PLYMOUTH — An Argos man died Monday after becoming trapped inside a grain bin at a family farm near Argos.

First responders were dispatched to the farm on Maple Road shortly after 4 p.m.

The man was identified as Jonathon Hayn of Argos.

Hayn had been working inside the grain bin when it appears he became overcome by smoke after the grain began burning. 

Family members and workers attempted to remove Hayn from the bin, and firefighters eventually managed to do so.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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WARSAW — The Magical Meadows has had what's likely its biggest few weeks since the therapeutic horseback riding facility first took root 19 years ago.

The non-profit has enjoyed a huge year as it unveiled plans for a major expansion, enjoyed strong support through fundraising, and then announced a new agreement in which Joe's kids will oversee a special therapy class at Magical Meadows on Mondays beginning next spring.

Hippotherapy has been shown to benefit kids in various ways for those who face differnt kinds of physical and mental challenges.

Michael Kuhn, executive director with Magical Meadows, tells News Now Warsaw that upcoming construction on two new arenas (plus plans to renovate its main building) will set the stage for much more foot traffic.

"We are anticipating, at least in the first year, for those to double from the previous year, and then over the next five or ten years, we anticipate numbers being close to a thousand people a year we are serving,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn said when they decided to begin working to establish structured kinds of therapy activities with local groups, Joe's Kids was their first choice.

Joe's Kids will begin overseeing hippotherapy at the Meadows this spring. Several people remarked on Saturday at the announcement that the two groups' mission statements overlap nicely.

But Kuhn said they're also looking to work with other groups.

“Joe’s Kids is kind of the first of these that we’re looking at doing. But a lot of opportunities for more things like this, especially as we expand our facilities,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn, along with the founder Tammy Stackhouse, spoke with News Now Warsaw for In The Know, the public affairs show you can listen to this weekend.

Other aspects they discussed included the future arena set aside for veterans and first responders and the role of Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith in supporting that endeavor.

Recent stories (see links below)

Magical Meadows expansion aims to grow services, aid first responders

Giddy up! Magical Meadows set to begin construction on two new riding arenas

Joe’s Kids will provide specialized therapy service at Magical Meadows

*  *  * 

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

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Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

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

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Sundays at 6 a.m.

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The post With expansion, Magical Meadows envisions more use, programming appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — The Magical Meadows celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday with a groundbreaking for two new year-round riding arenas at the therapeutic horseback riding center north of Warsaw

[caption id="attachment_119992" align="alignright" width="300"] Kosciuko County Sheriff Jim Smith is a big supporter of Magical Meadows and spoke at Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

In just four months, organizers have raised more than half of the $2 million fundraising campaign, which means construction can begin soon.

The improvements will increase capacity and improve accessibility. One of the arenas will be dedicated to serving veterans and first-responders.

Executive Director Michael Kuhn credited God with what’s happening at Magical Meadows.

“We knew building two new indoor arenas, expanding our facilities, and creating more room to serve people with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans, and first-responders would take resources far beyond our own strength and resources we have never seen in our organization’s history,” Kuhn said.

“But we also knew when God calls you, he equips you,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn thanked the many anonymous donors ane K21 Health Foundation, which provided $400,000 to assist with the construction of both arenas.

Passion, faith and generosity in the community are fueling the improvement, he said.

Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith, himself a veteran, has become a key supporter of expanded services at Magical Meadows.

"It’s hard to make things like this happen without the support of the community, and we have such a darn good community to buy into these missions and these visions,” Smith said. “This is going to be incredible.”

A riding arena set aside for veterans and first responders iss a unique opportunity.

“I worry a lot about the mental health of my employees. This is another tool and opportunity for them when they're having those rough days," Smith said. "They don’t have to explain it to anyone. They’re going to have a chance to be able to come out here and just have their time and work through those with these beautiful creatures at Magical Meadows.”

The founder of Magical Meadows, Tammy Stackhouse, more commonly known by many as Miss Tammy, talked about how her vision has grown to something she never fully expected to ever see.

She and her family, including her grandparents, grew up in property very close to the facility on CR 525N.

At times, she was nearly overwhelmed with emotion as she reflected on the amount of support their expansion efforts have received.

“God is good. And I am blessed,” she said.

Groundbreaking featured many of the people who benefit from services at Magical Meadows.

[caption id="attachment_119995" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Many of those participating in the groundbreaking ceremony are recipients of services at Magical Meadows. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

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WARSAW — America will celebrate its 250th birthday next year and a local celebration spanning three days is in the works in Kosciusko County.

A group known as the Freedom Fest Committee announced on Wednesday that Kosciusko County will host Freedom Fest, a "once-in-a-generation celebration of America’s 250th birthday," on the weekend of June 5–7.

The event will take place at various locations in Kosciusko County.

Freedom Fest will feature a star-studded headline concert, a regional parade, a veterans and first responders tribute, historic reenactments, vendors, car, truck and tractor shows, as well as a focus on Kosciusko County Agriculture, Orthopedics, and other industries.

There will be family-friendly activities, along with faith and heritage gatherings.

"This is more than a concert or a parade — it's a county-wide and beyond act of gratitude and celebration," said Mike Loher, of the Freedom Fest Committee.

"We’re bringing all Americans together to honor our nation’s founding, its defenders, and the freedoms that define our way of life," he added.

The committee will oversee all logistics, organization, and fundraising, with local businesses, service organizations, and civic groups already pledging support.

To learn more and get involved in sponsorships, contact Loher at Mike@seven25events.com.

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WARSAW – Kosciusko County's sheriff and prosecutor, along with a crew of local first responders, are going head-to-head with The Magical Meadows team in a unique fundraising showdown.

On Aug. 7, Sheriff Jim Smith and Prosecutor Brad Voelz and other participants will rock in a chair at The Magical Meadows for 12 hours straight — or until they individually raise $10,000 in support of the organization’s Growing with Heart Capital Campaign.

Together, they have a combined goal of raising $100,000, according to a news release.

All funds raised will go toward building a dedicated riding arena for veterans and first-
responders — a space for healing, connection, and growth.

The building project aims to enhance and expand the Warriors Mount Up program, which is designed to help veterans and first responders work through the stressors and trauma they live with on a daily basis.

“We’re honored to have the support of Sheriff Jim Smith, Prosecutor Brad Voelz, and
other warriors in our community who believe in the life-changing mission here at The
Magical Meadows,” said Michael Kuhn, Executive Director.

“We look forward to seeing the transformational impact this fun and unique fundraiser has on the men and women who have served our country and communities so faithfully.”

Each participant will have their own fundraising page for people to donate to their
$10,000 goal. The public is also welcome to stop by in person during the Rockathon
event to drop off donations, encourage the participants, and observe riding lessons
happening in real-time at The Magical Meadows.

The current participant fundraising pages can be found by clicking here.

The new veterans/first-responders arena is one of two new buildings that will be
constructed this year as part of the non-profit’s Growing with Heart Capital Campaign.

The east arena will boast 14,000 square feet and will consist of a large dirt floor riding
arena, a lounge room, accessible restrooms, stalls for horses, a tack room, and storage
for veterinary supplies and materials.

The west arena will have the same dimensions as the east facility, but its focus will be
on serving individuals with disabilities and expanding the capacities of the non-profit’s
legacy therapeutic horseback riding programs. The west arena will also include a
spacious observation room for families and caregivers of the riders, accessible
restrooms, a tack room, and storage space.

The project will cost $2 million, with approximately $1.7 million allocated to construction
costs. The other $300,000 will help cover anticipated increases in operating expenses
like utilities, depreciation, insurance, and the addition of two new full-time staff members
for two years to help continue growth in programming.

The Magical Meadows expects to see significant increases in participant numbers
thanks to the expansion of available service space. The new facilities will also be fully
equipped to accommodate year-round programming.

Historically, therapeutic horseback riding at The Magical Meadows has only run from April through November each year.

The new arenas will both be insulated and fully heated so there will not be any
interruptions to services throughout the year except for holidays and cases of severe
weather.

Program numbers for individuals with disabilities are expected to grow from 120 to more
than 400 annually, while veteran/first-responder participation will likely grow from 50 to
250 annually.

In addition to the growth in individual participants, the organization anticipates this
project fostering new partnerships with schools, service providers, non-profits, and other
organizations to expand the types of services that will be offered on-site at The Magical
Meadows.

Construction is expected to begin this fall to be completed by the summer of
2026.

You can learn more by clicking here.

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WINONA LAKE — All proceeds from Project Ebenezer’s 2025 Helping Heroes Fest directly benefit Kosciusko County first responders through mental health and wellness initiatives.
In 2024, funds from the event helped support 17 local first responders.

“We are committed to continuing this vital work by providing financial assistance and access to trauma-informed therapy and wellness program,” according to information provided by Project Ebenezer.

The two-day event at Winona Lake Limitless Park includes a variety of activities Saturday and Sunday for every member of the community.

• The pickleball tournament begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and runs throughout the day. This event will take place rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors to the Gordon Health and Wellness Center at Grace College. Any changes to the location will be posted on Project Ebenezer’s Facebook page, otherwise, they plan to remain outdoors.

• The Kids Fest is a free community event hosted by local first responders from various agencies across Kosciusko County. Activities are designed to be both fun and educational, giving kids a chance to interact with the heroes who serve the community. While there is no cost to participate, donation jars will be available for anyone who feels led to support these first responders who are volunteering their time to give back.

• The raffle features over 60 items, with tickets available for purchase starting Saturday at 8 a.m. (when the pickleball tournament begins) and closing Sunday at the conclusion of the tournament. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. You do not need to be present to win.

• Fellowship Missions’ “It’s All Good” food truck will be on site Saturday and Sunday, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Kona Ice will also be available both days, with proceeds benefiting Project Ebenezer.
• Police K9 demonstrations will be 10 to 10:30 a.m. Watch the police K9s demonstrate odor detection and how they apprehend suspects.

• From 11 a.m. to noon, Lutheran EMS employees will be at the ambulance to help you build your very own first aid kit and learn how to “Stop the Bleed” with a wound packing activity.

• Noon to 1 p.m., the firefighter obstacle course will allow you to “conquer the challenge of navigating obstacles” set up by the Warsaw Professionals Firefighters Local 5461 and see just how fast you an move through the course.

• Also, from noon to 1p.m., members of the law enforcement Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Warsaw Dive Team will be on site with their specialty emergency vehicles and tools specific to their specialty. There will also be fire trucks and police vehicles on site during this time for touring.

• The Kosciusko County Dispatch Center will have dispatchers on site providing face painting and temporary tattoos from 1 to 2 p.m., while CARES will have hair tinsel. The hair tinsel will be in first responder-theme colors.

• From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., join first responders for rock painting, coloring and bracelet making under the activities tent. This station will be open for a few hours so everyone can feel free to enjoy the activities in between playing at the park and Splash Pad.

“We are incredibly grateful to our title sponsor, the K21 Health Foundation, as well as all of our generous sponsors who make this event possible,” the information provided states.
For more information about the organization, visit www.projectebenezer.com or email projectebenezerinc@gmail.com

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Former Clark County Sheriff and longtime Republican operative Jamey Noel could spend upwards of a decade in prison after a judge accepted his guilty pleas to more than a dozen felony charges in court Monday. The plea deal brings a close to Noel’s portion of the case — dubbed the largest in agency history by state police — but other investigations are ongoing.

Noel was originally charged with 31 felonies for allegedly misusing money from the fire and EMS departments which he oversaw. He pleaded guilty to 27 of those in August.

Special Judge Larry Medlock, of Washington County, officially accepted Noel’s plea following two hours of victim testimony in open court on Monday. Twenty-one statements were provided, including from members of law enforcement who formerly worked with or under Noel, and by Hoosiers in Clark County and neighboring communities whose lives have been “upended” by the former sheriff’s actions.

In many cases described, it was Noel’s mismanagement of millions in taxpayer dollars which victims said will scar their families and communities for “years to come.”

“As firefighters, first responders and public servants, we take a higher oath. We are held to a higher standard of integrity,” said Roger Montgomery Jr., a first responder who worked for Noel from 2005 to 2011. Montgomery said firefighters and paramedics lacked proper equipment under Noel’s command, and that emergency personnel were tasked with driving Noel’s personal “limousines,” sometimes leaving just one firefighter on duty — and “putting citizens’ lives in jeopardy.”

He said, too, that non-emergency transfers were often prioritized over 911 calls because those runs netted “more money” from Medicare and Medicaid.

“Jamey Noel has betrayed the trust of the public, and any first responder — or anyone else that’s ever worn a badge and taken that oath,” Montgomery continued. “He did so knowingly and willingly for personal gain, and that personal gain was put ahead of patients and the lives of the people that worked for him.”

Noel, who appeared in court shackled and wearing an orange jumpsuit and pink handcuffs, was mostly expressionless at the defense table during Monday’s hearing, though he broke into tears after a letter — written by his niece — offered a stark rebuke: “Grandma and grandpa would be very disappointed.”

Noel was also emotional as he read a prepared statement, which mostly emphasized his family’s innocence.

“It’s all my fault. … (My family) were victims of my deceit, like everyone else, and I hope they can forgive me,” Noel said before reciting a Catholic prayer.

Noel agreed to plead guilty to charges of theft, money laundering, corrupt business influence, official misconduct, obstruction of justice and tax evasion. Four charges of ghost employment were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

“You’ve tarnished the badge and failed everyone in law enforcement,” Medlock told Noel just before sentencing. The judge said he would have preferred a harsher sentence, but worried that doing so could make the case ripe for an appeal.

Noel now begins a 15-year prison sentence with three of those years suspended to probation. With approval from the judge, Noel will get credit for time served, beginning June 8. Per state law, Noel could shave time off his sentence with good behavior in prison, leaving him to serve roughly nine-and-a-half years behind bars.

Victims address the court

Additionally included in the plea deal is an agreement for Noel to pay back more than $3.1 million in public funds: $2,870,924 to the Utica Volunteer Firefighters Association; $61,190 to the Clark County Sheriff’s Department; $173,155 to the Indiana Department of Revenue; and $35,245 to the Indiana State Police.

Noel is also subject to a $270,000 fine determined by Medlock, who tacked on $10,000 for each guilty count.

Noel agreed to the plea deal nearly a year after he was arrested and Indiana State Police investigators raided his home in southern Indiana.

Noel posted a $75,000 bond in November 2023, but has been held in the Scott County jail since April after Medlock raised his bond to $1.5 million. The case was originally scheduled to go to trial in November.

Using findings from a long-term Indiana State Police investigation, state prosecutors alleged Noel used millions of taxpayer dollars from the Utica Volunteer Firefighters Association and New Chapel EMS to buy cars, planes, vacations, clothing and other personal luxury purchases. Investigators said public funds were also used to pay for college tuition and child support.

The disgraced former sheriff additionally admitted to tasking county employees with jobs related to his personal collection of classic cars. At least 40 vehicles were confiscated by law enforcement, including a bevy of classics, such as two 1970 Plymouth Superbirds, a 1959 Corvette, and 1966 and 1968 Chargers, according to search warrant returns.

Court documents further point to at least $33,000 worth of public funds used by Noel to make contributions to various Republican candidates and campaigns between 2020 and 2023.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter, who addressed the court on Monday, recalled conversations about money management with Noel as far back as 2015. But Carter said Noel searched for power, control and money, rather than striving to build “public trust.”

“Politics should never be the number one priority … but it was for Jamey,” Carter said.

Noel’s wife, Misty – who has since filed for divorce from her husband — and daughter, Kasey, separately face charges of theft and tax evasion. Both have pleaded not guilty. A Oct. 28 trial date was pushed back Monday afternoon. The court has yet to indicate a new schedule.

What comes next Noel

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said in August that a pardon for Noel would not come from his administration.

The governor — a longtime associate and friend of Noel’s — said that pardoning procedures would require a review of the conviction and sentencing. Such a process, Holcomb added, “would be way after my term concluded … years down the road.”

The governor did not immediately reply to a request for comment after Noel’s sentencing.

Noel led Holcomb’s campaign in 2016 and was part of his transition team. He also served as chairman of Holcomb’s reelection bid and, prior to Holcomb, attended President Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C. on a personal invitation from former Gov. Mike Pence, who was Trump’s vice president.

Noel additionally faces several civil cases, including two lodged by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita in an effort to force Noel to pay back the state agencies he allegedly took public funds from to pay for personal spending.

In one lawsuit, Rokita said Noel should be required to reimburse the Clark County jail commissary fund more than $900,000 for “funds misappropriated, diverted, or misapplied”, which were cited in an audit report filed by the State Board of Accounts in February.

Rokita also requested a restraining order that would temporarily restrict Noel from selling real estate properties, stocks and bonds, vehicles, firearms, clothing and jewelry while the attorney general’s legal challenges are pending.

A May court ruling prohibited the Noel family from selling any assets. The civil cases are still ongoing, and the next hearing is set for Nov. 13.

Separately, Noel also faces a lawsuit filed by the children of his deceased brother, Leon. They allege that Noel stole from their inheritance when he managed their father’s estate.

It remains uncertain whether Noel will qualify for public pensions. State officials told the Capital Chronicle last month that Noel’s state police service could qualify him for retirement benefits, but Carter told reporters Monday that Noel previously received only a “separation benefit” because he did not meet the agency’s pension requirements.

Even so, Noel could retain eligibility for benefits at the county level.

Special Prosecutor Ric Hertel, of Ripley County, said in a news briefing after the hearing that he was not sure would could transpire with potential pensions but said he’s awaiting further direction from the court on the restitution process.

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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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WARSAW -- Kosciusko County’s multi-million dollar upgrade to its emergency radio system is coming on line.

Kosciusko County Commissioner Cary Groninger said Monday night that police began using the system a few days ago and that fire departments will make the change in another few few days.

Groninger appeared before Warsaw City Council Monday night and provided the update. The city also formally signed off on an agreement with the county to provide $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act money for the project.

The price tag for entire project, including radios, is more than $6 million.

The new system was originally expected to be ready shortly after the start of the year. Groninger admitted they had had some "bumps" along the way, but was effusive about the end results.

The project spanned nearly four years and is highlighted by a vast upgrade in technology, three new towers, new dispatching equipment and some 800 emergency radios. 

All together, it “represents a complete reconstruction of the public safety communication system in Kosciusko County,” Groninger told council.

The change eliminates several communication dead zones in the county and provides "interoperability" between first responders inside and outside of Kosciusko County.

The project, he said, touches every township in the county.

He called it a “wonderful example” of multiple units of government coming together, identifying a problem, finding a solution and solving the problem.

City Councilwoman Diane Quance, who a sits on the city ARPA committee, said she viewed the radio project as one of the "highest and best uses" for the ARPA money.

Groninger agreed.

The improvements, he said, are "something we’ve never had in this community."

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