Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 17

• Jacqueline Leona Israel, 58, 7401 W. SR 14, Akron, arrested for aggravated battery. Bond: $20,000 surety and $250 cash.

Dec. 16

• Jennifer Lee Adair, 38, 920 Anchorage Road, Warsaw, arrested for driving while suspended. Bond: $450 cash.
• Jose Francisco Lopez, 22, 906 Wooster Road, Winona Lake, arrested for criminal mischief. Bond: $600 cash.
• Christopher A. McVay, 30, 5325 E. 650N, Rochester, arrested for failure to comply. Bond: $250 cash.
• Tiffany Ann Eskridge, 26, 5325 E. 650N, Rochester, arrested for driving while suspended. Bond: $750 cash.

SYRACUSE — The Kenneth and Lela Harkless Foundation announces it has awarded $94,000 in grants to organizations in the Syracuse Community according to James E. Caskey, foundation president.

The grants were awarded to:

• Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee, $13,500
• Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, $11,250
• Syracuse Parks Department, $9,900
• Syracuse Cemetery Association, $9,000
• Teen Parents Succeeding, $9,000
• Lakeland Learning Center, $6,300
• Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Foundation, $5,800
• Lakeland Youth Center, $5,400
• Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, $4,500
• REAL Services Inc., $4,500
• Town of Syracuse, $4,500
• Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club, $4,500
• Tour Des Lakes Bike Ride, $2,250

WARSAW — InkFreeNews.com continues to prove itself as Kosciusko County’s news leader. It has now reached over 44,200 total page likes.

In the last week the Ink Free News Facebook page has had over 67,926 post engagements with a 723,616 posts reach, up 95.3 per cent from the last week, according to our weekly analytics. Analytics also show there has been over 440 new page likes up 52.8 percent from last week. There has been 38,716 likes, 3,620 comments, 8,806 shares and 130,984 post clicks during the past week

Since April 30, 2012, we have grown by reporting breaking news to Kosciusko County. We are Kosciusko County’s most liked news source.

If you haven’t liked us on Facebook yet, you may be missing out on breaking news, community happenings, local sports and even good deeds.

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Ink Free News would like to thank you, our readers, for continuing to help us break records. We would also like to thank our advertisers for their support in making all of this possible.

If you value our up-to-the minute news, support our advertisers by visiting their local businesses and telling them you saw them on InkFreeNews.com.

Thank you for your support.  We look forward to serving you throughout the rest of the year and into the new year.

Oliver Compton leading the 4 and 5-year-old class in “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.” (Photos by Tracy Sumpter)

SYRACUSE — Christmas programs involving youngsters always bring laughter, applause and plenty of photo opportunities. This was the case Tuesday evening at Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse.

Lakeland Youth Center Preschool held its Christmas program with plenty of parents, grandparents, siblings and other relatives in attendance.

Here are just a few photographs from the evening’s event.

Sophia Elizabeth McMillan

WARSAW — The driver of a vehicle where a robbery and assault took place Thanksgiving Day 2014 was sentenced this morning, Dec. 17, in Kosciusko Superior Court I. Sophia E. McMillan, 21, 202 W. Hovey St., Atwood. McMillan received a suspended sentence on charges of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury.

Charges in other cases were also handled at the same time. Those charges were for possession of meth, false informing and failure to appear.

She received a total of nine and a half years.

Prior to suspending the sentences, Judge David Cates sentenced McMillan to six years to the Indiana Department of Correction on the robbery charge, two years to the IDOC for the possession of meth charge, 180 days for the false informing charge and one year for the failure to appear charge. All sentences will run consecutive. She will serve those sentences at the DOC if she violates probation.

W. Douglas Lemon, attorney for McMillan, addressed the court prior to sentencing. Lemon, who has worked with McMillan for some time, stated “This is a 21-year-old young lady here … two serious offenses … serious list of bad choices starting as a juvenile. At one point we thought she was starting to get it. In light of her progress last year … I think at this moment in time, Sophia is getting it … on the right track.”

Lemon shared a statement McMillan had made stating she was ‘so very thankful to be alive, sober and clean.’ He stated his client has been rolling down hill for almost a decade, choice after choice, hurdling toward possible death “… fully aware of the gravity of choices she made in her own life and the community.”

He referred to the possibility of probation as a “great big carrot” dangling in front of her, … hope she is here for the last time and seeing a way brighter future.”

McMillan said she has taken advantages of the opportunities given to her … “If I continue this path I’m going on, it will be the last time (I’m here). I have what it takes to complete this.”

Even Brad Voelz, deputy prosecuting attorney, stated everything she has said “rings true … appreciate her honesty …” He noted her criminal history is very balanced with these charges her first felonies. “I think she would benefit from short-term incarceration. The numbers after the levels are high, but her participation was minimal … any sentence you give should be long enough as serious leverage. Going to prison, not for weekends but years.”

Cates informed McMillan she should not misunderstand what he was about to do. “I don’t intend to see you back here either. It appears you’ve done pretty good and in all likelihood you have turned the corner and made amends with what you have done in the past.” Cates added, “I am putting some faith in the facts of what I heard. I’m giving you an opportunity … I hope you are successful and I appreciate the effort so far.”

Related: Fourth Robbery Suspect Arrested

Apples were delivered to the Salvation Army, along with other local organizations by the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw. Shown, from left, are Adam Clemens, Kiwanis President; Bill Welch Jr., Salvation Army; and Michael Suhany, Kiwanis President Elect. (Photo provided)

By JONI TRUEX
Kiwanis Club Of Warsaw

WARSAW — Kiwanis Club of Warsaw President Adam Clemens, Rabb Water Systems, and President Elect Michael Suhany delivered apples to the Salvation Army, Fellowship Missions, Combined Community Service and Beaman Home. Donations were made by club members to cover the cost so these organizations could enjoy fresh fruit.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

Kiwanis Club of Warsaw meets weekly from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in the Shrine Building. Guests and visitors are welcome. For more information visit the club website at warsawkiwanis.net and/or its Facebook page at Facebook.com/KiwanisClubofWarsaw.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident:

1:59 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, East Center Street, Warsaw. Driver: Vicki D. Turner, 64, South Packerton Road, Winona Lake. Turner’s foot slipped off the brake pedal as she was pulling into a parking space, her vehicle drove over the curbed edge and began to roll down into the ditch. The vehicle became stuck on the frame of the vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

Kosciusko

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

• 5:13 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 100 block EMS T21 Lane, Leesburg, Eileen T. Oaks reported a window forced open and the residence entered.
• 11:33 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 3300 block North Royal Oak Court, Warsaw. Jenna M. Mock reported fraud.

North Webster

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

• 5:36 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 100 block South Main St., North Webster. A firearm was found at Tri County Shooting Range and returned to the owner.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incident:

• 4:24 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 700 block East Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw. Michael E. Gamble reported new vehicle parts were stolen from the back seat of his vehicle.

Elkhart

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

Dec. 17

• Trent Michael Rader, 24, 356 N. Marker, Nappanee, arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated/endangerment. No bond listed.

Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 17

• Justin Lee Poe, 30, 441 Miner St., Wabash, arrested for operator never licensed. Bond: $445.50 cash.
• Eli Hernandez, 22, 513 S. Columbia St., Warsaw, arrested for driving while suspended with prior. Bond: $450 cash.
• Juan Manuel Bernal, 43, 4330 N. Old SR 15, Warsaw, arrested for HTV and body attachment. Bond: $5,000 surety and $1,450 cash.

NEW PARIS — Shelby Curtis Renner, 33, Syracuse, suffered a spinal fracture and laceration to the head following an accident. The accident was at 3:45 a.m. today, Dec. 18, on CR 46 at CR 17, west of New Paris. Renner was taken by a family member to Goshen Hospital for medical treatment.

Officials with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department report Renner was westbound in a 2003 Jeep Liberty at the curve on CR 46, at CR 17. He allegedly was driving too fast to navigate the curve and lost control of his vehicle. The Jeep went off the north side of the road and into a field, rolling several times, damaging the vehicle on all sides.

Renner was cited for conditions requiring driving at reduced speed.

Zachary Springer

WARSAW — A sentence of 11 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with two additional years on probation was handed down yesterday, Dec. 17, to Zachary Springer, 27, 6298 W. 850S, Claypool. Kosciusko Superior Court Judge David Cates issued the sentence.

Springer had entered a plea agreement in October on charges of robbery resulting in bodily injury, theft and being a habitual offender relating to the Sept. 12, 2014, robbery of KeyBank in North Webster. In November, he entered a plea agreement on charges from June 2014, for dealing in a narcotic drug and possession of a narcotic drug. The plea agreements entered stated he would plead guilty to robbery resulting in bodily injury, a level 3 felony, with a 16-year sentence cap; and possession of a narcotic drug, a C felony, which was a lesser charge of the original level B felony.

Cates sentenced Springer to nine years for the robbery and four years for possession of a narcotic, both to be served at the IDOC. Cates suspended the last two years to be served on probation. The sentences will run consecutive (one after the other). Cates will also suggest to the DOC that Springer have a purposeful incarceration, meaning Springer could participate in appropriate programs and/or placed in a facility specializing in specified addictions. Restitution to KeyBank in the amount of $9,070 was also ordered.

Without the plea agreement, Springer could have faced up to 20 years on the robbery charge and up to 20 years on the possession charge.

Brad Voelz, deputy prosecuting attorney, told the court Springer is “obviously a very intelligent man. He appears to be very rational and logical, calculating and manipulative.” Voelz stated Springer claimed his crime spree and drug addiction on prior circumstances. “It wasn’t the heroin that jumped the counter (at KeyBank). It wasn’t the heroin that shoved the teller aside. He was given a chance with Serenity House … he blew it … hope he gets it in prison and participate in drug counseling and use his intelligence and the talent he has to be useful in society.”

Scott Lennox, attorney for Springer, agreed his client had been given the opportunity a year ago and was successful for a long period of time. “Addicts relapse …” stated Lennox. Lennox additionally asked the state to allow for a transition back into the community following his release.

Springer addressed the court, stating, “I made a lot of mistakes in my life … most recently (I) learned to accept the choices for what they are. They were mine choices I will better my future. I look forward to a life of sobriety. My relapse at the house opened my eyes at how deep my addiction runs. I’m grateful I relapsed at the house. It saved my life. If I had been on the streets, I would not have returned.”

“It appears you are an exceptionally well spoken man. Someone with a lot of ability …” said Cates, adding the invested opportunity at Serenity House was wasted. “You are taking responsibility for your actions, I give you credit, but frankly you are still blaming your issues on something else. These are the choices you made,” stated Cates. “I do hope you get the help you need. I think you can be a productive member of society.”

Related:

• Wawasee High School Under Lock Down
• Update: Robbery In North Webster
• KCSD apprehends Alleged North Webster Bank Robber
• Money Recovered In Bank Robbery

WARSAW — Michael Cox, who retired from the police department several years ago, has returned to the payroll of the city of Warsaw. This time as a consultant for emergency management services.

An agreement with Cox, owner of Michael Cox Consulting Inc., was signed Friday morning during the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. The city will be paying Cox $15,000 annually in monthly installments of $1,250 between Feb. 1 through Nov. 1, with a payment of $2,500 on Dec. 1.

Mayor Joe Thallemer stated the Warsaw Chemical spill prompted talks for the need of a city comprehensive emergency management plan. “He (Cox) has a keen insight of the county emergency service and how it ties in with the district.” said Thallemer. Cox will work on a comprehensive EMP making Warsaw compliant with all National Incident Management Systems guidelines and provide appropriate training to the city employees to ensure acceptable prosecution of that plan.

This position would be a compliment to the county’s emergency management services, overseen by Ed Rock. Cox will collaborate with Rock. “It will give us the opportunity for compliance and certification for training to be more prepared,” said Thallemer.

Bigger Than Anticipated

The cleaning of 300 feet of storm sewer line at Central Park was a bigger undertaking than anticipated. The line was found in a worse condition than contractors had ever seen due to tree roots. Brian Davison, utility supervisor, stated it took a considerable amount of effort to clear the line. “They were here for five days cutting (tree roots) in the 300 feet … the roots were large, going through every joint,” he stated. The roots were estimated at 8 inches to 12 inches thick.

“The pipe is in good condition, once cleaned,” Davison said. He stated the city has purchased equipment to clear lines of roots, at a cost less than the expense of the project.

The change order was for an additional $22,050, submitted by Selge Construction, Niles, Mich. The original contract was for $20,000.

During public comments/questions, Jason Brown, owner of One Ten Craft Meatery, questioned if the Riverfront District will be receiving state funding following the Northeast Regional Cities receiving state funds. Brown was informed it is still too early to know how funds will be distributed. Jeremy Skinner, city planner, said details of how to apply, for funds, could be a couple months away.

During other business:

• Granted two taxi cab permits to AA Taxi and five permits to Fast Cab, both owned by David R. Cesaretti; and one permit to Rock’s Yellow Cab, owned by Larry Rock. Warsaw Deputy Police Bryan Sherwin reported all vehicles passed inspection, insurance is in order and all drivers licensed.
• Signed an agreement with Kegan Burns, manager of the Kosciusko Farmers Market, to continue operations on Center Street in 2016. There are approximately 20-25 vendors who participate on Saturday mornings.
• Signed an agreement with Turner Valentine Law Office for legal services in 2016 at a cost of $42,000 for the year.
• Signed a contract with the Workforce Development Program for grant administration overseen by Kosciusko Economic Development Commission
• Approved a 2016 agreement with H. J. Umbaugh and Associates for accounting support services for the fire department, a cost based on services provided.
• Approved the police department to begin advertising for four new Chevrolet Caprice vehicles with a police package. The four vehicles to be replaced have over 100,000 miles.
• Approved the purchase of a 2014 Jeep from N&J Auto Sales, Warsaw, at a cost of $29,500 for the planning department.
• Reviewed the 2016 budget guidelines for the stormwater utility and wastewater treatment utility departments. The stormwater utility budget totals $526,940.50. The wastewater treatment utility budget totals $7,650,512.25 and includes costs to accomplish projects on Main and Buffalo streets in one year.
• Approved an amendment with Wessler Engineering Inc. for field investigations on the Wastewater Collection System I/I Reduction Program, an estimated cost of $65,000. Davison stated this is important to keep from a potential plan expansion. A comprehensive plan will be developed following the field investigation.
• Instructed the clerk-treasurer to notify the holder of the surety bond for DORE & Associates not to pay nor release the bond. The matter has not been completed.

Last year, Charlie Albertson and Kristy Hooker were two of about a dozen members of United Steel Workers Local 809 members bagging over 280 Christmas dinners to hand out this morning. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

WARSAW — The seventh annual United Steel Workers Local 809 Christmas Dinner Give Away will be held Thursday, Dec. 24. USW members will be handing out the makings of a Christmas dinner from 9 a.m. until noon, at its Union Hall, 420 Little League Drive, Warsaw. There will be a total of 238 meals available to hand out.

The items included in the meal are a canned ham, 10 pound bag of potatoes, two cans of green beans, two boxes of stuffing, two gravy packets and two boxes of pudding. The meals are limited one per family.

USW members will be meeting at 6 a.m. at the union hall to bag the items that morning.

Donations are from USW Local 809 members, Owens Supermarket and retirees.

SYRACUSE — Kevin Grindle, 47, Syracuse, was initially taken to IU Health Goshen complaining of neck pain following a two-vehicle accident Saturday. The accident occurred at 7:46 p.m. at US 6 and SR 13, north of Syracuse. However, following tests, he was flown by Samaritan Helicopter to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Sources state Grindle underwent surgery for a head injury. His condition is unknown at this time.

His wife, Gina Grindle 44, Syracuse, suffered shoulder and rib pain. She was transported to IU Health Goshen.

A third person, Mitchel Huffman, 24, Walkerton, driver of the other vehicle suffered a broken ankle. He was also taken to IU Health Goshen Hospital.

Elkhart County Sheriff’s Patrolman Justin Yoder reports Huffman was traveling east on US 6, approaching SR 13. Grindle was southbound on SR 13, when Huffman disregarded a traffic signal and struck the passenger side door of Grindle’s vehicle.

Huffman has been cited for disregarding a traffic signal.

Benton Township Fire Department, Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire Department and EMS responded.

Kosciusko

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

11:49 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, North First Street and East US 30, Pierceton. Drivers: Cody B. Honeycutt, 24, Oak Brook Place, Warsaw, and Valerie J. Pruitt, 60, West Market Street, Pierceton. Honeycutt’s vehicle struck the back of the Pruitt vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

8:02 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, South SR 15, south of West CR 700S, Claypool. Driver: John D. Zolman, 39, West CR 700S, Claypool. Hit deer. Damage up to $10,000.

5:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, West SR 14, west of South Bouse Drive, Silver Lake. Driver: Phillip C. Brown, 49, East Center Street, Warsaw. Hit deer. Damage up to $5,000.

6:44 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, East CR 500N, west of North SR 13, North Webster. Driver: Lillian L. Smaluk, 76, EMS B42F Lane, Leesburg. Hit deer. Damage up to $10,000.

10:17 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, West Old Road 30 and North Riverwood Ranch Road, Warsaw. Driver: Susan A. Hatala, 67, South Beaver Dam Road, Claypool. Hatala’s vehicle slid on the wet road, going off the road and hitting a utility pole. Damage up to $10,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

3:54 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, Walton Boulevard and Jalynn Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Tori L. Timmerman and Betty S. Ousley. Timmerman drove out in front of the Ousley vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

7:43 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, South Detroit Street and East Market Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Tiffany L. Rusinack, 16, South Packerton Road, Warsaw, and Maria G. Chavez, 27, Anchorage Road, Warsaw. Rusinack turned in front of the Chavez vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

4:39 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, Frontage Road, Warsaw. Driver: Rachel L. Kimberlin, 20, North Main Street, Sidney. Kimberlin was backing from a parking space and struck a parked vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

10:31 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, West Fort Wayne Street and North Columbia Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Taylor K. Miller, 23, South County Farm Road, Warsaw, and Dana M. Munson, 52, North Lincoln Park, Warsaw. Miller thought it was a four-way stop and pulled into the path of the Munson vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

Kosciusko

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

• 8:12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 10400 block South Lots Lane, Silver Lake. Police were called to a domestic complaint.
• 7:43 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 100 block EMS B14 Lane, Pierceton. Shiann Hann reported her vehicle was entered and her wallet was taken out of her purse.
• 9:26 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2400 block West CR 250S, Warsaw. Marcella K. Guise reported a car vs. pedestrian accident.
• 8:36 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 200 block South Main Street Etna Green. Bradley E. Beatty reported someone attempted to get into his storage unit.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents:

• 7:34 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 400 block South Buffalo Street, Warsaw. Village Pantry officials reported the theft of a pair of khaki gloves
• 9:52 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 1300 block East Market Street, Warsaw. Police were called for a report of the theft of money.
• 1:21 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 1900 block Hepler Drive, Warsaw. Police are investigating a battery at Time Out reported by Amber M. Alfano.

Elkhart

The following individual was booked in the Elkhart County Detention Facility

• Ashlee Rochelle Reaker, 32, 507 S. Cavin St., Ligonier, arrested for two counts theft, possession of a schedule I, II, III or IV controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia. No bond listed.

Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 20

• Aaron Thomas Richard, 29, 615 Oldfather St., Warsaw, arrested for driving while suspended with prior. Bond: $450 cash.
• Lomondra Todd Townsend, Jr., 23, 2400 Ottawa Drive, Elkhart, arrested for operating a vehicle while never licensed, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, refusal to submit to chemical test. Bond: $700 cash.
• Daniel Islas, 30, 521 W. Market St., Warsaw, arrested for OWI with a BAC .08-.15 Bond: $700 cash.
• Ryan Marshal Austin, 38, 26 EMS B39W Lane, Leesburg, arrested for two counts of intimidation. Bond: $10,000 surety, $500 cash.

Dec. 19

• Joseph Michael Hurley, 28, 10499 S. Lotz Lane, Silver Lake, arrested for battery. Bond; $600 cash.
• Jeffrey Allen Evans, 50, 3521 Lake City Highway, Warsaw, arrested for HTV-Life, refusal to submit to chemical test, resisting law enforcement-fleeing. Bond: $10,000 surety and $250 cash.

Ryan Marshal Austin

WARSAW — A patron at Lucky’s Tavern, North Webster on the evening of Oct. 19, who made threats against the manager, has been arrested on a charge of intimidation, a level 6 felony.

Ryan M. Austin, 38, 26 EMS B39W Lane, Leesburg, was arrested Sunday evening by Warsaw Police on an Oct. 30 warrant. Austin was also arrested on a second preliminary charge of intimidation.

According to the court document, filed by Clayton Reider, North Webster Police Department, the manager of the business stated Austin had slammed his hands on a bar table and attempted to flip it over. After he was heard saying he was going to assault a former girl friend, Austin was ordered to leave.

While the manager was following Austin to the door to make sure he left, Austin threatened the manager with assault along with threatening to slit the manager’s throat. He also stated the manager should remember him and he’d be back to get her. One other individual heard the threats.

Information on the second intimidation charge is unavailable.

WARSAW — The city of Warsaw is in the process of closing Park Avenue between Lyon and Arthur Street. The closure is due to emergency road repairs. Updates will be announced once further information is available.