WARSAW — Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts will host its second annual year-end gala, Great Performances, Greater Purpose, on Thursday night.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a complimentary open-bar cocktail hour provided by the board of directors, according to a news release from Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet members of the professional cast of “Elf the Musical” and enjoy time in the lobby before the performance.

A silent auction will take place before the performance and during intermission. Attendees can bid on memorabilia from the Wagon Wheel archives, select costume pieces, VIP experiences including private dance classes, original chairs from the historic Wagon Wheel tent and autographed photos of Marie Osmond, Billy Rae Cyrus and The Temptations.

During the performance, audiences will experience the one night each year when every program of Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts shares the stage: Wagon Wheel Professional Theatre, Wagon Wheel Community Theatre, Wagon Wheel Junior, Wagon Wheel Conservatory and Symphony of the Lakes. The evening will also showcase video testimonials from Wagon Wheel alumni who are now performing on Broadway in productions including “Wicked,” “Hamilton,” and “The Lion King.”

Kira Lace Hawkins and Sam Engle will serve as emcees for the event.

“This is the most important night of the year for Wagon Wheel,” said Engle.

“It shows, in one evening, just how essential our theater is to our community and how far our impact reaches. We celebrate our professional performers, our students and the generations of artists who started on this stage and are now on Broadway. And this year, you can even bring home a sacred part of our legacy through our silent auction. These pieces tell the story of who we are and why this place matters,” he said.

Tickets for the event are available at wagonwheelcenter.org or by calling the box office at 574-267-8041.

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WINONA LAKE — Medtech experts and the public are invited to a meeting later this month that will showcase area manufacturing with a focus on orthopedics.

"MADE HERE: A Manufacturing Showcase" will shine a spotlight on the Orthopedic Capital of the World as it brings together orthopedic industry professionals from around the globe on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake.

The event is co-hosted by the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) and OrthoWorx and powered by local orthopedic company Priority Medical.

"With 130 years of orthopedic excellence, our industry ecosystem stands as a global model for innovation, collaboration, and expertise," said OrthoWorx President & CEO Ryan Christner. "This showcase brings together the brightest minds and bold ideas to shape the future of orthopedics and MedTech right where it all began. When innovation connects with expertise and education, the possibilities are limitless."

It’s the first of a multi-showcase series focusing on the rich orthopedic medical device ecosystem that supports the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.

"Five generations of manufacturing excellence will come together under one roof to answer the question: ‘Why produce your orthopedic medical devices anywhere else? If it’s orthopedics, it’s MADE HERE’," said Travis Christman, Priority Medical Operations & Quality Lead.

Emceeing the evening will be Jameil "Jay" Pendleton of the MedTech Voice, and the agenda will include dedicated time for connection and networking, a panel discussion with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Klaasen, Brian Hodorek of Ignite Orthopedics, and Erik Kanalas of OrthoPediatrics, and a unique showcase highlighting 14 local contract manufacturers.

"Our goal is to welcome OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and guests to forge new and meaningful relationships while unlocking new possibilities within this vibrant industry," said Christman. "Whether seeking a strategic supplier, technical partner, or a glimpse at the future of orthopedic manufacturing, MADE HERE is where it begins."

Orthopedic OEMs attending will gain access to consolidated supplier discovery and qualification, opening the door to streamlined strategic sourcing opportunities—where connecting with one supplier often leads to connections with many. The event also helps strengthen relationships across the ecosystem, gives attendees a clearer view of the region’s talent pipeline, and offers insights that support long-term growth.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent and expertise within our orthopedic ecosystem," said KEDCO CEO Peggy Friday. "When you create the right energy and bring the right people together, that’s when great business happens and lasting relationships are built."

Ticket registration is still open, but seats are filling quickly. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://bit.ly/MADEHERE2025.

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Warsaw — Local rock favorites Beez and the Rocker are set to celebrate the release of their new album with an album release party at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and can be purchased in advance at WarsawSchools.org/PAC. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Known for their ukulele-driven rock sound, Beez and the Rocker are bringing their signature style to the big stage for one unforgettable night.

The event will feature a live performance of an all-new album, plus other fan-favorite tracks, surprise guest appearances, and more.

Brett Hall and the Coonhounds will also perform.

“This will be the second ‘Beez and the Rocker’ concert we’ve had at the PAC,” says WCHS Performing Arts Center Director Kris Lake. “We knew last year that we had to have them back after audiences left that concert begging for a repeat.”

New songs that will be heard for the first time include “My Alternative Girl,” “Who Loves You Like Me,” Don’t Know,” and the worldwide release of “Fill Up My Head.”

“We’ve been so blessed with the response from our local communities,” says Mike Beezley, half of the ‘Beez and the Rocker’ duo. “We are booked around the area nearly every weekend, and it means so much to us that our community is supporting local bands, ours included.”

The album, titled “Beez and the Rocker 2”, marks the band’s third studio release and showcases a dynamic evolution in their sound, blending raw instrumentations and lyrics, gripping vocals, modern alt-rock edge, and the full sound of an extended band.

“What started as just me and Beez became something so much bigger,” says Scott Hardy, the “rocker” in the duo. “When we decided to start recording our songs professionally, we called up our friends and were able to fill the gaps that we didn’t know we needed but are so glad we have!”

The rest of the band, eloquently referred to as “The Leesburg Wrecking Crew”, includes Anna Gibson, Micah Gibson, and Adam Guy. The band is often professionally mixed by sound producer Anthony Gagliano.

The event will feature “Beez and the Rocker” merchandise for sale, as well as concessions available during intermission, with proceeds benefitting the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.

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News Release

WARSAW — It’s time to don your best diamonds and denim for Rise Up 2025, Sponsored by Wildman. This one-of-a-kind fundraiser event benefitting The Magical Meadows is sure to inspire and encourage you to have some fun along the way.

This year’s event will be held inside Adams Arena at The Magical Meadows on Thursday, April 24 from 6-9 p.m.

New features include a live bluegrass band, dancing, an ice cream bar, and new auction items that are sure to get you excited about bidding.

Willie 103.5’s Chris Cage will also be there serving as the event emcee.

The non-profit will also be bringing back the features that guests have come to know and love, including therapeutic horseback riding demonstrations (weather dependent), horse meet n’ greet, inspiring speeches, delicious food and drinks from Farmhouse Events & Catering, live & silent auctions, and mingling with friends.

All proceeds from this event benefit the life-changing mission of The Magical Meadows, which is to provide a natural space for those with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, along with their families, to experience the healing power of horses.

The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $100,000, which will cover more than a quarter of the 501c3 organization’s 2025 operating budget.

This comes as the organization anticipates nearly doubling its service numbers for individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans, and first responders this year.

Individual tickets cost $100/person and a table of 8 costs $800. People interested in attending the event can register online at https://www.themagicalmeadows.org/riseup/ Attendance is limited to 200 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

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WARSAW — The Warsaw Community High School Lady Tiger Basketball team is making history as they prepare to compete in the Class 4A State Championship.

With a record of 26-1, the Lady Tigers will take on Lawrence North this Saturday, March 1, at approximately 8:15 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

This championship game holds special significance as our Lady Tigers were the very first state champions in 1976. Now, 50 years later, Warsaw is looking to claim the title once again. To honor this milestone, the 1976 and 1977 Lady Tiger teams will be recognized during the state championship game, celebrating Warsaw basketball history.

Although tickets in the Warsaw section are sold out, additional seats for session 2 will be released on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Learn more here:  https://www.ticketmaster.com/ihsaa-girls-basketball-state-finals-tickets/artist/2323941.

The theme for the event is ORANGE OUT! If you're there early, make sure to join us at Gainbridge for Fan Fest from 3:30 to 5 p.m., celebrating 50 years of girls' basketball. Attendees can enjoy photo opportunities, prizes and special activities leading up to the game. Here are some helpful need-to-knows and prohibited items. Be sure to check these links before heading to the game!

To kick off this occasion, the Lady Tigers will receive a community send-off with a parade through town. The team buses will depart from Door 32 at WCHS at 11 AM on Saturday, escorted by first responders. The parade route will take them north on Logan Street, east on Winona Avenue, north on Washington Street, east on Center Street, and south on Buffalo Street before heading out of town.

For those traveling to the game, fan buses will be available for both students and adults. The buses will depart from the PAC auditorium at 4:45 PM. Students have been provided with sign-up details separately, while adults can reserve a seat by calling the athletic office at 574-371-5091.

For those unable to attend in person, the championship game will be streamed live on IHSAAtv.org and the IHSAAtv app. Viewers can purchase access for $15 per game or $20 for all games.

As game day approaches, the community is urged to show their Tiger pride by decorating storefronts, displaying signs and rallying together to support the team. Let’s turn Warsaw into a sea of orange and black!

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WARSAW — On Friday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m., Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts will present Love Notes, a special candlelight concert featuring the Symphony of the Lakes String Quartet.

Designed for the perfect Valentine’s Day date night, the concert will feature timeless classical pieces in the first half and string arrangements of popular contemporary love songs in the second half.

Audiences can expect to hear music by artists such as Coldplay, Ariana Grande, Whitney Houston, and Tori Kelly. The stage will be illuminated with candles surrounding the quartet, bringing the widely popular candlelight concert phenomenon to Warsaw. Guests are invited to enjoy champagne in the lobby before the performance.

Symphony of the Lakes concertmaster, Shana Brath, shared her enthusiasm for the event. “Our quartet has had such a wonderful time preparing to share this program of chamber music that spans the eras,” says Brath. “From Romantic masters like Schubert to Gershwin and Alicia Keys, the audience is in for a rare treat this Valentine’s Day”.

Tickets for Love Notes are available now and can be purchased at wagonwheelcenter.org or by calling the box office at (574) 267-8041.

About Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts: Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Warsaw, Indiana.

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WARSAW — The Dancing with the Stars for Charity is returning to the Warsaw Performing Arts Center on March 29 at 7 p.m.

This evening of dance and philanthropy will bring together employees from Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) and local community members to perform in support of 10 charities.

The event, now in its third year, continues to be an example of community spirit, raising nearly $25,000 in the past two events combined. For 2025, organizers have set an ambitious goal, according to a provided news release.

“We want to raise $25,000 in one night,” said Kris Lake, producer and organizer of the event. “Our goal is to exceed $50,000 in total donations, and I truly believe we can achieve that this year!”

What makes Dancing with the Stars for Charity particularly special is the transformation that takes place as individuals — many with no prior dance experience — prepare for the big night, the release states. The event provides the community an opportunity to see participants grow and develop through rehearsals while supporting causes in the process.

“This event is not just about dancing; it’s about coming together to make a difference,” Lake said.

Tickets for the event are available now and range from $14 to $30, depending on seating preference. One hundred percent of the ticket sales will be divided evenly among the featured charities, with the winning team’s charity receiving a slightly larger share. Tickets can be purchased online at www.warsawschools.org/pac or by calling the WCHS Performing Arts Center Box Office at 574-371-5040 during school hours.

This year’s event will feature 10 teams, each consisting of a WCS staff member, a community participant and two students from the Warsaw Community High School Dance Department, who will serve as choreographers.

The teams will perform to raise awareness and funds for the following charities: Fellowship Missions, Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Project Ebeneezer, Kosciusko Senior Services, Fear is a Liar Ministries, Giving Basics, Boomerang Backpacks, Giant Paw Prints Rescue, My Team Triumph and Habitat for Humanity.

“We aim to feature a diverse range of local not-for-profit organizations each year,” explained Lake. “Our only criterion is that these organizations serve a need of some kind within Kosciusko County.”

This year’s teams include:

• WCS staff member Tim Devlin and community member Crystal Watters, dancing for Fellowship Missions, with choreography by Courtney Brower and Dakota Gardner.

• WCS staff member Lauren Sponseller and Scotty Rocker, supporting the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, choreographed by Ella Gonzalez and Amber Whitaker.

• WCS employee Kelly Bradley and business owner Nathan Underneath, dancing for Project Ebeneezer, with choreography by Victoria Peloza and Shannon Smith.

• Megan Davis and Scott Clay, supporting Kosciusko Senior Services, choreographed by Kaelyn Stoffel and Zariya Buchan.

• WCS employee Leo Patino and Courtney Brown, dancing for Fear is a Liar Ministries, with choreography by Chloe Kim and Scarlett Walters.

• WCS staff member Griffin Heckaman and Karris Sigler Nissley, dancing for Giving Basics, with choreography by Malori McDaniels and Kayanna Secrest.

• Joel Duran and April Slone, supporting Boomerang Backpacks, choreographed by Maddy Hart and Izzy Rozelle.

• WCS employee Erin Leinbach and Nash Christiansen, dancing for Giant Paw Prints Rescue, with choreography by Lily Kincaid and Kenzie Langhorn.

• WCS staffer Donna Moudy and Keaton Anderson, supporting My Team Triumph, choreographed by Lexi Reece and Bella Boley.

• Leo Jones and Quentin Slothour, dancing for Habitat for Humanity, with choreography by Jazmyn Taylor and Kaylee Baker.

“We’re incredibly blessed to have such an amazing cast this year,” Lake said. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our dancers, choreographers, and volunteers. What you’ll see on stage will truly be a miracle in motion.”

For tickets and more information, visit www.warsawschools.org/pac or contact the box office at 574-371-5040.

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WARSAW — Rogue is a cooperative group of energized entrepreneurs with businesses and investments in Downtown Warsaw.

Our mission is to bring dynamic experiences to downtown Warsaw by thinking creatively, working collaboratively, and implementing efficiently.

Our name reflects our efforts to forge new paths forward and to be an incubator for innovative urban development.

Rogue soft launched in fall of 2023 and has already accomplished several goals. Most notably foot traffic downtown has increased. More businesses are opening and, people are realizing how walkable and convenient our downtown really is. Rogue provided cab rides home on New Year’s Eve from downtown businesses to keep our community safe, launched the Urban Frost Fest to keep our community entertained, and hosted the first St Paddy’s Day community fun run to keep our community healthy.

As downtown business owners, Rogue is uniquely keyed into what our community wants downtown. Member Lyle Schrock notes, “Because we have boots on the ground on a daily basis, we can add tremendous insight to the evolution of downtown Warsaw.”

Sea Grandon notes that the group does get occasional criticism for being too edgy.

“At Rogue, we definitely feel that maintaining the status quo is riskier to the vitality of a small town than trying new things and moving forward.  By definition, entrepreneurs pursue uncharted territory,” Grandon said.

“The positive feedback on our efforts has been tremendous,” said member Michelle Hansen.  “I am proud of our efforts and excited about our potential. We’ve formed real friendships in Rogue,”  she said.

Rogue invites you to be a part of the energy and friendship by attending our premier summer event.

On Friday, Aug. 16, Rogue PROGRESSive Dinner in downtown Warsaw. You will be able to enjoy small plates from over ten different businesses throughout downtown with one ticket purchase. Pre-sale purchases are strongly encouraged and heavily discounted from purchases day of event. Tickets are available here.

The Rogue cooperative group meets weekly on Tuesdays at noon, normally at a downtown establishment. If you want to be a part of bringing dynamic experiences to downtown go Rogue and get to know us.  Follow us for more information on Instagram and Facebook.

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