WARSAW — What appears to be the biggest Halloween display in Warsaw resides at the corner of Center and Bronson streets, where a dozen frightful creatures have taken over two sides of the yard.

[caption id="attachment_137730" align="alignright" width="372"] This display and many others that are part of the Center Street Halloween collection were handcrafted by Alisha McDonough. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The display features a scarecrow, a witch, and skeletal creatures, some of which stand 14 feet tall. Some can move and will utter ghoulish howls.

Dark lights and a fog machine add to the environment at night. 

Homeowners Alisha McDonough and Jonathan Brown have been building the collection — better known by some as Halloween animatronics — for several years.

Alisha says it's a tribute to her late father, Kenneth McDonough, who grew up in North Webster.

"He would dress up, pull a little wagon around town, pass out candy close to the cemetery. And he did it every year, but then he got cancer, and he passed away," Alisha said. "So me and my mom (Rose) just kind of carried on the tradition in his honor."

This year's project has a graveyard theme.

Many of the smaller displays were handcrafted by Alisha, including a ghoulish character that lights up and is surrounded by intricately painted lava (or perhaps innards).

The tallest of the collection is a witch, standing 14 feet and topped with the remnants of a hat that flutters in the wind.

The burgeoning display has become expensive and time-consuming.

The biggest and most complicated creatures can cost between $350 and $400, they said.

"A lot of money and a lot of time," Alisha admits.

Jonathan says the hobby requires a lot of upkeep.

"As expensive as they are, they are definitely prone to a little bit of failure here or there," he said.

They're able to store the collection in a large shed and said they have another ten items that were not even part of this year's display.

Theft has never been a problem, they said, in part because the intersection is well lit and well traveled.

The couple, who have been together for some 17 years and have two children, both love horror movies and Halloween, and enjoy sharing their animatronics with the community.

"It's for everyone else to enjoy. We get a lot of people driving by. They holler at us, telling us they like it — thumbs up," Alisha said.

"It's just for the neighborhood."

See more News Now Warsaw photos of the display by Dan Spalding.

The post Expansive ghoulish grave yard scene on Center Street an ode to father’s memory appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — This year, The Magical Meadows wrapped up an extensive expansion project featuring two indoor riding arenas that cost an estimated $2.6 million.

Now, organizers are setting their sights on renovating the original arena and office space.

With the opening of two new arenas, officials will now focus on transforming the original arena and office space. On top of that, the building's second floor (nearly 2,000 square feet) opens the door for even more changes in the future.

"The vision for this building is to completely do another huge renovation," said Executive Director Michael Kuhn on Saturday while overseeing a first-ever trunk-or-treat event for people with special needs.

"We're in the exploratory phase of building plans for that, and it will become the Adams Center for Wellbeing and Belonging," he said.

The future name is a nod in recognition of longterm board chairman Carl Adams, who is a former executive director with Magical Meadows and who is still active with the organization.

Detailed plans of the venture are expected to be announced early next year, and Kuhn said the price tag is expected to be around $1.9 million.

The proposed Adams Center for Well-being & Belonging would include:

• A multi-use gymnasium and recreation center
• Space for adaptive recreation, exercise, camps, group activities, and community programming
• Renovated private therapy and treatment rooms
• Opportunities for outside providers to offer services such as recreational therapy, music therapy, and other specialized therapies 
• Inclusive spaces where individuals with and without disabilities can participate together
• New opportunities for siblings and families to play, connect, and participate alongside one another

The goal, he said, is to create an inclusive environment.

The Adams Center would not be exclusively for individuals with disabilities. Instead, the goal is to create a truly inclusive environment where people with and without disabilities can participate together.

The project would also allow The Magical Meadows to partner with qualified outside providers rather than attempting to directly provide every service. Providers could rent treatment and program space, expanding access to specialized services while also creating an additional source of earned revenue for the nonprofit.

More than 10 percent of Kosciusko County residents live with a disability, and The Magical Meadows has previously identified a shortage of local spaces and programs specifically designed to meet the needs of those individuals, according to a recent news release.

The project would also allow The Magical Meadows to partner with qualified outside providers rather than attempting to directly provide every service. Providers could rent treatment and program space, expanding access to specialized services while also creating an additional source of earned revenue for the nonprofit.

This model was first identified as part of the organization’s long-term sustainability strategy during the Growing with Heart campaign.

Recent expansion included the Warriors Arena, a dedicated facility created to serve veterans and first responders through The Magical Meadows’ Warriors Mount Up program.

The other arena now serves an array of equestrian-focused therapy programs.

In the meantime, organizers will look at the next phase of expansion.

“We want to do our homework,” Kuhn said. “We want to make sure this project is thoughtful, sustainable, and worthy of the people it will serve. Over the next several months, we are going to listen, learn, and work with the people who have helped us get this far to determine the best path forward.”

Saturday's Trunk or Treat event expands on the organization's belief in inclusivity.

The post Magical Meadows looking at a $1.9M renovation with focus on inclusive recreation appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Music lovers will have the opportunity to experience an evening of world-class jazz when the United States Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note takes the stage at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center for a special, free public performance.

The free concert is slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

As the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, the Airmen of Note bring exceptional musicianship and a rich jazz tradition to audiences across the country. The Warsaw performance is part of the ensemble’s community relations tour, which connects military musicians with communities through live music and engaging performances.

Admission to the concert is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Community members are encouraged to secure their seats online at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/usafband/the-airmen-of-note-live-in-warsaw.

The Airmen of Note is one of six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band, the Air Force’s premier musical organization.

Based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., the band represents the United States Air Force through performances that honor those who have served, inspire patriotism and service, and build connections with communities across the nation and around the world.

The upcoming performance offers a unique opportunity to experience the talent and artistry of Air Force musicians right here in Warsaw.

Community members are encouraged to reserve their free tickets early and help welcome the Airmen of Note to the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.

The post U.S. Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble to perform free concert at Warsaw PAC appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Thousands turned out Saturday for Winona Lake's Trick-or-Treat on the Trail, and big crowds are expected at Friday’s Downtown Spooktacular in Warsaw.

But the noise and hectic pace of those kinds of big community events are not always a comfortable environment for everyone, especially for those with special needs or challenges.

Michael Kuhn, the executive director for The Magical Meadows, said they've heard those concerns for years from parents, especially those with disabled adult children who still have a thirst for youthful frivolity that they might have missed out on when they were younger.

"When they go out and try to trick-or-treat as an adult, sometimes people aren't so kind," Kuhn said. "They don't understand the scenario, the situation, and what that person may be dealing with.” 

With that in mind, The Magical Meadows hosted its first-ever trunk-or-treat event, specifically designed for those with disabilities and other challenges. 

Hundreds filed through the trunk-or-treat event, without having to worry about odd looks or comments.

Kuhn said he thinks the new tradition will fill a void.

Since some of the participants were non-verbal, there was also no need to greet candy givers with the traditional "Trick or Treat."

This year marks the 20th anniversary for Magical Meadows, and coincides with the opening earlier this year of two new indoor riding arenas. Those renovations also included a long concrete parking lot, creating a good location for a Trunk or Treat event 

"With our new facilities, it just opened up an opportunity to really be able to welcome a lot more people and have the parking lot space to be able to do this," Kuhn said.

Bourbon firefighters were on hand with a fire truck for children to enjoy and photo opportunities for trick-or-treaters were also available.

Saturday's event is part of a growing effort by Magical Meadows to serve a broader segment of the community beyond horseback therapy with specialized needs.

Other groups turned out just to support the cause, Kuhn said.

Representatives of Night To Shine, including Tina Rice, were among those helping out.

Night to Shine works to create prom experiences for those with various disabilities.

[caption id="attachment_137598" align="aligncenter" width="775"] The Trunk or Treat at Magical Meadows ran from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The post Halloween event at Magical Meadows offers sweet treats for those with special needs appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

NORTH WEBSTER — This ongoing long, dry stretch of pleasant weather is expected to continue for another five days, if not more, across the region.

That's because of a high pressure system that has stalled across the upper Midwest and part of Canada.

Meteorologist Chris Roller, with the National Weather Service office in North Webster, said Warsaw has gone about 10 days without rain.

The post Warm, dry weather will extend through the workweek across the region appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Warsaw Police are asking for the public’s help to find suspects linked to theft and fraud at businesses in Warsaw.

Two men are believed to have stolen a wallet and conducted fraudulent transactions totaling more than $4,600 across multiple businesses Thursday, according to a news release from the Warsaw Police Department.

The suspects and a newer-model white Dodge Durango with tinted windows were seen on security footage. The SUV was last seen headed west on U.S. 30 from Pierceton toward Warsaw around 3:27 p.m. Thursday.

Despite the footage and witness statements, police say investigators have yet to identify the suspects or the specific SUV. The businesses involved were not identified.

Because officers believe the men may not be locals, they are also trying to find any potential additional victims who may not even know they were taken advantage of, according to the release.

Anyone with information on the investigation, or anyone who recognizes the suspects or the vehicle, should contact Warsaw police at 574-385-2210.

The post Warsaw Police seek details in theft and fraud investigation appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Wagon Wheel Junior invites families to celebrate the Halloween season with Sleepy Hollow the Musical, running for three days beginning tonight at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts in Warsaw.

Sponsored by Reinholt & Thallemer Eye Care Associates, this family-friendly production features young performers, catchy songs, comedy, and spooky surprises.

Based on the classic legend, Sleepy Hollow the Musical follows Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolmaster who arrives in Sleepy Hollow in search of love. He soon finds himself caught in a web of rivalries, ghost stories, and the chilling legend of the Headless Horseman.

Performed by kids, for kids, the production combines seasonal thrills with plenty of humor, making it a festive outing for the whole family. Audience members are encouraged to arrive in their favorite Halloween costumes and join in the fun.

Children ages 12 and under can also participate in a special Halloween costume contest, and the winner will leave with a $50 Wagon Wheel gift card.

The experience wouldn't be complete without the return of the famous Wagon Wheel Junior Bake Sale. Families are encouraged to bring cash and enjoy a selection of sweet treats for just $1 each, with proceeds supporting Wagon Wheel Junior.

Sleepy Hollow the Musical is sponsored by Reinholt & Thallemer Eye Care Associates and is appropriate for all ages. For performance dates, showtimes, and tickets, visit wagonwheelcenter.org.

For more information about Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts or to learn more about upcoming events, please visit www.wagonwheelcenter.org.

The post Wagon Wheel Junior Presents ‘Sleepy Hollow the Musical’ this weekend appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Some of Kosciusko County's biggest organized Halloween community events are happening this Saturday.

• Winona Lake's fifth annual Trick or Treat on the Trail happens from 3 to 5 p.m. along the Winona Lake Greenway.
• In Syracuse, the town's Trick or Treat on the Trail happens from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lakeside Park.
• Also on Saturday, Magical Meadows will host its free, sensory-friendly Trunk or Treat event from 2 to 4 p.m. Activities are intended for individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, or emotional challenges of all ages, including adults with disabilities.
• Warsaw's annual Downtown Spooktacular happens from 5 to 7 p.m. a week from tonight.
• The annual Soul Takers Acres Haunted House continues for two more weekends at the Kociusko County Fairgrounds. Tickets are required.

The post A week early, some of the biggest community Halloween events arrive Saturday appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

The post Early voting in Kosciusko County sees slight increase with two weeks to go appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — If a series of national No Kings protests over the past 16 months were an attempt to hold President Donald Trump accountable, Saturday’s rallies might be viewed as the closing arguments ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. 

Another round of protests on Saturday afternoon lined up along North Detroit Street near the Warsaw Community Public Library and was among some 2,000 others across the country aimed at venting anger over Trump’s authoritarian style of governing.

Saturday's turnout was smaller than three previous No Kings protests in Warsaw — participants lined up along part of the western block of the street — but the messages were the same: Opposition to the Iran War, anger over Trump's refusal to seek Congressional support on various issues, and continued concerns over affordability.

Democrats hope the Midterm races in Congress will give their party more power to allow them to put a clamp on some of what Trump has been doing with increased Congressional oversight.

Lorraine Chamberlin, of Milford, said she’s concerned about Trump attempts to suppress the vote on Nov. 3, based on his recent efforts to wrestle control of some aspects of the elections that have always been overseen by states, based on the U.S. Constitution.

“What Trump has done to our country is a disgrace. I wish people were better informed about politics so they know just how bad it is and how much we have to fix,” Chamberlin said.

She is also angry over recent steps by Trump to further support Putin in the war against Ukraine.

"I knew he was a horrible choice before he ever ran because he has no integrity. Everything he has done has benefited himself and nobody else, and with Ukraine, that’s just the horrible latest example of all the horrible choices he’s made in his life,” Chamberlin said.

The main theme of the protest on Saturday was to encourage people to take action on Election Day.

A sign held by Brian Smith, chairman of the Democratic Party's Second Congressional District, was simple and to the point: "Vote Nov. 3."

One new twist to Saturday's protest was the growing emergence of the Democratic Socialists of America, a group that has become active at local events and held a gay pride rally in Warsaw earlier this year.

On Saturday, DSA supporters had a booth set up in the middle of the protest and offered literature on several issues, including one titled "What is Socialist Feminism." Another read, "A better world is worth fighting for even when things are really bad."

In general, DSA supports stronger workers' rights and opposes the foundation of capitalism, arguing that government should have a stronger role in business operations.

Local DSA supporters said while their policy positions vary in comparison to the Democrat Party, they are united in opposition to Trump.

Smith, the Democratic Party chair, was asked if he’s concerned that DSA is diluting the Democratic Party’s message.

“Like I said, we’re focused on getting our message out, and we’ve been able to do that by TV, radio and social media, and so we’re confident that Hoosiers understand what the Democratic Party stands for and that we’re going to restore balance to Indiana and Washington, D.C.

Daniel Guzman, a member of DSA, said he plans to attend a Kosciusko County meeting on Tuesday night and ask the county to establish a moratorium on data centers, similar to one approved in Marshall County.

“There are a lot of reasons to oppose data centers, and I think more than anything, we don’t want them here, and they seem to be pushed by businesses and politicians just completely over the heads of people,” Guzman said.

[caption id="attachment_137331" align="alignnone" width="640"] Protesters stood along North Detroit Street in Warsaw during Saturday's No Kings Rally. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_137342" align="aligncenter" width="672"] Daniel Guzman, right, stands alongside another supporter behind a booth set up Saturday by local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America at the No Kings rally on North Detroit Street. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The post No Kings protesters urge voters to channel their anger on Election Day appeared first on News Now Warsaw.