The following individual was arrested and booked in the Elkhart County Detention Facility:
June 18
The following persons were arrested and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:
June 19
Warsaw Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred yesterday afternoon, Thursday, June 18, at Low Bob’s Discount Tobacco, 702 N. Detroit St., Warsaw.
Around 3 p.m., an employee called police and advised that a black male, in a white shirt and white car, had just robbed the store at gunpoint.
The investigation found a black male approached the counter after choosing some incense and cigars and asked for cigarettes. As the clerk turned back around, the male had a gun pointed at the clerk and demanded the cash register be opened.
The clerk could not get the register open so the suspect walked behind the counter and eventually the drawer was opened. The suspect grabbed most of the cash in the drawer and told the clerk to get on the ground.
The suspect then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, in an unknown type white car and in an unknown direction. The clerk was not injured and called 911.
The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 25 years old, thin build, and approximately 6 feet tall. The suspect was wearing a white baseball cap, white shirt, and dark pants. The vehicle was described as a white passenger car, unknown in size or type.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is requested to call the Warsaw Police Investigations Division at (574) 372-9526.
Vince Griffin, vice president of energy and environmental policy for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, speaks with Kip Tom regarding water and energy during a resource luncheon Friday.
Water and energy. Two resources often taken for granted.
“When you go home tonight, I guarantee you, there are three things you will do: flip a switch, turn on the tap and flush,” stated Vince Griffin, vice president energy and environmental policy for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. He spoke about water and energy resources during a luncheon today, Friday, June 19, hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.
Griffin stressed to keep, grow and attract businesses in Indiana, water is essential. This area, according to Griffin, is the richest water area in the state and nation. “Water is so critical just to life, not to mention economic development … we see this as a real attractor to bring business and industry here,” Griffin said.
“We think people are going to start to come back to the Great Lakes area. We’re starting to see that now, going forward and what we see happening in California now,” stated Griffin.
VInce Griffin
He presented a look at the world water supply where only 3 percent is fresh water, the remainder is ocean and undrinkable. Of that 3 percent, 68.7 percent is in icecaps and glacers, 30.1 percent ground water and .9 percent other with .3 percent being surface water. Breaking down the surface water shows 87 percent are lakes, 11 percent swamps and 2 percent rivers.
Griffin also presented information in regards to the Great Lakes region, where 20 percent of the world’s fresh water is contained. Indiana has the smallest part in the Great Lakes basin but is second in water usage due to manufacturing. Additionally he pointed out a Great Lakes Compact was signed in 2001, that “not one drop of water can be diverted from the Great Lakes unless all states and provinces (those that boarder the great lakes) agree. The water is highly protected.”
In contrast Central and Southern Indiana are limited in their water supplies. “You folks are so lucky up here to have water.”
Because the state is a very energy intense state, a four-prong effort is occurring regarding water, including regulatory efforts and creating a plan to provide a level of certainty for companies coming to Indiana. He referred to recent legislation setting up volunteer water data retrieval for quality control, monitoring ground water, which will be reported to the DNR and available through the United States Geology Service.
Kip Tom stated a number of producers have formed a network, hired a hydrologist to provide information on the impact irrigation has on the water supply.
Switching to energy, Griffin spoke of the production of energy with China and India the highest producers, the change from coal production to natural gas due to the cost, the 52 new federal EPA implementation plans and new ozone standards plus the closing of nuclear power plants due to operation costs.
He noted the need and use of energy will increase. “I’m concerned there will be such a noose dive we can’t come back up. I don’t know where we will get enough electrons to light everything.” He added low and middle income families will be impacted the most. “Will it be medication or heating/cooling the house.”
Alternative sources were noted: wind turbines (costing $2 million per tower but can only be placed in areas where there is a lot of wind), solar energy, geothermal and small modular nuclear reactors like those used in air crafts and submarines.
Concluding, Griffin stated no one has ever paid for water (the cost has been for plants, pumps, etc.) but he believes that will change.
The Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation had a storm drain simulator available to learn where items going into storm drains end up.
The weather was great for the final day of the Seventh Annual Northern Indiana Lakes Festival. The event concluded at Center Lake, Warsaw, with numerous activities teaching the importance of protecting lakes and streams while having fun.
Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the Center for Lakes & Streams, stated everything went perfectly as planned with visitors going through the educational booths and attending workshops learning about lakes and taking care of the lakes. The event is hosted by the Center for Lakes & Streams with numerous supporters.
Each visitor to the festival had an opportunity receive a passport, visit the education area to answer questions, receive stamps and win a free water bottle, plush turtle or mini aquarium. There was also an opportunity to enter a drawing for a stand up paddleboard and other prizes, by visiting the exhibitor area to have a punch card punched.
The day included a Silly Safaris Animal Show with various amphibians; reptiles and mammals; a 5,000 gallon fish tank; craft activities; workshops on composting, rain barrels and green cleaner; Water Waddle Kids Fun Run, water education exhibits, displays from area vendors, food and an evening concert featuring The Moon Cats. The city of Warsaw Street Sweeper was also on display and awards were presented to the Wonderful Water Art contest winners.
Hundreds came throughout the morning to Oakwood Resort to enjoy breakfast with family and friends at the annual WPOA/SLA Family Breakfast.
The annual Wawasee Property Owners Association and Syracuse Lake Association Family Breakfast is an opportunity for neighbors to meet neighbors, renew friendships, make new friends and learn about various non-profit organizations in the area. This year’s event was held Saturday morning at Oakwood Resort, Syracuse.
Non-profit agencies such as the WPOA, Syracuse-Wawasee Trails, Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club, Cocktails for Cancer, Kosciusko Community Foundation, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, Wawasee Flotilla, Chautaqua Wawasee and the Turkey Creek Fire Department were all available for summer residents to learn more about them. Paintings in the artist series were also on display to purchase reprints.
The biggest hits of the morning were Ken’s Balloons and the display of fire equipment by the fire department. Many took advantage of the opportunity to get a ride up above Oakwood Hotel to see a bird’s eye view of the area from the fire department’s ladder truck.
It is estimated over 200 attended the morning’s event.
In case you couldn’t make it, here’s a few scenes from the morning:
Phyllis Grimes, right, holds up the blue topaz and diamond necklace auctioned off during the Cocktails for Cancer event.
The purpose of the Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County could not have been explained better than by someone who experienced the benefits. Dee Salmons Anderson spoke to a crowd of approximately 150 Saturday evening during the third Kosciusko County Cares Cocktails For Cancer.
Speaking under the large white tent at Oakwood Resort Lake Side Patio in Syracuse, Anderson spoke of how the fund kept her family surviving and from losing their home and vehicle during her husband’s 10-month battle with cancer.
Her husband, Steve, learned Christmas Eve 2011 he had stage four cancer. Within a short time the family’s life changed as they experienced the financially devastation cancer can cause. She had heard about the fund and contacted Laura Cooper with CCF. Tears of relief were shed when she was told the fund could pay the house payment and automobile payment for 10 months.
Dee Salmons Anderson gives a first hand account of how the fund assisted her family.
Her husband was the sole bread winner. He continued to work while receiving treatments, until he was laid off four months after being diagnosed. “We were a family of four living off $500 to $600 a month,” she said. While he applied for and was approved for disability benefits, there would be the mandatory five-month waiting period. “Six days prior to receiving the benefits and 10 months to the day on Oct. 24, 2012, he was taken home.”
She called the financial contributors to the fund, heroes. “There is no other word adequate to describe each and every one of you. You are living proof that there are people who run in and out of burning buildings.”
Anderson stated 2012 was a year of a million miracles that it took to survive the battle. “I compare it to the experience of being out in the ocean in the middle of a raging storm. Three survivors floating in a vast field of debris with no land in site. The kids and I still live in the same home and have transportation,” she said. This was because of CCF.
“Thank you for choosing to be a light in a dark place, calm in a raging storm.”
While totals for the evening are still being tabulated, the live auction brought in more than $11,000. Items auctioned included: a blue topaz and diamond necklace, two weeks at Anna Marie Island, Fla., paddle board with paddle, dinner and cruise on Syracuse Lake, vintage wooden boat ride on the Thunder Run on Wawasee with a breakfast patio champagne brunch and gift certificate to Main Channel Marina, 18-hole round of golf at Tippecanoe Country Club, overnight stay at Oakwood Resort, tickets to the Notre Dame-Georgia Tech game, framed Cubs jersey signed by John Lester, and a framed Natti Crow sunset picture.
During 2014, the Cancer Care Fund served 81 clients assisting with car payments, food, gas, insurance, prescriptions, mortgage payment. A total of $88,107.45 went towards helping those clients.
More information about the fund, qualifying for assistance, donating or participating in other fundraising events can be found through the K21 Health Foundation, which administrates the funds, at no cost.
A history of alcoholism — seven prior charges with six convictions and one diversion, all involving alcohol — was an indicator to Kosciusko Superior Court Judge David Cates, that Jonathon J. Hulley, 36, 1310 Cedar Brook Court, Goshen, was not a low risk for committing a crime again.
Through a plea agreement Hulley’s plea of guilty to sexual battery, a class D felony, was accepted by Cates. The charge of rape, was dismissed.
Hulley was given a three-year sentence in the Kosciusko County Jail, with two years suspended to be served on probation. The judge stated he had no objection, if approved and accepted, the remaining six months be served in the county’s work release program.
Hulley was originally charged on Aug. 28, 2013, for rape, a class B felony, and sexual battery, a class D felony.
Stating in the pre-sentence report, Hulley said it was an “honest mistake,” in the events, which occurred in August 2013. “I don’t believe it was an honest mistake in any way shape or form,” said Cates.
Eldon Stoops, attorney for Hulley, referred to his clients criminal history stating he turned to alcohol at a young age following being battered and a murder in the family. “We don’t want to try justifying his actions,” said Stoops noting his client accepted the responsibility. “He should not have been there, and we’re not saying alcohol did not make it his fault.”
Hulley told the court he was deeply sorry “for the situation that happened. I’ve lead myself away from the negative affects of alcohol. I’m deeply sorry.”
Christanne Hampton, deputy prosecuting attorney, focused on the impact statement of the victim during her remarks to the court, adding alcohol was being used as an excuse for his bad behavior. “He knew or should have known, (what he was doing)” she stated referring to his statement to the victim not to tell her boy friend. She related the victim’s emotional suffering, negative image of herself, depression, depression and crying.
It was not without the victim’s input that the plea offered, as she wanted him to admit his quilt and accept the responsibility for what he did. “He took something from her,” she stated, noting it was the victim’s peace of mind.
As part of Hulley’s sentence he is to register as a sex offender.
It was on Aug. 17, 2013, that the victim went to Syracuse Police to report the rape. The boy friend of the victim stated he was asleep on the couch when he was awakened to his girl friend screaming. She told him she was asleep in the bedroom and awoke to find Hulley on top of her having sexual intercourse. The boy friend ran outside and found Hulley, outside the residence, who stated he was sorry. The boy friend struck Hulley in the face.
She stated she thought it was her boy friend until the male told her not to tell her boy friend. It was then she realized it was Hulley and she began screaming. A taxi cab driver, who was contacted by Hulley to pick him up as “he needed to get out of Syracuse,” also stated Hulley admitted to being at a residence, going into a bedroom and making out with a female in that room.
Rhydeem Otthello Hudson
Rhydeem Otthello Hudson, 404 N. Parker St., Warsaw, who turned 18 just 10 days ago, was sentenced to a total of two years in the Kosciusko County Jail Monday morning, after he failed to appear for his sentencing in April, due to the birth of his son.
Hudson was sentenced, based on a plea agreement, of a lesser charge of possession of marijuana and resisting law enforcement, class A misdemeanors. Charges of failure to appear and unlawful sale of legend drugs were dismissed.
Hudson explained to the court his failure to appear in April was caused by his girl friend being in labor, delivering his son the following day. “I had to be there to see my son’s birth,” Hudson stated.
Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed said he understood the desire to be at the birth, but he could have called “like a responsible person … you are a smart guy with a ton of potential. But you are wasting it … Are you going to take care of your son? You can tell me that today, but it is up to you when you walk out of here if you will take advantage … this is your last chance if you continue to make poor choices.”
It was noted he would be given 64 days credit and while the one-year sentence on the two counts would be served consecutive, the sentence would also be served concurrent with a probation violation charge.
Hudson was waived to adult court on March 31, 2014, after he was initially charged with dealing marijuana within 1,000 feet of school property, class C felony; resisting law enforcement, class D felony; and possession or use of a legend drug, a class D felony. The charge of failure to appear was added on April 23.
The probation violation charge stems from failing to report for scheduled appointments with the probation department, or contacting the department to reschedule missed appointments.
Gregory Eugene Sutton Jr.
Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge David Cates agreed with defense attorney John Barrett this was Gregory Sutton Jr., 18, South CR 325E, Warsaw, first brush with adult court. Because of this, Sutton was given primarily a suspended sentence with little or no jail time.
“I would like this to be your only go around with adult court. You’re pretty lucky to be in a home where the home owner hadn’t shot you,” stated Cates.
Cates sentenced Sutton to three years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, suspended 2 1/2 years to be served on probation. He was also given 144 days jail credit, leaving approximately one month to serve in jail. “… not a lot of time served, if any. I want you to think about how lucky you are to be here today. Think about the strategies you can do. Get a job, so this is your only go around with this system,” said Cates.
Sutton was charged on Jan. 29, with two counts of burglary, level 4 felonies; and two counts theft, class A misdemeanors. A plea agreement, entered on May 28, resulted in Sutton pleading guilty to one count of burglary, a level 4 felony, with the remaining charges dismissed. The crimes were committed around Jan. 22, and Jan. 28.
During court proceedings the victim, Joetta Burrous, spoke to Sutton. She stated she wasn’t scared the night she faced him in her apartment, but the more she thought about it, the angrier she became. “You invaded my space, not one time but numerous times.” She noted one night she awoke and found him in her living room watching a DVD on her DVD player. Burrous stated Sutton had made himself at home in a place that wasn’t his home. She did thank him for hooking up the DVD player for her.
“You were taking up residence in my home, that I paid for, you’re not entitled to that. You took away my security. If you would use your energy on something else you would be a wonderful person … you are not entitled to anything other than to make a life for yourself,” she stated.
It was noted though Sutton failed to meet with probation for the pre-sentence investigation, he instead submitted a handwritten report, which he gave to jailers on June 9. The report was given to the courts on June 12.
Barrett referred to the handwritten report, and asked the court to recognize they were dealing with an individual who turned 18 shortly before committing the crimes. He noted his client had volunteered for the Hoosier Youth Challenges, a boot camp, and a conviction of conversion and theft in 2013. “For whatever reason he found himself no where, homeless,” stated Barrett.
Barrett stated Sutton was at a critical stage in his life and this was his first time in adult court. “He will tell you he is sorry for what he did. His goal is to obtain a GED — he wants to get a job. His dad, who is employed with the railroad, wants to welcome him back home, and (get him) headed in the right direction. He is a young man capable of living in society with the rest of us. Being in jail the last six months has had a huge affect on him. He realizes he is not playing around in the juvenile system.”
Sutton apologized for what he did. “I was in a desperate position and making bad choices, which is why I’m here today.”
Turkey Creek/Syracuse Fire Department was called at 6:22 a.m. today Tuesday, June 23, to a dust collector fire at Jasper Plastics, Railroad Avenue, Syracuse. All employees were evacuated.
One individual sustained burns and was transported to St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne.
While the fire had been extinguished before firefighters arrived, the plant was checked for hot spots. A few hot spots were found and extinguished.
Firefighters were at the scene approximately one hour.
A special use variance, allowing a surveyor’s office, was granted Monday evening for the property at 127 S. Lincoln St., Warsaw, at the intersection with Market Street.
Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance for 127 S. Lincoln., Warsaw, at the corner of Lincoln and Market streets, to be used as a professional office in a residential area. The approval was granted at Monday evening’s meeting.
The request was made by Christopher McCrea. According to Tim Dombrosky, assistant city planner, a land surveyor’s office is planning to move into that location. The existing land use is that of a church with a special exception granted for a day care.
The board’s approval came with conditions for the new owner. The conditions include the property be used as a professional office only, conform to the Center Street Overlay plan and if the sign is replaced it must conform to the ordinance and be no larger than 16 square feet.
Dombrosky reported the use request is beneficial to the neighborhood and the community and would be a preferred buffer between the more intense commercial use to the west and the homes to the east. There will be minimal traffic, the residential architecture will be maintained and there will be day time operating hours.
In Dombrosky’s report he stated the parking lot on the property is not conducive to a single family home and adjacent uses are detrimental to a pure residential use.
The inclusion of the Center Street Overlay plan would prohibit any change of architecture of the building. This plan calls for businesses to have a residential character.
During other business, Todd Slabaugh, city building inspector, will be asked to inspect the accessory structures placed at 415 E. Winona Ave., by Manchester Rental to see if the buildings need further anchoring or need to be placed on a hard surface to conform to city ordinances. Manchester Rental had received approval by the board of zoning in May to place accessory structures on the property. However, several board members were concerned the structures were on the grass area, instead of a hard surface.
Dombrosky stated he would review the recording of the meeting to see if there had been any stipulations. Dombrosky and several others were uncertain if it was stated the structures would not be placed in the grass area but on the hard surface. There was an agreement that stated the structures would not be in the right of way.
Dombrosky was also asked to check on the large mobile sign at that location. It is believed no permit has been issued. “It just popped up, was gone, and then back again,” stated Rick Keeven, board member. The findings will be added to the July agenda.
Board members were asked to give any suggestions, changes or corrections to the rules of procedure for the board, back to the planning office. These will then be given to the city attorney to make the necessary changes.
The next meeting of the board of zoning appeals will be 7 p.m. Monday, July 27.
The following persons were arrested and booked in the Elkhart County Detention Facility:
June 19
The following persons were arrested and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:
June 22
Deputies with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Pierceton Fire Department and Mutli-Township EMS are en route to a personal injury accident at 4661 E. Wooster Road, east of CR 325E.
According to a KCSD deputy at the scene, only one vehicle with a single occupant was involved. The vehicle exited Wooster Road on the south side of the roadway coming to a rest in a field.
The driver is being transported to Fort Wayne for treatment.
Devon J. Slabaugh, 53, New Paris, died at 10:09 p.m. Monday, June 22, from injuries he sustained in an accident on US 6, east of Nappanee and CR 9, Thursday, June 11.
Slabaugh was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital for facial injuries following the crash, which occurred at 3:52 p.m. that date.
According to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Slabaugh was driving a horse and buggy east on the shoulder of US 6, east of CR 9. An eastbound 2007 Peter Built semitractor/trailer, driven by Eric L. Martz, 58, Spencerville, struck the back of a 2005 Chevrolet truck/trailer driven by Jerry W. Stewart, 51, Syracuse. The impact pushed Stewart’s vehicle into the back of the horse drawn buggy. The buggy was then pushed to the south ditch of US 6.
Martz was cited following the accident for following too closely.
Neither Martz or Stewart were injured.
Joseph Avery Dye
Joseph Avery Dye, 23, Elkhart, has been incarcerated in the Elkhart County Corrections facility on charges of auto theft, resisting arrest and reckless driving.
At approximately 11:01 a.m. today, Tuesday, June 23, officers from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, the Bristol Police Department and the Middlebury Police Department responded to a report that a National Pipeline Service truck had been stolen from the area of SR 120, west of CR 37.
Officers responded to the area and observed the vehicle, a blue 2010 Dodge 1500 truck, heading east on SR 120. After attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle fled from officers and turned southbound onto SR 13 and continued into the Middlebury city limits. The vehicle was stopped after striking stop sticks deployed by officers.
Dye fled from the vehicle on foot and was apprehended by officers.
Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following accident:
11:49 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, East Wooster Road, west of South CR 500E, Pierceton. Driver: Craig S. Cassel, 17, East Wooster Road, Pierceton. Cassell suffered a shoulder/upper arm injury and was transported to a hospital. Cassell lost control of his vehicle in a curve, over correcting the vehicle, going into a ditch, rolling twice. The investigating officer noted Cassel never had a valid driver’s license. Damage up to $10,000.
Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:
1:35 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, South Detroit Street, south of East Market Street, Warsaw. Drivers: William E. Schuler, 65, South East Ridge Drive North, Warsaw, and Steve A. Friend, 48, South 27th Street, Goshen. Schuler’s vehicle struck the back of the Friend vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.
11:55 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, Husky Trail and Mariners Drive, Warsaw. Drivers: James A. Demarest, 62, North CR 300E, Leesburg, and Jamison A. Shepherd, 22, West Tower Street, Pierceton. Demarest failed to see the Shepherd vehicle before pulling into the intersection. Damage up to $5,000.
11 a.m. Monday, June 22, alley behind 923 E. Main St., north of Scott Street. Driver: Jamie E. Pearson-Bickel, 52, East Center Street, Warsaw. The back of Pearson-Bickel’s vehicle struck an “I” beam next to a stop sign as she was turning into the alley. Damage up to $2,500.
Photo by John Faulkner
Unsafe speed was the contributing circumstance in a one-vehicle accident Tuesday on East Wooster Road, west of South CR 500E, Pierceton. The 17-year-old driver, who has never had a valid driver’s license, was taken to a Fort Wayne hospital with an internal shoulder/upper arm injury.
The accident occurred at 11:49 a.m.
Craig S. Cassel, 17, East Wooster Road, Pierceton, was westbound on Wooster Road in a 1998 Ford. Police say he was traveling at an unsafe speed, causing him to loose control of the vehicle in a curve. Cassel over corrected the vehicle, causing it to go into a ditch on the north side of the road. The vehicle rolled twice before coming to rest upright in a corn field.
Damage to the vehicle and corn, owned by Charles C. Murphy, was estimated up to $10,000.
The accident was investigated by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. Multi-Township EMS and Pierceton Fire Department also responded.
Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following incidents:
Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incidents:
A driver and his passenger were injured in a two-vehicle accident at 8:41 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, on East Armstrong Road at EMS T13 Lane, North Webster.
Taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital were Richard G. Monk, 66, North Westerner Winds Drive, Warsaw, who suffered a contusion/bruise to the back and complained of back pain and a passenger in his vehicle, Norma G. Perkins, North Westerner Winds Drive, Warsaw. Perkins complained of pain to the chest and sustained an abrasion to the chest.
Kevin K. Uptgraft, 80, Lake View Court, Avon, was eastbound, in a 2004 Oldsmobile ,on Armstrong Road and turning north onto EMS T13 Lake. He told police he did not see the westbound Monk vehicle as he was making the turn, until it was too late. Upgraft was not injured. Monk was driving a 2000 Ford.
Damage was estimated up to $25,000.
North Webster Fire Department, North Webster EMS, Multi-Township EMS, North Webster Police Department and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call.
