WARSAW — Community leaders on Friday put a cap on local celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary with an eye on celebrating its tricentennial in 50 years.

A large crowd gathered Friday on the east side of the Kosciusko County Courthouse for a the assembly of a time capsule containing various local items that will serve as present-day artifacts that will be sealed until until plans to open it in 2077.

Officials also celebrated the planting of a Liberty Tree on the east side of the courthouse lawn.

The capsule will remain inside the courthouse and will not be buried.

Friday's ceremony included numerous speakers and planning for the time capsule had the support of Maddox Lemler, a 15-year-old sophomore at Warsaw Community High school who has been working at the Kosciusko County Historical society as an intern.

The wooden antique box from the early 1900s box was acquired from a family in Whitley County on Facebook Marketplace by Mike Loher, ML Community Impact Alliance founder and Freedom Fest organizer. 

Among the speakers were County Commissioner Bob Conley, who read a letter that was included in the capsule. Warsaw City Council President Jack Whilhite, a former employee of Zimmer Biomet, read a letter from the orthopedic manufacturer who began business in Warsaw 99 years ago.

Zimmer Biomet’s contribution included a knee replacement implant etched with the words, “Made in Warsaw, Indiana.” 

County Council Member Joe Irwin, a farmer, placed a small replica of a modern John Deere tractor inside the box.

Other items included recent copies of the Times-Union, letters from well wishers and various other items.

[caption id="attachment_133381" align="alignright" width="330"] A couple deckled out in patriotic garb, bow their heads during a prayer at the ceremony. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

“These items tell the story of who we are, what we value, what we have accomplished, and what we hope for the generations who will one day open this capsule," said Ed Rock, who spoke at the event.

"Our hope is that when this time capsule is opened in 2076, as America celebrates her 300th anniversary, future generations will look back with gratitude and recognize that we did our part to preserve the freedoms and opportunities we inherited," Rock said.

The Tree, donated by Open Air Garden, is a Crimson King Maple and was planted ahead of time on the east side of the courthouse lawn.

The history of what became known as the Liberty tree was explained by Lisa Hendry, a volunteer with the Kosciusko County Historical Society.

Back in 1765 in Boston, she explained, a large elm tree became a gathering place for the colonists who were protesting the Stamp Act. Under its branches, ordinary citizens would gather to stand against unjust taxation and to defend the rights that would eventually become the foundation of our nation, Hendry said.

Soon, communities throughout the colonies established their own Liberty Trees as the places where the patriots would gather to discuss freedom, justice, and self-government, she said.

Although British soldiers cut down the original Liberty Tree in 1775, they could not stop the rooting of the spirit of our nation, which could not be destroyed. The idea of liberty had already taken root, she said.

"Today, more than 250 years later, we continue that tradition by dedicating this Liberty Tree in Kosciusko County. May it remind all of us as we walk by it that freedom is never guaranteed. It is earned, it is protected, it is preserved, and it's passed on from one generation to the next,” Hendry said.

The two ceremonies coincided a special edition of Third Friday, held a week earlier than normal to avoid a conflict with the annual county fair. The hoedown theme included line dancing and a sip and shop promotion by Main Street Warsaw and food.

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WARSAW — Main Street Warsaw invites the community to kick up their boots and celebrate summer at the Downtown Hoedown on Friday, July 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown Warsaw. 

As part of Main Street Warsaw's Third Friday series, this month's event has been moved up one week to accommodate the Kosciusko County Fair schedule, allowing the community to enjoy both events. 

The Downtown Hoedown will feature an evening of family-friendly activities and entertainment celebrating the area's agricultural heritage and vibrant downtown. 

Visitors can enjoy a tractor show, shop with local vendors, sample delicious food, and join line dancing throughout the evening. 

The event will also include a special time capsule sealing ceremony and a tree dedication.\

In addition to the Downtown Hoedown festivities, visitors are invited to enjoy the Downtown Sip N Shop, where several downtown boutiques and shops will stay open late for an evening of shopping. 

Participating businesses include Glam Boutique, Finley & Co., The Cove, Male Fashions, Brooch Boutique, and Lakeland Art Gallery, giving visitors even more opportunities to support local businesses while enjoying everything downtown has to offer.

The Downtown Hoedown will offer something for all ages and encourage residents and visitors alike to spend the evening exploring downtown Warsaw, supporting local businesses, and connecting with friends and neighbors in a fun, festive atmosphere.

Event partners include Kensington Digital Media, the City of Warsaw, and the Dane and Mary Louise Foundation.

For more information about the Downtown Hoedown, Sip N Shop and other downtown events, follow Downtown Warsaw on social media or visit downtownwarsaw.com.

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WARSAW — Three people are facing charges after Warsaw police found spent shell casings in two areas of the downtown.

According to a story by the Times Union, the June 8th incident stems from an altercation involving three men connected to damage to a car and a stolen necklace.

Investigators found ammunition casings near Market and Lake streets and another near the corner of Winona Avenue and Buffalo Street. 

Police relied on surveillance cameras in both areas as they continued to investigate.

No injuries were reported, but some property damage was documented.

Those arrested include 20-year-old Drake Meadows of Warsaw, who's charged with robbery with a deadly weapon. Another Warsaw resident, 21-year-old Carmaene Arnold, is facing a preliminary charge of robbery with a deadly weapon. A third man, 28-year-old Christopher Tackett, of Tippecanoe, is facing numerous charges, including criminal recklessness and three counts of criminal mischief.

Meadows and Arnold were both being held on a $50,000 bond, while Tackett was given a $10,000 bond.

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WARSAW — Kosciusko County officials appear to be pumping the brakes on plans for a city-county parking garage in downtown Warsaw. 

County Commissioner Cary Groninger, who has been the only firm supporter of the plan among the three commissioners, was asked Tuesday where the proposal stands.

“We're still in the process of trying to come up with what type of project or if we're even going to build a project,” Goninger said.

His comments came just days after a “visioning” group with the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative was lobbying in support of the $15 million proposal by distributing brochures to downtown merchants.

County officials have said in the past that they need more parking for downtown employees as well as the public, but concerns about property tax impact have clouded the issue, as well as two other unrelated library spending plans that have faced votes in recent weeks. 

News Now Warsaw spoke with Groninger after Tuesday’s meeting of the commissioners and was asked if there is a timeline.

“Not yet,” Groninger said. “I think we'll have a decision in the next six months, whether or not we're moving forward or … to hold.”

City and county officials have been discussing the construction of a parking garage for two years, with both sides saying the need for more parking is necessary to shore up the lack of convenient parking for county employees and the public who visit the county justice building.

The city says a parking garage would boost economic development, and county officials say it would free up more space for the long-term need for jail expansion.

Hanging in the balance is $5 million from the OIRI fund, but access to that money provided by state lawmakers is set to expire in 2027.

Conley and Mitchell have both acknowledged the need for more parking but have been reserved in their comments. 

Conley’s primary election opponent, Don Wiesehan, announced his opposition to the parking garage earlier this year and ended up winning the primary.

Groninger contends the county's share of money for the project is already set aside with money from its EDIT fund. 

The county has already acquired land for the property on Fort Wayne Street through eminent domain.

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WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Farmers and Artisans Market in downtown Warsaw will temporarily move to Center Lake this Saturday.

The move is happening to accommodate the Freedom Fest parade, which is set for 10 a.m. and is part of three days of local activities celebrating America's 250th birthday.

Lisa Hawley, one of the co-directors of the market, said vendors will be located in what she calls the shoehorn, where the old city parks office was located. 

Some city officials have previously floated the idea of moving the market permanently to somewhere near Center Lake, and Hawley said this week's temporary shift will serve as a test for that idea.

“We'll try it and see how it works,” Hawley said.

She added, “We'll have to get together afterwards to discuss how it went and if it's something feasible.”

Meanwhile, the market saw a significant change earlier last month after city officials chose to no longer close off Buffalo Street as part of the downtown market. 

[caption id="attachment_132014" align="alignright" width="300"] A sign points out that more vendors can be found in the city hall parking lot during the farmers' market along Center Street in Warsaw. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Hawley said sales have been good for vendors on Center Street, but not a lot of shoppers are venturing into the City Hall parking lot, where overflow vendors have been located — even though there is abundant signage directing shoppers into the parking lot.

Overall, they had about 40 vendors participating recently.

“I put 13 or 14 up in the (parking lot), and they were saying that they did not do very well," she said.

Hawley has been a strong supporter of the market in the downtown because, in part, it provides a boost to downtown merchants.

Falling Rabbit, which specializes in a wide variety of whiskey and other drinks, has been participating in the market (through the city's existing DORA policy) and selling Mimosas on Saturday mornings.

That would not happen if the move to the park, she pointed out.

The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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WARSAW — Downtown Warsaw will soon have another nearby coffee shop.

Three Crowns Coffee, which has been located on North Detroit Street for more than half a dozen years, plans to move into the former Refior Law Offices offices overlooking the southern shoreline of Center Lake.

The Times-Union reports the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request Monday night to allow the business in a residential 3 zoning district.

Petitioner John Foster said the owners, who are family members, plan to move into the new space this summer and that it will offer a more scenic view,  safer traffic patterns, and less noise while also being close to the downtown, the adjacent Nye Park (and cabin) and Center Lake Park.

Under previous ownership, Three Crowns was located in downtown on South Buffalo Street before moving to North Detroit Street in what used to be a gas station.

The new location is about two blocks from the courthouse.

Check out the full story from the Times-Union's David Slone by clicking here.

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WARSAW — New signs that promote Warsaw’s soon-to-be implemented downtown parking policy have been installed in the downtown business district.

[caption id="attachment_128650" align="alignright" width="162"] Warsaw's new parking policy will use an app. Photo provided.[/caption]

Warsaw City Council recently approved the long-awaited change — the first in decades —  and signage that is part of the new system was installed last week across the downtown business district ahead of implementation.

The city said the new policy will begin in April and will include a grace period as motorists adjust to the change.

The new approach is designed to improve access to downtown businesses, increase turnover of parking spaces, and modernize enforcement practices. 

Motorists will still be able to park for free for the first two hours, but the new policy establishes fees for additional time in the same parking space.

Enforcement will rely on new technology and processes to manage longer stays and ensure compliance.

Here is a story that recaps the changes.

The city is expected to release more information on the system soon.

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WARSAW — Kosciusko County Farmers and Artisans Market will remain in downtown Warsaw this summer, but with some changes.

Those include a more compact schedule and a smaller configuration that will keep Buffalo Street open.

Representatives of the market had sought last month to renew its street closing plan for the Saturday downtown tradition with closures on Center Street between Lake and Buffalo streets, and Buffalo Street from Center to Market streets.

A plan approved Friday by the city board of works will limit the closings to Center Street between Lake and Buffalo streets, and overflow parking will be available in the City Hall plaza

Buffalo Street will remain open.

Organizers had wanted to run it from April 18 to Oct. 31, but the board approved an alternative plan provided by the market organizers for the street to be closed on Saturday mornings from May 2 to Oct. 10.

The changes were made following some complaints about the extent of road closings.

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WARSAW —

Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose is applauding recent efforts to enhance the downtown by Main Street Warsaw.

Already, initial plans to establish a festival street are underway, and last week, Kosciusko County offered its support to seek grant money that will look at First Christian Church, which needs significant repairs but is viewed by Main Street Warsaw as a possible multi-faceted art center.

Those two plans are part of a long-term effort to bring more art-related attractions and other amenities to the downtown.

While there is significant uncertainty about the future of the church building located across from the Kosciusko County Justice Building, Mayor Jeff Grose applauded the vision.

audio

Grose made the comments for a recording of In The Know, the public affairs show that airs this weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

Grose talked about the upcoming Anchorage Road construction project, which begins March 16, and the new downtown parking police was expected to receive final approval on Friday by the board of works.

Also part of the show was an extended interview with State Sen. Ryan Mishler, who helped craft Indiana's plan to construct a stadium in Hammond for the Chicago Bears.

Illinois lawmakers are expected to soon make a counterproposal to keep the Bears in Chicago.

*  *  * 

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.

WRSW (107.3):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

Willie (103.5 FM):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

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WARSAW — It appears the Kosciusko County Farmers and Artisans Market will likely remain in downtown Warsaw.

Two of the organizers said they felt blindsided recently when a plan to renew the annual street closing for the summer-long program was delayed after some city officials expressed an interest in looking at whether it should be relocated out of the downtown because of the inconvenience of street closings.

Within a matter of days, two petitions, including one online, were organized to underscore the market’s popularity.

At the same time, Main Street Warsaw and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce reached out to 34 merchants in downtown Warsaw to gauge their thoughts on whether the market should remain on Center Street in front of the Kosciusko County Courthouse.

Parker said 34 stakeholders said they support the market remaining on Center Street, and one opposed, including part of Buffalo Street as part of the overall closure.

Parker said he does not support closing Buffalo during the ongoing construction along Indiana Avenue, which is part of a major exterior renovation by Lake City Bank that’s expected to continue into the summer.

Talk of the annual plan to approve the closure of streets for the market was tabled earlier this month after some questions arose about whether merchants see the market as a plus on Saturday mornings despite the street closings.

Parker said the survey provides convincing evidence that the market should stay in the downtown.

Parker said Main Street Warsaw and the chamber have always supported the market in its existing location.

"We believe very strongly, have always believed, that it's beneficial to have that happen in the downtown on Saturday mornings because it draws people to the downtown," Parker said.

"We're going to work hard to make sure it moves forward and not delay it any further," he said.

But he cautions that the survey focused on Center Street and not Buffalo Street, which he said needs to remain open in light of part of Indiana Avenue being closed due to a Lake City Bank construction project.

Lisa Hawley and Josh Fox, the market’s co-directors, talkd with News Now Warsaw shortly after Parker shared his findings and were cautiously optimistic, despite some lingering anger over how the issue surfaced.

"It's great, but I don't think it's over. I think the city council will come after the market after this year to be moved," Hawley said.

"It sounds good if it truly is," Fox said. "I guess time will tell. My gut says there might be a hidden agenda in there. I don't know.

The city board of works will address the issue at its meeting on March 6.

The board of works often welcomes input from the city council and the chamber on a range of issues.

A specific relocation plan has not been proposed, but some, over the years, have suggested Central Park would be a good option.

The market used to operate at the Kosiusko County Fairgrounds but moved to downtown about 13 years ago.

Despite having competition from a similar market in Winona Lake, the Warsaw market has continued to do well and saw traffic increase last year.

In fact, more vendors began using Buffalo Street (between Market and Center streets) last year, and it was further bolstered by Krista Brown, the owner of Maggie's Coffee and Treats, who helped organize a "cars and coffee" promotion that attracted classic car owners to downtown.

Parker said he thinks some city council members wanted to pause it to evaluate whether there was a better option.

He said he believes opinions from his survey provide a "solid footing" for elected officials to make informed decisions rather than “knee-jerk decisions” based on a few opinions.

Negative opinions often stand out, he said, because most people who like something are less inclined to be vocal about it.

Brown said she thinks the Main Street survey sends a strong message.

"People in the community want the market to stay where it is, and they're happy with it," Brown said.

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