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Triathlon Gets Under Way This Weekend

Do you like to swim? Like to run? Like riding a bike? Then chances are the sixth annual triathlon in conjuction with the City of Lakes Balloonfest is for you. The event will get under way June 26 at 8 a.m.in Winona Lake.The triathlon will consist of first swimming a quarter-mile in Winona Lake, riding a bike 13.5 miles around Pierceton and back to Winona Lake, and then running three miles around the town of Winona Lake. According to Phil Eherenman, 330 athletes participated in the event last year and he expects just as many or more this year. Contestants will be grouped in divisions five years apart.Example: the youngest division will range from 15-20 years old.The next would be 21-25, and so on.The event, which is sanctioned by the U.S Association of Triathalons, is open to male and female contestants.
DALE HUBLER, Times-Union Sports Writer- | July 28, 2016

Cardinal Center Hosts Annual 'Help for the Holidays'

Cardinal Center is starting the Christmas season with the annual Help for the Holidays celebration. This year Ramada Plaza Hotel donated 2517 Restaurant for the social gathering.The event will be Dec.13 from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m. "The Ramada is our host for the evening," said Cindy Pergrem of the Cardinal Center. "The purpose of this event," said Pergrem, "is to raise awareness of Cardinal Center and their spirit of giving to and helping adults and children with disabilities and other needs. "The holiday time is a time for giving," said Pergrem.She said this is a chance to give back to the community and help others. The evening will include dinner and entertainment.Dinner will be prepared by Viewpoint Restaurant.Entertainment will be the Gentle Winds Ensemble and the Zimmer Choir plus three guest speakers.The speakers are three families who will share their experiences with the Cardinal Center's help. "It will be a pretty exciting event," said Pergrem.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Suspect In Odometer Tampering Surrenders, Booked At County Jail

The Warsaw man accused of odometer fraud and other charges turned himself in to police Thursday morning. Chad Allan Gottschalk, 38, of 2028 Maple Run, Warsaw, was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail at 11:30 a.m.Thursday on one count of felony theft and four counts of forgery.His bond was set at $40,000. Gottschalk's wife, Karen Gottschalk, 37, was arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail Wednesday at 1:14 p.m.on two counts of check forgery.Her bond was set at $20,000. Chad Gottschalk may face up to 15 counts of forgery (Class C felony), four counts of theft (Class D felony) and four counts of odometer altering/odometer fraud (Class D felony). The Gottschalks allegedly purchased luxury vehicles with high mileage then turned back the odometers or replaced the odometers with one purchased on the Internet or in a junkyard. Once the odometers were altered or replaced, the vehicles were sold for nearly 100 percent profit.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Cemetery Board Allows Too-Tall Monument

A request to install a monument exceeding the cemetery's height requirements was granted with the switch of deeds during Thursday's Oakwood Cemetery Board of Regents meeting. Mary Stouder and Wes Stouder approached the board with a vertical monument design measuring 66 inches high.The family owns 10 lots in a row. The allowable height on the side-by-side lots for a monument is 60 inches. By swapping deeds to two unsold lots "in back of" two others and placing the headstone in the middle of four lots, the height limit increases to 70 inches. Cemetery sexton David Shaw said two strands of barb wire will be strung along the top of the west chain link fence in an attempt to keep people from crawling over the fence and to deter deer. Shaw said the fence has been battered down in several places from people crossing it. In other business, the board: • Heard two new employees will begin Monday, replacing two who have left the department. • Signed 12 deeds.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Bandit Strikes Again?

WINONA LAKE - A Friday-night break-in and two attempts are believed related to previous burglaries that have been attributed to the "Bicycle Bandit." A man on a back porch of a home in Woodfield Manor was spotted by the homeowner Friday night.The homeowner, Mike Wack, scared off the alleged burglar, who then reportedly ran to Country Garden Estates. At 10:50 p.m.Friday, Winona Lake police received a report from John Norman, of Orchard Drive, that his house had been entered through an unlocked door.His briefcase, his wife's purse and a duffel bag were stolen and later found in a nearby empty lot. According to police, a man matching the description of the suspect in Woodfield Manor was later seen in Southtown Estates, but no break-ins were reported in that area.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Stolen Property Recovered

More than $12,000 in stolen property was recovered last weekend, and even more may be waiting to be claimed. After 12 storage lockers at Space Maker Storage, Ind.13, North Webster, were burglarized Oct.30, owners of the stolen property became suspicious of a new-to-town pawn shop in downtown North Webster. They contacted police, and upon searching the store, which has yet to officially open, they found property belonging to three victims.Other property in the shop is believed to be stolen, but because some victims' property reports have not been filed, it is not possible to tell. Home electronics, exercise machines, furniture and outdoor equipment were among items recovered.A complete collection of magazines, dating back to the 1980s, also was found, and is believed to be stolen.The magazines were bound by year, and may be of some value, Detective Todd Sautter, of Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, said.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Grace 'grows opportunities'

"Growing opportunities" was the theme for Thursday's Education Summit XII. One of several local colleges is hoping to grow career opportunities for its students in the orthopedic industry.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Officials Believe Stolen Skull May Be From Mausoleum In Syracuse Cemetery

SYRACUSE - Officials investigated a mausoleum in Syracuse Cemetery Thursday morning from which they believe Edward Lee Meadows allegedly stole a skull. Meadows, 24, of 201 E.Greenhaus Drive #28, Syracuse, was taken into custody Nov.12 after Syracuse police served a search warrant at his home and recovered the skull.The investigation into the matter was ongoing for about a year, police said. Meadows was charged with theft, intimidation and criminal deviant conduct/abuse of a corpse.He remains in Kosciusko County Jail.Bond is set at $2,000. Thursday, officials from the Syracuse Police Department and the Kosciusko County Coroner's Office used a video camera line to inspect the mausoleum without entering.Officials were trying to determine if the skull could have come from that mausoleum.The camera was operated through a small window in the back where it is believed entry may have been made by the suspect.
- | July 28, 2016

Illegal Immigrants

Editor, Times-Union:My nephew just got out of prison for a felony. He had a hard time in prison, being a small guy, and learned his lesson.
- | July 28, 2016

Southside Break-Ins

Editor, Times-Union:Thank you for you awareness-raising article in last Thursday's paper "Break Ins In Southside subdivision." I am one of those victims.
- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Marshal Gives Report On Body Found Behind Truck Stop

PIERCETON - Town marshal Tim Sammons read from a press release describing a Jan.10 call about a body found behind the old Pierceton Truck Stop off U.S.30. During Monday's town council meeting, the marshal said there were many questions regarding the incident. "When officers arrived, they met with a truck driver from Pittsburgh, Pa.," Sammons said of the 2:35 p.m.incident."The driver stated he had pulled in to hook up to his semi-trailer and noticed a pickup truck parked way back behind other trailers.The pickup truck wasn't noticeable from the road.When the truck driver looked inside the pickup, he noticed a male subject laying down longways on the seat.The male subject didn't appear to be breathing when the truck driver called the police.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Littlefield Earns Another Award

An Indiana State Policeman from Syracuse was honored Friday with a second award for bravery in saving the life of a truck driver involved in a fiery crash. ISP Trooper Thomas K.Littlefield, Syracuse, received a Paul Harris Fellow Award from Syracuse Rotary Club.This is the second time in less than a month that Littlefield has been honored. "This is our highest award given for outstanding feats," said Syracuse Rotary president Bill Fowler.The award, named for the club's founder, has never been given to a non-member by the Syracuse club. He is only the 14th officer in the 63-year history of the agency to receive the Gold Star Award for Valor.Littlefield recieved the ISP award at a mid-December award ceremony in Bremen. The awards were given for Littlefield's brave actions in responding to a fiery car-semi crash March 12 on U.S.30 near CR 350W, Warsaw. Littlefield attempted to rescue a driver trapped in a burning car, but was driven back by the flames.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Man Faces Charges Of Battery, Neglect

SYRACUSE - After allegedly pouring scalding water on a 3-year-old child, a Syracuse man was arrested on charges of neglect of a dependent and aggravated battery. Louis R.Graham, 31, of 201 E.Baltimore St., Syracuse, is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bond.He was booked on the charges at 7:08 p.m.Thursday. According to the Syracuse Police Department, police were contacted about 3:30 p.m.of a possible case of child abuse after the child was taken by his mother to Goshen General Hospital for treatment about four hours after the injuries occurred. The boy suffered second-degree burns to his forehead, neck and back, according to the press release. An interview with the child's mother and another man indicated the injuries were not the result of an accident.Graham, who reportedly is the boyfriend of the child's mother, allegedly lost his temper while bathing the child and poured scalding hot water on him.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Leesburg Robbery Suspect Remains On The Loose

LEESBURG - Police have not located the man alleged to have robbed a Leesburg business and injured an employee there Friday night. The suspect in the armed robbery is described as a Hispanic male 6 feet tall and weighing about 250 pounds.He reportedly was dressed in all black, including pants, sweatshirt, ski mask and Nike shoes, which had white emblems on them.He also was said to be wearing yellow gloves. According to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, a 19-year-old female employee suffered a head injury during the 10:04 p.m.incident at Leesburg Deli & More on Ind.15 (Main Street).
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Driver Dies When Pickup Hits Trailer

ETNA GREEN - An Etna Green man was killed Monday night when the pickup he was driving struck a semi tractor/trailer as it was being backed into a driveway along Ind.19 near Etna Green. Charles "Tom" Lozier, 36, of East Pleasant Street, was pronounced dead at the scene from massive head injuries. Authorities were called to the accident scene on Ind.19, east of CR 1000W, north of Etna Green, at 8:16 p.m. Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said Lozier was westbound on Ind.19 when he ran into the semi rig that was across the road.The driver of the semi, Ray Mast, 35, of Ind.19N, Etna Green, was not injured. Rovenstine said Lozier's pickup first hit the front tire of the semi cab, then veered into the side of the trailer. An Indiana Department of Transportation inspection of the truck was expected last night, but the results were not available this morning.Rovenstine said it appeared the rig had proper lights and reflectors.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Four Hurt

Four people were injured Saturday in a car-van collision on Ind. 13, near North Webster. According to police reports, the driver of the car, Jason Swick, 22, of CR 600W, Claypool, was following the van south on Ind. 13. He said he glanced away from the road when the van, driven by Michele L. Geraghty, 35, of Downer's Grove, Ill., stopped to turn in to a driveway. Swick said he could not get stopped in time. According to reports, he hit the back of the van and crossed the road before coming to a rest in a field. Geraghty's van rolled over before coming to a stop. Swick complained of shoulder pain and was treated at the scene. Three passengers in Geraghty's car were injured and taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital. Regina King, Chicago, Ill., complained of neck pain. Carol Scheaffer, Chicago, complained of head pain. Karen King, address unavailable, had a fracture in her lower arm. All three were treated and released. Damage was estimated at $2,500-$5,000 to Swick's car and $5,000-$10,000 to Geraghty's van. Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department investigated. Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union
Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union- | July 28, 2016

Woman Says She May Have Been Drugged By Man Who Then Stole Car

PIERCETON - A rural Pierceton woman who reported her car stolen Saturday morning may also have been sexually assaulted. The 29-year-old woman told a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department deputy that she awoke in her car outside a Pierceton bar about 3:30 a.m.The woman said she may have been drugged because she doesn't remember anything that happened between 9:30 p.m.Friday and the time she woke up in her car with her bra unhooked, but her clothing otherwise intact. At that time, a man seated in the car told her that she could have her car keys back if she had sex with him for 10 minutes.She refused and the man reportedly began to drive her car, taking her throughout the southeastern part of the county and touching her inappropriately before dropping her at a friend's house.He then allegedly left in her car.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

BZA To Consider 4 Variance Requests Tonight

Joe and Karen Hamilton, of 1127 Country Club Lane, will present a request before the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals tonight for a variance from developmental standards for their property. The Hamiltons request a 0-foot yard setback, a variance from the 25-foot setback required by the city.The request will eliminate a present encroachment on a city right of way. Gilbert and Rosella Hawkins, of 1503 E.Fort Wayne St., will present a request for a variance from developmental standards to allow a 10-1/2-foot variance from the required 15-foot front yard setback requirement for the construction of a deck beside their house. The deck will not block any visual lines of site, and the right of way along Sherman Street will still provide 15 feet of visual clearance from the projected deck to the street. A request for a variance of use to allow for a massage therapy home occupation will be presented by Dawnna L.Plummer, of 2705 Marion Drive.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Woman Robbed

A Warsaw woman was robbed at knifepoint after a man entered her car early Wednesday morning. According to a report from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, around 6:20 a.m.Wednesday, the woman was westbound on Dogwood Drive when she saw a man walking in the roadway.After crossing the railroad tracks, she stopped at Ind.15 and waited to make a right turn. While the woman's car was stopped at the intersection of Dogwood Drive and Ind.15, the man got into the car, held an open knife on his lap, and told her to turn left on Ind.15. The man, who was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and gloves, told the woman to turn onto Old 15 as he went through her purse. After telling the woman to turn left on CR 200S, the man had the woman turn right onto Kline's Lane and go back to the business buildings and stop. Once the woman stopped, the man reportedly held the knife to her neck and told her not to move.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Building Collapses

BY TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer An abandoned building surprised Pierceton Tuesday when a portion of it collapsed onto Market Street. The building, an old filling station on the corner of Market and First streets, began to fall around 11:15 a.m.when the back wall collapsed.The south wall fell into Market Street at 2:15 p.m. Pierceton Fire Department blocked off the street to traffic before the second collapse and closed Ind.13 after the second.Ind.13 reopened yesterday, and Market Street was cleared and opened this morning.No one was injured. One fireman described the damage as total.The south half lies in rubble, with only part of the north face still standing. The building, owned by Jim Perry, is up for tax sale.Since it is still private property, the owner is responsible to take care of the building.The town could only clear the debris out of the street and pile it into and around the building.
injuries as wall falls- | July 28, 2016
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