The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow from 7 p.m. this evening to 7 p.m. Saturday evening. The winter weather advisory is no longer in effect.

According to the NWS, snow will overspread the area from the southwest to the northeast this evening and will become heavy at times overnight through early Saturday afternoon.

Accumulations are expected to reach between 5 inches and 8 inches by early Saturday evening with higher amounts possible locally. At this time, the highest amounts are expected near or south of U.S. Route 6 across Indiana and Northwest Ohio.

The NWS stated possible impacts of this storm will include slick and hazardous roads tonight and tomorrow making travel dangerous across the warning area. Visibility will be reduced to less than one quarter mile with the heavy snow. The NWS urges the public to use caution when shoveling as this can be a very strenuous activity.   

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous and the NWS advises that you only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.

Other areas under the same warning are Marshall, St. Joseph, Noble, Starke, Pulaski, Fulton, Whitley, Wabash, Huntington, Miami, DeKalb, Allen, White, Cass, Wells, Adams and Grant counties.

A total of 23 Indiana Lake and River Enhancement projects, including some in Kosciusko, Whitley and other neighboring counties, are receiving a portion of $994,300 in grants to care for Indiana’s water bodies.

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife operates the LARE program which includes water quality monitoring, bank erosion control, and watershed land treatments to reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients entering water. Six grants for land treatment were also awarded to Soil and Water Conservation Districts. These grants will complement SWCD efforts with local landowners.

Locally, Beaver Dam Lake in southern Kosciusko County is receiving $10,900 for bio-engineer shoreline protection. The Upper Tippecanoe River in Kosciusko County, is receiving $35,000 for watershed land treatment, as is the Upper Tippecanoe River in Whitley County.

A $56,000 grant for Webster Lake in North Webster will be used for bio-engineered island protection.

Other area projects and the grant totals include:

• Crooked Lake in Whitley County that is receiving $19,700 for gully stabilization and watershed detention basins
• Tippecanoe River in Pulaski County, receiving $42,000 for design project for stream bank restoration
• Yellow Creek in Elkhart County, $50,000 for bio-engineered stream bank stabilization
• Yellow River in Marshall County, receiving $33,000 for a water quality monitoring project
• Lake Galbraith in Marshall County, $15,000 for rain garden construction
• Loon Lake in Whitley and Noble counties, receiving $33,000 for bio-engineered island protection.

The grants help fund 23 projects in 18 counties. Local sponsors submit applications for LARE assistance and commit to sharing a portion of the total cost. DNR’s share comes from a fee paid annually by boat owners when registering their boats with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The grants allow for the completion of projects that are difficult for smaller local organizations to fund.

Some projects also will result in the creation of habitat elements such as riffle pools, stream meanders and wetlands for fish and other aquatic organisms. Habitat enhancements encourage biological diversity in and around the streams, including more opportunities for game fish populations to thrive.

“Simultaneously enhancing habitat for fish and other organisms while addressing erosion make this a clear ‘win-win’ for both the resources and the citizens of Indiana,” said Mark Reiter, director of DNR Fish & Wildlife.

This week’s Pets of the Week come from the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County:

Tony is a 3 year old, handsome tri-color WalkerHound with one blue eye. He is a nice boy whose a little shy but is very loving.

He enjoys long walks and chew bones. Tony whines for attention because he’s tired of being kenneled. If you are looking for a great, affectionate companion, come meet Tony today!

His adoption fee is $130.

Galaxy is a 6 month old, beautiful tri-color domestic shorthair. He is very sweet and playful! Galaxy loves catnip, feather toys, being held and cuddled for attention!

Galaxy has an awesome personality and would make a wonderful family companion.

His adoption fee is $90. Come meet him today!

To inquire about adopting Tony or Galaxy, contact the AWL via the website or by phone at 574-267-3008.

Library Staff pose in Monster Costumes with our books for Lights Out on Oct. 31. In Back: Julie Frew and Heather Pickens. In Front: Dorothy Haney and Maureen Haab

Oct. 31 is our Light’s Out at the Library program. This year’s theme is “Reading is Monsterous Fun.”

Get in your costume, come to the library, and see some of our favorite monster stories come to life.

Light’s Out is fun for all ages, and kids in costumes leave the library with a treat.

See the best parts of some of your favorite stories come to life, like “I Loathe You”, by David Slonim and “There’s a Nightmare in my Closet,” by Mercer Mayer.

The library looking for donations of regular size candy bars to hand out to children at the end of the program.

Anyone who would like to donate can drop off donations at the adult circulation desk.

While out Trick-or-Treating, be sure to plan on stopping at the library.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY - Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers help abused and neglected children have a voice. Pictured are Judge Rex Reed, far left, swearing in CASA volunteers, in front row, from left, Christy Lawrence, Janet Farrington, Jodi Lozier, Cindy Barnett, Linda Burch, Rachel Polando. In the back row are Cindy Bateman, Lori Widman and Alexis Hyndman. (Photo provided)

National Volunteer Week is April 15-21 and it celebrates the millions of people dedicating themselves to taking action bettering the community. The week also provides opportunities to inspire, recognize and encourage people to seek out and engage in activities that can affect positive social change.

National Volunteer Week was established by President Richard Nixon in 1974. It continues to grow in scope through the support of all subsequent U.S. presidents and other elected officials.

Volunteer Kosciusko has become the place for Kosciusko County residents to find volunteer opportunities that fit their lifestyles. Whether they were looking for a one-day volunteer opportunity, like Day of Caring, or a long-term relationship with one of many organizations, or something in between, more than 350 volunteers have signed up with Volunteer Kosciusko to find a way to contribute their time and talents. Likewise, more than 45 organizations look to Volunteer Kosciusko to regularly fill its volunteer needs. Currently, Volunteer Kosciusko has 48 organizations offering 39 opportunities using 414 volunteers.

Day of Caring, an annual event, is a day-long volunteer opportunity. Last year, Aug. 17, 1,509 volunteers working in 12 Kosciusko County communities made a difference in many lives. A total of 138 projects, benefiting the elderly and those with low incomes or disabilities, were completed as a part of last year’s Day of Caring effort. Since 2005, volunteer numbers have grown, from 24 volunteers and four projects to more than 1,500 volunteers and 138 projects.

At the American Red Cross, volunteers constitute 96 percent of the total workforce needed to carry out the organization’s humanitarian mission. More than half a million people a year volunteer at American Red Cross. The local Red Cross chapter in Warsaw uses volunteers inside and outside the county. The local chapter is always looking for more volunteers to aid in emergencies, such as fires and natural disasters.

Kosciusko Community Senior Services uses volunteer Mobile Meals drivers. The agency has a continuing need for volunteer drivers, especially south of Pierceton.

Volunteers deliver a hot lunch to clients five days a week, Monday through Friday.╩Most Mobile Meals routes take from 30 to 60 minutes to drive, and deliver the meals. There are nine routes using 200 to 225 volunteer drivers county-wide.

HELPING OTHERS - Volunteers from Zimmer’s do work at the Jones home in Mentone on Day of Caring last August. Last year, 1,509 volunteers worked on 138 projects around the county for Day of Caring, one of several ways to volunteer in the county. (Photo provided)

CASA volunteers represent the voice of children in abuse and neglect cases, as well as certain custody disputes. Training is certified by the state of Indiana ensuring CASA volunteers the utmost respect and creditability for the sake of an abused or neglected child.

According to Renee Salyer, CASA program manager, “We have seen an increase of people wanting to become CASA volunteers in the past couple of years. CASA has three full-time staff members to maintain a large volunteer base. Currently, 46 volunteers are active from our pool of 65 trained volunteers. Each of the 46 volunteers has a case and many have two cases. During any given year, we have CASA volunteers who take a hiatus to recharge or take care of family obligations. Most of these volunteers return to take on a new case within the year.”

Martha Rose, a homemaker and mother of four, has been a CASA volunteer for the past 11 years.

[MORE]“I feel as if I am giving children who are abused and neglected hope,” Rose said. “When I see an expression of happiness on their face, after telling them I am there for them because I care is the best part of being a CASA (volunteer), and letting a child know he or she can talk to me, and I will listen.”[MORE]

Habitat for Humanity is looking for women to work on a project in May. National Women Build Week is May 5-13 and, in honor of this, women are needed to help build a Habitat house at 559 E. Market St., Warsaw. If interested in volunteering, call (574) 269-4104.
For more information on CASA, visit www.casachildren.com. For volunteer opportunities all across the county, visit www.volunteerkosciusko.org, or call United Way at (574) 269-2592.

By PHOEBE MUTHART
Staff Writer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP - Pictured at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Male Fashions in Warsaw are, from left, Becky Plumber, Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce ambassador; Dee Anna Muraski, Kosciusko County Community Foundation; Angie Robbins, PNC Bank and ambassador; Dennis Hively, First Source Bank; Mark Dobson, Warsaw/Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce president; Kevin Moore, previous owner of Male Fashions; Robert Chalfant, new owner of Male Fashions; Heather Chalfant, internal communications specialist; Stephanie Schmucker, First Source Bank; Josh Gordon, Tower Bank; and Sandra Parra, Tower Bank. (Photo by Carl Lauster)

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held April 12 to celebrate the occasion.

At Male Fashions, customers will find men’s clothing for every occasion, from formal wear and suits to weekend wear, with a range of accessories. They are the number one tuxedo rental in Kosciusko County with outstanding service, high-quality selections and unbeatable prices.

Male Fashions is passionate about providing customers with professionally tailored suits, tuxedos and casual menswear. Services include free measurements, free alterations, bridal dress preservation and the lowest priced tuxedo rentals in northern Indiana. They also provide a great selection for big and tall and stock the fastest growing young men’s suit line in the U.S.

Business hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call Male Fashions at (574) 267-6112 or email malefashions@yahoo.com.

Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman says 50 counties have been declared primary disaster areas, and more declarations will likely come later this week.

Kosciusko County is included in the list.

Despite the conditions, she doesn’t expect Governor Mitch Daniels to enact statewide water usage restrictions.

Skillman, who also serves as the state’s secretary of agriculture, pointed out 17 percent of the state’s jobs are agriculture-related, which is why there is “great concern” throughout the state. Food prices are expected to continue increasing.

More information can be found by clicking here.

Source: Network Indiana/WIBC

Accident
Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following accident:

• Tuesday, Aug. 21, 7:50 a.m. Bowser Road and CR 300 East, Syracuse. Driver: Melvin R. Reyes, 47, Syracuse. Reyes was westbound on Bowser Road on a motorcycle  and, due to fog, failed to see a curve.  Damages: up to $5,000

Incidents
Officers of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department recently investigated the following incidents:

• Aug. 21, 7:13 a.m. Robert Gilyrod, Syracuse, reported his dog was stolen.
• Aug. 21, 7:32 a.m. A Claypool woman reported being battered.
• Aug. 16. Ryan Miller of Elkhart reported vandalism to a trailer at Meadow Acres Trailer Park, South SR 13. A liquid, similar to ink, was splattered on the outside of the trailer.
• Aug. 12, 2:29 a.m. A Warsaw woman reported being battered and sustained physical injuries.
• Aug. 20, 7:07 p.m. A juvenile was reportedly bitten by a neighbor’s pit bull on South County Farm Road, Warsaw.
• Aug. 20, 6:05 p.m. A Warsaw woman reported being battered.
• Aug. 20, 9:10 a.m. A Leesburg man was arrested for OWI and for being a habitual traffic offender.
• Aug. 20, 7:16 p.m. Alicia Schmidt, North Webster, reported the theft of multiple medications from her purse.
• Aug. 21. A report of harassment was taken.
• Aug. 17, 9:22 a.m. A natural death was reported on West Forrest Avenue, Warsaw.
• Aug. 19, 6:58 p.m. Carlos Hernandez of Warsaw ran from an officer then physically resisted being arrested.
• Aug. 1, 11:55 a.m. Don Somers of North Webster reported a theft from his vehicle.
• Aug. 15, 8:45 a.m. Thomas Miller of Leesburg reported items stolen from a  safe in his residence.
• Aug. 12, 12:54 p.m. A report of cruelty to an animal was reported in Syracuse. Sean Worboys said his soon to be ex-wife killed his dog.
• Aug. 11, 11:19 p.m. Michael E. Maggart, Warsaw, reported a harassment.
• Aug. 20, 7:01 p.m. Dave Garber of Warsaw reported a theft from his boat.
• Aug. 20, 10:12 p.m. Fawn Baughman, Warsaw, was hit by a vehicle at Wooster Road and Joshua Drive.
• Aug. 17, 3:14 a.m. Ryan Smith of Peru reported a theft of a TV and a motorcycle tire from an apartment on East Wooster Road.
• July 19, 6:45 p.m. An order of protection was served to a Pierceton resident.
• Aug. 4. Tammy Bradley of Claypool reported a theft from her residence.
• Aug. 15. Marcus Neer of Warsaw reported a missing video game system and prescription medications after his ex-girlfriend moved out. 

Kosciusko County was ceded by chiefs of the Miami nation, Papakeechie and Wawasee, on Oct. 27, 1832. Kosciusko County was officially established on Feb. 7, 1835.

The county was named after the Polish general Thaddeus Kościuszko who served in the Revolutionary War, and worked alongside George Washington with the idea of creating the United States Military Academy at West Point.

While the county is named after this Revolutionary War general, the only confirmed veteran of the Revolutionary to have lived in Kosciusko County is Adrian Anglin, who is buried at Stoney Point Cemetery in Clunette. A number of notables have also made a mark on Kosciusko County, including John Dillinger, who with the help of Homer Van Meter, robbed the Warsaw Police Department on April 13, 1934.

Four renowned writers have lived in Kosciusko County during their youth.

Theodore Dreiser lived in Warsaw for four years, from 1885 to 1889; the 1951 movie “A Place in the Sun,” which won an Academy Award, is based on his book “An American Tragedy.” His brother, Paul Dreiser, wrote the Indiana State Song, “On the Banks of the Wabash.”

James Whitcomb Riley, who became known as the “Hoosier Poet,” lived in Warsaw at several different times.

Ambrose Bierce, a famous journalist, lived in Warsaw with his brother while he worked as a “printer’s devil” on the old Northern Indianian. In 1916, he left his post as editor of the San Francisco Chronicle and disappeared in Mexico.

The list of facts below was compiled with the help of Kosciusko County Historical Society and Jail Museum and Yesteryear of Clunette as a tribute to the 180th anniversary of the month that the land was brought in to the country:
First Town
Oswego is known as the first village in the county, however, Leesburg, is the oldest town that remains incorporated. It was surveyed in 1835 by Levi Lee.
First School
The first school was in Van Buren Township. It was started in 1835, with John G. Woods as the first teacher.
First Church
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Plain Township is thought to be the oldest in the county. It was conducted out of Charles Ervin’s home. Ervin’s family also claims the title of first permanent residents of the county.
First Mill
The grist mill that sat along the banks of the Tippecanoe River was established in 1835 by Levi Lee and is likely the first in the county. It is said that the river would become so full of carp in the Spring that the water would run red from carp being pushed through the mill.
First Store
The Pound Store Museum is known  as the oldest standing commercial building. It opened for the first time in 1838, as an Indian trading post.
First Newspaper
The Kosciusko Republican’s first issue was published in 1845 through Whig Republican Charles Murray. It came out of Monoquet and was later moved to Warsaw.
First Courthouse
Located on the same square as the Warsaw courthouse, the first courthouse was completed in 1848.
First Fire Department
A Warsaw Fire Department was established, after a series of small fires, on Feb. 16, 1859.
First Library
The first county library was established in Warsaw between 1858 and 1885, however the exact date and location of the library is not known.
First Music Venue
The Warsaw Opera House may have been the first entertainment venue in the county. Either way, it still holds the title for being the only opera house in the area. It opened in 1874 and was open for 40 years.
First Mail Delivery
The Leesburg post office hired their first mail delivery man and horse on July 10, 1899.

On Oct. 27, at the Parkview Huntington Community Gala, Parkview Huntington Hospital and Parkview Health System announced that the hospital will develop a comprehensive center for the treatment of autism, to open in early 2013.

The Parkview Huntington Hospital Autism Center will provide therapeutic and rehabilitation services for children age 2 to 18 and support groups for their families. The Parkview Huntington Foundation has pledged $45,000 toward start-up costs for the center and will launch a fundraising campaign to support the project.

“This is a very exciting step in the treatment of autism in this area,” Darlene Garrett, chief operating officer for the hospital said. “There currently is no treatment centers for autism north of Indianapolis. Our center will be of tremendous help to local families.”

The autism center will consist of two facilities. Physical and occupational rehabilitation services will be provided at the hospital on Stults Road. Education, cognitive and behavioral therapy, and support activities will take place at a building on 2806 Theater Avenue. Renovations to create the treatment spaces will begin at both facilities in the first quarter 2013. It’s anticipated both facilities will be open no later the than second quarter of 2013, depending on the finalization of the Indiana Department of Health approval process.

Initially, it will provide treatment for 10 children, with an eventual capacity of 40, and will be staffed by board certified behavior analysts.

“The Parkview Huntington Hospital Autism Center will be a very comprehensive, full-time program. This type of intensive, daylong program is proven to be much more beneficial than shorter sessions,” explained Mike Gerue, vice president of neurosciences for Parkview Health. “The support aspect for families is also vital because when a child is diagnosed with autism, the entire family is affected. Often, parents feel isolated and without the coping mechanisms and help they need.”

Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. It is estimated that 1 in 88 children has autism, 1 in 54 boys. Boys are four times more likely than girls to have it.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it has a wide variation of developmental issues. Symptoms can range from mild social awkwardness to distracting repetitive behaviors to disabling difficulties in communicating, relating to others, and understanding emotions and expressions. Since the symptoms can vary so much, treatments must be highly individualized. “That’s our plan for the Parkview Huntington Hospital Autism Center,” said Garrett.

When a child in northeast Indiana is diagnosed with autism, families have only a limited number of resources for help. Often, they are referred to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. The long distance can make treatment very difficult. “Parkview saw the need to make help available to children locally, just as treatment is available here for other conditions,” said Garrett.

While the autism center will be located in Huntington, children from other counties in the region can be referred to the center too.

There were fewer reports of Indiana farm-related deaths in 2011 than the previous year, including none involving children for the first time in 13 years, according to a new Purdue University report.

The Indiana Farm Fatality Summary reports that 16 people died in farm-related incidents in 2011, down from 23 in 2010. The number of farm-related fatalities represents about 13 percent of the 122 fatal work injuries documented in Indiana last year.

While less than one percent of Indiana’s workforce is employed in production agriculture, the industry has traditionally been responsible for the highest number of work-related fatalities in the state.

The report also says that for the first time since 1998, there were no reports of anyone under the age of 18 being killed in Indiana during farming activities.

Bill Field, Purdue Extension safety specialist, said while it’s good that there’s a declining number of farm fatalities, farmers should still practice preventative safety.

“We’re moving in the right direction, but every one of these incidents is preventable,” Field said. “We shouldn’t just accept this as something no one can do anything about.”

The study cites several reasons for the decline in farm-related fatalities, including advancements in the safety, productivity and efficiency of agricultural technology, the decline in the portion of the population required to work the land and efforts to educate farmers and agricultural workers about work-related threats.

Field thinks the increasing number of equipment upgrades from older machinery has helped lower the number of farm-related injuries and fatalities in recent years.

“We’re seeing a retirement of older machinery. Today’s farming units are safer, have better technology, are better guarded and run better overall. Older equipment is being salvaged because of the high price of steel and iron,” Field said.

Tractors remained the most significant agent of injury, accounting for 38 percent of reported fatalities.

Field recommended that those in the agriculture industry continue to place importance on safety, especially when transporting equipment on highways, working around grain storage facilities and allowing children in the workplace.

He estimated there were nearly 7,000 farm-related injuries in Indiana in 2011, although not that many incidents were reported. Non-fatal incidents are not well documented by any source, but the few reports that were received were severe and involved extended hospital stays.

“From a productivity perspective, these incidents can cost quite a bit of money, and farmers are usually not well insured and have high deductibles. The economic impact for farmers in Indiana is in the millions of dollars. Just a visit to the emergency room can be very expensive,” Field said.

To view the full report or find more information on safety in agriculture, visit http://www.farmsafety.org

Kosciusko County Court new filings – for the week of Nov. 21, 2012
Kosciusko County Court small claims – for the week of Nov. 21, 2012

Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Jason McSherry:

Cummins—Sullivan Steven Cummins, 33, Etna Green, and Jackie Sullivan, 33, Etna Green
Masterson—Sanders Chad Masterson, 22, Mentone, and Sarah Sanders, 20, North Webster
Jacobs—Brooke Benjamin Jacobs, 30, Warsaw, and Hope Brooke, 24, Mentone Craycraft—Conway Michael Craycraft, 43, North Webster, and Nanette Conway, 43, North Webster
Coquillard—Yoder Ryan Coquillard, 25, Syracuse, and Jessica Yoder, 25, Syracuse
Obando—Niles Erwin Obando, 31, Syracuse, and Mona Niles, 47, Syracuse Cardenas—Cerda-Martinez Jose Cardenas, 28, Warsaw, and Yesenia Cerda-Martinez, 25, Warsaw
Muccullough—Campbell Brent Muccullough, 38, Syracuse, and Rebecca Campbell, 34, Syracuse
Schultz—Sexton Mark Schultz, 39, Mentone, and Amanda Sexton, 25, Mentone Tanner—Ferguson Jamison Tanner, 37, Leesburg, and Tamara Ferguson, 37, Leesburg

Marriage Dissolutions
The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit courts:
Dove — Bronica Dove, Cromwell, and James Dove, Kodak, Tenn. Married: May 7, 2005. Separated: June 1, 2009. There are no minor children.
O’Dell — Crystal O’Dell, Warsaw, and Michael O’Dell, Warsaw. Married: Nov. 11, 2011. Separated: Nov. 2012. There are no minor children.
Murphy — Melissa Murphy, Warsaw, and Ricky Murphy, Pierceton, Married: Nov. 1993. Separated: Nov. 1, 2012. There is one minor child.
Garcia — Abraham Garcia, Warsaw, and Rosa Garcia, Warsaw. Married: Sept. 13, 2003. Separated: 2007. There are three minor children.
Miller — Haley Miller, Syracuse, and Matthew Miller, Moore, Okla. Married: Aug. 16, 2006. Separated: Nov. 7, 2012. There are two minor children.
Harrold — Stephanie Harrold, Warsaw, and John Harrold, Warsaw, Married: Aug. 2007. Separated: Nov. 14, 2012. There are no minor children.
Howell — Sharon Howell, and Michael Howell, Milford. Married: Nov. 15, 2007. Separated: Nov. 16, 2012. There are two minor children.
Henry – Tonya Henry, Nappanee, and Dennis Henry, Nappanee. Married: June 15, 1996. Separated: Oct. 25, 2012. There is one minor child.
Gonzalez — Alejandro Gonzalez, Leesburg, and Gracia Gonzalez, Winona Lake. Married: Dec. 27, 2003. Separated: Oct. 23, 2012. There are two minor children.

Local health care providers, social service professionals, and other health advocates are invited to attend a free workshop, Champions for Smoke-free Pregnancies in Kosciusko County, on Thursday, April 18, at the Honeywell Center, Nixon Room. Registration is from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the program starting at 2:30 p.m., ending at 4 p.m.

The event is hosted by the Cass, Miami, Kosciusko, and Wabash County Tobacco Prevention Coalitions in partnership with Promoting Smokefree Pregnancies in Indiana.

The PSPI coalition, a statewide partner of the Indiana State Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission, is comprised of agencies and individuals across Indiana dedicated to reducing the prevalence of smoking among women of childbearing age, particularly during pregnancy.

In Indiana, approximately 17 percent of pregnant women smoke, nearly twice the national average. In Kosciusko County, 20.9 percent of expectant mothers smoke.

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with a number of negative physical and mental outcomes including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and problems with learning and reading, among many others.

The April 18 event will introduce participants to effective tools and techniques for providing tobacco cessation support to their patients and clients, with special emphasis on pregnant women. Participants will hear from Dr. Michael Mull from the Peru American Health Network and Linda Mackey from Area 5, Women, Infants and Children.

“Tobacco cessation during pregnancy can be a sensitive, challenging task.  We hope that hearing these champions’ success stories will inspire others who serve women and families to consider implementing some of the same simple practices,” said Dan Gray, director of the Kosciusko County Tobacco Free Coalition.

Registration for the event is free but required by April 17. Register on the web form: www.formstack.com/forms/smokefree-wabashcounty or for phone registrations or questions call Dan Gray at 260-274-2920.

Kosciusko County Court Judgements
Kosciusko County Court Filings

Small Claims
The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding:

• Money Matters v. Manuel Adams, Cromwell, $784.00; v. Adam Booher, Warsaw, $393.80; Carl Grisby, Warsaw, $784.00; v. Andrew Kelley, Warsaw, $465.00; v. James Klingerman, Plymouth, $493.00; v. Robert Lowe, Warsaw, $416.50; v. Aaron C. McDaniel, North Webster, $384.00; v. Douglas McNee, Leesburg, $395.80; v. Ana and Montoya Montoya, Warsaw, $426.60; v. Amy E. Smith, Monterey, $429.00; v. John and Tracey Stevens, Rochester, $596.67
• Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Elizabeth Aguilar, Warsaw, $807.63; v. Marion Beezley, Syracuse, $1,983.58; v. Brian Brunk, Warsaw, $1,810.61; v. Bryte Cleveland, Warsaw, $791.42; v. Jody Click, Warsaw, $1,120.35; Robert Coy, Syracuse, $3,256.61; v. William Craft, Silver Lake, $920.33; v. Ramon Islas, Warsaw, $1,165.92; v. Stacy Jackson, Burket, $954.55; v. Nikolas Vilamaa, Warsaw, $1,026.17; v. Brandy Warner, Akron, $785.99
• Ryan Stuckman v. Bruce Baldillez, Syracuse, $817.81; v. Vanessa Rolston, Syracuse, $817.81
• Martin Financial Management v. David Clark, Ferdinand, $682.69
• Tri County Ambulance Services v. Nathan Clark, Etna Green, $696
• Law Office Blackford v. Cathy Collins, Warsaw, $1,461.62; v. Steven Haberman, Warsaw, $993.13
• SAC Finance Inc. v. Kimberly Courson, Warsaw, $6,092
• George’s Grain Farm v. Jeff Foerster, Dale, $418.35
• Communitywide Federal Credit Union v. Kevin Gibson, Warsaw, $2,779.43
• Evergreen Commercial Real Estate v. Bobbi and William Guard, Etna Green, $5,759.60
• Taylor Law Office PC v. Michael Kats, Warsaw, $3,967.56
• Canterbury House Apartments v. Melissa Long, Warsaw, $1,331.67; v. Lindsey Park, Milford, $1,449.13; v. Amy Underwood, Warsaw, $1,592.78
• Jian Zhen v. Michelle Ramsey, Warsaw, $486.40
• Tammy Martin v. Sabrina Maldanado, Warsaw, $1,201.65
• Orchard Ridge Apartments v. Erica Mullaney, Warsaw, $2,139; v. Spenser W. Shoemaker, Warsaw, $2,139
• Georges Grain Farm, Inc. v. William Richmond, Peru, $412.80; v. Larry Rock, Tippecanoe, $1,079.44
• Ron Cernauskas v. Alexander Wiggs, Warsaw, $2,067

Mortgage Foreclosures
The following mortgage foreclosures have been awarded in Kosciusko County Courts:

• PNC Bank v. Martha and Pedro Garza, Warsaw, $69,080.09; v. James Poe, $46,883.34
• Wells Fargo v. Billie and Burl Haywood Jr., Claypool, $72,724.11
• Midfirst Bank v. James and Jennifer Hoover, Syracuse, $117,933.74
• Everbank v. Kristie Lane, Warsaw, $198,070.88; v. Michael Lane, Warsaw, $198,070.88
• Deutsche Bank National Trust v. Deb Miller, Warsaw, $149,746.45; v. Jerry Miller, Warsaw, $136,621.89
• Crossroads Bank v. Judy Ness, Warsaw, $402,965.06
• U.S. Bank v. William Pauwels, Cromwell, $16,420.66; v. the estate and heirs of Karen Pauwel, Cromwell, $16,420.66
• Household Finance v. Cirilo and Maria Ponce, Warsaw, $94,556.68

Civil Collections
The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko County Courts:

• Midland Funding LLC v. Martt Clupper, Warsaw, $2,343.64; Tammy Curtis, Silver Lake, $8,826.39; v. Regina Hyde, Etna Green, $1,025.59; v. Gene Lord, Warsaw, $2,922.78; v. Donald Whitaker, Syracuse, $9,942.04; v. Stacey Yotter, Winona Lake, $1,351.82
• Asset Acceptance v. Rachell Cooper, Warsaw, $1,661.70
• Communitywide Federal Credit Union v. Joshua Crawford, Silver Lake, $9,478.76; v. Mindy Ditton, Warsaw, $17,712.06; v. Benita Fernandes, Warsaw, $9,649.39; v. Don Shepherd, Ligionier, $17,712.06
• LVNV Funding LLC v. Shannon Daffron, Pierceton, $1,034.81; v. James Fuller, Warsaw, $923.99; v. Linda Hurd, Warsaw, $1,421.21; v. Murry Kantenwein, Winona Lake, $10,110.61; v. Cindy Kentch, Pierceton, $932.87; v. Wendy Lasher, Syracuse, $1,011.01
• Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. Tina Fuller, Warsaw, $3,178.07
• Discover Bank v. Sue-Ellen Gest, Warsaw, $6,696.84
• Atlantic Credit and Finance v. Tammy Keener, Barnett, $11,978.66
• Lake City Bank v. Kayla Long, Warsaw, $2,033.58
• Snow & Sauerteig v. Jeremy Lukens, Warsaw, $8,418.69
• American Acceptance Company LLC. v. Della Reith, Syracuse, $1,977.12; v. Robert Shoemaker, Leesburg, $19,468.61
• HSBC Bank Nevada v. Brandi Schmitt-Streby, Syracuse, $2,815.08
• Westlake Services v. Adam and Barbara Sheets, Syracuse, $7,052.65
• Capitol One Bank v. Joseph Shepherd, Etna Green, $1,175.90
• Discover Bank v. Renita Weaver, Claypool, $10,414.36

Superior Court II
The following traffic infractions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court II, Judge James Jarrette presiding:

Failure to register off-road vehicle – Austin Flenar, Warsaw, $141.00
Speeding - Jaclyn Warren, Warsaw, $123.50
Failure to yield right of way at entrance to through highway - Eidan Munoz, Columbia City, $141.50

Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy:

Truex — Hurd
Billy Joe Truex, 29, Warsaw, and Kristina Hurd, 24, Warsaw
Howard — Hyde
Richard Howard Jr., Mentone, and Raleen Hyde, 26, Warsaw

Marriage Dissolutions
The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit courts:

Hayes — Jessica Hayes, Warsaw, and Tad Hayes, Warsaw. Married: June 5, 2005. Separated: Feb. 27, 2013. There are two minor children.
Wright — Vicki Wright, Milford, and John Wright, Milford. Married: Sept. 12, 1992. Separated: April 22, 2013. There are no minor children.
Bex — Natasha Bex, Warsaw, and Kris Bex, Winona Lake. Married: Jan. 29, 1999. Separated: April 24, 2013. There is one minor child.
Shaw — Vikki Spurgeon-Shaw, Leesburg, and Samuel Shaw, Warsaw. Married: April 19, 2008. Separated: April 26, 2013. There are no minor children.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today approved increasing the federally-funded share for the U.S. 31 Hamilton County Improvement Project in Indiana to 90 percent. The 90 percent match represents about a $23 million increase over the original 80 percent match. The project is the first to benefit from a new provision in surface transportation legislation, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), that gives the Secretary discretion to raise the allowable federal match on eligible critical freight projects.

“Freight movement is critical to building a strong economy, and we support Indiana’s commitment to this very important project,” said Secretary LaHood. “New flexibilities in MAP-21 will make it easier for all states to move important freight projects forward.”

The U.S. 31 project is part of a larger Indianapolis to South Bend corridor INDOT is rebuilding to handle increasing traffic, including more than 6,600 trucks using the corridor each day. The increased federal share will allow the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to use $207 million in federal dollars toward the total project cost of $230 million.

“The U.S. 31 project will relieve congestion and allow area residents to spend less time in traffic and more time doing what they enjoy, and it will also reduce the time it takes to deliver merchandise,” FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez said. “It’s a win-win-win for residents, businesses and commerce.”

INDOT will upgrade U.S. 31 to interstate standards and convert it to a limited access freeway with entry and exit points only at certain interchanges to improve traffic flow. The project involves 13 miles of new alignment, widening from four to six lanes and building nine new interchanges.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Inside INdiana Business 

The Kosciusko County 4-H Fair begins Monday, July 8. Each day, the Kosciusko County 4-H Fair will honor a particular group or sponsor. These days often mean discounted admission or themed activities.

Although the official opening day of the 97th-annual fair isn’t until July 8, gates will open on July 7 for Family Day.

Families will be able to enjoy the 13th-annual Community Parade, which steps off at 4 p.m. from Winona Avenue for free. All 4-H exhibits also open at noon on July 7.

Tuesday, July 9 is Kiddies Day, with carnival rides priced at $1 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 9 is also Leadership Appreciation Day at the fairgrounds, when volunteers can register to win prizes throughout the day at the 4-H Office and Kosciusko REMC Day. REMC customers who present their Touchstone Energy Card at the gate will receive $1 off the cost of admission.

Wednesday, July 10, is Community Day, visitors are encouraged to visit the not-for-profit booths along Midway. Wednesday is also Senior Day; individuals 65 or better are only $1 for admission.

Farmers and Truckers Day at the fair will be Thursday, July 11 and there will be an antique display area. Scout Day is also July 11. Until 6:30 p.m., all scouts wearing a Class A uniform get in free. Louis Dreyfus will also be honored as a long-time sponsor.
Friday, July 12, the fair will honor Everest Excavating Day as a long-time sponsor. The day will also be Sponsorship & Media Day.

Saturday, July 13, is Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation Day and the final day of the fair.

For more information about special dates and pricing, contact the Kosciusko County Community Fair Office at 574-269-1823.

Kosciusko County Court Judgements
Kosciusko County Court Filings

Small Claims
The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Joe V. Sutton presiding:

• Annie Zartman v. Dustin Baldridge, Claypool, $432
• Ace Hardware of Warsaw v. Titan Construction, Akron, $1,193.50
• DECA Financial Services v. Kasey Chilcutt, Warsaw, $4,238.63; v. Mark Klosowski, Warsaw, $1,150.80; v. Sheela Patel, Warsaw, $828.40
• Warsaw Eastgate Apartments v. Apolonio Corral, Warsaw, $1,602; v. Brittany Jackson, Warsaw, $1,602
• Roy Wright v. Steven Demerly, Warsaw, $1,362
• Ron Cernauskas v. Jessie Hurley, North Webster, $2,792
• Viola Woods v. Tiffany Johnson, Syracuse, $2,409; v. Robert Renier, Syracuse, $2,409; v. Patrick Shaw, Syracuse, $802; v. Dawnitta and Don Trafan, Syracuse, $1,229
• Kent Freed v. Steve and Vickie Miller, Etna Green, $520.42
• Francis Diamond v. Leslie Ogan, Milford, $392
• FR Syracuse LLC v. Shawn R. Singelton, Syracuse, $1,592; v. Dustin Wise, Syracuse, $2,592
• Richard Monk v. Bethany and Tony Slone, Claypool, $1,103.79
• The Collection Company v. Mary and Stacy Slusher, Pierceton, $1,473.09
• The Pit Stop v. Titan Construction, Akron, $1,592

Civil Collections
The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko County Courts:

• Asset Acceptance v. Alberto Aguilar, $5,217.84; v. Kyle Hamilton, Warsaw, $10,105.18; v. Angela Rigby, Syracuse, $2,059.82
• Midland Funding LLC v. Linda Barfell, Pierceton, $1,106.01; v. Bryn Beer, Milford, $971.38; v. Patti Craft, Pierceton, $1,661.39; v. Alejandro Cuahuizo, Warsaw, $963.66; v. Chasity Hamilton, Warsaw, $1,078.75; v. Matthew Livengood, Warsaw, $2,306.59; v. Jean Myer, Silver Lake, $678.12; v. Byron Oswald, Syracuse, $8,632.92; v. Charie Peugh, Warsaw, $1,407.03; v. Jeffrey Simpson, Milford, $925.74; v. Sheryl Stroh, Warsaw, $903.56; v. Patricia Zabrodsky, Warsaw, $918.78
• Capital One Bank v. Deborah Brown, Warsaw, $3,600.62; v. Shawn Williams, Warsaw, $5,190.12
• LVNV Funding v. Lora Chapman, Warsaw, $6,434.17
• Citibank v. Michael Chestnut, Syracuse, $9,341.13
• GE Capital v. Billy Gardner, Warsaw, $2,560.66; v. Lorraine Hilty, Nappanee, $2,691.87
• CACH LLC v. Patrick Lambert, Warsaw, $8,433.59; v. John Sturgill, Warsaw, $1,935.33
• Communitywide Federal Credit v. Daniel Slone, Kendallville, and Doreen Slone, Warsaw, $8,978.95
• Harvest Credit Management v. Videll Stelzer, Warsaw, $1,423.68
• American General Financial v. Kris and Michelle Tuttle, Ligonier, $2,950.86

Mortgage Foreclosures
The following mortgage foreclosures have been awarded in Kosciusko County Courts:

• Federal National Mortgage Association v. Charles Baldridge, Pierceton, $76,815.38
• US Bank National Association v. Timothy Godbey, Cromwell, $105,385.98
• Beneficial Financial v. Juan and Sylvia Perales, Warsaw, $205,384.80

Superior Court II
The following traffic infractions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court II, Judge James Jarrette presiding:

Speeding – Jennifer Ayers, Nobelsville, $128.50

Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy:

White—Smith
Gordon White, 31, Leesburg, and Jamie Smith, 31, Leesburg
Juarez—Malagon
Javier Juarez, 31, Warsaw, and Ana Malagon, 25, Warsaw
Kosins—Isley
Aaron Kosins, 28, Warsaw, and Michelle Isley, 31, Warsaw
Figueroa-Gomez—Smith
Jose Abraham Figueroa Gomez, 35, Kalamazoo, Mich., and Alisha Smith, 28, Syracuse
Brown—Ullery
Nathan Brown, 21, Claypool, and Rylee Ullery, 18, Bourbon
Comadoll—Vanness
Timothy Comadoll, 33, Warsaw, and Cassandra Vanness, 35, Warsaw
Hunter—Bailey
Benjamin Hunter, 20, Cromwell, Brandy Marie Bailey, 22, Leesburg
Campbell—Bradley
Zachary D. Campbell, 21, Warsaw, and Adrienne Bradley, 20, Warsaw
Land—Vickery
William Land, 58, North Webster, and Christine Vickery, 46, North Webster
Jacobs—Sparkman
Danny Jacobs, 51, Cromwell, and Nancy Sparkman, 40, Cromwell
Harris—Hattery
Duane Harris, 33, Elkhart, and Rene Hattery, 46, Warsaw
Fiorenza—Murphy
Evan Fiorenza, 29, Greenwood, Katie Murphy, 28, Syracuse
Hahn—Fitzpatrick
Andrew Hahn, 20, Warsaw, and Kayla Fitzpatrick, 20, Warsaw
Martinez-Caloca—Hernandez
Ezequiel Martinez-Caloca, 26, Milford, and Sarah Hernandez, 24, Milford
Brown—Waldbeser
Jason Brown, 31, Milford, and Kara Waldbeser, 34, Milford
Dang—Durcholz
John Dang, 24, Costa Mesa, Calif., and Kayla Durcholz, 24, Warsaw
Wetzel—Prater
Lance Wetzel, 40, Warsaw, and Charise Prater, 29, Warsaw
Lenczewski—Helpler-Fink
Joseph Lenczewski, 27, Cromwell, and Sharon Hepler-Fink, 39, Cromwell
Woodling—Wade
Kegan Woodling, 25, Warsaw, and Samantha Wade, 24, Warsaw
Ellenwood—Wilson
Jonathan Ellenwood, 35, Mentone, and Shi’Ann Wilson, 30, Mentone
Batten—Macinnis
Jeffery Batten, 37, Mentone, and Amy Macinnis, 32, Mentone
Richcreek—Goble
Randall Richcreek, 52, Syracuse, and Tammy Goble, 46, Leesburg

Marriage Dissolutions
The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit courts:

Meiser — Allison Meiser, Rochester, and Michael Meiser, Rochester. Married: July 4, 2004. Separated: June 27, 2013. There is one minor child.
Pearson —  Sheana Pearson, Warsaw, and Ivan Pearson Jr., Warsaw. Married: Feb. 21, 2009. Separated: Nov. 25, 2012. There are three minor children.
Batchelar — Helena Batchelar, Warsaw, and Russell Batchelar, Kokomo. Married: May 21, 2008. Separated: May 19, 2013. There are two minor children.
Dodane-Sorenson — Chamberlea Dodane, Warsaw, and Dustin Sorenson, Warsaw. Married: May 24, 2013. Separated: June 5, 2013. There are no minor children.
Hunter-Daugherty — Brandi Hunter, Pierceton, and Clifford Daugherty, Claypool. Married: June 3, 2011. Separated: May 7, 2013. There are no minor children.
Stout— Adam Stout, Warsaw, and Debra Stout, Ephrata, Penn. Married: July 10, 2005. Separated: Oct. 3, 2008. There are no minor children. 

Kosciusko County
The following individuals were recently booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:
July 11, 2013

• Brooke Nicole Green, 21, 2904 E. Longspur Ln., Warsaw, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $500
• Cesar Soto, 35, 1692 E. 200 N. 170, Warsaw, arrested for operator never being licensed. Bond: $350
• Timothy Allan Dilley, 50, 95 EMS D18 A1 Ln., Syracuse, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $1,000
• Tycri Jacxon Smith, 18, 351 N. Main St., Columbia City, arrested for burglary and theft under a $100,000 value. No bond.
• Tammy Mae Honeycutt, 41, 712 W. Market St., Warsaw, arrested for driving while suspended. Bond: $300
• Melissa Ann Yeiter, 43, 712 W. Market St., Warsaw, arrested for a body attachment. Bond: $2,838.50
• Tanner Lee Leonard, 21, 823 E. Clark St., Warsaw, arrested on a warrant. Bond: $500
• Nathan Scott Dimmock, 27, 730 E. Wildwood Dr., Warsaw, arrested for burglary and theft under $100,000 value. Bond: $5,000
• Sierra Leeann Scaife, 18, 423 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, arrested for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. Bond: $300

July 12, 2013

• Nicole Ellen Dutton, 39, 1802 N. Fox Farm Rd., Warsaw, arrested for possession of chemical reagents/precursors of methamphetamine with the intent to manufacture. Bond: $2,000
• Shelby Marie McIntire, 22, 1380 W. 600 S., Claypool, arrested for operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more. Bond: $550
• Sheri Alice Courson, 51, 118 N. Tepee Dr., Warsaw, arrested for conspiracy to commit theft and operating while intoxicated resulting in death. Bond: $2,000
• Bryan Gene Rice, 30, 4452 E. Wooster Rd., Pierceton, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $750
• Chanelle Nicole Stults, 24, 81 EMS R3E Ln., Pierceton, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond: $455
• Orville Eugene Erhart III, 39, 1202 Wooster Rd., Winona Lake, arrested on warrant. No bon.

Kosciusko County
The following individuals were recently booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:
July 16, 2013

• Christina Meade, 39, 3821 E. 450 S., Warsaw, arrested for battery resulting in a bodily injury. Bond: $1,500
• Talen Wade Townsend, 27, 920 Anchorage Rd., Warsaw, arrested for a parole violation. No bond.
• Amanda Christine Gibson, 32, 3104 E. Wooster Rd., Pierceton, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $500
• Steven Glen Kavanaugh, 38, 2435 Meridian St., Anderson, arrested for two counts of failure to appear. Bond: $60,000
• Devon Michael Francio Hanson, 21, 225 E. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw, arrested for failure to appear. Bond: $1,000
• Kristopher Tyler Sechrist, 19, 1000 Huron Way, Auburn, arrested for false informing. Bond: $100
• Dawn Parks, 29, 2441 W. 250 S 61, Warsaw, arrested for disorderly conduct. Bond: $350
• Jesus Chavera V IV, 26, 1121E. Main St., Warsaw, arrested for dealing cocaine. No Bond.
• Micah Benjamin Goss, 22, 1120 E. Clark St., Warsaw, arrested for dealing cocaine. No bond.
• Kira Ann Courson, 21, 1776 S. Country Club Rd., Warsaw, arrested for dealing cocaine. No bond.
• Melvin Santana-Slone, 30, 504 S. Detroit St., Warsaw, arrested for dealing cocaine.