Madison McKenzie Jones

WARSAW — Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed handed down a six-year sentence at the Department of Corrections to a 19-year-old mother who pleaded guilty to battery resulting in serious bodily injury and neglect of a dependent this morning. He suspended all but 18 months.

Madison McKenzie Jones, 19, 301 Ulrich Drive, Milford, will serve 18 months in the Kosciusko County Jail with 4 1/2 years on probation. The sentence is based on a plea agreement entered on Nov. 16, to lesser but included charges, dropping the charges from level 3 felonies to level 5 felonies.

Jones was arrested Feb. 27, after police were called to her home regarding an injured infant. Her two-month old child was immediately transported to Lutheran Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care, Fort Wayne, in serious condition. The infant suffered injuries indicative to blunt force trauma. The infant was released on March 1 and placed in the care of a licensed foster parent in another county.

Dana Leon, attorney for Jones, noted her client had led a law abiding life until this matter and had not developed a mile long record. She noted mitigating circumstances included Jones’ age and the fact she had not yet developed the life skills to start a family and handle the responsibilities of a child.

“She has expressed great remorse, as any mother should,” Leon said. A report was also submitted by CASA and Department of Child Services. Leon felt she would be a good candidate for probation as she had followed guidelines and rules set out by DSC.

Jones was emotional when given the opportunity to address the court, unable to speak for several minutes. “I will continue doing my anger management classes and parenting classes,” said Jones adding, “I’m sorry for what I’ve done.” Her attorney noted “her demeanor this morning shows her remorse.”

Reed agreed with Leon it was Jones’ first offense. But stated the charges were “very, very serious offenses.”

“You injured your own child and the circumstances had no excuse. It was lucky the child was not more seriously injured. A child should be safe and secure in a mother’s care,” stated Reed.

After it was noted Jones lacked the life skills necessary to start a family, Reed stated it was Jones who chose to become a parent. “There is help out there. You can ask for help from others. Punishment is required in this circumstance,” Reed said. It appeared he admonished the mother’s comment of her involvement in classes. “It’s disturbing. You ceased doing the right thing five months ago.”

Related:

• Mother Enters Plea In Battery, Neglect Charges
• Milford Woman Arrested For Battery Of Infant

Ryan Daniel Poe

WARSAW — Ryan D. Poe, 37, 690 E. Levi Lee Road, Warsaw, entered a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter with a sentence enhancement, a level 2 felony, this morning, Dec. 21, in Kosciusko Circuit Court. Judge Michael Reed took the plea under advisement and will make a decision at 8:45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 24.

Originally charged with murder, the amended charge was filed with the courts today. According to the plea, the executed sentence will be a fixed 40 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections.

The charge of voluntary manslaughter, a level 2 felony, is when a person knowingly or intentionally kills another human being while acting under sudden heat commits voluntary manslaughter.

State statute states the existence of sudden heat is a mitigating factor reducing what otherwise would be murder. Because a firearm was used on the commission of the offense, a sentence enhancement was added. A level 2 felony carries a 10-year to 30-year sentence range, the firearm enhancement adds an additional 5-year to 20-year range to the sentence.

Poe was arrested following the death of his father, Ronnie Poe, from a gunshot wound to the head. Police were called on July 3, by Ryan Poe’s mother. She stated her son had shot his father and had then barricaded himself in his room with the firearm. Police were told the father and son had been arguing and Ryan Poe had gone into his bedroom and shut the door. Aaron Poe, told police his father, Ronnie Poe, came to his door and asked him to come out into the living room, when a gun shot went off and his father fell into his son’s arms. Aaron Poe told police he saw Ryan Poe holding a shotgun just before he retreated to his bedroom.

Related:

• Warsaw Man Accused of Shooting Father
• Son Shots And Kills Father

This is just one of 14 photos found in the 2016 Animal Welfare League Calendars featuring county fire departments and rescued animals.

WARSAW — Just in time for the holidays is the release of the 2016 Animal Welfare League Calendars. The calendar sales are a fundraiser for the local shelter.

This year’s calendars feature all 14 fire departments in the county with 14 rescued animals in front of the fire stations. Each photo features a few of the local firemen seated in front of their respective station.

Claypool Fire Department appears on the cover and Warsaw/Wayne Township Fire Territory on the back. Departments and the months they represent are: Mentone — January; Silver Lake — February; North Webster — March; Winona Lake – April; Etna Green — May; Atwood — June; Turkey Creek Fire Territory — July; Leesburg/Plain Township — August; Pierceton — September; Burket — October; Sidney — November; and Milford — December.

The calendars are available to purchase for $15 at such locations as The Party Shop, Zale Drugs, Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer’s office and Warsaw City Hall.

(Photos by Chelsea Los)

SYRACUSE — A driver swerved to avoid hitting a deer, which caused his vehicle to go off the road and strike a large tree stump in an accident around 10:20 tonight. The accident was reported at 13217 N. 1000E, Syracuse. The scene was near the office of the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory and EMS responded along with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.

According to information at the scene the male driver of the PT Cruiser was not injured. A female passenger was transported to IU Health Goshen with minor injuries, possible stomach lacerations.

Kosciusko

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

• 1:03 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 100 block EMS T32 Lane, Leesburg. Daniel J. Hall reported the theft of mail.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents:

• 8:27 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, 300 block East Main Street, Warsaw. Officials at Warsaw Public Library reported the presence of an individual who had been prohibited from being on the property.
• 1:38 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, 1200 block Lake City Highway, Warsaw. Meijer officials reported the theft of numerous electronic equipment items. Value: $10,282.96

Members of the Warsaw Housing Authority pose for a photo with Ingeburg Morrison, Warsaw, who was drawn as the winner of a mattress and box springs among all Warsaw Housing Authority Good Housekeeping Award recipients. From left are John Bonitati, board member; Sarah Schloss, program case manager; Morrison; Jenny Pequignot, owner of Rock Bottom Warsaw; Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; Tammy Keirn, board member and Diane Quance, board member. Shown in back is Pam Kennedy, executive director. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

WARSAW — Ingeburg Morrison, Warsaw, was a special guest at the Warsaw Common Council meeting Monday, Dec. 21. Her presence was to introduce her as the winner of a recent drawing held by the Warsaw Housing Authority. Morrison was announced the winner of a new mattress and box springs donated by Rock Bottom of Warsaw.

Pam Kennedy, executive director of Warsaw Housing, made the announcement. She noted after a 10-year absence, the Good Housekeeping award was reinstated. Certificates, signed by the housing inspector and Mayor Joe Thallemer, had been given to 35 families throughout the year. Those names were then placed in a year-end drawing for a mattress and box springs, through the generosity of Rock Bottom of Warsaw. The drawing was held Friday, Dec. 18.

Ingeburg Morrison shown with Mayor Joe Thallemer.

Kennedy stated Morrison was totally taken off guard when officials stopped in to tell her. Morrison will be replacing the twin sized bed she has been using and falling out of, with a double sized mattress and box springs. Morrison has lived in Kosciusko County since 1952.

Thallemer also recognized John Bonitati and Tammy Keirn, board members who will be retiring from the board. The two members have gone through the expansion of the authority and difficult regulatory times.

Tax Abatement Approved

Council members approved a 10-year personal property tax abatement for Models Plus, LLC, 4136 Corridor Drive, Warsaw. Jeremy Skinner, city planner, stated the company expects to spend over $2.6 million on new equipment and hire approximately 10 new employees over the next few years.

The request was approved. Models Plus is utilizing a portion of one of the vacant buildings built by LRC. Two other businesses occupy other buildings on that property: Iconacy Orthopedic Implants LLC and Micro Machine.

Skinner stated Models Plus manufactures dental and orthopedic implant models to use in shows and as displays.

During other business:

• Approved the transfer of $69.45 from the cemetery repairs and maintenance fund to the land fun due to a buy back of cemetery lots.
• Received the building and planning department’s 2015 year end review and 2016 goals and objectives.

Kosciusko

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

10:13 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, North CR 1000E, south of East CR 1350N, Syracuse. Driver: Paul F. Meredith, 37, North Fourth of July Avenue, Syracuse. Injured: Trina L. Hamrick, 39, North Fourth of July Avenue, injuries believed to be to the abdoman, pelvis area. Hamrick was taken to IU Health Goshen. Meredith swerved to miss a deer, loosing control of his vehicle, going off the road and hitting a tree stump. Damage up to $2,500.

5:42 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, East CR 500N, west of North SR 13, North Webster. Driver: Kimberly A. Bolt, 45, East CR 375N, Warsaw. Hit deer. Damage up to $5,000.

1:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, East CR 1050N, east of North CR 200E, Milford. Driver: Amanda B. Naragon, 32, St. Augustines Drive, Warsaw. Naragon lost control of her vehicle trying to avoid hitting a deer, hitting a tree after going off the road. Damage up to $5,000.

11:20 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, East CR 1300N, west of North CR 300E, Syracuse. Driver: Jacob D. Hamilton, 26, East South Street, Milford. Hamilton admitted to texting while driving and loosing control of his vehicle, going off the road and hitting a fence and fence post. Hamilton was cited for Cited for driving while suspended and texting while driving. Damage up to $1,000.

5:57 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, North CR 650E, south of East CR 150N, Warsaw. Driver: Ivy J. Railsback, 20, Anchorage Road, Warsaw. Hit deer. While waiting for police to arrive another vehicle hit a deer next to her vehicle, that deer was thrown into her vehicle, but no damage could be located. Damage up to $1,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident:

5:09 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, Lake City Highway and South CR 250E, Warsaw. Drivers: Betty D. Zimpleman, 85, Whitetail Run, Warsaw, and Paul Barber, 25, Locust Street, Manteno, Ill.. Zimpleman’s vehicle struck the back of the Barber vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

Mayor Joe Thallemer presented Elaine Call with a plaque for her years of service in the clerk-treasurer’s office and on the common council. From left are Lynne Christiansen, clerk-treasurer; Thallemer; Call; Diane Quance, Cindy Dobbins, and Jerry Frush, councilmen. In back are Mike Valentine, city attorney; Jeff Grose and Ron Shoemaker, councilmen.

WARSAW — After 27 years as clerk-treasurer and four years as a councilwoman, Elaine Call was recognized for her numerous years of service to the town at the close of the Warsaw Common Council meeting Monday evening, Dec. 21.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer presented Call with a plaque recognizing her years of service.

Jack Wilhite will take Call’s at-large seat.

“Elaine you’ve done your job. This is your last job …” said Thallemer. “Elaine has been with the council for four years. Elaine was in the clerk-treasurers office for 27 years. Now having the opportunity to sit on this side of the council, she adds a lot to the discussions, she’s kept the I’s dotted, the T’s crossed that’s for sure. Obviously appreciate what you have done, your commitment to the city. I can’t say enough for someone who has given that much to the city  and I think that was very apparent on the council your commitment to the city.”

Call stated she appreciates all the department heads, whether they knew that or not. “I think they do a great job. I think they will continue. I just hope our community continues growing and growing with this good leadership we’ve got.”

Balanced Budget

The council unanimously voted to pass a resolution establishing the total targeted tax rate at $1.2391 with line 1 budget cuts of $663,218. This is a 1 cent per $100 assessed valuation raise over last year’s tax rate. The 2015 tax rate was raised 3.4 cents. This will bring in an additional $66,000 to the city.

A majority of the budget cuts came through insurance, office supplies, office equipment, operating supplies, professional services, salaries and utilities. Line 1 cuts were made in: the general budget: $616,790; Aviation, $9,035; cemetery, $15,123 and park and recreation, $22,000.

Monday evenings action was the final day any decision could be made on the 2016 budget, without the state making the decision. A lower than expected cost for health insurance represented the majority of the cuts. Thallemer stated he did not feel the city needed to utilize the 2.63 cent certified growth factor, allowed by the state, to keep up with inflation. Last year the city used the amount allowed.

The 1 cent tax increase is .8 percent of the total amount of what the city could increase. “We could go up to 2.7 cents to hit the levy,” said Thallemer adding, should the city opt to use the certified growth factor the tax increase would be 1.6 percent. He also stated any increase would not affect the maximum levy in any way shape or form. The council had the option to make no increases or go as high as 2.63 cents.

Years of holding the line, cutting costs and taking a balanced approach has paid off. “We made cuts that could help for tomorrow,” stated Grose.

Call suggested a 2 cent increase. She noted just over a year ago it was a necessity for a bond issue to meet responsibilities. “We are doing much better this year. We started off on higher footage.” She added the city could do so much with the additional funds after hearing needs of the street department, police.

While other council members agreed the city was in a better shape, they felt better with a 1 cent increase. “We are in great shape no matter what,” stated Jeff Grose,

Tasha Marie Bruce

SYRACUSE — A woman who had another individual staying at her house, while she was incarcerated, returned home to find a number of items missing.

Tasha M. Bruce, 23, 404 Sycamore Street, LaGrange, was arrested Monday afternoon on a charge of theft.

Shelley Frailey, Syracuse, notified the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department on Nov. 5 that Bruce was staying at her home while she was in jail. When Frailey arrived Home, Bruce and over $1,650 in items were gone. Missing was an ATF lift stand, a V bottom boat, 20-inch chainsaw, RV converter, metal toolbox, floor speakers, die cast NASCAR cars and a swing with matching end table.

Police found Bruce’s cell phone near the fire pit at the residence. A phone history uncovered Bruce had been communicating with a man in regards to him picking up a wooden swing and table. Police spoke with the individual on Dec. 7 and learned he purchased the items for $30 from a female. The man identified Bruce after being shown six photographs of individuals.

The male also told police Bruce attempted to sell him a metal tool cart as well, while at the residence to pick up the swing and table.

Bruce is being held on $5,000 surety and $250 cash bond.

Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 22

• Zachary Deven Schultz, 19, 2441 W. 250S, Warsaw, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.
• Marinel Lynn Gilliam, 20 105 Prospect Ave., Goshen, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.

Dec. 21

• Michael Paul Odea, 58, 75 Bellview, Lake Orion, Mich., non-support of a child. Bond: $1,000 cash.
• Vernae Briggins, 33, 2910 Chele Ave., Fort Wayne, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.
• Katie Lynn Eakright, 28, 255 N. Fourth St., Liberty Mills, arrested for non-support of a dependent. Bond: $16,000 cash.
• Tasha Marie Bruce, 23, 404 Sycamore St., LaGrange, arrested for theft. Bond: $5,000 surety and $250 cash.
• Corey Michael Malik, 30, 210 E. Main St., North Manchester, arrested on a warrant out of Wabash County. Hold for Wabash County.
• Gregory Eugene Sutton Jr., 19, 529 S. 325E, Warsaw, arrested for criminal trespass. Bond: $500 cash.
• Zachery Dean Bays, 27, 102 1/5 State St., South Whitley, arrested for failure to appear. Bond; $367.95 cash.

SYRACUSE — Paul F. Meredith, 37, North Fourth of July Avenue, Syracuse, was not injured when his PT Cruiser ended up hitting a large tree stump. But a passenger in his vehicle, Trina L. Hamrick, 39, North Fourth of July Avenue, Syracuse, was transported to IU Health Goshen Hospital for possible abdominal/pelvic injuries.

The two were involved in a one-vehicle accident at 10:13 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, on North CR 1000E, south of East CR 1350N, Syracuse.

Meredith told police he was heading south on North CR 1000E, just south of East CR 1350N, when a deer entered the roadway. He attempted to slow his vehicle down by downshifting and breaking, however he began to lose control. His 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser went off the east side of the roadway, hitting a large tree stump. Both Meredith and Hamrick were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

Damage was estimated up to $2,500.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire and EMS responded along with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.

Scene of accident

MILFORD — Connie J. Newkirk, 66, West CR 1350N, Nappanee, was transported to IU Health Goshen following a two-vehicle accident on SR 15 and CR 1350N, north of Milford. The accident occurred at 9:44 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. Newkirk complained of pain to the neck.

She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by George A. Newkirk, 58, West CR 1350N, Nappanee. George Newkirk was not injured.

Kosciusko County Police report Corey R. James Vanes, 33, East Mitchell Street, Kendallville, was northbound on SR 15 in a 2000 Chevrolet. Vanes told police he was checking his GPS on his phone while driving. When he looked up, he saw a 2001 Buick, stopped in front of him. Vanes was not able to stop and struck the back of the Buick, driven by George Newkirk. George Newkirk was stopped waiting for southbound traffic to clear, so he court turn west onto CR 1350N.

Milford Fire Department, Syracuse Police, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Lutheran EMS Kosciusko responded.

Damage was estimated up to $10,000.

Many interested individuals attended the ribbon cutting of Warsaw’s Tech Park in July, on Polk Drive. city council members, redevelopment board members, Kosciusko County Chamber staff and ambassadors, contractors, KEDCO, Ivy Tech and representatives of Bradley Company who are marketing the building. Shown cutting the ribbon in front are Mark Dobson, chamber executive director, Andrea Reed, chamber; Stephanie Salyer, Mutual Bank; Cindy Dobbins, city council; State Rep. Curt Nisly, Dan Robinson, Tom Groninger, Mayor Joe Thallemer; Jeremy Skinner and Tim Dombrosky, city planning; Rick Snodgrass, redevelopment; Charles Smith, city council; Lynne Christiansen, clerk-treasurer; and former Mayor Joe Plank.

WARSAW — Utilizing the 2015 year end review and 2016 goals for the Warsaw Building and Planning Department will assist in a city wide strategic plan with other departments. Jeremy Skinner, city planner, presented the end of year report to members of the Warsaw Common Council Monday evening, Dec. 21.

Skinner stated the report shows the numbers for this year, goals and objectives accomplished and things his department is looking to accomplish next year. Mayor Joe Thallemer added he will be working with all department heads to develop a “pretty thorough comprehensive capital improvement plan for the city.” He also will be working with the new council to talk about “a lot of these projects, and strategic planning.”

The report from the planning department provides good information to get started, stated Thallmer. “A lot of those projects emanate from planning and building, redevelopment. It’s important to see that little bit as a homework assignment before we get started with strategic planning.”

The report states a strategic plan was completed four years ago by the council providing a road map for growth and development. The plan focused on six goals: growth management, business retention/expansion, business attraction, communication, downtown Warsaw and neighborhood revitalization.

Projects focusing on these goals include the Warsaw Technology Park, the Market Street Project, Market Street Neighborhood Plan, The Buffalo Street Project and the new city hall.

Looking at 2016

The plan commission will be involved with a number of planning activities including various ordinance updates. The redevelopment commission will oversee the marketing plan for the tech park and work towards developing phase two of that park.

The goals and projects for the building and planning department include: updating various ordinances such as group housing definitions, complete streets, neighborhood preservation and rental registration and sexually oriented businesses; design, bid and construct side path connecting the tech park to CR 300N; and continue completing various bike and pedestrian master plan projects.

Additional goals have been set for the tech park and northern TIF district. These include begin construction on the CR 300N bridge, complete engineering on the lift station, start engineering and construction on the pedestrian trail along CR 300N and start and complete the shovel ready program.

Goals for the Husky Trail project include: complete right-of-way acquisition, complete stage three design plans, complete contract for construction management and bid project for construction.

The goals for phase two of the Market Street project include completing stage one design plans, start environmental review and start the right-of-way engineering.

The Buffalo Street Redevelopment Project goals include complete engineering for infrastructure improvements, bid and construct those improvements and work with developer to start initial residential redevelopment project.

The final goal is the grade separation study. This includes complete the feasibility study and review the study for the next steps such as funding and a potential project partners.

What Was Accomplished

There were 420 permits issued in 2015, including 39 new home permits. The city experienced $6.5 million in residential construction and an estimated $10.8 million in commercial construction. Of the residential construction, there was approximately $1.1 million in remodels and additions, the remaining was new homes.

The city inspectors completed well over 1,100 inspections for the year, issued 94 violation letters and processed 14 code hearing cases. Of those code hearing cases, three cases resulted in fines levied against the property owner and three demolitions were ordered. The department has contracted for two of the properties to be razed with the third property in the legal process.

The plan commission reviewed 10 cases including the technology park subdivision, Park Ridge Phase Four, Briar Ridge Villas and other subdivisions. In addition the commission reviewed a number of potential ordinance revisions including: fence and accessory structures, setback and vision clearance and FEMA ordinance update.

The board of zoning appeals reviewed 22 variance, special exception and development standard requests. Some cases prompted the plan commission to look at ordinance updates.

The redevelopment commission had a busy and successful year. The 64,000-square-foot shell building in the tech park was completed and a marking plan put into place. Phase one of the park was opened and construction of a 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility for Banner Medical is underway. With the completion of Winona PVD’s second expansion, the commission completed another bond issue to help with the third expansion project. Excluding the shell building the tech park will see $20 million in new manufacturing facilities and equipment in the next year.

The redevelopment commission also took steps to extend the life of the Central Redevelopment District until 2040. The Buffalo Street project will strengthen the core of the downtown district with a mixed-use project while protecting the future of the redevelopment district.

Goals And Completions

Completed projects included the construction of industrial shell building, construction on phase one of the technology park, construction on the market street reconstruction project phase one, Buffalo Street bond issue with engineering begun on infrastructure improvement project, submitted the stellar communities application, submitted projects for Northeast Indiana Regional Cities Application, and completed phase three of the Winona PVD bond. There was also the completion of the the Mariners Drive reconstruction project.

In addition to accomplishments previously noted, the department has started: engineering on phase two of the market street project; presented various ordinance changes; started right-of-way acquisition for Husky Trail Project; started engineering lift station for phase two of the tech park; and designed and bid the Eisenhower Neighborhood street light project.

Winona Lake Fire Chief Mitch Titus was awarded the Fireman of the Year Award from his department. Shown from left are Mike Raymer, Matt Stamm, former recipients; Titus; Carson Kintzel and J. W. Anderson, also former recipients. (Photo by Al Disbro)

WINONA LAKE — Winona Lake Annual Firemen’s Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 19, honored two of its own with awards.

Fire Chief Mitch Titus was recipient of the Fireman of the Year Award with Firefighter Todd Kohler receiving the Winona Lake Service Award.

Titus, who has lead the volunteer department for approximately six years, is one who goes above and beyond the duties required of a fire chief. He continues, on his own time, to further his education in firefighting to improve his skills. He also sees his fellow firefighters have the training and equipment needed to serve their community.

Titus also keeps a good working relationship between the local department and area fire departments.

Kohler has given of himself unselfishly to the department for 18 years. He is known to help with many of the activities and fund raising events hosted by the department throughout the year. He has been a trustee for many years, outfitted many of the members with personal protective equipment and gear, assisted with the maintenance of the fire equipment when needed and chaired the annual Christmas committee dinner for a number of years.

Kohler is said to be a firefighter who is willing to help others and respond when called upon for duty as a firefighter.

Winona Lake Firefighter Todd Kohler was presented the department’s service award. From left, are, Mike Raymer and Matt Stamm, former recipients; Kohler; and Carson Kintzel and J.W. Anderson, also former recipients. (Photo by Al Disbro)

Kosciusko

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

5:58 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, West CR 200N, east of North CR 800W, Warsaw. Driver: August C. Konie, 20, Rivercrest Drive, Warsaw. Konie swerved to miss a deer causing his vehicle to go off the roadway, hitting a mailbox, fence and fence posts. Damage up to $10,000.

Pierceton

Officers with the Pierceton Police Department investigated the following accident:

8:07 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, South First Street and West Elm Street, Pierceton. Driver: Paul E. Hightower, 68, Evergreen Drive, Hamilton, Mich. Hightower stated he made a wrong turn off First Street onto West Elm following his GPS to the school. He tried turning around and the semi trailer he was pulling backed over the fire hydrant. Damage up to $5,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident:

9:23 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, Wexford Place, south of Pioneer Lane, Warsaw. Driver: Gwenneth I. Long, 16, EMS C28E Lane, Warsaw. A tie rod broke on the vehicle, causing the right front tire to come loose and make the vehicle go to the right, hitting a parked vehicle registered to Juan C. Terrazas, Wexford Place, Warsaw. Damage up to $10,000.

Kosciusko

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

• 7:49 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2700 block South Country Club Road, Warsaw. Christopher Lee Joy reported criminal mischief to his vehicle.
• 1:49 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 12600 block North 1025W, Nappanee. Ruth E. Young reported someone tried to open two credit cards in her name.
• 2:01 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 1000 block East Northshore Drive, Syracuse. Omer G. Kropf reported mail theft.
• Friday, Dec. 18, 200 block East Center Street, Warsaw. Officials with Lake City Bank reported a fraudulent scheme to get money in the care of Lake City Bank.
• Friday, Dec. 18, 200 block East Center Street Warsaw. Officials with Lake City bank reported a scheme to remove fraudulent money from the bank.

North Webster

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

• 12:10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 600 block North Main Street, North Webster. Keshia L. Justice reported a cell phone taken from her vehicle.
• 9:13 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 400 block North Main Street, North Webster. Lillie M. Wright reported a punctured window screen.

Kosciusko

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Dec. 22

• Jennifer Lynn Swain, 35, 633 Market St., Piketon, Ohio, arrested for possession of meth. Bond: $5,000 surety, $250 cash.
• Jamie Sue Brown, 38, 9749 Hazel Road, Union, Mich., arrested for possession of meth. Bond: $5,000 surety and $250 cash.
• Trevis Aaron Smith, 24, 6697 S. 700W, Claypool, arrested for possession of schedule I, II, III, IV controlled substance. Bond: $5,000 surety, $250 cash.
• Jeffrey Drew Underwood, 54, 223 W. Jefferson St., Warsaw, arrested for possession of paraphernalia, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of a narcotic – enhanced and under 5 grams. Bond: $10,000 surety and $250 cash.
• Hannah Elaine Shea, 24, 1815 Hepler Drive, Warsaw, arrested for assisting a criminal. Bond: $500 cash.
• Raleen Kay Hyde, 29, 8118 E. US 30 Pierceton, arrested for disorderly conduct-noise. Bond: $300 cash.

WARSAW — This week’s Pets of the Week come from the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County.

Zeek is friendly, outgoing and energetic looking for a home this holiday season.

Zeek

Zeek is a beautiful neutered male German shepherd/collie mix, about 1-year-old. He is a friendly, outgoing and an energetic boy who loves to play. Zeek is a happy, curious and loves to explorer. Zeek would do best with older kids or teens, it is strongly suggested no young children under 8. Come visit Zeek today and find your best friend and constant companion.

Zeek’s adoption Fee is $130.

Radish

Radish loves to be held and cuddled and would make a “purrfect” companion.

Radish is a beautiful spayed female, medium hair tortishell about 7 months old. She is a sweet, affectionate girl who loves attention. Radish loves catnip mice, feather toys and laser lights. She loves to be held and cuddled. If you are looking for a companion to keep you company while reading a book, please come meet Radish today.

Radish’s adoption Fee $90.

To inquire about adopting contact the AWL via the website or by phone at (574) 267-3008.

(Photo by Tommy Bohrer)

PIERCETON — A driver and her passenger were transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital following a two-vehicle accident Friday, Dec. 18. The accident occurred on Pierceton Road and CR 500E.

Brittanie Fugate, 20, Warsaw, and Sherri Fugate, 38, Warsaw, both complained of pain following the accident and taken to the hospital.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Anderson reports Brittanie Fugate was southbound in her vehicle when she drove from CR 500E onto Pierceton Road, in front of a westbound vehicle. That vehicle was driven by Jay Slone, 41, Mentone. He was not injured.

Complete details are still unavailable from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.

Pierceton Fire Department, Pierceton Police Department and Lutheran EMS assisted.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — InkFreeNews.com has reached more than 45,000 likes on Facebook and continues to climb. InkFreeNews.com continues to prove itself as Kosciusko County’s news leader.

In the last week the Ink Free News Facebook page has had more than 115,994 people engaged on the site, up 73.1 percent from last week, with a 1,479,785 total post reach, up 110.2 percent from the previous week, according to our weekly analytics. Analytics also show there have been more than 832 new page likes. The page likes are up 84.5 percent from last week. The statistics are from Dec. 17 through this morning, Dec. 23.

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. When you see news happening, you can also contact us directly with the information, photos and videos by clicking on our See It? Report It! link.

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.