WARSAW — Warsaw Community Public Library Director Heather Barron is leaving her position for a new job. 

Her resignation is effective Friday.

Barron's departure comes less than two weeks after the Warsaw City Council voted not to approve a $17 million bond needed for library renovations.

Barron tells News Now Warsaw that she accepted the job and informed the library board of her resignation before the council vote. 

She said she chose not to announce the decision before the vote to maintain focus on the proposal.

Barron joined the library less than three years ago and spent a significant share of her time working on developing a renovation plan amid ongoing mechanical problems.

Taxpayer opposition to the bond issue was fueled by concerns about rising property tax bills and uncertainty over ongoing efforts to reform the state's property tax policies by state lawmakers.

The library looked into building new or relocating, but eventually settled on a renovation plan.

An earlier renovation plan would have relied on about $22 million, but that was scaled back.

In a statement to News Now Warsaw, she said she was “incredibly grateful” for patrons, supporters, and staff and wished the library and the community all the best. 

She declined to discuss the circumstances further and also chose not to discuss her new job.

She said she and staff and board members had been focused in recent days on working on future plans following the council's vote.

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WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library has issued a lengthy statement in response to the Warsaw City Council's decision not to support a $17 million bond for renovations.

In the letter, the library defended its request, stressed that several opportunities had been made available in recent months for the public to learn more about the need for repairs, and said a fund has been established to cover the cost of future anticipated repairs.

You can read the statement here.

City Council voted 4-3 against the request in a five-hour meeting with a standing room only crowd on May 18, ending more than two years of plans by the library board for major renovations, many of which are needed to replace aging mechanicals and subpar handicap accessibility.

Opponents to the bond said the timing of the request was not good because of the ongoing efforts by state lawmakers to enact property tax reform, which has created concerns over future revenue reductions.

Some of those who spoke against the bond issue at the May 18 meeting questioned why existing equipment was not better cared for and why a maintenance program was not used.

In the letter, the library defended its efforts to maintain existing equipment, much of which remains in use far beyond what is typically expected.

"Our care and commitment to the building were evident in the fact that so many major systems (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) were still functioning well beyond their normal lifespans. That was due to ongoing preventive maintenance, repairs, and replacements, as well as standard annual inspections by various agencies over the years," the statement said.

The statement also recapped various financial setbacks over the years that have put a strain on finances.

"All the while, the library incurred costly repairs that depleted funds — funds and reserves that are limited by Indiana state statute ... Despite setbacks, the library has worked hard to ensure continued services without borrowing money. When a bond was issued in 1997 for the last renovation, the library refinanced it and paid it back two years early, saving taxpayers money," the statement said.

In the statement, the library also announced the establishment of a fund through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

"We will do our best to continue to serve this community, just as we have throughout the years. Costs will continue to rise as our building ages, and equipment will inevitably need to be replaced. We have established a WCPL Capital Improvement Fund at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation for those wanting to donate. It is our commitment to serve you and your neighbors as safely and effectively as we can for as long as we can," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the library is now left with few good options if more mechanical issues arise.

Library officials, as well as some city council members, expressed fears at the May 18 meeting that future repairs could leave the library in a difficult position without financial flexibility.

State law changed several years ago, requiring library boards to seek approval for major renovation expenditures from a corresponding elected board, and city council was left with the decision.

Under state law, the library can not seek another bond request for two years.

News Now Warsaw sought clarifications on several issues over the past week, but the library declined, saying it needed more time to respond.

The library request is one of three major expenditures proposed in recent months. The other involves the construction of a new library in Syracuse and the construction of a parking garage proposed by the city of Warsaw and Kosiusko County.

The Syracuse Library plan is scheduled to be voted on June 11 by the county council.  Details and cost figures for the parking garage have not yet been announced.

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WARSAW — Warsaw City meetings will move to the Police Department Training Center in December and January while work is being done in the council chambers at City Hall.

At Monday night’s Warsaw Common Council meeting, Council President Jack Wilhite asked about the work that will be going on at the City Hall building.

Mayor Jeff Grose explained they’ve met with Core Mechanical several times on the HVAC system in City Hall.

“It’s going to happen very soon. In days, or the next week, they’re going to take care of a major unit. They’re not going to put it up on the roof. It’s going to just be outside, basically taking (Human Resource Director) Denny Harlan’s (parking) spot,” he said.

“They’ll take care of that for several weeks, and then Dec. 15 to Jan. 30, phase II they call it, they’re going to fix the council chambers. So we’ll be working with the council and other boards, along with the clerk-treasurer’s office, to move all public meetings that are normally held in this council chambers to the Warsaw Police Department,” he said.

Grose said WPD Chief Scott Whitaker and his department were gracious enough to let the city take over three-quarters of that training room.

“It sounds easy, but all these laptops have to go. State law now wants everything on video record,” Grose said, noting he’s the one that is going to be running the video equipment for the six weeks.

“That’s going to be a good faith effort. There’s plenty of parking. The training room is really nice. You guys were gracious enough to approve restrooms, and so those are in there and it’s really good. But that will be for about six weeks,” he said.

After the council chambers, Core will then move to the wastewater collections and clerk-treasurer’s offices. That will be about another six weeks, and then they’ll move upstairs to Building & Planning for six to seven weeks; then in July or August, transition over to working in the HR and mayor’s offices.

“A huge project that’s needed to be done for a long time,” Grose said. “... We’re going to make it right.”

If it doesn’t get done now, quoting Clerk-Treasurer Lynne Christiansen, it’ll be worse in the future, he said. Christiansen has been very creative in finding funds for the project in 2025 and 2026.

He expected the council to meet in the council chambers for their Dec. 15 meeting, but would have their January meetings at the WPD Training Center.

Wilhite said, “This is sort of been in the works for, even from the previous administration. Like you said, it’s a long time coming, and finally we’re going to get it done.

Funding for the approximate $1.7 million project will come from the American Rescue Plan Act, a supplemental distribution and the lawsuit settlement.

On Dec. 16, 2011, the city entered into an AIA contract for the remodeling of City Hall.

In October 2020, the city filed a civil suit against multiple defendants after poor installation of the HVAC systems at City Hall. The performance of the contract resulted in the HVAC being improperly installed, installed out of conformity to the contract documents or being negligently installed. The systems resulted in malfunctions, degradation of other parts of the HVAC system and building installations, which are all ongoing, according to previous news articles on the lawsuit.

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WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library took the first step toward approving a bond proposal to finance $17 million in renovations.

On Monday, the library board held the first of two hearings on the plan and heard from the architect and finance counsel about the details.

[caption id="attachment_121509" align="alignright" width="300"] A handicap ramp on the east side of the library has been in existence since renovations were made nearly 30 years ago to the building, but officials agree it is not ideal or easy to use for people with mobility issues. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Officials estimate 60 percent of the construction cost is needed to replace much of the building's aging internal guts — a wide range of infrastructure that includes the need for new heating and cooling, roofing, and electrical.

The last major renovation was nearly 30 years ago, and much of the machinery and controls have exceeded their lifetime expectancy.

Another large portion of the plan — estimated to be about 20 percent — will involve redesigning the main entrance for better access and safety.

The building's lack of adequate access for those in wheelchairs, and a beautiful but complicated entrance that includes a curving stairway and a small elevator — are two of the biggest sore points in the building's design.

The overall change would greatly improve wheelchair access and provide a straight sightline from the front desk to the entrance.

Another hearing is set for Nov. 17, and then the  Warsaw City Council will weigh in on the proposal.

The library tax rate would rise by about four dollars per month for homeowners with an average-sized house.

Payments on the project would be spread over 19 years, according to paperwork from Bakertilly.

The hearing attracted very few people, and nobody openly objected to the plan.

Chris Merrill, who chairs the library board, said it's been a long process with plenty to consider.

The board initially looked at building a new facility elsewhere, but there was a strong desire to keep it downtown at the existing Carnegie Library.

“And we've finally come to the point where we can start to (show) the public ... what we would like to do and then finally take it to the common council, to get financing. And then off we go,” Merrill said.

Library Director Heather Barron said the meeting in November is a good opportunity to understand aspects of the plan.

“It is open to the public for anyone who would like a better understanding of why we are seeking this,” Barron said. “Again, it’s infrastructure, accessibility and safety, which is why we need this renovation. It has also been 30 years. So it is definitely time.”

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WARSAW — Dave Gustafson has taken the city’s idea of sidewalk seating to a new level at the Anthology Whiskey Room in downtown Warsaw.

Anthology has evolved over several years in several locations on East Center Street, and the newest space, which encompasses more than one previous business, opened at 109 E. Center St., about a year ago.

During the past few months, Gustafson has focused on extensive renovations to the facade, in which a covered outdoor seating area was carved out of the front of the original interior floor plan. Completion of the indoor-outdoor seating area that he calls a veranda wrapped up a month or so ago.

[caption id="attachment_113406" align="alignright" width="440"] Celebrating the facade improvement at Anthology Whiskey Room on East Center Street, representatives of Main Street Warsaw and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. From left are Main Street Warsaw Board Member Cindy Dobbins, Main Street Warsaw Downtown Development Director Terry Sweeney, store owner Dave Gustafson, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rob Parker and Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator Nora Christiansen. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

On Monday, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Warsaw celebrated the facade renovations with a photo opportunity.

The sheltered seating area is just east of the business’s main entrance and has a very metropolitan feel that passersby have noticed.

“Their initial reaction is, ‘Oh, this reminds me of being in Milan or this reminds me of Miami’ or fill in the blank of what city or space this reminds them of, and it’s a compliment to us. It gives a positive reaction to people thinking this is a great place to sit and enjoy a drink with a friend,” Gustafson said.

The verdana provides an outdoor flavor even during imperfect weather.

“You get some protection from the sun, but also it gives you the full exposure to the fresh air and sunlight,” he said.

The interior has about 3,000 square feet of space, but relies on large, comfortable leather seating that adds to the ambiance of comfort and relaxation.

Dark woodwork and light jazz music mix well with the mature whiskey atmosphere. 

The bar offers 1,500 whiskey labels and will soon launch a substantial wine list.

“Business has been great, but I think events are the next phase … there’s been a big input from our guests that they would love to see that,” he said. 

Gustafson, like more than a dozen other downtown shop owners, also has a desire to use the nearby sidewalk.

The city began permitting and encouraging sidewalk seating about four years ago.

“We do intend to utilize some sidewalk seating as well, but this covered area is fantastic,” he said.

Anthology received a $10,000 facade grant and is one of numerous downtown businesses that have made exterior improvements after the city increased the annual allotment to the program two years ago to the program to $50,000.

The 2025 allotment has already been exhausted, Sweeny said.

Terry Sweeny, director of downtown development for Main Street Warsaw, is one of many impressed with Anthology's improvements.

"Aesthetically, it's very attractive and I think it will attract more people to come downtown and enjoy that business," Sweeney said.

In addition to Anthology, recent facade improvements that have already happened or are scheduled to happen include Rock Steady Pizza, Moving Pictures Tattoo Cinema, Glam Boutique, Lakeland Art Association and Generous Coffee.

Those total improvements are valued at about $470,000, Sweeney said.

"It's a really successful program. It helps leverage public-private investment to improve buildings, preserve those buildings, and support those businesses," Sweeney said.

Below are more photos of Anthology's veranda provided by Gustafson.

[gallery size="full" columns="1" ids="113411,113412,113413"]

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WARSAW — Slate Auto executives shared some eye-popping financial figures and other details on Thursday night as Kosciusko County officials began considering a local incentives package intended to lure the electric pickup truck maker to Warsaw.

The Michigan-based company is pledging $363 million in investment in the old RR Donnelley printing plant and the county council took preliminary steps on the way to likely approving ten ten-year abatements for both personal property and real estate.

Slate Attorney Steve Snyder presented the plan to council Thursday night.

"That's an impressive number when you look at the total — especially in light of the fact we have a vacant facility that could stay vacant for how long? Nobody knows," Snyder said. "But because of the incentives that have been offered to Slate, they believe they can make that facility meet their needs."

Slate looked at other locations, but some speculate that the proximity of railroad tracks right next to Donnelly's was a factor.

That issue was not discussed.

"There were other choices — let's put it that way," Snyder said. "These incentives are what brought Slate to the door. "

About half a dozen Slate representatives attended Thursday’s meeting.

The reason for such a large infusion is due to the facility's condition. Plant Manager Rich Schmidt said much of the 2.5 million square feet in interior space across numerous structures on the property will have to be gutted.

The company also said its annual salaries could be around $93 million and plans to hire more than 1,600 in hopes of beginning operations in 2026.

Schmidt said hourly workers could see annual salaries around $70,00 while salaried employees will be around $120,000 and engineers could see salaries upward of at least $150,00.

Snyder also said the arrival of Slate would provide a new level of industrial diversification that local leaders have always wanted.

He also touched on the politics and popularity of electric vehicles.

"They might not be smiled on by the current administration as much as they have been in the past, but they are a thing that is coming, and every manufacturer is in the business of electric vehicles," Snyder said.

Negotiations with Slate have been underway for about six months, he said.

Melanie Reilly, representing the company's tax department, said they hope to know soon how much the county could expect to see in tax revenues as a result of the company's presence in the county.

Two preliminary steps were taken by the council on Thursday and it appears the request is on itw way toward easy approval.

Council President Tony Ciriello said the agreed-upon figures for Slate are in line with other agreements with Louis Dreyfus Company in Claypool and various orthopedic companies in Warsaw.

"The original proposal was a lot worse than this, and this was negotiated to a liveable abatement," Ciriello said.

In a conversation with News Now Warsaw after Thursday's meeting, Ciriello tipped his hat to the late council member Mike Long, who died recently but had been involved in negotiations with Slate months ago prior to his passing.

Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Peggy Friday, who led the effort to bring Slate to Warsaw, afterward marveled that the old RR Donnelley and Sons property — most recently used by LSC Communications — only remained on the market for less than a year.

"It's a staggering project when you look at the amount of investment they are gonna be making in bringing that facility up to speed — again has sat vacant or less than 10 months — that doesn't happen in this economy today," Friday said. "We're incredibly fortunate that they're going to take the bones of that building and make it something special again."

Renovations are expected to begin within a few weeks and the first phase of hiring will begin in October, Schmidt said

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WARSAW — It’s been 18 months since the old Center Lake Pavilion was extensively renovated.

The revamped park property has a new kitchen, new restrooms, a spruced-up interior, large video screens and a brighter atmosphere thanks in part to a large bank of windows overlooking Center Lake.

Two and a half million dollars of the $3 million project was provided by the Zimmer Biomet Foundation and coincided with a change of name to Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion.

"It's much better, Dan, I mean we've never seen a facility like this," said Parks Superindent Larry Plummer who made the comments during a taping of In The Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

Plummer said the pavilion has become a magnet for gatherings.

"From the end of April all the way to the end of August, there isn't a Saturday open for that facility," he said. "We've also seen an uptick in weekly rentals. We've had corporations within Warsaw and outside of Warsaw come to use that facility during the week, so that's a big plus."

Last fall, vandals caused damage to two restrooms which are accessible from the outdoors.

It took a while for police to find the suspects, but several (adult and juvenile) are now facing charges.

Plummer said he believes that outdoor security cameras were keys to their apprehensions.

Other park-related topics included the removal of the Center Lake Pier, proposed new piers, an increased emphasis on fishing and the daddy-daughter dance.

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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WARSAW — A feasibility study on renovating the Warsaw Community Public Library has been released with many ideas that are part of a long list of possible changes.

[caption id="attachment_103711" align="alignright" width="360"] A handicap ramp on the east side of the library has been in existence since renovations were made 27 years ago to the building but officials agree it is not ideal or easy to use for some people with mobility issues. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

What’s apparent is that changes will be needed throughout much of the building as well and the parking lot — so much so that officials believe it would be best to do all of the work at the same time rather than in phases.

That option would entail closing the library for an extended period.

"Ideally, yes, being able to use a comprehensive strategy, that's going to save us a lot of money and a lot of time," said Heather Barron, library director. "Being able to do everything at once is going to be a much bigger return on investment."

Barron recapped highlights of the study by MKM Architecture + design and SCO Engineering to the library board on Monday.

The study is available online.

The study spans more than 50 pages and Barron said the recommendations are not set in stone.

Barron has made it clear in recent months that many aspects of the library need replacement or improvements.

The library was last renovated nearly 30 years ago.

Improving access to the library is one of the priorities.

The main interior entrance, while gorgeous, is not easy to access for some. The handicapped ramp, located on the east side of the building is not user-friendly.

The study says the current facility creates barriers for patrons with limited mobility.

“Addressing these components will require more extensive construction. Goals would be to increase access and safety from the parking lot and optimize the main entry sequence to reduce elevator rides and simplify access to both levels of the building,” the study said.

"I think redoing our main entry could significantly help increase accessibility for anyone with mobility issues," Barron said.

The study proposes the installation of a new elevator that could access both floors.

Some top priorities outlined in the study:

• The heating and cooling systems for the building have all exceeded their lifetime expectancy (see chart to the right).
• The sprinkler system and security system both need to be replaced.
• Roof leaks have been an ongoing problem.
• The parking lot traffic flow is not good and needs to be redesigned.
• The children's library has an overgrown book collection and is in need of expansion. The study calls for the department to be relocated.
• Some meeting rooms are deemed too small for modern group activities and need to be expanded.

See a chart highlighting priorities at the bottom of this story

On the subject of infrastructure, the study says that while contingency plans for immediate repairs can be identified, "the strategic approach to the building’s infrastructure should consider a complete replacement of the building's primary systems in the near future ..."

Many unknowns remain. Those include the renovation cost, how soon construction could begin and how long a temporary closure would last.

Plans are tentative and Barron said recently that construction might not begin until late in 2026.

The next step will involve working with a bond counsel to determine finances and then meeting with architects to come up with a specific plan.

The construction price tag remains unclear. Barron acknowledges prices could change over time and that numerous unknowns, including the potential for tariffs (proposed by President-Elect Donald Trump) could impact the project in different ways.

"We saw prices skyrocket after COVID and the markets have been kind of volatile so we're not sure where we will land," Barron said. "Depending on when we could get started, prices may fluctuate for various reasons ... including tariffs rising potentially ... who knows."

She said they would also like to establish some greenspace outdoors — possibly for childrens' programming — but said that could be a challenge because the property is landlocked by nearby roads.

[caption id="attachment_103716" align="aligncenter" width="900"] A feasibility study released recently suggests the front entrance needs to be redesigned to improve access. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_103731" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Above is a page taken from the feasibility study highlighting priorities.[/caption]

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AKRON — Teachers, coaches, administrators and students were excited to show the public the renovations and additions to Tippecanoe Valley High School during an open house on Sunday.

Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation Superintendent Blaine Conley said planning began in 2022 with public meetings to gather input from not only school personnel but also from the community on what the needs for the facility were.

They knew the pool needed to be renovated.

Wanting to expand the agriculture program, having added a second teacher a few years ago, Conley said, “We wanted to provide a really improved instructional space for those two teachers.” 

The weight room was expanded, and a multi-purpose room will give the wrestling team a place to work and practice to expand their program.

“We were able to get all those different components into this project,” he said. “The auditorium was something that had been discussed for a long time, and we knew that there will be community events out here. And, obviously, the student events with our choir, theater and band. There will be more people able to come out and watch our kids compete and participate in those different activities.”

The project is very close to being completed. The $31 million in renovations and new construction is a tax rate-neutral project, Conley said.

One of the new spaces is the weight and fitness room, along with new locker rooms, to the right of a new entry.

Brandon Webster, strength and conditioning coach, said, “The old weight room was about 2,000 square feet. This is about 5,000 square feet, and we added 15 racks, so now we can have class sizes of 60 in here training at one time. So it’s just a little bit more efficient and, obviously, we’ve got a little bit more toys to play with to kind of help lead the student-athletes to a better future.”

Along with the weights, there are some cardio machines, med balls and “all sorts of fun stuff,” he said.
Of the people he sees during the day, Webster said about 90% are athletes.

Since opening in February, the weight and fitness room has just been open to students to let them break in the new equipment. Starting Nov. 11, it will be opened to the public, Conley said. Hours will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. People can enter the north door.

Across the hall from the weight and fitness room is the newly constructed stage and auditorium.

Thomas Boys, director of vocal music and theater arts, said the new stage at 48 feet is wider than the old state was at about 30 feet. Stage depth is also bigger, and over 600 people can be seated in the updated chairs.

“In here, we’re on all LED lighting,” he said, and they don’t have to climb a ladder to change the color gels on the lights. It’s all on the keyboard system up in the booth. 

“Everything is larger,” Boys said, including the wing space. “We can have larger groups. If any outside groups wanted to come and do a concert, or any kind of performance, I think we’re able to accommodate almost any normal-size production.”

There’s dressing rooms for boys and girls, as well as a green room for performers to do their hair and makeup.

The first production that will make use of the stage is Valley’s Got Talent at 7 p.m. Nov. 7. Two weeks after that will be the fall play, “Circus Olympus.” Show times are 7 p.m. Nov. 21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 23.

Boys said they’re getting training on the lights and sound this week.

Janell Riner, band director for the past 26 years, said the auditorium is acoustically designed for performances.

“It’s going to boost our sound - not necessarily make us louder, but the audience is going to be able to hear with absolute precision everything we do, which is really exciting,” she said. “The band will be able to hear themselves better. That makes you a better musician.”

She said it’ll give the band program a boost with exposure, which she said will be great.

“I would think, for the parents, it would be really, really exciting to come and watch their kids in a place like this. Behind the scenes, we know how hard the kids work, but then to get them out here, in this place, it just really, really highlights all the work that they’ve put into it. So, as a parent, I would be very excited to see my kid on this stage,” she stated.

The pool has been renovated and looks like new.

Scott Whetstone, boys and girls swim coach, said he swam at the old TVHS pool for age group and in high school.

“It’s a huge update. Much needed. But it’s been a lot of change and a lot of updates, with the bleachers, obviously. Getting the pool re-tiled. A whole new circulation system, all the stuff they did to improve to just get us up and running,” he said.

It’s still a six-lane pool, but there is an updated digital scoreboard. There’s a new timing system and inlines.

“Everything refurbished and new,” Whetstone stated. “We’re hoping to bring in some kids, that’s what we’re trying to do - help the program. Obviously, a new facility should help. Trying to get some numbers up and trying to get things moving along.”

The girls swim season starts today, Monday, Oct. 28, while the boys start Nov. 11.
He thanked the school board and everyone who helped make the pool a reality.

Conley said there will be open time for the pool for the public, with that information to be posted on their Facebook page.

Nathan Shewman, head wrestling coach, said the dedicated wrestling room will have mats on the floor from wall to wall. While there won’t be any competitions held in the room, he said it’ll just be for practice.

“With girls wrestling being sanctioned this year, that’s going to increase the number of kids we have in here at any given time for practice. It’ll be nice to have a place of our own finally,” he stated.

Luke Tucker, FFA president, and Aaron Backus, FFA secretary, highlighted the new agriculture space in the school.

“A lot of the stuff in here is new, more modern. With the shop stuff, it’ll help us learn the more modern ways to do stuff. There’s a lot of more new stuff that we didn’t have in our old one,” Backus said.

The FFA also has its own office for meetings.

In the new shop are all new welding booths and welders, which “is a big upgrade from what we had,” Tucker said. “And we have all new tools, tool chests, all that type of stuff.” He said the shop is a lot nicer.

Michael Jones, one of two TVHS agriculture teachers, said four years ago they added a second ag teacher, Hope Slagle, after student enrollment in the ag program increased.
“When we moved back here (from the north side of the school to the south), they built us two brand new classrooms, which are wide open. Lots of lab space so we can do more labs. And then a new ag shop for my ag mechanics classes,” he stated. 

The ag classes are closer to the woods, which they use a lot. The cattle operations also are back there.

Jonathan Tinkey, esports coach at Valley, and player Jacob Scacco showed off the new esports room.

“Esports stands for electronic sports. It is competition of different video games, usually team-based,” Tinkey said. “... Players compete against different schools in getting different objectives in a map.”

He said esports help students with teamwork and thinking on their feet. In many matches, they can be won or lost on a quick decision. Valley has 30 students currently in esports and they’re divided into four different games.

Scacco has been playing esports for two years. He said what he likes about it are the connections he makes. His best friend plays with him and esports gives them something to talk about and learn about each other. He said he’s also made a lot of friends through the games.

Brandon Kresca, TVHS principal, summarized the renovation project by stating, “It’s new opportunity ... We’ve just been anticipating this completion so that we can have access to all these spaces for our different groups - our fine arts departments, our athletic departments, our agriculture departments.  So many different groups are getting their programs enhanced by these different spaces.”

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WARSAW — Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital celebrated the completion of a $30 million expansion and renovation on Tuesday with a ribbon cutting and open house.

Community and hospital leadership included representatives from the LKH board, medical staff, city and chamber who provided comments during the ceremony that was held inside the newly redesigned lobby.

“The medical staff at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital has been committed to the delivery of
quality healthcare services to our patients since 1976. This renovation and expansion makes access to care more convenient and comfortable for our patients, visitors, doctors and employees,” said Dr. Brian Reichenbach, Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital medical staff member and LKH board of trustees member.

“The ongoing investment is a priority for the hospital and we hope our patients are pleased with the improvements,” he added.

The project includes 25,700 square feet of new construction and renovations and includes:

• An expanded, redesigned lobby with new public entry
  Renovations to all patient rooms, public spaces and nursing stations on the
  medical, surgical and intensive care units
• Updates to the hospital façade
• New campus exterior signage to enhance patient wayfinding
• Surgical services expansion and updates, including:
• Expanded pre- and post-surgical bays with additional spaces for
  increased patient privacy and more room for family members to be with
  loved ones
• Renovation of existing operating room so surgeons can accommodate
  more complex cases, allowing patients to be scheduled sooner and
  remain close to home when surgery is needed
• Expanded sterile processing area with new technology for faster
  equipment sterilization

Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital is also the area’s only hospital with both an accredited chest
pain center and accredited stroke center. The hospital offers a variety of quality services
close to home, including emergency care, an urgent care center, a birthing center, heart and stroke care, orthopedics, occupational health, rehabilitation services, a sleep center, a wound care center and a cancer care center providing radiation therapy.

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