MILFORD — A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for a manufacturing facility expansion at Chore-Time's Milford manufacturing and office headquarters was held June 10.

Chore-Time is adding 79,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

“This expansion is a direct result of continued growth and increased demand across our
markets — and the strength of our distributor partnerships.” according to Tina Streit, Vice
President and General Manager of Chore-Time.

“Plans include a dedicated shipping space for the layer building, staging space for the
broiler side, and additional manufacturing space. Groundbreaking took place in April, with
the goal of occupancy in early 2027. With this additional space, we will be better able to
reduce lead times and significantly improve our logistics.”

The addition joins the Chore-Time office and manufacturing facility that dates to the early years of the nearly 75-year-old company. The new facility is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027. The project is funded in part by a 10-year tax abatement granted by the Milford Town Council, the Milford Redevelopment Commission, and with the support of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation.

“This is a company that believes in Milford. This is a meaningful investment in manufacturing capacity, efficiency and long-term growth here in Milford.” said Peggy Simmons, Chief Executive Officer for the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation.

R. Yoder is the general contractor for the project. “This groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction; it reflects the power of collaboration and what can be achieved when a dedicated team comes together around a common goal. We are grateful for the trust of CTB and it is an honor to play a role in delivering a manufacturing facility that will support innovation, strengthen the local economy, and create lasting opportunities for years to come.” said Kevin Yoder, Vice President of Sales.

Chore-Time (www.choretime.com) continues its tradition established in 1952 of leadership in the design, manufacture and marketing of equipment for poultry and egg production.

The post Chore-Time breaks ground on manufacturing expansion in Milford appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — The River Coffee continues to grow and will be operating seven coffee shops in Kosciusko County by the end of May.

On Saturday, Amanda Meerzo, who runs the business with her husband, Jamel, celebrated moving their downtown Warsaw shop from the corner of Buffalo and Center streets to a block west, to 121 W. Center St., where Generous Coffee has been operating for two years in conjunction with The River.

[caption id="attachment_131012" align="alignright" width="460"] The roastery at Generous Coffee remains in the back half of the building and has seating for the public. They still offer free coffee and information about operations. Bags of coffee are seen at left. The table at right was for art and crafts. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Generous Coffee is the exclusive roaster for The River, and Meerzo says sharing the space just seems to make sense.

While The River’s previous downtown corner location was quaint, it included a lower level for food preparation that made customer service a bit more complicated, she said.

Plus, Meerzo said, the new location has unrestricted parking just around the corner.

Also on Saturday, Meerzo helped open up a new coffee shop at Jellystone Campground near Pierceton, and by the end of the month, they plan to open another shop at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse.

With the additions, that's four new stores in two years. Other locations include Winona Lake, North Webster, Milford and the YMCA in Warsaw.

“These have been areas that have been requested, I would say, so we decided to grow,” Meerzo said Saturday afternoon.

The appetite for fresh coffee and other drinks continues to test the limits of consumer demand in the downtown.

The expansion comes just days after Three Crowns Coffee said they plan to move from North Detroit Street to North Buffalo Street near Center Lake Park. 

At the same time, two other businesses are taking steps toward opening two drive-thru coffee shop businesses in Warsaw in the near future.

Meerzo said they're feeling confident about the growth pattern.

“Yeah, we do very well. I mean, we're employing over 70 people right now,” she said.

Generous was founded in 2017  as a "fundraising engine" for nonprofits, and opened its roastery two years ago.

The company designates profits to be directed every three months to a different entity and relies on support from a local company to help offset operational costs. The current supporter is Lake City Electric.

Generous Coffee continues to contribute 100 percent of its profits to nonprofit organizations and offers coffee drinks in the roastery area with an invitation to donate.

Erica Deuel, who manages the roastery for Generous, says it's good for everyone. 

“As The River grows, Generous grows. We're now roasting four days a week just to have enough coffee for them and our other locations," Deuel said.

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Experts warn that Indiana’s cities, towns, and counties could take a hit to their credit rating through no fault of their own, but rather due to continued fallout from the state’s effort to curb property tax growth.

S&P Global Ratings, which provides independent credit ratings and research, warned that the new law enacted earlier this year “creates uncertainty” for local income tax-backed debt, according to a recent story in industry publication The Bond Buyer.

“At this point, we believe it’s too soon to assess how these changes will influence our ratings,” S&P Associate Director John Sauter told The Bond Buyer.

But a report co-authored by Sauter flags concerns with new provisions of the wide-ranging bill, which limited local tax growth and has left some municipalities scrambling to continue providing government services.

Rep. Ed DeLaney, an Indianapolis Democrat, said the news confirmed his concern that Senate Enrolled Act 1 “was not well thought out.”

“There is good reason for local governments to be concerned about their fiscal situation and for our citizens to be concerned about both local services and a threatened increase to local income taxes,” DeLaney told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “As often happens, the super-majority was so focused on sending a message about property taxes that it pretty much forgot every other consideration, including the question of what the total implication is for our voters. It seems that total taxes will increase for many.”

He said that revisiting the property tax law would be a “useful topic” for a special session, “unlike eliminating Democratic representation in our congressional delegation.” Republicans are currently weighing a November special session to redraw boundary lines for congressional districts at President Donald Trump’s behest.

Provisions under Senate Enrolled Act 1

Senate Bill 1 went through several versions before landing on a compromise that would save homeowners a collective $1.2 billion in property taxes over three calendar years — money that would come out of the pockets of local units of government, including libraries and schools.

And while S&P previously worried about smaller tax bases and falling revenues, both of which would impact a locality’s final rating, experts flagged concerns about another provision.

In an effort to grant counties and cities a reprieve, state lawmakers opted to revisit local income taxes. Previously, such levies were an option only available to counties and capped at 3.75%. The new law lowers the cap to 2.9% but allows municipalities to impose their own rate up to 1.2% within that tax.

However, those taxes must be recertified annually, which S&P says creates uncertainty for debt tied to those taxes. Much like how people use their credit rating to borrow against their future income, local units of government rely on these bonds to finance capital projects and operations.

Due to the changes under the law, these municipalities could see their ratings take a hit. But the top credit rating agency said it wouldn’t take any action until 2028 when those requirements start.

That gives state lawmakers some time to act.

At a tax panel earlier this month, top Republicans confirmed that a follow-up bill to the law would be their first fiscal priority going into the next session.

“Chairman (Jeff) Thompson and I have had a number of conversations even before session was over earlier this year (about) changes we would need to make,” said Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle.

Moving out some effective dates for implementing changes, for example, would “give us time to start to process some of the changes,” said Holdman, who authored the first version of the bill.

He said the results have been all over the board.

“We’ve had some financial advisors who lit the hair on fire of some local mayors and county commissioners and county council members with some bad information to be honest with you, and so we’re just trying to get a handle on (that),’ Holdman continued.

Thompson, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, also acknowledged “modifications” to Senate Enrolled Act 1 are a priority for 2026.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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Indiana Gov. Mike Braun on Friday announced business-focused Indianapolis attorney Jennifer Ruby will take over the state’s vacant public access counselor role.

“Transparency for Hoosiers is important for a healthy state government, and Jennifer Ruby brings decades of legal expertise to serve Hoosiers as Public Access Counselor,” Braun said in a news release. “She will do a great job promoting public trust through transparency and accountability.”

Ruby said she was “honored” to be chosen for the job — and to “uphold the values of government transparency and accountability.”

“Public access is essential for effective governance, and I look forward to serving our state in this role,” she added.

Ruby is president, CEO and lead attorney at her Indianapolis-based firm, Ruby Law. She counsels clients on estate and succession planning; real estate issues; contracts and “general business issues,” according to her LinkedIn — although her “favorite areas of interest” are identified as life sciences, information technology, education and business development. She also is a mediator.

Ruby holds a law degree and a master’s degree in planning from Indiana University, and an undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Purdue University.

The Office of the Public Access Counselor provides guidance on state public records and open meeting laws: it responds to informal inquiries on the laws, issues non-binding advisory opinions, recommends improvements to the Indiana General Assembly, educates officials and Hoosiers on rights and responsibilities, and more, according to the office’s website.

The General Assembly created the office in 1999.

Until last year, the officeholder served four-year terms — and could only be fired “for cause.” But lawmakers changed that during the last legislative session.

Now, the governor can remove the public access counselor at any time — leaving the appointee vulnerable to dismissal for opinions that powerful state leaders dislike. The officeholder is also now limited to using only the law’s “plain text” and official court orders in writing those opinions.

Indiana’s longest-serving public access counselor, Luke Britt, stepped down in February, several months after the changes went into effect. His resignation came after 12 years; he was first appointed in 2013 by Republican former Gov. Mike Pence and reappointed twice by former Gov. Eric Holcomb, also a Republican.

Britt told WFYI that his role was “fundamentally changed.”

“I’d always said that if I found that my voice was getting ineffective, it was time to leave. And that might have been my sign with that legislation,” he said.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Gov. Braun appoints Indiana’s next public access counselor appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WINONA LAKE — The River Coffeehouse is expanding again.

The business expanded from a store in North Webster to one in Warsaw last year (and then jumped to a new location in Warsaw on Center Street late last year) and now plan to open a coffee shop in Winona Lake.

That announcement initially came from the owners of Light Rail Cafe who announced on Facebook on Friday that they are "passing the torch" to The River CoffeeHouse.

The following is the statement from Light Rail:

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WARSAW — A few more nuggets of information have emerged about the business entity that is eyeing the Marsh property on South Buffalo Street in Warsaw.

The city redevelopment commission agreed in principle on Monday to give the entity time to investigate the matter, but details about who is interested and what it might be — if fully embraced — have not been disclosed.

Jeremy Skinner, director of community & economic development for the city, said it would involve the construction of a business in the parking lot and not part of the existing building.

The outlet would be in the southeast corner of the lot near Prairie Street and north of the Conley Barber Shop.

The entity is seeking to secure a franchise agreement for the project, Skinner said

The term "franchise" can refer to many types of businesses including, for instance, a restaurant, but it could be many other things too.

Skinner said securing such a business could help lure other prospects to consider the Marsh building, which has sat empty since 2017.

"It's kind of seen as a general plus to help redevelop that area and generate some interest, and then hopefully we can continue to market the Marsh building with some more success," Skinner said. 

Skinner said if it all works out, the city will have a better idea of what is possible in the next 60-90 days.

The post A few details emerge about group looking at Marsh property appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Lake City Bank has announced two personnel changes.

Melanie L. Farr has joined the bank as Senior Vice President, and Chief Fiduciary Officer.

In this position, Farr leads the fiduciary activities of the bank’s Wealth Advisory Group, including business development and administration, product development and management, and trust policy development and execution.

“Melanie’s legal career in trust and estate matters and her trust administration experience make her a great fit as our Chief Fiduciary Officer.

Working with our great Wealth Advisory team, she will be an excellent resource for our clients,” said David M. Findlay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Farr began her career in trust administration in 2023.

Previously, she practiced law for 25 years at HallerColvin in Fort Wayne. She has a juris doctor degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and a bachelor's degree from Defiance College.

“Melanie is a tremendous addition to our Wealth Advisory Group. Her leadership and depth of knowledge will help grow our strong trust and fiduciary services,” said Carrie A. Gutman, Senior Vice President, Chief Wealth Advisory Officer.

Farr is a member of the Indiana, Ohio and Allen County bar associations. She served as past president of the Allen County Bar Association (ACBA) and past chairperson of the Probate, Trust and Tax Section of the ACBA.

Meanwhile, Lake City Bank has also announced that Chad J. Clinton has been promoted to Vice President, Mortgage Portfolio Underwriter.

In this position, Clinton is responsible for underwriting mortgage loans, with a focus on portfolio mortgage products. He has been with the bank for five years.

Clinton has a bachelor’s degree in finance and entrepreneurship from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He volunteers with Junior Achievement of Central Indiana and coaches baseball and basketball for Mudsock Youth Athletics.

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WINONA LAKE — K21 Health Foundation (K21) has announced the promotion of Angie Summers to the position of Operations Manager.

In her enhanced role for the foundation, Angie will be responsible for the areas of internal operations, vendor relationships, facility management, meeting management, communications, and marketing.

“We are a small team at K21, so each of us carries multiple areas of responsibility to help the foundation accomplish its mission for the community. Angie has contributed greatly to K21 in her time here and we’re pleased to give her more leadership and responsibilities in the work being done”, shared K21 CEO Rich Haddad.

In addition to her direct responsibilities, Angie participates in several community health
coalitions and groups focused on meeting needs in the community and participate in the grant process at K21.

"With a master’s in social work degree and over 12 years of working on the front lines of community needs programs, Angie brings an experience and perspective to the foundation that goes beyond her direct responsibilities here. She is a great team member in helping K21 pursue its mission,” Haddad said.

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WARSAW — The list of new tenants is long — a florist, a bakery a candy store, an antique shop as well as a fourth women’s boutique — have joined the lineup in what has become a banner year for downtown merchants in Warsaw.

But maybe what’s most encouraging is that four businesses that already had a stake in the downtown chose to relocate and remain in the business district.

Two of those — The Riverhouse Coffee House and Glam Boutique — experienced a smooth transition as they moved to new spots this year on Center Street. 

But two others, at the bequest of their landlords, had to find new homes and did so, ultimately setting with properties side-by-side on Buffalo Street.

Male Fashions owner Tim Hamann, who spent ten years with his store on Center Street, began settling in a year ago to his new digs in the space previously used by MudLove, and said he likes the change.

"We're happy. The move has been good. Sales have been good. People are excited with the new space," Hamann said.

Krista Brown had to find a new location just months after her business, Maggie's Coffee and Treats, opened on Center Street. She found a new home at the corner of Market and Buffalo but was closed for several weeks for renovations.

She admits having to temporarily close after just opening put a cloud of concern over her store's future, but she persevered and eventually re-opened in the space previously used by Infinity Salon.

Brown said her sales are increasing steadily.

Looking back, she adds, "I wouldn't change anything."

While the race to attract coffee drinkers feels like a competitive one in downtown Warsaw, Brown has remained confident and her store has begun to attract a series of groups including military veterans who meet there regularly as well as three Bible groups.

She admits she caters to a bit of an old customer base.

Brown said she was successful in asking the city to relocate a 15-minute parking spot closer to her store at the corner of Market and Buffalo.

She and Hamann both said they think parking near their new location has been a plus.

Both merchants say the changes have been good.

"There's a lot of stuff going on so anything that increases (the number) of people downtown is good for all of us," Hamann said.

The post Downtown Warsaw’s bustling changes included relocations appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — The River CoffeeHouse, which opened in February and quickly became known for its outdoor seating catty-cornered from the Kosciusko County courthouse, is relocating.

That sounds like a shocking development, given how popular the business has become, but Amanda Meerzo, who owns and operates the business with her husband, Jamel, confirmed the store plans to quickly move across the street to another corner spot across from the courthouse at 101 E. Center St.

[caption id="attachment_101304" align="alignright" width="350"] Renovations are underway at the 101 E. Center Street which is directly across from The River CoffeeHouse. The relocation process could be complete by Nov. 20. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The move is necessary because the existing location only has five tables inside the business and the owners realized they would not be able to accommodate their current customer base through the winter months.

"It just kind of made us start thinking what were we going to do when it gets cold? Could we make it with just 12 seats?" Amanda Meezo said.

The new location offers much more interior seating space — including a low level — and a bigger kitchen.

She said the new location will include an expanded menu.

Outdoor seating at the new store will return in the spring, she said.

The arrival of the store nine months ago ended a vacant on the key corner lot that had existed for a handful of years despite the ideal location.

One fellow retailer — Michelle Smith-LeDrew — said recently she thinks The River has been singly responsible for an uptick in foot traffic and many see it as an ideal location for a retailer.

Meerzo is confident about the change.

"We do feel we do have the best location but the best part is that this is really the same location, just the opposite side of the street," Amanda said. "It was a very, very hard decision for us, but for the community and what we want to achieve, this is doable."

The future store, which has been home to Oku Roji, a Japanese restaurant, is currently being renovated and Meerzo said they plan to transition soon and reopen as soon as Nov. 20.

Word of the new location surfaced Wednesday on the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page with a playful video.

Chamber President Rob Parker, who appeared in the video, applauded the move and said it was another sign of how energized the downtown has become.

The River's original coffee shop is in North Webster and Meerzo said this year's expansion has exceeded expectations.

"It has been amazing. It has left us speechless many times," she said. "We love being part of downtown."

Property of the current and future stores is owned by David Gustafson, but it's unclear what plans are in store for the lot on the southeast corner once it is vacant.

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