WARSAW — Another heat advisory has been issued for Northern Indiana, as temperatures once again climb to near 90 degrees.

As a result, Fellowship Missions in Warsaw opened its cooling center on Wednesday and is expected to do so again on Thursday with the return of more heat and humidity. 

The cooling station on East Winona Avenue will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Anyone with questions can call the Fellowship Missions front desk at 574-268-9555.

Today’s heat is expected to set the stage tonight for thunderstorms and windy conditions. 

The National Weather Service forecast predicts a cool-down with a high near 79 on Friday.

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WINONA LAKE — The K21 Health Foundation has awarded $1,708,227 in grants to several nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Kosciusko County residents.

This funding cycle had a significant number of requests focused on project enhancements, as well as facility additions and renovations, according to a provided news release.

Rich Haddad, president and CEO of K21, highlighted the diversity of recipients and grant impact, stating, "These grants demonstrate our commitment to creating wellness for generations, now and into the future, with both immediate program support as well as new facilities that will serve our residents for years to come."

K21 Health Foundation awards grants in four key Health Pillars: Community Culture & Wellbeing, Health Access & Opportunity, Direct Services & Prevention, and Youth Development & Activity.

2025 Q1 grant recipients are:

• Baker Youth Club – Physical Activities Program
• Bowen Center – Enchanted Hills Park Equipment
• City of Warsaw - Parks Department – Community Skate Park
• Fellowship Missions – Facility Expansion and Renovations
• Fellowship Missions – Life Skills and Wellness Programming
• Grace College & Seminary – Catalyst Corridor Initiative – Community Fieldhouse
• Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County – Home-Repair Program
• Heartline Pregnancy Center – Health and Wellness Programs
• Kosciusko Health Services Pavilion – Facility Renovations
• Mentone Youth League – Facility Improvements
• Servants at Work – Wheelchair Ramps for Homes Program
• Warsaw Girls Rugby Foundation – Equipment
• Youth & the Outdoors United – Equipment

For more information and to learn more about K21 Health Foundation’s grantmaking, visit k21healthfoundation.org or contact Angie Summers, operations manager, at angie@k21healthfoundation.org or 574 269-5188.

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WARSAW — Fellowship Missions announced on Monday a fundraiser featuring a collection of voices from the classic rock era.

Tickets for Voices of Rock Radio go on sale Friday, and Executive Director Eric Lane says it’s a lineup packed with some of the most recognizable bands of the 1970s and 80s.

According to a video released on social media, performers include former members of Boston, Kansas, Journey, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

For a taste of what to expect, check out the promotional video.

Money from the event will be used to cover operations at its shelter on Winona Avenue.

The event is set for Feb. 7 at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center in Winona Lake.

Lanee said different pricing options will be available.

For tickets, go to itickets.com.

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The post Dancing with Stars for Charity returns Saturday in Warsaw appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Get ready for a dazzling night of dance, entertainment, and community support — the much-anticipated Dancing with the Stars for Charity night is returning to Warsaw and tickets are now available for purchase.

The event, set to take place on Saturday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center, promises to be a spectacular evening of glitz, glamour, and philanthropy.

Organized in collaboration with Kensington Digital Media, this one-night-only gala will feature an exciting mix of local celebrities and talented student choreographers, all coming together to support ten incredible local charities.

Tickets are available at www.warsawschools.org/pac, starting at just $15. With each ticket purchase, attendees will be supporting not only an evening of top-notch entertainment, but also local organizations that make a difference in the Kosciusko County community.

This year’s event will showcase an impressive lineup of 20 local celebrities from Kosciusko County, paired with student choreographers from the WCHS Dance Department. These dance teams will compete in high-energy performances, demonstrating impressive skills, stunning costumes, and a commitment to raising funds for their chosen charitable causes.

Each of the 10 dance teams has chosen a charity to advocate for, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the competition. As the teams vie for the coveted mirrorball trophy, they are not only showcasing their dance moves but also shining a spotlight on the essential work being done by these organizations.

The teams for the 2025 event are:

Team #1:

• WCS: Tim Devlin

• Community: Crystal Watters

• Choreographers: Courtney Brower and Dakota Gardner

• Dancing for: Fellowship Missions

Team #2:

• WCS: Lauren Sponseller

• Community: Scotty Rocker

• Choreographers: Ella Gonzalez and Amber Whitaker

• Dancing for: Food Bank of Northern Indiana

Team #3:

• WCS: Kelly Bradley

• Community: Nathan Underneath

• Choreographers: Victoria Peloza and Shannon Smith

• Dancing for: Project Ebeneezer

Team #4:

• WCS: Megan Davis

• Community: Scott Clay

• Choreographers: Kaelyn Stoffel and Zariya Buchan

• Dancing for: Kosciusko Senior Services

Team #5:

• WCS: Leo Patino

• Community: Courtney Brown

• Choreographers: Chloe Kim and Scarlett Walters

• Dancing for: Fear is a Liar Ministries

Team #6:

• WCS: Griffin Heckaman

• Community: Karris Sigler Nissley

• Choreographers: Malori McDaniels and Kayanna Secrest

• Dancing for: Giving Basics

Team #7:

• WCS: Joel Duran

• Community: April Slone

• Choreographers: Maddy Hart and Izzy Rozelle

• Dancing for: Boomerang Backpacks

Team #8:

• WCS: Erin Leinbach

• Community: Nash Christiansen

• Choreographers: Lily Kincaid and Kenzie Langhorn

• Dancing for: Giant Paw Prints Rescue

Team #9:

• WCS: Donna Moudy

• Community: Keaton Anderson

• Choreographers: Lexi Reece and Bella Boley

• Dancing for: My Team Triumph

Team #10:

• Community: Leo Jones

• Community: Quentin Slothour

• Choreographers: Jazmyn Taylor and Kaylee Baker

• Dancing for: Habitat for Humanity

The event will shine a light on the importance of community involvement and support. With 100% of the ticket sales going to benefit these local charities, Dancing with the Stars for Charity is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need across Kosciusko County.

We encourage you to purchase your tickets early, as this event is expected to sell out quickly. Whether you're supporting a favorite team, enjoying the entertainment, or contributing to a meaningful cause, this will be a night to remember.

Join us for an evening where dance meets philanthropy, and where the spirit of community is on full display. Reserve your tickets today at www.warsawschools.org/pac, and get ready for an unforgettable night full of heart, hope, and high-flying fun!

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Warsaw Performing Arts Center
Tickets: Starting at $15 – www.warsawschools.org/pac

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WARSAW — A national 24-hour talkathon that includes participation with Fellowship Missions began at 4 p.m. and is expected to continue until Thursday afternoon.

Fellowship Missions is working with about a dozen other shelters to facilitate a 24-hour conversation on homelessness, mental health, substance abuse and other related topics.

Eric Lane, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Fellowship Missions will be joined by guests in support of the local contribution.

“Conversations on a Bench,” a national event sponsored by Citygate Network, is taking place at The Gathering Place, 123 S. Buffalo St.

Fellowship Missions invites anyone with questions or wants to talk to Lane about the critical issues to stop by The Gathering Place or through the streaming service on the Fellowship Missions homepage.

You can watch it on Fellowship Missions' Facebook page.

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WARSAW — Do you ever wonder how many people take advantage of the local Warming Center during frigid conditions?

With this week’s arctic blast of sub-zero weather, warming shelters across the region open their doors to assist those in need.

One of those is Fellowship Missions on East Winona Avenue in Warsaw, which offers shelter during inclement weather during the winter months and promoted its services this week ahead of an arctic blast that sent wind chill readings down toward 20 below.

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, the temperature stood st -2 degrees with a wind chill of -15.

Executive director Eric Lane said the warming center service has become a good fallback in recent years for those in need.

On the other hand, the shelter doesn't normally see a stampede.

"We haven't had a ton of people come out," Lane said. "We might have averaged six people a night when we're open. I think the most we've had in one night might be nine."

While the numbers are not large, it's still important to those who need the service, Lane said.

The shelter, which often runs near full capacity, sets up cots for those wanting to escape the cold. Those who drop in for the night can also find other services.

"We try to give them exactly what we give our residents on a daily basis," Lane said.

He said seven people took advantage of the warning center on Monday night.

Wednesday's high was expected to reach 18 and highs over the next few days are expected to reach into the mid- to low 30s, the National Weather Service said.

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WARSAW — Fellowship Missions is hosting a national 24-hour event, "Conversations on a Bench," at The Gathering Place. 

Fellowship Missions co-founder & executive director Eric Lane will engage with city officials and residents to discuss the critical issues of homelessness, addiction, and mental health.

The event will also be live-streamed and is all about open, honest conversations to inspire change.

The event begins at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The Gathering Place is at 123 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw.

You can join the live stream and offer questions by going to the link here.

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WARSAW — Fellowship Missions' winter emergency shelter is ready to assist as temperatures are expected to fall below zero Sunday night.

The shelter at 1520 E. Winona Avenue in Warsaw issued an update on its winter weather policies ahead of an upcoming arctic blast that could send wind chills far below zero.

A cold weather advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Wednesday as dangerously cold wind chills could fall to 25 below zero and could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologist Matt Rudkin predicts falling temperatures on Sunday that will bottom out overnight to below zero.

Light lake-effect snow is expected across Kosciusko County through Tuesday.

The Cold Weather Warming Center offers relief to the men, women, and children who are homeless in Kosciusko County. 

To check to see if the Winter Emergency shelter is available for the night please call our front desk (574)268-9555.

Check-in times for the shelter are 3 to 7 p.m.

Fellowship Missions will be opened during the day as a safe warming shelter. To check to see if the warming center is available for the day, please call our front desk (574) 268-9555.

Warming center operation hours when open:

• Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

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WARSAW — The Dancing with the Stars for Charity is returning to the Warsaw Performing Arts Center on March 29 at 7 p.m.

This evening of dance and philanthropy will bring together employees from Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) and local community members to perform in support of 10 charities.

The event, now in its third year, continues to be an example of community spirit, raising nearly $25,000 in the past two events combined. For 2025, organizers have set an ambitious goal, according to a provided news release.

“We want to raise $25,000 in one night,” said Kris Lake, producer and organizer of the event. “Our goal is to exceed $50,000 in total donations, and I truly believe we can achieve that this year!”

What makes Dancing with the Stars for Charity particularly special is the transformation that takes place as individuals — many with no prior dance experience — prepare for the big night, the release states. The event provides the community an opportunity to see participants grow and develop through rehearsals while supporting causes in the process.

“This event is not just about dancing; it’s about coming together to make a difference,” Lake said.

Tickets for the event are available now and range from $14 to $30, depending on seating preference. One hundred percent of the ticket sales will be divided evenly among the featured charities, with the winning team’s charity receiving a slightly larger share. Tickets can be purchased online at www.warsawschools.org/pac or by calling the WCHS Performing Arts Center Box Office at 574-371-5040 during school hours.

This year’s event will feature 10 teams, each consisting of a WCS staff member, a community participant and two students from the Warsaw Community High School Dance Department, who will serve as choreographers.

The teams will perform to raise awareness and funds for the following charities: Fellowship Missions, Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Project Ebeneezer, Kosciusko Senior Services, Fear is a Liar Ministries, Giving Basics, Boomerang Backpacks, Giant Paw Prints Rescue, My Team Triumph and Habitat for Humanity.

“We aim to feature a diverse range of local not-for-profit organizations each year,” explained Lake. “Our only criterion is that these organizations serve a need of some kind within Kosciusko County.”

This year’s teams include:

• WCS staff member Tim Devlin and community member Crystal Watters, dancing for Fellowship Missions, with choreography by Courtney Brower and Dakota Gardner.

• WCS staff member Lauren Sponseller and Scotty Rocker, supporting the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, choreographed by Ella Gonzalez and Amber Whitaker.

• WCS employee Kelly Bradley and business owner Nathan Underneath, dancing for Project Ebeneezer, with choreography by Victoria Peloza and Shannon Smith.

• Megan Davis and Scott Clay, supporting Kosciusko Senior Services, choreographed by Kaelyn Stoffel and Zariya Buchan.

• WCS employee Leo Patino and Courtney Brown, dancing for Fear is a Liar Ministries, with choreography by Chloe Kim and Scarlett Walters.

• WCS staff member Griffin Heckaman and Karris Sigler Nissley, dancing for Giving Basics, with choreography by Malori McDaniels and Kayanna Secrest.

• Joel Duran and April Slone, supporting Boomerang Backpacks, choreographed by Maddy Hart and Izzy Rozelle.

• WCS employee Erin Leinbach and Nash Christiansen, dancing for Giant Paw Prints Rescue, with choreography by Lily Kincaid and Kenzie Langhorn.

• WCS staffer Donna Moudy and Keaton Anderson, supporting My Team Triumph, choreographed by Lexi Reece and Bella Boley.

• Leo Jones and Quentin Slothour, dancing for Habitat for Humanity, with choreography by Jazmyn Taylor and Kaylee Baker.

“We’re incredibly blessed to have such an amazing cast this year,” Lake said. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our dancers, choreographers, and volunteers. What you’ll see on stage will truly be a miracle in motion.”

For tickets and more information, visit www.warsawschools.org/pac or contact the box office at 574-371-5040.

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