Indiana’s new governor was sworn into office before an enthusiastic crowd of hundreds of the state’s most powerful politicos and everyday Hoosiers on Monday, with speakers focusing on the Hoosier State’s future under the new administration — which coincides with new leadership at the federal level.

Mike Braun, a former U.S. senator, took the oath of office on two Bibles — one used by his family and the other used for Benjamin Harrison’s presidential inauguration. Harrison is the only Hoosier to ever hold the nation’s highest office.

“Now is the time to empower the next generation of Hoosiers and once again pursue freedom and opportunity without fear,” Braun said. “I am committed to being a governor of not just words, but actions, as we create a prosperous future for all Hoosiers.”

The ceremony showcased the 70-year-old’s personal ties, with the national anthem performed by the Wabash College Glee Club — his alma mater — and the Pledge of Allegiance led by three of his grandchildren. The Rev. Andrew Thomas with the St. James and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Haubstadt delivered the benediction for the devout Catholic’s inauguration.

Braun will be the state’s 52nd governor to take office and succeeds Eric Holcomb, who held the office for eight years. Braun won a contentious six-way Republican primary in May and overcame challenges from Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater in a November election.

Inaugural speeches

Between elections, party delegates selected Micah Beckwith, a conservative Noblesville pastor, as his running mate over Braun’s preferred pick. Beckwith was also sworn into office on Monday alongside Attorney General Todd Rokita, who won re-election in November.

Beckwith thanked God and referenced scripture, calling for collaboration and unity by concluding that, “We all share the same dreams for our families (and) our communities.”

“We all want to see Indiana thrive. We all want our children to have a brighter future. We all want safe and prosperous communities,” Beckwith said.

In his speech, Rokita targeted transgender Hoosiers and “woke” ideologies.

“Together, we will make Indiana a truly free state where we are rewarded for the results of our work and not the politics of DEI, ESG, CRT or whatever other acronyms and pronouns,” Rokita said. “Where innocent life is respected, just as our Constitution allows; where we can raise our children the way God intended, without interference by woke schools, doctors or courts; [and] where there are two genders, male and female.”

After being sworn in, Braun delivered the final speech, praising Indiana’s early pioneers for being “trailblazers” but not mentioning the state’s indigenous inhabitants.

“When I walk through the woods near my home in Jasper, and I do it often, I think of these early pioneers that built our great state out of the wilderness. Hard-working Hoosiers gazed upon the same forests,” Braun said. “Our early settlers faced a crossroads: retreat in fear of the challenges this new land would bring, or view the vast contours of our state as an opportunity worth embracing.”

His inauguration, one week before President Donald Trump is sworn in for a second term, is a “new crossroads,” he said. Braun repeatedly referenced the Washington D.C. transition in his brief speech, saying he was “optimistic that the next four years will see not only a change in each leadership … but also a transfer of assumed power from the federal government back to the states.”

In the weeks since claiming victory, Braun unveiled a restructured cabinet streamlined into eight “verticals,” rather than each agency head directly reporting to him. He said the additional layer of government would increase efficiency and be “entrepreneurial.”

Braun’s inauguration comes in the midst of budget negotiations during the 2025 legislative session — with far less spending leeway for ambitious projects. Despite the constraints, Braun has vowed to reform the state’s property tax system following unprecedented, double-digit growth.

Other agenda items include addressing health care and energy costs.

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WARSAW — A feasibility study on renovating the Warsaw Community Public Library has been released with many ideas that are part of a long list of possible changes.

[caption id="attachment_103711" align="alignright" width="360"] A handicap ramp on the east side of the library has been in existence since renovations were made 27 years ago to the building but officials agree it is not ideal or easy to use for some people with mobility issues. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

What’s apparent is that changes will be needed throughout much of the building as well and the parking lot — so much so that officials believe it would be best to do all of the work at the same time rather than in phases.

That option would entail closing the library for an extended period.

"Ideally, yes, being able to use a comprehensive strategy, that's going to save us a lot of money and a lot of time," said Heather Barron, library director. "Being able to do everything at once is going to be a much bigger return on investment."

Barron recapped highlights of the study by MKM Architecture + design and SCO Engineering to the library board on Monday.

The study is available online.

The study spans more than 50 pages and Barron said the recommendations are not set in stone.

Barron has made it clear in recent months that many aspects of the library need replacement or improvements.

The library was last renovated nearly 30 years ago.

Improving access to the library is one of the priorities.

The main interior entrance, while gorgeous, is not easy to access for some. The handicapped ramp, located on the east side of the building is not user-friendly.

The study says the current facility creates barriers for patrons with limited mobility.

“Addressing these components will require more extensive construction. Goals would be to increase access and safety from the parking lot and optimize the main entry sequence to reduce elevator rides and simplify access to both levels of the building,” the study said.

"I think redoing our main entry could significantly help increase accessibility for anyone with mobility issues," Barron said.

The study proposes the installation of a new elevator that could access both floors.

Some top priorities outlined in the study:

• The heating and cooling systems for the building have all exceeded their lifetime expectancy (see chart to the right).
• The sprinkler system and security system both need to be replaced.
• Roof leaks have been an ongoing problem.
• The parking lot traffic flow is not good and needs to be redesigned.
• The children's library has an overgrown book collection and is in need of expansion. The study calls for the department to be relocated.
• Some meeting rooms are deemed too small for modern group activities and need to be expanded.

See a chart highlighting priorities at the bottom of this story

On the subject of infrastructure, the study says that while contingency plans for immediate repairs can be identified, "the strategic approach to the building’s infrastructure should consider a complete replacement of the building's primary systems in the near future ..."

Many unknowns remain. Those include the renovation cost, how soon construction could begin and how long a temporary closure would last.

Plans are tentative and Barron said recently that construction might not begin until late in 2026.

The next step will involve working with a bond counsel to determine finances and then meeting with architects to come up with a specific plan.

The construction price tag remains unclear. Barron acknowledges prices could change over time and that numerous unknowns, including the potential for tariffs (proposed by President-Elect Donald Trump) could impact the project in different ways.

"We saw prices skyrocket after COVID and the markets have been kind of volatile so we're not sure where we will land," Barron said. "Depending on when we could get started, prices may fluctuate for various reasons ... including tariffs rising potentially ... who knows."

She said they would also like to establish some greenspace outdoors — possibly for childrens' programming — but said that could be a challenge because the property is landlocked by nearby roads.

[caption id="attachment_103716" align="aligncenter" width="900"] A feasibility study released recently suggests the front entrance needs to be redesigned to improve access. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_103731" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Above is a page taken from the feasibility study highlighting priorities.[/caption]

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WARSAW — Police continue to look for a North Webster man who has been missing for more than two years.

Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office issued the following statement about 28-year-old Joseph Chaffins on Monday.

"We are resharing this information from October 2022 about a missing person investigation on Joseph Chaffins. The investigation is on-going and we continue to follow up on any and all tips or information," said the news release.

"We would like to hit the reboot in hopes of getting new information," the news release said.

No other details were included in the news release.

Any information can be directed to Det.Sgt. Mike Fowler at 574-265-2215 or 574-267-5667.

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MILFORD — Milford Food Bank has announced the official launch of its $1 million capital campaign to fund the construction of a new 12,000-square-foot storage facility.

This new facility will not only provide expanded storage but will also house office space and an upgraded food packaging room to help the Food Bank significantly increase its capacity to serve those in need.

Groundbreaking for the new building is scheduled for later this year, marking a transformative step forward in the organization’s mission.

Milford Food Bank has a long-standing history of sharing the love of Christ by providing food to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

With the new facility, the organization will be able to more than double its food output, ultimately helping to feed hundreds of thousands more individuals in the Michiana region each month. The expanded space will also allow for more efficient food packaging and distribution, improved logistics, and a greater ability to support hundreds of regional food partners.

"We are at a critical point in our growth, and with the continued support of the public and our incredible food partners, we can reach even more people who are struggling with food insecurity. This new facility will allow us to dramatically expand our capacity and extend our reach to more partner organizations, all while staying true to our mission of sharing the love of Christ and serving those in need,” said Angie Deak, Development Manager of Milford Food Bank.

Milford Food Bank's services currently extend across Kosciusko and Elkhart County, and 22 other counties in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, reaching over 125,000 people each month.

By partnering with food pantries, recovery homes, churches, backpack programs and community kitchens, Milford Food Bank distributes over 350,000 pounds of food each month, providing a lifeline to those in need.

The capital campaign to raise $1 million will be supported by individuals, businesses, and organizations who are committed to ending hunger in the region. Milford Food Bank is offering several sponsorship levels, each with special recognition in the new building, including naming rights for various areas of the facility and tickets to its Night of Faith fundraiser on March 28, 2025. They want to ensure that donors are honored for their generosity in helping to build a stronger, healthier community for all.

"We are reaching out to individuals, local businesses, and our partner organizations to ask for their support in this campaign," said Deak. "With donations big and small, we can build a facility that will not only serve our immediate needs of today but also position us to continue serving Michiana for decades to come."

The new facility will be a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands of families and individuals struggling with hunger across the region. Milford Food Bank is committed to continuing its mission of being the hands and feet of Jesus, providing food, compassion, and love to those facing food insecurity.

For more information on how to contribute to Milford Food Bank’s capital campaign, visit www.milfordfoodbank.org/newbuilding or contact Deak at angie@milfordfoodbank.org.

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WARSAW — The city of Warsaw is hosting two workshops.

The first is a free workshop for regulatory compliance on construction sites for stormwater, erosion, and sediment control on Wednesday, February 12, at 9 a.m. at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion north of downtown Warsaw.

This workshop provides valuable insights, tips, and strategies to enhance stormwater
compliance skills and grow businesses. During this workshop, industry experts will cover a wide variety of topics, including stormwater management, regulatory compliance, erosion control strategies, and more.

Those attending will have the opportunity to visit with vendors, network with fellow contractors, share experiences, and learn from each other. This workshop will provide expanded knowledge for both seasoned contractors and those just getting started.

Presenters will include Christopher B. Burke Engineering and the Indiana Ready Mixed
Concrete Association.

This workshop is provided through a partnership between the City of Warsaw, Warsaw
Stormwater Utility, the Clean Waters Partnership, and The Watershed Foundation.

Anyone interested in attending the workshop can register at this link.

Sustainability

The City, along with the Warsaw Stormwater Utility, the Clean Waters Partnership, and The
Watershed Foundation is partnering to host a free Working Toward Sustainable Cities
workshop on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 9 a.m. at the Zimmer-Biomet Center Lake Pavilion.

This workshop will explore innovative solutions for creating environmentally friendly urban
spaces.

During the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and learn from experts in the field. Attendees will walk away with expanded knowledge about improving cities to be more sustainable for future generations.

Presenters include WSP Global and the City of Warsaw Engineering Department.

This workshop is for anyone who develops land, plans or designs urban spaces, manages
infrastructure and development projects, consults on environmental and sustainability issues, owns or manages a business or industry facility, installs landscapes, or simply is interested in the subject of green infrastructure.

Anyone interested in attending the workshop can register at this ink.

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WARSAW — Plans to establish a public defenders' office in Kosciusko County saw some progress Thursday night.

[caption id="attachment_103622" align="alignright" width="370"] From left, newly-elected Kosciusko County Council members Delynn Geiger and Rachel Rhoades stepped into their new roles Thursday. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The county council agreed to start paying an existing three-member board that will oversee the office a quarterly stipend as well as a small bonus of sorts for the work they did last year in in helping prepare plans for establishing the office.

The local court system has struggled for years to attract lawyers willing to take on cases in which offenders seek or are assigned a public defender.

Circuit Court Judge Matthew Buehler presented the request establish the stipend to the council and spoke about the need for the office afterward.

"Quite frankly, there's a shortage of attorneys ... this is an opportunity to perhaps draw in some talented attorneys that may want to come to this area and wanna work here full-time and an opportunity to give the people of Kosciusko County the best representation that we can," Buehler said.

[caption id="attachment_103627" align="alignright" width="197"] Judge Matthew Buehler[/caption]

The public defenders' service has historically been overseen by the board which will eventually include the role of hiring attorneys to staff the office.

The board includes Kevin Deardorff, Paul Stoelting and John Hall, Buehler said.

Their work last year will result in a $250 stipend and board members will now receive $109 for each quarterly meeting they attend.

Officials are still waiting for approval from the state and hope to have the office ready to go later this year, maybe even by July.

"I think that's ambitious, but that would certainly be a goal," he said.

He said he believes the change will help save the county money.

Council also reorganized Thursday night. Tony Ciriello was chosen to serve as president and Kathy Groninger will continue to serve as vice president. 

Newly-elected Rachel Rhoades and Delynn Geiger participated in their first council meeting Thursday, taking seats formerly held by Sue Ann Mitchell and Joni Truex.

Council also discontinued the idea of holding meetings one week before the regular meeting, which was tested out briefly last year. Ciriello said they realized that the meetings did not yield any real benefits and chose to discontinue the practice.

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WINONA LAKE — The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams welcomes Annalieze Crawford to the team.

In her role as Research Lab Coordinator, Crawford will ensure quality data collection, oversee lab procedures, and lead algae counting efforts.

“Anna excelled as a Lilly Center college student intern for years and demonstrated a
pursuit of excellence in her work and support of her team,” said Dr. Nate Bosch,
Creighton Brothers Endowed Director of the Lilly Center.

“Her deep knowledge of algae identification and quantification along with her ability to learn new processes will make the Lilly Center’s research more effective in service to our community,” he said.

Crawford invested four years at Grace College, first as an algae team assistant and later
as algae team lead. Through her work in this position, she developed a knowledge of
phycology – the study of algae – and worked closely with Dr. Joe Frentzel, Grace College
professor and psychologist.

In her new role as Research Lab Coordinator, the scope of Crawford’s responsibilities
expands to include overseeing the algae toxin and E. coli teams.

The Indiana Department of Health certified the Lilly Center’s lab to test for E. coli during
the fall of 2024.

Crawford will also support the assistant director of research to ensure that data
collection and reporting are accurate. Collecting high-quality data from Kosciusko
County’s lake and streams gives the Lilly Center a better understanding of what is going
on beneath the surface, leading to practical applications for the Lilly Center’s research.

“I am excited to take this next step in my career and continue building my experience at
the Lilly Center,” said Crawford. “The beauty and diversity of algae species hooked me
early on. Now, I can mentor the next generation of college students as they expand their
skillsets through lab techniques and research.”

Since 2007, the Lilly Center’s lab has made contributions to local and national research
studies and provided recommendations for best practices to steward freshwater lakes
and streams. Studies conducted by the Lilly Center’s lab and research teams include
studies on economic impacts, zebra mussels, E. coli at local beaches, boating, public
sewers, and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) patterns and predictions.

Through the addition of the Research Lab Coordinator position, the Lilly Center
continues its commitment to transparent data that is available to its partners and the
public. The data collected in the lab supports yearly research publications like Beneath
the Surface, live data on the Lilly Center’s website from 16 stream sensors, and weekly
summer algae toxin notifications.

Learn more about how the Lilly Center by visiting lakes.grace.edu.

The post Former intern joins Lilly Center team full-time appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

News Release

WARSAW — The Warsaw High School Theatre Department is thrilled to announce its upcoming Theatre Thrift Sale on Saturday, January 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will be held in the Warsaw Performing Arts Center Black Box and is a great opportunity to find unique items at unbeatable prices.

The sale will include clothing, shoes, hats, bags, props, and furniture. With clothing items priced at just $1 each and props for only $2, attendees can shop to their hearts’ content without breaking the bank.

Both cash and card payments are accepted.

Proceeds from the sale will directly benefit the Warsaw High School Theatre Department, helping to fund future productions, performances, and educational opportunities for students.

Those attending can enter through Door 41 behind the Performing Arts Center or Door 7, the main PAC entrance.

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WARSAW — The holidays are filled with traditions.

You do not need me to list them back to you — you know what I am talking about.

In early January, one of the most underrated traditions is eating leftovers.

Immediately when you read the word “leftovers,” your mind goes to containers of pasta dishes and other sides in your fridge that were great the first time around, but not so much after the joy of the holidays ends.

But we often fail to consider the goodies of Christmas that are timeless — like Christmas candy, fudge, and other things like them.

Hopefully, you look at this combination of stories like a container of your favorite leftovers that you forgot you had.

Our first subject is one you all have been begging me to comment on, and I wouldn’t bite…until today — flag planting.

What is that? It’s when a football team wins on the road and a player takes one of those big flags the cheerleaders use and try to jam it in the middle of the giant logo at the 50-yard line as part of the celebration of their victory.

Let’s be real: It’s not celebrating … it’s taunting.

It’s unsportsmanlike.

It has no place in sports.

I find it more annoying than anything, and I don’t see myself losing my mind over it. But it’s disrespectful and it should stop.

And how dumb do you have to be to try to stick a flag in the ground of a field turf stadium?

What do you do about it? Keep in mind that the game is already over when this happens, so it’s not like the officials can throw a flag and penalize a team for doing it.

The only thing you can do is fine a school for it, and how big would that fine have to be to actually make someone think twice about doing it?

Second subject: Notre Dame.

I could not be happier with how this football season has turned out, especially when you consider how it started.

There were fans who were speculating that Marcus Freeman would not survive the season after losing to Northern Illinois in South Bend. And it sorta felt like it might turn out to be true.

But they got it together and now are one win away from playing for a national championship.
And weird as it might sound, they have a real chance to win it.

By the way, how epic would it be if it turns out to be a Notre Dame-Ohio State final? Sporting America would lose its collective mind.

Next thing: I think I am ready to make a high school basketball rule change.

No, no…not the shot clock rule, the jersey number rule.

I would like the National Federation of High Schools to open up all numbers 0 through 99 for teams to use on their jerseys.

Currently, only numbers 0 through 5 from 0 to 55 are allowed. The reason is because officials used to signal the jersey numbers of players who are called for fouls with one hand. Now they do it with two hands like their colleagues in the NBA and college.

I have fought this one for a while, but not anymore. But that comes with a giant BUT in the middle of it. I support that only under the condition that no varsity or junior varsity player can have the same number. In other words, if I have a game program and it says #23 is Grady Jones on the JV, and #23 checks into the varsity game, it better be Grady Jones.

Yes, I have a somewhat (ok, a significant) motivation for wanting this rule change and the stipulation to become the law of the land. I hate broadcasting a game and having someone check into the game and you can’t figure out who that player is.

I hope you understand.

Last one: the color of the football.

OK, some humor is intended here, but I am also not kidding.

It feels like the football is so dark that I can’t see it on TV. That’s more true on field goals and extra points than regular passing plays.

Watch an NFL playoff game this weekend and when the ball is kicked on a field goal or extra point, see if you can see the ball when it gets above the defensive linemen.

I can’t…because the ball blends in with the fans in the stands.

Yes, I need new lenses for my glasses. Thanks for asking.

Let’s lighten up the color of the football so it’s easier to see.

Happy New Year. Stay warm.

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