secretary of agriculture before his role as lieutenant governor.
He and Gov. Mike Braun also recently spoke to Indiana students about agriculture at the state’s FFA conference in June.
With the 2025 legislative session over, Beckwith said he’s helping farmers by “advocating on their behalf.”
He referenced property taxes.
“Farmers are just taxed through the nose, and I think we have to do better at getting the government out of the way, stop way overregulating, overtaxing,” he said. “Working with the federal legislators to get the Farm Bill through and that will be a big help for farmers — and then just things like the Grain Indemnity Fund. The state oversees that and whenever there’s a problem there, it really wreaks havoc on local farm owners, so we’re trying to get some of those standards up to par and so it’s a little bit of everything, but I think there’s small steps we can take to make it a lot better for everybody.”
Property Taxes, State Cuts
Beckwith also talked about property tax relief passed by the Indiana General Assembly and state government cuts.
He had initially posted on X in April his dissatisfaction with Senate Bill 1, which Braun signed
into law. It involved compromise regarding property tax relief.
Beckwith said he overall wasn’t opposed to the act now, but said the legislation had “too many what-ifs.”
“Local governments can increase (local income tax) and then ultimately we’re getting taxed more by that point,” he said of what he didn’t like in the act. “Six years from now, it could be good for homeowners, but I just think it was too many what-ifs.”
Regarding state government cuts, Beckwith believes Indiana “can do a lot more with less.”
“I think it’s just easy to throw money at the situation, but the return on investment is always what I look at and I don’t think we have been seeing good return on our investment as a state dollar for dollar,” he said. “I think a lot of it goes to waste, and I think we saw a lot of abuse and fraud after 2020 in the state government; we saw employees of the state government who really just got a little bit lazy, not all of them, but there were some, certainly of the agencies that I oversaw, where some employees just weren’t even coming into work very often.”
Beckwith noted Braun made an executive order requiring state employees to return to their offices.
“If you’re going to get paid by the state, you should be showing up for work and it’s things like that, those things are not out of the question demands, those are very common sense-type executive orders that the governor gave.
I’m all for that,” said Beckwith.
He said any future cuts he would support would be dependent on the effects of the current reductions.
“Do the agencies have what they need to be able to serve Hoosiers well?” said Beckwith of what he would consider. “Do local governments have what they need to be able to serve Hoosiers well? If not, then we can go back to the drawing board … but I think that we’re going find that we’re going to be just fine. We’re going to have what we need and then it’s going to be looking at … some more reforms on structure.”
He added Braun was on board with focusing on efficiency.
Even though Beckwith wasn’t Braun’s initial choice for lieutenant governor, with Beckwith publicly advertising his candidacy and ultimately being selected by GOP delegates at the state’s convention last year, he said he and the governor “get along well.”
“I don’t always agree with everything he does, and he doesn’t
always agree with everything I do, but I think that’s healthy,” he said. “Ultimately, I think he’s a great governor. He looks at me as being a great advocate for the
state as lieutenant governor and … this just goes to show you, the process, when it’s allowed to play out, people are allowed to have their voice.”
FARMERS’ ROUNDTABLE Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith had a roundtable with area farmers Tuesday, July 1, at Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe and Coffee Bar, Atwood. From left are Steven Hall, Gabe Ayers, Jared Templin, Beckwith, Joe Irwin, Max Deatsman, Bob Bishop, Caleb Dippon, Bob Ferguson and Mindy Creighton-Truex. Photo by Leah Sander.
‘One Man’s Vision’ inspiring biopic set for a motion picture
A blind boy from America’s heartland changed the way the world drives.
This is the powerful story behind “One Man’s Vision,” the upcoming feature film inspired by the life of inventor, Ralph Teetor, the mind behind cruise control, who lost his sight at age 5 but never lost his vision of what was possible.
Inspired by the book, “One Man’s Vision,” by the late Marjorie Teetor Meyer, the film is a collaboration between Brookwell McNamara Entertainment, Blind Logic Productions, and Bernstein/ Romero Productions. At its core, it’s a story of iron-willed perseverance, love, and how one man refused to be defined by his blindness and instead shaped the future of the American automotive industry.
An American triumph over tragedy story that follows a man who overcomes unthinkable odds, Teetor lived his life as a sighted person. His own daughter didn’t know he was blind until age 10.
Reuniting the team behind the 2024 biopic “Reagan,” the film will be written by Howard “Howie” Klausner and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Sean McNamara. Producers include David Brookwell, Jack Teetor and Gary Bernstein, with Klausner also serving as executive producer.
McNamara’s credits include “Soul Surfer,” “On a Wing and a Prayer,” and the upcoming John O’Leary story “Soul on Fire,” for
Sony Pictures and Emile Hirsch’s Holocaust drama “Bau: Artist at War,” for Paramount Pictures. Klausner’s writing includes “Space Cowboys” (Clint Eastwood), “The Last Ride” and “The Identical.”
This film was sparked by Teetor’s great-nephew, Jack Teetor, who produced the award-winning documentary, “Blind Logic,” premiering Tuesday, July 8 on digital platforms and cable providers.
“Ralph’s legacy goes far beyond cruise control,” said Jack Teetor. “It’s about resilience, imagination and a love story that fueled his pursuit of achievement.”
Producers Gary Bernstein and Ernesto Romero introduced Brookwell McNamara to Jack Teetor and discussed a feature film about Ralph Teetor’s life. Gary Bernstein produced the highest-rated series on six different networks, including “Lingo,” which has been on the air for five decades.
Bernstein commented, “after reading the book, ‘One Man’s Vision,’ I knew immediately it needed to be a motion picture and I’m excited to play a role in bringing it to fruition. Ralph Teetor’s life story caused a major positive paradigm shift in my life and I’m certain the motion picture will do the same for millions of others.”
McNamara added, “I’m so excited to be making ‘One Man’s Vision’ for the big screen. This is an extraordinary American story that is not just about bringing Ralph Teetor’s remarkable journey to life, it’s about illuminating the power of
resilience and innovation against all odds. I am thrilled to share his inspiring legacy with the world.”
Early Life
Teetor and his family first came to Syracuse in 1915. Seeking a more convenient place to keep their speedboat, it wasn’t long before his parents bought a cottage on Lake Wawasee, beginning more than a century of the family summering on the lake. His great-grandchildren still inhabit the property today.
Between college graduation in 1912 and his marriage in 1922, Teetor pursued a hobby of building motorboats. In 1914, Teetor tested his first boat on Lake Wawasee, a 22foot speedboat with a four-cylinder Teetor-Hartley engine.
Several years later, he bought a 22-foot racing boat named “Miss Detroit II” whose hull was built by Chris and Jan Smith, founders of Chris Craft Boat Company, for Garfield “Gar” Wood. Teetor and the Smiths became good friends, engineering boat engines for speed and smooth performance.
On Lake Wawasee, “Miss Detroit II” achieved speeds exceeding 70 miles an hour. The next year, Teetor built a 30-foot boat named “Siren” powered by two, 6-cylinder engines.
During this time, the Teetor family had been staying at the Sargent Hotel on Lake Wawasee. Teetor convinced his father they needed better facilities for keeping boats on the lake, so his parents bought a cottage in the early 1920s. For more information, visit onemansvision.com.
at age 5 but never lost his vision of what was possible. He first came to Syracuse in 1915. Poster provided.
Miss Apple Blossom scholarship pageant applications available
The Nappanee Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship Pageant will headline Thursday’s opening events at the 49th annual Nappanee Apple Festival, Sept. 18. Incorporating a hobby wear theme for the introduction portion of the pageant, contestants will be competing on the main stage at the main entertainment
tent, Depot Plaza, 7 p.m.
Registration deadline for participation is Aug. 1. Young women between the ages of 16 and 22 must reside in Elkhart County and attend a school in Elkhart County. The application, rules and regulations can be downloaded from the festival website at nappanee-
applefestival.org. Entrants must be enrolled in high school, an accredited homeschool program, a high school graduate or enrolled in college or advanced education by Sept. 1. All entrants agree to enlist a business sponsor.
A $1,000 scholarship is award-
ed to the Queen, a $750 scholarship to the first runner-up, and a $500 scholarship to the second runner-up.
For more information, contact Lizzie Odiorne, pageant coordinator, by calling (574) 538-9854 or lizzieodiorne@gmail.com.
Follow the events of the 2025 Nappanee Apple Festival on Facebook.
The newly-crowned queen will participate at events throughout the four-day weekend as well as represent Nappanee at the Indiana State Festivals Association Scholarship Pageant and area parade events.
Elkhart County 4-H Fair to enhance accessibility, inclusion with ‘Momentum Refresh’
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair has announced a major step forward in accessibility and inclusion by bringing Momentum Refresh, the first universally designed, fully accessible and ADAcompliant mobile restroom in the US, to this year’s Disabilities Day.
erything the fair has to offer, and this addition ensures that more people in our county and surrounding areas can do just that.”
Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.
Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.
Melanie can brighten up the Interior of your home.
Walls
Momentum Refresh will be available from July 20-21, offering amenities supporting people with disabilities, disabled veterans, seniors and others with limited mobility, and families.
This innovation aligns with the fair’s ongoing commitment to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, including individuals and families who have historically faced challenges when attending large public events.
of accessible facilities,” said Dan Lusk, executive director of Momentum Refresh. “We’re excited to help make the Elkhart County 4-H Fair a place where everyone can participate fully, stay longer, and truly enjoy all the activities.”
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair invites everyone to join in the celebration of accessibility, community, and inclusion this July in Goshen.
Walls Ceilings
“Momentum Refresh is designed so that no one has to cut their day short because of a lack
For more information, visit 4hfair.org or momentumrefresh. com.
Walls
Ceilings
Window And Door Trim
Ceilings
Window And Door Trim
Stairways
Stairways
Window And Door Trim
Woodwork Staining
Stairways
Woodwork Staining
Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls
Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls
Small Patch Repair
Woodwork Staining
Small Patch Repair
Drywall Repair
Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls
Drywall Repair
Small Patch Repair
Great Service – Reasonable Rates
Momentum Refresh is equipped with a powered, height-adjustable, adult-sized changing table, adjustable-height sink and toilet with bidet, including height and width adjustable grab bars, a ceiling hoist for safe and easy transfers, and a vehicle lift, setting a new standard in redefining public restroom accessibility.
Pierceton’s free community dinner marks 12 years in July
Great Service – Reasonable Rates
Drywall Repair
References Available Upon Request.
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574-304-5075
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“We are thrilled to be addressing accessibility and inclusion in such a meaningful way by bringing Momentum Refresh to Disabilities Day,” said Cindy Hostetler Disabilities Day director, “Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy ev-
The free community dinner in Pierceton is marking its 12th anniversary in July, according to the committee that organizes the meal ministry.
When the ministry started, a few meals were served and now more than 200 meals are served every other month.
The next free dinner will again
be a drive-thru format and will start at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 408 W. Catholic St., Pierceton. On the menu are grilled hamburgers, baked beans, chips, fruit and cookies.
The meal is always free, although donations are accepted for expenses.
ONE MAN’S VISION “One Man’s Vision” is an upcoming feature film inspired by the life of inventor, Ralph Teetor, the mind behind cruise control. He lost his sight
Sale of Champions to recognize 4-H’er efforts
The annual Kosciusko County 4-H auction will take place at 9 a.m. Friday, July 11, in the show arena on the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.
The Sale of Champions will begin the day. At this event, 4-H’ers bring forth the grand and reserve champion livestock not being shown at the Indiana State Fair.
This year’s sale order will be 10-year, 4-H’ers, poultry, rabbit, goat, sheep, beef, dairy beef, dairy and swine.
The King and Queen Kiss will also be during this auction, as they are “sold” as part of the Sale of Champions.
The purpose of the Sale of Champions is to honor and reward young 4-H’ers for their efforts in growing and showing quality livestock.
This auction is “premium only.” Buyers will pay premiums, or cash awards in additional to
the final bid price, in recognition of a 4-H’er’s financial investment and hard work. Animals will remain with their 4-H member or be sold outside the 4-H livestock auction. Each 4-H’er may go through the auction ring once, but can exhibit multiple species. Project information for each exhibitor is listed in the sale program.
A bidder may be the sole buyer, or bidder may share purchases.
There are two additional participation options for those who cannot attend the live auction.
Add-ons will begin at the end of the live auction and close at 5 p.m. Monday, July 14. Registration for add-ons is available at fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/22350.
After registering, buyers can scroll through and view this year’s livestock exhibitors online. Add-ons will not be accepted during the live auction.
Alternatively, buyers can also become part of the Buyer Sup-
ENVIROWATTS — Kosciusko REMC has announced applications for a nonprofit grant program called EnviroWatts have opened, and will close Friday, Sept. 5. Photo from KREMC.
Grant applications open for Kosciusko REMC’s EnviroWatts program
Kosciusko REMC is opening grant applications for the EnviroWatts program, a program designed to benefit non-profit organizations focused on improving the environment locally in Kosciusko County and the surrounding area.
This year, KREMC will be awarding $12,000 in grants total to multiple organizations.
This program is made possible through partnership with Wabash Valley Power Alliance and by KREMC members who choose to participate and donate 1 cent for each kilowatt-hour they use, up to a max of $5 a month.
The kilowatt-hours purchased with this money is guaranteed to be generated from a renewable, environmentally friendly source, as well as going into the grant fund to give back to the local community for environmental projects.
Members can easily choose to participate in this program by calling KREMC’s office or visiting kremc.com/envirowatts.
Local nonprofits applying for the grant must present a project that accomplishes one of the following: develops renewable energy source and resources, reduces energy use, improves water quality of rivers, streams and underground aquifers, improves air quality of local area, enhances species diversity, creates or restores habitat for
port Group. This group was created to give additional funds to 4-H’ers who did not receive average sale lot prices. Donations enhance and balance the overall financial support for each 4-H’er. For questions, or to become
part of the Buyer Support Group, contact Dr. Bruce Lamb at (574) 528-1259 or Amanda Tom at (574) 253-1616.
Auction committee volunteers will be onsite during the day of the auction to accept payment via credit card or check. No cash will be accepted. All payments must be made by Monday, Aug. 11. Refreshments will be available for buyers throughout the day July 11.
Proper hydration is crucial
By EMILY CHRIST Health and Human Sciences Extension Educator Elkhart County Purdue Extension
Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being, as water is essential for numerous bodily functions. Hydration helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, transport nutrients and remove waste products.
wildlife, plants trees or native plants, encourages recycling, educates individuals about safe disposal waste, or educates the public on environmental issues.
Applications submission will be open until Friday, Sept. 5. Funding decisions will be made in September and grants will be awarded in October.
The grant application form can be found at kremc.com/envirowatts.
For more information and to turn in a grant application, email Laura Seney at lseney@kremc. com or visit the KREMC office.
According to the Mayo Clinic, water comprises about 60% of our body weight, underscoring its importance in daily physiological processes. Dehydration, even in mild forms, can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and confusion, and in severe cases, it can cause serious complications, like kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a daily water intake of about 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women, which includes all beverages and food sources of water.
Hydration also plays a key role in supporting physical performance. During exercise, the body loses water through sweat, and inadequate hydration can lead to decreased endurance, increased fatigue and impaired strength.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that losing just 2% of body weight through sweat can significantly reduce physical performance. Furthermore, staying adequately hydrated supports cognitive function and mood regulation, as highlighted by research published in the journal “Nutrients,” which found that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance and mood stability. Moreover, adequate hydration aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Water is necessary for the digestive process, helping to break down food and absorb nutrients
more efficiently. It also helps prevent constipation by keeping the stool soft and moving it smoothly through the digestive tract. The Institute of Medicine emphasizes that adequate fluid intake is essential for these digestive functions to operate effectively. Therefore, making a conscious effort to drink enough water throughout the day is essential for maintaining optimal health and functioning. Incorporating a variety of fluids, as well as consuming water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, can help meet hydration needs and support overall well-being.
GRAND CHAMPION BEEF STEER Andon Zehring received $10,200 for his grand champion beef steer at the 2024 Sale of Champions. File photo.
O B ituaries
Richard G. Walters U.S. Army Veteran
Richard G. Walters, 87, Kempner, Texas, died Nov. 13, 2024 , in Lampasas, Texas.
He was born on Aug. 17, 1937, in Elkhart County, to George and Virginia (Tye) Walters. After graduating high school in 1954, Richard joined the Army, where he served for over 20 years, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. On Feb. 2, 1958, Richard married Janet E. Secor in Wakarusa while at home on leave. He then returned to Germany.
RICHARD G. WALTERS
Richard returned home to Nappanee in August of 1975, where he worked at the family business, Nappanee Electric, and part-time at Gold Crown Lanes. In 1984, Richard and Janet moved to Radcliff, Ky., where Richard worked for the Army at Fort Knox as a civilian, and also as a manager at the VFW in Radcliff. In 1999, he and Janet retired to Cape Coral, Fla. They then moved to Kempner, Texas, in 2019.
Richard is survived by three children, Bruce J. (Angela) Walters of Kempner, Texas, Jeri (Kevin) Hand of Milford and Kris D. Walters of Edwardsburg, Mich.; nine grandchildren, Clint Andrews, Desiree (J.D.) Adams, Tatyana Hand, Travis (Brandy) Walters, Ashley (OBrian) Myers, Erica (Sam) Burnett, Nicholas (Sarah) Bialecki and Marcus Bialecki; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Linda Smith of Pittsburgh, Pa., Beverly Gill of Tennessee, and Judy (John) Dean of Niles, Mich.; and brother, Gary Walters of Guam.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; parents; daughter, Caroline Walters; granddaughter, Danielle Walters; two daughtersin-law, Blondie and Christine Walters; three brothers, Charles, Bill and Mike Walters; and sister, Karen Maddux.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 11, at Union Center Cemetery.
Charles Myers
Charles Myers, Keizer, Ore., formerly of Syracuse, died Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.
Births
Ray Patrick Matheney
Tiara and George Matheney, Nappanee, are the parents of a son, Ray Patrick, born at 8:48 p.m. June 25, 2025, at Goshen Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 23 inches long.
Jabal Theo Borkholder
Reuben and Abigail (Yutzy) Borkholder, Bremen, are the parents of a son, Jabal Theo, born at 2:30 a.m. June 29, 2025. He weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces.
Carly Ann Oberholtzer
Lance and Janessa (Cover) Ober-
Joyce Selvey
Joyce Selvey, 88, Syracuse, died Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in her residence.
Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.
Court News Small Claims
The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Snow & Sauerteig LLP v. Carisa Addison, $2,631.45; v. Carisa J. Addison, $533.04; v. Sayuri Brito-Serafin, $402.60; v. Sayuri Brito-Serafin, $10,000; v. Michele Heath, $3,379.07; v. Patrick McCormick, $1,800.53; v. Sharon Miller, $43.50; v. Lawrence Woods, $6,231.95
Mariner Finance v. Tiffany R. Anderson, $2,083.50; v. Jeffrey Eades, $3,698.92; v. Jeffery Jagger, $3,794.26; v. Charles D. Shepherd, $5,799.50; v. Jodi K. Stouder, $4,017.48
Bea Ferverda v. Angela Jacobs, $1,192.30
SAC Finance Inc. v. James R. Loftis, $2,535.79
CL Benz Co. LLC v. Debbie McNees-Jefferson, $4,135.30
Money Matters Professional Collections LLC v. Anna M. Nusbaum, $2,192.56
Drive Now Auto Credit Co. Inc. v. Jody M. Ousley, $6,212.82
Turkey Creek Fire Territory v. Jada Rothenberger, $1,284.92; v. Brent A. Sabin, $1,047.16; v. Bryce Truman, $1,339.24
Civil Collections
The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding:
Capital One NA v. Megan M. Bauer, $3,712.23; v. John T. Brunner, $4,749.77; v. Michelle Davis, $3,392.22; v. David Lowman, $2,225.13
Velocity Investments LLC v. Rebecca Enyeart, $12,330
Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital d/b/a Lutheran Kosciusko v. Brianna Flannery, $10,297.53; v. David Knapp, $16,638.57
holtzer, Wakarusa, are the parents of a daughter, Carly Ann, born at 8:52 p.m. June 30, 2025, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 19 1/2 inches long.
Eliza Kate Hochstetler
John and Bethany (Hochstetler) Hochstetler, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Eliza Kate, born at 7:35 p.m. July 1, 2025, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.
Gospel Hill Church hosting vacation Bible school
Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church will be holding vacation Bible school in late July.
The program runs from 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 28, through Thursday, July 31, at the church located at 303 S. Jefferson St., Silver Lake.
Vacation Bible school is geared for children ages preschool through sixth grade.
Each session will feature music, crafts, group games, live-action Bible stories and adventures.
For questions, call Cheryl Harshman at (260) 352-2928.
LVNV Funding LLC v. Letrice Frazier, $2,364.48; v. Adrienne Isaac a/k/a Adrienne Corioran, $2,883.21; v. Troy King, $1,139.80; v. Sharon K. Kaltenbach, $683.16; v. Robert Jeffrey, $829.57; v. Kraig L. Mitchell, $15,505.24; v. Cody Wallen, $1,534.31 Westlake Services LLC, d/b/a Westlake Financial Services v. Cody Hersha, $11,151.96
Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Carl Jared, $1,886.29
Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. Virginia Littlejohn, $6,149.62
Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Komyatte & Casbon PC v. Isaac Pena, $24,242.73
Midland Credit Management Inc. v. David Prater, $2,672.93; v. James R. Records, $3,432.52; v. Blancalily Reyna, $1,038.42
Mariner Finance LLC v. Stephanie M. Rabey, $2,386.65
CKS Prime Investments Inc. v. Daytona L. Stump, $1,209.51 Evictions
The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Sherri Makinson v. Jaden Bullers, $8,145; v. Tony Everett, $4,155;
v. Doby Gonzales, Issaiah Gonzales, $4,498; v. Lee Hall, Shannon Webb, $7,005; v. Matthew Schaefer, $5,309.19; v. Nathan Yoder, $9,435
Plenaries
The following plenaries have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court I, Judge Karin McGrath presiding: Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals v. Denilson Argueta, $1,000
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance a/s/o Walters v. Aaron J. Roberts, $5,03912
Tasha Wilkerson v. Charles Stidams, $9,643.85
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, a/s/o Lopez Angeles v. Brittany R. Williams, $2,917.20
Superior Court III
The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:
Speeding — Shaday Cuahuizo-Zaca, Warsaw, $164.50; Daniela Y. Hidalgo, Claypool, $164.50; Miguel A. Parada, Warsaw, $164.50; Jose A. Olivarez, Warsaw, $164.50; Jeff A. Courtney, Pierceton, $164.50; Oliver D. Sensibaugh, Warsaw, $164.50; Nicole D. Gibson, Warsaw, $164.50; Dudley O. Allen, Warsaw, $164.50; Shane C. Holten, Wakarusa, $164.50
Driving while suspended, suspension not result of conviction — Brandon M. Tapp, Syracuse, $189.50; Elijah N. Hurley, Winona Lake, $189.50
Failure to register — Mercedes D. Woodworth, Bristol, $164.50
Operating with expired plates
Hayley A. Timmons, North Webster, $164.50; v. Audrianna Urschalitz, Winona Lake, $164.50
Speeding, no valid driver’s license — Rafael Alfredo Pena Lopez, Warsaw, $189.50
Taking or possessing an undersized black bass — David K. Lindley, Claypool, $164
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Araceli Martinez, Winona Lake, $25; Jeffery L. Powell, Rochester, $25
Unlawful possession of tobacco, e-liquid or an electronic cigarette
Christopher M. Dawson, Warsaw, $164
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt, operating with expired plates — Donald L. Stone, Warsaw, $189
Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility — Jason A. Waikel, Warsaw, $189.50; Hailey R. Charles, Warsaw, $189.50
Throwing a lighted cigarette, cigar or match from a moving motor vehicle, failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Anne M. Kessinger, Warsaw, $264.50
Speeding, operating a motor vehicle with a false plate – plate belongs to another vehicle — Anthony
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Holding or using a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle — Cara M. Warren, Leesburg, $164.50
Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility, failure to register — Delores Castro, Warsaw, $164.50
Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court
Melissa Boggs: Gutierrez Quintero-Nunez Parada
Rosa Maria Gutierrez Quintero, 24, Warsaw, and Wuheyner Enrique Nunez Parada, 23, Warsaw Willis-Adzic
Brianne Willis, 28, Leesburg, and Dejan Adzic, 45, Brooklyn, N.Y. Jackson-Hunsberger
Dana Jackson, 45, Peru, and Mitchell Hunsberger, 61, Warsaw Threlkel-Jaques-Robbins
Taylor Morgan Threlkel, 22, Warsaw, and William Jaques-Robbins, 25, Silver Lake Drake-Shock
Cristin Amber Drake, 30, Warsaw, and Phillip James Shock, 38, Warsaw Potts-Navarro
Mistie Lynn Potts, 48, Winona Lake, and Benjamin Navarro, 60, Warsaw Nault-Goodrich
Kirsten M. Nault, 25, Silver Lake, and Bradi I. Goodrich, 29, Silver Lake Crouse-Magno
Kelli Michelle Crouse, 37, Warsaw, and Lucino Martinez Magno, 51, Winona Lake Wright-Irwin
Raygan F. Wright, 21, Leesburg, and Ashton M. Irwin, 21, Leesburg Guthrie-Jones
Derek Mannion Guthrie, 20, Warsaw, and Lilian Olivia Jones, 19, Warsaw Erwin-Huff
Kaylynn Edie Erwin, 23, Warsaw, and Kameron Edward Huff, 22, Warsaw Hall-Allen
Adam Ray Hall, 43, Warsaw, and Dawn Renae Allen, 44, Warsaw Rico-Cordero
Angel Linn Rico, 21, Pierceton, and Julian Jacob Cordero, 21, Warsaw Ball-Karr
Phillip Lee Ball II, 48, North Webster, and Penny Lynn Karr, 47, Chaplin, Ky.
Finnigan-Hoover
Kelly Marie Finnigan, 47, Nappanee, and Michael Scott Hoover, 48, Syracuse
Local students named to dean’s list
The following local students were recently named to the dean’s list of their respective colleges/universities: Carthage College
Leesburg — Devon Kuhn
North Manchester — Evyn Fox
North Webster — Driedyn Hernandez
American International College
Larwill — Haley Thompson
Manchester University
Bourbon — Hannah Snyder
Leesburg — Adaline Haynes, Kandall Hill, Christina Morrow
Ligonier — Aubrey Weigold
Mentone — Kristina Bubb
Milford — Leo Wrage
Nappanee — Sierra Knight
North Manchester — Tyler Andritsch, Jacob Caudill, Kaden Dil-
lon, Ava Egolf, Miriam Erbaugh, Lydia Greer, Austin Hall, Elise Harter, Gracie Lauer, Bryce Mugford, Logan Penrod, Megan Pierce, Ashley Pierce, Elaine Shock, Riley Shock, Gabrielle Simmers, Brayden Stamm, Isabella Stanley, Chloe Steele, Elizabeth Weitzel Silver Lake — Araceli Cobaxin, Aymia Miller, Sean Reiley Pega, Alexander Trusty
Syracuse — Brianna Moreland Warsaw — Anna Arter, Alexis Banghart, Cameron Brown, Anthony Foust, Claire German, Kelsey Holland, Abbigal Kohler, Hailey Locke, Valerie Lopez, Ephraim Meyer, Abigail Oliver, Catherine Ondrla, Vanesa Perez-Cabrera, Vanellyz Vazquez Texidor
Winona Lake — Devin Dawson, Sophia Lunsford
ARMANI PONDER-KEITH
Wagon Wheel’s ‘Sister Act’ returns after alum’s rise to Broadway
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is continuing its 70th professional summer season with “Sister Act,” a feel-good musical comedy sponsored by Toyota of Warsaw. The show runs through Saturday, July 12.
“Sister Act” returns to the Wagon Wheel stage for the first time since 2016. That production starred Morgan Anita Wood in the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier. Wood is now performing on Broadway as Eliza Schuyler in “Hamilton.” This season, the role of Deloris will be played by Armani Ponder-Keith, a recent graduate of Ohio Northern University.
The story follows nightclub singer, Deloris Van Cartier, who witnesses a murder and is placed in protective custody in a convent. Struggling to adapt to the strict routines of convent life, she discovers the choir in desperate need of help. With her musical gifts and larger-than-life spirit, she transforms the choir and brings joy back to the church, all while learning about courage, friendship and the power of community.
“It has been such a gift to have this baton passed to me by Morgan Anita Wood and to carry on the Wagon Wheel legacy,” said Ponder-Keith. “Playing Deloris has been a true blessing. This story is powerful because it reminds us how much friendship, connection, and genuine relationships matter. I hope people feel the love in this show. I hope they leave with joy in their hearts and a reminder that our differences make us stronger and make our stories worth telling.”
Packed with gospel-inspired music and lively choreography, “Sister Act” is intended to offer a joyful experience for audiences of all ages. The show celebrates transformation, purpose, and the joy of finding your voice in unexpected places.
Tickets are available now at wagonwheelcenter.org or by calling the box office at (574) 267-8041.
Lake City Bank welcomes its intern class of 2025
Lake City Bank has welcomed its summer 2025 intern class, made up of 26 students from colleges and universities in Indiana, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio and Florida.
This year’s intern class includes 11 students returning for another summer at LCB. Interns work in areas around the bank to gain real-world experience and explore careers in financial services.
“Our internship program continues to draw impressive candidates, and we’re particularly proud that this talented group is one of the largest intern classes we have ever had,” said David M. Findlay, chairman and chief executive officer. “The interns bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and valuable perspective from the next generation of banking customers. This program has also proven to be an excellent pipeline of talent for the bank, having hired 25% of our 2024 intern class into fulltime positions following graduation.”
Lily Ault, retail banker intern, is a junior at Ball State University, majoring in finance and marketing. She is returning for her third summer at LCB.
Neha Yadav, compliance intern, is a graduate student at Ivy Tech Community College, studying data analytics with a focus on databases and reporting. She is returning for her fourth summer at LCB.
Nicole Rodriguez, credit intern, is a junior at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, majoring in accounting and business analytics.
Emily Goon, internal audit intern, is a senior at Purdue University, majoring in agri-business management with an agri-finance concentration and minoring in real estate and farm management. She is returning for her second summer at LCB.
Maya Ballinger, retail banker intern, is a sophomore at Trine University, majoring in business administration and minoring in pre-law. She was a co-op student last year at the bank’s Elkhart High School branch.
Lily Waters, retail banker intern, is a sophomore at Purdue University Fort Wayne, majoring in finance. She is returning for her third summer at LCB.
Titus Taylor, retail banker intern, is a sophomore at Indiana University, majoring in finance
Manchester University celebrates class of 2025
Manchester University celebrates students from the area who graduated after this 20242025 academic year.
Bourbon — Sadie Barber
Mentone — Kristina Bubb
Milford — Shantel Hamman
Nappanee — Whitney Wolfe
North Manchester — David Fahs-Brown, Mitchell Manns, Tyler Andritsch, Jacob Caudill, Elaine Shock, Kaden Dillon, Brayden Stamm, Nathan Capobianco, Frank Roth, Mitchell Schall, Traci Garcia Silver Lake — Emma Garriott
Syracuse — Brianna Moreland Warsaw — Hailey Locke, Catherine Ondrla, Anthony Foust, Alexis Banghart, Cameron Brown, Valerie Lopez, Isabelle Dittmar, James Richard, Anna Arter
Winona Lake — Jackson Lunsford
and minoring in Spanish.
Max Sternberg, wealth advisory group intern, is a senior at Marian University, majoring in finance and management and minoring in global studies.
Ryan DePew, retail banker intern, is a senior at Indiana University, Indianapolis, majoring in business management and human resources. He is returning for his second summer at LCB.
Izabelle Losee, retail banker intern, is a senior at Southeastern University, majoring in business administration. She is returning for her fourth summer at LCB.
Nate Webber, electronic banking intern, is a senior at Ball State University, majoring in finance.
Dylan Neese, PC technician intern, is a junior at Huntington University, majoring in computer science and minoring in management and cybersecurity. He is returning for his second summer at LCB.
Molly Winkeljohn, wealth advisory group intern, is a senior at Indiana University, majoring in informatics, with a focus on business informatics and minoring in marketing. She is returning for her second summer at LCB.
Haydin Rodriguez, retirement plan services analyst intern, is a junior at Indiana University South Bend, majoring in finance.
Landen Kessler, retail banker intern, is a sophomore at Indiana University, majoring in finance with a concentration in wealth management.
Liv Snyder, marketing intern, is a senior at Grace College, majoring in marketing, minoring in photography while simultaneously completing a master’s degree in business administration.
Caitlyn Patrick, client protection services intern, is a junior at Indiana University, majoring in
law and public policy, and finance. She is returning for her fourth summer at LCB.
JJ Morris, loan review intern, is a junior at Ohio Northern University’s Dicke College of Business Administration, majoring in finance and accounting.
Nathan Geller, information security intern, is a senior at Purdue University, majoring in cybersecurity and computer infrastructure and network engineering, while minoring in management and Japanese.
Thomas Helm, credit intern, is a senior at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in political science and film, television and theater, while minoring in Chinese.
Guinny Garr, commercial administration intern, is a first-year graduate student at the University of Tennessee, majoring in accounting with a focus on information management. She is returning for her second summer at LCB.
Aaron Grossman, corporate and institutional services intern, is a junior at Hillsdale College, majoring in accounting and minoring in financial management.
John Thomas, financial analyst intern, is a senior at Grace College, majoring in finance with concentrations in financial planning and analysis.
Leslie Vasquez, credit intern, is a senior at Indiana University Indianapolis, majoring in accounting and finance.
Emin Penic, system administration intern, is a junior at Indiana University South Bend, majoring in management of information systems and finance.
Caiden Mitchell, finance intern, is a junior at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, majoring in finance and international business.
LCB INTERNS Pictured are the 2025 interns at Lake City Bank.
In front row from left are Lily Ault, Neha Yadav, Nicole Rodriguez, Emily Goon, Maya Ballinger, Lily Waters and Titus Taylor. In middle row are Max Sternberg, Ryan DePew, Izabelle Losee, Nate Webber, Dylan Neese, Mol-
ly Winkeljohn, Haydin Rodriguez, Landen Kessler, Liv Snyder and Caitlyn Patrick. In back row are JJ Morris, Nathan Geller, Thomas Helm, Guinny Garr, Aaron Grossman, John Thomas, Leslie Vasquez, Emin Penic and Caiden Mitchell. Photo provided by Lake City Bank.
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P ublic A uctions
Online Dewart Channelfront
Property Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Thursday, July 10. Located at 4294 E. Defreese Road, Syracuse. Dewart Lake channelfront ranch with one-car garage. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Building Materials Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Friday, July 11. Pickup located at 2568 S. Country Club Road, Warsaw. Building materials, home improvement and new items. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Summer Spectacular
Live Auction
10 a.m. Friday and Saturday, July 11-12. Located at Kraft Auction Facility, 416 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.
Kritzman Real Estate Auction
6 p.m. Monday, July 14. Located at 15655 CR 40, Goshen. Open house 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2. House with attached garage and outbuildings, 1.97 acres. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.
Phone Bid Auction
Bidding open until 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. For bidding and bidding updates, call (574) 596-9890.
Real Estate Auction
6 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. Inspections 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 10. Located at 507 W. Emeline St., Milford. Two-bed, 1 1/2-bath home, finished basement. Schrader Auction, schraderauction.com.
Farm Auction
3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. Located ½ mile south of Shipshewana on SR 5 to 200N, east 3 miles to 500W, south ½ mile to 1565 N. 500W, Shipshewana.
Slabaugh Auction
3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. From Bremen, 2 miles south on SR 331 to 4C Road, then east 1 mile to 4630 Cedar Road.
Community Health Clinic Benefit Auction
4 p.m. Friday, July 18. Located at Claywood Event Center, 13924 N. 1100W, Nappanee.
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Online Farm quipment, Toys, Ag Collectibles Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Friday, July 18. Farm equipment, farm toys, semis,flatbed equipment trailer, fuel tank, shop tools, comic books, implement tires, dolls, Longaberger. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction. com.
Miller Auction 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. Located 4 miles east of Nappanee on US 6 to CR 13, north 1 1/2 miles to 71035 CR 13.
Online Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. Open house 5:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. Property located at 401 College Ave., Winona Lake. Corner lot ranch home. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. Pickup located in Winona Lake. Appliances, jewelry, glass, porcelain, sterling and silver plate pieces, crystal stemware, mobility scooter, home health care items, historical documents, framed speeches, furniture. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. Open house 1-2 p.m. Sunday, July 13. Property located at 7404 N. SR 13, North Webster. Country home with sun room on 4.6 acres. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Farmland Auction
6 p.m. Thursday, July 24. Located at 2653 E. US 30, Warsaw. Property located west of Warsaw on CR 200S. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Recreational Land Auction
6 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. Inspections 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2 and Monday, July 14; and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23. Located at Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw. Property located near 5527 S. 50W, Claypool. 30.54 acres. Schrader Auction, schraderauction.com.
Senior Queen pageant returns to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
Returning for 2025, the Senior Queen Pageant will take center stage at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair to recognize outstanding local women, age 60 and older, who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and a continued commitment to service.
The Senior Queen Pageant highlights the contributions of older women across Elkhart County and offers a unique opportunity to celebrate their experiences, compassion and impacts. Contestants are evaluated on personality, poise and dedication to their communities, with a focus on volunteerism and civic engagement.
This year’s contestants represent a wide range of backgrounds, including education, faith leadership, community service, public service, youth development, the arts and small business. Their shared dedication to service reflects the values of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair and its commitment to honoring individuals, who give back to the community in meaningful ways.
The 2025 Senior Queen candidates include:
the joy of reading. Bute enjoys exercising for physical therapy, which she needs due to Parkinson’s disease. She also enjoys fishing, visiting the Elkhart County Fair and reading books.
Melodie Wise, Ms. The Office Barn, Goshen, has been married to Dalton. She enjoys working part time for the city of Elkhart, gardening, cooking and doing crafts. Among the things she enjoys are kayaking, walking trails, traveling and sending time at their lake property. She recently became involved with Church Community Services, volunteering in its Soup of Success program.
Teresa Wells, Ms. Cross Hart Farm, Bremen, enjoys horseback riding, sewing and gardening. She even made the suit she will be wearing for the pageant judging. Her professional background includes years as a school bus driver and special needs bus monitor for WaNee and Warsaw schools, as well as various retail positions. She contributes to In the Bend, a chapter of Quilts of Valor, helping to create and present quilts to veterans.
a member of Elkhart County Extension Homemakers, recently serving as county vice-president and president, and currently as county advisor and membership chair. She is an active member of LifePoint Church, Goshen.
Jeanne Dilorenzo, Ms. Elkhart County 4-H Dog Club, Elkhart, is married to Rick. She has served on the 4-H Dog Club as a trainer and leader for 44 years. She is semi-retired from her career as a dog groomer. In addition to her involvement with the 4-H program, she enjoys training her dog, Phoenix.
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Sherry Weaver, Ms. Weaver Insurance, Goshen, is the widow of Lee Weaver, Nappanee. She stays busy with scrapbooking, cardmaking, teaching, baking, and gardening. She enjoys participating in Purdue Extension Homemaker events. She currently spends some of her spare time substitute teaching and leading various activities at her church.
Barbara Bute, Ms. Iron Horse Ranch, Elkhart, is married to Allen. She enjoys being a neighborhood “mom” and leader to her Happy Clovers 4-H Club for 35 years. Teaching kids is her greatest passion. She also has a free library set up in her front yard for kids and adults to come and exchange books so she can spread
Caroline Troyer, Ms. JoJo’s Pretzels, Middlebury, has many interests, such as sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, drawing, painting, plastic canvas, scrapbooking and diamond art. She is a member of the Homemakers of Today. She is a member of the senior program at the Salvation Army.
Louanne Gressman-Dunn, Ms. Elkhart County Extension Homemakers, Goshen, is married to Jeffrey. She is an ordained minister and served as a senior pastor of churches in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin before retiring and moving to Goshen. She enjoys all kinds of needlework, music, entertaining, travel and camping. She is
Rosanne Markham, Ms. Wellington & Weddell Eye Care, Goshen, is the wife of the late Dr. David Markham. She works as a senior registered sales associate with Stifel The Elkhart Group. She spends her free time serving her community as a leader for the Elkhart County 4-H Sewing Club, Stitch It Up. This fair marks her 14th year. She is a cancer survivor and gives back by volunteering with Cancer Resources of Elkhart County. She has been a Girl Scout Leader, Camp Fire Kids Leader, and Hippology and Horse Bowl Coach.
Carol Reed, Ms. Fairfield Pioneers Club, Goshen, is married to Clarence. She stays busy with making cards, Bible study, camping and hanging out with her grandchildren. She was second runner-up in the 2024 Senior Queen contest. She has also been a 4-H Project Leader for Fairfield Pioneers for over 20 years. She is a member of Grace Community Church where she volunteers in the kids ministry check-in area, the greeting team, Training Camp leader, and helping in the store.
Lisa Giddens, Ms. T’s New You Hair Salon, Goshen, is employed by Mondelez International as a sales representative. She loves to bake and trying new recipes. Her interests include taking care of her many orchids, floral arranging and learning to run her dog, Phoebe, in agility and volunteers with the 4-H Dog Club.
The Senior Queen will be crowned during a special ceremony at the fair and will represent the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen Program at community events throughout the year. For more information, visit 4HFair.org/seniorqueen.
BARBARA BUTE
CAROLINE TROYER
CAROLINE REED
JEANNE DILORENZO
LISA GIDDENS
LOUANNE GRESSMANDUNN
MELODIE WISE
ROSANNE MARKHAM
SHERRY WEAVER
TERESA WELLS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE — Air Force veteran, Janna Stollery, was presented with a Quilt of Honor Tuesday, July 1. She is pictured with her fellow American
Stollery honored with quilt for Air Force service
Text and Photos
By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer
Janna Stollery, Friend of the Milford Library, active volunteer and Air Force veteran was presented with a Quilt of Honor Tuesday, July 1.
Stollery was nominated for the quilt, in honor of her service in the Air Force, by her fellow members of Friends of the Milford Library.
Linda Green of the Lakeland Quilt Club spent two months handcrafting the quilt and presented it to Stollery at the
Friends’ meeting Tuesday afternoon. Also in attendance were members of Milford’s American Legion Post 226.
“We thank you. I’m very honored to have made the quilt for you, and I hope that you enjoy it,” said Green.
Green also read a biography
Stollery had prepared for the occasion. Stollery joined the Air Force after graduating from high school in 1969. She underwent basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and technical training at Kesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Her first assignment was in the postal career field at Kesler, followed by regular administrative duty at Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton, Fla. Her service took her to Keflavik, Iceland, for a year before she returned to Hurlburt Field.
In 1981, she retrained to be a student trainer advisor for students in a combat-related technical school at Hurlburt Field. In 1985, she retrained again to be a leadership school instructor and director of education.
In May of 1989, she was selected as the first female commandant of the Basic NCO Leadership School.
She earned a promotion to senior master sergeant, but declined the position so she could retire in 1990.
Since her retirement, Stollery has filled her days with volunteer service at Milford Food Bank and Van Buren Township Food Pantry, as well as the Friends of the Milford Library. Stollery has been an honor guard member of Syracuse Post 223 since 2013, and Post 226 since 2022.
“There is no greater joy than doing for someone who cannot do for themselves,” Green read from Stollery’s statement. “The simple task of driving someone to an appointment or just visiting an elderly soul gives me great pleasure in satisfaction.”
Stollery grew tearful as she thanked those assembled for the quilt.
“I’m shaky but proud, and I am very moved,” she said.
Van Vlerah selected for Council of Independent Colleges’ Executive Leadership Academy
Manchester University Vice President for Student Life Abby
Van Vlerah was selected to participate in the Council of Independent Colleges’ Executive Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C.
The prestigious program was the first of two in-person seminars and ran from June 16-17. It was led by current and former college presidents along with experts in critical areas pertinent to higher education. The 18 participants were selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represent both independent and state-supported colleges and universities.
The Council of Independent Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the American Academic Leadership Institute collaborate to offer ELA partic-
ipants unparalleled learning, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Van Vlerah joined Manchester’s staff in 2019 with 18 years of prior experience in higher education. A first-generation student herself, she is passionate about assisting first-generation students by teaching them how to navigate their way through the difficulties of attending university and understands first hand the challenges that today’s students are facing.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College, a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Wyoming, and a doctorate in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Learn more at manchester.edu/ about-manchester.
Legion Post
226 members. From left are Steve Wilson, Bob Brooks, Dan Schwab, Larry Bray, Ron Klotz, Jeff Dippon and Gary Miller.