Nappanee Archives - News Now Warsaw https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/tag/nappanee/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:06:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 The Amish have historically never voted. That’s changing in Indiana. https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/the-amish-have-historically-never-voted-thats-changing-in-indiana/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:04:43 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=137517
By Carson Gerber
Free Press Indiana

Indiana state Rep. Joanna King grew up in an Amish family that believed voting went against their faith-based conviction that members should stay separate from the world.

“They really feel like their influence needs to be praying for the people that are elected … but still really having that complete separation of church and state,” said King, whose family left the Amish faith when she was in third grade.

[caption id="attachment_137521" align="alignright" width="212"] Indiana Rep. Joanna King grew up in an Amish family until the third grade. She’s now trying to get more Amish to vote. Credit: Indiana House of Representatives Republican Caucus[/caption]

But that long-standing belief is fading among some Indiana Amish — and it could open up an untapped block of conservative voters.

More than 68,000 Amish live in Indiana — the third highest in the nation after Pennsylvania and Ohio, according to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College.

The largest communities are in LaGrange and Elkhart counties, where around 25,500 Amish live. In LaGrange County, nearly half of the 41,000 residents there are Amish.

“I always tell them, ‘If you guys ever decided to vote, you’d run this county,’” LaGrange County Commissioner Terry Martin said. “And if they told their people to get out and vote, they’d get out and vote.”

A wake up call

Before 2020, hardly any Amish people would ever have considered casting a ballot, according to King.

[caption id="attachment_137523" align="alignright" width="420"] A group of Amish from Punxsutawney, Pa., arrive at a Trump election rally on Nov. 5, 2022, in Latrobe, Pa. Credit: AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma[/caption]

That changed during the COVID pandemic when then-Gov. Eric Holcomb briefly banned religious gatherings to stop the spread of the disease — a move that drew fierce pushback from some Hoosier congregations.

“That woke up a lot of the Amish people,” King said. “I had people calling me saying, ‘Can the government really do that? Can the government restrict us from meeting?’”

Most Amish bishops, who have the authority to permit or ban members in their congregations from voting, have not allowed the practice. Since COVID, however, some are softening their stance and allowing members to make up their own minds, King said.

“They don’t come out and say ‘Don’t vote’ like they used to … and I think that’s a good first step forward,” she said. “But every church is going to be different.”

Elkhart County Commissioner Brad Rogers said COVID restrictions led to some of the first Amish people voting in the county. Six years later, he estimates that, in some districts, around 10% vote. Those who do likely use mail-in ballots to avoid being seen at the polls, Rogers said.

‘The Amish may very well save America!’

King and Rogers, who are both Republicans, are now trying to convince more Amish in their region to vote. The two said they are visiting with bishops to explain why they should tell their members to vote, and also helping register those who are interested.

King, whose district encompasses Goshen and Middlebury in Elkhart County, understands why Amish people wouldn’t want to vote. After her family left the faith, her parents continued not to vote. It wasn’t until King was married and started getting involved in her community that she saw its importance.

“I realized that I’m really giving my voice away by not voting, so I’ve been voting my whole adult life,” she said.

Although the campaign will likely win them new conservative voters, Rogers said, the goal is to convince Amish people that voting is the best way to ensure the government stays out of their lives. Nearly all elected offices in Elkhart and LaGrange counties are held by Republicans.

“I’ve always said to them, ‘You’re one generation away from voting in the wrong people that could take away your freedoms,’” he said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s Republican or Democrat. I’m just saying, you have to pick your candidate.”

That’s the message Republicans used to convince Amish to vote in the swing state of Pennsylvania in the 2024 election, when President Donald Trump beat Democrat Kamala Harris.

After Trump narrowly won the state, billionaire Elon Musk posted on X that “The Amish may very well save America! Thank goodness for them. And let’s keep the government out of their lives.”

‘We’re making headway’

But convincing a larger majority of Amish to vote in Indiana still poses a difficult challenge, King said.

The state representative speaks Pennsylvania Dutch, the language Amish use in their own communities. King said that helps break down many cultural barriers, but many bishops don’t take her seriously since she’s a woman and the Amish faith is patriarchal.

“Having a woman come and say, ‘This is what we need to do’ probably is not the best step forward,” she said. “But having Brad (Rogers) there with me has been very helpful.”

Martin, the LaGrange County commissioner, said Amish serve on his county’s planning and zoning boards to have a say in how their land can be used, but he’s given up on trying to convince them to take the next step and cast a ballot.

“Nobody is ever going to pressure them to do that,” Martin said. “If they want to do it, they’re going to do it. But you go out and start pressuring them, and I think it’ll backfire on you. I really do.”

That isn’t stopping King and Rogers from trying.

Rogers said Amish people are their friends and neighbors who live and work in their community. He wants to ensure they exercise their rights and have a say in which elected officials will represent them and defend their religious freedom.

“You still have those who dig their heels in, but I think, little by little, we’re making headway,” Rogers said. “I mean, we’ve gone from probably zero voting to 10%. That’s significant.”

* * * 

To see the original story at Free Press Indiana, click here.

* * * 

FPI News, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletter.

* * * 

FPI News reporter Carson Gerber covers healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, immigration … and just about any other topic that’s shaping how we live in Indiana today. Reach him at 765-204-4250‬ or carson.gerber@fpinews.org.

The post The Amish have historically never voted. That’s changing in Indiana. appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]>
By Carson Gerber
Free Press Indiana

Indiana state Rep. Joanna King grew up in an Amish family that believed voting went against their faith-based conviction that members should stay separate from the world.

“They really feel like their influence needs to be praying for the people that are elected … but still really having that complete separation of church and state,” said King, whose family left the Amish faith when she was in third grade.

Indiana Rep. Joanna King grew up in an Amish family until the third grade. She’s now trying to get more Amish to vote. Credit: Indiana House of Representatives Republican Caucus

But that long-standing belief is fading among some Indiana Amish — and it could open up an untapped block of conservative voters.

More than 68,000 Amish live in Indiana — the third highest in the nation after Pennsylvania and Ohio, according to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College.

The largest communities are in LaGrange and Elkhart counties, where around 25,500 Amish live. In LaGrange County, nearly half of the 41,000 residents there are Amish.

“I always tell them, ‘If you guys ever decided to vote, you’d run this county,’” LaGrange County Commissioner Terry Martin said. “And if they told their people to get out and vote, they’d get out and vote.”

A wake up call

Before 2020, hardly any Amish people would ever have considered casting a ballot, according to King.

A group of Amish from Punxsutawney, Pa., arrive at a Trump election rally on Nov. 5, 2022, in Latrobe, Pa. Credit: AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma

That changed during the COVID pandemic when then-Gov. Eric Holcomb briefly banned religious gatherings to stop the spread of the disease — a move that drew fierce pushback from some Hoosier congregations.

“That woke up a lot of the Amish people,” King said. “I had people calling me saying, ‘Can the government really do that? Can the government restrict us from meeting?’”

Most Amish bishops, who have the authority to permit or ban members in their congregations from voting, have not allowed the practice. Since COVID, however, some are softening their stance and allowing members to make up their own minds, King said.

“They don’t come out and say ‘Don’t vote’ like they used to … and I think that’s a good first step forward,” she said. “But every church is going to be different.”

Elkhart County Commissioner Brad Rogers said COVID restrictions led to some of the first Amish people voting in the county. Six years later, he estimates that, in some districts, around 10% vote. Those who do likely use mail-in ballots to avoid being seen at the polls, Rogers said.

‘The Amish may very well save America!’

King and Rogers, who are both Republicans, are now trying to convince more Amish in their region to vote. The two said they are visiting with bishops to explain why they should tell their members to vote, and also helping register those who are interested.

King, whose district encompasses Goshen and Middlebury in Elkhart County, understands why Amish people wouldn’t want to vote. After her family left the faith, her parents continued not to vote. It wasn’t until King was married and started getting involved in her community that she saw its importance.

“I realized that I’m really giving my voice away by not voting, so I’ve been voting my whole adult life,” she said.

Although the campaign will likely win them new conservative voters, Rogers said, the goal is to convince Amish people that voting is the best way to ensure the government stays out of their lives. Nearly all elected offices in Elkhart and LaGrange counties are held by Republicans.

“I’ve always said to them, ‘You’re one generation away from voting in the wrong people that could take away your freedoms,’” he said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s Republican or Democrat. I’m just saying, you have to pick your candidate.”

That’s the message Republicans used to convince Amish to vote in the swing state of Pennsylvania in the 2024 election, when President Donald Trump beat Democrat Kamala Harris.

After Trump narrowly won the state, billionaire Elon Musk posted on X that “The Amish may very well save America! Thank goodness for them. And let’s keep the government out of their lives.”

‘We’re making headway’

But convincing a larger majority of Amish to vote in Indiana still poses a difficult challenge, King said.

The state representative speaks Pennsylvania Dutch, the language Amish use in their own communities. King said that helps break down many cultural barriers, but many bishops don’t take her seriously since she’s a woman and the Amish faith is patriarchal.

“Having a woman come and say, ‘This is what we need to do’ probably is not the best step forward,” she said. “But having Brad (Rogers) there with me has been very helpful.”

Martin, the LaGrange County commissioner, said Amish serve on his county’s planning and zoning boards to have a say in how their land can be used, but he’s given up on trying to convince them to take the next step and cast a ballot.

“Nobody is ever going to pressure them to do that,” Martin said. “If they want to do it, they’re going to do it. But you go out and start pressuring them, and I think it’ll backfire on you. I really do.”

That isn’t stopping King and Rogers from trying.

Rogers said Amish people are their friends and neighbors who live and work in their community. He wants to ensure they exercise their rights and have a say in which elected officials will represent them and defend their religious freedom.

“You still have those who dig their heels in, but I think, little by little, we’re making headway,” Rogers said. “I mean, we’ve gone from probably zero voting to 10%. That’s significant.”

* * * 

To see the original story at Free Press Indiana, click here.

* * * 

FPI News, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletter.

* * * 

FPI News reporter Carson Gerber covers healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, immigration … and just about any other topic that’s shaping how we live in Indiana today. Reach him at 765-204-4250‬ or carson.gerber@fpinews.org.

The post The Amish have historically never voted. That’s changing in Indiana. appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1023-Amish-sky.png Memorial Day events? Here’s what’s happening this weekend https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/memorial-day-events-heres-whats-happening-this-weekend/ Sat, 23 May 2026 08:31:03 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=131765 By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

Several towns and organizations have scheduled Memorial Day events this weekend. Here is a recap:

Leesburg

The Leesburg community will be celebrating Memorial Day with a parade and service starting at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

A flag-raising and opening ceremony at Town Hall will kick off events before the parade. The parade will proceed from Town Hall south on Pearl Street, west on Prairie Street to the Leesburg Cemetery. The memorial service will follow the parade.

All veterans willing to ride in the parade should be at the Town Hall by 10:15 a.m. All other participants should be in place by 10:15 a.m. as well.

In case of rain, the memorial service will be held inside the Leesburg Lions Building at 10:30 a.m.

Nappanee

The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday. A service will follow immediately on the south lawn of City Hall and will include the reading of names of the fallen, a three-volley salute and the playing of Taps. Military veteran Silvia Benjamin will speak.

North Webster

American Legion Post 253 will have a tour of honor on Monday. Starting at 8 a.m., they will go to Oswego, Thorn, Salem, Oak and Mock cemeteries. They will then go to the Post at 10:30 a.m. There will be a parade at 11 a.m., ending at North Webster Cemetery at 11:15 a.m.

Commander Cat Bowers will lead the presentation of honors. The event will also include a 21-gun salute, the reading of the names of the fallen and a performance by guitarist Russ Chandler.

No meal will be served.

Mentone

A Memorial Day service will be at the cemetery at 2 p.m. Sunday. If it’s raining, the service will be held at the Bell Memorial Museum.

Milford

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Monday. Lineup starts at 9 a.m. on Emeline Street off Ind. 15. Steve Wilson will deliver a welcome address at the start of the parade and speak during the service afterward.

Pierceton

The Memorial Day Parade will start at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the fire station.

Silver Lake

The Silver Lake Lions Club will host a veterans ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery, starting at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Syracuse

Syracuse American Legion Post 223 will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade at 1:30 p.m. on Monday to honor veterans and troops serving both at home and abroad.

Area clubs, organizations and businesses are invited to participate. Line up for the parade begins at noon. The fire and police departments, band, Cub Scouts and BSA Scouts and members of the American Legion will line up on Medusa Street. All other participants and floats may line up on Boston Street.

A ceremony will follow the parade at Syracuse Cemetery, and the speaker will be Pat Park, a retired Naval Officer and pastor of Wawasee Heights Baptist Church.

Warsaw

There will be a Memorial Day service at Oakwood Cemetery on Monday. Music will start at 10:30 a.m., and the service will start at 11 a.m.

 

The post Memorial Day events? Here’s what’s happening this weekend appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

Several towns and organizations have scheduled Memorial Day events this weekend. Here is a recap:

Leesburg

The Leesburg community will be celebrating Memorial Day with a parade and service starting at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

A flag-raising and opening ceremony at Town Hall will kick off events before the parade. The parade will proceed from Town Hall south on Pearl Street, west on Prairie Street to the Leesburg Cemetery. The memorial service will follow the parade.

All veterans willing to ride in the parade should be at the Town Hall by 10:15 a.m. All other participants should be in place by 10:15 a.m. as well.

In case of rain, the memorial service will be held inside the Leesburg Lions Building at 10:30 a.m.

Nappanee

The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday. A service will follow immediately on the south lawn of City Hall and will include the reading of names of the fallen, a three-volley salute and the playing of Taps. Military veteran Silvia Benjamin will speak.

North Webster

American Legion Post 253 will have a tour of honor on Monday. Starting at 8 a.m., they will go to Oswego, Thorn, Salem, Oak and Mock cemeteries. They will then go to the Post at 10:30 a.m. There will be a parade at 11 a.m., ending at North Webster Cemetery at 11:15 a.m.

Commander Cat Bowers will lead the presentation of honors. The event will also include a 21-gun salute, the reading of the names of the fallen and a performance by guitarist Russ Chandler.

No meal will be served.

Mentone

A Memorial Day service will be at the cemetery at 2 p.m. Sunday. If it’s raining, the service will be held at the Bell Memorial Museum.

Milford

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Monday. Lineup starts at 9 a.m. on Emeline Street off Ind. 15. Steve Wilson will deliver a welcome address at the start of the parade and speak during the service afterward.

Pierceton

The Memorial Day Parade will start at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the fire station.

Silver Lake

The Silver Lake Lions Club will host a veterans ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery, starting at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Syracuse

Syracuse American Legion Post 223 will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade at 1:30 p.m. on Monday to honor veterans and troops serving both at home and abroad.

Area clubs, organizations and businesses are invited to participate. Line up for the parade begins at noon. The fire and police departments, band, Cub Scouts and BSA Scouts and members of the American Legion will line up on Medusa Street. All other participants and floats may line up on Boston Street.

A ceremony will follow the parade at Syracuse Cemetery, and the speaker will be Pat Park, a retired Naval Officer and pastor of Wawasee Heights Baptist Church.

Warsaw

There will be a Memorial Day service at Oakwood Cemetery on Monday. Music will start at 10:30 a.m., and the service will start at 11 a.m.

 

The post Memorial Day events? Here’s what’s happening this weekend appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-2026-05-23T043105.788.png Nappanee man arrested on sexual misconduct, child seduction charges https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/nappanee-man-arrested-on-sexual-misconduct-child-seduction-charges/ Sat, 13 Sep 2025 11:23:53 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=119172 By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

WARSAW — An area man who formerly worked as a Career Pathway instructor in Elkhart County was arrested this week on sexual misconduct and child seduction charges.

Curtis Jay Dial, 37, of 202 Stonewall Court, #4, Nappanee, is charged with sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 5 felony, and child seduction, a level 5 felony.

He was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on Wednesday on a $27,500 preliminary bond.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Dial was employed as a Career Pathway instructor at The Crossing School of Business and Entrepreneurship in Elkhart County from July 8, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024.

On or about Aug. 23, 2024, a detective received a report Dial was having inappropriate contact with several students.

Soon afterward, a child was interviewed. The child said they went to Dial’s residence to spend time with Dial’s child. Dial had them put their bag in his room. The child and Dial were sitting on Dial’s bed and Dial grabbed and kissed the child.

A detective then spoke with an employee at The Crossing who said the child told the employee they had been sexually assaulted by Dial, according to court documents.

The child said they went to Dial’s apartment and the child was put in restraints on his bed.

In December 2024, the detective spoke with the child, who said they met Dial from The Crossing. The child said Dial would say “weird” things at school but they would brush it off. The child said Dial’s comments made them uncomfortable but not so much they couldn’t trust him.

When the child went to see Dial, his child was not home. After Dial grabbed and kissed the child, he started touching the child over the next few hours. The child said they did not feel comfortable and turned to the side to try to prevent Dial from touching them. After several hours, Dial and the child left the house to drop off items.

Dial touched the child’s legs in the car. The child said they didn’t know what to do.
The child then went to a movie with Dial’s child and then went back to Dial’s residence. The child said Dial kept them up until 6 a.m. the next day. The child said Dial tried to get them to drink whiskey, which they eventually did. The child said Dial showed them the restraints at the top of the bed and put them in them. The child also said they believed Dial inappropriately touched them.

In May of 2025, the detective talked with Dial. He picked up the child on a Friday, along with Dial’s child, and they went to a movie and then went back to his residence about 1 a.m. Dial said he had a conversation with the child about them not being able to have a relationship because Dial would get in trouble. Dial admitted to kissing the child.

Dial said he did touch the child, but not under the clothes. He also admitted to putting the child in restraints, but denied that they had sex.

The post Nappanee man arrested on sexual misconduct, child seduction charges appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

WARSAW — An area man who formerly worked as a Career Pathway instructor in Elkhart County was arrested this week on sexual misconduct and child seduction charges.

Curtis Jay Dial, 37, of 202 Stonewall Court, #4, Nappanee, is charged with sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 5 felony, and child seduction, a level 5 felony.

He was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on Wednesday on a $27,500 preliminary bond.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Dial was employed as a Career Pathway instructor at The Crossing School of Business and Entrepreneurship in Elkhart County from July 8, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024.

On or about Aug. 23, 2024, a detective received a report Dial was having inappropriate contact with several students.

Soon afterward, a child was interviewed. The child said they went to Dial’s residence to spend time with Dial’s child. Dial had them put their bag in his room. The child and Dial were sitting on Dial’s bed and Dial grabbed and kissed the child.

A detective then spoke with an employee at The Crossing who said the child told the employee they had been sexually assaulted by Dial, according to court documents.

The child said they went to Dial’s apartment and the child was put in restraints on his bed.

In December 2024, the detective spoke with the child, who said they met Dial from The Crossing. The child said Dial would say “weird” things at school but they would brush it off. The child said Dial’s comments made them uncomfortable but not so much they couldn’t trust him.

When the child went to see Dial, his child was not home. After Dial grabbed and kissed the child, he started touching the child over the next few hours. The child said they did not feel comfortable and turned to the side to try to prevent Dial from touching them. After several hours, Dial and the child left the house to drop off items.

Dial touched the child’s legs in the car. The child said they didn’t know what to do.
The child then went to a movie with Dial’s child and then went back to Dial’s residence. The child said Dial kept them up until 6 a.m. the next day. The child said Dial tried to get them to drink whiskey, which they eventually did. The child said Dial showed them the restraints at the top of the bed and put them in them. The child also said they believed Dial inappropriately touched them.

In May of 2025, the detective talked with Dial. He picked up the child on a Friday, along with Dial’s child, and they went to a movie and then went back to his residence about 1 a.m. Dial said he had a conversation with the child about them not being able to have a relationship because Dial would get in trouble. Dial admitted to kissing the child.

Dial said he did touch the child, but not under the clothes. He also admitted to putting the child in restraints, but denied that they had sex.

The post Nappanee man arrested on sexual misconduct, child seduction charges appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Curtis-Jay-Dia.png Elderly man on a three wheeler struck and killed in Nappanee https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/elderly-man-on-a-three-wheeler-struck-and-killed-in-nappanee/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:57:39 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=113502 News Release

ELKHART — A 90-year-old man died Thrusday after he was hit by a car while riding his bike in Nappanee.

The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. on North Main Street, according to information provided by Indiana State Police.

The man, who was not identified, was riding a three-wheeled bike when he turned in front of a car and was hit.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 63-year-old Nappanee woman was driving the car and was uninjured.

Police say neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the accident.

 

The post Elderly man on a three wheeler struck and killed in Nappanee appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> News Release

ELKHART — A 90-year-old man died Thrusday after he was hit by a car while riding his bike in Nappanee.

The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. on North Main Street, according to information provided by Indiana State Police.

The man, who was not identified, was riding a three-wheeled bike when he turned in front of a car and was hit.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 63-year-old Nappanee woman was driving the car and was uninjured.

Police say neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the accident.

 

The post Elderly man on a three wheeler struck and killed in Nappanee appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sirens-fea.jpg Warsaw, Syracuse among recipients in line for Community Crossings money https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/warsaw-syracuse-among-recipients-in-line-for-community-crossings-money/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:09:08 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=106570 Staff Report

WARSAW — Communities in north central Indiana are set to receive millions of dollars to improve roads and bridges.

The grants are being provided through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, which aims to advance community infrastructure projects, strengthen local transportation networks and improve roads and bridges across the Hoosier State.

Through the program, the Indiana Department of Transportation matches up to $1.5 million annually when localities invest in road and bridge repairs.

Here are some of the areas taxing units receiving grant money:

  • Warsaw: $929,526.00
  • Syracuse: $565,943.25
  • LaGrange County: $1.5 million
  • Marshall County: $1.5 million
  • Nappanee: $922,972.50
  • Fulton County: $1,000,560.00
  • Bourbon: $45,367.92
  • Bremen: $456,656.25

Counties with populations fewer than 50,000 and cities and towns with populations fewer than 10,000 receive a 75%/25% match, while counties with populations greater than 50,000 and cities and towns with populations greater than 10,000 receive a 50%/50% match.

The post Warsaw, Syracuse among recipients in line for Community Crossings money appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> Staff Report

WARSAW — Communities in north central Indiana are set to receive millions of dollars to improve roads and bridges.

The grants are being provided through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, which aims to advance community infrastructure projects, strengthen local transportation networks and improve roads and bridges across the Hoosier State.

Through the program, the Indiana Department of Transportation matches up to $1.5 million annually when localities invest in road and bridge repairs.

Here are some of the areas taxing units receiving grant money:

  • Warsaw: $929,526.00
  • Syracuse: $565,943.25
  • LaGrange County: $1.5 million
  • Marshall County: $1.5 million
  • Nappanee: $922,972.50
  • Fulton County: $1,000,560.00
  • Bourbon: $45,367.92
  • Bremen: $456,656.25

Counties with populations fewer than 50,000 and cities and towns with populations fewer than 10,000 receive a 75%/25% match, while counties with populations greater than 50,000 and cities and towns with populations greater than 10,000 receive a 50%/50% match.

The post Warsaw, Syracuse among recipients in line for Community Crossings money appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-11-060439.png Large amounts of meth, fentanyl and cocaine found in Warsaw drug bust https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/large-amounts-of-meth-fentanyl-and-cocaine-found-in-warsaw-drug-bust/ Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:27:04 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=104281 News Release

[caption id="attachment_104285" align="alignright" width="223"] Erica J. Bruner[/caption]

WARSAW — Tips from residents led to a large drug bust and the arrest of a Warsaw woman after the discovery of three pounds of methamphetamine.

The bust involved the seizure of 2.9 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 grams of fentanyl, 27 grams of cocaine, as well as LSD, Xanax five firearms and a drone used to deliver drugs.

The investigation culminated a week ago when NET43, Indiana State Police and Nappanee Police officers arrested 35-year-old Erica J. Bruner who is currently held in the Elkhart County Jail with a $90,000.00 surety bond.

Bruner is facing a large number of charges filed in both Elkhart and Kosciusko counties.

The post Large amounts of meth, fentanyl and cocaine found in Warsaw drug bust appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> News Release
Erica J. Bruner

WARSAW — Tips from residents led to a large drug bust and the arrest of a Warsaw woman after the discovery of three pounds of methamphetamine.

The bust involved the seizure of 2.9 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 grams of fentanyl, 27 grams of cocaine, as well as LSD, Xanax five firearms and a drone used to deliver drugs.

The investigation culminated a week ago when NET43, Indiana State Police and Nappanee Police officers arrested 35-year-old Erica J. Bruner who is currently held in the Elkhart County Jail with a $90,000.00 surety bond.

Bruner is facing a large number of charges filed in both Elkhart and Kosciusko counties.

The post Large amounts of meth, fentanyl and cocaine found in Warsaw drug bust appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-071316.png Winona Lake celebrates Fourth of July on Saturday https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/winona-lake-celebrates-fourth-of-july-on-saturday/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 12:24:56 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=95126 By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

Winona Lake kicks off the fireworks season early this year on Saturday night.

The following is a list of Fourth of July-related activities assembled by The Times-Union.

Warsaw And Winona Lake
The Symphony of the Lakes concert "Salute to America" will be at the Miller Sunset Pavilion at 8 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. An official musical soundtrack, choreographed to the fireworks display, can be heard just after 10 p.m. on 107.3 WRSW.

Akron
From 7 to 10 a.m. July 4, the fireman breakfast, sponsored by the Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department, will be at the fire station. At 9 a.m., the flag-raising will be conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard at the fire station.
The Firecracker 5k event will be at Akron Elementary School July 4. Registration is 7 to 7:45 a.m. The 5k walk starts at 8 a.m. The 1-mile fun run starts at 8:15 a.m. and the 5k run starts at 8:30 a.m.
A parade starts at Rochester/Mishawaka Street at 11 a.m. Line-up begins at 9 a.m.
At Pike Memorial Park on July 4, a three-on-three basketball tournament will be at 9 a.m. A co-ed volleyball tournament is at 9 a.m.
From noon to 10 p.m., food and retail vendors and free kid inflatables will be available. From 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a petting zoo and pig races. From 1 to 4 p.m. is the Jim Bucher Memorial Car show. From 5 to 9 a.m. is free laser tag and free inflatable axe throwing. From 7 to 9 p.m., kids games are available. From 7 to 10 p.m., the band Gunslinger will perform.
Fireworks will be at Pike Memorial Park at 10 p.m. July 4.

Chapman Lake
The eighth annual 4th of July parade is July 5 at 7 p.m. The theme for 2024 is “Movies at the Lake.” Decorate your golf cart, UTV, ATV, trailer and yourself in a movie theme. Participants, arrive at the CLCA Clubhouse at 6 p.m. for registration, lineup and judging. Judging begins at 6:15 p.m. and awards will be announced at 6:45 p.m.
The 2024 Independence Day celebration will conclude with spectacular fireworks July 6 at dusk, approximately at 10 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for July 7.

Etna Green
The town of Etna Green will be celebrating Independence Day on July 4 with a parade through town and a festival and fireworks at Heritage Park.
Parade lineup will start at the fire station at 10 a.m. and the parade steps off at 11 a.m. through downtown.
At 11:30 a.m., a corn hole tournament, games, food, vendors and other activities get underway at Heritage Park.
Fireworks will be at the park at 10 p.m.

Lake Tippecanoe
On July 6, the Lake Tippecanoe Flotilla will hit the water. A free event, this year's theme is “All Things Indiana.”
Some float ideas can be the Colts, Pacers, Indy 500 and Brick Yard or a favorite college just to name a few. Launching from the Patona Bay Snack Shop, lakefront, at 1 p.m., spectators can watch the flotilla from shore (Tippy Dance Hall) or by boat.
The flotilla will take approximately one hour before returning to the snack shop where cash prizes are awarded. Registration is on July 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Patona Bay Snack Shop. For details, restrictions and rules, go to ltpo.org.
On July 6, fireworks on Tippecanoe Lake will begin at 10:30 p.m. This production is free and will be staged and launched from barges situated at the north end of Lake Tippecanoe. A possible spectator location is the Tippe Dance Hall, but be aware parking is limited.

Lake Wawasee
The Wawasee Property Owners Association (WPOA) will have their the annual Independence Day Fireworks Show on July 6 at 10:15 p.m.

North Manchester
North Manchester’s fireworks will be July 4, with a rain date of July 6, at Manchester Junior-Senior High School.
The North Manchester Civic Band will be on hand to warm the crowd up.
Parking is available at MJSHS lot and along Warvel Park.

Nappanee
A parade will be held starting at 11 a.m. July 4. It will start at Nappanee Elementary School, go west on Centennial Street to Ind. 19, south on Ind. 19 to Lincoln Street and west on Lincoln Street to City Hall.
Fireworks will be launched from the Sledding Hill July 4 after sunset at Thompson Drive.

North Webster
The Webster Lake Conservation Association organizes and contracts for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks show, which will be at 10 p.m. July 6 over Webster Lake. The rain date is July 13.

Syracuse Lake
Fireworks will be over Syracuse Lake July 4 at dusk.

The post Winona Lake celebrates Fourth of July on Saturday appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

Winona Lake kicks off the fireworks season early this year on Saturday night.

The following is a list of Fourth of July-related activities assembled by The Times-Union.

Warsaw And Winona Lake
The Symphony of the Lakes concert “Salute to America” will be at the Miller Sunset Pavilion at 8 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. An official musical soundtrack, choreographed to the fireworks display, can be heard just after 10 p.m. on 107.3 WRSW.

Akron
From 7 to 10 a.m. July 4, the fireman breakfast, sponsored by the Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department, will be at the fire station. At 9 a.m., the flag-raising will be conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard at the fire station.
The Firecracker 5k event will be at Akron Elementary School July 4. Registration is 7 to 7:45 a.m. The 5k walk starts at 8 a.m. The 1-mile fun run starts at 8:15 a.m. and the 5k run starts at 8:30 a.m.
A parade starts at Rochester/Mishawaka Street at 11 a.m. Line-up begins at 9 a.m.
At Pike Memorial Park on July 4, a three-on-three basketball tournament will be at 9 a.m. A co-ed volleyball tournament is at 9 a.m.
From noon to 10 p.m., food and retail vendors and free kid inflatables will be available. From 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a petting zoo and pig races. From 1 to 4 p.m. is the Jim Bucher Memorial Car show. From 5 to 9 a.m. is free laser tag and free inflatable axe throwing. From 7 to 9 p.m., kids games are available. From 7 to 10 p.m., the band Gunslinger will perform.
Fireworks will be at Pike Memorial Park at 10 p.m. July 4.

Chapman Lake
The eighth annual 4th of July parade is July 5 at 7 p.m. The theme for 2024 is “Movies at the Lake.” Decorate your golf cart, UTV, ATV, trailer and yourself in a movie theme. Participants, arrive at the CLCA Clubhouse at 6 p.m. for registration, lineup and judging. Judging begins at 6:15 p.m. and awards will be announced at 6:45 p.m.
The 2024 Independence Day celebration will conclude with spectacular fireworks July 6 at dusk, approximately at 10 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for July 7.

Etna Green
The town of Etna Green will be celebrating Independence Day on July 4 with a parade through town and a festival and fireworks at Heritage Park.
Parade lineup will start at the fire station at 10 a.m. and the parade steps off at 11 a.m. through downtown.
At 11:30 a.m., a corn hole tournament, games, food, vendors and other activities get underway at Heritage Park.
Fireworks will be at the park at 10 p.m.

Lake Tippecanoe
On July 6, the Lake Tippecanoe Flotilla will hit the water. A free event, this year’s theme is “All Things Indiana.”
Some float ideas can be the Colts, Pacers, Indy 500 and Brick Yard or a favorite college just to name a few. Launching from the Patona Bay Snack Shop, lakefront, at 1 p.m., spectators can watch the flotilla from shore (Tippy Dance Hall) or by boat.
The flotilla will take approximately one hour before returning to the snack shop where cash prizes are awarded. Registration is on July 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Patona Bay Snack Shop. For details, restrictions and rules, go to ltpo.org.
On July 6, fireworks on Tippecanoe Lake will begin at 10:30 p.m. This production is free and will be staged and launched from barges situated at the north end of Lake Tippecanoe. A possible spectator location is the Tippe Dance Hall, but be aware parking is limited.

Lake Wawasee
The Wawasee Property Owners Association (WPOA) will have their the annual Independence Day Fireworks Show on July 6 at 10:15 p.m.

North Manchester
North Manchester’s fireworks will be July 4, with a rain date of July 6, at Manchester Junior-Senior High School.
The North Manchester Civic Band will be on hand to warm the crowd up.
Parking is available at MJSHS lot and along Warvel Park.

Nappanee
A parade will be held starting at 11 a.m. July 4. It will start at Nappanee Elementary School, go west on Centennial Street to Ind. 19, south on Ind. 19 to Lincoln Street and west on Lincoln Street to City Hall.
Fireworks will be launched from the Sledding Hill July 4 after sunset at Thompson Drive.

North Webster
The Webster Lake Conservation Association organizes and contracts for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks show, which will be at 10 p.m. July 6 over Webster Lake. The rain date is July 13.

Syracuse Lake
Fireworks will be over Syracuse Lake July 4 at dusk.

The post Winona Lake celebrates Fourth of July on Saturday appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fireworks-Logo.jpg 1 dead after tanker crashes, catches fire in Nappanee https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/1-dead-after-tanker-crashes-catches-fire-in-nappanee/ Sat, 25 May 2024 11:20:39 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=93536 WNDU

\NAPPANEE — One person is dead after Indiana State Police say a tanker crashed and caught on fire in Nappanee on Friday afternoon.

The post 1 dead after tanker crashes, catches fire in Nappanee appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> WNDU

\NAPPANEE — One person is dead after Indiana State Police say a tanker crashed and caught on fire in Nappanee on Friday afternoon.

The post 1 dead after tanker crashes, catches fire in Nappanee appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-25-071554.png Eppenbaugh back in custody after fleeing police in Nappanee https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/eppenbaugh-back-in-custody-after-fleeing-police-in-nappanee/ Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:58:55 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=86694 MNC Radio

NAPPANEE — A Warsaw man who was arrested last Friday after police say he stole a police car and led them on a chase that ended in Michigan has been arrested again.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office says Michael Eppenbaugh, 42, was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail after he was spotted in Nappanee on Wednesday afternoon.

Eppenbaugh was seen at a store in Nappanee at about 2:25 p.m. Wednesday and fled after he was approached by officers. Soon afterward he was found in a nearby barn, and was taken into custody.

Police said this was a collaborative effort by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Nappanee Police, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office, NET43,
and St. Joe County police in Michigan.

He’s being held on five charges of failure to appear and is being held without bond.

Eppenbaugh was originally arrested last Friday after police say he fought with a Mishawaka police officer at a Menards before he was somehow able to take control of a Mishawaka police car on scene and drive off.

That chase ended in a crash in Cass County, Mich.

The post Eppenbaugh back in custody after fleeing police in Nappanee appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> MNC Radio

NAPPANEE — A Warsaw man who was arrested last Friday after police say he stole a police car and led them on a chase that ended in Michigan has been arrested again.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office says Michael Eppenbaugh, 42, was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail after he was spotted in Nappanee on Wednesday afternoon.

Eppenbaugh was seen at a store in Nappanee at about 2:25 p.m. Wednesday and fled after he was approached by officers. Soon afterward he was found in a nearby barn, and was taken into custody.

Police said this was a collaborative effort by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Nappanee Police, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office, NET43,
and St. Joe County police in Michigan.

He’s being held on five charges of failure to appear and is being held without bond.

Eppenbaugh was originally arrested last Friday after police say he fought with a Mishawaka police officer at a Menards before he was somehow able to take control of a Mishawaka police car on scene and drive off.

That chase ended in a crash in Cass County, Mich.

The post Eppenbaugh back in custody after fleeing police in Nappanee appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Michael-Eppenbaugh-2.jpg CASA of Indiana honors Kosciusko County Volunteer Andrea Herschberger https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/casa-of-indiana-honors-kosciusko-county-volunteer-andrea-herschberger/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:01:49 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=83441 Staff Report

INDIANAPOLIS — Andrea Herschberger, of Nappanee, was recently awarded and recognized as the Indiana CASA of the Year by the Indiana State Office of GAL/CASA in Indianapolis.

Herschberger has been a volunteer for CASA of Kosciusko County for 14 years and in that time has advocated for 26 children, recently having been appointed to her 27th child, according to a news release provided.

CASA volunteers are specially trained volunteers who advocate in court for the best interests of children who have often been abused and neglected. A CASA serves as the voice of the child and the eyes and ears of the court.

“While often needing to make difficult decisions in her reports and in court, Andrea always does so with grace and respect. She always makes sure that all pertinent information is presented to the judge with the focus always on the child, their best interests, needs, safety and future at the forefront,” said CASA of Kosciusko County Executive Director Erin Rowland Jones about Herschberger.

In the nomination, Herschberger was praised by DCS, CASA staff and foster parents for children she has advocated for and was described as a "gentle warrior" for the children she serves.

While accepting her award at the Indiana State CASA Conference, Herschberger thanked her husband, sons and daughters-in-law for their support. She stated while addressing the crowd of CASA staff and volunteers from across the State of Indiana, “I realize that this award could have gone to so many of you just as easily. And it makes my heart warm and I feel so proud to be a part of a group like this ... I can’t make a difference for lots of people, but I can make a difference to someone and together all of us can make a difference in the [lives of the] children of Indiana.”

CASA of Kosciusko County is a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for the best interest of children who are at risk of, or who have suffered from, abuse and neglect, the release states.

“The children of our community need your help. These children, whose voices our volunteers represent, are brought into the court system due to no fault of their own. The cases our volunteers are seeing represent the very worst cases of abuse and neglect. These children not only need an advocate in court, they need a caring, consistent adult meeting with them during the most traumatic time of their lives,” stated Rowland Jones.

If you would like more information on how to become a CASA volunteer or would like to donate, call CASA of Kosciusko County at 574-372-2401 or visit www.casachildren.com.

The post CASA of Indiana honors Kosciusko County Volunteer Andrea Herschberger appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> Staff Report

INDIANAPOLIS — Andrea Herschberger, of Nappanee, was recently awarded and recognized as the Indiana CASA of the Year by the Indiana State Office of GAL/CASA in Indianapolis.

Herschberger has been a volunteer for CASA of Kosciusko County for 14 years and in that time has advocated for 26 children, recently having been appointed to her 27th child, according to a news release provided.

CASA volunteers are specially trained volunteers who advocate in court for the best interests of children who have often been abused and neglected. A CASA serves as the voice of the child and the eyes and ears of the court.

“While often needing to make difficult decisions in her reports and in court, Andrea always does so with grace and respect. She always makes sure that all pertinent information is presented to the judge with the focus always on the child, their best interests, needs, safety and future at the forefront,” said CASA of Kosciusko County Executive Director Erin Rowland Jones about Herschberger.

In the nomination, Herschberger was praised by DCS, CASA staff and foster parents for children she has advocated for and was described as a “gentle warrior” for the children she serves.

While accepting her award at the Indiana State CASA Conference, Herschberger thanked her husband, sons and daughters-in-law for their support. She stated while addressing the crowd of CASA staff and volunteers from across the State of Indiana, “I realize that this award could have gone to so many of you just as easily. And it makes my heart warm and I feel so proud to be a part of a group like this … I can’t make a difference for lots of people, but I can make a difference to someone and together all of us can make a difference in the [lives of the] children of Indiana.”

CASA of Kosciusko County is a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for the best interest of children who are at risk of, or who have suffered from, abuse and neglect, the release states.

“The children of our community need your help. These children, whose voices our volunteers represent, are brought into the court system due to no fault of their own. The cases our volunteers are seeing represent the very worst cases of abuse and neglect. These children not only need an advocate in court, they need a caring, consistent adult meeting with them during the most traumatic time of their lives,” stated Rowland Jones.

If you would like more information on how to become a CASA volunteer or would like to donate, call CASA of Kosciusko County at 574-372-2401 or visit www.casachildren.com.

The post CASA of Indiana honors Kosciusko County Volunteer Andrea Herschberger appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Untitled-design-2023-09-27T054834.303.jpg