WARSAW — Conducting its last meeting of the year, the Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Protection Territory Board took care of necessary year-end business, including appointments to its board.

Diane Quance, who has served as a common council representative for four years, will be leaving. Mike Klondaris, council member and resident within the district of the new fire station, will be taking her place.

“Diane is going off the board after four years of service. At election time I sat down and talked to members … She has been appointed to the plan commission,” stated Mayor Joe Thallemer. He stated Quance didn’t request the move or have a conflict, she likes the board and “I’d let her stay if she wanted … For the boards and commissions … moved some around for the betterment of the city. She had the final vote.”

Quance referenced the new year and death of long time councilman Charlie Smith, filling of his positions and having three council members with the most experience. “It seemed the right thing to do … but I was reluctant. I enjoyed working with this board and the progress we’ve made. I’m excited about the new station … looking forward to expending my horizons … privilege to serve all the firefighters,” stated Quance. She recommended Klondaris for the position.

Thallemer filled the second position appointed by the city. The Wayne Township reappointed Gordon Nash and Sheila Bruner. The territory board unanimously reappointed Joe Streeter and appointed Fire Chief Mike Wilson to serve on the board.

During other business:

• Approved $31,000 in line two budget cuts as possible reductions in the 2016 budget.
• Approved an ordinance transferring $35,000 into the salaries and wages fund to handle a shortfall until the end of the year, primarily due to the switching of chiefs mid-year
• Accepted the 2016 wages of firefighters, staff, and stipend for board members
• Signed an agreement for accounting support services with H. J. Umbaugh & Associations. The rate will be based on standard hourly rates by job classifications as needed.
• Approved travel requests for Wilson and Shirley Fetrow, administrative assistant;, to meet with Umbaugh & Associates; and for Wilson, Brent Fifer, Brandon Allen and Trent Stamper to attend Incident Command Training.

Joe Fretz, fire inspector, on behalf of Wilson who was not in attendance, presented the monthly activity report for October by the department.

The report shows there were a total of 191 responses during the month: 147 within the city limits, 42 within Wayne Township and two responses out of the area. The largest number of calls related to rescue and medical assistance, 73.29 percent of the total calls. The two out of area responses were assists with Leesburg Fire Department. Assistance was received on two occasions by Winona Lake Fire Department and Warsaw Police Department.

There were nine fire calls, three overpressure calls (excessive heat with no fire), eight hazardous condition calls (gas leaks, clean up from accidents, shorted electrical equipment), 16 good intent calls (called out but cancelled en route), 14 false alarms/false calls and one special incident call (a citizen complaint of some type).

Justin Forrest Plank

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — A charge of battery, causing serious bodily injury, a level 5 felony, against Justin Forrest Plank, 38, East NorthShore Drive, Syracuse, was dismissed four days before a three-day jury trial was to begin.

The deputy prosecuting attorney filed a motion Wednesday, Nov. 25, to dismiss charges against Plank, which was granted. The three-day jury trial in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 was slated to begin Tuesday, Dec. 1. No details as to why the charges were dropped are available.

Plank was not arrested on the date of the event, but several weeks later after the information was sent to the prosecutor’s office.

“The last 1 1/2 years has been awful,” said Plank. “How the system works baffles me,” he added, stating while he was not worried about going to trial and was actually looking forward to it, he was more upset at how the charges could be filed against him. He states he was defending himself and individuals on his own property.

Plank stated through depositions, the victim’s story was different than what police were initially told, and he had numerous witnesses collaborating what he stated occurred.

Plank, who admits he is not the best guy in the world, stated he had seven witnesses who saw the entire incident take place, including a 13-year-old who was also knocked down.

Original Charges

According to court documents, which lead to Plank’s arrest, police were called to Plank’s residence on July 6, 2014, for a fight in progress. When they arrived officers spoke to Timothy Schroer whose face was swollen, his left eye bruised, several teeth broken and blood was coming from his mouth. It appeared to the officer the man’s left side of his jaw was broken.

Schroer told police he was in his boat on Syracuse Lake and saw another boat with no lights on. He said he told the driver to turn the lights on and he recognized the individual as Plank, who allegedly yelled an obscenity at him.

Schroer reported he docked his boat and walked down to Plank’s home to resolve the issue. Schroer walked up to Plank in a non threatening, non-intimidating manner and Plank allegedly punched him in the face up to four times without warning. He said when he went to the ground, Plank kicked him.

However, statements from others contradicted Schroer’s report to police. Tammy Tranter, who was on her dock, stated Schroer came running up the pier and threw her on the ground. Schroer and Plank then began shoving each other, with Plank shoving Schroer in the water. When Schroer got out of the water he charged Plank, and Plank allegedly punched and kicked Schroer. Police noticed a large bruise beginning to appear on Tranter’s forearm.

Plank told police he was in his boat on the lake and the lights were not working. Schroer approached him in his boat and began yelling at him for having no lights. He docked his boat, at which time Schroer came up to him and pushed him, telling him he was going to jail. Plank then shoved Schroer in the water and when Schroer exited the water, he came at Plank again and Plank hit and kicked him.

Schroer was reportedly arrested for battery with bodily injury but the charges were later dismissed.

(Photo from WANE TV)

PENDLETON — Colt Lundy, who at the age of 15 was sentenced to 30 years, with five years to be served on probation, in the death of his stepfather, Philip Danner, at their Enhanted Hills home, has been moved to a different prison. Lundy was recently transferred from the Wabash Valley Level 4 Facility to the Correctional Industrial Facility, in Fall Creek Township, near Pendleton.

While Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, south of Terre Haute, was a maximum and minimum security facility, the Correctional Industrial Facility is a medium-security housing roughly 1,398 male inmates.

Lundy who is now 20 year’s old, is scheduled to be released May 30, 2022. He was sentenced on Sept. 27, 2010.

Lundy pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit murder, through a plea agreement on Sept. 8, 2010. He was initially charged with murder and aiding or causing murder of the April 20, 2010, of his Danner.

Also charged in the case was Paul Gingerich, who was 12 at the time. Both Lundy and Gingerich were waived to adult court and charged with murder. A third individual, Chase Williams, also 12 years old, was sentenced to the South Bend Juvenile Detention facility in May 2010, on a charge of aiding or causing murder. He was never waived to adult court.

Gingerich, now 17, also pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, received the same sentence as Lundy and is currently at the Pendleton Juvenile Facility. He will be moved to an adult prison at the age of 18.

Susie McEntire

WARSAW — Susie McEntire is returning to Warsaw this December for a free, country Christmas-themed concert.

McEntire, sister to the famed Reba McEntire, will be at Lakeview Middle School Saturday, Dec. 12. This will be McEntire’s third performance in Warsaw, including last year’s Christmas concert and the Kosciusko County Fair.

Like last year, organizers coupled the concert with a benefit for Warsaw’s Toys for Tots drive, with price of admission being a new, unwrapped toy to donate.

This year’s event, titled, “A Country Christmas With Susie McEntire,” will be very much the same, in that there will be no dollar amount charged for tickets. All are invited and those who wish can bring a toy to donate. However, this will not be required.

“Everyone is welcome,” organizer Mike Loher said.

Last year’s concert was deemed a success, with a large turnout and more than a dozen large Toys for Tots boxes filled to the brim. Because of this, organizers decided to do it again this year. Doors will most likely open at 6 p.m. that evening. Seating will be first come, first served, so Loher encourages people to arrive early.

While there are some similarities between McEntire and her sister, Reba, her music centers more around the inspirational. The concert will consist of traditional Christmas music and the children’s choir from Warsaw Christian School will join McEntire on stage. After the concert, McEntire will stick around to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans. CDs will also be for sale.

Just because admission is free, however, does not mean organizing it is free. Because of this, corporate and individual sponsorships are still needed to help cover expenses. There is no donation to big or small and any funds raised that exceed the cost of the concert will be donated to Toys for Tots.

For Loher, being able to bring an artist like McEntire to Warsaw was exciting. Being able to do it as a free event, however, was the proverbial icing on the cake.

“You hear about big-name artists in surrounding areas every now and then, and I thought we should do this,” he said. “I wanted it to be free, so I went out and got sponsors and that’s how it happened. A big thanks to Leesburg United Methodist Church for being the fiscal sponsor.”

Those interested in helping to sponsor the concert can contact Loher at (574) 376-0193.

McEntire has been performing since her teen years, alongside her siblings, including Reba. As an adult, she often joined Reba on stage and TV. She later branched out on her own to perform country gospel. For more information about McEntire, visit her website.

Emma Salner, center, received the 2015 Associate of the Year Award. The award was presented by her father, Jeffrey Mullendore, left, and her brother Drew Mullendore, standing behind her. Her husband Jared, is shown on the right. Marcia Anderson, 2015 Realtor of the Year, was not present to accept her award.

LEESBURG — The annual Kosciusko County Board of Realtor’s annual Christmas party honored Kosciusko county military families on Thursday, Dec. 3. Through the proceeds of the silent and live auction, as well as gift card donations from associates and members, over $5,215 was raised.

The proceeds will be distributed among three county military families in need. The proceeds were an increase of $1,105 from last year’s event.

The evening also honored two individuals with the annual 2015 Realtor and Affiliate of the Year awards.

Marcia Anderson, Coldwell Banker Roth Wehrly Graber, was named the 2015 Realtor of the Year. Said to be identified with just a few words — fun, outgoing, generous with a dash of bling, Anderson was born in Gary, living in Ohio and California as a child. She attended Ball State and Florida State universities, receiving a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University. Prior to becoming a realtor she was a strategic plan coordinator at Sun Metal and was a successful Mary Kay consultant for 10 years.

A true passion in her life is the pro-life movement, serving on the North Central Indiana Right To Life board for six years and president of that board for the past two years. She enjoys antiques, visiting Brown County each fall, spending time with her friends and her two cats. She was married to her late husband, Conrad for the 31 years.

The Affiliate of the Year, Emma Salner, Mutual Bank, was described as one who has not missed a KBOR event in 2015. She is said to have a keen eye for detail and ability to recognize and pull the group out of some last minute holes on more than one occasion. She grew up near Warsaw, received her associate degree form Ivy Tech, studied one semester at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu before coming back to Indiana to finish her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University. Prior to coming to Mutual Bank, 2 1/2 years ago, she worked at Pier 1 Imports and Teacher’s Credit Union. Salner has also served on the KBOR public relations committee. She and her husband, Jared, who have been together for 11 years but married for six years, reside in Warsaw.

Over 110 realtors and affiliates attended the evening at Tippecanoe Country Club.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents:

• 6:12 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2500 block Walton Boulevard, Warsaw. Officials at Wal-Mart Super Center reported a television and sweeper stolen. Value: $1,147.
• 8:48 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 2500 block East Center Street, Warsaw. Bicycle was found on the Wyndham Garden property.
• 10:39 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 700 block East Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw. Paul Lafferty reported a garage door forced open. Damage up to $200.
• 4:59 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 700 block East Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw. Steven K. Berlin reported his apartment was broken into and cash removed.
• 11:34 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 700 block Orthopedic Drive, Warsaw. Ryan S. Ramsey reported a battery complaint at Depuy

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following accidents:

1:42 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, East CR 550N and North CR 100E, Leesburg. Driver: Joshua A. Brown, 31, South Henry Street, Milford. Brown complained of pain to the head and was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital. Brown’s vehicle drove through the intersection at CR 100E and CR 550N, hitting a utility pole on the north side of the roadway. He continued west on CR 550N, when he lost control of his vehicle and struck another utility pole. Damage up to $10,000.

1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, West CR 200S and South Paxton Drive, Warsaw. Driver: Rebecca M. Smith, 58, West CR 250S, Warsaw. Hit deer. Damage up to $2,500.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

3:29 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, North Detroit Street and East Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw. Drivers; Andrea R. Cochran, 18, West CR 200N, Warsaw, and Meagan A. Martens, 26, West High Street, Silver Lake. Cochran northbound preparing to turn west onto Fort Wayne Street and due to a southbound turning vehicle, she failed to see the Martens vehicle when she turned. Damage up to $5,000.

2:59 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, Orchard Drive, Warsaw. Drivers; Abhishek Ray, 31, Orchard Drive, Warsaw, and Patricia A. Yoder, 89, Orchard Drive, Warsaw. Ray was backing from parking space and backed into the Yoder vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

Extensive damage to the Dodge Stratus.

LEESBURG — Joshua A. Brown, 31, South Henry Street, Milford, was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital following a one-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 9. Brown complained of pain to the head.

The accident occurred at 1:42 p.m. on CR 550N, between CR 100E and CR 75E.

Brown told police he was northbound on CR 100E, in his 2001 Dodge Stratus when he came to the 90 degree curve with CR 550S. Brown drove through the intersection, hitting a utility pole on the north side of the roadway. He stated he became scared and continued west on CR 550N. A short distance later he heard a loud noise coming from his vehicle.

Brown then lost control of his vehicle, hitting another utility pole on the north side of the roadway, breaking the pole near the base.

Damage was estimated up to $10,000.

The accident was investigated by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. Leesburg/Plain Fire Department and Lutheran EMS Kosciusko also responded.

Elkhart

The following individual was booked in the Elkhart County Detention Facility:

Dec. 8

• Anthony Wayne Amaya, 45, 3757 N. 900W, Cromwell, arrested for contempt of court, driving while suspended and battery on a police officer. Bond: $643.50.

Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 10

• James Dale Hughes, 42, 202 Argonne Road, Warsaw, arrested for disorderly conduct-fight. Bond: $500 cash.
• Nickolas David Boyd, 27, 4299 S. 600W, Mentone, arrested for possession of schedule I, II, III, IV Controlled substance. Bond: $450 cash.

Dec. 9

• John Edward V. Mattson, 27, 342 N. Main St., North Webster, arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,000 surety, $250 cash.
• Stephen Franklin Henwood, 50, 6706 N. 500E, Syracuse, arrested for driving while suspended with prior. Bond: $450 cash.
• Zachary Dale White, 23, 209 E. Baltimore Street, Syracuse, arrested for failure to appear for dealing meth, dealing in a look a like substance, and escape. No bond.

Zachary Dale White

WARSAW — Zachary Dale White, 23, is back behind bars, this time with no bond after he failed to attend pre-trial conferences charges in Kosciusko County Circuit Court.

White, who is shown as having such addresses as 209 E. Baltimore St., Syracuse, and 519 W. Winona Ave., Warsaw, has three cases and eight charges filed against him dated July 10, 2014; Jan. 22, 2015, and Jan. 26, 2015. All charges except one, that of escape, are drug related.

According to information from the courts, he was ordered to appear for a pre-trial conference on Nov. 17. When he did not appear Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed issued warrants in the three cases.

Charges filed on Jan. 26, allege around Jan. 18 White sold methamphetamine to an individual for $50 at a residence within the county. It was at that time he was charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a level 5 felony, and possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony.

The Jan. 22 charges are for dealing in a look-alike substance, a level 5 felony, possession of a narcotic drug, a level 6 felony, and possession of paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor. In this case White allegedly met a buyer at a gas station with two other individuals. Police found on the seat of a vehicle, beside White, $225 documented bills, and a syringe containing heroin. White admitted at that time he was going to sell two grams of meth to the buyer, but did not have any meth so he used MSM and sold it to the buyer as meth. He also admitted using the heroin himself and was going to use the money from the purchase to buy more heroin. Related: Tips Lead To Numerous Drug and Weapons Arrests

Charges filed on July 10, 2014, are for escape, a level 5 felony; possession of a narcotic drug and maintaining a common nuisance, level 6 felonies. Charging information states on July 8 police learned White and another individual had been observed ingesting prescription pills. A search of the residence found syringes an d packages of Diablo Botanical Incense, a synthetic drug look-alike substance. Officers found seven empty packages of the incense, six hypodermic needs, four spoons with a white powder residue and plastic bags. The power residue tested positive for heroin.

At that time White admitted to police he and the other individual had been selling and using heroin, as well as using a synthetic drug. After White was arrested, he was taken to the interview room at the police department. He told police he needed to use the restroom and ran out of the building, being arrested 25 minutes later.

Kosciusko County Court New Filings
Kosciusko County Court Judgments

Small Claims

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

• Douglas A. Stump v. Chris Baldridge, Cromwell, $5,481.99
• AAA Acceptance v. James P. Ferguson, Syracuse, No amount listed
• Kosciusko Community Hospital v.
  Mallory J. Hertel, Warsaw, $4,371.47
  Mary B. Hertel, Wasaw, $1,773.17
  Patrisha Hughes, Silver Lake, $1,641.17
  Christine Judd, Pierceton, $1,078.03
  Chasity Meadows, Warsaw, $3,330.45
  Nicholas A. Meadows, $3,330.45
  Ashley OConnor, Wasaw, $4,336.17
  Bobbie G. Pelfrey, Warsaw, $667.58
  Leslie K. Stapleton, Leesburg, $2,712.17
  Luke M. Tuttle, Syracuse, $4,146.15
  Trenton Walk,er Warsaw, $703.74
• The Car Company v. Michael R. Stouder, Cromwell, $621

Superior Court II

The following traffic infractions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court II:

Failure of occupant to use safety belt ($25): Crist E. Miller, Leesburg

Marriage Licenses

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

Likens-Schopf
Dana C. Likens, 28, Warsaw, and Amber F. Schopf, 30, Warsaw.

Rodriguez-Rojas
Salvador Valdez-Rodriguez, 48, Warsaw, and Claudia R. Gonzalez Rojas, 43, Warsaw

Hall-Dykstra
Joseph E. Hall, 30, Warsaw, and Taryn J. Dykstra, 30, Warsaw

Bever-Bakehorn
Jeremy L. Bever, 44, Silver Lake, and Teresa B. Bakehorn, 44, Claypool

Slone-Blocher
Austin M. Slone, 19, Warsaw, and Sarah A. Blocher, 18, Pierceton

Wagner-Perkins
Kyle A. Wagner, 19, Silver Lake, and Erin P. Perkins, Silver Lake

Killingsworth-DeLeon
James M. Killingsworth, 31, Syracuse, and Hilda DeLeon, 40, Syracuse

Ferrazzuolo-Westrick
Mario German Ferrazzuolo, 45, Warsaw, and Carrie E. Westrick, 32, Warsaw

Kern-Clark
Nicholas D. Kern, 24, Syracuse, and Sierra M. Clark, 24, Syracuse

Marriage Dissolutions

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

Taylor — Kevin Taylor, Winona Lake, and Rebecca Taylor, Lagrange, Ga. Married: March 11, 2008. Separated: Nov. 30, 2015. There is one minor child.

Eby — Nicole L. Eby, Winona Lake, and Joshua E. Eby, Winona Lake. Married: July 1, 2006. Separated: Nov. 25, 2015. There are two minor children.

Ramirez-Paredes — Hugo A. Ramirez, Warsaw, and Elida Gomez Paredes, Warsaw. Married: March, 11, 2011. Separated: Nov. 25, 2015. There is one minor child.

Hirshey — Jacque Hirshey, Syracuse, and Michael Hirshey, Warsaw. Married: March 1992. Separated: 1998. There are no minor children.

Flores-Casas — Tina Flores, Pierceton, and Jose R. Flores-Casas, Milford. Married: May 4, 2008. Separated: Dec. 3, 2015. There are no minor children.

Hart — Jennifer Hart, Winona Lake, and Andrew L. Hart, Warsaw. Married: Oct. 15, 2011. Separated: Dec. 2, 2015. There are no minor children.

(Photo by Chelsea Los)

SYRACUSE — Christopher Longenbaugh and his brother, Curtis Logenbaugh, both 33, North Main Street, Syracuse, were flown by Samaritan Air Ambulance to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, with minor bleeding to the head, following a one-vehicle accident on North Kern Road, north of East Duffy Drive, Syracuse. The accident occurred around 9:58 p.m.

Police report Christopher Longenbaugh was northbound on Kern Road in his 1996 Chevrolet truck. He stated a deer ran into the path of his vehicle and he swerved to miss the deer. Because the driver’s door of his truck did not latch securely, when he served, he was thrown from the vehicle, hitting the pavement. Longenbaugh watched his truck go off the road, through a yard, hitting a chain link fence. The vehicle continued northbound across a private driveway and hit a second chain link fence before hitting a large tree, head on, at the residence of Elaine M. Spaulding.

Chistopher Longenbaugh’s brother, Curtis, was in the passenger side of the vehicle and was extricated from the vehicle by Turkey Creek Fire Territory.

Police detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage, while speaking to Christopher Longenbaugh. He admitted to drinking approximately six beers at two different bars. A portable breathalyzer resulted in a .158 test. Christopher Longenbaugh also consented to take a certified blood draw at the hospital. The results are not available.

Damage to the Spaulding’s property and Longenbaugh’s truck was estimated up to $25,000.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, North Webster EMS, Milford Fire and North Webster Fire assisted at the scene of the crash.

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following accidents:

9:58 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, North Kern Road, north of East Duffy Drive, Syracuse. Driver: Christopher Logenbaugh, 33, North Main Street, Syracuse, suffered minor bleeding to the head. Passenger: Curtis P. Longenbaugh, 33, North Main St., Syracuse, minor bleeding to the head. Both were airlifted to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Christopher Longenbaugh swerved to miss a deer, due to the driver’s door not properly latching he was thrown from the vehicle. The vehicle continued through a yard, hitting a chain link fence and continuing across a private driveway, hitting a second chain link fence and tree head on, owned by Elaine M. Spaulding. Curtis Longenbaugh was trapped in the vehicle and was extricated. Damage up to $25,000..

7:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, South CR 700W, south of South Beaver Dam Road, Mentone. Driver: Jeffrey A. Feldman, 47, West CR 800S, Claypool. Hit deer. Damage up to $2,500.

9:58 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, East CR 900N, west of North CR 300E, Milford. Driver: Kajahnee J. Smith, 23, East Sumac Lane, North Webster. Deer hit vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

5:09 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, West CR 300N and North Detroit Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Charles D. Collins, 44, East North Street, Claypool, and Amanda L. Apple, 32, CR 25, New Paris. Collins’ vehicle struck the Apple vehicle as he attempted to change lanes. Damage up to $25,000.

1:54 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, Commerce Drive, Warsaw. Driver: Delda M. Shelhart, 82, South Warbler Lane, Warsaw. Shelhart’s vehicle sideswiped a parked vehicle registered to Laura E. Robertson, West Crystal Lake Road, Warsaw. Damage up to $5,000.

10:34 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, Dubois Drive, Warsaw. Driver: Lydia L. Fisher, 31, P.O. Box, Claypool. Fisher parked her vehicle in front of the main doors of Kosciusko Community Hospital, believing she secured the parking brake, before going inside. When she came out her vehicle had rolled down the hill and hit a parked vehicle registered to Susan E. Moss, Heather Court, Warsaw. Damage up to $2,500.

Adam J. Snyder

WARSAW —An employee of Gulfstream was arrested Thursday after being seen taking tools from an employee. The investigation lead to other tools he had been stealing tools from the company and another employee for over four years.

Initially two of the theft charges against Adam J. Snyder, 38, West CR 250S, Warsaw, were misdemeanors, but were enhanced due to previous convictions on related offenses.

Snyder was arrested on three counts of theft — one a level 6 felony and two class A misdemeanors. Due to convictions of theft on March 13, 1996, and conversion on Sept. 6, 2001, the misdemeanor charges were enhanced. Now all three theft charges are level 6 felonies.

According to court documents, filed in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 on Dec. 8, police were called to Gulfstream, Warsaw, after an employee reported the theft of tools. Kellie Kearny reported the theft of a DeWalt bag containing a DeWalt drill, batteries, tools and charger, valued at $600. The theft occurred between Nov. 30 and Dec. 3.

Melvin Reyes, a Gulfstream employee, told police he had observed Snyder leave the company at 4:37 p.m. Nov. 30 with a DeWalt bag. A surveillance video showed Snyder coming to work with a lunch box and leaving with the drill bag. Police were told all tools are engraved and identifiable.

Snyder admitted to police he stole the items belonging to Kearney. Going to a shed where Kearney’s items were, police observed other drills and tools. Snyder admitted he had stolen other air tools from the company over the past four years. Each of the tools were engraved with Gulfstream’s identification and are valued at over $2,200. Snyder also turned over to police a Mikita drill, stolen from Albert Anderson, valued at $175. That was stolen sometime in August.

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following incidents:

• 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 100 block EMS T48B Lane, Syracuse, Police were notified that a vehicle owned by Norma L. Eisaman had been struck.
• 7:06 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 300 block North CR 700W, Warsaw. Darren J. Whitehorse reported the theft of a cell phone.
• 9:58 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 10700 North Grove Road, Milford. James Shaver reported a vehicle was blocking his driveway. The vehicle, owned by John P. Beer, North Grove Road, Milford, had been reported stolen through Indiana State Police.
• 3:13 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 200 block West Main Street, Warsaw. Richard L. Williamson reported receiving threats.
• 11;10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 100 block EMS C29A Lane, Warsaw. Curtis M. Gunkel reported someone entered his truck and removed his wallet, cash and keys.
• 9:09 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 5500 block East CR 700S, Pierceton. Nicholas J. Cox contacted police regarding neighbors cattle running loose and being on his property again, an ongoing issue.
• 1:17 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 600 block West CR 300N, Warsaw. Heaven R. Edwards, reported her purse was stolen from her vehicle while parked in a parking lot.
• 10:23 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 6100 block North Cr 950E, North Webster. Terry S. Hopkins called police for a battery report.
• 2:52 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 11500 block North Grandview Drive, Syracuse, Travis L. Vanover reported an attempted auto theft.
• 12:19 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 100 block EMS T6A Lane, Leesburg. Erin N. Rhodes reported theft of credit cards, driver’s license, and other documents.
• 8 p.m Saturday, Dec. 5, 3700 block West Old Road 30, Warsaw. Police were called for a battery report.
• 1:07 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2500 block North CR 325E. Warsaw. Donna L. Roosa reported phone harassment.
• Friday, Dec. 4, 4800 block North SR 15, Warsaw. Christopher L. Holsclaw reported identity theft.
• 1:55 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 12000 block North Raggedy Ann Road, Cromwell. Police were called to a fight in progress.
• 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 2500 block North CR 325E, Warsaw. Donna L. Roosa reported receiving excessive threatening text messages.
• 11:04 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 200 block West Main St., Warsaw. Patricia R. Swanson reported a wooden swing set stolen from a car lot in Atwood.  Value: $180.
• 9:48 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 300 block North Tower Street, Etna Green. Officials at Gulfstream reported the theft of tools – drills, air tools screw guns. Value: $2,975.
• Midnight Thursday, Dec. 3, 5500 block South CR 450W, Claypool. Janice A. Martin reported a dead calf was dumped in the ditch along the road.
• 2:59 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 1000 block East Blantern Road, Warsaw. David A. Sawesky reported the side window of a vehicle was broken out over night.
• 3:11 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2400 block West CR 250S, Warsaw. Angel M. Smith reported theft of make up.
• 2:11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 100 block West Van Buren Street, Leesburg. David M. Gregory reported a battery at The Keg Tavern, Leesburg.
• 10:43 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2400 block West CR 250S, Warsaw. Stacy E. Snyder reported a theft of concrete blocks.
• 6:34 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 100 block West State Street, Etna Green. Officials at Freedom Oil Express reported the theft of $52.35 in fuel.
• 18:17 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2400 block West 250S, Warsaw, Angel M. Smith reported a juvenile problem to police.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incidents:

• 2:06 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 300 block North Main Street, North Webster. Officials at the North Webster Community Center reported person attempted to gain entry into the vacant part of the community center. A door handle was torn of.
• 10:17 a.m. Dec. 1, 300 block South Harrison Street, North Webster. Alisha Shake reported vehicle was struck at an unknown location and time.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents:

• 2:38 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 1300 block Briar Ridge Circle, Warsaw. Richard N. Harding, Cynthia R. Landwerlen, Tulugu V Rao, Kelli Wainwright and Mistie N. Hershberger reported package thefts. Value: $849.95.
• 11:23 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 1600 block Tippecanoe Drive, Warsaw. Imelda Ramos reported the theft of keys from her vehicle.
• 10:51 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 300 block East Main Street, Warsaw. Corey N. Morgan reported being battered.
• 2:11 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 3600 block Commerce Drive, Warsaw. City units responded to the parking lot regarding an accidental shooting. A 9mm handgun, owned by Gerri A. Strieby, 21, West CR 200S, Cromwell, accidentally discharged.
• 7:43 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2500 block East US 30, Warsaw. Michael A. Johnson and Kenneth E. Aguilar reported an unknown vehicle left the scene of a three-vehicle crash.
• 10:19 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 3300 block Lake City Highway, Warsaw. Megan B. Wood reported a hit and skip accident at Arbys
• 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 100 block North Detroit Street, Warsaw. Angela H. Fields reported vehicle shot with a BB gun.

Winona Lake

Officers with the Winona Lake Police Department investigated the following incident:

• 3:39 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 1300 block Beta Drive, Winona Lake. Coyle D. Kreft reported a bicycle stolen. It was recovered.

Elkhart

The following individual was booked in the Elkhart County Detention Facility:

Dec. 10

• Tanner Wesley Grove, 21, 26190 US 6E, Nappanee, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond: $1,500.

Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 11

• Heather Lea Pena, 40, 3663 N. 1300N, Syracuse, arrested on a warrant from Noble County. No bond.

Dec. 10

• Tavis Ray Crittendon, 22, 342 N. Main St., North Webster, arrested on a probation violation. No bond.

Marshall

The following people were booked in the Marshall County Jail:

Dec. 11

• Jennifer Suzanne Kajer, 24, Knox, arrested for possession of heroin, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
• Kyle Andrew Lenig, 25, Knox, arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a controlled substance, possession of heroin and possession of paraphernalia.
• Charity Evita Omagager Slusser, 30, Bremen, arrested for driving while suspended and possession of marijuana.

Dec. 9

• Andrew John Riale, 63, Knox. Arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person under a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.

Carl William Burt

WABASH COUNTY — Carl William Burt, 63, 7194 W. Crystal Lake Road, Warsaw, is now wanted on a failure to appear warrant out of Wabash County.

According to Wabash County officials, Burt bonded out on his charge of reckless homicide, after being transferred from Kosciusko County Jail to Wabash County Jail. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear for his initial hearing earlier this week.

Burt was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 3, by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputies on the initial warrant. The charge has been confirmed it was in connection with the July 18, 2013 fatal accident, which took the life of Mary Ellen Rudisel-Jordan, 61, Warsaw. The warrant was issued in November. The reckless homicide charge is a level 4 felony.

Rudisel-Jordan died from injuries in that two-vehicle accident on SR 15, just south of Silver Lake in Wabash County. According to a press release on the day of the accident, Wabash County Sheriff’s Department was called at 3:03 p.m. of a head-on crash, just north of CR 1400N in Wabash County.

Preliminary investigation showed a southbound 2014 Chevrolet Impala driven by Burt, crossed the center line and hit Rudisel-Jordan’s 2013 Ford Focus. The accident was in a stretch of road that is in a no passing zone for southbound vehicles.

Burt was airlifted to Parkview Hospital with unknown injuries and was in stale condition.

Rudisel-Jourdan was serving on the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals, president of the Warsaw Community Development Corporation and owner of Scearce Rudisel Architects Inc. She and her husband Jim, established the Way Maker Trust Fund through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

WARSAW — There was no special ceremony or speeches, but a group of individuals gathered around the flag pole at the southeast corner of the courthouse for the official raising of the state’s bicentennial flag. Other cities and towns across the state took part in similar actions at noon today, including Winona Lake

Present for the event were Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, Kosciusko County Commissioner Bob Conley, Kosciusko County Treasurer and Association of Indiana Counties member Sue Ann Mitchell, Kosciusko County Auditor Michelle Pucket and local members of the county bicentennial celebration: Diane Wulliman, county co-coordinator; Kristi Martin, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, Jean Weller, Deb Wright and Mike Loher.

Celebrating the state’s bicentennial by participating in the raising of the bicentennial flag are shown above. In front, from left, are Deb Wright and Jean Weller, committee members; Bob Conley, county commissioner; and Sue Ann Mitchell, county treasurer. Standing in back are Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; Diane Wulliman, county coordinator; Michelle Puckett, county auditor; Mike Lohr and Kristi Martin, committee members. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Wulliman, who coordinated the days event stated “we just put the flag up today to start the year long celebration for the bicentennial. We’ll have events throughout the year culminating in our big county festival Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, the day the torch comes through,” adding “we’re still looking for torch bearer nominations.”

Mitchell is a member of the organization, AIC, who provided each county council a flag “in honor of the bicentennial of the state organization and what a privilege it is to be in the state of Indiana,” said Mitchell.

“The city and the county have been working together, it’s been a project they have been working on for at least a year now,” said Thallemer. “Jennifer Whitaker from HR and Deb and the whole group, are meeting regularly to be a big part of the planning and be a big part of the celebration as well.”

Martin noted she was proud “to be here today to celebrate 200 years of Indiana. I’m really excited.” Martin stated Syracuse has a lot of things planned for the bicentennial. We’re gearing all of our events around the celebration.”

“The flag is a symbol of unity as we kick off the bicentennial,” Executive Director of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission Perry Hammock said. “In their hometowns and in their travels, Hoosiers will see the Bicentennial flag waving all across the state during our year-long celebration.”

Diane Wulliman, county coordinator and Bob Conley, county commissioner, work with Steve Amburgy, county courthouse maintenance, to raise the bicentennial flag. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

Additional flags were provided to all cities and towns by MacAllister Machinery Company. Each city and town will raised flags at various locations such as town halls and city parks.

The white flag presents the Indiana 200 Bicentennial logo in the blue and yellow of the Indiana State Flag. Bicentennial flags are available in full size (3-feet by 5-feet) and in miniature (4 inches by 6 inches). They can be purchased at the Indiana Historical Bureau and online at the IHB website, just in time for the holiday shopping season.

At Winona Lake

Winona Lake Town Manager, Craig Allebach, made sure Winona Lake took part in the celebration by raising the bicentennial flag at the town hall in that town.

Even In Washington D.C.

In honor of Indiana’s 199th birthday, today Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) joined the Indiana Congressional delegation to celebrate Indiana Statehood Day and the beginning of a yearlong countdown to its bicentennial in 2016 with the official Indiana Bicentennial Flag.

“As we honor our state today, it’s important for Hoosiers across Indiana to remember our history and reflect on how great our state truly is,” Walorski said. “I want to thank the Indiana Bicentennial Commission for providing  the commemorative flag and I look forward to celebrating our state’s history not just today, but every day.”

Joey McNeal, Silver Lake Water Superintendent, and Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter raise the bicentennial flag.

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake held a special celebration to kick off the state’s bicentennial celebration today.

Town Council President Chad Miner signed a proclamation for the event, and cake was provided for any one stopping by the town hall.

The state’s bicentennial flag was raised during a brief ceremony by Miner, Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter and Joey McNeal Water superintendent.

Workers inspect the car after the driver has been removed.

PIERCETON — The condition of Audrey E. Montague, 48, West Elm Street, Pierceton, remains unknown after she was flown by Samaritan Air Ambulance to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, Saturday morning. Montague was involved in a one-vehicle accident at 8:04 a.m. on East Pierceton Road, west of South CR 500E, Pierceton.

Montague, according to the preliminary police report, suffered internal chest injuries and was pinned in her vehicle.

The report states Montague was traveling west in a 2005 Ford, on Pierceton Road. The officer states it appeared her vehicle left the roadway and west sideways, rolling into a tree, coming to rest on its top. Montague was extricated from her vehicle and flown to Fort Wayne. The officer also states she was unable to give police a statement on the accident.

Damage was estimated up to $25,000.

Pierceton Fire Department, Lutheran EMS Kosciusko, Pierceton Police Department and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded.

Related: BREAKING: Accident On Pierceton Road