The Gathering Place a place to connect, inspire hope
By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer
Upon walking in The Gathering Place, one feels right at home There’s free coffee and Wi-Fi and plenty of comfortable places to sit Whether it’s a meeting, a Bible study or a lunch break, the nonprofit organization offers a place to connect with others in many ways
The Gathering Place is a welcoming community space in Warsaw, offering recovery resources, support, and connection to inspire hope and unity
facility are veterans, drug court, men’s and women’s gathering circles and Bible study groups
The Gathering Place, located on three floors, also has seven offices for other organizations, such as Kosciusko CARES and Allendale Recovery
GATHERING AROUND
People can also unleash their creativity in its fully-equipped makerspace — a welcoming environment designed for hands-on projects and innovative exploration It’s located in the basement
The Gathering Place is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive space where everyone can access the resources they need to thrive From recovery support to creative opportunities, it fosters connection, inspires hope, and builds a stronger community
The thoughtfully-designed rooms offer the perfect environment for collaboration
The Gathering Place is an initiative of Fellowship Missions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives and supporting the residents of Kosciusko County The founders are Eric Lane and his wife, Tammy, who also run Fellowship Missions, the homeless shelter in Warsaw
“We’re dedicated to breaking down barriers and reducing the stigma surrounding substance misuse and recovery,” said Lane “My wife wanted it to be all about community ”
It hosts a variety of events, such as support groups, recovery classes and workshops, designed to inspire and connect
“We have about 11 recovery meetings here a week,” Lane said “There’s something going on here all the time ”
Most of the meetings are centered around recovery
“Overall, we focus on recovery resources and mental health awareness,” said Lane
It has weekly support groups which are tailored to various recovery journeys
It has recovery-focused classes that provide skills and strategies for lasting change
“We also have a mental health therapist on staff,” said Lane
“Our makerspace is where creative visions become reality and connections are made in an inspiring setting,” said Lane
There’s also wellness-focused events to nurture the mind, body, and spirit The Gathering Place also has workshops and seminars to spark creativity and personal growth
Future plans are to have woodworking and 3D printing classes for those who wish to learn those skills
There’s no appointment needed for rooms or space; however, if such space is needed one can make a reservation It offers three flexible spaces that can accommodate both small and large groups, providing a versatile setting for any occasion Simply submit a request online or call There is a fee
The Gathering Place in Warsaw offers a safe place to meet, collaborate or hold meeting. Anyone is welcome. Shown clockwise are Tim Frame, Lindsey Miller, Ashlee Kreft, Brooke Skeans and Brayden Lane.
Lane said he is happy every time he walks in the building
“I love coming in here
There’s stuff happening all the time,” he smiled “It’s about the community coming together You never know what’s going on ”
A golf outing fundraiser and lunch is 11 a m Monday, April 28, at Tippecanoe Country Club
Lane said he is looking for volunteers in the makerspace for activities, such as art classes
The Gathering Place is located at 123 S Buffalo St , Warsaw
The Gathering Place is a place to have one-on-one therapy sessions with a compassionate mental health professional in a private room
Other groups which meet at the
For more information, hours, a list of meetings or to volun teer, visit thegatheringplacefm or call (574) 268-9555
Shown
The room is a makerspace, where people can let their artistic creativity loose. Supplies are provided or one can bring their own materials.
Text and Photos
MAKERSPACE
is a wall at The Gathering Place in Warsaw.
PRAYER WALL
Eric Lane is founder of The Gathering Place in downtown Warsaw. He is shown at the prayer wall where people can put their intentions for themselves or others.
Marcia Parcell serves library for 48½ years
LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer
“I’m a Wakarusa native,” stated Marcia Parcell. “And I’m retiring from the Wakarusa Public Library May 30 after 48½ years of service. I’ve loved working at the library, assisting the people in my hometown. It will be hard to retire. But I’ve got other areas of life I want to pursue and organizations that will keep me busy. I’ll have plenty to do.”
Parcell, who is a 1977 graduate of NorthWood High School, worked in the school library. “I remember coming back from our parents’ summer cottage on Long Lake in Michigan right around Labor Day. Glenwyn Anglemyer approached me about working at Wakarusa Library. That was right after my graduation in 1977.”
She started out as a page. “At first, it was part-time employment. I worked the front desk and took care of various other tasks wherever I was needed.”
Over the years, Parcell has worked her way up to techni-
cal services. “I take care of the interlibrary loans, send out the overdue notices, and send notices out to non-residents, reminding them to renew their library cards.”
A typical day for her starts at 8:30 a.m. “Perhaps it’s my day at the front desk. I or a coworker check the items in the outside drop box. We get the computers ready for the day. We check in books and assess whether they are in good shape or are damaged. Those with too much wear we set aside to be looked into later. We place the checked in books on the shelving cart to be returned to the library shelves.”
Parcell is also the voice patrons hear over the phone. “I also answer the questions of those coming into the library.”
There are two parts of her job she finds particularly enjoyable. One is seeing the people who come to the library from the front desk. “I enjoy seeing my friends and members of my community who come through the doors.” The other area she loves is checking out books and items
the library doesn’t have from the interlibrary loan program.
A personal challenge for Parcell is her hearing loss. “I wear hearing aids, and it helps. But I still have trouble hearing people with soft voices and children. I dislike asking them to repeat themselves.”
Although retirement will be an adjustment for her, Parcell will keep very busy with the three area organizations in which she is involved. She is the secretary of the Hearing Loss Association, the Michiana Chapter. Parcell is on the board of directors of the Wakarusa Historical Society. She is also a member of the Wakarusa American Legion Auxiliary.
When giving advice to retirees, she suggested finding hobbies or interests that keep the mind active. That way one doesn’t get lonely.
Her husband Tom is also retired. “We plan to visit our cousins in North Carolina. And although we’re not world travelers, we have traveled to conferences of the National Hearing Loss Convention in Nashville, Tenn. and St. Louis, Mo.”
There’s a rumor that an open house will be held for Parcell at the Library in mid-May. “I’ve written a memoir about my experiences at Wakarusa Library that I will donate when I retire. One particular memory involves a visit to the library by a local mystery author, whom I was able to identify by her distinctive hat.
Elkhart county extension offering program on women and Alzheimer’s
Learn about the unique challenges women face in relation to Alzheimer’s disease and strategies for brain health and cognitive vitality. This program offers valuable insights, evidence-based information, and practical tips to empower women to take proactive steps in maintaining brain health and reducing their risk of cognitive decline.
Attend this free educational program presented by Emily Christ, Purdue University Extension Educator in Health and Human Sciences in Elkhart County. This program is being offered at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Purdue Extension Elkhart County, located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, Goshen. The program will be about one-hour long. Pre-register by calling Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu.
If you are in need of accommodations to attend a program or an interpreter or translator contact Christ at (574) 5330554 or ewitters@purdue.edu by Wednesday, April 2.
ON THE JOB — Marcia Parcell has worked at Wakarusa Public Library for 48 ½ years this May. Parcell came in as a library page and has worked her way up to Technical Services. Photo provided by Wakarusa Public Library.
Habitat for Humanity celebrates $1 million grant from KCCF
Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County is celebrating its largest grant award in the organization’s 34-year history. The grant was awarded by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and made possible by a grant the Community Foundation received from Lilly Endowment Inc., in its recent Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow initiative.
Habitat will receive nearly $1 million to bolster its operational capacity, grow its ReStore, open a new Home Repair Program in 2026, and help facilitate the creation of a local coalition of stakeholders to address housing needs in Kosciusko County. This funding does not cover direct construction costs of Habitat homes but is expected to help Habitat
grow its production of new, affordable homes.
“This grant is an amazing opportunity to accelerate the growth and impact of our work” says Habitat Director Ben Logan. “All builders, including Habitat, are facing major obstacles when it comes to bringing more affordable housing units here to Kosciusko County, and this grant equips us with the staff, tools and technology to help bring about creative, local solutions. We certainly have a lot of work to do, but this grant is a game-changer for us.”
This grant award comes off the heels of a county-wide affordable housing study commissioned by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. The full study can be found on Habitat’s website.
“We have a vision for a much
larger, much more impactful Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County” says Habitat board president Roberto Perez-de-Frias. “We are grateful for the support of the Community Foundation and Lilly Endowment, but also for all the individuals, businesses and churches that make each and every home possible. We need the community’s support now more than ever as we grow our production, services and impact.”
For questions concerning this grant and how the funds are to be used, reach out to the Habitat office at info@kosciuskohabitat.org or (574) 269-4104.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County, visit its website kosciuskohabitat.org or follow them on Facebook (@kosciuskohabitat).
Soil and water conservation programs are suspended
By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer
In light of federal funding freezes, the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts has had to suspend three of its programs indefinitely.
All staff associated with the programs, 18 out of I.A.S.W.C.D.’s 21 employees, were furloughed and the hiring of seven new employees had to be stopped. The future of Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative, Resilient Indiana: Technical Assistance, and Urban Soil Health is uncertain.
C.C.S.I., R.I.T.A. and U.S.H. were designed to provide outreach, education and technical assistance to landowners with the goal of protecting and enhancing soil and water quality. Healthy soil and clean waterways are important for both agriculture and the health of local ecosystems. Anyone from a farmer with thousands of acres of land to a homeowner with less than 10 acres, could access the program’s information and services on how to care for the land.
In 2024, C.C.S.I. staff took part in over 100 events around the state, reaching 11,500 farmers and landowners. U.S.H. staff participated in 150 events and reached over 5,000 stakeholders and farmers by supporting local SWCD Working Groups in 40 counties. R.I.T.A. is the newest of the programs and expanded into 44 counties last year, including Elkhart County, with staff holding 136 training events and field days.
Jewel Wise, member of the State Soil Conservation Board, said the greatest impact of the suspension will be on local lakes.
Wise is a lifelong Kosciusko County resident who served on the county SWCD board for eight years before joining the S.S.C.B. last summer.
“Those are really important programs, especially in our area with the lakes that we have. We’re talking about holding back, not just water, but nutrient runoff and sediment from our lakes. The lakes bring in such a huge economic benefit to our community that we all need to do our part to keep the waters clean,” she explained.
I.A.W.S.C.D.’s three programs teach practices, such as cover
cropping and nutrient reduction through specified fertilizer recommendations, to name a few. Keeping unwanted elements out of waterways is a major conservation concern, so staff recommend landowners use certain fertilizers to minimize harm when soil runoff into the water happens. Excess nutrients can boost algae growth, which poses a threat to other plants and fish.
I.A.W.S.C.D. is funded by state and federal dollars but “implemented by local people, who work together to make sure we get funding to the right places to get those conservation practices on the ground,” said Wise.
With programming suspended, that conservation delivery system
is looking at a major disruption.
As of Friday, March 14, the I.A.W.S.C.D. has been reimbursed for its expenses through Jan. 31, meaning the furloughed staff members will be able to return to work for 30 days; however, it is not known if C.C.S.I., R.I.T.A. and U.S.H. programs will ever be reinstated.
Both Wise and I.A.S.W.C.D.’s Communications Manager Amy Work stated the best thing members of the public could do to help conservation districts in the meantime is contact legislation.
“We always encourage reaching out to Congress people and expressing concern, especially if they’re passionate about environmental issues and the work that we do,” said Work.
THE BEGINNING On April 2, 1960, in Pierceton, Robert Plew and the former Mary Joan Mettler were united in marriage. Photo provided.
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY
Bob and Joan Plew, Pierceton, will be celebrating 65 years of marriage Wednesday, April 2. Photo provided.
Plews celebrate 65th wedding anniversary
Bob and Joan Plew, Pierceton, will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary Wednesday, April 2.
Robert Plew and the former Mary Joan Mettler were united in marriage April 2, 1960, in Pierceton.
The Plews have a daughter, Jo Ellen (Jerry) Deaton, Warsaw, as well as two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The couple will celebrate their milestone anniversary with a private family dinner.
YCMC car and tractor cruise-in April 30
Yellow Creek Mennonite Church Car and Tractor Cruise-In will be Wednesday, April 30. It will be from 6-8 p.m. in the south parking lot. There will be free hot dogs, chips, water, music and fellowship.
No registration is required. Come and share in fellowship, food, cars and tractors. There is no fee. The rain date is May 14. The church is located at 64901 CR 11, Goshen.
KAUFFMAN BUILDER
petunias.antiques@gmail.com
Sisterhood of Faith plans Easter egg hunt at Atwood Otterbein
Officers of Atwood Otterbein Church women’s group, Sisterhood in Faith, recently met to coordinate events and activities for 2025.
President Sheri McKee led the meeting with Sue Earl, vice president; Lily Miller, secretary; Genyce DiRico, treasure; and Jane Schroeder, immediate past president, participating.
The group’s first event will be the annual Easter egg hunt to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in Fellowship Hall. Children are encouraged to join in the fun and meet the Easter Bunny.
Other group leaders include: Amy Swanson, assistant secre-
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tary; Aimee Ross, assistant treasurer; Linda Stroup, missions; Tilly McKeand, membership; Sue Creighton, communications; Connie Ward, education; and Kayla Metzger, prayer partners.
The 30-member group “celebrates and praises God for the gifts women bring to all levels to the church,” according to a news release. Members meet at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month in the Fellowship Hall, April through December. They focus their financial support and volunteer activities on local Christian, not-for-profit organizations.
The church congregation, affil-
iated with the Global Methodist organization, has served the Atwood community for more than 145 years. Sisterhood in Faith supports the church mission “to spread the word of God and win disciples for Jesus Christ by connecting themselves to Jesus and faithfully living their daily lives in relationship to him and to each other.”
More information about Sisterhood in Faith may be found by calling (574) 858-2291 or by sending an email to atwoodotterbeinchurch@gmail.com. The church’s website is atwoodotterbeinchurch.org and its Facebook page is Atwood Otterbein Church.
Frida Farrera Velasco named manager retail branch at Interra Credit Union
Liz Borntrager, vice president, senior manager retail delivery, announced that Frida Farrera Velasco has been named assistant vice president, manager retail branch at Interra’s Ligonier branch. With a decade of dedicated service at Interra, Velasco has proven to be a passionate leader, committed to both the growth of the credit union and the financial well-being of its members.
In this new role, Velasco will oversee the daily operations of the Ligonier branch, providing support, guidance and coaching for the retail team. She will also focus on fostering membership growth and strengthening community engagement, aligning with Interra’s mission to serve members and the local community.
Velasco’s career journey with Interra began at 17, when she started as an intern in the marketing department during high school. Over the years, she has held various positions, including member consultant, member advisor and member advisor team lead.
Throughout this time, Velasco has continually demonstrated a commitment to growth and development, not only in professional roles but also in helping to create a supportive environment for both the members and the team.
“I never imagined I’d be where I am today. Interra has been my
only employer since graduating high school, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow with this amazing company,” said Velasco. “I’m driven by the opportunity to make a
meaningful impact on members’ financial well-being and build strong relationships while leading with integrity. I look forward to continuing to serve the Ligonier community in this new role.”
A key milestone in Velasco’s career was recently celebrating 10 years of service at Interra. She credits hard work, dedication and a willingness to learn from feedback as essential components of success.
Outside of work, Velasco is actively involved in community service. She volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County, mentoring a group of kids in S.T.E.M. Velasco has been doing this for over two years and plans to seek similar volunteer opportunities in Ligonier to further engage with the community.
Velasco resides in Goshen with her spouse, Hector, and their children, Isaac and Laylah.
Cooking with an air fryer April 16
Technology is always evolving including the technology we use in the kitchen. The air fryer has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Learn about the ins and outs of an air fryer, different model options, and safety techniques Wednesday, April 16. Attend this free educational program presented by Emily Christ, Purdue University Extension Educator in Health and Hu-
man Sciences in Elkhart County. This program is being offered at 5 p.m. at Goshen Public Library, 601 S. Fifth St. The program will last about one hour. Register by calling Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu.
If you are in need of accommodations, special dietary needs, an interpreter or translator to attend a program, contact Christ at (574) 533-0554 or email ewitters@purdue.edu by Wednesday, April 2.
FRIDA FARRERA VELASCO
SISTERS IN FAITH Members of the Atwood Otterbein Church Sisterhood of Faith pictured from left are Jane Schroeder, immediate past president; Sue Earl, vice president; Lily Miller, secretary; Sheri McKee, president; and Genyce DiRico, treasurer. Photo provided by Sisterhood of Faith.
Text and Photos
By DEB PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief
Persons concerned and wanting to learn more about soil health and keeping the soil healthy gathered at Oakwood Event Center, Syracuse, Tuesday, March 18, for a day of learning.
Tashina Lahr-Manifold, Kosciusko SWCD soil health specialist, welcomed the group of approximately 177 registered guests for the day’s event, SoilCon.
“I’m so impressed with how hectic life gets and every one in this room has found this meeting valuable enough to take a day out of your hectic life to be here today. I just really value you for coming and your willingness to learn. It’s just really impressive,” she said.
Keynote speakers for the day were: Neal Kinsey, Kinsey Agricultural Services; RJ Rant, owner of Terraform Ag and Nutrilink Biosystems; and John Tooker, professor and extension specialist in the department of entomology at Pennsylvania State University. Each speaker was given 1 1/2 hours for their presentations.
The day also included a review of six different, local soil samples and the results of the testing, given by Kinsey.
Kinsey stated whether it’s raising soybeans, corn, rice, or cotton, the principles are the same.
“You don’t look at the crop. You look at the principle,” he said.
He specializes in problem soils adding that if you work at it, the problem gets solved. Even the best soil, according to Kinsey, can be corrected.
He went into details how farmers need to understand the soil and how best practices may catch up in five to seven years, when it comes to fertilizing. He stated if there is poor fertility, the soil is not being monitored and a farmer should look at what they are doing year after year.
“Know why your doing what your doing,” he stressed.
Noting while all soils are different, and there are many different soils on a farm, it all has the same principles.
“Once a basic foundation is built, that is where it starts and whatever you plant gets a good start,” he said.
He talked about three areas of treating the soil — biology, chemistry and physical.
“Look at what all crops respond to first. You want good physical structure,” Kinsey stated.
Kinsey stated all soil has the same “living organisms to feed the crops. Without life in the soil, it doesn’t feed the crops.”
He stressed starting with correcting the soil to get live bacteria to work, determine what biology is going to work and getting the right amount of air and water.
“Until you are willing to come in and straighten (it) up, you’ll lag behind,” he said.
He talked about how the methods work and spending the available budget wisely — putting material where it’s needed.
He talked about microbes, humus in the soil, nutrient needs, prioritization of needs, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, anthropods and algae.
“You are all farming livestock
2025
(the soil). You have to feed the soil,” Kinsey stated.
His presentation included pH levels of the soil and if it falls below 6, something is missing and there is a need to find out what is needed.
“If it is above 6.5, there is too much of something. If you have less of something else, it’s been pushed out of something you need.”
Kinsey also touched on longterm solutions to stop what is causing problems, stating that nutrients in the soil are “fighting the wars for you” and stressed “study nature, not books or the internet.”
Additionally, he said, you should “test your soil tester.” He suggested sending a sample of the worst and best soils and have the tester tell you which is which. If he can’t tell, he really can’t tell you what you need. “Don’t trust everybody.”
One of the main points Kinsey stated was that it can take years to make a difference in soil.
“Take care of your soil ... and it will take care of you,” he said.
Ecosystem Management
Rant went over ecosystem management strategies for improving soil health and yield. He stated soil health is an ecosystem property, including ecology and agroecology. He also presented information on the integrated concept of soil health — its function and dependencies. Those include: carbon transformation, nutrient cycling, soil structure maintenance and regulations of pests and disease.
Most of his presentation focused on a soil health case study, which began in 2016 and is still underway on potato fields in Michigan. He presented management changes and the purpose of those changes, explaining each aspect.
He touched on measuring soil health through lead indications, such as carbon pool, nitrogen pool, microbial biomass, microbial activity and microbial community structure.
The Haney test was explained, too, as DNA testing of soil.
He stressed the ecosystem management strategies for improving soil health and yield are: Leaving the soil through management of disturbance; grow the soil through crop rotation and cover-crop management; and feeding the plant, through integrated nutrient management.
Following lunch, Kinsey reviewed the local soil sample analysis. Tooker spoke on the relationships of pests and predators.
Trooker’s research group studies relationships among plants, invertebrate herbivores and natural enemies to understand factors, which regulate populations of herbivorous insects and slugs.
NEAL KINSEY
RJ RANT
A LITTLE CONVERSATION Neal Kinsey, left, talks further about his presentation and expertise with John Belork, Pat Bittner (hidden) and Cory St. Clair.
Refuel the body with exercise snacks
By EMILY CHRIST Health and Human Sciences Extension Educator
Fueling your body with the right nutrients before a workout is crucial for optimizing performance and achieving your fitness goals.
The primary goals of pre-workout nutrition are to provide energy, enhance endurance and support muscle recovery. Consuming a balanced meal or snack containing carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of healthy fats, approximately one to three hours before
exercise, can help achieve these objectives.
Carbohydrates serve as the body’s primary energy source during exercise, providing fuel for both high-intensity and endurance activities. Consuming carbohydrates before a workout helps replenish glycogen stores in the muscles, which can enhance endurance and delay fatigue. Opt for complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as they provide sustained energy release and prevent rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.
Protein is essential for mus-
SUPPORTING THE CAUSE Jennifer Simpson, left, a member of the Beta Zeta Chapter of Delta Theta Tau Sorority, presents a donation to Ben Logan, director of Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County. Photo provided by Delta Theta Tau Sorority.
Sorority donates $650 to Habitat for Humanity
Warsaw’s Beta Zeta Chapter of Delta Theta Tau Sorority recently made a donation to Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County.
The sorority donated $650 to the nonprofit, which works to ex-
pand decent, affordable housing options in the community.
Sorority member, Jennifer Simpson, presented the donation check to Ben Logan, local director for Habitat for Humanity.
cle repair and growth, making it an important component of pre-workout nutrition. Consuming protein before exercise can help protect muscle tissue during intense training sessions and promote faster recovery afterward. Lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, tofu or Greek yogurt, are ideal choices for pre-workout meals or snacks. Including a small amount of healthy fats in your pre-workout meal can help slow down diges-
tion and provide a steady source of energy throughout your workout. Nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil are excellent sources of healthy fats that can be incorporated into pre-workout snacks or meals.
Hydration is also critical before a workout to maintain optimal performance and prevent dehydration. Aim to drink water throughout the day leading up to your workout and consider consuming a small amount of
STATE 4-H ARCHERY COMPETITION Trevor Roberts swept the state 4-H archery competition for the second year in a row Saturday, March 15. The contest consisted of 30 shots taken at various 3-D targets, followed by 30 shots at a paper bullseye target from 25 yards. Roberts scored 591 points out of a possible 600.
The contest is held annually in March at Cutting Edge Archery in Greensburg, where nearly 70 participants compete in one of two divisions — open or genesis. Kosciusko County 4-H also has a strong shooting sports club underway now. For more information about 4-H, reach out to a local club leader or call the extension office at (574) 372-2340. Photo provided by Mariah Roberts.
Nights’
Nappanee Parks and Recreation is offering “Bored Nights,” a free drop-in event at West Park Pavilion, offering board games, cards, building blocks, and more. They will be from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, April 7, to Thursday, April 10, and noon to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, and
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Saturday, April 12. No registration required. This event is for all ages and skill levels, though children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors can show up anytime to play. No registration required.
The park is located at 500 N. Nappanee St., Nappanee.
Leesburg Lions fish fry March 27
The Leesburg Lions Club will be holding a fish fry Thursday, March 27.
The fry will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Leesburg Lions Building, 114 School St.
Diners can eat in or carry out for $12 per ticket. Dan’s Fish Fry Service will be doing the cooking. Proceeds will benefit the Leesburg Lions Club scholarship program.
water or a sports drink shortly before exercise to ensure adequate hydration. In conclusion, consuming a balanced meal or snack containing carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of healthy fats before a workout can help fuel your body, enhance endurance, support muscle recovery, and optimize performance. Experiment with different foods and timing to find what works best for your body and exercise routine.
DNR Recreation And Fishing Regulations Guides available
The latest guides to exploring Indiana’s great outdoors are now available online and will soon be available at Department of Natural Resources properties.
The yearly DNR Indiana Recreation Guide is available now online, in.gov/dnr/publications-and-maps/indiana-recreation-guide/
And the yearly guide to Indiana fishing, the DNR Indiana Fishing Regulations Guide, is also available at in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/fishing/fishing-guide-and-regulations.
The Recreation Guide is the source for information on state parks, state forests, lakes, fish and wildlife areas, nature preserves, state park inns and other DNR properties. The guide includes a detailed facilities chart and information about accessibility and fees.
Annual entrance passes for state park properties can be purchased in person at the gatehouse or offices of state park properties during business hours or at Indiana’s state parks online store any time.
Indiana resident state park annual entrance passes cost $50. For individuals 65 years old or older, the price is $25. Annual entrance passes for vehicles with out-ofstate license plates are $70. The daily gate fee at most state park properties is $7 per in-state vehicle. More information can be found at Indiana’s state parks website, in.gov/dnr/state-parks.
The Fishing Regulations Guide contains all rules and regulations for anglers looking to fish in Indiana along with helpful information on individual species and public waters available to all Hoosiers. This year’s guide highlights the exceptional catches in the Record Fish and Fish of the Year programs as well as a new recipe for fish tacos.
Fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased at Indiana’s hunting and fishing website, gooutdoorsin.com/login. They can also be purchased at retailers, county clerk offices, and most DNR properties throughout the state.
Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club plans the year
The Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club held its first meeting of the year Tuesday, March 4, at the Syracuse Community Center.
New program books for 2025 were distributed to 20 members noting special programs and field trips on the horizon.
The budget for the year was discussed, including the anticipated costs for town flowers (parks, town hall and hanging baskets) and the eventual remodel of the Ward Park flower bed.
An Arbor Day donation of a tree will be planted at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, which accepted the Garden Club’s donation last year as well.
The upcoming state convention in Indianapolis was discussed and there will be two members attending. They will both be accepting new roles at the state level during the convention.
The Garden Club voted to participate in WACF Earth Day Festival Saturday, May 3. The activity will be to plant seeds in peat pots for the children to take home and grow.
After the business meeting concluded, each member joined their “flower bed committee” and planned the flower type to be planted in each bed.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 1, at the Syracuse Com-
munity Center’s Kiwanis Room and begins at 6:30 p.m. The program is “Pocket Pollinator Plantings,” given by Judy Clayton of Clayton Garden Center. She will be demonstrating how to plant a pot to attract pollinators. This is a great way to give pollinators some food and shelter without having to plant a large garden. Just think: if one thousand people planted one pollinator plant, that would be 1,000 more pollinator plants for the bees, butterflies and moths.
The Garden Club welcomes new members; contact pam@ wacf.com if you would like to attend one of the meetings.
Kosciusko County Farm Bureau recognized at annual state YF&AP Conference
Kosciusko County Farm Bureau received two awards at the annual Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ag Professionals Conference took place this past weekend in Indianapolis. The county organization not only received the Awakening Award, but was also recognized for donating over $3,000 to Feeding America in 2024.
The Awakening Awards, recognized county YF&AP new programs or programs that had not applied for the contest in the last three years.
Feeding America is a nonprofit with a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that provide meals to tens of millions of people in need every year. Kosciusko County Farm Bureau was the only program recognized.
The conference theme was “Innovate and Grow” and provided an opportunity for education and networking for INFB members under the age of 40.
The opening session kicked off with a keynote speech from Temple Grandin, author and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. As a world-renowned animal advocate, Grandin has been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs tused by McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whole Foods and other corporations. She spoke to the group about cattle and sustainability practices.
The second keynote speaker was Braxten Nielsen, a motivational speaker, who shared how he has overcome setbacks and challenges related to a rodeo accident that almost left him permanently paralyzed. Nielsen shared the importance of hard work, being resilient and how to keep positive.
Other conference programming focused on sessions to motivate and prepare young agriculture professionals for success as their careers develop. Breakout sessions focused on hot topics in the ag industry, including water rights, cattle risk management, biosecurity, AI and farming, mental health and more.
Additionally, INFB offered industry tours and a community service activity as part of the conference agenda. Industry tours included trips to Tulip Tree Creamery, Indianapolis; Smoking Goose Meatery, Indianapolis; Beck’s Hybrids, Atlanta; Fisher’s AgriPark, Fishers; and West Fork Whiskey, Westfield. Attendees could also choose to volunteer their time and make blankets to donate to Riley Children’s Hospi-
tal in Indianapolis. Additional county YF&AP programs were honored for accomplishments in 2024.
In addition, a new state YF&AP chair, vice chair and secretary took office at the conference. Molley Hasenour of Dubois County will serve as chair for 2025, Katie Pennington of Hendricks County will serve as vice chair and Payton Sinders of Clay
County will serve as secretary.
The committee also welcomed the following district YF&AP leaders to serve two-year terms.
District 4: Vince and Amie Osborn, Miami County
District 6: Kylie Wheeler, Henry County
District 10: Cameron Yundt, Scott County
For more information on the program, visit infb.org/YFAP.
AWARDS RECEIVED Travis Adams, right, Kosciusko County Farm Bureau president, accepted the Awakening Award from Molley Hasenour, INFB YF&AP state chair, and being recognized for Kosciusko County’s contributions to Feeding America. Photo by Indiana Farm Bureau.
GARDEN CLUB PROJECT Shown is one of the projects conducted by the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club. This one is at Lakeside Park in Syracuse. Photo provided by the garden club.
Boggs Automotive expands with new location in Syracuse
Boggs Automotive has announce the opening of its newest location in Syracuse. This expansion will bring Boggs Automotive’s trusted, family-owned automotive repair services to the Syracuse community, continuing its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
A grand-opening celebration is planned for April, so be sure to follow Boggs Automotive on its social media channel for updates. The company also plans to join the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, further solidifying its connection with the local business community.
The new Syracuse location is now open and offers the same full-service automotive repair and maintenance as the Warsaw shop but on a smaller scale, with two to three service bays. Unlike Boggs Pit Stop, which specializes in quick lube services, Boggs Automotive’s Syracuse
location provides full-service automotive care, staffed by an ASE-certified mechanic, an additional mechanic, and a service manager.
As a special welcome to the Syracuse community, Boggs Automotive is offering a 15% discount for all first responders and a 10% discount for employees of local businesses.
The decision to expand into Syracuse came after a conversation with Josh Witt, owner of NAPA in Warsaw, who informed Boggs Automotive about an available property. Seeing a need for reliable automotive repair in the area, the opportunity was a natural fit.
“We’re excited to bring our expertise and customer-first approach to Syracuse,” said Julie Tuinstra, co-owner and business director of Boggs Automotive. “Being a family-owned business, we take pride in providing honest, high-quality service, and we’re looking forward
to serving this community.”
The Syracuse location is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Initially, the shop is focused on getting established in the community, but Boggs Automotive looks forward to building relationships with more local businesses and organizations over time.
Two experienced team mem-
bers, Adam Mason, and ASE certified technician, Andrew Robinson, transferred to the Syracuse location to ensure customers receive the same exceptional service Boggs Automotive is known for.
For more information, follow Boggs Automotive on social media or visit boggsautomotive.com or call (574) 337-7289.
Building foundations of caregiving program April 17
Understanding the key aspects of caregiving can help to ensure the delivery of person-centered care while managing your own emotional and physical well-being. Learn how dementia changes relationships over time, the benefit of person-centered care approaches, how to create a supportive care team, and steps to identify and manage caregiver stress.
Attend this free educational program presented by Emily Christ, Purdue University Extension Educator in Health and
Human Sciences in Elkhart County. This program is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Elkhart Public Library, Dunlap Branch, 58485 CR 13, Elkhart. The program will be about onehour long.
Pre-register by calling Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu.
If you are in need of accommodations, an interpreter or translator, contact Christ at (574) 533-0554 or ewitters@ purdue.edu by Thursday, March 27.
Kosciusko County SWCD receives grant for soil event
The Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District is one of 16 soil and water conservation districts across the state, and one organization to be awarded a portion of more than $1.3 million in Clean Water Indiana competitive grant funding, according to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board.
The funding will support water quality improvements across the state.
Kosciusko County SWCD was awarded $52,721. The funding will allow the district to undertake a large-scale, soil health focused education event across the next three years (2025-2027) in addition to providing free soil samples to local producers. Led by the county-funded soil health specialist, these events are structured as interactive meetings. They are designed to provide a road map for collaborative exploration into soil health, the soil food web, ecological risk of pest management strategies and developing long-term solutions for regenerative ag systems.
“This funding is critical for our local soil and water conservation districts to assist farmers with bettering their water quality initiatives,” said Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, Indiana’s secretary of agriculture. “This program touches every corner of the state and the improvements made will go a long way in ensuring Indiana remains a leader in soil conservation.”
The Clean Water Indiana program is administered by the state’s soil conservation board. The program, led by the ISDA, provides financial assistance to landowners and conservation groups, which are working to reduce runoff from non-point sources of water pollution, whether it’s on agricultural land, urban areas or eroding stream banks.
Once received, districts can use the funds to partner with other counties or address specific needs within their jurisdiction. Some examples include participating in a cost-share program, hiring staff, providing technical assistance, implementing cover crop incentive programs or increasing watershed capacity.
Clean Water Indiana is managed by ISDA’s Division of Soil Conservation and funded by a portion of the state’s cigarette tax. Projects can be up to three years in length and grantees could apply for any dollar amount necessary to complete the project.
In addition to Clean Water Indiana funds, each grantee is required to produce a match for their project, which can be cash or in kind. Projects requesting staffing were required to have a 25% match for that component, while all other project areas required a 50% match. Many soil and water conservation districts will target producers not currently served by other conservation programs.
A total of $1,382,571 was awarded to 17 projects. To learn more, visit in.gov/isda.
READY FOR BUSINESS Boggs Automotive held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon, March 20, on its new location in Syracuse.
From left are Scott Wiley, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce; Sandra Parra, Old National Bank; Sheriff Jim Smith; Dawn Jaggers, Harrison State Farm Insurance; Nicole Bevitorie, 1eightydigital; Julie Tuinstra and Andy
Tuinstra, owners; Adam Mason, Boggs Automotive; Andrew Robinson, Boggs Automotive; Kosciusko County Chief Deputy Chris McKeand; and Nora Christiansen, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.
Established 1851
152
Years
Horizon Bank
Serving Kosciusko, Elkhart & LaGrange Counties 1-888-873-2640
Established 1873
140
Years
McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel Pierceton, IN • 574-267-7123 mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com Established 1885
118
Years
Milford Public Library 101 N. Main St., Milford, IN 46542 574-658-4312 • Milford.Lib.IN.US
Established 1907
113 Years
Olympia Candy Kitchen
“The Sweetest Little Place In Town” 136 N. Main St., Goshen • 574-533-5040 www.olympiacandykitchen.com
Established 1912
105 Years
Rockhill, Pinnick LLP 105 E. Main St., Warsaw, IN 574-267-6116 • Fax 574-269-9264
Established 1920
149
Years
Years
124 Years
114 Years
Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce 523 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, IN 574-267-6311
Established 1911
108
Years
Patten Monument Co. 633 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, IN 574-267-8933
Established 1917
105 Years
W.R. Hall Insurance Group 2426 E. Pierceton Rd., Winona Lake 574-267-3266
Established 1920
99 Years
Industries, Inc. 301 Kings Hwy., Winona Lake ABC-Industries.net • 1-800-426-0921
113 Years
105 Years
Crossroads
103 Years Phend & Brown, Inc. 367 E. 1250 N., Milford, IN www.phend-brown.com • 574-658-4166 Established 1922
87 Years
Ace Pest Control
634 N. Main St. • North Webster, IN 574-834-2834
Established 1938
81 Years
Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware
1309 S. Huntington St., Syracuse 574-457-3474
Established 1944
76 Years
Parker & Sons Equipment
SPECIALIZING IN FARM, CONSTRUCTION OR TRUCK/TRAILERS EQUIPMENT
6621 S. SR 15, Claypool • parkerandsonsequipment.com 574-566-3636
Established 1949
69 Years
McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel Warsaw, IN • 574-267-7123 mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
Established 1956
59 Years
Monteith’s Best One Tire and Auto Care Center
Tires by Bridgestone, Firestone, Mastercraft Kosciusko, Elkhart & Marshall Counties SR 15 N. • Warsaw • 574-267-8164
Established 1966
56 Years
Yoder & Stutzman, Inc. Plumbing & Heating PC10000101
Nappanee • 574-773-7012
Established 1969
54 Years the ‘PAPER’
Milford Office, 206 S. Main • 574-658-4111 Warsaw Office, 114 W. Market • 574-269-2932
Syracuse Office, 103 E. Main 574-457-3666
Established 1971
51 Years
Grace Village Retirement Community
337 Grace Village Dr., Winona Lake, IN 46590 www.GraceVillage.com • 574-372-6200
Established 1974
86 Years
Kosciusko REMC
370 S. 250 E., Warsaw KREMC.com • 574-267-6331
Established 1939
78 Years
Buhrt Builders
1102 S. Huntington St. • Syracuse, IN 574-457-3431
Established 1947
74 Years
Clunette Elevator 4316 W. 600 N., Leesburg, IN 574-858-2281
Established 1951
67 Years
Wawasee Bowl
1201 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, IN 574-457-3855
Established 1958
57 Years Etna Elevator 120 N. Walnut St., Etna Green, IN EtnaElevator.com • 574-858-0221
Established 1968
55 Years Hoffman Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc.
(Formerly Hoffman Implement Sales) Phone: 574-858-9322 • Etna Green Established 1970
53 Years
Roger’s Auto Center
500 N., North Webster 574-834-2774
Established 1972
50 Years
Fashion Farm Restaurant 1680 Lincolnway W., Ligonier 260-894-4498
Established 1975
84 Years
Warsaw Chemical
390 Argonne Road, Warsaw, IN info@warsawchemical.com • warsawchemical.com
Established 1941
78 Years
Pilcher’s Shoes
127 S. Main St., North Webster 574-834-7463
Established 1947
69 Years
Clayton Garden Center
SR 13 • North Webster 574-834-2249
Established 1956
60 Years Don’s Excavating, Inc. 12708 N. E. Wawasee Dr. Syracuse, IN 46567 | 574-457-2557
Established 1965
57 Years
SYM Financial Advisors 800-888-7968 Winona Lake | Mishawaka Ft. Wayne | Indianapolis | Midland, MI
Established 1968
55 Years Ruch Service 401 N. Higbee St., Milford, IN 46542 574-658-4313
Established 1970
51 Years
Brouwer’s Carpet & Furniture
3333 E. Center St., Warsaw, IN 574-267-8054
Established 1974
50 Years Niff-Tone 10274 W. 600 S., Mentone 574-353-7701
Established 1975
49 Years
Eastlund Funeral Home
7458 E. 1000 N., Syracuse 574-457-3144
Established 1976
46 Years
Grossnickle Eye Center
2251 Dubois Dr., Warsaw, IN 46580 800-992-6975
Established 1979
41 Years
Loucks & Weaver CPA accounting & financial services 157 S. Main St., Nappanee • 574-773-4611 OTHER OFFICES: Elkhart-Goshen Established 1984
37 Years Kay Young, Realtor® ERA Crossroads 813 S. Huntington St., Syracuse | 574-528-1400
Established 1988
32
Years
904 E. Pound Drive, Warsaw, IN 574-269-2492
Established 1993
27 Years Team Tuttle Mortgage, LLC 813 S. Huntington, Syracuse, IN 46567 574.457.3775 • www.teamtuttlemortgage.com “Consistently Exceeding Expectations!” Established 1998
22 Years R & B Car Company 2105 Biomet Dr., Warsaw, IN 574-372-3325 | rbcarcompany.com
Established 2003
49 Years
Tecomet, Inc.
486 W. 350 N., Warsaw, IN www.tecomet.com • 574-267-8700
Established 1976
43 Years
Bobi’s Shear Success
105 S. Main St., Milford, IN 574-658-9834
Established 1982
40 Years
Warsaw Engineering & Fabricating
2780 E. Durbin, Warsaw 574-269-1804
Established 1985
35 Years
Mike’s Garage Door
400 S. Main Street, Leesburg, IN mikesgaragedoorindiana.com 574-453-4368
Established 1990
30 Years
A.K. Hare Company
119 N. Main St., North Webster, IN 46555 574-834-3844
Established 1995
25 Years
Dental Solutions
3505 N. St. Rd. 15, Suite A Warsaw, IN 46582 • 574-269-1199
DentalSolutions.net
Established 2000
22
Years
The Revolving Closet
702 N. Huntington St., Syracuse 574-457-4280
Established 2003
47 Years
Crouse Body Shop
279 E. 250 N., Warsaw, IN 574-269-3339
Established 1978
43 Years
Reinholt’s Furniture
118 W. Main St., Warsaw, IN www.reinholtsfurniture.com • 574-267-5940
Established 1982
39 Years
Hursh Insurance Agency 106 E. Main St., Syracuse, IN 574-457-5300
Established 1986
34 Years
28 Years
Polk Equipment, Inc.
6407 N. St. Rd. 15, Leesburg www.PolkEquipmentInc.com 574-453-2411
Established 1997
23 Years Topping Dental Group
Brian Topping DDS, FICOI • Jeffrey A.
Nappanee 574-773-9700 • Elkhart 574-848-7487 Middlebury 574-825-1252 • www.DrTopping.com Established 2002
18 Years
GC engineering students participate in collaboration with orthopedic startup
Grace College engineering students have been working with Lifejoint Orthopedic Solutions, a small start-up based out of Baltimore, Md., to create a new finger joint, prosthetic implant design. Lifejoint has relied on the students to test and refine the device as the company prepared for its pitch with Plug and Play Indiana.
Plug and Play Indiana, an innovative accelerator platform, is part of a statewide initiative to keep Warsaw the Orthopedic Capital of the World.
“Dr. Fred Wentorf and the Grace engineering students have been fantastic for helping us move the product development along as we work to change the standard of care for advanced hand arthritis,” said Marcia Hart, co-founder and CEO of Life Joint Orthopedic Solutions. “Start-ups come with a steep learning curve and require a lot of work. You need resources and interest from the industry and Warsaw is the place for orthopedics.”
An architect by trade, Hart got involved in the orthopedic industry after a table- saw accident in 2020. When she inquired about an implant, she discovered the market lacked good options; the market-leading device was invented in 1962.
“My surgeon, Dr. Ryan Katz from the Curtis National Hand Center, is one of the best in the world and was equally frustrated with the limitations of the current devices,” said Hart.
The two partnered in 2022 to found LifeJoint. As they developed new technology with a rolling contact mechanism, they worked with several accelerator programs and began adding to the team. Mary Wentorf was brought on as the chief technology officer, and her husband, the Grace College Chair of the Department of Engineering, Dr. Fred Wentorf, was named the research director. Hart eagerly accepted help from Wentorf’s engineering students at Grace to
test and refine the device.
Andrew Daeger is one such student. A Warsaw native, Daeger hopes to work in the orthopedic industry after graduation.
“I was born in Warsaw and plan to be here for the rest of my life,” said Daeger. “The orthopedic industry is one of the most exciting things happening in our area. I want to be a part of it.”
Daeger was particularly excited about applying his engineering skills to solve real-world orthopedic problems. His research for the project focused on creating an artificial implant that could reproduce the finger’s natural motion.
“The silicone device surgeons are using now has flaws,” said Daeger. “So, it’s cool to use my creativity and engineering skills to develop a unique design with real-world impact. I know this experience gives me a great foundation to build upon as I pursue a career in orthopedics.”
Dametrius Hall, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Anderson, also began working on the Lifejoint project last summer.
“I really enjoy the development side of things,” said Hall. “I love seeing the design change and actively working on testing a new product that will impact people every single day and make a tangible difference in the world.”
Wentorf’s goal is to give students as many experiential learning projects as possible.
“It’s a blessing to brainstorm with Andrew and Dametrius in this project and to watch them grow in confidence as engineers,” said Wentorf. “Our program is built upon experiences like this for students that help them develop their skills, impact others and help our community remain a hub for innovation as the Orthopedic Capital of the World.”
Other industry leaders agreed the innovation and collaboration resulting from Plug and Play is one strategic way the community can achieve this. Headquartered in Warsaw, Plug and Play Indiana
is sponsored by Zimmer Biomet, Orthopediatrics, Paragon Medical and several other local businesses.
The Indiana State Government, the Office of Economic Development and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation are also supporting Plug and Play, which has proven a viable pathway to provide jobs, produce tax revenue and build the economy in Indiana.
“I am incredibly proud of my alma mater, Grace College, and its commitment to fostering innovation and hands-on learning,” said Indiana State Representative Craig Snow. “It’s inspiring to see Grace’s engineering students engaging with Lifejoint Orthopedic Solutions, contributing their skills and creativity to a groundbreaking initiative. Their involvement in Plug and Play not only showcases their talent but also highlights the college’s dedication to equipping students with real-world experiences driving progress in our state. I look forward to seeing the impact they will make in engineering and beyond.”
Max Engle
Max Engle, 86, Warsaw, died Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital.
Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.
Diane Hodge
Diane Hodge, 54, Claypool, died Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Autumn Ridge.
Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.
Mary Carroll Jones
Mary Carroll Jones, 85, Warsaw, died Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.
Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.
Phillip Smith
Phillip Smith, 76, Wabash, died Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Vernon Health and Rehab.
Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.
NOVEL COLLABORATION — Grace College engineering students are currently working on a new finger prosthetic with LifeJoint, an orthopedic startup. Shown from left are Dametrius Hall, Dr. Fred Wentorf, Marcia Hart and Andrew Daeger. Photo provided by Grace College.
C ounty R epo R t
Court News
Small Claims
The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:
Crossroads Foundation Repair LLC
v. David Barfell, $8,400
Pro Fed Federal Credit Union v. Jared D. Barmes, $8,424.79
Money Matters Professional Collections LLC v. Kayla L. Corbett, $1,824.24; v. Donna L. Justice, $512.89
CommunityWide Federal Credit Union v. Judith Parkison, $3,891.95 Civil Collections
The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding: Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. James Boggs, $3,049.77; v. Derrick Myers, $2,229.91
Glenbrook Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Alexis La Shana Broadnax, $15,240.34; v. Zakerey Lynn Cornett, $16,618.88; v. Charda Marie Davis, $13,997.86; v. Eugene L. Melton, $15,930.13; v. Thyrome Aaron Wilder, $20,267.65
HS Financial Group LLC v. Charles Cason, Shauna Cason, $12,702.84; v. Eric Fisher, $6,038.17
Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Charles Cason, $7,066.16; v. Bryan Frush, $18,642.85; v. Autumn Stahl, $12,830.80
Credit Service International v. Lindley M. Cloud, $1,477.69; v. Sandy Greer, $5,494.72
PCA Acquisitions V LLC v. Terry L. Costner, $1,498.41
Mariner Finance LLC v. Heather A.M. Davidson, $3,719.86; v. Estephanie Navarro, $3,937.39; v. Chad M. Ouimet, $2,508.07
Discover Bank v. Tosha Johnson, $7,047.34
OneMain Financial Group LLC v. Linda S. Long, $3,333.66
Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Jesse Messer, $10,039.75; v. Kelly Pearson, $1,119.79; v. Hope Redinger, $555.88; v. Kiontay Smith, $2,709.17; v. Heather Voter, $2,531.99
City of Lake Station, Indiana v. Michael Miller, $1,964
LVNV Funding LLC v. Vicki Moore, $2,562.30; v. Richard Steg, $1,293.22; v. Kyle Taylor, $3,210.60; v. Lorene Yates, $1,683.75
Security Credit Services LLC v. Juan Rico, $5,641.15
Goshen Hospital Association Inc. v. Trisha A. Trimble, $1,770.57; v. Jacob Young, $2,348.53
Capital One NA v. Mark D. Walter, $3,055.59 Plenaries
The following plenaries have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court I, Judge Karin McGrath presiding: Northwest Bank, in its own capacity and as successor in interest to Mutual Bank v. Blessed Beginnings Broadcasting Inc., Brian Walsh, as trustee on behalf of Brian Walsh Trust, Brian R. Walsh, $107,411.07
Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals v. Johnny E. Frame II, $10,000 Evictions
The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Canterbury House Apartments v. Er-
ika Shorter, Joseph Toscano, $4,807.50
Joshua Carpenter v. Erich Wilhelmi, $2,500 Civil Torts
The following civil tort has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding:
Progressive Southeastern Insurance Co. v. Luke Miller, $13,177.67 Superior Court III
The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:
Speeding — Clark A. Cummins, Warsaw, $164.50; Nicholas L. Batalis, Warsaw, $164.50; Robert L. Brown, Warsaw, $164.50; Gary L. Black, Warsaw, $164.50; Johnathen W. Reilly, Bremen, $164.50; Bryan Castro-Rosas, Warsaw, $164.50
Truck in restricted lane, lane use restrictions violation — Renee L. LaRue, Bourbon, $189.50
Driving while suspended, suspension not result of conviction
Jesse R. Kooistra, Nappanee, $189.50
Disregarding stop sign — Daniel R. Haberman, Leesburg, $164.50; Michael E. Williamson, Warsaw, $164.50
Failure to register — Amber D. Brainard, Warsaw, $164.50
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Samuel E. Coria, Warsaw, $25
Holding or using a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle — Zackery J. Keplinger, Warsaw, $164.50
Failure to register, no valid driver’s license — Jesus Lara, Warsaw, $189.50
Improper or no stop lamp —
Kaden C. Wood, Warsaw, $164.50
Driving left of center — Tyler R. Spore, Cromwell, $164.50
Littering — Travis F. Hancock, Syracuse, $239
Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court
Melissa Boggs: Beliles-Fitzpatrick
Cameron Don Beliles, 29, Warsaw, and Cassondra Kay Fitzpatrick, 36, Warsaw Yoder-Clymer
Evan Rivero Yoder, 23, Warsaw, and Dakota Louise Clymer, 25, Goshen Jackson-Julias
Devon Lincoln Allum Jackson, 39, Warsaw, and Sherida Yolany Humphreys Julias, 29, Warsaw Guevara-Lozano
Jose Maria Munguia Guevara, 33, Milford, and Lisbeth Guadalupe Molina Lozano, 23, Milford Cleto-Hernandez
Luis Miguel Cleto, 23, Warsaw, and Ingrid Yoselin Morales Hernandez, 23, Warsaw Morado-Medina
Cristian Omar Garcia Morado, 32,
Warsaw, and Adriana Cerventes Medina, 32, Warsaw Carr-Bartley
Jassent Vin Carr, 53, North Webster, and Wendi Marie Bartley, 45, North Webster Taylor-Jackson
Jacob Taylor, 32, Claypool, and Lindsay Jackson, 35, Silver Lake Bell-Simmons
Bryon Bell, 38, Wabash, and Ashley Simmons, 36, Warsaw Silvestre-Gonzalez
Christopher Silvestre, 26, Milford, and Itzel Areli Gonzalez, 20, Warsaw Slabaugh-Borkholder
Merlin Dean Slabaugh, 26, Milford, and Kathy Ann Borkholder, 25, Bremen
Marriage
Dissolutions
The following couples have filed for a marriage dissolution in Kosciusko Superior Courts I or IV:
Prater-Haines — Kaitlyn Prater, Warsaw, and Alex Haines, Warsaw. They were married Feb. 12, 2022; separated March 24, 2024. Threminor child(ren).
Reece — Heather Reece, Warsaw, and Brian Reece, Pierceton, Minor child(ren). No other information was available.
Spangle — Michelle Lynn Spangle, Akron, and Nicholas R. Spangle, Warsaw. They were married April 18, 2014; separated March 17, 2025. One minor child.
Salczynski — Madison Salczynski, Warsaw, and Ryan Salczynski, LaPorte. They were married April 3, 2021; separated Dec. 23, 2024. One minor child.
Shaffer — Tracey Shaffer, Warsaw, and James Shaffer, Beaverdale, Pa. Minor child(ren). No other information was available.
Riggs — Fantasy Riggs, Claypool, and George Riggs, Nappanee. They were married July 2, 2020; separated Nov. 19, 2020. No minor child(ren).
Webster-Butler — Heather Webster, Warsaw, and Robert Butler, Warsaw. They were married Jan. 17, 2023; separated March 14, 2025. No minor child(ren).
Bowen Health hires vice president of facilities
Edward “Eddie” Gomez has been named Bowen Health vice president of facilities. A primary focus of this new position is the development and execution of the organization’s capital expansion plans. Gomez will also be responsible for all aspects of Bowen Health’s physical operations, including construction, building safety and maintenance.
“As our organization continues to grow, so does the need for a strong facilities structure and leadership at the executive level,” said Bowen Health Chief Financial Officer Jay Baumgartner. “Adding the vice president of facilities role is a significant step in this process, ensuring we can proactively plan for the future, maintain safe and effective spaces, and continue providing high-quality environments for both our patients and staff.”
Most recently, Gomez served as system director of environmental care/facilities and construction for a large hospital system in Bozeman, Mont. He brings more than 16 years of health care experience in facility management, construction projects and Joint Commission accreditation. He is a certified health care operations professional with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kentucky Wesleyan College.
The Bowen Health facilities team has been especially busy
since 2020 when the organization began renovations, allowing existing locations to provide primary health care in addition to mental health services.
New buildings designed especially for integrative health care have opened in Whitley and Marshall counties, with another scheduled to open in Kosciusko County by the end of 2025. Two more are planned for Huntington and Wabash counties.
“We are deeply grateful to our facilities team for their hard work and dedication in creating and maintaining the spaces that support our mission,” said Baumgartner. “Their efforts ensure that our patients receive not just care but the respect and dignity of a well-maintained, safe and welcoming environment they deserve.”
Jeriah Andre Lehman
Andrew and Serena (Miller) Lehman, Middlebury, are the parents of a son, Jeriah Andre, born at 2:45 a.m. March 16, 2025, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 19 inches long.
Emberlee Hope Schwartz
Zachary and Kara (Troyer) Schwartz, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Emberlee Hope, born at 10:23 a.m. March 19, 2025, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 8 pounds, 1.5 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.
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Lake Talk and Eats continues with the ‘Edge Of The Lake’
The next Winter Lake Talk and Eats program focuses on the edge of the lake.
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
Walls
The panel of experts will discuss some small changes to shorelines to encourage biodiversity and reduce wave action.
Ceilings
Ceilings
Walls
Window And Door Trim
What do glacial rocks, seawalls, and native plants have in common? They are all ingredients of many common shoreline views. Would you like to watch the minnows, have a sandy shoreline to walk on, enjoy seeing a few crawdads or best yet …fewer waves splashing up on your shore?
Ceilings
Window And Door Trim
Stairways
Stairways
Window And Door Trim Stairways
Woodwork Staining
Woodwork Staining
Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls
This could be the view at your shoreline with a little bit of change.
Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls
Small Patch Repair
Woodwork Staining
Small Patch Repair
Garage And Workshop Floors And Walls
Drywall Repair
Drywall Repair
Small Patch Repair
Great Service – Reasonable Rates
The edge of the lake, the shoreline, is an extremely important part of the entire lake ecosystem. It can be very biodiverse if conditions are right.
Co-sponsored by Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams and The Watershed Foundation, Lake Talk and Eats will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at the WACF Levinson LaBrosse Education Center, 11586 N SR 13, Syracuse.
The panel this month will feature Joan Szynal, chairman
of the shoreline committee and past chairman of WACF’ Jeremy Price, Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams’ Jewel Wise, Clayton Garden Center plant expert; Lyn Crighton, The Watershed Foundation executive director; and Mark Myers, Myers Landscaping. David Brandes, WACF past chairman, will be showing the results of glacial rock stopping wave action at his beach.
The program is free and there’s even a free continental breakfast. Can’t attend in person? Find details on Facebook or email pam@wacf.com to find out how to attend online.
Drywall Repair
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References Available Upon Request. 574-304-5075
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P ublic A uctions
Great Service – Reasonable Rates
References Available Upon Request. 574-304-5075
Three-Day Antique Auction
Noon Thursday, March 27; 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 28-29. Located at Chupp Auction Center, 809 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.
Schrock Farm and Household Auction
8 a.m. Saturday, March 29. Located at 12481 CR 38, Goshen.
Warren Estate Firearms Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, March 29. Located at 2653 E. US 30, Warsaw. Firearms, ammi, reloading dies and supplies, Coca-Cola collection, vintage advertising, gun safes. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. Open house 5:30-6
p.m. Monday, March 24. Property located at 1835 S. 675W, Warsaw. Ranch home with pole barn on 8.25 acres. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Joyful Harbor School Benefit Auction and Supper
4 p.m. Wednesday, April 2. Located at Topeka Livestock Auction, 601 E. Lake St., Topeka.
Online Consignment Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3. Pickup 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 4 at 426 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Bid online at bid.kraftauctions.com.
Gene Custer Farm Equipment Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, April 5. Located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Tractors, combine and heads, planter, tillage tools,
sprayer, forklift, tanks. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Grogg Martin Bi-Annual Spring Consignment Auction
9 a.m. Saturday, April 5. Located at Topeka Livestock Auction, 601 E. Lake St., Topeka. Online Gold and Silver Auction
Bidding open until 6:30 p.m Sunday, April 6. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Gold pieces, silver dollars, silver bars and rounds. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Reed Land Auction
6 p.m. Monday, April 7. Nelson’s Banquet Hall, 607 Nelson’s Parkway, Wakarusa. Property located 2 miles north of Wyatt on SR 331 (Bremen Hwy.) to Osborne Road, then west approximately 1 1/2 miles. Two parcels of 57.38 acres bare land. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.
Phone Bid Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. Property located at 5115 W. 685S, Topeka. Public inspections 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays or by appointment. For bidding and bidding updates, call (260) 4990216 or (260) 499-0093.
Real Estate Auction
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. Located at St. Isadore Hall, 803 W. Bike St., Bremen. Property located at 4743 Elm Road, Bremen.
TALKING ABOUT THE LAKE Dr. Nate Bosch, Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, was one of the presenters at the February Winter Lake Talks and Eats. The next program will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 5 and will focus on the edge of the lake. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
SWCD STAFF & PARTNERS:
Tashina Lahr-Manifold — Soil Health Specialist
Amanda Heltzel — Education & Outreach Coordinator
Jamie Perry — Conservation Program Technician
Dawn Armey — Executive Director
NATURAL RESOURCE
CONSERVATION SERVICE:
Chad Schotter — District Conservationist
SWCD Supervisors:
David Ransbottom — Chairman
Ryan Martin — Vice Chairman
Luke Mullet — Treasurer
Ben Schlipf — Supervisor
Roger Miller — Supervisor
Volunteer for conservation
The Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District is a local unit of state government responsible for conservation and development of local soil, water and related natural resources. We have been serving the communities and citizens of Kosciusko County since 1957. Our mission is to help people manage, conserve and enhance natural resources for present and future generations. We provide education, technical assistance and innovative programs to achieve this mission.
The SWCD welcomes volunteers to join us in our conservation mission. In 2024, volunteers contributed over 1,500 hours of time to the local conservation projects with the SWCD. Benefits of volunteering include meeting new friends, opportunities to gain special training and skills and the knowledge that you are helping to protect natural resources in your own community.
Read through the descriptions of just a few of our volunteer opportunities to learn more.
Wade Into A Creek With Students
Volunteers assist students with finding aquatic organisms and lead activity stations focused on water quality and conservation topics.
Get Your Hands Dirty At Tree Sales
Volunteers and staff work together to organize and package native trees and shrubs for the SWCD’s annual tree sale.
Table At A Local Festival
Volunteers assist SWCD staff with tabling events, such as Taste of Ag, Earth Day and more. Chat with the public about conservation in Kosciusko County.
Collect Soil Samples
Volunteers visit small farms (less than 10 acres) and gardens in the community to collect soil samples, which the SWCD uses to provide guidance to farmers and gardeners on how to incorporate conservation practices into their growing operations.
Spend A Day In The Conservation Office
Volunteers assist with administrative tasks, such as mailing, repairing educational supplies, entering data and more.
Go On A Field Trip
Volunteers assist with K-12 school field trips to local nature preserves, wetlands, farms and more. Truly adventurous vol-
unteers join us for our annual rafting program on Grassy Creek and Lake Tippecanoe to guide rafts of students and teach them about natural resources.
Are you ready to join our volunteer team in 2025 to make a difference in Kosciusko County? Visit kosciuskoswcd.org/volunteer to submit a short, easy application.
Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to learn more about your interests and connect you to volunteer opportunities that you will enjoy.
New conservation field technician hired
The Kosciusko County Soil and Water District has hired Jamie Perry as the new conservation field technician. He is originally from northern Alabama and joined the Army shortly after high school, where he served for 20 years. His last duty assignment brought him to northern Indiana.
Perry was an avid gardener and discovered after his retirement from the Army that he wanted to find a way to use this interest as a means of employment. He started his agriculture journey by attending the Veteran Sustainable Agriculture Program in Escondido, Calif. There, he spent eight weeks living and working on a farm while attending agricultural classes throughout.
When Perry returned, he decided to pursue a more formal education, attended Ivy Tech Community College and earned an AAS degree in agriculture. While at Ivy
Tech, his program director hired him as an instructor, focusing on hydroponics, smallscale agriculture, vegetable production and greenhouse production. Perry was later hired to manage Ivy Tech’s state-of-the-art greenhouse.
His interests also led him to working with the Burmese refugee community as their mentor farmer. As a mentor farmer, he assisted them with growing and selling their produce to their community. These experiences ultimately led Perry to be hired by the IASWCD as a soil health specialist. He served over 20 counties for over two years before he made the jump to the Natural Resource Conservation Service as a soil conservationist. While with NRCS, he served the landowners of Kosciusko County for a little over a year before the accepting this position with the soil and water district.
JAMIE PERRY
JEFFERSON CREEK 4 Sarah Marty-Schlipf assists students with finding aquatic organisms in Cherry Creek.
USH TRAINING Volunteers practice collecting soil samples at an urban soil health training.
SWCD 2025 annual meeting recap
The 2025 annual meeting was held Feb. 18 at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion. During the meeting, the election of two new board members took place. Ben Schlipf was elected to serve a three-year term and Roger Miller was elected to serve the remaining two-year term.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Fred Whitford, a clinical engagement professor and director of Purdue Pesticide Programs. Dr. Whitford engaged the audience with humor while educating them about the history of Kosciusko County, sharing pictures from many years ago.
We awarded eight individuals at the annual meeting:
River Friendly Farmer
Indiana’s River Friendly Farmer Award recognizes farmers who implement conservation practices to protect and enhance Indiana’s rivers, lakes and streams. This award is based on criteria that evaluate conservation practices, including erosion control and nutrient and pest management.
Ed Boggs has implemented cover crops, no-till farming, nutrient management, hay, land and pasture planting and a grade stabilization structure on his approximately 920 acres of cropland and beef operation. These conservation practices continue to ensure the protection of Kosciusko County’s and Indiana’s rivers, lakes and streams.
Friend Of Conservation
This award recognizes individuals dedicated to the preservation and protection of natural resources. It honors those who go above and beyond in making significant contributions to conservation efforts within the community.
Glen Pfleiderer was an integral part of SWCD for over 20 years, contributing countless hours and volunteering at numerous events. Scott Fetters of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented the Friend of Conservation Award to Glen’s wife, Velma, in recognition of Fred’s shared commitment to conservation. Scott spoke about Glen’s outstanding conservation efforts and the lasting friendship they had built over more than two decades.
Outstanding Volunteer
This award celebrates exceptional volunteerism for the Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District. SWCD recognizes volunteers as a crucial part of our conservation community, supporting efforts across the county and beyond.
Monica Grubbs has been a valuable volunteer for the Kosciusko SWCD since 2016,
when she helped establish the Indiana Master Naturalist program in Kosciusko County as part of the local advisory committee. Monica has donated countless hours to the Kosciusko County IMN program, tree sales, school programs and rafting trips. She is often found teaching local students about water quality, trees and more. Monica brings energy and enthusiasm to the SWCD volunteer team and we are grateful for her dedication to the district.
Conservation Educator Of The Year
This award recognizes educators who go above and beyond to instill a deep appreciation for the natural world in their students.
This year, we are proud to present the award to Randy Dahms for his exceptional contributions to environmental education.
Dahms, the principal of Mentone Elementary School, was nominated by his colleague Scott Sterk for his unwavering commitment to environmental education and his innovative approach to fostering partnerships that have made a lasting impact on students at both Mentone and Akron Elementary Schools.
Sterk noted that Dahms has been instrumental in forging a partnership with the Kosciusko SWCD, which has provided over 600 students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through SWCD field trips that explore conservation concepts in a meaningful way. Dahms also took the initiative to secure a grant for a set of waders, allowing students to engage with aquatic ecosystems. Dahms’ passion for conservation and educa-
Clunette Elevator
tion is evident in the way he approaches his work.
We also recognized Kosciusko’s top FFA high school soil judgers. We would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of these young people who prepared for and competed in this year’s competitions. As future caretakers of our land, we challenge them to use their talents in the field of conservation. The top four soil judgers from 2024 are:
From Tippecanoe Valley High School: Hayden Stookey and Luke Tucker
From Wawasee High School: Gabe Ihnen and Wyatt Schafer
We want to extend our appreciation to the members of our community for their ongoing efforts to conserve and protect the natural resources of our county. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead.
Appreciation for corporate sponsors
Thank you to all our 2025 corporate sponsors: Stan and Dee Moore, DK Lash, Lash Farm, Silver Lake Conservation Foundation, Schlipf Farms, Polk Equipment, Diese Gute Erde Inc., Zolman Farms, MPS Egg Farms, Lake City Bank, Service Electric, Kevin Hohman, Ransbottom Excavating and Trucking Inc., Bobcat of Warsaw, Poet, Louis Dreyfus-Claypool, Creighton Brothers LLC, Michael and Linda Russell, Advantage WX, Blue Bottle Farms, Roberts Family Farmland, J&M Roberts Farms, Sherm Bryant, Jackson Oil, The Twisted Tiki Food Truck, CFS, Tom Brothers, INTerra Bank, Clayton Garden Center, Hill ‘N’ Dale Farm, WACF and Culver Family Foundation.
Appreciation to affiliate sponsors
Thank you to all our 2025 affiliate sponsors: Manchester Farm Center, David Wihebrink, Velma Pfleiderer, AG Plus, Carl Diehl, Jewel Wise and Brad Clayton, Doug and Tammy Wise, Linda Hathaway, Rebecca Price, Dan and Eileen Ransbottom, Lyn Crighton, Paula Miller, A.J. Brown and Sons, Sam St. Clair, South View Farms, Steven and Leesa Metzger, Philip Cripe, Neal and Katie Brown, Andrea Baker, Scott and Denise Fetters, Don and Darci Zolman, Lakeview, Mark and Deborah Wise, Roger Miller and Stine Tire.
RIVER FRIENDLY FARMER OF THE YEAR Ed Boggs, left, was named the 2025 River Friendly Farmer of the Year for Kosciusko County. Ed will also be recognized at the state fair in August.
FFA SOIL JUDGERS Top county FFA Soil Judgers, Gabe Ihnen and Wyatt Schafer, from Wawasee were recognized. Luke Tucker and Hayden Stookey from Tippecanoe Valley also placed in the top four for the county.
NEW SWCD SUPERVISORS Kosciusko County Commissioner Bob Conley swears in new SWCD supervisors Ben Schlipf and Roger Miller.
CONSERVATION EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR Randy Dahms, principal of Mentone Elementary School, received the Conservation Educator of the Year award for his work to bring conservation education programs to students at both Mentone and Akron elementary schools.
Warsaw sweeps Northeast Indiana Envirothon Competition
Three teams from Warsaw Community High School took the top three spots at the Northeast Envirothon Regional Competition in Columbia City Feb. 27.
Envirothon is an annual academic competition focused on environmental sciences and natural resources management. Schools across North America and Asia compete every year at regional, state/ provincial and international contests in the categories of soils and land use, forestry, wildlife and aquatic sciences.
Every year also features a natural resources current issue topic. The 2025 current issue is “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change.”
Regional competitions happen across Indiana from late February through midMarch. Teams who place at regional competitions are invited to compete in the state contest. At regional competitions, students view presentations from resource professionals then complete a test in each of the five topic areas.
WCHS students have been studying for months in advance to prepare for this competition.
WCHS Envirothon Coach Emily Gough shared, “As the team has continued to build momentum in the last couple of years, one thing that has changed is we are getting students involved earlier. Our 2022 team that was second at state, and the 2023 team that was the first Warsaw team to win state and represent Indiana at NCF were both entirely made up of seniors. Now, we have a mix of grade levels participating on each team. This year, six freshmen are involved. It’s so special to see the seniors mentoring the younger students, and students who are participating over multiple years and expanding their knowledge more each year.”
The winning team from Warsaw scored an impressive 92/100 overall and achieved perfect scores in the aquatic sciences and wildlife categories. The race for second was close, with the second and third place teams separated by only three points.
Several students shared what they enjoy about competing in Envirothon:
“Envirothon has given me an awesome opportunity to compete in a field I care about, connect with my community and has motivated me to pursue a career in natural resources,” Sydney Clark said.
“It’s such an amazing, eye-opening experience to be a part of. I loved the collaboration and teamwork aspects, as well as the tremendous amounts of new information you learn. I gained tons of real-life,valuable knowledge and can’t wait for more next year,” said Diya Patel.
“Seeing so many people who genuinely care about the environment makes me believe in the future of our world,” said Annie Paton.
The WCHS Envirothon teams would like to thank these natural resource professionals and community members for offering learning opportunities to the team: Kosciusko SWCD and Amanda Heltzel, Darci Zolman, Brad Clayton, Loren Schaefer, Nate Bosch and the Lilly Center team and the local foresters who participate in “Breakfast with a Forester” events.
The Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District is proud to support the WCHS Envirothon teams.
High schools in Kosciusko County who wish to form an Envirothon team should reach out to Amanda Heltzel at Amanda.Heltzel@in.nacdnet.net to learn more.
FIRST PLACE TEAM The first place team shown from left are Evan Hand, Sydney Clark, Titiksha Gorhe, Kevin Gough and Sean Smith.
SECOND PLACE TEAM The second place team shown from left are Annie Paton, Jocelyn Baldridge, Medha Aluru, Hannah Grossman and Diya Patel.
THIRD PLACE TEAM The third place team shown from left are Cole Parrott, Griffin Roe, Mattix Garrett, Natalie Boley and Margot Sprankle.
Have an adaptive cover crop termination plan for spring
Be sure to practice patience this spring. Whether you plan to plant green and spray or terminate before planting, it may take time before it is warm enough to terminate cover crops. Unfortunately, we are limited by the accuracy of longterm forecasting, but the table below may help with your burn down decision-making (Table 1).
Planting green can help manage excess soil moisture, improving the seedbed for soybean or corn establishment; however, depending on the cash crop planting date, cover crops can “get ahead” of what some equipment is able to handle. Planting green can also add challenges, like changes to corn management. Keep in mind your specific goals for your cover crop in each field, and the cash crop you will be planting.
Soybeans are highly adaptable to planting green, while corn requires more changes to management for success while planting green.
Delaying cover crop termination likely results in warmer weather conditions at the time of burn down application, which improves the systemic activity of glyphosate. Specific to glyphosate, it was never intended to be used in cold weather as it requires an actively growing/transpiring plant for the chemistry to work.
Glyphosate requires a minimum of three hours after spraying on an actively growing/ transpiring plant before a dark period (night). Most plants stop growing one to two hours be-
fore sunset. Glyphosate that has not reached the growing point by dark; 25-30% will become bound within the plant and will not be available the next day.
If the following day the plant does not actively grow/transpire due to cold, wet, cloudy conditions, then the next dark period will bind an additional 80% of the glyphosate. Therefore, there will not be any glyphosate left to provide control of the plant. This typically means no spraying after 2 p.m. for best control in cold conditions (March/early April).
It’s critical that the mixing order of glyphosate be followed to ensure the maximum amount of glyphosate is available for control. Glyphosate should never be mixed in untreated water as 40%+ can be neutralized at mixing depending on water quality. Glyphosate is most active at a pH of 3.5, but plants will react by not absorbing spray below 4.5. (Trials at Dixon Springs with Ron Hines found that the optimum pH for spray solution is 5-5.2.)
Source: Monsanto’s lead research scientist on glyphosate (2003) at Chesterfield gave the following information on proper glyphosate use in cold weather.
For more information on cover crop termination or funds available to offset the expense of cover crops, contact soil health specialist, Tashina Lahr-Manifold, at (574) 267-7445, ext. 5377.
TABLE 1 — Impacts of burndown timing on several agronomic factors; early kill impacts are relative to planting green, and planting green impacts are relative to early kill. Source: PennState Extension (2024) at Cover Crops-Abnormal Overwintering and Burndown Decisions.