WARSAW – Reaction to Friday’s walkout by about 90 animated and angry Warsaw High School students prompted strong reactions afterward.

School administrators did their best to dissuade the protest. Students eagerly and angrily resisted, and a few parents and many online commentators applauded efforts by the young people to voice their concerns over the ongoing federal immigration crackdown.

Coverage from local media prompted several thousand online comments.

A similar student protest was held in Evansville on Friday and other rallies have happened in northern Indiana in the past two weeks.

Word of a possible protest in Warsaw spread last weekend after a student-made flyer inaccurately suggested that administrators and police would accommodate their plans.

The poster was then shared online by the Kosciusko County Democratic Party, which urged students to act responsibly and stay safe.

The school corporation responded with multiple warnings that students leaving campus before the end of the school day would be considered truant. They also stressed that the school does not sponsor, endorse, or supervise student walkouts. 

A fact sheet sent out to staff ahead of the march instructed teachers about how to respond.

Numerous parents and supporters of the Anti-ICE movement gathered beforehand near the high school campus to observe and protect student interests.

Students walked out at the start of the final period, but remained on campus until class was dismissed, thereby avoiding being considered truant.

They then began a long, animated march to the Kosciusko County Courthouse, where they marched around two county office buildings before heading to Central Park and eventually circling back to the courthouse lawn.

Janniah Johnson, a sophomore who helped organize the march, said they wanted their voices to be heard without getting in trouble at school.

"I hope that they just understand that just because we're kids doesn't mean we don't see what's going on and that we don't understand," Johnson said.

"It's our family, it's our friends, it's our people, our neighbors — people we go to school with, people our families work with, it's everyone around us, and it's affecting all of us not just the adults that can vote."

A mother who declined to give her name said she wanted to keep an eye on the rally, which included one of her children, to ensure everything went well.

She offered her thoughts afterward.

"It's beautiful, the kids behaved the entire time, they kept voicing their opinion, and knew what to do and what not to do," she said.

"They're doing it for passion and love. They're not here for hatred. They're here because they care," she said.

The school issued a statement acknowledging the walkout afterward.

"In light of recent events across the state and circulating rumors, Warsaw Community Schools had communicated multiple reminders to students and families regarding safety procedures and attendance expectations outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook, the statement read.

"While we respect that students may have strong personal beliefs, we are required to prioritize student safety and maintain a secure, supervised learning environment during the school day," the statement read.

The protest included a brief incident when marchers reached the corner of Market and South Buffalo streets, and a man allegedly assaulted an adult woman and spat in her face.

The woman and others said the man had been encouraging motorists not to stop as a woman was helping guide students across the street near Maggie's Coffee and Treats. That led to some yelling between the two before the man lunged at her and tried to grab her eyeglasses and a knit cap.

A 51-year-old man fitting the description provided by witnesses was arrested.

The incident left some at the rally a bit shocked.

"I can't believe somebody actually tried to get drivers to hit kids and lunged forward toward another human for no reason," said the parent mentioned earlier in the story.

[caption id="attachment_127056" align="aligncenter" width="603"] High school protesters gathered outside the Kosciusko County Courthouse on Friday to protest federal immigration tactics used across the country. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

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WARSAW — Charles and Deb Eichman drove back from Nappanee to their home in Warsaw Saturday with hopes of checking out the No Kings protest, but did not expect much of a crowd.

Upon arriving, they stood on the steps of the CVS Pharmacy and looked out in awe at the hundreds of people lined up along North Detroit Street, participating in a peaceful protest that fueled a nearly endless sound of honking horns that continued for more than two hours from passersby supporting the movement against President Donald Trump.

[caption id="attachment_121401" align="alignright" width="420"] One of the many protesters on Saturday stood along North Detroit Street with this sign. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Deb had tears in her eyes as she watched.

Such a turnout in one of the most conservative counties in Indiana, she said, was "staggering."

Charles Eichman sounded hopeful.

“You think your voice is not being heard, and it is, not just here but all around the country," Charles said. "I just hope people in charge are going to listen.” 

[caption id="attachment_121425" align="alignright" width="265"] Some of the signs included a few puns. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

He said he hopes the national movement would lead to at least a discussion between the two parties.

“It should open a dialogue. There have to be people on the other side of the political spectrum that feel like everyone here does,” he said.

Just a few feet away, two sisters stood along the sidewalk with three other family members, including a 34-year-old non-verbal disabled man in a wheelchair. 

The five had just arrived from Elkhart, where they attended another No Kings rally.

One of them, Roxanne Manhaut, mentioned numerous issues that bother her about Trump, including his penchant for lying, but said she is most concerned about her son’s future.

She’s worried about the prospect of more budget cuts that have been implemented in the past nine months without Congressional input.

Her son suffered a heart attack at the age of five.

“He goes to a day program now. If we were to lose that, I don’t know what we would do,” Manhaut said. “I hate it when they say disabled people should be out working. He can’t work. He can barely stand up and walk.”

Her concerns are extensive.

“I’m sad we have to spend a day doing this, but … I want a president I don’t have to think about all the time,” Manhaut said, turning to her sister, Connie Schermerhorn,

“Remember those days?” she said.

Saturday’s rally was one of nearly 2,000 held across the country in opposition to President Trump’s increasing use of authoritarian tactics on a wide range of issues that continue as Republican members of Congress remain overwhelmingly silent.

The event in Warsaw was the biggest of the summer – estimated by an organizer to be nearly 350 people — and was by far the loudest, accentuated by two people using bullhorns and accompanied by chants, cheers, and even the music of John Lennon.

Republican leaders had warned that the No Kings protests, which they claimed were fueled by Antifa, and would likely turn violent in some cities, but that was not the case.

The Warsaw gathering included many peole waving American flags and it remained peaceful despite efforts by a few counterprotesters in cars who tried to send a message by blaring their horns and revving car engines.

Marc Redding used a bullhorn throughout the rally to sporadically echo famous quotes by the founders of the country as well as snippets from historic documents.

“I wanted to make sure my voice is heard. It’s important. People don’t understand that Democracy is on the line here. Freedom is on the line. We have to take a stand,” Redding said.

Russ Reahard, a staunch Republican who previously ran for the statehouse, was one of the few counterprotesters who chose to stand alongside others. He wore a customized red MAGA hat with a sign that listed his priorities.

He said his conversations with protesters were cordial and polite.

City and county law enforcement patrolled the rally, and one onlooker said she saw one counter-protester who was pulled over by police after creating a plume of smoke with his tires while in the street.

Below are more images from the protest. All photos by Dan Spalding.

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WARSAW — On a warm October evening — thirteen months before next year’s general election and in the middle of a government shutdown — the political gears were turning in Warsaw.

About two dozen people, including one with a bullhorn, attempted to blunt the enthusiasm of some 300 diehard Republicans who gathered at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion Monday to show support for four Kosciusko County Council candidates who plan to run in next year's election.

[caption id="attachment_120701" align="alignright" width="420"] An unidentified woman at right leads a series of chants Monday night outside of the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw, where Republicans had gathered for a candidate reception. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The small but vocal gathering protested outside of the pavilion with hopes of catching the attention of two Republican members of Congress who were expected to attend the event.

The huge political gathering inside was organized weeks ago to support four district council candidates — Tony Ciriello, Dave Wolkins, Brad Jackson, and Joe Irwin, who will be on the May primary ballot and already gained the support of an impressive list of Republicans.

[caption id="attachment_120702" align="alignright" width="420"] Third District Congressman Marlin Stutzman smiles while addressing a large crowd Monday at a reception for candidates at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The protest outside the pavilion entrance was hastily arranged and announced to the media on Monday. It attracted a smaller crowd compared to previous recnt rallies held earlier this year near the Warsaw library.

But everyone arriving at the reception was fully aware of the protest.

Monday's protest was moved to get the attention of US Reps. Marlin Stutzman and Rudy Yakym. Stutzman attended and spoke at the reception and Yakym, who did not attend, provided a taped message.

The impromptu protest coincides with a growing concern among some that Republicans do not intend to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. Without the subsidies, premiums are expected to double or triple, making the insurance unaffordable for many Americans.

"Republicans have been in control of all three branches of government, and they've done nothing about healthcare," said Robert Osbun, treasurer for the Kosciusko County Democratic Party who talked with News Now Warsaw during the protest.

"Their only solution to healthcare is to cut it. They can extend tax cuts for millionaires, but they cut healthcare for us. That's the solution for health care? Americans aren't buying it," Osbun said.

Brian Smith, who chairs the Democratic Party's 2nd Congressional District, said the protesters intentionally targeted the GOP gathering.

"We also wanted to let people know that while Republicans are busy fundraising like everything is business as usual, we're fighting to save their healthcare," Smith said.

Rokita brought up the protesters while making a pitch for the four candidates.

"Who rented the protesters?" Rokita quipped.

"These people put illegal aliens above you. These people put criminals on the street above you. They do not like America as we know it," Rokita said.  "And it's time to stop coddling."

Stutzman spoke briefly.

“It’s great to be with you. I’m on furlough right now,” Stutzman said.

“I keep coming home and people keep telling me, ‘Just leave it shut down,’ “ he said, adding, “We’re actually saving money this way.’ ”

Mishler emceed the candidate reception.

The four candidates each highlighted their conservative approach to governance.

Jackson is a former county commissioner who announced his run two weeks ago and is running for a seat currently held form fellow Republican Kimkberly Cates.

Irwin, who was appointed by a GOP caucus earlier this year, said he wants to represent farm interests.

Wolkins is a former state lawmaker and former Winona Lake Town Council member.

Ciriello is a longtime coroner and has a lengthy background in law enforcement. He currently serves as council president.

[caption id="attachment_120704" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita stands in the middle of a crowd during his address Monday at the GOP reception in Warsaw. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_120703" align="aligncenter" width="696"] A view of Monday's reception at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw. News Now Warsw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_120706" align="aligncenter" width="696"] An unidentified woman (Center) leads a series of chants Monday night outside of the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw, where Republicans had gathered for a candidate reception. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The post Hundreds of Republicans rally behind four candidates amid nearby protests appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

Staff Report

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Democrats have scheduled another protest to rally against the policies of President Donald Trump, this time with a specific focus on economic policies.

The Labor Day rally will be 2-4 p.m. on Monday at the corner of Center and North Detroit  streets in Warsaw.

Issues of concern cited by Kosciusko County Democratic Party in a news releae include the lack of affordable housing as well a the rising cost of utility bills, insurance and property taxes, all of which they say negatively impacts nearly all Hoosiers.

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WARSAW — More than 90 people turned out in near 90-degree temperatures Saturday to defend the role of immigrants amid an ongoing federal crackdown on undocumented citizens by the Trump administration.

[caption id="attachment_115880" align="alignright" width="350"] This sign at Saturday's rally refers to plans by the Trump administration to open a detention camp In Indiana for those taken into custody by ICE agents. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

While the messages conveyed on many of the signs were once again diverse (subjects ranged from women's rights to Trump's authoritarian leanings), Saturday's event — the latest in a series of rallies against Trump was organizaeed locally — the most recent was in support of immigrants who are watching as Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continue to detain and deport people across the country.

Unlike past Warsaw protests held this year, Saturday's rally was organized by the Kosciusko County Democratic Party, many of whom wore blue shirts with the Spanish phrase, "Tu Vecino Tu Voz," on the back. Translated, it means, "Your neighbor, your voice."

Organizers were glad the heat did not deter the enthusiasm.

“It’s a great turnout because we never know how many people are going to show up,” said Robert Osbun, treasurer for the county’s Democratic Party. “This is a rally by Kosciusko County Democrats to highlight immigrant families here in northern Indiana, so we’re really, really pleased with the turnout.”

The rally along North Detroit Street and east of the library took place at the same time as a massive festival — the Guadalupe festival — was happening less than two miles to the north which celebrated Hispanic culture at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Osbun was asked about the simultaneous juxtaposition of two unrelated events and added, “Our event is to highlight their support and support them, and we hope they see that.”

Trump's actions in the past week have upset Democrats in Indiana. Those include plans to open an immigrant detention center alongside Grissom Air Reserve Base north of Kokomo and call it the Speedway Slammer. Also this week, Trump's administration began pressuring Indiana lawmakers to redraw congressional district lines — a move that coincides with similar efforts in Texas.

Brian Smith, a local Democrat who serves as chairman of the party's 2nd Congressional District, summed up the party's thoughts:

"Immigrants built our country. I'm a descendant of immigrants," Smith said. "We have to realize and embrace that throughout our history, they have made our country great, and immigrants continue to make our country great."

[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="115891,115886,115887,115889"]

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WARSAW — A rally is being organized in Warsaw for Aug. 9 to advocate "for the rights and dignity" of immigrant communities across northern Indiana.

The event will be Saturday, Aug. 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Detroit and Center streets.

The Kosciusko County Democratic Party formally announced plans on Thursday for what they describe as a "peaceful" event, marking the first time they've formally endorsed recent protests that have taken aim at President Donald Trump's polices during her second term in office.

The party is demanding an end to the harassment of migrants, and to the detention and deportation of migrants without due process, the news release said.

The news release also issued the following statement:

"The US is holding thousands of migrants in torturous conditions, the majority of whom have no criminal history. The State of Indiana is readying Camp Atterbury, a National Guard base, to detain thousands more. Many in our community — friends, neighbors, co-workers and members of our congregations – now live in fear of being detained without due process. The Constitution offers protection for all people. Instead of seeking meaningful immigration reform, the Trump administration is employing cruelty and rocking the foundation of our Democracy by defying court orders. If the rights of one individual can be taken away, all our rights are in danger."

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WARSAW — Protesters in Warsaw, upset with policies led by President Trump, followed suit with other communities across the country on Saturday and rallied for the second time in two weeks.

[caption id="attachment_108602" align="alignright" width="320"] A sign seen at Saturday's rally. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The newest protest appeared to be as big — if not bigger — than the one held April 5 at the Kosciusko County Courthouse and included many fresh faces, some of whom laughed at the notion put forth by Trump supporters that they are being paid or bused in from other communities.

There was chanting, shouts of encouragement, music, drumming and even a cowbell.

Signs on Saturday echoed a long list of concerns involving budget cuts, a lack of due process in Trump's attempt to deport undocumented residents, and the role of Elon Musk, who has led an effort to shrink the federal government without Congressional involvement.

[caption id="attachment_108615" align="alignright" width="320"] A sign seen at Saturday's rally. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Paul Butler, 38, lives in Roann and said the event was his first foray into protesting. He said he's worried about many issues, but especially dislikes how the Trump administration is handling the deportation of undocumented residents.

“If someone’s an illegal immigrant, they still deserve their time in court to prove whether they're illegal or not instead of being sent somewhere where their family doesn’t even know where they are,” Butler said.

[caption id="attachment_108619" align="alignright" width="271"] A sign seen at Saturday's rally. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The man who helped organize Saturday’s rally said the peaceful demonstrations will likely continue until concerns subside.

Mentone resident Thomas Skeens promoted Saturday’s event on a website, and was asked if the protests would continue.

"That's what we have planned is to continue them until we know for sure Trump and Elon are going to keep their hands off or stop the cuts," Skeens said.

One woman responded to the idea that protesters are being paid to attend.

"Ridiculous. If people were getting paid, wouldn't more people show up?" said Juneal Black, who lives in Lansing, Mich., and said she and her husband, Ken, were visiting family.

Ken Black added, "I think it's just concerned citizens ... everybody's worried about what's being taken away. that they're voicing their opinion."

Saturday’s atmosphere had an added element with an unrelated protest nearby. That involved PETA — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The national group announced earlier in the week that it would demonstrate what they view as the mistreatment of chickens on the way to slaughter by parking a truck outside of Mad Anthony’s Brewing company, a block from the Trump protest.

The truck urged people to embrace a vegan diet and was accompanied by a stand that offered literature.

That demonstration attracted virtually no supporters, and the truck drove away after about an hour.

But it did catch the attention of two men, one of whom carried a big Popeye’s restaurant carryout bag and was offering discount cards for Mad Anthony's to people outside.

Eddie Van Hartman, of Warsaw, explained his position.

"They're protesting chicken. I love chicken. So I'm promoting chicken," Van Hartman said.

“I fully support PETA – People Eating Tasty Animals – absolutely. Steak is my favorite animal,” he added. "Chicken is my second."

At one point, Van Hartman, who described himself as a conservative, strolled into the Trump protest, apparently to gain the attention of protesters. That lasted about five minutes and led to a brief, indiscernible chant from some of the protesters.

Afterward, the manager at Mad Anthony's, Jim Thompson, appeared unfazed by the truck's presence and said he believed it might have generated added sales.

"I think we were busier, actually," Thompson said.

The Trump protest worked to elicit honks from passing motorists.

A pickup truck with two large Trump signs provided a few honks as it drove past the Trump rally several times, but the overall environment remained civil.

Below are a few photos from both protests.

[gallery columns="1" size="large" ids="108605,108608,108614,108616,108610,108603"]

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WARSAW — Two weeks ago, the theme, "Hands off," was the battle cry for a nationwide protest that included a rally in Warsaw.

Now, there is another protest in the works, this one focusing specifically on federal budget cuts.

On Saturday, a "Stop The Cuts" rally is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. at the Kosciusko County Courthouse in Warsaw that will coincide with other protests planned across the country.

Organizers are registering participants at organize.us.

Organizers claim Republicans in Congress are planning to cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital programs to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires.

Protests across the country could extend beyond Saturday to coincide with the time that Congress is on its April recess.

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WARSAW — Kosciusko County, considered one of the reddest red counties in the consistently conservative Indiana, joined 1,200 locations nationwide where "Hands-off" protestors tried to send a message Saturday to the Trump White House.

Some wondered how many would show up for a protest in chilly and damp conditions at the courthouse lawn, but many were pleased after some 75 people carried signs and chanted slogans at the corner of Center and Buffalo streets.

"I'm really happy so far," said Shelly Gilliland who has lived in the county for 40 years and arrived as the rally began at noon.

[caption id="attachment_107887" align="alignright" width="360"] A sign seen at Saturday's rally in Warsaw. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The wrath of protesters focused on a litany of weighty complaints that far surpassed the price of eggs.

Gilliland said there are many issues of concern, but her sign focused on public education and the potential cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

"I know too many people who will have zero income if something happens to Medicare, or for many people, Medicaid, and we just can't let that happen," she said.

She said she doesn't understand how residents living in a city known for its churches can stand by and not speak up.

"It's historically bad, it's historically frightening, it's historically unexplainable, she said.

Handmade signs addressed numerous issues that have coalesced in the past 90 days as President Trump has issued wide-ranging executive orders and implemented massive tariffs on many of the United States' strongest allies — as well as China and minuscule countries most Americans have never heard of.

Implementation of the tariffs last week triggered a huge decline in domestic stock markets which directly affect workers' pensions.

Anger was also directed at Elon Musk, Trump’s advisor who has single-handedly slashed federal jobs, while at times gleefully holding a chainsaw to celebrate the effort.

John, an engineer who declined to give his last name, said that approach by Musk makes no sense.

He's from Pittsburgh, Pa., and is visiting family and was pleasantly surprised to learn of the Warsaw rally.

He said he worries that the cuts are being made without considering the impact on federal services and programs.

"It really just an action that seems to be done for quickness without thinking it through, without having a plan," he said. "The plan seems to be like 'ready, fire aim,' and it doesn't make any sense, especially to engineers like me."

One woman at the protest carried an outstretched yellow Gadsden Flag with the historic phrase, "Don't Tread On Me," which has been fully embraced by conservatives in recent years.

The meaning, the woman said, is equally applicable to today's concerns.

Another concern that as clear at the rally is Trump's authoritarian approach.

One woman said she worries that Trump is aligning himself with dictators and "other crazies" while his own Republican party remains mum.

"They have fallen in line and have no backbone," she said.

There were also flags at the rally representing the LGBTQI communities.

A woman who held a white, pink and light blue trans flag, covered her face with an American flag mask and wore black sunglasses to hide her identity.

She said she is somewhat concerned about her safety.

"I just feel like trans people can not come out safely right now, so I'm just here so they can be because I'm a white woman and I feel like I should do something," she said.

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Protest organizer Bryan Ricketts tells the South Bend Tribune he expects 50 to 100 fellow graduating students to silently leave just as the vice president starts speaking to nearly 2,100 graduating students and their families.

Some students will be protesting Pence's policies as Indiana's governor, including the 2015 religious-objections law he signed that critics maintained sanctioned discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Notre Dame spokesman Paul Browne says school officials would only intervene if the protest "seriously disrupted" the commencement or put anyone's safety at risk. He says the school doesn't expect that to happen.

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