WARSAW — The transition has been underway for several years, but on Thursday, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts celebrated a major upgrade to what was once known as the 2517 event center, located adjacent to the theater.

The installation of a new dance floor at what is now known as the Wagon Wheel Conservatory was made possible with a grant from the K21 Health Foundation. 

On Thursday, 17 students showcased their dance skills on a new dance floor that occupies much of the building's floor space and is identical in size to the Wagon Wheel stage.

“The floor that we put in is from Harlequin Flooring. It's a world-renowned dance floor company –  the same dance floor that's used on Broadway as well as the American Ballet Theater –  it's a huge upgrade, said Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts Outreach and Education Director, Kira Lace Hawkins

“It's a huge upgrade. A wonderful space for instruction for the kids, and our professionals can also use it during the summer season when we need more rehearsal space,” Lace Hawkins said.

She said different groups will be using the refurbished facility.

“There will be dance classes, acting classes. We have hopes and dreams in the future of using it even as a black box theater space for smaller performances that might happen in that space. 

Wagon Wheel has also introduced a new training program.

“We also just started a pre-professional training program called Broadway 360 that meets weekly on Sundays, and it's an audition group for kids who are very serious about musical theater and interested in going into it for a career.” 

The theater also completed a recent fundraising effort ahead of the summer season, which kicks off June 4th with Cats.

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WARSAW — In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, CARES will host QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training on Monday at The Gathering Place, 123 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw.

A spokesperson for CARES said this Monday morning that they still have room for anyone who still wants to participate.

QPR is an evidence-based suicide prevention training developed by the QPR Institute.

The program’s mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors through innovative, practical, and proven education. By equipping individuals with the tools to recognize warning signs and respond effectively, QPR empowers everyday people to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

A “gatekeeper” is anyone in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be considering suicide. Gatekeepers can include parents, teachers, ministers, youth, doctors, first responders, and mental health professionals—but most importantly, anyone willing to learn how to help.

CARES will offer two training sessions on May 4th:
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Participants must attend the full session to receive QPR Gatekeeper certification. This training is open to the public and provides an opportunity for individuals across the community to gain life- saving skills, increase awareness, and strengthen support networks for those who may be struggling.

These trainings are made possible through grant funding from the K21 Health Foundation.
To register or learn more, contact CARES: Phone: 574-385-2111. Email: CARES@warsaw.in.gov

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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 — After years of looking for state funding and other sources, the city of Warsaw is moving forward with the construction of a modern concrete skate park at Richardson-Dubois Park on East Market Street.

The move was announced at Thursday’s board of works meeting, and parks superintendent Larry Plummer said much of the cost of the $550,000 prorojet will rely on local grant money.

American Ramp Company of St. Louis will construct the all-cement surface park, which will include a bowl shape.

Work is expected to begin in April and be completed by early October, Plummer said.

The existing Mantis Skate Park has been around for decades, but has been pieced together with a series of ramps, and is in an industrial park.

Attempts to secure grant money for a new skate park from the state Department of Natural Resources in recent years did not work out, so the city changed gears and found local support.

That includes $275,000 from K21 Health Foundation, $40,0000 from the local Deco Foundation, and $19,000 from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

The rest will come from the park budget.

Other aspects will include security cameras and lighting. The city will take care of the pavement, he said.

K21 had previously lined up money for the future park, which was first proposed before the pandemic. Separately, over the years, K21 has supported the construction of pickleball courts at Kelly and Bixler parks in the city.

Plummer said he was encouraged by Mayor Jeff Grose to make the pitch to K21.

Plummer applauded the role of non-profits that have supported park projects.

"We're very lucky, very fortunate, to have a foundation that's willing to support health and wellness and give funds to the city and allow us to do projects like this," Plummer said.

He said he especially likes the location because it's close to several neighborhoods and schools, including Lakeview Middle School, which could eventually include students from Edgewood Middle School, and the fact that it sits along a bike route.

"Accessibility from the trail is really what intrigued K21. They want that corridor all the way through town," Plummer said. "Just a great addition to Richardson-Dubois Park. They thought it was a great fit."

The future park will not be fenced in or require supervision.

Plummer said he believes the existing park in Warsaw is the only one in the state that still relies on city staffers for supervision. 

“They do this probably all over the country, and almost 90 percent of their skate parks are not fenced in. They recommend that we don’t,” Plummer said. 

“It just feels more open and inviting for people,” he said. “When you’re a skater, you feel like you wanna be free and try anything you can, and this opens that up.”

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WINONA LAKE — Development of a bike park near the Grace College athletic fields by the Kosciusko Velo Cycling Club is picking up speed, and much of the construction could be underway this year.

Mike Cusick, president of the KVC, says they’ve already benefited greatly from two sources — Lilly Endowment and the Grace College Catalist Corridor program — and recently received more good news from the  K21 Health Foundation.

KVC has already paid off the land purchase (phase 1) and has begun initial work on Phase 2, which includes key parts of the park.

The funding goal is $1.75 million, and Cusick said support through a matching grant from K21 Health Foundation would put the project in a strong position.

"So if we raise $375,000, they’ll match it and we will have that, in conjunction with the Catalyst Corridor, will give us the funds that we need to complete phase 2,” Cusick said in an interview with News Now Warsaw earlier this week for In The Know, the public affairs show you can hear on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

Cusick and Rob Bishop, both of whom also happen to be on the Kosciusko County park and recreation board, talked about numerous bike-related issues.

The bike park, located along Pierceton Road, was proposed in 2023.

“It’s moving as fast as we hoped it could,” Cusick said. “It’s really going to come down to being able to complete as much of the park as we can.” 

Once complete, the bike park will become a big part of the annual Fat & Skinny Bike Fest, and organizers are confident it will become a regional draw.

KVC celebrated the latest good news with a news release issued on Thursday.

"The Winona Lake Bike Park will be a great resource to promote healthy outdoor activities for residents in our community and region," said Rich Haddad, President & CEO, K21 Health Foundation, in the news release.

"We’re excited to support this phase of the bike park and look forward to seeing the whole community come together to make the Winona Lake Bike Park a reality,” Haddad said.

Phase 2 construction began in January with the clearing of brush and undergrowth in the future wooded trail sections. Site preparation will continue this spring for drainage, utilities, and adding and shaping dirt to change the elevation profile of the bike park.

Sections of the bike park will begin taking shape this summer, with expected completion of Phase 2 of the Winona Lake Bike Park in early 2027, pending the completion of this fundraising round.

"Once we've raised these funds, the Bike Park will open by early next year, and we can start fundraising for our final phase for a pump track and clubhouse facility."

The third phase will involve the construction of a Pump Track and Pavilion.

KCV Cycling is currently seeking donations, grants, and sponsorships for these fundraising phases. For more information about the Winona Lake Bike Park and donating, please visit kcvcycling.networkforgood.com or contact info@kcvcycling.org.

Other topics discussed on the radio show:

• Plans for a bike trail from Winona Lake to Pierceton are progressing.
• Officials want to see a bike lane be part of at least one underpass or overpass design if and when US 30 is reconstructed.
• State and federal funding have essentially dried up, but Bishop said they can turn to other sources.

*  *  * 

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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News Release

WINONA LAKE — K21 Health Foundation announced grants totaling $1.2 million to nonprofit organizations whose projects improve the health and wellness of Kosciusko County residents.

“K21 is committed to impacting the residents of Kosciusko County,” said Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation president and CEO.

“These grants clearly connected to our purpose — wellness for generations  — advancing the health and well-being of all ages here in our community,” he said.

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

The 2025 fourth quarter grant recipients are:

• Brightpoint - Covering Kids & Families Health Insurance Program
• Combined Community Services - Fresh Produce Program
• Combined Community Services - Self-Sufficiency Programs
• KCV Cycling Club - Winona Lake Bike Park Development: Phase 2 Funding
• Kosciusko Community YMCA - 2026 LIVESTRONG Program
• Kosciusko County Senior Services - Senior Activity Center Programs
• Live Well Kosciusko - Health and Well-Being Programs
• Magical Meadows - Organizational Growth Support
• Pavilion Help Center - Help Center Program
• Pavilion Help Center - Healthcare Assistance Fund
• Questa Education Foundation - K21 Questa Scholars Program

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 — The K21 Health Foundation has awarded a grant to Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts to support upgrades to its Conservatory, located next to the main theater at 2517 E. Center Street in Warsaw.

The funding will help transform the Conservatory into a more dynamic space for musical theatre education.

The grant will fund essential equipment for the Conservatory’s renovation, including a new dance floor, ballet barres, partitions, and lighting fixtures. These enhancements were selected to create a safe, flexible, and inspiring environment for movement and creativity through musical theatre.

For decades, Wagon Wheel has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading regional theatres, serving as a launchpad for professional performers. Through the Wagon Wheel Conservatory, students from elementary age through adulthood can explore theatre arts through classes in acting, dance, singing, improvisation, and specialized workshops such as stage combat and dance audition preparation.

“Our Conservatory has become a vital part of Wagon Wheel’s mission,” said Outreach and Education Director Kira Lace Hawkins. “We’ve long dreamed of creating a true training ground where children and adults alike can explore and grow through musical theatre. Until now, limited space and resources have kept that vision just out of reach. Thanks to K21’s support, we’re taking a major step toward becoming one of the nation’s leading centers for musical theatre training. For so many of our students, theatre is their sport. It gets them moving, it boosts their mental and emotional well-being, and it fuels their creativity. We are so thankful that K21 recognizes this and has chosen to partner with us in such a meaningful way.”

A news release by Wagon Wheel did not say how big the grant is.

Construction is projected to begin in January 2026, led by Milestone Construction, Inc.

K21 is a private foundation that focuses on improving health and wellness for the residents of Kosciusko County.

This particular project aligns with K21’s Community Culture & Wellbeing health pillar, which supports initiatives that encourage a culture of health and wellness through community amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities that promote active lifestyles.

"Many in our community aren't aware of the full range of theater and dance opportunities available at Wagon Wheel, particularly for our youth," said K21 President & CEO, Rich Haddad. "K21 saw a chance to improve access and expand interest for those who consider this their active passion, and we're pleased to invest in this offering for our residents."

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WINONA LAKE — A plan first envisioned at the end of the COVID pandemic five years ago has led to the opening this past week of a spacious coffee shop and indoor playground in Winona Lake.

What makes it unique is that it’s owned and operated by Winona Lake Grace Church and intended to serve the community with public hours six days a week.

Combined, it's a massive outreach to the community and big improvement to the church.

[caption id="attachment_119335" align="alignright" width="440"] A view of the new cafe on its opening day. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The WL Cafe and the Play Space at WL are in a revamped western part of the church building facing the parking lot.

While much of the $5 million for the project came from parishioners, it also got a key boost from Grace College and its Catalyst Corridor grant money, as well as grant funding from K21 Health Foundation.

[caption id="attachment_119342" align="alignright" width="440"] The children's playspace has several areas to serve various ages, plus a specialized sensory area. News Now Warsaw photo Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The children’s Playspace at WL is an indoor area that features age-appropriate play areas, a climbing wall, and a dedicated sensory room for kids who benefit from a more specialized play environment.

The cafe has a large gathering area as well as numerous nooks and smaller meet-up areas for more personal meet-ups.

Executive Pastor Tim Wright said the plan began to surface at the tail end of the pandemic when people started to realize the separation and loneliness began to have an impact that has, for some, lingered.

He agrees that such a robust outreach effort by a church with financial support from outside the church is a bit different.

“It might be unique, but I think there are a lot of churches that are starting things like this, trying to think like this and thinking about their community,” Wright said. 

The church's location on Kings Highway is in the middle of a densely populated area with Jefferson Elementary, the Grace College campus a block away, and hundreds of homes and the Village at Winona within a few blocks.

Wright thinks the new options provide a lot of potential for interactions, and that was the case during the first week when the cafe and playspace opened on Monday.

Traffic was surprisingly good on Monday at the Playspace and Wright said it continued to improve each day.

"We saw some of the same families before school and after school, so we were very excited about that," Wright said.

He said he believes people are desperate to connect with others and that this opens the door for such opportunities.

“We love being in this community, in this neighborhood ... and we love opening these up when there’s so many good things going on in our community,” Wright said.

Jennifer Owens, who oversees the church's nursery as well as the new playspace, is especially excited about seeing the church expand its reach.

She said she thinks there is significant appeal for parents whose children have sensory issues.

“We hope to achieve a lot, really. We hope to achieve a relationship with our community and build relationships with people who specifically need those spaces.”

WL Café will be open Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. The café will serve Madcap coffee along with blended drinks and a selection of food items.

The Playspace will be open Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4–7 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon.

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WINONA LAKE — Winona Lake Grace Church is celebrating the opening of two new spaces designed to serve families, students, and neighbors: WL Café and The Playspace at WL on the west side of our church building at 1200 Kings Highway in Winona Lake.

[caption id="attachment_118711" align="alignright" width="400"] A view of the cafe at Winona Lake Grace Church. Photo provided.[/caption]

WL Café will be open Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. The café will serve Madcap coffee along with blended drinks and a selection of food items.

The goal is to create a welcoming environment where neighbors, families, Jefferson Elementary staff and parents and Grace College students can gather and connect.

The Playspace at WL is a brand-new indoor play area for children. It features a toddler zone, a climbing wall, and a dedicated sensory room for kids who benefit from a more specialized play environment.

The Playspace will be open Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4–7 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon.

“These spaces are a natural extension of our desire to serve our community and to create places where people can connect,” Winona Lake Grace Church lead pastor Kip Cone says.
The church envisions both spaces as welcoming environments that go beyond Sunday services.

“We want every person—whether they’re coming for coffee, a safe place for their kids to play, or simply a moment of rest—to feel at home here,” Cone adds.

This project was made possible by gifts of Winona Lake Grace Church, as well as generous donations from the K21 Health Foundation and the Catalyst Corridor Project through Grace College.

The official public launch for WL Café and The Playspace at WL will take place on Monday, September 15.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication will be held on 9:30 am at the west entrance to the church. The public is welcome to attend, and all media outlets are also invited.

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MENTONE — Community leaders in Mentone and Kosciusko County gathered Thursday afternoon to celebrate major renovations to Mentzer Park.

Improvements include a new pavilion complete with restrooms, a resurfaced basketball court and a new walking path that connects other nearby amenities.

[caption id="attachment_118424" align="alignright" width="176"] Rita Simpson Price[/caption]

Total cost of the project was around $720,000, and the project relied on numerous funding sources, including money from former President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act from the pandemic and the K21 Health Foundation.

It was another project coordinated by Hoosiers Enduring Legacy Program, which has worked closely with the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs and led locally by Amy Roe, the county's Community Coordinator, who has been the driving force behind completion of other recent community projects in Pierceton, Milford and Etna Green.

Such an undertaking was a huge one for the town of Mentone and included some delays and hiccups, but Mentone Clerk-Treasurer Amanda Yaprak was excited to see the results.

“We didn’t know what we were getting into, but it turned out better than what we could have imagined,” Yaprak said after the ceremony.

Mentone Chamber of Commerce President Rita Price Simpson said the project could not have happened without a broad network of support.

One of the things that came to mind to me immediately when I came down there and saw what was happening, I thought, ‘Do you know how many chicken barbecues we’d have to do to set aside that (amount) of money?’ More than we could have ever done in a lifetime,” Price Simplson said.

“That’s why the grants are so important to us and that’s why a small town can really make such a difference in having that kind of money. It does take a lot of extra work by the county people as well as the local people so I want to thank them publicly for all the hard work they’ve put in on this process,” she said.  

Lindsey Hammond, OCRA northeast community liaison, said, Tte project Exemplifies the purpose of the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program, as well as OCRA’s overall mission to help rural communities thrive and improve quality of life for their communities."

Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting cutting Thursday afternoon to celebrate the renovations to Mentzer Park in Mentone. 

The town is hosting a contest to name the new pavilion, and suggestions are being accepted at the town hall offices. The Town Council will choose the name within a few weeks.

Officials are already working on a second phase of improvements, which would include a golf disc course and pickleball courts.

[caption id="attachment_118434" align="aligncenter" width="1004"] Plan for a second phase of park improvements are already in the works. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_118433" align="aligncenter" width="720"] A view of the new pavilion after Thursday's celebration. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

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