WARSAW — Sign-up is underway for youths seeking to compete in the Warsaw Optimist Club Oratorical Contest.

This year’s topic is: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged, My Definition of Community.”

The contest is open to youth under the age of 19 as of October 1 who are not enrolled as a degree-seeking student of a post-secondary institution. There is no minimum age.

To enter, click on the Application link.

The contest will be held Sunday, March 29, at the  Kosciusko County Courthouse at 1 p.m.

First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program.

Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and a cash prize and zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000.

The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundation is awarded annually from this program.

Anyone with questions can contact: Letrecia Nichols at 574.265-5632 or at lnichols@joes-  kids.org, or Jeff Owens at 574.527.1387 or contest@jeffowens.net.

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WARSAW — Warsaw City Parks Department has announced plans for its annual Letters to Santa program.

Make the holidays magical by surprising your little ones with a personalized letter from Santa Claus this year.

Each letter will be tailored with the special details you provide, making it a keepsake they'll treasure forever, according to a news release from the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department.

Forms are available through Dec. 1, and you can learn more by clicking here.

Cost is $3 per letter.

Completed form and payment may be dropped off at the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department office or mailed to City of Warsaw Parks Department, Attn: Letters from Santa, 123 E. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw, IN 46580.

Letters from Santa will be mailed out no later than Dec. 16.

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News Release

WARAW — Put your imagination to the test and see who can design the most original pumpkin creation.

We'll provide everything you need, including the pumpkin itself.

Registration is required, and the class fee is $5 per participant.

Registration will be open until Friday, Sept. 26. Visit our website. Click here to get signed up.

Please note: There will be no carving of pumpkins for this event

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WARSAW — Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Barn 1880: Historic Venue, will host the first-ever Kosciusko County Student Market, an event designed to spotlight the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of local students.

The inaugural market will take place Sunday, July 20, from noon to 4 p.m. at The Barn 1880: Historic Venue, and will feature a lineup of student-run businesses from across Kosciusko County, according to a news release from the Chamber.

Open to all current Kosciusko County students, from elementary through college, the Student Market offers young entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to sell their products, keep 100% of their profits and gain real-world business experience in a professional, supportive environment.

“This event is all about encouraging and showcasing the next generation of business leaders,” said Kosciusko Chamber Director of Marketing & Communications Lauren Twombly.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Barn 1880 to offer a platform where students can showcase their talents and develop skills that will serve them for years to come.”

Shoppers can expect a variety of handmade goods, artwork, baked treats and more, all created and sold by local student vendors. Admission for attendees is free, and the community is encouraged to come out, network, and support the future of local business.

Booth registration is now open:
• Early Bird Rate: $20 (available through May 31)
• Standard Rate: $25 (starting June 1)

Booth space is only secured once payment is received.

Student eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in school (elementary through college) and either live in or attend school in Kosciusko County.

To register as a student vendor, click here.

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WARSAW — The Warsaw Education Foundation has announced details for the upcoming 2025 Community Quiz Bowl, a one-of-a-kind team-building event that promises an evening of knowledge, fun, and friendly competition.

The annual fund-raiser is set to take place on Tuesday, March 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warsaw Community High School TRAC.

This year's Quiz Bowl will transport participants to the beach, as teams from local businesses, organizations, and educators come together to compete in answering questions based on the theme, "At the Beach."

Space is limited to the first 70 teams to register.

Teams of five can secure their spot by registering online.

Snacks are provided by Lake City Bank and water is provided by Culligan Water.

For those who may not want to enter a team but still wish to support WEF, there's an
opportunity to sponsor a team. During the online registration process, participants can
choose the "TEAM SPONSOR" option to support a team of Warsaw educators.

Warsaw Education Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting grants to educators for
projects in the classroom that enrich academic excellence within Warsaw Community Schools.

Additionally, WEF supports various initiatives, including the Annual Chess Tournaments, the
N.E.W. Opportunities Workshop for Women, and the Honor an Educator program.

Join us on March 11th for the 2025 Community Quiz Bowl.

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WARSAW — A new series of pickleball clinics are being offered by Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department, with a special incentive for young people who might be interested.

The parks department is offering the classes at the K21 Courts, 503 N. Detroit St.

Cost is $20 for adults, but is free for youth.

The week-long series of clinics for youth begin June 11 and will all be in the morning. Adult classes also begin June 11 and continue weekly for four weeks. All adult classes will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The classes will focus on techniques and the basics of the fast growing sport.

All equipment will be provided.

Registration is required.

There will be no day-of signups taken. Participants can attend as many or as few days as they wish, but the sessions are intended to build upon one another.

To register and learn more about the clinics and start times, click here.

For more information, contact the parks office at 574-372-9554.

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