YMCA celebrates renovation with ribbon cutting
By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer
The Parkview YMCA in North Webster celebrated its recent renovation with a ribbon cutting Tuesday, April 29.
The Y has been in North Webster since 2004. YMCA CEO Jim Swanson was on hand to make a few remarks. Those in attendance included members of the Kosciusko Chamber and North Webster- Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.
The Y is located in the North Webster Community Center.
Swanson said the Y has been needing an upgrade for some time and it was a community
effort to get the work done. With the help of grant from The K21 Foundation, the YMCA was modernized.
Swanson said he thanked The K21 Health Foundation and the North Webster Community Center for helping make these improvements possible.
“We wanted to show a partnership with the community,” said Swanson. “We want to be more of a part of the community. We want to be a part of healthy living. K21 has supported our vision.”
Swanson also thanked Dave Hewitt, the Y’s long-time manager.
“We will work with the center
to have new innovative programming,” Swanson noted.
Rich Haddad, president and CEO of The K21 Foundation, spoke briefly about the importance of having a healthy community in the heart of the lakes.
New equipment, such as free weights, has been upgraded. New TVs, elliptical machines and weights in the weight room have been added.
The Culver Wellness Center, also located inside NWCC, also has space for YMCA programs, such as Rock Steady Boxing for those with Parkinson’s disease.
Emily Shipley, director of NWCC, said she feels “lucky to have a partnership with the
Captain Cash says ‘money voyage was a success’
Captain Cash, an elementary school curriculum designed by Purdue Extension for third grade students, recently sailed in Kosciusko County.
During the voyage, 57 third-graders from Jefferson Elementary School enjoyed classroom activities that helped them consider the following themes:
• “The more you learn the more you earn.”
• “Every payday save some cash away.”
• “There is an end to what you can spend.”
• “For a safer tomorrow, be wise when you borrow.”
Additionally, lesson topic relevant children’s books brought this financial literacy program
to life and helped students learn that reading makes “cents.”
Purdue Extension thanks Jefferson Elementary for partnering with “Captain Cash” to enable the students to sail on their educational money voyage.
The students enjoyed handson interactive learning sessions during their island voyages, while gaining a better under-
standing of money concepts that will serve them throughout life.
If you would like to learn more about “Captain Cash” in your school or organization, or embark on a money voyage of your own, contact Shannon Shepherd of Purdue Extension Kosciusko County at (574) 3722340 or by email at shephe52@ purdue.edu.
YMCA” so the center can grow its programs. Shipley who is also the chamber’s president, said “our vision is big.”
Those in attendance were also invited to take a tour and walk
around the YMCA and enjoy refreshments.
For hours, memberships, classes or more information, visit kcymca.org/location/north-webster-ymca or call (574) 834-5600.
YMCA RENOVATION — The Parkview YMCA in North Webster celebrated its recent renovation with a ribbon cutting Tuesday, April 29, at the North Webster Community Center. Community officials and chamber members from two chambers were on hand to celebrate its
renovation work. Those in attendance in front row in the middle included Rich Haddad of The K21 Foundation, YMCA CEO Jim Swanson and Emily Shipley of NWCC. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.
WATER SOFTENER RENTALS
In Kosciusko
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Grace journalism student chosen for summer World Journalism Institute
Anna Kezar, a North Berwick, Maine native studying journalism at Grace College, Winona Lake, is one of 32 young journalists selected to participate in this year’s World Journalism Institute, a prestigious two-week training intensive for young Christian journalists. The institute, May 15-31, will be held on the campus of Dordt College in northwestern Iowa.
This institute is staffed by reporters and editors who work for WORLD News Group, a news outlet that reports on current events with a Biblical worldview, headquartered in Asheville, N.C.
“It’s a real honor to have Anna Kezar join our WJI College Course cohort,” said WJI Assistant Director Naomi Balk. “WJI’s mission is to equip students with skills in multimedia journalism and a robust understanding of what it means to be a Christian journalist. Why? So that they can succeed in the newsroom or wherever God leads them to use their skills for His glory. During WJI, I love watching students gain confidence as they go beyond their comfort zone to learn new skills, build deep community with one another, and master the craft of storytelling.”
Since 1999, the institute has helped journalism students hone their craft under the guidance of experienced journalists who are committed to training the next generation of reporters. Participants will learn how the Bible informs the craft of storytelling, fellowship with a
community of Christians seeking to use media for God’s glory and leave with a portfolio of publish-ready journalistic pieces in multiple mediums.
“I am excited to have a cohort of like-minded learners to bounce ideas off of and sharpen each other,” said Kezar. “I am also looking forward to having my work looked at by experienced journalists. I know the skills I learn through the institute will help me become a better writer and editor in my multimedia news journey.”
WJI has been on Kezar’s radar for more than a decade. An aspiring journalist from a young age, Kezar first heard about the institute from her Sunday School teacher at New Covenant Baptist Church in North Berwick, Maine. She knew that when the time came, she would apply. Kezar submitted her application this spring, and within a month she received confirmation that she had been admitted to the 2025 WJI.
Kezar’s long-term goal is to launch her own solutions journalism publication.
“I remember being impressed by Anna’s enthusiasm and positive attitude when I met with her as a prospective student — before she’d even enrolled at Grace College,” said Dr. Lauren Rich, chair of the Department of Humanities at Grace. “I’ve enjoyed watching Anna grow into her current position as editor-in-chief of Grace’s campus newspaper this year; she is not only an excellent journalist but an effective leader. The Department of Humanities is extremely proud of Anna; she is very deserving of this opportunity.”
The intensive course includes pre-class assignments and a two-week class residency. Some students will have the opportunity to participate in an eightweek internship. Further information is available at wji.world.
To learn more about Grace’s journalism program, visit grace. edu/programs/journalism.
Yakym sets 2nd District mobile office hours for May
Republican U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, representing Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District, has announced the schedule of mobile staff office hours for May 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 May news release. Among mobile office hours in the district are:
Kosciusko County • 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, Bell Memorial Public Library, 101 W. Main St., Mentone. Elkhart County • 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, Nappanee City Hall, 300 W. Lincoln St., Nappanee.
Kosciusko County, Indiana The Largest Circulation
JOURNALISM
MAJOR — Anna Kezar, a junior journalism student at Grace College, is one of 32 young journalists selected to participate in this year’s World Journalism Institute, a prestigious course for young Christian journalists. Photo provided by Grace College.
Altrusa–Warsaw has contributed to community for 52 years
Altrusa International of Warsaw was chartered in 1973. Over the past 52 years, Altrusa has shared its time and talents providing volunteer hours and financial support for many local organizations.
Members provide hands-on service to Operation Read by labeling, sorting and delivering books, serving a monthly meal at Baker’s Youth Club, delivering Mobile Meals and reading to the club’s Lincoln School Adopt a Class and Early Head Start children.
In addition, members sew pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles and participate in Salvation Army Ring the Bell and Riley Radiothon. Altrusa members prepare and serve meals for the Community Kitchen, Strengthening Families, and hand out supplies at Tools for School.
Altrusa supports Combined Community Services Project Independence by providing a monthly stipend to a young woman furthering her education. This stipend is used to ensure the student has gas and supplies to attend the college of choice.
In 1985, The Beaman Home was founded by Altrusa. The club continues to support The Beaman Home through its annual service project, Bingo for Beaman, held in October. Altrusa members, in conjunction with Beaman Home staff, plan and procure prizes and financial support from the communi-
RYAN’S CASE FOR
trusa, and Shannon
ty. All proceeds raised help the Beaman Home staff to continue to provide programs and services to the community.
Through various fundraisers, including the club’s March Spring Bazaar, Altrusa–Warsaw is able to provide monetary support to multiple organizations, including Early Head Start, Operation Read, Ryan’s Case for Smiles, Strengthening Families, Boomerang Backpacks and the Riley Kids Fund. Altrusa–Warsaw welcomes new members. Anyone interested is invited to join the club’s next meeting at noon Thursday,
May 1, at Kosciusko REMC, 370 S. 250E, Warsaw. You can also find the club on Facebook at Altrusa –Warsaw, IN.
WELCOME DONATION
Kathryn Fields, director of Head Start, left, is shown accepting a donation from Altrusa member, Pam Kraft. Head Start, Operation Read and Ryan’s Case for Smiles are local organizations which each received $400 donations from Altrusa–Warsaw. Photo provided by Altrusa–Warsaw.
Caring for patients when they’re sick. Holding their hands through their toughest moments. Giving them hope for a better tomorrow. In honor of National Nurses Week, we’re celebrating our Parkview nurses!
Thank you, Parkview nurses, for all that you do. Happy Nurses Week. We’re better because of y u!
OPERATION READ Deanna Muraski, of Operation Read, left, is shown accepting a donation for the organization from Sharon Sanders, of Altrusa. Photo provided by Altrusa–Warsaw.
SMILES Shown are Stephanie Booth, of Al-
Jenks, of Ryan’s Case for Smiles. Photo provided by Altrusa–Warsaw.
The Watershed Foundation will offer a free workshop designed to help landowners convert traditional lawns into native prairies to save money, support wildlife, and protect water quality. The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 5 at Nye Youth Cabin in Warsaw.
Workshop participants will learn how to replace traditional turf grass with native plants, which require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance and help reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution in
Antique Outboard Motor Show
The Antique Outboard Motor Club will hold its 2025 Spring Antique Outboard Motor Show and Swap Meet Saturday, May 17, at North Webster’s Community Park (Dixie tour boat dock) on the west shore of Webster Lake.
Several hundred antique outboard motor restorers, historians, collectors and enthusiasts from across the Midwest and Canada will gather in the park for a day of activities related to their hobby. The events include an exhibition of recent restoration projects, serious swapping of parts and literature, plus running the old-time boat motors on the lake. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. No admission fee.
Club members invite area owners of old outboard motors to attend the show for an evaluation of their motors. Many antique motors are bought, sold and evaluated throughout the day. The swapping area includes all types of parts, literature, related accessories and many antique motors.
The Antique Outboard Motor Club, with over 5,000 national members, classifies an antique motor as being manufactured prior to 1950 and a classic outboard over 30 years old.
The North Webster meet starts at approximate 10 a.m. and usually runs to mid-afternoon. Many participants stay late in the day if the weather is nice and are able to run their antique motors on the lake.
For more information, contact Dave Tranter at jdtranter@kcaccess.com or call (260) 213-1945.
Community dinner May 15
The next free community dinner in Pierceton will be Thursday, May 15.
The drive-thru-only dinner will start at 5 p.m. in the parking lot at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 408 W. Catholic St., Pierceton.
On the menu will be Spanish hot dogs, a vegetable medley, chips, fruit cup and cookies, all organized in a carry-out container.
Organizers say the drive-thru-only format has been successful, and people seem to like being able to take boxed dinners home with them.
The dinners are free, but donations are accepted to help with the cost of the next free community dinner.
local waterways.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and receive guidance on their own native plant projects. The event will also cover funding available through TWF’s new Beyond Lawns Initiative, which provides technical and grant assistance for lawn conversion projects of 3 or more acres.
The Beyond Lawns Initiative has already seen success with projects like the Native Prairie and Basin Project, which transformed 15 acres
of Zimmer Biomet property by replacing mowed areas with prairie flowers and grasses and enhancing storm water basins with wetland species.
Other recent successes include partnering with Warsaw Community Schools to install native prairies under solar panels at Harrison, Eisenhower, and Leesburg Elementary. Both projects will cut maintenance costs, provide support for wildlife and pollinators, protect water quality, and create outdoor spaces for employees and students
to enjoy.
The Beyond Lawns workshop is free and open to the public. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Register by June 3 at /tinyurl.com/Beyond-Lawns-25
For more information about the event, or to discuss project possibilities on your property, contact
Caitlin Yoder, Watershed & Special Projects Coordinator, at caitlin@ watershedfoundation.org or (574) 834-3242.
Beyond Lawns grant applications, information, and other resources can be found at watershedfoundation.org/our-work/implement/beyond-lawns/
NATIVE PRAIRIE PROJECT Lawn conversion involves replacing turf grass with native plants, from flowers and grasses to shrubs and trees.
Pictured is a native prairie project near Lake Tippecanoe. Photo provided by The Watershed Foundation.
Warsaw DAR chapter holds April meeting
The Agnes Pruyn Chapman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at noon Tuesday, April 22, at Pizza Hut East in Warsaw.
Regent Kathy Gawthrop opened the meeting by leading with the DAR opening rituals and reading the president general’s message. She gave the national defense report on early aircraft and pilots from the Great War, or World War I. The Allied and German pilots would actually fire pistols at each other while in the air.
Susan Creamer read the secretary’s minutes. Janice Cox gave the treasurer’s report.
Curt VanDeWater will be coming back from his “Honor Flight” at 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 21. There will be a large
welcome for the veterans at the Fort Wayne airport. If going, you should probably be there by 8 p.m.
Gawthrop, Jennifer Simpson and Maureen Mauzy are working on the state regent’s project, “Enduring Freedom.” They are trying to identify any service members from Kosciusko County who are listed as missing in action. The project will be completed before a Sept. 2, 2026, commemorative event.
Gawthrop read correspondence received from Combined Community Services thanking the chapter for its donation of $500 earlier in the year. CCS is asking the local DAR chapter to be part of its “$40,000 in 40 Days Project.” The agency is asking for $40 donations from
different sources to meet its $40,000 goal. The DAR group unanimously voted to send $40.
Gail Roberts application papers were signed to be sent into national DAR headquarters.
Gawthrop read an article
from a magazine called “The American Revolution,” and Simpson read a thank-you note from the North Webster school for the children’s books about the American Revolution that the chapter donated.
DAR membership is open to all women who can prove an ancestor fought in or gave aid to the patriots’ cause during the American Revolutionary War. For more information, visit the DAR website at dar.org.
K21 Health Foundation awards $3.3M in grants to nonprofits
K21 Health Foundation announces grants totaling $3,345,327 has been given to nonprofit organizations, which projects improve the health and wellness of Kosciusko County residents.
“K21 Health Foundation is
proud to continue to support organizations and projects that comprehensively improve the well-being of our community members,” said Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation president and CEO. “These grants exemplify our commitment to creating wellness for generations — from our youngest members to our seniors, now and into the future.”
K21 Health Foundation awards grants in four key Health Pillars: community culture and wellbeing, health access and opportunity, direct services and prevention, and youth development and activity.
Grant Recipients Grant recipients for the first quarter of 2025 are: Baker Youth Club — Healthy Choices Program.
Combined Community Services — fresh produce program.
Fellowship Missions — fiveyear strategic plan.
Fellowship Missions — lifeskills programming.
Grace College and Seminary (Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams) — Lakes Research two-
year study.
Grace College and Seminary — Catalyst Corridor Initiative — Gordon Health and Wellness Center Renovation and Expansion; pickleball courts.
Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County — vehicles for home-repair Program.
Heartline Pregnancy Center — BABE Boutique and Clinical Programs.
Magical Meadows, Inc. — capital campaign for new riding arenas.
North Webster Community Center — volleyball equipment.
Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation – Heart Zone Smart Armbands.
Town of Pierceton — park courts sealing and striping.
Town of Syracuse — pickleball courts. For more information and to learn more about K21 Health Foundation’s grantmaking, visit k21healthfoundation.org or contact Angie Summers, operations manager, at angie@k21healthfoundation.org or (574) 269-5188.
Town and Country Garden Club’s plant sale is May 10
The Town and Country Garden Club will be holding its 36th annual herb, perennial plant and craft sale Saturday, May 10.
The sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 26 W. Bell Drive, Warsaw.
Shoppers can expect to find a variety of herbs, annuals and perennials, gifts for gardeners and even answers to their gardening questions. Proceeds from the plant sale go toward community beautification projects and horticulture-related educational opportunities.
John Rinker Co-Founder Of Rinker Boat Company
John Rinker, 93, a Korean War veteran from Syracuse, passed away at his home on Monday, April 28, 2025.
He was born on Aug. 8, 1931, to Lossie and Conza Mae (Persiful) Rinker. On May 19, 1952, he married Beverly Pearce, who preceded him in death in 2007.
In the 1930s, Lossie “L.E.” Rinker began building racing and fishing boats in the Midwest. Continuing in the spirit of his father’s craftsmanship, John and Jan Rinker founded the Rinker Boat Company in 1945. During the 1950s, John shifted the company focus to fiberglass boats. He implemented several innovations to boating design like multiple gelcoat colors and back-to-back seating.
In the 1970s, due to the gasoline crisis, the company switched gears and built sailboats. He introduced boats up to 20 feet in length and with trio-hull designs. He also expanded the business into the European market. The 1980s brought about the iconic Fiesta Vee Cruisers and the Captiva Runabouts. The 1990s saw the Rinker brand continue being the face of innovation with an all fiberglass tri-hull pontoon labeled “Flotillas,” along with other popular express cruisers.
John and Beverly sold the Rinker Boat Company in 2005 after 60 years of working in the business, but his legacy remained with the Rinker name. John’s love of boat building continued with the famous Craft brand all the way up to his death. He was truly a pioneer in boat building industry.
John is survived by his four daughters, Lori Rinker of Sarasota, Fla., Lea Rinker of Nashville, Tenn., Resia Rinker (Justin) of Syracuse and Raeni Dumford (Chris) of Nashville, Tenn.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Jerry Rinker (Kit) of Houston, Texas.
John was preceded in death by three sisters, JoAnn Exner, Jackie Lahne and Barbara Markley; and two brothers, Jan Rinker and Jim Rinker.
A private interment will be held at the Syracuse Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life will be held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Owl’s Nest in North Webster.
Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital or The Rose Home. Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, is handling arrangements.
Seasoned OB/GYN has relocated to Kosciusko County
Court News
Small Claims
The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Brittany Austin, $3,798.06; v. Sidney Austin, $1,137.74; v. Cory Brown, $2,124.58; v. Nerissa Christian, $1,087.56; v. Ashton Fooshee, $1,343.73; v. Daniel Hall, $613.66; v. Kayla Hunsberger, $808.61; v. Thomas McDowell, $594.47; v. Crystal Rodriguez, $5,907.88; v. Timothy Rohr, $1,987.33; v. Melody Teel, $1,359.18; v. Ryan Wolfe, $1,627.85
Snow and Sauerteig LLP v. Jenny Emmons, $4,102.47; v. Jeffrey Farmer, $1,697.46
Kelsey Majors, $2,146.44; v. Alonna Mascarenas, $6,284.19; v. Jammie Miller, $10,000; v. Katlin Ortiz, $2,545.30; v. Charles Pratt, $853.74; v. Kaine Quintero, $2,319.95; v. Calvin Reece, $993.32; v. Jessica Rocha, $7,590.92; v. Manuel Rodriguez, $1,406.66; v. Joan Russell, $6,678.60; v. Hunter C. Schue, $2,911.60
Marcella Sterk, $2,803.99; v. Nathan Taylor, $5,982.69
Sand Apartments LLC v. John Carlos Garcia Jr., $737
Anthony Krou v. Madison Salczynski, $650
CL Benz Co. LLC v. Grace Shepherd, $9,578.70
Aegis Dental Group Warsaw PC v. Kylie J. Simpson, $1,107.32
Civil Collections
The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding:
Discover Bank v. Nicholas J. Acker, $6,646.50; v. Erika Gayheart, $7,270.60 Lisa Tackett, $2,201.06; v. Lisa D. Tackett, $2,415.83
Western Funding Inc. v. Dakota Baldacci, $12,661.07
Prestige Financial Services Inc. v. Michael Richardson, $14,289.60
Credit Service International v. Edwin Rizo, $1,088.38
American Express National Bank v. Cynthia Shuler, $10,033.52
Glenbrook Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Timothy L. Tackett, $18,748.66
First Investors Servicing Corp. v. Jeremy Thomas, $8,615.95
Evictions
The following eviction has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Ann Cavender v. Ron Bame, $8,163.81
Mortgage Foreclosures
The following mortgage foreclosure has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: PNC Bank, National Association v. Randall Drummond, $112,222.84
Plenaries
The following plenary has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court I, Judge Karin McGrath presiding: James Kern, Monica Mullins v. Whitney Beck, Zachary Beck, $13,977.68
Civil Torts
The following civil tort has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding: Progressive Paloverde Insurance Co. v. Cortney Sherow, $8,793.91
Superior Court III
The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Jerilee O. Kelly, Silver Lake, $164.50
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Dillon M. Alma, South Whitley, $25; Michael L. Alma, South Whitley, $25; Kavin D. Thomas, Milford, $25
Bailey-King
Corey Joseph Bailey, 31, Warsaw, and Tyler Joseph King, 34, Warsaw Whetstone-Wuthrich
Taryn Danielle Whetstone, 24, Winona Lake, and Bryce Alan Wuthrich, 26, Warsaw
Ibarra Villarreal-Ahuatl Tlahuechtl
Flor Judith Ibarra Villarreal, 37, Leesburg, and Hector Ahuatl Tlahuechtl, 42, Leesburg
Sorg-Woodling
Cayla Sorg, 32, Warsaw, and Dylan Woodling, 32, Warsaw Reynolds-Brinegar
Stephanie Renee Reynolds, 50, Elkhart, and Justin Allen Brinegar, 43, Leesburg Santos-Connolly
Juan Alverto Alonzo Santos, 50, Warsaw, and Sarah Kathleen Connolly, 36, Warsaw Hix-Whitaker
Robert John Hix, 31, Warsaw, and Madeline Paris Whitaker, 21, Warsaw Yoder-Kuhns
Devon Ray Yoder, 26, Middlebury, and Karen Sue Kuhns, 21, Etna Green Risner-Kral
Gage William Risner, 23, Sidney, and Josie Lee Kral, 20, Sidney Hensley-Trowbridge
Matthew G. Hensley, 38, Pierceton, and Lacey Rae Trowbridge, 33, Pierceton
Gast-Gaerte
Jodi Leann Gast, 47, Warsaw, and Heath Patrick Gaerte, 50, Warsaw Thomas-Lackey
Sandra Renee Thomas, 64, Rochester, and Bruce Alan Lackey, 64, Warsaw Shoaf-Hogenson
Taylor Shoaf, 23, Winona Lake, and Brock Hogenson, 24, Warsaw Stichter-Weber
Kevin Stamm, M.D., Parkview Physicians Group (PPG)-OB/GYN, has provided expert obstetric and gynecological care in Huntington and surrounding counties for 18 years. Now he is focused on serving residents of Kosciusko and Whitley counties. He has joined Dr. Gregory Todd in the PPGOB/GYN office on the Parkview Kosciusko Hospital (PKH) campus, 1355 Mariners Drive, Warsaw.
“We are truly fortunate that Dr. Stamm has chosen to be based in Warsaw,” said Scott Gabriel, market president, Parkview Health Northwest. “Patients can be confident of the care they’ll receive from an experienced OB/GYN of his caliber and experience, especially knowing his team can support them through all stages of life.”
Stamm has helped women from across the region manage their health and grow their families, having delivered some 2,400 babies at Parkview facilities, primarily at Parkview Huntington Hospital. Now based in Warsaw, on Jan. 10, he facilitated another noteworthy birth when he delivered the first set of twins to be born at PKH’s Family Birthing Center since it opened in September last year. Helping to bring new life into the world is what originally inspired him to choose obstetrics and gynecology as his specialty.
“The best thing that ever happened in the whole four years of med school was the first delivery I was involved with,” Stamm said. “I knew right then that was what I wanted to do.”
Stamm completed his OB/GYN
residency at St. Vincent Hospital and Health Services, Indianapolis, after earning his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He received his undergraduate degree in zoology from Butler University. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Stamm enjoys caring for his patients throughout their lives. Having observed that many women tend to put the needs of their families, co-workers and others first while neglecting themselves, he encourages them to prioritize their own health so they are able to deal with the demands of a full life. Stamm also wants each woman to have the most up-to-date health care information related to her specific health situation and lifestyle.
“Listening to my patients to understand their issues and concerns is very important,” he said, “and I try to answer their questions thoroughly and educate them on the latest research and possible interventions. Patients should be fully involved in the decisions made to help them safeguard their health.”
Outside of work, Stamm and his wife, Aubrey, have a busy life with five active children and two cats.
“Being a parent is a hard job,” said Stamm, “but it’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
Stamm is also a US Army veteran. Earlier in his career, he served in the Army Medical Corps at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Fort Campbell, Ky., home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
For information or appointment scheduling, call the PPG-OB/GYN office at (574) 372-1278. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. In addition, Stamm sees patients at the Columbia City office from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. Call (260) 248-9090 for appointment scheduling.
Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Rebecca Belt, $1,219.48; v. Tanya Helser, $3,687.38; v. Devan Sands, $1,388.61
Eagle Finance Co. v. Candy Bennett, $1,541.04
Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. Paul T. Berkey, $4,746.50
Interra Credit Union v. Roger Blanton, $811.79; v. Christie J. Hochstetler, Marsha Hochstetler, $10,082.41
LVNV Funding LLC v. Tonya Bundy, $968.24
SAC Finance Inc. v. Ryne D. Carpenter, $14,060.49
Citibank NA v. Jeffrey Farber, $2,154.39; v. Mark Stackhouse, $2,080.72
Capital One NA v. Melissa L. Hoover, $6,054.34; v. Tanner M. Swihart, $3,684.08
Goshen Hospital Association Inc. v. Samantha J. Lambright, $1,269.95; v. Isaac Pena, $1,549; v. Jamie Vega Juarez, $1,358.84
Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Robert Levelle, $10,078.41
Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Marco Malagon, Kiara Roatcap, $22,140.51; v. Nayeli Robles, Jventura Serrano, $14,027.83
Velocity Investments LLC v. Amanda Plank, $9,231.48; v. Cheryl Ritter, $3,839.80; v. Cheryl Ritter, $3,205.76
Ceteris Portfolio Services LLC, a/a/o Fulton Loan Serving Inc. d/b/a Simple Fast, $822.51
Window tint violation by driver (vehicle windows tinted too dark)
Edgar Garcia, Warsaw, $164.50
Holding or using a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle — Christopher B. Perry, Warsaw, $164.50
Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility — Salvador Tlahuextl-Cuahuizo, Warsaw, $189.50; Matthew A. Crump, Claypool, $189.50
Passing a stopped school bus when stop arm is out and activated — Bonnie L. Biller, Milford, $189.50
Disregarding stop sign — Andrea S. Hoeppner, Warsaw, $164.50
Failure to exercise extraordinary caution in a school crossing zone — Brian R. Donakowski, Claypool, $164.50
Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court
Melissa Boggs: Solina-Peña
Danelle Lynn Solina, 54, Milford, and Jesus Oscar Peña Jr., 57, Milford
Jericho Stichter, 19, Winona Lake, and Devon Weber, 19, Winona Lake Yoder-Wingard
Janelle Kay Yoder, 23, Milford, and Matthew Wingard, 26, New Paris
Marriage
Dissolutions
The following couples have filed for a marriage dissolution in Kosciusko Superior Courts I or IV: Wake-Collier Wake — T. Scott Wake, Leesburg, and Jill E. Collier Wake, Leesburg. They were married Sept. 30, 2006, and separated April 25, 2025. Two minor child(ren).
Nuno — Rudy Nuno, Warsaw, and Jayme Nuno, Warsaw. They were married Feb. 23, 2017, and separated April 25, 2025. Two minor child(ren).
Good — Dusty R. Good, Warsaw, and Kevin F. Good, Warsaw. They were married Oct. 24, 2024; no separation date given. One minor child.
Butler — Melissa Butler, Warsaw, and Daniel Butler, Warsaw. They were married Aug. 24, 2024; no separation date given. No minor child(ren).
Frantz — Billy J. Frantz, Silver Lake, and Murdeena Frantz, Silver Lake. They were married Feb. 16, 2016; no separation date given. No minor child(ren).
KEVIN STAMM, M.D.
Hamman Real Estate Auction
6 p.m. Thursday, May 8. Located at 9064 N. SR 19, Etna Green. Five-acre farmette with pole barns and ranch home, 3-bed, 2-bath. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.
Borkholder Phone Bid
Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 4 p.m. Monday, May 12. Property located at 2269 Kenilworth Road, Bremen. Public inspections 4-6 p.m. Mondays or by appointment. For bidding and bidding updates, call (260) 499-0216 or (260) 499-0093.
Kupferschmid Phone Bid
Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. Property located at 4893 Filbert Trail, Bremen. Public inspections by appointment. For bidding and bidding updates, call (260) 499-0216 or (260) 499-0093.
Commercial
Real Estate Auction
5 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Located at 1303 and 1305 Lincolnway East, Goshen. Corner lot, 1.43 with three buildings. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.
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Online Heating, Cooling And Plumbing Business Liquidation Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Pickup located in Goshen. Trailer, industrial metalworking, plumbing and shop tools, hardware, shelving, tractor, ladders, gauges. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Maes Real Estate Auction
6 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Located at 67077 CR 21, Goshen. House and outbuildings, 25.5 acres. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.
Land Auction
6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Located at Claypool Lions Club, 201 W. Calhoun St. Property located at CR 700S, east from Claypool to CR 200W, then south. 47 acres, quality cropland and woods. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction. com.
13th Annual Riding Horse Auction And Benefit
9 a.m. Saturday, May 17. Located at Topeka Livestock Auction Barn, 601 E. Lake St. Online Only Pez Dispenser Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 18. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Pez dispenser collection, Pez clothing and puzzles, collectibles. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Real Estate Auction
6 p.m. Monday, May 19. Located at 511 Dewey Ave., Goshen. Three-bed, two-bath house, three-car garage on 1/2 acre city lot. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.
Online Longaberger Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Monday, May 19. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Man-
chester. Baskets, pottery, utensils, flower pots, wrought iron stands and holders, figurines, purses, candles. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction. com.
Phone Bid Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 4 p.m. Monday, May 19. Property located at 0965 S. 1000W, Middlebury. Public inspections 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays. For bidding and bidding updates, call (260) 4990216 or (260) 499-0093.
Online Real Estate Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. Open 5:30-6
p.m. Thursday, May 15. Property located at 818 Chapman Lake Drive, Warsaw. Four bedroom house just off Chapman Lake. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Searfoss Real Estate And Personal Property Auction
9 a.m. Saturday, May 31. Open house 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10. Located at 10525 N. 800E, Syracuse. House, 1-bed apartment, shop on 1.25 acres. Truck, boats, tractor, shop and carpenter equipment, guns, appliances, furniture, collectibles. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.
100th anniversary of Milford High School Alumni Banquet set for Saturday, June 14
The Milford High School 100th Alumni Banquet will be held on Saturday, June 14, in the Milford School cafeteria, 611 W. Emeline St. The classes of 1950, 1955, 1960 and 1965 will be honored at this year’s alumni gathering.
Barrie Rassi, class of 1960, will serve as the master of ceremonies.
There will be a social hour starting at 5 p.m. with a catered dinner served at 6 p.m. This year the Milford School cafeteria staff will prepare and serve the meal.
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The program for the evening will begin at 7 p.m. As a memento of the 100th anniversary celebration, each attendee will receive a souvenir coffee cup displaying a photo of Milford High School and a list of the 15 one-room county schools that were consolidated in 1914 to make Milford High School.
In addition to graduates, anyone who attended Milford School at any time in the past is invited. Past faculty, friends, parents and family members are always welcome to attend. Class photos and mementos are also appreciated. If you cannot attend, letters and or donations are always welcome to support the alumni association.
This Alumni Banquet is scheduled to be the final Milford High School Reunion fittingly ending on the 100th anniversary.
Reservations are $18 per per-
How
to win at Jenga
son and are requested by Saturday, June 7, one week prior to the June 14 banquet. Checks should be made out to the Milford High School Alumni Association. Mail reservations to Mary Duncan, Milford High School Alumni Association, 118 E. Mock Rd., Milford, IN 46542.
Table space may be reserved for any class wishing to sit together. Please notify Duncan for table reservations by the Saturday, June 7 deadline.
Additional information about the banquet may be obtained from any of this year’s officers: President Ron Baumgartner, (574) 5281294; Treasurer and reservations Mary Duncan, (574) 658-9537; or Secretary Margaret Brooks, (574) 658-4640.
— Trine student presents game theory research at online conference
How would you like a guaranteed win at Jenga?
Caleb Aukeman, a Trine University mechanical engineering and mathematics major from Winona Lake, recently conducted a presentation at an online game theory conference showing how a modified version of Jenga will always be won by the second player.
Though it may not help you keep those wood blocks from tumbling the next time you play, Aukeman’s presentation earned positive feedback from the 55 who attended from around the world.
Undergraduate Participation Sprouts, held April 12, is an annual online conference covering combinatorial game theory, which is the mathematical study of turnbased games, such as chess, where random and hidden and elements are not involved.
The conference is targeted toward undergraduate students. In addition to Aukeman, three other Trine students attended along with Michael Smith, assistant professor of mathematics.
Aukeman’s research built on a version of Jenga outlined in others’ research that only allows players to move blocks of their own color.
He first heard of the conference in the combinatorial game theory class taught by Smith. He researched impartial Jenga, in which all moves are available to both players, as part of the first class project.
Aukeman learned that partizan Jenga, which limits certain moves to certain players, had not been studied.
“I became even more interested in presenting when I first began Project 2 for the class,” Aukeman
said. “Professor Smith encouraged me that my topic would be perfect to present at Sprouts.”
Working with Smith, Aukeman was able to prove mathematically that there is a series of moves the second player can follow in combinatorial partizan Jenga allowing them to always beat the first player.
He also proved that a starting setup of alternating rows of block colors is always won by the second player if the number of those rows is equal; otherwise. the player with the most rows will win.
He overcame nerves and some technical difficulties to present his research at the conference.
“Overall, it was a good experience and I am really glad that I got to do it,” he said. “I received really positive feedback on my figures for my presentation. They also seemed to like the notation that I created.”
BARRIE RASSI, CLASS OF 1960, MASTER OF CEREMONIES
100TH MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY BANQUET COFFEE CUP