the Paper - September 13, 2023

Pickleball, a seemingly simple paddle game that was invented in 1965 as a children’s backyard entertainment, has been rapidly gaining popularity in the past several years. An example of the growing phenomenon is the first ever Charity Pickleball Tournament. It took place at the new Winona Lake Pickleball Courts Saturday, Sept. 9.

Pickleball came to the Warsaw area in an official capacity in 2010, according to Kayla Metzger, who discovered the game with her late husband, Mike Metzger, during a trip to Florida. The Metzgers began playing pickleball with a small group, the Pickleball Phanatics, at Lucerne Park Senior Center and continued to move to larger venues as they gained new players. Since 2022, they have been playing at Gordon Recreational Center at Grace College.

The Phanatics also play in the community’s local parks, which reflect the demand for playing space. There are now four pickleball courts at Kelly Park, which opened five years ago, and another four at Winona Lake Park that opened just this year. According to tournament Director David Thieme, 60 players visit a court on any given day.

Thieme cites word of mouth and social media as ways that pickleball has become widely known, but he also credits the COVID-19 pandemic with boosting the game’s popularity.

“I think COVID brought out some of that ... It helped because you couldn’t do anything else and people were so confined, and so people were allowed to at least do that in most communities,” Thieme said.

Pickleball is a no-contact sport and players

stand apart from each other on the court, so it was socially distanced enough that people could use it as a safe method of exercise and socializing. In fact, the social aspect seems to be a vital part of what makes the sport so popular.

Thieme allowed that while exercise is a great benefit of playing the sport, a less discussed aspect of the game is the friends that people make through playing. “It’s probably people that you would’ve never met in your life,” Thieme said.

When it comes to who exactly is playing, those in the Pickleball Phanatics said it’s anyone from ages eight to 80.

“Early on it was older people. ... But I think that’s one of the things, why it’s grown so much, it appeals to multiple generations,” Thieme explained. “I’ve been on a court before with a grandpa, his son and granddaughters. That’s one of the things, it’s kind of bringing people together.”

There were many players traveling in order to play in the Winona Lake tournament, the profits of which will go to benefit Warsaw’s Combined Community Services.

“We have quite a few from Goshen, Elkhart, that area, but the farthest one that I know of is Indianapolis,” said Thieme.

There are other tournaments cropping up around the state as well, including at long-standing events, like the South Whitley Fall Festival and the Marshall County Blueberry Festival. Thieme said there is “no doubt” pickleball could become an American pastime.

The goal now is to have the pickleball tournament on an annual basis. With 173 players signed up for this year’s game, Thieme said he sees no reason not to do it again, and he thinks “pickleball is going to keep growing in this community and every other community.”

K NOW Y OUR N EIGHBOR

Master Gardener provides the environment, but God makes things grow

“Growing plants points me to God,” stated Steve Koontz, Winona Lake. “It not only points me to God but gives me the privilege of working with him. It’s God Who makes the plants grow. As a gardener, I only provide the environment.” Koontz is a Purdue Extension Master Gardener.

With a chuckle, Koontz remarked, “I think my love for gardening was sparked when I grew some gourd plants from seed that took over the driveway and front door. It’s incredible to me that God has placed all the instructions needed to grow a plant in a tiny seed.”

When he grew a sequoia tree from seed, a gift from his daughter, he realized he was leaving a legacy for continuing generations. “These trees look like tiny pine trees when they’re small. But given the right nutrients and environment, in 1,000 years they grow into 300-foot trees.” Koontz eventually gave the tree to a school in Southern Indiana because Northern Indiana winters are too harsh.

In 2012 Koontz was introduced to a Tower Garden, a vertical, soil-less gardening system. “That’s when I became fascinated with growing edibles

indoors. Plants are grown in rockwool and placed in growing ports. Twenty-eight plants can be grown in a typical Tower Garden. No soil is used. Water, mixed with nutrients, is pumped through the center, watering the roots. The Tower Garden is in my office/plant room at home.”

Koontz has traveled to area schools teaching students, from kindergarten through high school, gardening on Tower Gardens. “Here in Kosciusko County, we’re fortunate to have the K21 Health Foundation. The foundation provided funds for over 35 Tower Gardens in Kosciusko County schools.”

He especially enjoys instructing elementary students. “It takes about six weeks to grow lettuce. After six weeks, students get to try the fresh lettuce. We grow lettuce, arugula, and some herbs. I love watching the children taste arugula for the first time. Arugula has a growing, peppery flavor that you can see on the kid’s faces. Young people are bound to eat the vegetables they grow themselves.”

In 2015, Koontz entered the Master Gardener program. “Six times a year we hold training seminars for the public. I enjoy teaching the seminar on indoor gardening.” To find out more about the Master Gardener seminars, email kcmganswers@gmail.com.

This September Koontz began working as part of the landscaping team of Grace Village, a retirement community in Winona Lake, where he and his wife, Christine, live. “My focus is developing and maintaining the flower beds.”

Realizing that to the younger generation gardening is becoming a dying art, Koontz encourages them to try it. “It’s really a lot of fun. It gives us the privilege of looking past the plants and discovering more about the creator, the one who makes things grow. I find gardening relaxing. Even pulling weeds.”

Even those plants that don’t require much muss and fuss are fascinating in their own way. “Millennials often prefer succulents. They water them once a month and they grow.”

Besides gardening, which has become a way of life to Koontz, he and his wife enjoy hiking in state parks, going to botanical gardens, and playing games. He also leads a small group at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Check out his website: keepitwatered.com.

Applications open for ‘Warsaw Salutes You’ military banners

The “Warsaw Salutes You” Military Banners recognition program is accepting applications for the sixth cycle of banners that will go on display this November for Vet-

erans Day.

Since the program’s inception in 2020, more than 100 United States military honorees have been recognized with banners dis-

played on East Market Street in Warsaw.

The honorees have included veterans and active-duty men and women from all of the branches of the military, eras, conflicts and varying ranks of service.

The “Warsaw Salutes You” banners recognition program began as Elizabeth Stone’s Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy project in 2020, during her junior year at Warsaw Community High School, as a way to honor her brother, U.S. Navy Lt. Nate Stone, who was serving on the USS California fast-attack submarine. Stone is currently attending college. Miechi Petro and Megan Stone are continuing the program in her absence.

Applications will be accepted until the deadline of Friday, Oct. 13, and the first 20 qualified honorees will be displayed. The cost per banner is $65 and banners will be returned to the applicant the following year when they are removed. Further details, policy and guidelines are outlined in the application. Applications can be obtained by contacting Stone at warsawsalutesyou@gmail.com.

Kosciusko, Marshall County houses featured in Homes on Parade Sept. 22-24

The Builders Association of North Central Indiana is proud to host the 2023 Homes on Parade the weekend of Sept. 22-24. This year’s parade will feature several new construction homes in Kosciusko and Marshall counties.

The homes will be open from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. Tickets are $5, which allows entry into all seven homes. Veterans, active-duty military and children younger than 12 are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at each parade home, Martin’s Super Markets in Warsaw and Plymouth, and online at www. buildnci.com.

The builders in this year’s Homes on Parade and the entry locations are:

• JayH Construction, 10828 Nutmeg Meadows Drive, Plymouth.

Free community dinner in Pierceton

The next free community dinner in Pierceton will take place Thursday, Sept. 21, in the parking lot of St. Francis Xavier Parish, 408 W. Catholic St.

Does your radiator have you steaming?

The dinner, which will be served as a drive-thru only, starts at 5 p.m. and will last until the food runs out.

On the menu for each meal:

pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, vegetable, chips, fruit cup and cookies — all organized in a carryout container.

Everyone is welcome.

• Renewal Homes, 10985 W. 250N, Etna Green.

• R.W. Kidd Construction, 31 and 33 Cherry St., Warsaw.

• Synergy Partnerships, 14 Trailside Drive, Warsaw.

• Bridgeport Homes, 2870 E. Lake Tahoe Trail, Warsaw.

• Milestone Construction, 11628 N. Ogden Point Road, Syracuse.

• Coplen Construction, 8213 Rosella St., Syracuse.

First Federal Savings Bank is the premier sponsor of the event and Kosciusko Connect by Kosciusko REMC and Fouce Landscaping are the gold sponsors.

Visitors are invited to tour all the homes and vote for their favorite, plus be eligible to win a Louisiana Grills LG800E2 800 Elite Pellet Grill, a $1,000 value. The Pellet Grill drawing is sponsored by Timber Rock Construction and Kuert Outdoor Living.

LOCAL

Stillwater Hospice is thrilled to announce our partnership with Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. As a combined organization we provide palliative, hospice and grief support services in 12 northeast Indiana counties. We are a locally based, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting patients and families who are facing serious illness. Call today to learn how Stillwater Hospice can support you and your loved ones.

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David Kolbe leaving area for assistant DA position in Colorado

A longtime Kosciusko County attorney is moving into a new phase of his life by shifting into a similar career from his past.

David Kolbe and his wife, Kathy, are set to leave the area for Durango, Colo. There, the former Kosciusko County prosecutor will become an assistant district attorney for the state’s Sixth Judicial District, which encompasses La Plata, San Juan and Archuleta counties.

He said the move was in part to be closer to family as well as to live near the mountains.

“I was born in … the Appalachian Mountains,” he noted. “So I don’t know if it’s genetic or if it’s something from the time you’re little, but people are either ocean people or mountain people when they want to go somewhere fun, and it’s mountains for us.”

“(The Durango) area is called the Switzerland of the west, so our hearts just became enamored with it,” he added. “John Muir, the great environmentalist, once said, ‘The mountains are calling, and I must go.’ So it’s a mix of family and the outdoors more than anything (that motivated the move).”

Kolbe said he considers his new position as “an extra credit job.”

“(People have asked) ‘Are you retiring?’ he said. “I say, ‘What does that mean?’ … Age is a number if you’re healthy, and so to me, OK, there are transitions, so (the new) job, after 42 years here, is an extra credit job.”

Through the role, Kolbe will help train three other assistant DAs. Two of them are only nine months out of law school.

He said he’s interested to work with a category of law enforcement

he’s never done before, tribal police, with there being several reservations around the judicial district. Kolbe’s also thrilled to work on some major cases coming up in the district, mentioning there are “six open murder (cases).”

“(The job overall) is a going back, redoing a different part of my career as prosecution because I did that in the ’90s here,” he said.

“So I’m just really, really looking forward to it.”

Kolbe’s law degree is from Valparaiso University School of Law. Before that, he obtained a degree in modern European history from

Master Gardener Association announces gardening seminar

Kosciusko County Master Gardener Association is hosting their last gardening seminar of the 2023 season. Steve Koontz, Kosciusko County Master Gardener, will talk about growing houseplants and edibles indoors. The event is 7-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at the Robin Hood Community Center, 1436 Camelot Drive, Winona Lake. Koontz took the Master Gardener classes in 2015 and his specialty is indoor gardening. He will

talk about growing houseplants and edibles indoors. He’ll cover how to choose good plants at the store, watering schedules, light requirements, nutrients, getting rid of pests, and more. He will also talk about growing micro-greens and soilless gardening of lettuces and herbs.

Any questions can be directed to kcmganswers@gmail.com. RSVP at purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/ form/SV_3NInLBi9hc6kxvM

Indiana University South Bend, having transferred from DePauw University.

Among his career highlights is his position as a senior visiting professor for the Center for International Legal Studies in Salzburg, Austria. Kolbe’s had that role since 2008, teaching European law students about American criminal law and procedure “as a comparative legal program.”

Kolbe had teaching stints in Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Albania and the country of Georgia before the program was stopped due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A more local career highlight for Kolbe was his obtaining an acquittal in a federal court trial in 2016, which he notes is rare.

Although he will be advising attorneys in his new job, Kolbe said he will miss helping his colleagues in the Warsaw area.

“When you’re the oldest one or one of the top two or three oldest in the room … a lot of folks come to you and say, ‘How do you do this?’ So it’s really being able to be a mentor and an advisor … so I will miss largely the relationships,” he said. “We have a really good group of judges now, and people try to do the right thing. I mean everybody’s got their different personalities, but yeah, I’m going to miss the role of being the (elder statesman).”

Square dance lessons start in North Manchester

Want to learn how to square dance? The North Manchester Belles and Beaus Square Dance Club would like to teach you.

The club is offering square dance lessons this fall. The first lesson is free; any following lessons cost $3 per person.

The dancing will take place

from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8, at Scout Hall, Warvel Park, located at the corner of Seventh and Market streets in North Manchester.

The square dance instructor is Jerry Davidson.

For questions, call Lexie Duesler at (260) 215-3694.

Homebrew Fest to donate all proceeds

The 12th Annual Homebrew Fest will be held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 on Buffalo Street in Warsaw, in front of Courthouse Coffee on the Square.

Homebrew Fest is to be a celebration of different kinds of beer, homemade by the Kettleheads. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the door or online. With this purchase, you will receive a tasting glass and will have access to dozens of beers to try. All proceeds will go to Combined Community Services.

Kettleheads is a club made up of all different kinds of people from all career paths and walks of life.

Formed in 2010, the club meets monthly to try each others’ creations. The uniting factor bringing these people together is a love for fermentation.

The first Homebrew Fest took place in 2011 with the goal to share and celebrate the different creations with the public and support a great cause, with all the proceeds going to Combined Community Services.

Founder and President of the Kettleheads Dr. Jason Rich said the community can look forward to trying things they’ve never tried before or never realized was made by their neighbor. Rich says his goal is to see 200 people in the tent at the festival.

Nathan Scherer announces candidacy for Kosciusko County Northern Commissioner

Nathan Scherer, a dedicated resident of Kosciusko County, has officially declared his intention to run for the position of Kosciusko County Northern Commissioner. With a deep commitment to his community and a wealth of experience in both business and public service, Scherer aims to tackle the challenges facing the county and ensure a prosperous future for its residents.

Scherer has spent the majority of his life in Kosciusko County and has raised a family here alongside his wife, Lauren. Their four children, Preston, Carson, Parker, and Elin, represent the heart of his dedication to creating a vibrant and secure environment for families within the county. This commitment has fueled Scherer’s desire to serve as a county commissioner.

Scherer’s extensive business background is a testament to his leadership abilities. He successfully founded a company at the young age of 23 and managed it with proficiency for nearly two decades. This experience has provided him with valuable insights into the challenges that families in the community face, particularly in terms of job opportunities, economic stability, and childcare.

“As a family man, a community advocate, and a business leader, I am motivated to ensure that Kos-

ciusko County remains a place of opportunity, growth, and strong family values,” Scherer stated. With a steadfast faith and a deep involvement in community activities, Scherer is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of a county commissioner. His active participation in nonprofit organizations, such as Joes Kids, as well as coaching various youth athletic teams, highlights his dedication to nurturing the potential of young individuals and securing a bright future for the next generation.

Scherer’s ongoing involvement with the Noble County EDC board and the Syracuse Town Council underscores his commitment to public service. He recog-

nizes the pressing need for individuals of his generation to step up and contribute to the county’s future success.

“I firmly believe that now is the opportune time for me to serve our county. We need fresh perspectives, dynamic leadership, and a commitment to preserving the values that make Kosciusko County exceptional,” Scherer asserted.

Scherer envisions a county where families thrive, businesses prosper, and the community remains a welcoming haven for residents of all ages. His dedication to fostering a vibrant future for Kosciusko County positions him as a compelling candidate for county commissioner.

The 47th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival Sept. 14-17

It’s a big celebration and historic Nappanee will continue its tradition of holding one of Indiana’s top fall festivals when its annual Apple Festival is held Sept. 14-17. Beginning in 1975 as a one-block festival, this community of 7,000 offers great Hoosier hospitality as it welcomes over 100,000 people to the three-and-a-half-day event.

This is a family-friendly event with free parking and shuttle rides throughout the weekend. In 2016 and 2013, the Nappanee Apple Festival was chosen as No. 1 in Indiana in the Top Ten Fall Festival Signature Food Items for its 7-foot apple pie. Over 800 slices are served to visitors from around the United States who travel to Nappanee to savor their annual pieces of pie. The festival showcases three stages of entertainment, over 140 exhibitors, carnival rides and a parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 with a signature military aircraft fly-over. Also, the festival includes the Miss Apple Blossom scholarship pageant, Power From the Past Antique Tractor and Engine Show, a cornhole tournament, the Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk, the “Napple” baking contest, a garden tractor pull, children and adult pedal pull contests,

the Wings and Wheels show at Nappanee Airport, apple peeling and pie-eating contests, and many more activities throughout the event.

Additionally, a baby changing and nursing mother’s station is located downtown in the heart of the activity. Headlining the entertainment will be XPOGO Stunt Team.

The show begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, and runs through 2:30 p.m. Sunday, in the Nappanee Public Library parking lot.

XPOGO Stunt Team performances include an extreme pogo act with multiple pogo experts from around the nation.

The other two stages will offer music genres ranging from rock ‘n’ roll to classic rock, folk, bluegrass, country, gospel and variety and children’s favorites, including Mike Hemmelgarn, comedy juggler and ventriloquist, Silly Safaris and the Granpa Crachet Kids Show and Puppets. There’s plenty of apple favorites: pie, fritters, dumplings, turnovers, fry pies, bread, applesauce, cider and butter to devour during the festival or take home to enjoy later.

Experience a truly unique hometown festival that leaves you marking your calendar for a return trip the following year. A complete list of enter-

tainment, events and a map can be viewed and downloaded from nappaneeapplefestival. org or in the 2023 Nappanee Apple Festival Brochure. The festival is made possible through the financial support of local and area retail and cor-

porate businesses, city of Nappanee employees, Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce and a dedicated group of volunteers. Principal sponsors are Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Elkhart County CVB, The Goshen News,

Kountry Cabinets & Home Furnishings, Miller’s Orchard, Community Fiber, and Monteith’s Best-One Tire & Auto Care. Visit nappaneeapplefestival. org for more information or connect on Facebook and Instagram @napplefest.

XPOGO Stunt Team headlines

Apple Festival entertainment

Headlining this year’s Apple Festival entertainment will be XPOGO Stunt Team, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday and runs through 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Nappanee Public Library parking lot.

XPOGO Stunt Team performances include extreme pogo act with multiple pogo experts from around the nation. Following the official opening of the festival at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Blue River Jazz will take one of the two downtown free entertainment stages, at The Kountry Cabinets Entertainment Tent.

Bremen Family Martial Arts will perform at 5:30 p.m. on The Goshen News stage. Children and parents will be laughing at the antics of Granpa Cratchet and his pup-

pet troupe during two shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. This everpopular children’s show will be making appearances through Sunday.

At 7 p.m., take a seat in the Kountry Cabinets Entertainment Tent at Depot Plaza and support the young ladies vying for Miss Apple Blossom scholarships and the crowning of this year’s festival queen. Friday festival-goers will enjoy the high-energy comedy shows of Mike Hemmelgarn, juggler and ventriloquist, with performances throughout the weekend. The day’s music includes John Gaut, Marty Miles, Exit 41, and Backwoods Bluegrass. Closing out Friday night will be a twoand-a-half-hour performance of Memphis Underground.

Also on Friday through Sunday is Silly Safaris, the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana with over 3,000 inspiring shows every year throughout the country. A Silly Safaris live animal show is the perfect blend of fact and fun and keeps the entire audience involved. A variety of reptiles, mammals, birds and bugs provide an experience everyone will remember. Carlie’s Angels, Top Secret, The Everly Boys, Touch of Texas, The Bulldogs, and Gene Mullet join Exit 41 to headline Saturday’s musical entertainment. Sunday performances by Gray Horse Band, John Gaut, Carlie’s Angels, Heartland County Cloggers and NorthWood High School Dawning Generations will close out the festival’s entertainment schedule. Throughout the weekend, there will be crates of fresh apples dotting the downtown sidewalks and plenty of opportunities to indulge in apple favorites, like apple pie, apple dumplings, apple fritters, apple turnovers, apple bread, apple cider and apple butter. And it doesn’t stop there. There will be contests, tournaments and more attraction venues, like the Farm Tractor and Antique Farm Equipment Show all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Nappanee Power from the Past Showgrounds, plus the hour-long Saturday morning parade and, in the afternoon, the Wings, Wheels and Car Show at the Nappanee Municipal Airport. This 47th annual event is one of Indiana’s top festivals. The festival is made possible through the financial support of local and area retail and corporate businesses, city of Nappanee employees, Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce, and a dedicated group of volunteers. Principal sponsors are Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Elkhart County CVB, The Goshen News, Kountry Cabinets and Home Furnishings, Miller’s Orchard, Community Fiber, and Monteith’s Best-One Tire & Auto Care. A complete list of entertainment, events and map can be viewed and downloaded from nappaneeapplefestival.org or in the 2023 Nappanee Apple Festival Brochure. Connect on Facebook and Instagram @ napplefest.

Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship Pageant Sept. 14

Thursday,

The Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship pageant contestants will compete at 7 p.m.

Sept. 14, at the Kountry Cabinets entertainment tent. This year’s contestants are:

Amber Bost, Miss G & L Milford Storage, is a senior at Midway University. She is the

Nappanee Apple Festival Grand Marshals are Ron and Glenna Telschow

Nappanee Apple Festival Grand Marshals have been named and they are Ron and Glenna Telschow. The Telschows are true leaders and beacons of light in the Nappanee/Wakarusa community, and because of that, the Nappanee Apple Festival Commitee awarded the grand marshal position to the Telschows. The couple met at church in Williamston, Mich. They were married Oct. 9, 1954. Glenna was born and raised near Williamston, while Ron was born in Churubusco, and moved around between Indiana and Michigan as a child with his father and sister.

Together, the couple have seven children: Gwen, Dawn, Cheri, Rhonda, Michael, Dana, and Ron; 26 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Ron grew up in a family of bakers, including his father and uncles. He worked in bakeries across Indiana and Michigan, even being the head baker for Michigan State University.

Ron and Glenna moved to the Nappanee/Wakarusa area in 1965 and bought the Nappanee Bakery on Market Street and ran it together, eventually expanding it into a coffee shop, soda shop, and then a full restaurant, until they sold it and moved to a farm in Michigan. They moved back to the area in 1984 to be closer to their children. Ron and Glenna took over and ran Everett’s Bakery in Nappanee for 10 years un-

til they were able to acquire their original bakery building, which included the original oven for the 7-foot apple pie. Ron was the original creator of the 7-foot apple pie. When asked, Ron said he did this because he was a dreamer. Ron was a big part of the community, being one of the founding members of the Nappanee Rotary Club and teaching Sunday School at the Church of God in Nappanee.

Ron went to the Nappanee Apple Festival Committee and asked them how he could help. They asked if he could make a large pie. He enlisted the help

of a local Amish man to create the 7-foot stainless steel pie pan, which is still used today, and the rest is really history. It takes two people to lift the empty pie pan. It takes five to seven people to lift the pan full of 94 pounds of pie crust and 200 pounds of filling. The tradition of the 7-foot apple pie remains intact. The pie goes into the oven on Friday and comes out of the oven to cool and be cut Saturday, when it is sold in the Napple Store and Don Carlos Bar and Grill.

daughter of LaMar and Gina Bost.

Mallory Wood, Miss Wellington and Weddell Eye Care, is a junior at Trine University. She is the daughter of Ralph and Crystal Wood.

Kayli Anglemyer, Miss Integrity Painting and Surface Pros, is a freshman at Bethel University. She is the daughter of Sam and CherieRan and Aaron Anglemyer.

Brianna Stark, Miss In-Style Salon, is a freshman at Purdue University. She is the daughter of Israel and Tammy Stark.

Nellie Mendez Hernandez, Miss Coppes Commons, is a ju-

nior at NorthWood High School. She is the daughter of Agustina Hernandez.

Daisie Thomas, Miss Sports Image Apparel, is a senior at NorthWood High School. She is the daughter of Dave Thomas.

Kloe Mills, Miss Fairmont Homes LLC, is a junior at NorthWood High School. She is the daughter of Mike and Brittany Mills.

Georgia Wiggins, Miss Plymouth Glass Co., is a sophomore at Indiana University of South Bend. She is the daughter of Nathan and Nicki Wiggins. For more information, visit nappaneeapplefestival.org.

O BITUARIES

Ronald P. Hussey

United States Army Veteran

Ronald P. Hussey, known to many as Ron, peacefully passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at the age of 86.

Born on May 18, 1937, in Whiting, Ron was the son of Thomas and Anna Hussey. On Jan. 31, 1986, he married Judith Mish in Whiting and they spent 53 years together until Judie’s passing in 2021.

A quiet and soft-spoken individual, Ron took great pride in his military service and proudly served in the United States Army. His military service was a testament to his patriotism and willingness to sacrifice for others. He also worked for many years and retired from Lever Brothers in Whiting.

Outside of his professional life and military service, Ron had a variety of interests that brought him joy and fulfillment. He was an avid fisherman who relished spending time on Lake Wawasee with his wife, Judith “Judie,” as well as close friends, Frank and Phyllis Perzanowski. Ron found solace in the tranquility of nature and the excitement of reeling in a big catch.

Additionally, he possessed a deep love for reading and golfing. Ron was enthusiastic about traveling, finding joy in exploring new places; Las Vegas held a special place in his heart. Furthermore, he had a keen eye for observing sports events and providing thought-provoking movie critiques.

He is survived by his daughters, Laura Mish of Nappanee, Lisa Mish of Chesterton and Doreen (Robert) Phillips of Graniteville, Vt. Ron’s legacy continues through his adored grandchildren, Brittany (David) Rosenberry and Brandyn (Krista) Arnold; and great-grandchildren, Pierce, Bently, Easton and Kaine. He is further survived by his sister, Dolores Hussey of Nappanee, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Ron was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Thomas and Roger Hussey; and sisters, Evelyn Kurek and Jean Kinsock.

Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with Ron’s care. A visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the funeral home. A graveside service at Mock Cemetery in North Webster immediately followed.

To leave a written condolence, please visit www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Iva Zantha Heater Former Liberty Mills Postmaster

Iva Zantha Heater, 98, Warsaw, formerly of Liberty Mills, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at Paddock Springs in Warsaw.

The second youngest of 11 children, Iva was born Nov. 22, 1924, in Butler, to Cloide Daivd and Zantha Anna (Ginder) Snyder.

Iva graduated from Butler High School in 1942 and then from Warner’s Beauty College in Fort Wayne. On Nov. 25, 1942, Iva married the love of her life, Carl Heater, who she first met at Oakwood Park Church Camp in Syracuse in the late 1930s. During their 55-year marriage, the couple was blessed with two children, Gloria and Clark.

On March 15, 1998, Iva lost her soulmate and two years later on Oct. 4, 2000, Iva’s heart broke a second time when her daughter Gloria died. Unfortunately, she later experienced the loss of her daughter-in-law, Vicki Heater, on June 6, 2007, and then her granddaughter, Stephanie Beck, on Jan. 23, 2013. Throughout all of these trials and tribulations, Iva was a lady of true class and compassion, always displaying her loving nature. In the late 1940s, Iva and Carl became the owners of Lee’s Self-Service Grocery Store in Liberty Mills and from 1967 to 1996, Iva was the Liberty Mills postmaster. With her strong entrepreneurial spirit, Iva started Rag Rugs Unlimited, an organization whose proceeds were donated to local churches and missionary programs for over 40 years. Iva was a member of Liberty Mills United Methodist Church, which later became Liberty Mills Community Church.

The loving memory of Iva Heater will be forever cherished by her son, Clark Heater, Claypool; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and all the people she met over the years.

Iva was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Heater; daughter, Gloria Olinger; granddaughter, Stephanie Beck; daughter-in-law, Vicki L. Heater; and several brothers and sisters.

Family and friends called from 2-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at Liberty Mills Community Church, 150 N. 2nd St., Liberty Mills. Funeral services began at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Paul Rupert and Pastor Gregory Bradford officiating. Burial was at Pleasant Grove Cemetery at the corner of 400 East and 1300 North, North Manchester.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Iva Heater, memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Mills Community Church, P.O. Box 1, Liberty Mills, IN 46946.

The family of Iva Heater has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary. com.

Ruth Bose

Ruth Bose, 94, Rochester, died Aug. 31, 2023.

She was born June 26, 1929. On June 26, 1949, she married Elmo Junior Bose. He preceded her in death March 25, 2022.

Surviving are her children, Richard Bose, Mentone, Dan Bose, Sharlene Haney and Sheila Wildermuth, all of Rochester; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and four greatgreat-grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held Sept. 7 at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th Street, Rochester. Interment followed in the IOOF Cemetery, Rochester.

Khristina

Lynn Bucher

Khristina Lynn “Kristy” Bucher, 74, Warsaw, formerly of Wabash, died at 12:24 a.m. Sept. 4, 2023. She was born Feb. 3, 1949. On Feb. 1, 1969, she married David Dean Bucher; he survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Deana Lynn Bucher Glass, Fishers, and Denise Marie Bucher Krebs, Zionsville; four grandchildren; and sister, LouAnn Kemna Ward, Nappanee.

Services were held Sept. 8 at Grand-

staff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash. Burial was in Falls Cemetery, Wabash.

Wanda E. Buck

Wanda E. Buck, 73, Wawaka, died Aug. 31, 2023.

She was born July 4, 1950. On Oct. 18, 1980, she married Michael Buck; he survives.

She is also survived by a son, Christopher Flory, Fairfax, Va.; three grandchildren; siblings, Harold Garrison, Fishers, Connie Wehner, Norco, Calif., Johny Garrison, Lafayette, Frieda Draper, Canon, Ga., and Julie Garrison and Kenneth Garrison, both of Lafayette; a daughter-in-law, Tina Flory Lucarelli, Garrett; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held Sept. 5 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. A cremation committal took place at Legacy Cremation & Remembrance Center, Ligonier.

N. Clarisse Byers

N. Clarisse (Ward) Byers, 82, Plymouth, died Aug. 30, 2023.

She was born Jan. 20, 1941. On Sept. 20, 1959, she married G. Dean Byers; he survives.

Also surviving are sons, Bryan Byers,

Muncie, and Ward Byers, Bourbon; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and her brother, William “Bill” Ward, Logansport.

Services were held Sept. 6 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Plymouth. Burial was in New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home, Plymouth, was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy E. Eads

Dorothy “Dottie” E. Eads, 81, died Aug. 31, 2023.

She was born April 27, 1942. On Nov. 4, 1960, she married Arlis Eads, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Kimberly Jones, London, Ontario, Canada, Melissa DeFord, Warsaw, and Marc Eads, Plymouth; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held Sept. 9 at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Plymouth. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Steven R. Engle

Steven R. Engle, 75, Leesburg, died Sept. 2, 2023.

He was born May 12, 1948.

Surviving are sisters, Christine Ellinger and Gloria Lowman; niece and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and his best dog friend, Wally.

A gathering will take place from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Lucerne Park, 800 N. Park Ave., Warsaw. Friends and family can meet in the parking area and there will be a time for sharing and memories. Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Alma Jean Freeman

Alma Jean Freeman, 91, Syracuse, died at 10:59 p.m. Aug. 30, 2023.

She was born June 21, 1932. On Nov. 26, 1952, she married Ned W. Freeman. He preceded her in death May 24, 2023.

Surviving are her children, David Freeman, Leesburg, Ned Brent Freeman, Warsaw, Jon Eric Freeman and Michelle Renee Ball, both of Columbia City; eight grandchildren; 18 greatgrandchildren; and two great-greatgrandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 3 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial was in Oswego Cemetery.

Frederick J. Fuller Jr.

Frederick John Fuller Jr., 72, Big Lake near Albion, died Sept. 2, 2023.

He was born June 12, 1951. On Sept. 27, 2013, he married Lynette Bennett; she survives.

Also surviving are stepsons, Zachary Centers and Austin Centers, both of Albion; two grandchildren; and a niece. In keeping with Fred’s wishes, no public visitation or services are planned. Cremation will take place at Legacy Cremation & Remembrance Center, Ligonier. Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, is in charge of arrangements.

Kristopher L. Goodyear

Kristopher Lee Goodyear, 46, Goshen, died Aug. 31, 2023.

He was born March 26, 1977.

He is survived by Angie Goodyear; Kiana Spray; his mother, Cynthia Addison; daughters, Emilee, Kristine and Autumn; bonus daughter, Sophia; sister, Shena Dusseau; brothers, Bret Goodyear and Shay Addison; two granddaughters; his cats; and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held Sept. 6 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial was in Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell.

Clifford

G. Grubb

Clifford G. Grubb, 64, Warsaw, died Sept. 5, 2023.

He was born Sept. 17, 1958.

Surviving are siblings, Jimmy Grubb and Marie Grubb; and several cousins. Services were held Sept. 8 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Anna

Luz Islas

Anna Luz Islas, 75, Warsaw, died Sept. 3, 2023.

She was born Dec. 23, 1947. She married Ramon Ignacio Islas, who preceded Continued on page 9

O BITUARIES

Continued from page 8

her in death.

Surviving are her children, Mirna Justice, Tony Carrejo and Daniel Islas; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, Carlos, Socorro, Rosa and Jorge.

Services were held Sept. 9 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Parthena Justice

Parthena Justice, 79, Claypool, died Sept. 5, 2023.

She was born Nov. 10, 1943. On May 28, 2005, she married Thomas Justice; he survives.

Also surviving are sons, Donny Shepherd, Roann, and Roy Shepherd, Claypool; daughters, Patricia Sanders, Warsaw, Brenda England, North Manchester, Tiffany Taylor, Urbana, Tonya Cook, Warsaw, and Kimberly Shepherd, Claypool; stepsons, Thomas Larry Justice, Theodore, Ala., Michael Justice, Carthage, Tenn., and Scott Justice, Kentucky; stepdaughter, Michelle Schnitz, Plymouth; sister, Loretta Miner, Warsaw; 42 grandchildren; 57 greatgrandchildren; and 33 great-greatgrandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 9 at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Connie Eileen Long

Connie Eileen Long, 73, Warsaw, died Sept. 1, 2023.

She was born July 10, 1950.

Surviving are daughters, Shelly Turek, Winona Lake, and Delores Hawkins, Warsaw; brothers, Skip Mumford, Silver Lake, and Ed Mumford, Claypool; and four grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will be held at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw, at a later date. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Corrina Messick

Corrina Messick, 62, North Webster, died July 25, 2023.

She was born Feb. 15, 1961.

Surviving are her parents, Carroll Haines, Ruskin, Fla., and Donna Story, Groveland, Fla.; sons, Calvin “Mickey” Messick and Christopher Messick, both of Mount Dora, Fla.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a half sister, LaVeda Story.

A Florida memorial service is in the planning stages. Titus Funeral Home of North Webster is in charge of arrangements.

Jackie Miller

Jackie “Jack” Miller, 87, Pierceton, died Sept. 1, 2023.

He was born Feb. 17, 1936. In 1954, he married Mildred Stephens, who preceded him in death in 1984. In 2002, he married Gloria Miller, who survives.

Also surviving are sisters, Gail Blevins, Ohio, and Judy K. Whitaker, Kentucky; daughter, Brenda Beattie, Bradenton, Fla.; stepdaughters, Beth Cass, Henderson, Nev., Lisa Lang, Rhinebeck, N.Y., and Lynn Van Ness, Palm Bay, Fla.; sister-in-law, Julie Kling, Bremen; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

BIRTHS

Emelia Kopp

Jeffrey Kopp II and Veronica Sanchez, Syracuse, are the parents of a daughter, Emelia, born at 6:12 p.m. Aug. 30, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 10.1 ounces, and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Alyssa Grace Borkholder

Andrew and Carolyn (Kuhns) Borkholder, Plymouth, are the parents of a daughter, Alyssa Grace, born at 11:04 a.m. Sept. 2, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 6 pounds, 10.5 ounces, and was 18 1/2 inches long.

Archer Crue-Leroy Mellott

Erica Thacker and Mitchell Mellott, Warsaw, are the parents of a son, Archer Crue-Leroy, born at 2:43 p.m. Sept. 5, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 11.4 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 105 First St., Pierceton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Grove Chapel Cemetery, 8693 S. 100W, Claypool.

Shirley

A. Miller

Shirley A. Miller, 85, Goshen, died Sept. 2, 2023.

She was born March 19, 1938. On Aug. 27, 1953, she married James H. Miller. He preceded her in death March 20, 2014.

Surviving are daughters, Vicki A. Miller, Warsaw, and Cynthia J. Spaulding, Goshen; sons, Douglas J. Miller, Goshen, Martin C. Miller, Idaho, Dennis R. Miller, Minier, Ill., and Curtiss J. Miller, Elkhart; 24 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and seven greatgreat-grandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 9 at YoderCulp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial was in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

Margie Osborne

Margie Osborne, 88, Wabash, died at 3 a.m. Sept. 5, 2023.

She was born Sept. 20, 1934. She married Thomas Lee Osborne. He preceded her in death Nov. 9, 2006.

Surviving are sons, Jesse Osborne, Paul Wayne Osborne, Billy Ray Osborne, Harold Osborne, Clifford Osborne and Johnny Osborne, all of Wabash; daughters, Joann Grizzle, Lagro, Beverly Conley, Warsaw, Stella Starr and Janice Fields, both of Wabash, and Shannon Ivy, Columbia City; 24 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard Walters, Marion, and Joe Walters, Kentucky; and sisters, Betty Reed and Nora Moore, both of Wabash, Darlene Fairchild and Nancy Fairchild, both of Kentucky, and Elsie Lilly, Paintsville, Ky.

Services were held Sept. 9 at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel. Burial was in Falls Cemetery, Wabash.

Nancy Powell

Nancy Powell, 87, rural Atwood, died Sept. 2, 2023.

She was born Feb. 16, 1936. She married Frederick Powell, who survives.

She is also survived by a son, John Powell, Warsaw; daughters, Julie Popenfoose and Becky Dye, both of Warsaw; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Susan Scheele, Fort Wayne, and Linda Young, Albion.

Services were held Sept. 8 at Clunette United Methodist Church. Burial was in Stony Point Cemetery. Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Susan Irene Pyle

Susan Irene “Sue” Pyle, 75, Auburn, died Aug. 30, 2023.

She was born Nov. 5, 1947.

She is survived by the father of their children, Ernie Pyle; daughters, Julie North, Sherri Partin, Christy Bianski, Nancy Gillenwater, Stacy Fleming and Tracy Cochran; son, Jeffrey Pyle; sister, JoDee Jaurique; 20 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life was held Sept.

5 at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel.

Raymond David

Rhinesmith

Raymond David Rhinesmith, 68, Nappanee, died at 1:34 a.m. Sept. 1, 2023.

He was born June 15, 1955.

He is survived by a daughter, Nicole Peppers, Edwardsburg, Mich.; three grandsons; brothers, Dennis Rhinesmith, Brian Rhinesmith, Larry O’Bannon, David O’Bannon and Mark O’Bannon; and a sister, Pam Conner. Cremation will take place and there will be no services at this time.

Jaime G. Sauceda

Jaime G. Sauceda, 53, Nappanee, died Sept. 6, 2023.

He was born Sept. 10, 1969.

Surviving are his children, Tori Sauceda and Tessa Sauceda, both of Nappanee, and Trent Sauceda, Atlanta, Ga.; their mother, Ann Sauceda, Nap-

panee; and 10 siblings.

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

Joshua Allen Shilling

Joshua Allen Shilling, 43, Warsaw, died Aug. 30, 2023.

He was born Aug. 23, 1980.

Surviving are his children, Nevaeh and Draven Shilling, both of Pierceton; brother, Shawn Shilling, Wayland, Ky.; companion, Judy Rowe, Silver Lake; adopted father, Jesse Ferguson, Winona Lake; three aunts; three uncles; and his former wife, Jessica Stahl, Pierceton. Visitation was held Sept. 5 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Graveside services were held Sept. 6 at Palestine Cemetery.

Craig D. Spicher

Craig D. Spicher, 71, Wakarusa, died at 1:56 a.m. Sept. 4, 2023.

He was born Dec. 4, 1951. On Dec. 1, 1974, he married Linda K. Klein; she survives.

C OUNTY R EPORT

Court News Small Claims

The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: CommunityWide Federal Credit Union v. Druid Chaffins, $6,171.34; v. Shanan L. Cochran, $4,293.91; v. Joe Winters, $433.01 Pro Fed Federal Credit Union v. William T. Hamilton, $2,020 Warsaw Health System LLC d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Jesse Hunt, $811.42; v. Tyler Hyde, $1,206.26; v. Nicholas Lynch, $1,679.30; v. Brandy Martinez, $5,147.77; v. Lloyd Swick, $777.22 Snow and Sauerteig LLP v. Elyssa Owens, $1,510.85

Civil Collections

The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Chris Kehler presiding: Partners 1st Federal Credit Union v. Holly A. Ashley, Grant A. Small, $13,673.88 Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Carrie Boarman, $1,224.20; v. Fred D. Prater, $7,735.02; v. Sheryl Grand, $1,171.02; v. Crystal Weeks, $1,120.63 Cavalry SPV I LLC, as assignee of Citibank NA v. Victoria L. Grise, $1,456.39 OneMain Financial Group LLC v. Eric Haines, $8,811.13 Mariner Finance LLC v. Shane Hallstrom, $5,641.86 Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. Wesley Moore, $808.64 Credit Service International v. Jamie Ray Paino, $760.08; v. Justin H. Pontious, $1,467.94 LVNV Funding LLC v. P. Wright Petrulak, $681.42 Citibank NA v. Julie A. Walters, $12,437.65 Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Joseph Whitley, $8,122.40

Evictions

Zechariah Jace Lehman

Jonathan and Sharon Lehman, Millersburg, are the parents of a son, Zechariah Jace, born at 7:25 a.m. Sept. 6, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Kimbria Joy Weaver

Glenn and Rosellen Weaver, Wakarusa, are the parents of a daughter, Kimbria Joy, born at 8:08 a.m. Sept. 7, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 12.3 ounces, and was 18 3/4 inches long.

Zachary Dean Helmuth

Jason and Kara (Schwartz)

Helmuth, Leesburg, are the parents of a son, Zachary Dean, born at 12:45 p.m. Sept. 7, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 2.5 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Englewood Group, d/b/a 802 Center Apartments v. Deanna Davenport, $1,233.42 Sherri Makinson v. Matthew Schaefer, $1,880 M&M Rental Property Management & Realty LLC v. Orion Svara, $1,570

Plenaries

The following plenaries have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court I, Judge Karin McGrath presiding: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance a/s/o Dennis Dreibelbis, et al v. Kyle Michaelson, $27,666.21 Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance a/s/o Silvestre v. Gage A. Waddle, $11,190.60

Civil Torts

The following civil tort has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding: Progressive Paloverde Insurance Co. v. Tracie M. Willis, $2,074.83

Domestic Relations

The following decision in a domestic relations case has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding: Kayla Williamson v. Nicholas A. Williamson, $2,802.25

Superior Court III

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

Speeding — Anthony W. Baker, Warsaw, $160.50; Candida A. Ramos, Warsaw, $160.50; Trevor D. Kempton, Winona Lake, $160.50; Omar Hernandez, Warsaw, $164.50; Tyreese Y. Phillips, Warsaw, $164.50; Wesley A. Hunt, Warsaw, $164.50

Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Austin A. Bryant, Silver Lake, $25; Sandra M. Bryant, Silver Lake, $25; Teresa L. Lambert, Silver Lake, $25; Nicholas C. Harker, Etna Green, $25; Stephen A. Newkirk, Pierceton, $25; Bradley A. Sroufe, Warsaw, $25; Dezara S. Newsome, Pierceton, $25 Driving while suspended — Ramiro R. Arias, Warsaw, $189.50; Ashley N. Moody, Warsaw, $189.50; Bradley A. Himes, Warsaw, $189.50

No operator’s license in possession — Bradley A. Stouder, Syracuse, $164.50 Disregarding stop sign — Johnathan Aca-Zempoaltecatl, Claypool, $164.50

Operating a motorcycle without a proper permit or endorsement — Kaleb B. Castaneda, Warsaw, $164.50

Failure of occupant to use safety belt, disregarding stop sign — Angela C. Hardesty, North Manchester, $189.50

Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility — Jose G. Ortiz Casillas, Warsaw, $189.50

Improper passing — Micah C. Milhorn, Warsaw, $164.50

Marriage

Licenses

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

Ann Torpy:

Hoffert-Northcutt

Bennett L. Hoffert, 22, Leesburg, and Meriuh J. Northcutt, 22, Leesburg

Manns-Wagoner

Tanner Ryan Manns, 28, Warsaw, and Shelby Ranae Wagoner, 26, Warsaw

Hinojo-Rodriguez

Alejandro Tagle Hinojo, 37, Warsaw, and Maribel Tellez Rodriguez, 29, Warsaw

Keener-Swaim

Kaycee Rose Keener, 26, Pierceton, and Matthew Lenzy Swaim, 26, Elkhart

Weaver-Aleman

Samuel B. Weaver, 37, Leesburg,

Also surviving are sons, Dustin C. Spicher, Akron, and Christopher C. Spicher, Wakarusa; and six grandchildren. Visitation was held Sept. 8 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa. Graveside services were held Sept. 9 at Olive West Cemetery.

G. June Whitehead

G. June Whitehead, 96, a native of New Paris, died Sept. 4, 2023.

She was born June 26, 1927. On Nov. 19, 1949, she married Wayne S. Whitehead. He preceded her in death Dec. 8, 2020.

Surviving are her children, Stephen Wayne Whitehead, Boulder, Colo., and Janelle Marie Rink, Goshen; two granddaughters; five great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Doris Speicher, South Bend.

Services were held Sept. 9 at Grace United Methodist Church, New Paris. Burial was in New Paris Cemetery. Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, was in charge of arrangements.

and Brittany E. Aleman, 34, Leesburg

Hyden-Ames

Hunter Dewayne Hyden, 23, Warsaw, and Hannah Renee Ames, 23, Warsaw

Jervis-Heid

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

Jennings-Cochran

Andrew Lee Jennings, 54, Claypool, and Shanan Lee Cochran, 52, Warsaw

Castillo-Sandoval

Christina Marie Castillo, 32, Warsaw, and Juan Gabriel Murillo Sandoval, 42, Warsaw

Watson-Lemler

Allyson Jubilee Watson, 32, Warsaw, and Noah Lee Lemler, 32, Winona Lake

Deaton-Bolland

Jesse J. Deaton, 50, Warsaw, and Susan C. Bolland, 49, Warsaw

Marriage

Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior Court:

Deaton-Bolland — Jesse J. Deaton, 50, Warsaw, and Susan C. Bolland, 49, Warsaw Bozeman-Johnson — Shelby Bozeman, Syracuse, and Damion Johnson, Goshen. They were married June 10, 2017, and separated Nov. 23, 2021. Two minor children.

Christoffel — Seth Tyler Christoffel, Pierceton, and Emily Brianne Christoffel, Pierceton. They were married Oct. 8, 2016, and separated March 3, 2023. One minor child.

Tranter — Cameron Tranter, Warsaw, and Haley Leigh Tranter, Warsaw. They were married Feb. 3, 2017, and separated Aug. 15, 2023. Three minor children.

Clifford — William Clifford, Fort Johnson, La., and Jessica Clifford, Warsaw. Minor children. No other information available.

Smead — Michal J. Smead, Warsaw, and Michael S. Smead, Elkhart. Minor children. No other information available.

White — Megan O. White, Warsaw, and Chad A. White, Columbia City. They were married in November 2013 and separated June 2, 2019. Three minor children.

Kiesow-Potter — Bryan Kiesow, Etna Green, and Paige Potter, Bristol. Date of marriage unclear; they were separated Sept. 1, 2023. Two minor children.

Allison — Brianna Allison, Warsaw, and Tanner Allison, Sarasota, Fla. They were married June 19, 2015, and separated March 3, 2023. Two minor children.

Reaching

Free Free A040

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

Garage Sales A070

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE. Thursday & Friday, September 14&15, 8am-5pm. Twin bed frame, high chair, decor, clothes, more. 25885 CR 46, Nappanee.

ANNUAL MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE at 890 Northwood Drive, Nappanee, September 14-15-16, Thursday 8-5, Friday 8-5, Saturday 8-12. Harley jacket, car seat w/base, bread maker, glass beverage dispenser and much more.

SUPER GARAGE SALE-BIG. 428 W. Pike St., Warsaw. 9/15, 9-5; 9/16, 9-1. Emma Shrock painting, rare dealer Longaberger baskets, antiques, quilt, linens and rugs. Clothing: teen Abercrombie and American Eagle, plus size, mens. Jewelry, tools, seasonal decor. Lots, lots more. Jacque Bradley.

Miscellaneous A085

Construction C100

DOING

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HOCHSTETLER CONSTRUCTION for all your building needs. Pole barns, horse barns, garages, new home construction, additions, all types of metal and asphalt roofing, windows and siding. Superior Service... Quality Workmanship. Licensed and insured. Free estimates. Call Kermit 574-549-3473.

TREE TRIMMING, tree and stump removal service, storm damage clean up, tree c limbing or bucket lift, Free estimates. Dan The Tree Man. 574-831-4381, New Paris.

TV Satellite C400

336 State Road 331 – Bremen, IN

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-479-1516

Located: 2 miles north of Bremen along the East side of SR 331 Watch for Ball Auc.on signs on: PERSONAL PROPERTY – SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2022 – 10:00 A.M. REAL ESTATE – MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 – 6:30 P.M. (ON SITE)

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2000 Red Bison 10’ Tandem axle Trail Blazer Stock Trailer (body rough); 1999 Yacht Club Snowmobile Trailer; Side Door Concession Trailer (no title, rough); 5th Wheel Trailer hitch (no rails); Hitch mount travel tote; Manual winch for trailer; Dozens of implement & trailer tires; (2) John Deere 1209 Haybines (good condition); New Holland 479 Haybine (rough); John Deere Running Gear w/ hayrack & standards; Several other hay racks; Oliver 2 Row Planter (good condition); Farm Force 3-pt 6’ disc (like new); IH 12’ Wheel disc; Bush Hog pull type 6’ mower, hard rubber (good condition); 3-pt Fence Row Sprayer PTO; 3-pt Loftness 6 ft Snowblower (used 2x).

GUNS

GUNS TO SELL AT 10:00 A.M.

Colt 1885 Small Frame Lightening Carbine .22 Dated 1899 Ser 42543; Remington Nylon 66 Brown semi-automatic . 22 w/Clip; Ithaca 12-gauge Deer Slayer w/Field Barrel; Browning Bolt Action .22 w/Scope; Springfield 12-gauge

Single Shot; Gewehrfabrik Danzig German .22 cal. model 2 Serial #813; Ruger 10/22 Nylon w/Laser; (4) Daisy BB

Guns.

FURNITURE – ANTIQUES & VINTAGE

Modern 4 pc. white bedroom suit w/ full sz. bed, dresser w/mirror, high boy chest, night stand (very nice); Lg. oak hutch; (3) Flat screen TV’s; 3’X30” Stained glass window; very old refinished feed box signed & dated; Highboy dresser; Blanket chest / dresser; Oak hall tree w/umbrella stand; Marble top plant stand; Several antique trunks; Writing desk; Spool cabinet; 2 Shelf round front curio; 20 gal crock; 30 gal crock (both cracked); Numerous chairs & rockers; Oak kitchen table; 6’x2’x40” Oak show case; 2 Sided 3’x6’ Corrugated Metal ‘ANTIQUE’ Sign – (nice condition); Butcher Chasing a Hog Sign, 1 sided; Moorman Feed Sign 4’x6’ Tin, 1 sided (good condition); 8”x20”

Beware of Chicken sign; Cast iron school zone sign; Sheep in pasture print; Several metal signs; Coca Cola 2 gal. metal suitcase style cooler; Shipshewana, IN berry basket; Galvanized buckets & watering cans; Enterprise 2 qt. #15 sausage stuffer; Antique Vise (extra-large); Fairbanks Hardware Scales; Several vintage oil lamps; White Cast Iron lawn chairs, table; Brown MCM metal lawn chairs, swing chair; Motorola upright radio; Milk cans; Jugs & crocks; Studebaker hood (used for sled); 1950’s Pink Camper Refrigerator (Norge);

1950’s Pink Dixie LP Stove/Oven; Coleman Lanterns. CONSTRUCTION – SHOP - LIVESTOCK - MISCELLANEOUS

Multiple gaylords of Brazil and Poston paving brick, roughly 2000+; Set of Stairs for House/RV; Force Electric Jack

Hammer – like new; Makita 18” portable concrete saw; Dewalt 18” chop saw; Several Reddy heaters; John Deere 250 G Generator; 10’ boom for Bobcat; Short pieces of corrugated metal; Skid of slate roofing; Snap-On Roll around 3 section toolbox; Snap-On Roll Around Box (older); Numerous flats of wrenches, sockets, hammers, screw drivers; Lg band saw; Painting Equipment, brushes, etc.; Concrete hand tools, trowels, etc.; Miller Bobcat 225 G Welder/ generator in covered 6x8 single axle (good condition; Sheep – 2 market wethers ~100 lbs.+; Chickens: several lots

Bantam Buff Brahmas & several lots Orpingtons Blue, Splash, Black; Several dozen chicken cages & crates; (3) Yellow egg baskets; Several raised pens for poultry; Several hog feeders; Large, medium & small metal pet cages; Assort. of 4H livestock grooming equip.; Several Aluminum Dog Boxes; Box traps; Leg hole trap; 4 Place football locker cage; 150 bales wheat straw; 50 bales alfalfa; 50 bales grass & clover; 6 large square 1st cutting alfalfa; Polar Ice Box; Yellow Fire Hydrant; Red Fire Hydrant; Several Dock Boxes (fiberglass); Several large fans; Toro 824

Snowblower – electric start; Chain Saws: Stihl, MS 182T 12” bar, Stihl Magnum 26” bar, Dolmar 6400 24” bar; Yard

Machine Shredder Chipper; Numerous weed eaters; Fimco 25 Gallon pull type sprayer; Agri Fab 100 Walk behind 1 bu. spreader; Cornhole boards; Evinrude out board motor; Johnson Seahorse out board motor (one 3 & one 5 hp. both in excellent condition); 7 cu.ft. Chest freezer; Several small refrigerators.

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TRACTOR – VEHICLES - TRAILERS - EQUIPMENT

TRACTOR – VEHICLES & TRAILERS TO SELL AT 12:00 NOON

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1951 Ferguson TO 20 tractor Good Rear Rubber (needs minor repair); 2001 Chevy Tahoe, miles over, V8, auto, good rubber; 1999 Ford F450, V10 gas engine, 2-wheeldrive, dually 5 spd. trans., 135,000 miles, diamond plate flatbed w/Gooseneck, clean truck; Black 2022 Interstate 24’ cargo trailer with ramp door, 6’4” ceiling, 5000# axles, aluminum rims, less than 1000 miles; White 2011 Team Spirit 20’ Cargo Trailer w/ramp door, 6’4” ceiling, 3500# axles, rally wheels; Black 2018 Forest River 14’ Tandem axle Cargo Trailer w/ramp door, 6’8” ceiling, 3500# axles, rally wheels; Black 2017 Doolittle 14’ Tandem axle Dump Trailer, good condition, good rubber, w/remote; Orange 2017 20+4 hydra Tilt bed Bobcat Trailer, good condition, good rubber; 2000 Red Bison 10’ Tandem axle Trail Blazer Stock Trailer (body rough); 1999 Yacht Club Snowmobile Trailer; Side Door Concession Trailer (no title, rough); 5th Wheel Trailer hitch (no rails); Hitch mount travel tote; Manual winch for trailer; Dozens of implement & trailer tires; (2) John Deere 1209 Haybines (good condition); New Holland 479 Haybine (rough); John Deere Running Gear w/ hayrack & standards; Several other hay racks; Oliver 2 Row Planter (good condition); Farm Force 3-pt 6’ disc (like new); IH 12’ Wheel disc; Bush Hog pull type 6’ mower, hard rubber (good condition); 3-pt Fence Row Sprayer PTO; 3-pt Loftness 6 ft Snowblower (used 2x).

GUNS

GUNS TO SELL AT 10:00 A.M.

Colt 1885 Small Frame Lightening Carbine .22 Dated 1899 Ser 42543; Remington Nylon 66 Brown semi-automatic . 22 w/Clip; Ithaca 12-gauge Deer Slayer w/Field Barrel; Browning Bolt Action .22 w/Scope; Springfield 12-gauge Single Shot; Gewehrfabrik Danzig German .22 cal. model 2 Serial #813; Ruger 10/22 Nylon w/Laser; (4) Daisy BB Guns.

FURNITURE – ANTIQUES & VINTAGE

Modern 4 pc. white bedroom suit w/ full sz. bed, dresser w/mirror, high boy chest, night stand (very nice); Lg. oak hutch; (3) Flat screen TV’s; 3’X30” Stained glass window; very old refinished feed box signed & dated; Highboy dresser; Blanket chest / dresser; Oak hall tree w/umbrella stand; Marble top plant stand; Several antique trunks; Writing desk; Spool cabinet; 2 Shelf round front curio; 20 gal crock; 30 gal crock (both cracked); Numerous chairs & rockers; Oak kitchen table; 6’x2’x40” Oak show case; 2 Sided 3’x6’ Corrugated Metal ‘ANTIQUE’ Sign – (nice condition); Butcher Chasing a Hog Sign, 1 sided; Moorman Feed Sign 4’x6’ Tin, 1 sided (good condition); 8”x20” Beware of Chicken sign; Cast iron school zone sign; Sheep in pasture print; Several metal signs; Coca Cola 2 gal. metal suitcase style cooler; Shipshewana, IN berry basket; Galvanized buckets & watering cans; Enterprise 2 qt. #15 sausage stuffer; Antique Vise (extra-large); Fairbanks Hardware Scales; Several vintage oil lamps; White Cast Iron lawn chairs, table; Brown MCM metal lawn chairs, swing chair; Motorola upright radio; Milk cans; Jugs & Copper boiler; Cream Cans Studebaker hood (used for sled); 1950’s Pink Camper Refrigerator (Norge); 1950’s Pink Dixie LP Stove/Oven; Coleman Lanterns.

CONSTRUCTION – SHOP - LIVESTOCK - MISCELLANEOUS

Multiple gaylords of Brazil and Poston paving brick, roughly 2000+; Set of Stairs for House/RV; Force Electric Jack Hammer – like new; Makita 18” portable concrete saw; Dewalt 18” chop saw; Several Reddy heaters; John Deere 250 G Generator; 10’ boom for Bobcat; Short pieces of corrugated metal; Skid of slate roofing; Snap-On Roll around 3 section toolbox; Snap-On Roll Around Box (older); Numerous flats of wrenches, sockets, hammers, screw drivers; Lg band saw; Painting Equipment, brushes, etc.; Concrete hand tools, trowels, etc.; Miller Bobcat 225 G Welder/ generator in covered 6x8 single axle (good condition; Sheep – 2 market wethers ~100 lbs.+; Chickens: several lots

Bantam Buff Brahmas & several lots Orpingtons Blue, Splash, Black; Several dozen chicken cages & crates; (3) Yellow egg baskets; Several raised pens for poultry; Several hog feeders; Large, medium & small metal pet cages; Assort. of 4H livestock grooming equip.; Several Aluminum Dog Boxes; Box traps; Leg hole trap; 4 Place football locker cage; 150 bales wheat straw; 50 bales alfalfa; 50 bales grass & clover; 6 large square 1st cutting alfalfa; Polar Ice Box; Yellow Fire Hydrant; Red Fire Hydrant; Several Dock Boxes (fiberglass);

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P UBLIC A UCTIONS

Fox Real Estate & Personal Property Auction

2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, personal property, 6 p.m. real estate. Brick ranch house on three acres (partially wooded) with outbuilding, golf cart, antiques, tools, household and miscellaneous. Located on the corner of CR 27 and CR 48 at 17603 CR 48, New Paris.

Live and Online

Real Estate Auction

6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. Three bedroom farmhouse on 3.48 acre lot, located at 68133 CR 3, Nappanee. More information and online bidding available at kraftauctions.com.

Timed Online Only Auction

Lots start closing 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. Late model and antique restored tractors, implements, backhoe, trailer,shop, lawn & garden, antiques and more. Three sites, Sites 1 & 2 located at 8255 N. 550E, Syracuse. Site 3 located at 4863 800N, Leesburg. Preview 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13. Catalog and absentee bid forms available at schraderauction.com.

Antique Auction

8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Pedal toys, child’s wagons, sleds, pressed steel toys, collector bicycles and tricycles. Four horse-drawn milk delivery vehicles, farm primitives, salesman samples, weathervanes & pendants, scale collection, signs. Located at Chupp Auction Center, 890 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.

Bare Land Auction

5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18. Three acre tract, Crosier-clay type soil, all tillable and level. Mound septic system will be needed. 211.5 feet of frontage on CR 19, 620 feet deep. Located 3 miles south of New Paris on SR 15 to CR 50, then west 1 mile to CR 19, then south approximately 250 feet. Hahn Auctioneers.

Public Collectors Auction

4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19. Doors open for previews at 1 p.m. Collector coins, guns, knives and watches. Expecting 100+ guns and 200-300 coin lots. Held at Claywood Event Center, 13924 N. 1100W, Nappanee. For pictures, visit auctionzip.com, Auctioneer ID #52210.

Online Only Commercial

Real Estate Auction

Thursday, Sept. 21. Lot 1: 6.47 acre lot with pond, 1.62 acres zoned residential with surrounding 4.85 acres zoned commercial, located at 8041 E. 400N, Leesburg. Lot 2: 1 acre, potential building site with US 30 visibility, 2-car garage included, located at US 30 and Mill

St., Pierceton. Bid online at bidmetzger. com.

Consignment Auction

10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. Estate and personal property, antiques, household, tools, coins, miscellaneous. Located at Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse. Watch listing on auctionzip.com.

TOWN MARSHAL POSITION

The Mentone Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Town Marshal.

Applications can be picked up at the Mentone Police Department or the Town of Mentone’s Clerk Treasurer’s office.

Interested applicants must be 21 years of age, possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent, and hold a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Applicants must have completed the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy or be able to do so upon a conditional offer for employment. Applicants not already having completed ILEA will be required to complete a physical agility test (minimum requirement is ILEA entrance standards). All applicants will be interviewed before consideration for the position. Applicants must reside in or be willing to move within 10 miles of the town limits of Mentone.

Applications must be completed and returned by 6:00 p.m. on September 15, 2023.

The Mentone Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.

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PUBLICATIONS and PROJECTS MANAGER

Some of the publications in our portfolio include The Paper, Shopping Guide News, InkFreeNews.com, Senior Life Newspapers, Glo Magazine, Auto & RV magazines, Michiana House & Home and the Municipal magazine.

Here are some of the qualities and qualifications that the right applicant for this position must have:

• Experience in publishing and print sales.

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NWHS celebrates students with Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Programs

Students at NorthWood High School earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These programs celebrate students’ hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance. The academic honors for rural areas, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent.

At NorthWood High School, an impressive 38 students won the Rural & Small Town Award. Award winners include Owen Allen, Preston Andrews, Alexa Anglemyer, Ana Baltazar Prado, Sadie Beasy, Savannah Burns, Brennan Chilberg, Sebastian Church, Cohen Clayton, Grant Criss, Kathleen Cummings, Joselyn Edwards, Wilson Gay, Shelby Green, Payton Griffin, Haylee Heflin, Britton Jesse, Callie Johnson, Bryce Knepp, Ellison Miller, Emily Miller, Grant Miller, Joslyn Miller, Kayler Moore, Emma Norris, Kylie Pestow, Tyler Phillips, Lucas Ramer, Savannah Slone, Neleh Steiner, Jonathan Towler, Sophia Vincent, Jack Walter, Kate Wendzonka, Clara Wilson, Caleb Yoder, Hannah Yoder, and Roman Yoder.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for the great work they’ve been doing. We’re proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments like the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and AP exams,” said Jade Sipic, Dean of Secondary Education. “There’s so much that makes our students unique, and receiving this honor reinforces this as an asset for their future.”

The criteria for eligible students include: maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher; PSAT/NMSQT assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state; attendiing school in a rural area or small town, or identifying as African American/ Black, Hispanic American/Latino, or Indigenous/Native.

Eligible students are invited to apply on BigFuture during their sophomore or junior year and are awarded at the start of the next school year in time to share their achievements in high school as they plan for the future. At the

same time, colleges and organizations using College Board’s Student Search Service can connect directly with awardees during the recruitment process.

“It’s becoming increasingly hard for students to be ‘seen’ during the college recruitment process. We’re exceptionally proud of the National Recognition Pro-

grams for celebrating students who are at times overlooked but have shown their outstanding academic abilities,” said Tarlin Ray, senior vice president of BigFuture

at College Board. “This is a benefit not only for students but also for colleges and universities committed to recruiting diverse and talented students.”

APC approves final plat, two rezonings

A final plat, a preliminary plat and a two rezonings were given favorable recommendations at the Wednesday, Sept. 6 Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission meeting.

Brett Harter’s petition to rezone a 6.22 acre tract of ground from an agricultural district to an agricultural II district was granted. The property is located on the south side of CR 500 North, just west of Sullivan Road near the North Webster-Oswego area in Tippecanoe Township.

Harter wants to build a twolot subdivision for his son and daughter to build a house on each lot. They will have a shared driveway off Armstrong Road.

The board gave its favor-

able recommendation in the case, which will now be heard at the 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26 county commissioners meeting. Kenneth Showalter’s petition to rezone 23 acres from an agricultural district to a commercial district on the property, located on the west side of SR 15, just north of CR 400 North in Plain Township, was given a favorable recommendation by the APC.

Jeff Owens, a real estate broker who represents the seller who lives in California, said the property is for sale. Owens said about 10,000 vehicles a day go past the property, once home to a camel. On Fridays, the count is close to 14,000 vehicles a day.

He said properties close to Showalter’s are zoned industrial and commercial. The county will reap the benefits of commercial tax dollars. The property is 23 acres.

The property is currently assessed at $1,900 an acre, and with the rezoning, the reassessment of commercial property

could be as much as $76,000 per acre, said Owens.

“It’s a win-win to rezone to commercial,” said board member Mike Long.

The case will now be heard by county commissioners at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Kyle Coleman’s petition for preliminary plat approval for a residential development of a five-lot subdivision on a 7.53 acre tract of land, was granted.

The property is located on the north side of McKenna Road and 200 feet east of EMS B38 Lane in Tippecanoe Township and includes two separate driveways.

“I think it’s a good plan,” said Bob Conley, board member. “I think two driveways are safer.”

In other business, the board approved a vacation of a property, located near Hoffman Lake Estates, Warsaw, owned by Tim Blackford. The matter will go before the county commissioners at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26.

The board had a brief discussion regarding cargo boxes. A copy of

the new ordinance for cargo box usage and placement was handed to each APC member to review; however, the board did not vote on nor approve the proposed ordinance.

In other news, the APC:

• Approved a final plat for property, located near CR 300N and CR 175 East, Warsaw. It is a two-lot subdivision in an agriculture II district owned by Tim Postima of Warsaw.

• A plat in Deed’s Creek Manor, Warsaw, was approved for Barrett McManus. He petitioned for the preliminary plat approval for the replat of one lot in Deeds Creek Manor. The property is located on the west side of Old Orchard Drive, east of Timberline Circle in Wayne Township. He “diligently” worked to contact all surrounding property owners except one couple, David and Nancy Wilson, said APC Director Matt Sandy.

The next meeting is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the county courthouse in Warsaw.

See what Kosciusko County has to offer

Kosciusko County is a jewel with its many lakes, which have been enjoyed by generation after generation. The lakes are huge tourist draws and bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Grace College’s Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and The Watershed Foundation are among those who go to great lengths to educate the public and protect the lakes as much as possible. County residents want those lakes to be enjoyable for many years to come.

However, Kosciusko County is so much more than lakes. Trail systems continue to grow throughout the county and the time is approaching when you will see the county completely connected. These systems promote healthier living through walking, running or cycling and can be used as a selling point when trying to attract new business to the county.

There are plenty of marked routes for those cyclists looking to ride throughout the county.

Agriculture is still a key component of the Kosciusko’s economy and creates jobs. Several large farming operations are located in the county.

There are top notch school systems as well, including Wawasee, Warsaw, Tippecanoe Valley and parts of Triton and Whitko. Kosciusko Economic Development Cor-

poration continues to aggressively market the county and aids in business and economic development. A new county parks and recreation board is expanding recreational opportunities throughout the county.

Orthopedics remains a major part of Kosciusko’s economy and job force, but other businesses and companies continue to be recruited.

Warsaw is a hub for most of the county’s activity. It has much to offer its residents and visitors. New housing projects, a new park plaza, boat ramp, and park facilities are just a few of its offerings.

The orthopedic industry is continuing to grow in Warsaw and the city is expanding its online services. KREMC is also working on a fiber optic project to provide internet services for its members all over the county.

Warsaw is also home of the City-County Athletic Complex featuring heavily used soccer, baseball and softball fields.

At the Old Jail Museum in downtown Warsaw, the past is carefully preserved. There is an outstanding library for any genealogy enthusiast and the displays help tell the story of the history of Kosciusko County.

See what Kosciusko County and Warsaw has to offer. There is much more than can be described.

The Warsaw area is a nice place to live, work and raise a family. Read on and find out why.

Index

Warsaw parks offer beauty and fun

Fresh air is important for good health. Fresh air can boost your mood and help relieve stress and anxiety. Warsaw parks offer free admission, beautiful landscaping, and lots of fresh air. Reservations for shelters and picnic tables can be made through the rental and payment link under the specific park’s tab on the city of Warsaw’s website or by contacting Suzanne Stokes at (574) 372-9554 ext. 604, unless otherwise stated. Unless rented, all shelters are first come, first serve.

Beyer Park

Located at 811 E. Arthur St., Beyer Park is a great family-friendly park. Families can enjoy ample green space and the brand new playground that was installed in 2022. Grills are available for public use.

Bixler Park

Located at 503 N. Detroit St., Bixler Park has so much to offer, including basketball courts, cornhole, grills, pickleball, playground and tennis courts. This park has something the whole family can enjoy.

Central Park

Located at 301 E. Canal St., the showpiece of the parks system, Central Park, has ample green space that makes it ideal for a picnic, yoga, playing catch, or lounging and reading a book. The sidewalk encircling the park is a great way to get your steps in.

Hire Park

Located at 750 E. Arthur St., Hire Park is dedicated to providing children and adults a high-quality level of racing in a friendly and supportive environment. As a 501C3 nonprofit, the community is committed to making the area healthier, safer, and more fun through the sport of BMX racing. All questions are inqui-

ries can be directed to Dan Rumple at drumple1@its.jnj.com.

Kelly Park

Located at 130 Fawley St., Kelly Park is a hub for all kinds of outdoor activities. During the summertime, Kelly Park offers basketball courts, grills, pickleball, tennis courts and a playground. During the winter, the hill provides fun sledding.

Krebs Trailhead Park

Located at 214 S. McKinley St., Krebs Trailhead Park serves as an unofficial halfway spot for bike riders coming from the Boggs area heading toward the Winona Lake trails. The park has both restroom facilities and a bike repair station as well as a free open shelter.

Lucerne Park

Located at 800 N. Park Ave., Lucerne Park is located on Pike Lake. This park includes a stone trail, four rental shelters/cabins, an amphitheater, playground, disc golf course, and Apollo exercise equipment. Printable disc golf course maps and scorecards are available on the city of Warsaw’s website, under the “Disc Golf at Lucerne Park” tab.

McKinley Park

Located at 1013 E. Main St., McKinley Park has playground equipment for multiple ages, picnic tables located throughout the park, and a covered gazebo in the middle of the park. A well-paved walkway goes throughout the entire park, giving you access to both sides of the playground.

Municipal Park

Located at 117 E. Canal St., Municipal Park provides grills, a swimming beach and lake access. The park also houses Kiddieland, a playground aimed for little kids.

special edition put the accent on various phases of life in Kosciusko County.

Shown in the photo on the top right are McHatton-Sadler Funeral Home Directors David Baker and Caryn Durski support our veterans and service members. McHattonSadler Funeral Chapels are dedicated to honoring our service members and their families.

Middle left: Shea Ferdous, Mason Health & Rehab Respiratory Therapist, listens to Madeline Gregory’s, lungs.

Middle right: Lindsey Kreps does some lab tests at Legacy Health Care.

Himalayan Salt and Scents celebrating eight years in business

Himalayan Salt and Scents, located in the storefront of Superior Landscape Products, 3114 E. US 30 Warsaw, is celebrating eight years in business. Specializing in Himalayan salt therapies, clients enjoy help with a number of chronic health problems, including respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, muscle tension and pain.

Peg and Dale Custer opened the store in August 2015, following the need in the community. Peg was introduced to the Hi-

malayan salt therapies 11 years ago. Starting with a pocket stone for hip pain, she moved to a salt lamp, assisting with her asthma. The lamp cleansed the air in her bedroom and helped her breathing. Soon every room in her home had a salt lamp and her use of the Himalayan salt therapies expanded. She was using the massage stone, a foot box for detoxification and salt inhaler for her allergies and asthma.

When Peg began offering Solé at the

Mayor reflects over the past 50 years

Highlighting the Warsaw community in this special edition of ‘the PAPER,’ I have been asked to write about how our city has grown over the years and what kind of vision I can project into the future. For today’s purpose, I’m going to focus on what I have seen over the past 50 years since I moved to Warsaw in 1972.

Population growth is always associated with the vibrancy of a community. Since 1970, we have more than doubled our population. In the last census, we recorded a 16% growth in the city, with just over 15,800 residents.

What has precipitated this growth over the last 50 years? I think there are two very significant factors. The first is the growth of our orthopedic industry. As it has evolved into a global industry, the workforce demand has had a steady impact, increasing our population with regularity.

The second was the completion of the US 30 highway through our community in 1972. In that 10 year span of the 1970’s, we produced a 41% increase in the 1980 city census! Without question, the connectivity to our community from US 30 has created significant retail, residential, and industrial growth along the corridor over the past fifty years.

If we look ahead into the next 10-15 years, the proposed freeway plans along US 30 will improve local and regional mobility, creating more efficient transportation logistics, which will become a catalyst for local growth and development.

Back in the mid 90s, Warsaw’s first TIF district was created in our downtown to provide incentives for development and improvements.

At the same time, US 30 was opening access to regional markets that attracted national and regional retailers along the highway. But like many small cities, the retail sprawl was taking its toll on downtown small businesses.

Amazon and COVID have seen to that! In addition, our workforce is much more mobile. Housing needs are different. These changes must be viewed as new opportunities for our community as we reset our community and downtown blueprint with a new, 2023 Action Agenda. More downtown housing, specialty shops, public and performing arts and improved ride/walk connectivity are among the changes contemplated.

Let me remind you that I consider the “Warsaw” community footprint to extend beyond our city limits. The quality of life amenities we collectively share with Winona Lake and our surrounding rural towns, attracts new opportunities and workforce talent that none of us can do on our own.

Population growth is always associated with the vibrancy of a community. Since 1970, we have more than doubled our population. In the last census, we recorded a 16% growth in the city, with just over 15,800 residents.

Moving ahead the next 20 years, we must continue to focus on the needs of our local industries and their workforce. Our community partners have been charged to prioritize resources to support and leverage more funding for critical initiatives that will benefit the success of our community.

store in October 2015, she started drinking the salt water every morning.

Himalayan Salt and Scents has the largest variety of lamps in northern Indiana. You can find natural, carved and aroma Himalayan salt lamps in pink, gray and white.

Peg explained Himalayan salt is the same, regardless of the color. The difference is in how the trace elements in the salt are disbursed. Grey salt has more iodine and is not as translucent as pink or white salt, so a grey salt lamp is good for those suffering from migraines with light sensitivity or who need a dark room for sleeping. White salt has the lowest amount of the minerals that make pink salt pink.

The salt itself is known for helping to relieve eczema, rashes and dermatitis by soaking in salt water or rubbing it on. You can also find cooking salt, Solé and salt inhalers. Salt inhalers are not meant to replace rescue inhalers, but can be used in conjunction to build immunity.

Salt therapy is on the rise across the country. Peg said people are looking for natural, healthy alternatives in treating a number of health conditions. Using dry salt helps to reduce inflammation and swelling. It also helps support the immune system.

Additionally, Himalayan Salt and Scents is the first in the area to offer the Halo Bed. Relatively new to the United States, the Halo Bed allows users to lie in a bed of warmed salt. The warm salt and light strips along with pharmaceutical grade salt, which is micronized into the bed, provide stress relief and breathing treatments, detoxification and relaxation. Peg, who has had Covid a number of times, has found dry

salt therapy and using the Halo Bed have helped her recover faster.

She’s also noticed customers are purchasing month passes for the sauna and is hearing that local physicians are referring some patients to use the salt sauna. You’ll also find the infrared salt sauna provides relaxation, relief from pain and tension and is popular with those suffering from fibromyalgia. “It’s a dry heat, no steam,” said Peg. “The salt is a great detoxer and you sweat out toxins.” It seats three people and incorporates Himalayan salt.

In 2017 the D & P Salt Mine salt cave opened to the public. It includes a 7-foot warm salt bed and a 12-foot warm salt tile bench. The cave helps with chronic pain and migraines as well as helping alleviate upper respiratory issues such as bronchitis, allergies and asthma, and provides relaxation and destressing, the same as our bodies.

Why Himalayan salt? “It is the purest salt in the world. It is not processed,” said Peg. The salt, gathered from mines under the Himalayan mountains, has 84 trace elements (the same as the body is made of) and has been protected from pollution and contamination. That’s why people love it in their healthy diet.

Himalayan Salt and Scents also offers a natural line of soaps, tooth powders, facial scrubs and bath bombs, all infused with the Himalayan salt and essential oils. They also make therapeutic salt curves and salt tubes.

You can learn more by visiting www.himalayansaltandscents.com or its Facebook group.

The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The vibrancy of a community is reflected by the vitality of its downtown. The 2001 HyettPalma Downtown Action Agenda gave our community a blueprint to assist and incentivize downtown revitalization and mitigate urban sprawl. Over the past 22 years, we have made significant progress implementing that plan.

But many changes have occurred in the last 20 years. The way we shop and go out to eat has changed significantly.

The Warsaw community can be very proud of what we have accomplished in the last 50 years. For that, I am very thankful! We have been blessed with leaders that understand the challenges of the future. Guided by the fundamentals that have given way to community growth, emboldened by current and future leaders, Warsaw is poised to continue the trajectory of success that we have all worked so hard to build.

119 years of ‘lake life’ at Patona Bay Marina and Resort

In 1904, a teenager from Indianapolis named George H. Paton joined his friend’s family on a summer camping trip to Kalorama Park on Lake Tippecanoe. What he experienced that summer would shape not only his own life, but the lives of future generations of the Paton family, who 119 years later continue to own and operate Patona Bay Marina and Resort.

“He fell in love with the lake and its possibilities,” said his grandson, George M. Paton. “It was a different way of life from Indy.”

George H. realized the lake is more than just a place: it is a lifestyle. The Patons call it “lake life,” but it can mean different things for the thousands of families who have ventured to Patona Bay’s shoreline.

The lake is a place of adventure and excitement for children, unaware they are creating memories that will stay with them for a lifetime — the thrill of the first fish on the line; skidding over the waves on skis or an inner tube behind grandpa’s boat; or the smoky sweetness of s’mores from the fire. All too soon, they are bringing their own children to the lake and feeling work and stress melt away, leaving in the wake a different set of priorities.

“Family time and togetherness,” said Paton. “There is a magic about it. People with families get to play together.”

George H., who as a paint salesman had much of his summers off, set himself to the

task of bringing this magic to more people by making it more affordable. He started by renting boats. In 1909 he saw an ad for the first Evinrude outboard motors — “Throw away your oars” — and that summer he began selling them at $65 each.

Around the same time, he also developed a relationship with the Schrock family, who started Starcraft and had a house on Lake Tippecanoe. George H. sold their fishing boats into the 1930s. Over 100 years later, the Patons are still a Starcraft dealer, with much of its sales coming from pontoon boats.

In 1928, Patona Bay resort opened, offering camping spaces to those unable to afford their own lakefront cottage. Rental cabins would be added later, in the 1950s.

In 1935, the addition of a passenger boat afforded guests sightseeing rides around the expansive, pristine lake. Stops at the time included Rowlette Grocery on the north shore and Stoney Ridge Hotel and the Arcadian Ballroom on the south shore.

Lake Tippecanoe is the deepest natural lake in Indiana, and one of the cleanest. There is actually a higher volume of water in Tippecanoe than nearby Lake Wawasee, which means it is the last lake to freeze over in the winter.

When George H. first visited, there were no roads around Tippecanoe. Mail and deliveries were made via boat on the lake. Without an

outboard motor, fishermen would often hitch from one side of the lake to the other by tying on to a steamboat, which left tow ropes hanging behind as it made its daily rounds around the lake’s approximately 1,200 acres.

Just as the automobile made the countryside more accessible, speedboats added a new dimension to lake life with their arrival in the 1930s. Patona Bay offered sightseeing tours and had its own excursion boat, catering to campers and local businesses.

But it was not until after World War II that more regular folks were able to afford their own speedboat, and water skiing also enjoyed a spike in popularity. Patona Bay, George M. explained, was instrumental in promoting this exciting pastime.

As the lake’s popularity expanded, so too did Patona Bay’s services. “We had the ability to help more people accomplish their dreams,” said Paton. “More people wanted to know how they could rent or buy a boat. We could help with that.”

In 1946, the first marina was built. To this day, marina operations include rentals, sales, service and storage.

“We do everything the customer may not want to do themselves,” said Paton. “We put the boat in and out of the water, wash the bottom and clean them out.”

Patona Bay technicians specialize in motor repair on all makes and models, working year-

round. They are trained at the factories to handle warranty issues on Mercury, Honda, Evinrude and Yamaha.

In 1945, there was a single building serving the marina and campground. Now there are over 120 campsites as well as eight cottages for rent. The marina has expanded to six buildings to handle sales, service and storage needs. All together, Patona Bay Marina and Resort encompasses 35 acres and includes a gradual, sandy beach.

This expansion has served a single purpose: to match the equipment to the needs of the visitors, so they may realize their own vision of lake life.

Five successive generations have each added to that dream. As sales manager Lynn Hornyak said, “They’ve been around for 119 years. One family with one dream of promoting the lake life.”

“People come back and recite stories and instances from 50 or 60 years ago that made a difference in their life,” marvelled Paton. “They have such a crystal clear memory, like it happened yesterday.”

Patona Bay is located at 162 EMS T33 Lane in Leesburg. To contact the resort, call or text (574) 453-3671. The resort office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information about the Patona Bay, including resort accommodations, visit patonabay.com.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel serving Kosciusko County since 1885

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel’s beginnings date back to 1885. Back then the original Pierceton Chapel was founded by the Ashley Family. It was owned by the grandparents and parents of Bud Ashley, who assisted in the operation of the funeral chapels in Pierceton and Warsaw during his long career as a funeral director.

As was typical for undertakers of his era, Ashley initially was involved in a furniture and casket manufacturing business. He expanded that enterprise to include embalming services, a horse-drawn hearse and portable funeral equipment, such as dark draperies and a platform for the casket. Embalming was done in the deceased’s home, where visitations were held as well.

In the 1920s, new government regulations stipulated bodies be prepared for burial in a specialized facility and thus the funeral home evolved.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel in Warsaw was founded in 1954 by Gerald and Jean McHatton who were joined by Wendell and Shirley Sadler in 1971.

The McHatton and Sadler family’s have had continuous commitment to the Kosciusko County community. With the addition of its Pierceton Chapel in 1984, founded by the Ashley Family, and operated by Bud Ashley, McHatton-Sadler continued to serve all Kosciusko County families of many faiths over a large area.

In 1999, the Pierceton Chapel reopened after being destroyed in an electrical fire in January 1998. Rebuilding the Pierceton chapel gave the Sadlers the opportunity to expand and modernize the facility. From approximately 1,800 square feet of public space in the original two-story building, the new one-story structure offered 7,781 square feet of usable space, along with more room for parking. The facility is also handicapped accessible.

The Pierceton chapel offers a large room that can serve as a visitation area and funeral service chapel with seating for 150 guests. Cozy clusters of sofas and tables invite loved

ones to sit and share memories and comfort.

Families can find respite in a lounge for their private use. The lounge is warmly decorated with a homey feel. The space also doubles as a comfortable place for families to meet with the funeral director to make burial arrangements.

In 1985, the firm received a Century in Business Award from the Indiana Governor’s Office as the oldest continuously operating Funeral Home in Kosciusko County.

The Funeral Chapel in Warsaw consists of two-family lounges, a larger room that can be used for funeral meals following the family’s funeral, two visitation rooms and a full chapel for funeral services and memorial celebration of life services. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Staff prides themselves in the tradition of creating a special memorial service for your family, to even include specialization through video presentations, just as you would want in celebration.

Since then, John & Debbie Sadler continued the family tradition of local people serving local families with the recent addition of Michael and Tracy Wilson, with Michael as a partner in ownership, to continue the tradition of family serving the community. The funeral staff consist of Funeral Directors David Baker, Caryn Durski, and Jason Mishler whom bring together over 70 years of professional services, along with Administration Assistance Mindy Ladd, Peyton Cutler and Stone Rager, Funeral Associates Larry Burkhart, Larry Ladd, Bob Turner, Nick Walenga, Ken Strong, Gary Diekelmann, Janet Hartman and Sally Kolar.

“We haven’t changed taking care of loving families,” said Michael Wilson. “It’s a group of our family taking care of your family.”

Since becoming partners, the Wilsons have seen several transitions in how funerals are done. It used to be families would have two days of visitation before holding the funeral. Pre-COVID the trend was one afternoon and evening of visitation with the funeral the next day.

Michael Wilson said these days he and his

staff are seeing visitation and the funeral taking place on the same day. The importance to us, is that we help the families design the funeral service as they want , in celebration and honoring their loved one.

Cremation is also becoming more popular than traditional burial. “Cremation is on the rise,” Wilson said. “Not only cremation, but cremation and burial service.”

Another new idea coming to funeral homes is having a therapy dog on staff. McHatton-Sadler is currently the only funeral home in the area to have a therapy dog on staff.

Wilson explained the dog offers care and compassion for families. “It works, it helps calm that emotional moment,” Wilson said. The worst day of your life is burying a loved one.”

McHatton-Sadler’s first therapy dog was Maverick, a German Shepherd. Maverick joined the Wilson household in 2013 and soon started going to work with Michael at the funeral home.

There he would be found visiting with families, young and old, during viewings, visitations and funeral services. Numerous times Maverick would be found lying at the feet or on the pew beside those suffering through the loss of a loved one.

When he wasn’t at the funeral home, Maverick had a second job at the Kosciusko County Court House with Tracy visiting different offices and working in the Victim’s Assistance Program.

Maverick passed away on Aug. 7. However, before his passing, Maverick was assisting in training his successor, a Doberman named Ava, who is in the process of training as a therapy dog. Prior to Maverick’s passing she was already accompanying Michael to the funeral home daily.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, our families serving your families with dignity and professionalism.

Warsaw Community Schools leads the way in education

With approximately 6,800 students spread across a total of 13 buildings in Kosciusko County, Warsaw Community Schools is recognized as one of the largest school districts in the entire state. Considering the schools feed in to a single high school, the corporation’s size is further emphasized, as under normal circumstances more than 2,300 students walk through the halls of Warsaw Community High School.

Eight elementary schools, stretching as far north as Leesburg and as far south as Eisenhower Elementary on the south side of Warsaw, feed into two middle schools, Edgewood and Lakeview, before the students become full-fledged Tigers.

Additionally, the corporation boasts the Warsaw Area Career Center, offering a variety of hands-on educational pathways to success, including agriculture, food and natural resources; architecture and construction; arts, audiovisual technology and communication, business and marketing, education and training, health sciences, hospitality and human services, information technology, advanced manufacturing, public safety, STEM and transportation, distribution and logistics. Through its advanced culinary arts program, the WACC features the Blue Apron, a studentrun, full service restaurant open for lunch two days a week.

Additionally, WCS offers the Gateway Education Center, a non-traditional learning program whose mission “is to inspire and equip all students to continuously acquire and apply knowledge and skills, while pursuing their dreams and enriching the lives of others.”

The corporation also boasts of a certified STEM academy at Washington Elementary School.

“It is one of the top schools in our state integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics into the daily curriculum,” noted WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert.

STEM is also the curriculum at Edgewood Middle School, Claypool Elementary School, Madison Elementary School, and Jef-

ferson Elementary School.

Hoffert also noted the middle schools offer an immense variety of opportunities, including the chance to take high school classes in several subjects. Once students reach the high school, they have opportunities to earn college credits through advanced placement and dual credit classes.

WCS saves the community over $3.5 million in tuition on a yearly basis by offering AP and dual credits. More than 115 dual credit and AP courses are offered at the high school and career center and 11 certificates of multilingual proficiency.

Athletically, WCHS participates in the Northern Lakes Conference, fielding 10 boys teams and 11 girls teams. Additionally, students can participate in two unified sports teams, flag football and track and field and one club program, girls rugby. The athletic facilities are some of the best in northern Indiana and Tiger teams are perennially some of the top in the region.

Starting this school year, textbooks will be free to all WCS students thanks to funding from the state. “That’s a big change,” said Hoffert.

The parking lot at the high school is getting resealed and a new entryway is being constructed.

“We have had updates to the parking lot for better safety and security,” Hoffert said. “We also did general updates in all our buildings.”

These updates include new carpeting, paint and technology, such as updated science labs.

Dual-language immersion opportunities are available at Leesburg and Eisenhower elementary schools. The schools offer students in kindergarten an immersive experience in both English and Spanish languages. Students enrolled in DLI spend half of their school day with a Spanish-speaking teacher and the other half with the partner, an English-speaking teacher.

The 2023-24 theme is “Experience WCS,”

which is “one of our pillar themes,” said Hoffert. For more information, visit www.warsaw.k12. in.us or call (574) 3715098.

Osborn Manufacturing: quietly shipping safety products around the globe

Osborn Manufacturing has been promoting on-the-job safety with its products since the company’s inception in 1947. The company motto is, “Don’t go to work without us!” And many Warsaw area manufacturers do not.

“Safety is our word. We are the safety people,” said Justin Keller, who serves as office manager, secretary-treasurer and “runs the gambit” of day-to-day duties at the plant.

This small, family-owned manufacturer, now in its third generation, is the world leader in protective toe caps made of sturdy ABS plastic, aluminum and steel lockouts and tag out devices, aluminum pliers to fit and remove parts from punch presses and extend-a-look and under-look mirrors with an optional light.

“We ship all over the world,” said Keller, with 96% of orders shipped within one business day of receipt.

The plant can turn out 1,000 to 1,500 toe caps and 5,000 to 10,000 lockouts per week at full capacity.

Osborn brand aluminum and steel lockout devices provide safe, proven protection for many types of control units. All Osborn brand lockouts meet or exceed American National Standards Institute safety standards, with several featuring a red vinyl coating for additional visibility and protection of the tool’s finish. Osborn provides lockout kits in both economy and deluxe styles, providing everything a maintenance worker would need to safely lock out one or more machines for repair or maintenance.

Pro-Tek To brand shoe caps and shin guards are made of high-impact ABS plastic. They are lightweight and easy to get shoes into and out of. While these products cannot

replace steel-toed boots and shoes, Pro-Tek To shoe caps offer temporary foot protection for short-term visitors to factory floors. The shoe caps fasten over the top of street shoes with an adjustable rubber strap around the heel of the foot and a stainless steel strap under the sole of the shoe.

Osborn’s line of safety tools and aluminum pliers are designed to flatten on impact in case of a machine malfunction, saving both the worker’s hand and the machine. Some models of Osborn pliers lend themselves to ergonomic design, making repetitive work more comfortable and less stressful, causing less damage to hand and arm tissue. Extend-a-look and under-look safety tools are used by a wide range of companies. Osborn’s under-look mirror can be used by law enforcement to see what is under vehicles, while the extend-a-look is designed to look on top of tall shelves or box cars.

Osborn Manufacturing is not only a safe place to work, it is enjoyable as well.

“This is one of the best places in the world to work for,” said Nancy Scott, administrative assistant who is acknowledged as a “Jill of all trades.” She is going on 20 years with Osborn, having started in 2001. “These are good, good people to work for.”

To see the full line of Osborn’s products, visit www.osbornmfg.com.

For a free brochure or more information about the products and how it can keep you safe on the job, call (574) 267-6156, send a fax to (574) 267-6527 or email nbell@osbornmfg.com.

Osborn Manufacturing is located at 960 N. Lake St., Warsaw.

And remember, “Don’t go to work without us!”

Making business personal at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home

Sensitivity, compassion and respect are not just slogans at the Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home in Warsaw — they are the primary values on which the home prides itself. The staff is committed to giving the most caring and compassionate service to everyone who calls upon them for their assistance.

They strive to provide personalized services that lessen the burden of grief, enabling their clients to say goodbye in meaningful ways while respecting their loved ones’ dignity.

Although Redpath-Fruth is the newest funeral home in Warsaw, its staff brings more than 100 years of combined service in the profession. The up-to-date facility has received great support from the Warsaw community since Ron and Pat Redpath and John Fruth opened the doors in November 2007.

The Redpaths are very happy to welcome their daughter, Ronda (Redpath) Byers, and her husband, David Byers, who joined them in August. “I’m very pleased they’re joining the business,” said Ron Redpath.

Conveniently located with easy access from any area of the county, the facility was specially designed to provide families with a comfortable home atmosphere. The funeral home offers a tranquil and soothing environment with all the modern amenities that will allow family and friends to have a quiet place to reflect and reminisce about times that are to be cherished.

A welcoming foyer offers a generous sitting area with the warmth of a fireplace. Natural light from dormers on the second floor provide a peaceful setting for families to meet in the gathering area. Two spacious visitation rooms can be opened to create a large chapel for services. Additionally, there

is a large public lounge and community center that allow families to return following the services for a light lunch or full-course meal.

Redpath-Fruth utilizes modern technology to produce memorial tributes with the family’s favorite photos. They also are able to record the services for the family’s use or for those who are unable to attend the service. The company’s website enables family and friends to order flowers through a local florist if they wish to do so.

Kathy Gill offers pre-planning services for clients who wish to make their arrangements in advance. Doing so makes it possible to pre-pay and lock in the cost of the services they select. Pre-planning will make the process easier and ensure services will go smoothly. All of this represents a significant gift of love to the family.

Redpath-Fruth is a member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.

The funeral home staff are involved in the community as members of the Rotary Club, Optimist Club, Kiwanis, and the Winona Literacy Club. They also have served on the boards of Grace Village in Winona Lake and the Salvation Army.

Staff members include John Fruth, Anita Hernandez, Kathy Gill and most recently Ronda and David Byers.

Redpath-Fruth, located at 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, is committed to giving the most caring and compassionate service to everyone who calls upon them.

For questions or further information, visit www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com or call (574) 268-0225.

Like it not, accidents will happen. That’s why industries across the country put their trust in Osborn safety products. We’ve prevented countless accidents and injuries. That means your production stays up while costly litigation stays down. And since 1947, Osborn customers have counted on our fast delivery, well stocked inventory and custom tool design.

If you’re not an Osborn customer already, why not send for our free catalog and current price list? Once you come to know us, you won’t want to go to work without us.

... the facility was specially designed to provide families with a comfortable home atmosphere.

Stillwater Hospice merger with Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice made sense

It just made sense. That’s what one supporter said on hearing about the merger of Stillwater Hospice and Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice under the Stillwater banner in March 2023.

Both organizations began in a very similar way with a group of women coming together with the hope to serve and care for the seriously ill.

Stillwater Hospice began in Fort Wayne in 1888 and was known then as the Ladies’ Relief Union. In 1984, Stillwater Hospice, known then as Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice, was the third agency in Indiana to receive the Medicare Hospice Benefit certification. The agency evolved its brand in March 2022, to become known as Stillwater Hospice.

Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice had its start in 1976 when eight local nurses came together to support patients who needed care in their homes. Six years later, hospice services were also added as a service provided by Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice. Together, Stillwater Hospice and Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice have over 180 years of experience caring for Hoosier patients and families.

Both organizations are non-profit and community-based, providing specialized palliative, hospice and grief support services. As a combined organization, Stillwater Hospice serves 12 counties in northern Indiana including Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, Noble, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties. Stillwater Hospice continues to operate offices in Berne, Fort Wayne, Marion and Warsaw.

“We have been providing palliative care and hospice services to residents of Kosciusko County for many years through our relationships with area hospitals, and we are glad to further expand our depth of offerings by welcoming the Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice team to the Stillwater Hospice family,” said Stillwater Hospice CEO Leslie Friedel.

In coming together as one organization,

Stillwater Hospice ensures Kosciusko County will continue to have local community members serving as hospice caregivers and an intentional plan for providing services into the future.

The combined agency offers hospice services to patients who have a terminal illness with a six month or less prognosis. Hospice care focuses on treating the symptoms when a cure is no longer possible. Patients and their families are encircled by a team of doctors, nurse practitioners, RNs, CNAs, chaplains, social workers and volunteers to ensure the patient’s final journey is filled with meaningful moments.

In addition, Stillwater provides palliative care to patients with serious illnesses who are still seeking curative treatment and need symptom management, including pain, anxiety, nausea and other distressing symptoms. More than 1,000 palliative patients are seen annually at several locations, including in Fort Wayne and Marion.

Grief support is offered to any adult in the community who has suffered a loss due to death. Hospice involvement is not required to receive grief support services from Stillwater; in fact, for every one hospice-related griever, we care for three people from the community who may have suffered the loss of someone to a sudden death, overdose, homicide or suicide. Grief services are provided at no charge to the griever, thanks to the support of the community.

Nonprofit hospice organizations like Stillwater Hospice and Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice provide mission services such as community grief support, music therapy, massage therapy, palliative care, and they also have resources such as Stillwater Hospice’s Hospice Home located in Fort Wayne.

Hospice Home is northeast Indiana’s only free-standing inpatient hospice unit. Since opening in 2001, Hospice Home has served over 11,000 patients ranging in age from infancy to 104. Anyone interested in learning more

Dr. Amy works to boost collagen and confidence

Dr. Amy is in the business of helping patients feel beautiful in their own skin at Chapelle Medical Aesthetics, 308 S. Scott St., Warsaw. “I work full-time, specializing in aesthetic medicine and wellness, it is my goal to offer the highest standard of medical aesthetic treatments to help you feel confident in your skin.” Dr. Amy is an aesthetic injector and skin care consultant.

“May you approach each new morning with gratitude for another day to pursue the new beginnings that are calling you. The establishment of Chapelle Medical Aesthetics comes from my family heritage, my maiden name, because I am rooted and grounded in love. Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain the same.”

Dr. Amy provides an extensive menu of different services, including: Botox®, Sculptra®, Semaglutide, platelet-rich fibrin injections, dermal fillers, collagen builders, Kybella, IV nutrition therapy and injections, vitamin B12 injections, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, advanced clinical peptide treatments, hydrojelly facial mask treatments, chemical peels, medical grade skin care and microneedling. However, Dr. Amy can help fix nearly any insecurity presented to her.

“I strive to make you feel at home and provide you with the highest quality aesthetic and skin care services, building lasting client relationships. I want you to look and feel your best, both inside and out. My goal is never to change you, but to help reveal your most confident self. I want to enhance and highlight the distinctive features that make you unique. I will take time to answer all your questions and eliminate any apprehensions you may have.”

She has 27 years of experience, and has a background as a Doctorate of Nurse Practice and Family Nurse Practitioner. Before becoming a Doctorate of Nurse Practice, Dr. Amy’s life-long call to care began with working with a pediatrician as a registered nurse

in 1996, which led to her to obtaining her degree as a family nurse practitioner. Dr. Amy has attended and graduated from Purdue University, Indiana Wesleyan University and Ball State University.

She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, American Med Spa, Dermatology Nurses’ Association, and Coalition of Advanced Practices Nurses of Indiana. She has a thesis on “Consumer Knowledge and Satisfaction with Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxin Procedures.” Dr. Amy is a board-certified registered nurse, board-certified advanced nurse practitioner and American Association of Nurse Practitioners Board-certified.

“My innovative goal at Chapelle Aesthetics is to provide the experience of being able to make lasting changes for patients and making them feel the best they can in their body and enhance their quality of life.”

At Chapelle Medical Aesthetics, a Doc-

torate of Nurse Practice in Aesthetic Medicine and Wellness awaits to guide you on your personal journey to beauty and wellness. Dr. Amy is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique desires and goals. Dr. Amy’s wealth of knowledge and passion for her craft ensure that you receive the highest level of service, attention and results.

“Step by step we will walk through every aspect of your customized treatment plan and the result will be a more beautiful, more confident you. Your journey will begin with an individualized consultation and personalize an anti-aging treatment plan of care based on your desires.”

Dr. Amy is hosting a Brunch, Bubbly and Botox® event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 at Tippy Creek Winery, 5290

N. CR200E, Leesburg. Tickets cost $35 per person and includes brunch and mimosa bar. The ticket does not include Botox, additional fees will apply. Tickets can be purchased through Dr. Amy’s website, chapellemedicalaesthetics.com/upcoming-events/ and will be available on Tippy Creek Winery’s website, tippycreekwinery.com/event-directory/.

Book your appointment with Chapelle Medical Aesthetics and experience the difference expertise can make. Call (574) 2537856 or visit chapellemedicalaesthetics.com to start your customized treatment plan. Chapelle Medical Aesthetics is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m or exclusively by private appointment. Follow @chapelleaesthetics on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on their hosted events, updates and product promotions.

Indiana Tech adds five new certificates to growing list of programs approved for Workforce Ready Grant funding

Qualifying students can earn a career-advancing certificate at no cost from the university

Indiana Tech is an approved education provider for Indiana’s Workforce Ready Grant, which is part of the state’s Next Level Jobs program. The initiative provides state residents with free training in high-paying, in-demand industries like manufacturing, construction, health sciences, business, information technology and more.

Qualifying students can have the entire cost of an undergraduate certificate from Indiana Tech covered by the grant. Indiana Tech offers career-focused certificate and degree programs in a format designed to fit busy schedules. Students can take one six-week online class at a time and make rapid progress toward program completion.

This is the fourth year that Indiana Tech was awarded funding by the grant, and the program continues to grow. Indiana Tech was approved to add five new certificates to its Workforce Ready offering this year:

• Additive Manufacturing.

• Cybersecurity.

• Information Technology.

• Medical Coding.

• Programming.

To date, more than 200 students have earned an undergraduate certificate from Indiana Tech with no out-of-pocket costs, thanks to the Workforce Ready Grant.

“Our industry-focused undergraduate certificates are designed to help students build the skills and knowledge they need to be ready for the jobs of the future,” said Steve Herendeen, vice president for enrollment management at Indiana Tech. “We’re pleased to receive funding for this program for a fourth year. It’s exciting to see so many students advance their skills and their careers, thanks

to the Workforce Ready Grant and the Next Level Jobs program.”

Students can choose from the following Workforce Ready Grant-approved undergraduate certificate programs:

• Additive Manufacturing.

• Basic Accounting.

• Construction Management.

• Cybersecurity.

• Health Care Administration.

• Human Resources Management.

• Information Technology.

• Management.

• Marketing.

• Medical Coding.

• Organizational Leadership.

• Production Management.

• Programming.

• Supply Chain Management.

To be eligible for Workforce Ready Grant funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be an Indiana resident and a U.S. citizen (or eligible non-citizen).

Have a high school diploma (or equivalent) but less than a college degree.

Enroll in any qualifying training program at an eligible training provider.

Complete the FAFSA.

Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Enroll at least half-time (dependent students must enroll full time to receive grant funding).

For more information or to apply, students can work with their local Indiana Tech admissions team, visit online.indianatech.edu, or contact the Warrior Information Network at (888) 832-4742 or cps@indianatech.edu.

About Indiana Tech

Established in 1930 in Fort Wayne, as an engineering college, today’s Indiana Tech is a comprehensive university that educates students beyond its home base with regional campuses in Indiana and Kentucky, and on-

line programs that meet the needs of students worldwide.

This private, not-for-profit university specializes in career-oriented certificate and degree programs in business, engineering, computer science, criminal justice, cyberse-

curity, health care administration, and many others. Indiana Tech prepares students for active participation, career advancement, and leadership in the global 21st century society, and motivate them toward lives of significance and worth.

Bowen Center furthers its mission with integrated health care

Bowen Center has long promoted the connection between physical health and mental health. Now, it has formally moved into integrated health care with a new Bowen Health Clinic in Warsaw. The primary care clinic is colocated under one roof with its mental health, addiction recovery treatment, and behavioral health modification coaching and pharmacy services. Eventually, the goal is to include dental and eye care services, along with the primary care health services.

In addition to Warsaw, The Center has colocated primary care services in Fort Wayne, Plymouth, Columbia City, Huntington and Wabash, with more planned.

Since its beginning in 1961, Bowen Center has focused on mental health and substance use disorders; however, many of those patients tend to have limited access to health care and, because mental and physical health are so intrinsically tied, the decision was made to offer primary care to improve the quality of life and lifespan for those with mental illness and make quality health care more accessible within underserved communities.

Dr. Rob Ryan, president and CEO, believes it is Bowen’s mission and responsibility to serve the community. The move into primary health care is just another investment in this mission.

Bowen Center offers a wide range of emotional health care services with a team of more than 1,500 employees throughout Indiana. When COVID-19 sent people home, the state approved mental health care providers to offer telehealth services.

Some patients can access services via the phone, video conference or in person. This change has given patients more and easier access to care and has greatly reduced the number of cancellations and no-shows.

Bowen Center works closely with the Department of Child Services. Ryan believes those children are a high priority.

“Early intervention can change the course for an entire life,” Ryan commented.

A new DCS program available as part of a statewide initiative is family preservation,

which works with families to proactively address issues in the home so a child does not have to be removed. Bowen Center is the only mental health care provider in the state to have dedicated family preservation technicians specifically overseeing those families to help ensure their success.

The center offers a wide range of psychological testing, including for autism spectrum disorder for adults and children. The sooner a child is diagnosed with autism and services begin, the better their outcomes throughout life. Adults who are diagnosed, as a result, may have access to services and accommodations at work to help them live their best lives.

Bowen Center offers both student assistance programs and employee assistance programs. These programs provide confidential pre-paid sessions with a therapist in person, by phone or video conference to help employees or students work through rough patches they may be experiencing. For businesses, it allows them to retain highly-skilled employees struggling with mental health issues while the employees receive help. For students, it’s a lifeline to get the help they need when they don’t know where to turn. Once an individual gets involved in treatment, the anxiety of reaching out disappears, and they are able to work on their goals. During the pandemic, the number of individuals taking advantage of the EAP or SAP grew significantly.

While many of Bowen’s Center’s services are outpatient, they also operate an inpatient unit in Pierceton. This 20-bed psychiatric hospital admits patients in crisis and, during the course of three to five days, focuses on acute symptom reduction and stabilization, so they can return home with skills and supports in place to prevent re-admission.

During the pandemic, Kosciusko County Health Department needed to increase COVID-19 testing in the county. Bowen Center stepped up and opened a testing site on its behalf with assistance from other community partners in October 2020. At its height, 1,700 tests were administered per week.

While Bowen Center’s mission has not changed, the expansion into primary care has seen a steady increase in patients. Rapid growth is planned in the next year with co-located health clinics in all its outpatient offices, along with new locations.

Offering mental health care, primary health care, addiction recovery services, crisis hospitalization, transitional living, and behavior modification coaching services together under one roof helps every patient live their best life longer.

Medical spa continues to thrive

When about 60% of businesses didn’t reopen following the coronavirus pandemic, Monarch Medical Esthetics beat the odds and continues to thrive.

“After the shutdown I found myself unemployed and so was the rest of my team. Businesses weren’t hiring so I thought, “What the heck, let’s open a new medispa, what do we have to lose,” said Linda Wayne, owner of Monarch. “I’m grateful we mustered the courage and stepped out. It was scary and we took a huge risk to open in very uncertain times but we are growing each month.”

“Our motto is ‘Beautiful Change’ because just as a caterpillar has to go through hardship before it becomes a butterfly, many people are struggling outwardly, and inwardly, and we strive to bring about beautiful change in one’s appearance and in their outlook at life. People need positivity and encouragement now more than ever; they need pampered and some self-love and Monarch is here to do that.”

Monarch is a medical spa that combines medicine and aesthetics to provide cosmetic treatments in a relaxed ambience. Anti-wrinkle injections, Botox, Instalift face contouring, lip shaping and volumization, hair growth therapy, laser treatments, micro-blading and permanent cosmetics, hair removal, acne treatment, IV nutrition, sexual wellness and skin health are just some of the services offered. Walk in to Monarch and you feel the positive vibes as patients wait in the relaxation room before treatments. Soft music, aromatherapy, classy cream, gold and black decor with great artwork and a butterfly hear and there provide for a delightful experience.

Wayne explained staying healthy doesn’t refer simply to a lack of illness and disease but to a more holistic state of being

and medical spas cater to this with a main focus on “prejuvenation’-preventing the signs of aging and undoing damage caused by sun, lifestyle and the environment.

The idea medispas are only for older women is an unfortunate stereotype the stats debunk. Most medical spa clients are middle-aged, 52% between 35 and 54 years old. Another nearly 30% are 55 years old or older. A respectable 17% of clients fall into the 18-to 34-year-old class (with some even younger primarily seeking acne treatments), the Millennials and now men are visiting medispas and, when they do, they outspend women by 13%.

“Patients of all ages and gender mention how life causes them so much stress and left them feeling depressed. In turn, it also made them realize it’s OK to focus on oneself and do whatever it takes to feel happy and look great. So, they come to us because they trust our standard of care, our doctors and our practitioners.”

Monarch employees a Medical Director, Dr. Lori Zimmerman; Nurse Practioners Courtney Lawson and Katie Romine; and Jade Elswick, a licensed esthetician.

Free consultations are always offered so patients can express concerns and discover what treatment options are right for them. Payment plans are available so patients can receive care now and pay later as they can afford.

Visit mybeautifulchange.com and / or monarch.repeatmd.com to learn more and to request an appointment or simply call or text (574) 221-MEDI. Monarch is located in Warsaw, Indiana on 738 E. 200N just off old US 30 and also a new location in Rochester.

“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful— this will be my life.” — Elsie deWolfe.

Winona Lake one of best places to visit, according to TripAdvisor

Winona Lake has been named one of TripAdvisor’s 2023 Best Places to Visit, but it has not always been the town that we all know today.

The Beyer brothers, a couple of dairy farmers, made the Winona Lake area their home in the late 19th century. The longer the Beyer brothers lived in the area, the more potential they saw for Winona Lake. In 1887, the brothers constructed Spring Fountain Park, which was a resort comprised of a hotel, a racetrack and a roller coaster.

The brothers sold the resort, nearly a decade later, to Dr. Solomon Dickey, a Presbyterian church leader. Dickey thought the resort would flourish as a religious retreat. Dickey made significant improvements to the area, including the building of homes, cottages and the canal.

For years after, Winona Lake saw substantial growth to the area. Conferences, church retreats and family summer vacations packed the resort seasonally.

Winona Lake was officially named in 1905. The following decade was dubbed Winona Lake’s golden age because summer tourism was hitting higher numbers than it ever had. During this time, Billy Sunday, an evangelist, made Winona Lake his home. His presence cemented Winona Lake as a religious community, where summer days were spent at church conferences, conven-

tions and schooling.

The restoration project began in 1994, with the intent of rebuilding the Winona Lake community to its glory days. The project was responsible for the construction of new commercial and residential areas and the restoration of 30 existing properties.

Within the last 20 years, Winona Lake has transformed into one of Indiana’s top choices for recreation and shopping. Winona Lake is what it is today, one of the best places to visit, because of those who saw the potential long ago.

The Miller Sunset Pavilion, Winona Lake’s most recent construction project, is designed to pull inspiration from the original Billy Sunday Tabernacle, and even is built on the same land the tabernacle was kept. The shape, style, colors and building materials were all carefully selected to pay homage to the original structure.

During the summer, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 30, the Miller Sunset Pavilion hosts a farmer’s market. Seven local vendors come to sell their fresh flowers, produce, and baked goods. In the winter, the pavilion is transformed into a ice skating rink.

Today, Winona Lake continues to flourish with the support of small, local businesses. To see all the stores and restaurants Winona Lake has to offer, visit villageatwinona.com.

“... we strive to bring about beautiful change in one’s appearance and in their outlook at life.”

Collier’s has deep roots in its communities

Located in a custom-designed showroom and warehouse in Warsaw, Collier’s family of brands consists of Collier’s Heating & Air Conditioning (since 1987), Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe (since 1996), and Collier’s Solar (since 2012).

Collier’s serves a wide rural area and employs team members from every county they serve. Long time employees Kevin Lehman and Chuck Ault bought Collier’s in 2020 and they’re proud to emphasize the company’s deep roots in its communities.

“I’ve been with the company since I graduated from the University of Northwestern Ohio,” said co-owner Kevin Lehman. “I was the green kid on the team when I started, and I had worked my way up through the installation department when Chuck and I were offered the opportunity to buy into the company from Collier’s founders.

“The company is based in Warsaw, but we’ve got employees that live in Warsaw, but also Rochester, Tippecanoe, Wabash, Mentone, Silver Lake and South Whitley. We’re happy that our money stays local, it’s a way for us to keep Collier’s and our employees invested in these small towns. There are so many companies in the area who are franchises or have been bought by private equity firms located in other parts of the country, but you can find us at the grocery store, or the track meet, or see our company trucks driving around on the weekends.”

“While it would be easy to think of us as just another HVAC company, we view ourselves primarily as a customer service company,” said Chuck Ault, co-owner. “People come to us with problems, whether it’s a furnace repair, indoor air quality or home comfort issues that they can’t seem to get right, and we’re here to help find solutions.

“We’ve got an experienced team of technicians, customer service reps and design and installation specialists, and we’re always working to help our customers find the best solution for their home’s unique needs. Between

our HVAC operations, the Fireplace Shoppe and Collier’s Solar, we’re here to help you make your house a place to call home.”

Collier’s has a team dedicated to the culture of the company, which ranges from improving customer service processes to the company’s participation in the community.

Past projects have included Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build program, Operation Finally Home, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Combined Community Services and Special Olympics of Kosciusko County.

They partner with Lennox and the national Feel The Love equipment replacement program for households in need. Starting in June, Collier’s starts seeking out households in their service area that may be in need of a new furnace or air conditioner. The nominees are reviewed by Lennox and Collier’s until a recipient is determined, and the new equipment is installed in October. This year will mark the

fifth year Collier’s has participated.

Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe showroom has over 17 burning display models of indoor fireplaces and stoves, pellet stoves, plus a full array of outdoor lifestyle and recreation units from the latest in fire tables, barbecue grills, stoves, accessories and supplies. The Fireplace Shoppe experts can even help you design your dream outdoor kitchen. They are Kosciusko county’s authorized home for the Big Green Egg, with the full line of ceramic grills and accessories.

“While people may know us for our service department or as a Lennox dealer, we excel in installation too. We hold the highest dealer rating for every line we carry,” said Lehman. That includes Lennox Premiere status, Water Furnace GeoPro dealer status, and Diamond Elite Dealer designation from Mitsubishi. “Our comfort specialists are ready with all the options to maximize a customer’s budget, whether it’s

a seasonal rebate from a manufacturer, utility rebates or the 30% federal tax credit for geothermal, solar or biomass heating, and all our financing options. We’re here to work with our customer for the solution that makes the most sense for their home and budget.”

Collier’s is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, Goshen Chamber of Commerce, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce and the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and has received the Lennox Industries Centurion Award for Dealership Excellence, one of the most coveted awards in the HVAC industry.

Business hours for Collier’s HVAC, Fireplace Shoppe, and Collier’s Solar is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Collier’s is located at 2315 Shelby Drive, Warsaw, behind Smith Tire.

For more information, call (574) 269-3393 or visit www.trustcolliers.com. Part of The

Old Jail Museum offers two museums in one

Old Kosciusko County Jail Museum

Co-Director, Greg Steffe has heard a visitor exclaim, “Wow! I’ve lived here my entire life, and I had no idea all this was here.” On one hand, he is gratified to hear from another spellbound visitor; on the other hand, it is yet more evidence the museum has not gained the attention it deserves.

Steffe serves with Sheila Strickland, who became recently became co-director.

Located at 121 N. Indiana St., Warsaw, the jail housed inmates from 1870, the year it was erected, to 1982, when the Kosciusko County Historical Society, a nonprofit founded in 1966, took up residence. The jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since then the building has served a repository of Kosciusko County’s colorful, past, through not only its permanent and rotating collections and historical artifacts, but also the genealogical library, where researchers can access a wealth of information: school records, phone books, obituaries, photographs, cemetery records and much more in their efforts to learn more about family history, going back to the original pioneer families for instance or a veteran from the Civil War.

“You name it we have it,” commented Carolyn Schumaker, one of the volunteers who also serve as guiding hands in visitors searches. Steffe reckons more than 50% of museum visitors are there to visit the library.

Currently, volunteers are involved in a project to match up newspaper obituaries and cemetery records on the Beacon website.

“It’s family research,” clarified Sheryl Hanna, a volunteer and board member. Steffe reckons over 50% of museum visitors are there to access the library’s massive trove of information.

“They do a tremendous amount of research and serve a crucial function in the community,” Steffe said, citing recent examples, such as assisting with a local law firm’s 100th anniversary and an Ohio museum director’s search for a former church camp in

the area. “We get requests like that all the time.”

In 2021, Steffe is also looking forward to making up for time lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly a host of events related to infamous bank robber John Dillinger, who contrary to popular belief, was never one of the 116 inmates, who might have been housed in the jail at any one time though they did rob the Warsaw police station.

In fact, the actual bullet-proof vest Dillinger stole from Warsaw police is currently on exhibit in the museum, along with the Colt 32 pistol used in the robbing of Merchants Bank of South Bend and other artifacts.

“Few places in the U.S. have that many verifiable Dillinger artifacts on display,” Steffe noted.

The star of the show, Steffe pointed out, “is the building itself. There’s so much history here.”

And in recent years, the building’s “dark side,” has drawn the attention of paranormal researchers, including Steffe himself, who has been a ghost hunter for around 15 years. The jail is available for paranormal investigation by appointment.

This year, the museum’s featured exhibit is a celebration of Native American History of Kosciusko County. The museum is coordinating an event for Warsaw’s Third Fridays, Sept. 15 to promote the exhibit.

The museum is working with the Salvation Army the third week of November. Steffe owns the “smallest county fair” that will be on display during the museum’s open house. Admission to the museum will be either a monetary donation or a non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army.

‘Unparalleled’ constructor of personalized homes

Constructing personalized homes that mirror the style and desire of homeowners is what Wendell Miller, owner of Renewal Homes, has strived for since launching his company in 2003.

“You walk into your house after a long work day and you want to walk into a space that allows you to relax. A space that creates peace, that makes your shoulders feel lighter and your mind slow down,” Miller explained. “This is the environment we strive to emulate in our work. Our goal is to create, design and build a home, not a house, for our clients.”

Since he was a teenager, Miller has been interested in construction. His dad was a builder so he was exposed to the industry as a boy. He began learning the trade while in high school, continued after graduation with masonry and framing, then went on to work for a building supplier before starting his own company.

Over the years, Miller has hired and trained a professional team with well over 100 years of combined experience in the industry.

“Between my team’s experiences, we are able to comply to clients’ insights and ideas from the beginning. Sometimes clients are not aware of their own style and our team is able to explain design ideas and options so they can see and know what the project will look like before we even break ground. Our goal is to help them envision what personalizations we can incorporate to make their home feel warm and inviting,” Miller explained.

When it comes to customizing a home, Renewal Homes is willing to think well outside the box. Some of the more fun and interesting projects Renewal Homes has taken

on include installing slides, hammocks, lofts, specialized play areas for children, “man caves” and “she sheds.”

Renewal Homes tries to think ahead to where trends are going when it comes to home building projects and design concepts. With every project, Miller provides a personalized quality home. To do that, he follows a strict ethical code when it comes to selecting building materials, construction building practices and open communication with clients.

“Building someone’s forever home is extremely personal and special because you enter a relationship with the client over the course of the project. Our goal is for the relationship and project to have gone so well that the client would like to have dinner together upon the completion of the project,” Miller said.

The majority of new homes and projects Renewal Homes undertake are within Kosciusko, Fulton, Marshall, Elkhart, and Whitley counties. Renewal Homes also constructs larger home renovations and room additions as well as light commercial construction.

Miller has been extremely involved in his community. He serves on the Board of Directors, including once serving as President, of the Builders Association of North Central Indiana as well as serving on boards of a number of other local non-profits. Miller is a Certified Graduate Builder; Certified Graduate Remodeler; and Certified Green Professional.

If you would like more information on Renewal Homes, visit the company’s website, renewalhomesllc.com or “like” their Facebook page.

“You walk into your house after a long work day and you want to walk into a space that allows you to relax.”

Dr. Brock Spangle joins Dental Solutions in Warsaw

Dental Solutions has welcomed Dr. Brock Spangle to its Warsaw office, joining Dr. Bill Stofer and his talented team.

Spangle is a North Webster native, graduating from Wawasee High School as the valedictorian in 2015. He went on to pursue a bachelor’s of science in biology-chemistry at Manchester University in North Manchester.

He continued to pursue education, attaining his doctor of dental surgery degree from Indiana University in Bloomington. While there, he served as a teacher’s assistant for an anatomy course and participated in numerous seminars, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience.

Spangle was actively engaged in the dental field by working in managerial roles at dental clinics. He also gained experience by participating in the oral pathology study club, Christian Dental Association and the American Student Dental Association. All of this invaluable dedication lead him to win the Delta Dental Foundation Community Commitment Award.

“I always knew that I wanted to be in the medical field from the time I was young, but didn’t decide on the path of dentistry until the start of my last year at Manchester University. I chose dentistry instead because it would offer me the ability to see the same patients multiple times a year and build a friendship beyond the doctor/patient relationship. I am thankful to be starting my career in such a team oriented office back in the area that I was raised in,” Spangle explained.

Spangle married his high school sweetheart, Natalie. They are the proud of parents of their sweet 2-year-old son, Theodore and recently announced they are expecting their second child in February 2024.

Dr. Stofer, a Warsaw native, said a primary goal of Dental Solutions is to provide the best dentistry available for both adults and children in a genuine, caring atmosphere.

“We focus on making sure patients are comfortable and offer the most advanced dental services possible,” Stofer stated. “We bring high-tech dentistry to Warsaw. You simply don’t have to travel to receive world-class dentistry.”

With more than 170 years of combined dental experience, the team at Dental Solutions offers cutting edge dentistry in a relaxing environment. The latest dental innovation and techniques include dental implant placement, Invisalign clear braces and oral cancer screenings using VELscope technology.

Dental Solutions also offers nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, and sleep dentistry, using both IV and oral sedation to help alleviate anxiety and stress during dental appointments.

“Many people avoid the dentist because they’re fearful or have had a poor dental experience at one point in time,” said Stofer. “Sedation dentistry allows us to serve these patients and make them comfortable during dental visits so they can have a satisfying and healthy smile.”

If you suffer from dental phobia, you may be a great candidate for sedation dentistry. Millions of Americans experience feelings of apprehensive or nervousness about dental procedures. Sedatives are also a great option for making lengthy treatments seem to fly by. At Dental Solutions, we discuss how sedation dentistry can reduce your dental anxiety.”

Dental Solutions greatly values continuing education. Stofer, Spangle and the rest of the team at Dental Solutions attend educational courses around the country every year to gain new technology, provide better service and the newest advancements in dentistry to

their patients.

Dental Solutions takes part in Give Kids

A Smile Day, a national program sponsored by the American Dental Association and administered in Indiana by the Indiana Dental Association. The program brings in thousands of state dentists to provide free oral health care to children of low-income families across Kosciusko County and the country.

Stofer and Spangle are is also actively involved in volunteering dental assistance for residents of Kosciusko County. Dental Solutions works closely with several local organizations, identifying people in need of immediate dental care who are lacking funds for emergency dental procedures.

At Dental Solutions, the team of dental health professionals believe people should enjoy dentistry in complete comfort and leave feeling confident when they smile. Stofer encourages patients to schedule biannual exams and professional cleanings to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

During your initial visit, Stofer or Spangle will complete an extensive visual examination of the mouth, including an oral cancer screening, taking only necessary X-rays, and develop a customized treatment plan for patients to achieve excellent dental health.

For more information about Dental Solutions, visit the website at dentalsolutions.net. The site provides patients with descriptions of

services, information about Stofer, Spangle and each team member, forms that can be completed prior to a patient’s first visit, and answers to many frequently asked questions.

Check out Dental Solutions on Facebook and Instagram. For more information or questions call (574) 269-1199 or visit the office, located at 3505 N. SR 15, Warsaw.

Outstanding employees create exceptional customer service at Rabb Water Systems

Rabb Water Systems is a family-owned, faith-based company serving the Warsaw area for more than 60 years. In its third generation, Rabb has extended across north central Indiana to six locations where they service 26 counties.

Rabb continues to succeed by continually learning the changing water needs of the area, maintaining expert knowledge, providing superior products, hiring the best staff and giving top-notch customer service.

“The easiest way to explain what we do is that when water enters a home or business, we clean it,” explained General Manager Rusty Ritter. “We correct problems such as foul odors, rust staining, hard water spots, scale buildup, chlorine and even contaminants from agricultural run-off by offering solutions from simple water softening to purification to filtration. We also offer residential or commercial water cool-

ers, bottled water and delivery services.”

Rabb’s core values maintain an inner moral code for all the staff to follow. Professionalism, a servant’s heart, honesty, integrity and effective communication are the values and structures that push them to be the company they are today. The words they live by are: “How do we earn the right to be recommended?”

“We try to treat our employees well and take care of them both professionally and personally,” commented Ritter, attributing Rabb’s success to its employees. “We have a familyfirst mentality with our employees, which resonates with our customers. Our customers get top-notch customer service because they’re served by employees who want to work here. Our approach is to go out of our way to provide exceptional service. Although we advertise heavily, we earn most new customers by recommendations from our current happy customers,

which lets me know we are maintaining that exceptional service.

“I’m amazed at how many compliments we receive about our employees going above and beyond expectation. We are in customers’ homes and take pride in treating that home as if it were our own, going that extra mile to show respect to not only our customer but to their personal property. It’s amazing that we receive unsolicited reviews and praise in today’s busy world.”

Along with excellent customer service, Rabb’s expertise in the water treatment industry is extensive. The company has many employee certifications through the Water Quality Association, including four employees holding the highest level of certification, master water specialist. Rabb likes to consider itself the local water professionals.

As one of Indiana’s largest independent

water treatment dealers, Rabb has purchase power which allows it to keep prices down. They offer a price match guarantee on everything they carry. This keeps them competitive in all areas of their business. The products they carry are premium products, but with their buying power they are able to stay competitive with even the “big box” stores.

As an independent dealer, Rabb has the ability to offer many different makes and models of products. From the standard electric softener, commercial systems and the non-electric Kinetico product, Rabb firmly stands behind every product they sell. Each appointment, installation and service check is a one-of-a-kind experience.

This growing company strives to maintain the small town feel of doing business with a friend without giving up on the high standards of a professional company. Authorized Dealer

Reinholt’s Town Square Furniture —

Your friends in the furniture business

Shopping for furniture and mattresses shouldn’t be confusing or overwhelming. Yet, that’s exactly how most people feel when starting their search.

There’s a lot of pressure to ask all the right questions and know exactly what you’re looking for.

How many mattresses are you supposed to lay on before making a decision? Are you supposed to make your selection based on brand, comfort, support, warranty, price, or something else?

What about sofa shopping? How do you know which style, construction, cover, cushions, or other features are going to be right for your home?

You shouldn’t be expected to figure it out alone.

Shopping at Reinholt’s is different. They make it easy to get what you want so you save time, money, and effort.

They’ll walk alongside you during the process — prompting you with questions — while offering insights and helpful suggestions.

Located in downtown Warsaw, on the north side of the courthouse, Reinholt’s has

been helping people for the past four generations. In the process, it has earned the title, “Your friends in the furniture business.”

The idea of working with a friend definitely pays off when navigating all the different manufacturers out there.

Everyone has made a purchase in life that was disappointing or that just didn’t hold up. When it comes to furniture and mattresses, how are you supposed to look at something and know how well it’s built?

That’s why people trust the team at Reinholt’s. They only work with companies with a good history, reputation, and product line.

This includes the No. 1 mattress company Tempur-Sealy, which consists of TempurPedic, Stearns and Foster, and Sealy.

Reinholt’s is the only mattress dealer in the area offering all three brands. The business is also the area’s only dealer of La-Z-Boy and Smith Brothers of Berne.

Reinholt’s does the research to be sure you get what you expect — not only excellent quality, but also great value.

Just like customers coming into their store looking for the right sale price, Reinholt’s is always on the lookout for special

manufacturer promotions. It’s one of the ways it makes sure you always get the best price possible.

If you’ve never been into Reinholt’s, you might be worried about getting a typical shopping experience. You prepare to either be pounced on by someone ready to make a sale or you get ignored by people waiting for you to tell them what you want to buy. It shouldn’t be that way.

Good business at Reinholt’s goes beyond great selection and prices. It also includes standout customer service.

From the moment you enter the front door, you’ll feel welcomed. They’ll ask questions to identify what you need and will lead you to options to solve your problem. No pressure. Just experienced guidance. At Reinholt’s, that guidance extends beyond the purchase.

Have you ever wondered what happens if something goes wrong? Hassles and headaches? Money down the drain? Do you have to go shopping all over again?

Not at Reinholt’s. Serving you not only involves what happens during a sale, but also what happens afterward.

They believe customers deserve to be proud of their purchases. From the moment it leaves the store, Reinholt’s will make sure it meets their expectations and yours, whatever it takes.

You deserve to feel good at home. Don’t put off shopping because you think it has to be hard. In fact, shopping at Reinholt’s is as easy as 1-2-3:

Visit ReinholtsFurniture.com or stop into the showroom. Schedule free delivery, setup and removal of an old item.

The Reinholt family has been in business for 87 years — first in Knox, and for the past 41 years in downtown Warsaw.

It takes something special to make it to the fourth generation. Find out for yourself what sets Reinholt’s apart.

The team consists of Brent Reinholt, Keith Reinholt, Steven Reinholt, Hannah Reinholt, Mike Rees, Andy McCleary, Chad Long, Garrett Reinholt, Seth Wogoman, and Nick Johnson.

Shopping for furniture and mattresses shouldn’t be confusing or overwhelming. Reinholt’s makes it easy to get what you want so you save time, money and effort.

AWL asks Kosciusko County to take a great leap of faith

On Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, The Animal Welfare League took a leap of faith and broke ground on the property located at 1048 S. CR 325E, Pierceton. The ground was broken with the theory that “build it and it will come,” “it” referring to the funds needed to finish the new facility that they have waited years to bring to fruition.

In early 2014, AWL began its fundraising campaign for the new building. The facility at the time, located at 3489 E. CR 100S, Pierceton, was too small for the number of animals it sheltered. With the help of the community through the Capital Campaign funds, gracious donor gifts, numerous fundraisers, and the Executive Board of Directors, this dream came true. The AWL received a $50,000 donation from the city of Warsaw and $200,000 from the Kosciusko County Treasurer. Fundraising was no short journey.

In October 2019, the AWL moved into the beautiful $2.8 million facility with a mortgage of $800,000.00. October 2023 will be their 4-year anniversary and they currently have a mortgage balance of $447,697.80. They have come a long way, and could not have made it without the help of community, faithful donor gifts and fundraisers.

Two years into this journey, the shelter learned that having the dogs and cats in the same facility was not healthy for the cats and kittens. The cats and kittens needed a quiet, bright, cheery place of their own. The property had an existing metal building and thanks to AWL Board Member, Dr. Carla Carlton, DVM, for having the vision to create this little piece of heaven for the feline guests, using the existing metal building. The additional funds that made her vision come true came from generous donations to the Cat House, ARPA funds, and fundraising. No funds were taken from AWL.

The Cat House project took about two years due to COVID-19 and the effects that it had on our economy and suppliers. On Thursday, June 1, 2023, The Cat House held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Animal Welfare

League’s Cat House is currently housing 169 happy felines as of August 2023. AWL has had some growing pains, but the community and generous Friends of the Shelter always come through for the nonprofit shelter. AWL cannot begin to thank them enough.

The AWL is asking Kosciusko County to take their own leap of faith. The AWL needs to get the mortgage paid off to be able to continue to care for the lost, broken, and abandoned pets that come in daily. They currently have 441 animals in their care.

June was Tonya Blanchard’s two-year anniversary as AWL’s Executive Director and she feels so blessed to work alongside such a passionate staff, Board of Directors, businesses, families and volunteers that have been coming in on a weekly basis to walk and socialize with the pets.

“I would like to thank everyone for their contribution. I know I should be happy with where we are, but I always want more for the pets in our care,” she explained.

Some enriching ideas the AWL is considering include hiring a full or part-time licensed veterinarian for medical needs, constructing a full veterinarian lab so spays and neuters can happen on-site, and the creation of outdoor “cattios.” The “cattios” would be a screened in, outdoor space for the cats and kittens to roam.

“To quote our Board President, John Lantz, ‘sheltering is a community issue.’”

The AWL would like to give a special thank you to the Friends of the Shelter Birthday Bash donors and sponsors. At the Great Dane Dog level: The Haldewang Family and Creighton Brothers, LLC. At the Main Coon Cat Level: First Source Bank and the Esther Pfleiderer Trust, Alderfer Bergen & Co., Lake City Animal Health and Wellness Center, Paragon Medical and two anonymous donors.

To learn more about the Animal Welfare League, visit their website, awlwarsaw.com. On their website, donations can be made under the “Support” tab. For questions or to set up an appointment to visit a pet, call (574) 267-3008.

Rex’s Rendezvous: a fun combo of live music and great food

Founded in 1933, Rex’s Rendezvous is the oldest downtown business still in its original location. Located at 204 S. Buffalo St., Rex’s is named for its founder, Rex Watters. It is now run by his son, Robin Watters, and granddaughter, Crystal Watters.

Family owned and operated for more than 46 years, Rex’s is a comfortable, classic tavern-style bar with good food and cold beer.

“I take a lot of pride in what comes out of my kitchen,” Robin Watters said, as he stood comfortably at the end of the bar by the pool table.

“We continue to serve pizza and baked subs until 3 a.m.,” said Crystal.

With selections like the heart attack burger, bacon double cheeseburger pizza and “Uptown Sub” many with locally-purchased ingredients, there is a little something for everyone.

Rex’s serves breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and daily specials from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. One can find anything from a huge farmer’s breakfast to broasted chicken and meatloaf, depending on the day of the week.

Crystal highlighted Rex’s has one of “the best beer offerings” in the local area.

“I’ve been really focused on creating a varied and local beer offering to try and bring our customers the best the Midwest has to offer,” she said.

With breweries from Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan, there is no shortage of options. With a one-of-a-kind draft unit, handmade in Slovenia, Rex’s offers 13 draft beer options and one draft root beer.

“That root beer has become a staple here,” noted Watters, who is credited with creating the “Jager Barrel,” a shot composed of Jagermeister and his 1919 draft root beer.

Along with beer, Rex’s is a big part of the community.

“We’ve always been community centered,” asserted Watters.

Participating in First Friday events and supporting the local ABATE chapter have always been priorities to him. At the end of April, Rex’s will host a free feed for the annual blessing of the bikes, something Rex’s has done for the past 32 years.

“We also do a charity bike ride for CASA,” explained Crystal.

Rex’s also prides itself on hosting local musicians on a regular basis. With an open jam Thursday nights, live bands Friday and Saturday, and karaoke Sunday, Thursday and Wednesday, it’s hard to miss a good time at Rex’s.

“We have a complete PA system and sound board that sets any musician up for success,” she noted.

Watters added he “has helped out a lot of younger bands just starting out, many of which still play here.”

It’s clear to see they both believe there is a lot of talent in the community. As a successful bar owner, Watters offered some advice to his daughter.

“You’ve got to live the life, be a part of the bar, always present with a friendly face.”

He usually gets to work at 6:45 a.m. and many nights will stay until 8 or 9 p.m.

“It’s not just a business; it’s a lifestyle,” he chuckled.

People can most often catch Robin or Crystal on any given day for lunch, dinner or a friendly conversation. For more information on live music, food and drink specials or other events, visit www.facebook. com/partyatrexs, or Instagram@partyatrexs, or call (574) 267-5066.

Local family-owned store continues to serve community over 50 years

Hoffman Outdoor Power Equipment, 127 W. State St.,has been a pillar of downtown Etna Green since opening their doors in 1970, over 50 years ago. The family business, now passed down to its second generation of ownership, has been the in the capable and knowledgeable hands of brothers Greg and Jeff Hoffman since 2002.

“When we bought Hoffman Implement Sales from our parents, we changed the name to Hoffman Outdoor Power Equipment to more accurately reflect the business,” said Jeff. “Our parents got out of the farm machinery business in 1982, though we’ve been in the same location for 53 years.”

The brother duo share the responsibilities of running the store. Greg, the eldest brother, completes the majority of the repair and maintenance work, while Jeff focuses on tracking sales and providing customer service. Their mother works part time to help the brothers keep up with the accounting.

“She’s a fixture here. She’ll work full time in the spring and do some customer service when I’m working 60 to 65 hours a week and only have time to do sales. Other times of the year, she’ll cut back to part time.”

The busy, yet organized showroom of Hoffman Outdoor Power Equipment displays assorted models of power equipment, accessories and supplies. The company focuses on selling and servicing riding equipment from three brands: Toro, Simplicity, Walker and handheld products from Echo.

Their inventory includes riding and push lawn mowers, zero turn mowers, hedge trimmers, edgers, string trimmers, garden cultivators, chain saws, leaf blow-

ers, pressure washers and snow blowers. Attachments range from tillers to snowblowers and snow blades, to front-end loaders. Other supplies, such as numerous accessories and fluids, are also in stock. The store also carries a large selection of parts for the brands they carry.

The iconic reputation of Hoffman Outdoor Power Equipment has been recognized for a long time.

“We have a lot of repeat customers, and we’re into the second and third generations of some families,” said Jeff. “The reason so many return is because the business is committed to taking the time to fit the equipment with the customers’ needs.”

Jeff consults with each customer to determine the acreage of the lawn, what they want to do with the machine and whether they want an attachment or any accessories. “Then we will explain the features and benefits and recommend the appropriate horsepower and deck size and features. I spend a lot of time making sure that I have proper product knowledge,” Jeff said.

The comprehensive customer care does not stop there.

“When we pull the machinery out of the box, we completely service it and get it ready to go. We make sure it’s fully greased, the tires are properly aired, the mower deck is level, the fluids are topped off. We perform a general check of the belts, bolts, etc., to make sure it was properly built and assembled.”

Jeff said, “We always provide free delivery service on any riding mower sale.”

The quality of service remains the same. When the equipment is delivered, proper operation and service of the new machine is explained.

“If the customer wants to service it themselves, we get them ready to do that. Hopefully, they can remember what we told them when they are going to grease the machine, for example,” Jeff said.

“Wear eye and ear protection,” Jeff advised owners of new equipment. “Check your oil before every use, have a good clean oil filter, and make sure the safety

features are operational. They’re there for a reason.”

Hoffman Outdoor Power Equipment is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. There are always rebates and great financing options available.

For more information, visit www.hoffmanslawn.com or call 574-858-9322.

First Federal Savings Bank ... First in hometown banking

First Federal Savings Bank has been serving the northern Indiana community for more than 100 years. Established in 1912 in Huntington by 10 of the city’s most prominent businessmen to organize the Home Building and Loan Association, First Federal has grown to three offices in Huntington, two offices in Warsaw and two offices in Fort Wayne, with a third currently under construction and slated to open in spring 2024.

Michael Zahn, First Federal Savings Bank CEO, is the grandson of one of the institution’s founders.

They are a full-service bank, offering a full range of deposit and loan services. Deposit options include free checking, savings, IRAs, HSAs and CDs. They also provide a wide range of lending services including auto & consumer lending, mortgage and commercial lending.

First Federal offers free checking accounts for individuals, which is almost unheard of in today’s world of banking. “There is no minimum balance or number of transactions required,” said Warsaw Branch Manager Peggy Genshaw “If you open a checking account or refer your friends and family to First Federal and they open a checking account, we offer new giveaways every six to eight weeks. It’s part of our ‘Tell a Friend’ referral program. It’s a fun perk and helps build that hometown feeling.”

First Federal works hard to keep up with technology and offers online banking, online bill pay, mobile banking and remote deposit. Download mobile banking on your iPhone or Android and use Zelle to “pay other people” and send or receive money anytime, anywhere. Electronic statements are generated monthly, but customers can still opt to receive paper statements for free. First Federal is part of the MoneyPass system of ATMs, so if you are traveling you can still use another participating bank’s ATM for free.

First Federal Wealth Advisors provides retirement and financial planning solutions. They work with clients to offer customized strategies and portfolios that provide a wide range of investment options including IRS, 529 plans, mutual funds, annuity options and

life insurance.

Juli Eckel is one of the commercial lenders. She has been a part of the community for 22 years and comes to First Federal Savings Bank with more than 21 years of banking experience in retail banking, business development, treasury management and commercial lending. She works with area businesses to customize financial solutions to meet the needs of small, medium and large businesses from free checking, online banking with bill pay, to an analysis account with a suite of treasury management solutions like ACH origination, positive pay and remote deposit. Eckel is active in our community and serves on several local boards, including serving as chairperson of MainStreet Warsaw; United Way board member; KWHC board member; Grace Financial board member and Warsaw Kiwanis.

Matthew E. Bochard is also a commercial lender for First Federal Savings. He has been in banking for almost eight years and in

commercial lending for three years, all of it in Kosciusko County. He joined First Federal Savings eight months ago. He currently serves on the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary board as secretary, as a board member for Rudy’s Dog Park, the Fort Wayne Trail board, as a chamber ambassador for the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce and as committee chair for the Whitley County Chamber’s ambassador program. He is also an affiliate member of the Builders Association of North Central Indiana.

Lisa Hockemeyer has been in banking for 50 years, 22 with First Federal Savings Bank. She serves as assistant vice president and branch manager for the Center Street location. She serves on the board of La Fontaine Center in Huntington.

“In my role as AVP, branch manager, I am responsible for mortgage and consumer lending. I enjoy working with first time home buyers. My staff and I work very hard to grow relationships and serve clients in all of Kos-

ciusko County and surrounding communities,” Genshaw said. “I started my banking career in Richmond, Virginia, in 1989 and have held numerous bank positions in retail banking, business development, mortgage and commercial lending. Our goal is to make our clients feel welcome and I value being a part of this community. It’s a great group of people that work here. We enjoy getting to know our customers and providing solutions for all their banking needs.”

Genshaw serves as board president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, as well as an affiliate member of the Kosciusko Board of Realtors and Builders Association of North Central Indiana.

First Federal Savings Bank is located at 402 E. Center St., and 445 W. 250 N, Warsaw. For more information call (574) 376-2575 or visit www.firstfedindiana.bank.

First Federal Savings Bank... Now More Than Ever... First in Hometown Banking.

Mason Health and Rehab: compassionate, professional care

No matter their length of stay, residents of Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center cannot help but be impressed with the friendly and dedicated staff, pristine state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive treatment and rehab regimen.

Mason lives up to its mission statement, “committed to restoring our residents to their highest potential through kind, compassionate medical care,” and online reviews by former residents reverberate with sentences like “the staff is really friendly and caring,” “they really show you the true meaning of love and peace” and “the staff treat the residents like family.”

The personnel’s unwavering professionalism is evident even before a resident comes through the doors.

“Like a well-oiled machine, each department does their part to ensure all requirements are met prior to admission,” said Heather Winkle, Mason’s admissions and marketing director.

“The application process for services can vary depending on the services needed. We accept from hospitals, homes or assisted living. Several pieces need to come together for admission, clinical, financial and insurance approvals, pre-certifications, approval from the state through the Ascend process and a few other details that all need to point to a ‘yes.’”

“Mason offers a host of services and amenities,” said Winkle. Among them:

• Safekeeping app to keep real-time track of a loved one’s vitals.

• Post-acute rehab-to-home program.

• Respite, adult day care and hospice care.

• Outpatient therapy.

• Physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapy.

• Cardiopulmonary care.

• Neurological disorder and post-stroke care.

• Congestive heart failure program.

• End-stage renal disease care.

• Dysphasia treatment with Aspire 2.

• IV therapy, central lines and PICC lines.

Mason employs 112 workers and maintains 115 licensed, dually-certified beds, 104 of which

are operational.

Both the staff and residents are kept busy.

“We have many activities daily for residents and several annually that are open to the community,” said Winkle. “We have a block party every June with food and entertainment for the community and residents.”

One of the facility’s signal components is its therapy department.

“Mason is proud of its all-star therapy team of seven therapists with a wealth of knowledge and experience,” said Rehab Director Tyler Wallen, who oversees the program. “The therapy team at Mason is committed to assisting patients in returning back to as functionally independent as possible. Many patients stay at Mason for a short time after orthopedic surgery and/or hospitalization to maximize their therapy and have the best possible outcome of returning home quickly.

“A rehabilitation wing with private suites is dedicated to people needing short-stay care while receiving therapy.”

The therapy program provides equipment and modalities, including:

• Jintronix, an interactive video virtual therapy system.

• Biodex, a balance training device.

• Omnicycle, used for a broad spectrum impairments, including neurological ailments, recovery after orthopedic surgery, Parkinson’s disease and rehab for injuries and illnesses.

• Fully functioning kitchen and shower rooms.

• Treatment interventions to address contracture reduction, pain management, wound healing, fall prevention, muscle reeducation and incontinence improvement.

According to masonhealthandrehab.com, the Mason community “is composed of multiple neighborhoods, each with its own intimate restaurant-style dining and beautiful common areas. The rooms are decorated tastefully in a homelike manner while featuring electric beds, handicap accessible bathrooms and a team of eager professionals anxious to serve. With 24-hour nursing care, Mason focuses on the entire spectrum of one’s well-being, from their physical and emotional health to their needs for friendship and intellectual stimulation.”

Mason offers vital amenities and services, including:

Skilled Nursing

Upon admission, each resident is assigned

a personal care plan team throughout the resident’s stay, with the goal of helping reach and maintain the highest optimal level of self-care and independence as possible. Family members are encouraged to visit often and take part in activities to help the resident’s plan of care.

Also offered are short-term or long-term skilled nursing care, private or semi-private suites, medication management, housekeeping and laundry services, beauty salon, consultation and services from physicians and other medical providers, rehab services, dietitian planned meals and snacks, social services and pastoral services.

Rehabilitation

Mason operates an “advanced technological state-of-the-art therapy gym” with highly skilled and experienced therapists dedicated to achieving specific goals, optimizing current functional levels and maintaining healthy fulfilling lifestyles.

Activities And Community Life

Mason offers residents “opportunities to challenge the mind, lift the spirit, revitalize purpose and nurture the heart,” including small group classes, coffee lounges, puzzles and card games, exercise classes, shopping trips and the like.

Mason Health and Rehabilitation is located at 900 Provident Drive, Warsaw. For more information, call (574) 371-2500, or visit masonhealthandrehab.com or Facebook/masonhealthcare.

For many people who find themselves in a hospital following an injury or illness, the next step to recovery is choosing a rehabilitation center.

Jason France was in that situation in 2022, following a horrific motorcycle accident that caused severe injuries to his lower body. France and his wife, Amelia, chose Mason Health and Rehabilitation to provide the necessary care for his continued recovery.

After more than a month in the hospital, France was transferred to Mason, where he spent three months in inpatient rehabilitation.

Now at home in Wabash, France continues to do self-therapy as prescribed by his therapists at Mason.

“Mason is an excellent place,” he said. “The staff is so helpful and the therapy was so good. I was very blessed by them, and I thank the Lord for that.”

Tyler has been the lead therapist at Mason since September 2021. He completed his master’s degree in 2009 at Florida Golf Coast in Ft. Myers, Florida and worked in Naples, Florida for four months before deciding to move back home to Warsaw, Indiana. Tyler has worked as a occupational therapist for over 12 years at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center. According to Tyler, Mason is a great place to be a therapist. He says that the nursing and therapy group here at Mason strives to make the patient experience unparalleled to what would be considered the norm. Tyler loves making a difference and seeing positive outcomes from his patients. Tyler works with his brother Shane, who is a physical therapy assistant. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his son and wife doing outside activities. He also enjoys musky fishing with his brother and playing golf when he has time.

Shane Wallen has 11 years of experience of which his first two years were at Parkview at the outpatient clinic. Shane, like his brother, is an avid fisherman and loves outdoors, and any sort of outdoor games. He, too, values spending time with family.

WHEN CHOOSING REHABILITATION, IT’S THE RESULTS THAT COUNT!

For many that find themselves in a hospital following an injury or illness, the next step to recovery is choosing a rehabilitation center.

The choices are many, but only a few offer the advanced technological state-of-the-art equipment and professional services as Mason Health and Rehabilitation.

We offer skilled and experienced therapists that are dedicated to achieving specific goals, optimizing current functional levels and maintaining healthy fulfilling lifestyles.

MASON HEALTH & REHAB IS LUCKY TO HAVE TYLER & SHANE WALLEN!

M TY

Kosciusko REMC completes initial two-year project and looks toward the future

A new wave of transformation has swept across northern Indiana. Kosciusko REMC, a member-owned and locally operated cooperative that supplies electricity to over 18,500 meters in portions of Kosciusko, Fulton, Wabash and Whitley counties, has been illuminating the lives of its community members through the power of connectivity. The completion of KREMC’s initial two-year Kosciusko Connect project marks a monumental achievement, bringing fast and reliable fiber internet service to homes that were once on the outskirts of the digital age.

Kosciusko Connect launched in 2020, when KREMC recognized the need for highspeed internet in the rural community. The internet service options for rural residents at that time did not provide the quality and reliability KREMC members needed. The cooperative embarked on a journey to bridge the connectivity gap that rural areas often face, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.

KREMC started the Kosciusko Connect project by dividing its service territory into five construction zones to make the project manageable. Crews worked methodically through the zones, building a robust fiberoptic network that is changing lives. Over 7,300 residents are now benefiting from reliable, lightning-fast Kosciusko Connect fiber internet.

Fiber is the gold standard when it comes to internet. Fiber-optic technology employs thin strands of glass to transmit data using light signals. This revolutionary approach offers unparalleled speed and reliability, setting it apart from traditional broadband connections. With the capacity to carry vast amounts of data over long distances without degradation, fiber internet ensures seamless streaming, lag-free video calls, and swift downloads — a digital experience without compromise.

The completion of this initial two-year project is merely the beginning for Kosciusko Connect. With the groundwork now firmly established, the organization looks forward to expanding its service territory, bringing the transformative power of Kosciusko Connect to more families in the region. As technology continues to evolve and play an increasingly integral role in our lives, this expansion promises to narrow the digital divide even further.

In a strategic move that echoes their commitment to progress, Kosciusko Connect recently began performing installations for non-members in areas adjacent to existing KREMC lines. Residents residing outside of KREMC service territory who would like to know when Kosciusko Connect internet might be available to them should register their address at register.kosciuskoconnect.com.

Kurt Carver, CEO of KREMC and Kosciusko Connect, said, “Our mission has always been to empower our community and enhance their quality of life. The completion of the initial project is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.”

Carver further envisions the future: “As we expand our reach, we’re not just connecting homes; we’re bridging aspirations. Our commitment to progress remains unwavering, and we’re excited to shape a future where every member of our community can thrive in the digital age.”

Along with fiber intent service, Kosciusko Connect offers other tools that are providing an improved quality of life for residents. The company provides residential phone service using Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, and MyBundle, a TV streaming tool that helps customers find a package that fits their home’s needs and budget. The optional add-on Guardian Protection gives internet users an impressive level of control over their home

network and the digital content that their families and children can access.

Kosciusko Connect keeps its customers and the community informed on relevant digital topics via its weekly blog and its new podcast, Connected Conversations. To learn more, visit kosciuskoconnect.com and tap or click on “Resources.”

You can also find Kosciusko Connect on social media. If you would like more information about Kosciusko Connect, contact Andrea Melton at amelton@kremc.com.

Legacy Family Health Care embraces a different approach to wellness

The cost of quality health care has been on a constant rise for years. For many people, health insurance is not a viable option, whether that’s because it is not available through their job or it simply isn’t affordable or feasible for personal reasons.

Legacy Family Health Care in Warsaw is taking a different approach to ensuring everyone has access to top-quality acute and preventative health care, helping people to stay physically well yearround.

The health care experience of Legacy’s owner, family nurse practitioner Lindsay M. Kreps, started 23 years ago, first as a certified nursing assistant, then as a registered nurse. She eventually earned her MSN, APRN and FNP-C.

“We are Kosciusko County’s first direct primary care office,” said Kreps. “We cut out the ‘middle man.’ We don’t deal with insurance. There are two ways to see me. You can either have a monthly membership, which allows you to have a onetime panel drawn yearly, which is just your basic labs. This gives me a good snapshot of what you actually have. I can do several of those labs here in-office and have the results within a few minutes. There’s others that send out and have back in 24 hours. The first initial labs are covered by us, then any re-checks for things like glucose or cholesterol, are done at-cost.”

The other option is “à la carte,” in which patients pay for each visit to the office. While this option is a little more expensive, it is ideal for people who only see a doctor a few times a year and might make better financial sense for them.

“You can still have your labs drawn,”

Kreps said. “Labs are still at cost but you have to pay the processing fee and everything that we have to do. I have 90 different medications on site in the pharmacy — the most commonly prescribed — everything ranging from antibiotics and antidepressants to those for glucose control and hypertension and high cholesterol. I also practice functional medicine, so it’s more of an integrative practice. I was classically trained as a NP in Western medicine. There are times we absolutely have to have that to get you out of a danger zone. Once we can get you stable, we can start integrating in lifestyle changes — diet, exercise and supplementation. We can blend those together very well and either reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals you have to take or even eliminate them completely.”

Legacy has been open 19 months and already has nearly 500 patients, including several who came in as insulin-dependent diabetics and now are only on oral medications.

“The difference is, I have the time to sit and talk with these patients,” Kreps said. “Each visit is between 45 minutes to an hour. We go over everything. I don’t just say, ‘give me your top three problems’ and we rush you out the door. Since I don’t accept insurance and Legacy is its own entity, I don’t have to meet quotas. I get to spend time with my patients, which is the most important thing to me.”

Kreps understands that her patients need people to listen to them and figure out how to connect the dots. She said a lot of doctors want to do that, but can’t because they are forced to see so many people each day. This, she believes, is why

people need direct primary care.

“Legacy was birthed out of the desire to honor my mother who was a Type I diabetic, and my uncle who was schizophrenic,” Kreps said. “I grew up watching both of them struggle with debilitating conditions my whole life. I know the struggles that are faced with chronic conditions and how isolated it can make one feel.”

Additionally, Kreps has a large network of doctors who she can work with either through her EMR system, through which she can do virtual consults, or others in the community who she can work with as a peers and ask: “What do you think about this? What would you do? Am I thinking correctly?”

“If something is out of my scope and I’m not comfortable with it, I will say ‘I don’t know,” but here is a list of the specialists I can send you to,” she said. “I can streamline the process.”

Kreps has many years of experience at several health care entities throughout

northern Indiana. She learned the concept of direct primary care from Proactive MD, based in South Carolina, and through her work with the MASE Clinic in Plymouth, which provides health care for school employees through the MASE Trust. She wanted to make the concept closer to home and open to everyone.

“I believe in treating the person as a whole, not just their illness,” Kreps said. “I make longer appointments for patients so that I can fully address their medical history, chronic conditions and concerns.”

The Papers Inc. serves the community with a personal touch

When Arch Baumgartner left college and his job as an ice truck driver for his brothers, he took over the reins of the local weekly newspaper, The Milford Mail. That was in 1939. It had facilities for hand-setting type, a printing press and 600 subscribers.

Since that time, The Papers Inc. in Milford has evolved into a diverse combination of newspaper and magazine publications and commercial printing.

Arch’s wife, Della, joined the company in 1945. Through hard work and persistence, they built the newspaper into one of the more respected weeklies in Indiana. The couple’s son, Ron, joined the business in 1966 and his wife, Gloria, in 1970.

The Baumgartners formed The Papers Inc. in 1972. The family guided the company through an extended period of continuous growth.

Today, the company has sales representatives in three states. Ron is the publisher and president and Steve Meadows is director of marketing.

The company currently publishes 12 weekly and monthly publications as well as one seasonal publication. The Papers also prints a host of weekly and monthly newspapers and magazines, plus school and college publications.

The Mail-Journal is The Papers’ flagship publication. A weekly, hometown newspaper, The Mail-Journal serves subscribers in the northern half of Kosciusko County, including the greater Lake Wawasee area. Staff members gather and report news with a focus on the community.

Included in its publications are two weekly, free community newspapers. ‘the PAPER’ is distributed in Kosciusko an parts of southern Elkhart counties, with a circulation is 22,600.

The Shopping Guide News is distributed throughout Fulton County, with a circulation of 8,500. The concept for both weeklies is total saturation coverage, street by street and house by house, in their market areas. The Shopping Guide distributes via the United States Postal Service and ‘the PAPER’ by a private carrier force.

The Papers also publishes four editions of Senior Life monthly newspapers, catering to individuals over 50 in the Fort Wayne

market, northwest Indiana, plus St. Joseph, Elkhart and Kosciusko counties. Senior Life emphasizes the prime time of life.

The weekly Auto & RV magazines are amazingly successful and loaded with pictures of cars, trucks, boats, RVs and most anything else on wheels that are for sale. Three separate magazines are distributed in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. These magazines have a total circulation of over 155,000weekly.

Michiana House and Home is the complete resource for home remodeling, landscaping and decor. Covering the Michiana area, this popular magazine is in its 19th year of publication.

In December 2011, the first issue of The Municipal magazine was published. The monthly publication is direct mailed to the leadership of municipalities within the continental United States. The Municipal gives administrators and department heads the news on issues, products and processes to help them run their cities better.

Glo magazine is a monthly women’s lifestyle publication offering a fresh, local perspective on health, family, beauty and living trends in the greater Fort Wayne area. The magazine inspires women to explore their passions and follow their interests.

The newest publication is the seasonal LAKELife magazine, which is mailed to lake property owners throughout Kosciusko County. It highlights local towns, lakes, organizations and events. It also has suggestions for places to shop, eat and even recipes for lakeside dining.

The company’s first venture into online news reporting started in April 2012. InkFreeNews.com, northern Indiana’s only digital daily newspaper, offers information on up-to-the-minute breaking news, features, obituaries, public records and entertainment, and it’s all free. The site is available on computers, smartphones, tablets and anywhere internet access is available. You can also access content through the InkFreeNews app, available for both iPhones and Android devices. Be sure to follow InkFreeNews through Twitter or “like” InkFreeNews on Facebook to view up-to-the-minute breaking news.

There are 80,000 to 100,000 unique visitors on the site each week, along with more

than 75,000 Facebook followers.

In 2021, The Papers launched a brandnew digital division offering affordable website design aimed at serving local businesses with expert design, hosting and solutions.

SpectraPrint, a division of The Papers, markets and publishes speciality publications. The division produces printed products for businesses and organizations, from initial planning stages through sales and production phases, until the finished product is complete. SpectraPrint publishes membership directories, image magazines, tourism maps and calendars supported by

advertising sales.

The commercial printing department enhances The Papers’ ability to maintain a full-service environment for graphic needs. The sheet fed and web presses are capable of printing one to four-color process.

The company also offers complete bindery and mailing services for trimming, folding, saddle-stitching and addressing. Staff members are able to create and maintain ink jet mailing lists, zip sort, bundle and delivered to the post office.

To view all current publications and select back issues, visit www.the-papers.com.

InkFreeNews continues as most-read online newspaper in northern Indiana

As northern Indiana’s only digital daily newspaper, InkFreeNews.com continues to the most-read online newspaper in Kosciusko and surrounding counties. Our photojournalists are dedicated to bringing breaking and local news first and fast through both the website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In 2018, a free mobile app for both Android and Apple iPhones was released. Both the website and the app bring up-todate information on area events, closings, bookings, crimes, schools, obituaries, and local meetings.

Our dedicated team of photojournalists include Editor Deb Patterson, Liz Shepherd, Leah Sander, Brianna Pitts and Lasca Randels, bringing our readers regular updates to the website. Providing additional assistance to this team is the editorial staff of The Mail-Journal and ‘the PAPER’ in Milford.

Each week the site enjoys 225,000 to 250,000 visitors and 80,000 to 100,000 unique visitors. The number of page views approaches 1 million each week, making InkFreeNews the most popular daily newspaper in northern Indiana.

Interested in promoting your local business? Carl Lauster and Susan Stump are able to assist businesses with creating and placing ads on the website. This includes the option of a sponsored post, which appears alongside the news articles.

Two highly read posts on InkFreeNews

are the weekly polls and Kosciusko County’s Most Wanted column. A new voting poll is available every Monday and viewers are invited to express their opinions. The topics vary from school bus safety to a political candidate contest to when viewers take down their Christmas trees.

An archive is available of the previous topics and reveal how readers voted.

The Most Wanted feature appears on the weekends and lists the new names and photos of individuals wanted by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office. Followers on the InkFreeNews Face-

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From 1925, 98 years of egg farming

What were they thinking back in 1925?

When you live in the “Egg Basket of the Midwest,” you purchase 1,200 pullets, and when you’re Hobart and Russell Creighton, you quickly learn what it’s going to take to raise those pullets into mature egg-laying hens. That is what they dedicated themselves, along with their wives to doing. The story of the farm is one of growth, progress, and service to its employees, neighbors, and community. Today, the multi-generational family farm is strong with 3.2 million laying hens, 10,000 acres of corn and soybean crops, a feed mill and processing facilities to grade and package fresh shell eggs for food service distribution and retail outlets.

Their first mark of success was in 1931, when Creighton Brothers had their first year of record performance. To qualify as an ROP layer, the hens were tested with records kept on their egg laying performance for a year. Each layer hen reaching the following requirements received the ROP stamp of approval: lay at least 200 eggs per year — the Creighton standard was 250 — the eggs must average a minimum of 24 ounces per dozen and the average body weight of the hen must be four pounds. This was significant for the breeding program the brothers were building.

The Creighton brothers were instrumental in the progression of agriculture. In 1936, Creighton Brothers ranked among the nine best breeding farms in the U.S. based upon egg laying contests from Maine to Texas. They had the highest rank of any leghorn breeder east of the Mississippi River according to the Poultry Item Award for 1936-37. This continued until 1957, as competition and consolidation increased in the hatchery business, they chose to sell their genetic package to H & N and became a franchise hatchery with them. Creighton’s continued

to sell baby chicks east of the Mississippi for another 30+ years and finally closed the hatchery operation in 2000.

Innovation also led to involvement in the development of human flu vaccines with Pirman-Moore Labs in Zionsville. This process utilizes fertile eggs incubated for 10 days. Aiding in the fight again the Asiatic Flu kept things busy 24 hours a day, May until December of 1954. In later years prior to closing the breeder farms and hatchery, they again supplied eggs to labs in the Indianapolis area for flu vaccine production.

Hobart Creighton served for 16 years in the Indiana State House of Representatives beginning in 1932. While there, he authorized legislation establishing the Baby Chick Department, the Indiana State Poultry Association for the administration of the National Poultry Improvement Program and many more services to help bolster Indiana’s future in egg production. After two terms as House Speaker, Hobart was the Republican nominee for Governor but lost a hard-fought campaign in 1948.

In the mid-60s, they looked for a way to further efficiency with eggs not suitable for the carton, and by 1968 Crystal Lake Egg Products Inc was established. The egg breaking operation began utilizing eggs that were a byproduct of graded carton eggs. Since then, they have become an integral part of diversification into value added products. Those products are sold in the form of liquid or frozen egg whites, egg yolks or whole eggs, as well as hard boiled and peeled eggs that were added around 2000.

In more recent years, Creighton Brothers was one of the first egg producers to participate in the United Egg Producers Animal Care Certified Program. Their management and employee team take pride in the good care they provide for their hens. Raising

happy and healthy hens is vital to Creighton’s business. This is proven by their company’s philosophy: “We focus our unwavering attention, first and foremost, on the best care for our hens, on being responsible stewards of the land, and on always providing superior standards for product quality and food safety.”

Their farms are spread throughout the Kosciusko County countryside to protect hens in each location from the threat of diseases. Farm managers and layer hen management are a mainstay at each location. The farm managers are responsible for the daily care of the flocks, monitoring fresh water and feed supply, ensuring good air circulation and proper lighting schedules. Every single one of these responsibilities is crucial for optimal hen health and subsequent egg laying production.

For almost a century, they have fulfilled

a legacy of excellent leadership in the community and the egg business. “We do not take for granted the fine group of managers and dedicated employees who make us the solid operation we are today. We continue our commitment to excellence, conservative values, knowledge, and reputation so that we may continue to be in a position of leadership for our employee families, community and beyond,” said Mindy Creighton Truex, President and sixth generation Kosciusko County farmer.

andCreighton Brothers started in 1925 and is proud to be a 4th generation family farm that has played a significant role in our area’s legacy as “The Egg Basket of the Midwest”. What started with two brothers and 1,200 laying hens has grown to the 3 million hens in our care and the 10,000 acres that we farm in our community. We are looking forward to celebrating our 100th Anniversary in 2025.

Crystal Lake, our sister company, has been “Breaking Eggs on Purpose” since 1968, providing egg products to the food service industry. You can find our eggs in your favorite salad dressings, cheesecakes, ice creams, and baked goods in the grocery store, as well as on your favorite breakfast buffets/ menus across the country and beyond.

4217 W. Old Road 30 Warsaw, IN

Louis Dreyfus nationally ranked for local employment and contractors

Louis Dreyfus Company, already a leader in the biofuel industry, is looking to have a positive impact on the environment. The company provides biofuel from soybeans, a sustainable and renewable energy source.

The global company manufactures a variety of products used for human food, warehouse and packing in addition to biodiesel fuel. Louis Dreyfus Company has been around for 172 years and now is a very exciting time as demand for bio-fuel is growing.

Claypool is one of two oilseed crushing plants in North America for LDC. Farmers throughout the Midwest sell their soybeans to the local plant.

Now the company is looking at a variety of global projects to reduce both its carbon footprint and Super 3 emissions by working with the farmers it partners with.

“From a global prospective, we have people working on regenerative agriculture,” said Jeremy Mullins, commercial manager at its plant in Claypool.

Louis Dreyfus is currently working on a pilot project with a group of farmers, encouraging them to use sustainable practices while being fairly compensated. “It’s for a good reason, farmers are the best stewards of the land and we want them to be compensated,” Mullins said.

Louis Dreyfus Company is working to figure out a way to give consumers what they want at a reasonable price while fairly compensating farmers for their crop. Mullins said the pilot program is currently in the early stages as the company works to establish a baseline with area farms on where they are today and how they can move forward in the future.

“We’re here for green energy,” Mullins said. “We’ve been doing that for over a decade.”

In working to lessen its environmental impact, Louis Dreyfus is working on being more conservative about the amount of energy it and its global vendors use. One way the company is working towards that goal is by upgrading its equipment to be more efficient. “It’s not a new thing,” Mullins said, noting the technology is changing rapidly.

Over the years, Louis Dreyfus Company has produced billions of gallons of biofuel. Mullins said demand for bio-diesel fuel is strong

and the quality being produced today is significantly better now than what the industry could do 10-15 years ago. And just like gasoline, the blends vary depending on weather and price.

Louis Dreyfus Company continues to invest in Kosciusko County by hiring more employees and hiring local contractors as the Claypool facility continues to expand. Mullins said the company appreciates the support it has received from local government and business leaders.

The Claypool plant added a warehouse and packing plant in 2020. The warehouse has since tripled in size. The facility sits on approximately 300 acres, with a good amount of acreage still being farmed. Mullins said a significant amount of space is taken up by the railroad tracks, as Louis Dreyfus ships its products

around the country.

A local farmer who farms on the Louis Dreyfus property rotates between soybeans and corn. Mullins said when he grows soybeans the company does process that crop.

The Claypool facility is the nation’s largest fully-integrated soybean processing, biodiesel and glycerin refinery plant. The plant produces 220,000 pounds of refined glycerin per day, or 20,000 gallons per day. On the biodiesel side, the annual capacity is 88 million gallons.

Louis Dreyfus has made improvements for the area farmers it does business with by providing larger storage facilities where farmers can unload their trucks, and by providing a portal for farmers so they can view scale tickets, grades, contracts and settlements.

Mullins said Louis Dreyfus has been nationally ranked as a good place to work. Turnover is low with a significant number of longer-term employees. It’s also not unusual to see family members, such as fathers and sons or siblings, working for the company.

“If people are looking for a career change, I ask they consider us,” Mullins said.

LDC is one of the world’s largest processors of agricultural goods, operating in more than 100 countries, and is the bridge between field and family. With facilities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, South and West Latin America, North Latin America, Asia and North America, LDC is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods.