Relevance Date

Warm Weather Brings Out Thieves

While the warm weather this weekend may have urged joggers to dig out their running shoes it also prompted a few thieves to get back to work. Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department received reports from victims of several burglaries on Saturday when temperatures reached a record high 62 degrees. Burglars pried open the front door of John Hurd's home at 2398 E.CR 1050N, Milford.Hurd returned home Saturday evening to find bedrooms gone through, drawers overturned on the floor and closet doors left wide open. A handgun, jewelry, cash and other personal effects were stolen from the residence. Authorities report witnesses saw a black van backed up to Hurd's front door around 4:15 p.m.Saturday. Also hit Saturday was the summer cottage of Jim Labee, Boling Brooke, Ill.Labee reported his Silver Lake cottage broken into at 10:30 p.m.Taken from the cottage was $1,000 in fishing equipment.Entry was made through a damaged door.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Suspect Leaves Name

SYRACUSE - In what may be one of the county's easiest investigations, police arrested the man accused of stealing from Syracuse Animal Hospital, after he left his full name and contact information laying near the cash drawer he allegedly robbed. James Barr, 19, Albion, reportedly entered the animal hospital Wednesday evening to fill out a job application.After completing the application, and when the receptionist was in another room, he allegedly emptied a cash drawer that was kept behind the counter. Yet while he managed to get away with the cash, until he was arrested Friday, he forgot his completed application, laying just inches from the drawer he robbed. Police investigating the crime simply had to track down the applicant, who they found at a relative's residence Thursday afternoon.Barr readily cooperated with police and was later booked into Kosciusko County Jail on a preliminary charge of theft and on a $2,000 bond.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Milford, Hobbs Named In Suit

The town of Milford and town marshal David Hobbs have until Feb.20 to respond to a lawsuit accusing them of false imprisonment. The suit was filed by Ralph "Fred" Fisher as the result of his imprisonment on murder charges. In March 2002, a jury found Fisher not guilty of the Jan.15, 2001, murder of Kathy Vroman. Vroman's frozen body was found Jan.26, 2001, in a wooded area near Three Rivers, Mich.An autopsy showed she died of two gunshot wounds to the head. She allegedly was shot at Country Car Co., a Milford business owned by Jason Fisher, Ralph Fisher's son.At the time of the trial, police believed she was killed to hide a car-theft chain in which the younger Fisher and three others were allegedly involved.It also was reported that Vroman owed money to the elder Fisher. Police originally arrested Jason Fisher for the murder, but after nearly a year in jail, he testified that his father was the shooter, securing immunity for himself on the murder charge.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Milford Woman's Body Found

Police haven't yet determined the motive for the murder of a Milford woman, but the men arrested in connection with her disappearance are believed to have been operating an auto theft ring. Two more suspects, including the victim's husband, were taken into custody Thursday.The body of Kathy Vroman, 48, of Milford, was located in St.Joseph County, Mich., about 2 a.m.today. William Weston Vroman, 32, whose address is listed as Goshen on his booking sheet, was charged with burglary to a business.He is being held without bond in the Kosciusko County Jail.Police took Vroman into custody at Goshen General Hospital, where he went for treatment of chest pains. Police said Vroman is one of several suspects in a December burglary at Rice Ford in Warsaw, where more than $100,000 worth of 2001 vehicles were stolen.Police also have been investigating several auto thefts that occurred in late 2000 in northern Kosciusko and southern Elkhart counties.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Judge Mulls Fisher's Bond

Whether Jason Fisher will remain in jail or be released on bond was taken under advisement Friday and will be decided as soon as possible. Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed said he wants to review the cases cited by Kosciusko County Prosecutor Charles Waggoner and court-appointed defense attorney, Michael Miner, in support ot their arguments. Miner said bond should be set in the burglary and theft charges against Fisher, 23, of Millersburg.Those charges stem from a December 2000 theft of more than $100,000 worth of vehicles from Rice Ford in Warsaw.Three other men already have been sentenced for their role in the burglary. Fisher also is being held on a charge of murder in the Jan.15, 2001, shooting death of Kathy Vroman, 48, of Milford. Fisher did not appear in court for the hearing.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Police Seek Help From Residents In Tracking Down Drug Dealers

Enough is enough. Police have long been tired of having to deal with drug dealers, but the general public may not think enough is being done to combat the drug problem. Well, the public is being enlisted to help the police in drawing the line and putting an end to drug dealing in their neighborhoods. In an attempt to reinvigorate the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team, Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine is promoting a program in which names, addresses and vehicle descriptions of people suspected of drug activity can be turned over to police.The information can be given anonymously, but those who do reveal their identity to authorities can have the security of confidentiality. "The public knows we've had some problems the last couple years," Rovenstine said of the drug task force.The unit was temporarily disbanded a couple years ago and is now back at full force, although Rovenstine would like to see additional manpower in the future.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Son Says Dad Killed Kathy Vroman

Brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair and on oxygen, Ralph Freddrick "Fred" Fisher made his first appearance Tuesday in the murder charge filed against him Thursday.A preliminary plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. Fisher, 47, of Goshen, was taken into custody Saturday, charged with the shooting death of Kathy Vroman, 48, of Milford.After being booked into the Kosciusko County Jail, Fisher complained of chest pain and was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital.He apparently suffers from high blood pressure and also visited a doctor Tuesday. Fisher's son, Jason Fisher, 23, of Millersburg, previously was charged with Vroman's murder and remains in custody on that charge. New evidence presented by Kosciusko County Prosecutor Charles Waggoner includes a statement by Jason Fisher in which Jason claims he found his father, Ralph, standing over Vroman's body holding a gun.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Tips Lead To Drug Arrest

Several tips through the "Enough" campaign led to the arrest Tuesday of a Warsaw man. Michael Otto Hale, 27, of 1120 E.Winona Ave., is being held in Kosciusko County Jail on charges of dealing in cocaine (more than 3 grams) and dealing in cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, both Class A felonies, and dealing in a lookalike substance, a Class D felony.A charge of being a habitual felony offender is being pursued through the Kosciusko County Prosecutor's Office.Hale is being held in KCJ in lieu of $100,000 bond.He was arrested Tuesday afternoon at his residence. According to undercover police officers with the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team, several tips were received through the "Enough" program about Hale allegedly being involved in drug dealing.The investigation has been ongoing since July.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Conspiracy Charge Dropped In Ralph Fisher's Case

The remaining charge pending against Ralph Freddrick "Fred" Fisher from a 2001 case was dismissed recently in Kosciusko Circuit Court. Kosciusko County Prosecutor Charles Waggoner declined to comment Wednesday on how this will affect the new case, in which a charge of murder was filed against Fisher earlier this month.The initial case was dismissed "without prejudice," which means a new suit can be brought on the same claim if the state so chooses. Fisher, 47, of Goshen, is charged with the shooting death of Kathy Vroman, 48, of Milford, a crime for which his 23-year-old son, Jason Fisher of Millersburg, was previously accused.Jason Fisher remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed for a Feb.1 hearing.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Former Trooper Waggoner Runs For Prosecutor

Charles R.Waggoner has announced he will join the race for Kosciusko County prosecutor. Waggoner, a Warsaw attorney and former Indiana State Police lieutenant, announced his candidacy Monday at a meeting in his home. "Experience in a police uniform has taught me how important it is for the entire law enforcement community to work as a team," Waggoner said in a press release."I believe the prosecutor of our county should be a part of the team.I believe that the police officers in our county must trust the prosecutor enough to want to work with the prosecutor.Law enforcement teamwork will result in a safer Kosciusko County." Waggoner also said his experience as a state trooper gave him not only head knowledge of the criminal justice system but heart knowledge. Waggoner's platform is based on his 20 years with the Indiana State Police and his belief in "cooperation" between law enforcement officers and the prosecutor.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Milford Studies Fiscal Plan, Ordinance For Annexation

MILFORD -ÊWorking toward the eventual annexation of five parcels of property into the town of Milford, town attorney Jay Rigdon presented the council Monday with drafts of a fiscal plan and ordinance. While minor details need to be filled in on the fiscal plan, Rigdon said the fiscal plan and ordinance need to be prepared as the first steps of the annexation.The fiscal plan states what services the town currently offers to its residents, when the new residents in the annexation area will get the services and what expenses will be involved in providing those services. The fiscal plan will have to be adopted at the same time the ordinance for the annexation is presented.A hearing would then be held at least 60 days after the ordinance is presented.After the hearing, the council can give their final approval of the ordinance at least 30 days but no more than 60 days afterward. Remonstrators then would have 90 days, Rigdon said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Jail bookings up in 2004; booze, drug offenses top list

While Kosciusko County Jail bookings rose for the fourth year in a row in 2004, the most common bookings were alcohol-related offenses, with drug-related offenses second. Total jail bookings in 2004 were 4,244, an increase of 6 percent, according to information provided to the Kosciusko County commissioners Tuesday by Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine.Of those, alcohol-related offenses totaled 934, including 171 cases of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, per se; 281 OWI misdemeanors; 151 OWI felonies, including one OWI causing death; and 329 public intoxications. OWI per se is a Class C misdemeanor when a person has a blood alcohol content of 0.8 percent or higher.An OWI misdemeanor is a Class A misdemeanor where a person refuses the breathalizer or to give a blood sample.The suspected drunk driver may have been seen swerving their vehicle or may have an odor of alcohol on them.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Police Recover More Stolen Goods

Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department Friday executed a search warrant on a second residence in connection with an earlier theft arrest. Police searched the Mark Slone residence on CR 700W Friday after receiving information linking him to the alleged thefts. Mark is the brother of Brian Slone who was arrested Thursday on charges of burglary, theft and possession of precursors to manufacture methamphetamine.The Thursday arrest came after police responded to a domestic disturbance at Mark Slone's Diamond Lake residence. Information gained during that investigation led officers to search Brian Slone's residence where more than $60,000 in construction tools and equipment was recovered. In the Friday search at Mark Slone's home, police reported finding anhydrous ammonia and Sudafed¨, both ingredients in methamphetamine.Police also recovered several thousand dollars worth of construction tools and equipment believed to be stolen.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Sheriff's Dept. Reports On Jail Bookings For 2003

Each year, the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department jail submits jail booking information to the Kosciusko County Circuit Court. Tuesday, Sheriff C.Aaron Rovenstine presented the same report to the Kosciusko County Commissioners. The average daily population of inmates during 2003 was 194, based on the meal count generated daily.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Thieves Take $25,000 In Music Gear

The theft of nearly $25,000 worth of musical equipment is under investigation by the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department. Police were called to the Ronald and Dianna Baker residence on East Burkhart Drive, Warsaw, shortly after 7 a.m.Wednesday. Mr.Baker told police that he parked a trailer containing the equipment in his driveway sometime after 10 p.m.Tuesday, unhooked the trailer and left his vehicle parked in front of it. Whoever removed the trailer from Baker's property would have had to lift and turn the trailer at the tongue to hitch it to another vehicle. The trailer is described as gray with black fenders. Anyone with information in this matter should contact the sheriff's department at 267-5667.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Public Occurrences 2.5

County Jail Bookings The following people were preliminarily charged and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:
- | July 28, 2016

Public Occurrences 2.6

County Jail Bookings The following people were preliminarily charged and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:
- | July 28, 2016

Public Occurrences 2.7

County Jail Bookings The following people were preliminarily charged and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:
- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Man Arrested In Leesburg Bank Job

A Warsaw man is being held without bond in the Kosciusko County Jail in connection with Friday morning's robbery of a Leesburg bank.The money has not been recovered. Jeffrey Robert Zoll, 49, of 2 EMS B36B1 Lane, was taken into custody Saturday afternoon at his residence after police received tips from local citizens.He is preliminarily charged with strong-arm robbery and theft. "The public was very instrumental in helping to solve this," said Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine.Although Zoll has not confessed to the crime, Rovenstine said, "there is strong evidence to indicate he did it." Police were called to the Farmers State Bank in Leesburg shortly after 11 a.m.Friday after a man entered the bank and demanded money.Taking an undisclosed amount of cash in a plastic shopping bag, he left the bank on foot and ran east through an alley, where he got into a white Blazer-type vehicle and fled.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Public Occurrences 2.9

County Jail Bookings The following people were preliminarily charged and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:
- | July 28, 2016
Previous Next