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Guilty Pleas Entered In Burglary At Rice Ford

The third man charged in connection with a December burglary of Rice Ford in Warsaw has pleaded guilty to charges against him. George W.Aldrich, 29, of Etna Green, admitted in Kosciusko Circuit Court Thursday to committing the offenses of burglary, a Class C felony, and auto theft, a Class D felony. Aldrich, Lawrence Grant of Shipshewana and William Vroman of Milford were all charged in connection with the theft of more than $100,000 worth of vehicles from the Warsaw car dealership.The auto theft ring also has been tied to the January murder of 48-year-old Kathy Vroman of Milford. Jason Fisher, 22, of Millersburg is scheduled to stand trial in September for allegedly shooting Kathy Vroman to death inside his Milford business, Country Car Co.Fisher's father, Ralph Freddrick Fisher, also faces charges related to the death. Grant and William Vroman previously pleaded guilty to charges against them and are serving their sentences.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Oakwood Uses Fencing To Deter Vandals

Fencing and barbed wire have cut down on vandalism at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw. "Last week we had 10 stones knocked down," said sexton David Shaw, "and we just reset them.I think it was done by kids who can't cut through the cemetery to the beach because of the barbed wire." Neither cemetery officials nor the city, which owns the grounds, is responsible for theft or damage caused by vandals or storms.Shaw said there is a disclaimer of liability signed by lot owners. "If we break them, we're responsible, of course.If a tree falls on a stone, we remove the tree and repair (the stone).The old ones I rerod and repair." He said property owners' insurance ought to cover contemporary monuments but probably not a marker for a great-great-grandfather. Acts of vandalism on the 200-plus-acre cemetery come and go.Shaw said nothing can happen for three to four years and then little things will happen all the time.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Hears Complaints About Local Cable Company

PIERCETON - The quality of television served as the main topic at the town council meeting Monday night - quality of service, that is, not programming. Resident Tom Barker attended the meeting and asked the board about Triax Cablevision's "terrible service." "It's almost every day [they're off the air]," Barker said."I've been calling them almost every day, too.Their notices say if we tamper with their boxes, it's cable theft.I reminded them if they don't provide service it's consumer fraud." Board president Jerry Kreger and member Ron Hall agreed with Barker's assessment. "It's why you see so many satellite dishes going up in town," Kreger said. Hall commented his service was out four days last month. Town attorney Jim Walmer said perhaps a letter of complaint should be written to the company, recently purchased by MediaCom.The town has a franchise with the company.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Victims Forgive Defendant At Sentencing

Conveying forgiveness from victims is something not usually done during sentencing of defendants. But that's what Deputy Prosecutor Chuck Waggoner did Tuesday when the third of five suspects in the "Amish basing" cases was in Kosciusko Superior Court. The victims in the case asked Waggoner to tell the suspects that they were forgiven.Waggoner told the court the victims' statement was "very different" and something he had never done before.He also pointed out that while the focus during sentencing is on the defendant, he felt that it was his duty to remind the court of the victims who were "sought out for harm." Erik L.Stevenson, 19, of Nappanee, was one of three defendants in the case who chose to enter into a plea agreement through which he was sentenced to six years in prison, of which two years were suspended for probation.He must also perform 500 hours of community service.
Ruth Anne Long, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Library Grows, But Next Budget Won't

Warsaw Community Public Library will work under a budget next year almost identical to this year's despite seeing its building triple in size. The library's proposed 1998 budget is $1,436,054 - a 5 percent rise over the current year. The budget will remain similar by several moves approved by the library board on Monday.Those moves include: • Significantly reducing the amount of money collected for the library improvement reserve fund.In recent years, the fund collected upward of $100,000.With the expansion project completion in sight, the board expected to need only about $10,000 in additional money. • The board was able to save about $82,000 from the current budget, which will be applied to next year's operation. • The library kept several positions vacant in the past year and saved additional salary money when new employees replaced long-time employees with higher salary levels.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Teen Arson Suspect Waived To Adult Court

Timothy Grevenstuk has been waived to adult court on charges related to a church fire in Leesburg. The 17-year-old was waived from juvenile court to Superior Court today in a decision by Judge Duane Huffer. In the hearing, prosecutor Dan Nelson argued that there was probable cause that Grevenstuk committed obstruction of justice and intimidation. The charges stemmed from the investigation into the July fire that destroyed the Leesburg Grace Brethren Church.Grevenstuk allegedly admitted he set the fire to a 14-year-old girl.He then reportedly threatened to kill the girl if she told police.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Is There A Gang Problem In Kosciusko County?

Whether or not there is a gang problem in Kosciusko County depends on who you ask. Ptl.Mike Cox of the Warsaw Police Department is a gang specialist and has completed the Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) program.
Ruth Anne Long, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Creator hopes new set of trading cards will take off

It may be time to move over because there's a new card in town - "Hot Rod Super Freaks!' These automotive trading cards are quickly catching on with collectors in the Warsaw area. Local business owner and president of DeKay Cards Inc., Warsaw, Kurt Kelsey, 38, has produced this new collection of trading cards with help from his partner and vice president John Detrich, Ashburn, Va. The cards feature several traditional-style monsters with names like: "Eye On Da Road," "Freak 'N' Fast" and "Roadsta' Queen."The slobbering monsters are featured driving a variety of wild machines from vintage rods and Caddys to hot new Mustangs, P.T.Cruisers and new V.W.Bugs.Only 1,000 boxes were printed, holding 44 cards in the set, and costing $14.95.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Police Probe Two Local Break-Ins

A second burglary in a week was reported at a Mexican food store in Warsaw, and juveniles are suspected in a break-in to the Warsaw Medical Arts Building. Warsaw police are investigating both incidents. The owner of Lajoyita, East Winona Avenue, called police at 10 a.m.Sunday after discovering a break-in there.The business is adjoined by LaPasadita, which is owned by brothers of the owner of Lajoyita.Both businesses were burgled last week, with a loss of $1,600 reported on Aug.1. In the most recent break-in, 30 packs of cigarettes, $110 cash, flour and orange juice were taken.The total loss is estimated at $200. A break-in was found Monday morning at the Medical Arts Building on East Winona Avenue, where several offices were vandalized and/or had thefts. The office of Dr.James J.Bohlin was missing $40 in petty cash, a hammer and a pair of virtual vision television goggles.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Chamber Proposes Character-Building Program For Familie

SYRACUSE - A character-building program for families in Syracuse could begin soon if the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce can garner support for the program within the community, according to an announcement at yesterday's chamber meeting. Recommended by Rollin Swanson as a worthwhile project, chamber members Brian Redshaw, the Rev.Daniel Haifley and executive secretary Steven Hite met earlier in the week to discuss the program.Their recommendation to the council was given a green light. Everyone at the meeting received a copy of the book "Achieving True Success: How to Build Character as a Family," a publication of the Character Council of Indiana.The book defines character and offers a step-by-step approach to character building.
VIRGINIA NIZAMOFF SURSO, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Judge To Determine If Arson Suspect Will Be Tried As Adult

The juvenile suspect in the Leesburg church fire will remain in a South Bend detention center, a judge ruled Thursday. Timothy Grevenstuk, 17, of Leesburg, was charged with intimidation and obstruction of justice in connection with the church fire investigation. At the hearing in Juvenile Court, Judge Duane Huffer set an Aug.15 hearing to determine whether Grevenstuk should be tried as an adult.Local prosecutors are asking the case be waived to adult court. Grevenstuk was detained late Tuesday night after he refused to speak with investigators and allegedly interfered with the investigation. According to police, Grevenstuk allegedly told a 14-year-old female acquaintance that he set the church fire.He then allegedly spoke with her again, against the request of the FBI to not contact witnesses. The witness told police Grevenstuk threatened to kill her if she told police what she knew.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Police Probe Theft From Mentone Mini Mart

MENTONE - Police are investigating a break-in to Sands Mini Mart in Mentone, where an undisclosed amount of money was reported missing. An employee coming into work at 3:27 a.m.Monday found a back door open at the store and called police. The telephone wires at the business were reportedly cut and the store's alarm company advised that the burglar alarm was armed at 12:06 a.m.Monday, but disarmed at 12:20 a.m.that day. Although the door was found open, it did not appear to have been forced.Also, the suspect reportedly left a poem typed on a computer in the store. The Mentone Police Department and Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department are investigating the matter.Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact either agency by calling 267-5667.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Gangs A Form Of Acceptance For Many

Authorities want to keep tabs on them, education officials take steps to control them, and the citizenry would like them better if they were out of sight and out of mind. But if you talk to the troubled teens themselves, they'll tell you all they want is something to do - and to be left alone to do it. "I think the reason why most kids get in trouble is all you hear out of the kids' mouth is 'Warsaw sucks,' " said Brant, 17, whose name has been changed to protect his identity. "They keep kicking the kids out of the park.You can't rollerblade here, you can't skateboard there.In Warsaw, there are a lot of teen-agers and there's nothing to do.A lot of kids just like to get together and talk.And the grown-ups drive by and say 'Look at all those hoodlums.' We need something to do, a hangout place, instead of going out and getting in trouble and doing drugs and stuff." Brant has been in trouble with the law since he was 14, according to his father, John, of Warsaw.
Phil Smith, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Inmate reflects on life in trouble

MUNCIE - His steps are short, very short.When he walks, his feet move in abbreviated, predetermined succession - limited by the span of the steel shackles encircling his ankles. Hands remain handcuffed and at the front, serving as a centerpiece to the bright orange jail uniform that covers much of his 20-year-old frame. Sean has four years of an 8-year prison sentence to reflect on the life and tough breaks that contributed to his downfall - and the lessons learned that he hopes will aid in his eventual comeback. "I've been in trouble since I was 11 years old, even before that," said the Warsaw native. "A lot of people of the younger generation used to look up to me because of my friends, but most of my friends were pimps and drug dealers, so I know now I wasn't the best example." Sean was a veteran of the probation system long before he wore the title of teen-ager.In retrospect, he says today his conscience finally became his best guide.
Phil Smith, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Couple Face 'Pot' Charges

A Warsaw couple was arrested Friday for allegedly running an indoor marijuana growing operation. Kenneth Schue and Laura Sue Schue, both of 460 E.CR 450S, Warsaw, were booked into Kosciusko County Jail Friday evening on identical charges of maintaining a common nuisance, dealing marijuana, possession of paraphrenalia and two counts of possession of marijuana.Bond for each was set at $5,000. The couple operate Schue's Landscaping.Further charges may be pending in the case, police said. Around 2:45 p.m.Friday, the Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Team was preparing to serve a search warrant on the Schue residence when members of the team reportedly saw Kenneth Schue tending marijuana plants near the CR 450S address. Kenneth Schue was then taken into custody for possession/cultivating marijuana.Police said he was the person they expected to find in the residence they were preparing to search.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Chase Ends In Crash; No Injuries

A high-speed chase ended in a crash of a stolen car Monday afternoon. Tom Seymour, 17, led Warsaw police on a high-speed chase after an officer spotted him in a stolen Tracer. The car was reported stolen Wednesday by his mother, Deb Holderby. Holderby called police Monday around 1 p.m.after her son contacted her.Seymour agreed to bring the car back if Holderby allowed him to pick up his paycheck from Prairie View Health Care Center. Seymour then sent a friend, Misty Vining, to pick up the check.Holderby called the police when Vining arrived. Warsaw officer Steve Brown saw the stolen Tracer when Seymour spotted the police at the same time. Seymour sped west on Winona Avenue with Brown in pursuit.They traveled onto Crystal Lake Road with another officer joining the chase.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Robbery Suspect Under Arrest

An unemployed Mentone man was taken into custody in Rochester Wednesday night, about 12 hours after he allegedly robbed an Etna Green bank. Zachary J.Waddle, 20, is charged with armed robbery.He is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bond. Waddle is accused of robbing the Etna Green branch of National City Bank of an undisclosed amount of money.He allegedly entered the bank about 9 a.m.wearing a pair of sunglasses to alter his facial identity and handed the teller a handwritten note that said he had a weapon and he wanted money. The teller reportedly gave Waddle most of the money from her drawer before he said, "That's enough."He then grabbed the money and ran out of the bank, police said. Detective Sgt.Todd Sautter of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department said that during the alleged robbery, Waddle never displayed a weapon and bank employees did not see a weapon.One customer also was in the bank and no injuries were reported.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

2 Held In Area Burglaries

Two St.Joseph County men are charged in connection with two Kosciusko County business burglaries. Richard Simmons, 19, of Mishawaka, is in custody in Berrien County, Mich., where he recently was arrested in connection with a burglary there. Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department Detective Sgt.Todd Sautter said Michigan authorities contacted him after Simmons allegedly implicated himself and James Rutt, 26, of South Bend, in break-ins to Diamond Fleet near Atwood and J&M Gravel near Etna Green. Both of the incidents were featured in the weekly Crime Stoppers cases, but police had not received any tips. The Diamond Fleet burglary occurred June 22.The telephone lines to the business were cut and entry was made through a window.The offices were ransacked and tools valued at more than $16,000 were reported missing.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Second Suspect Sentenced In Amish Bashing Case

An identical sentence was handed down Wednesday to the second of five defendants accused of robbing Amish men after knocking them from their bicycles. Through a plea agreement, William R.Neiswender, 18, of Nappanee, was given the same terms as Roger F.Briscoe, 23, of Nappanee, who was sentenced last week in Kosciusko Superior Court. Coincidentally, Neiswender's required apology was nearly identical to that presented by Briscoe and stated that he was "sorry for my actions and apologize for any fear or intimidation I may have caused." Like Briscoe, Neiswender must serve four years of a six-year prison term, with the balance suspended for probation.In addition to a public apology, he must perform 500 hours of community service, make restitution, and pay court costs and the cost of his court-appointed attorney.
Ruth Anne Long, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Fort Wayne Walk, Festival Benefits AIDS Task Force

Fifth Annual AIDSWalk and Festival will be Sept.9 at Lawton Park in downtown Fort Wayne. The walkathon and festival benefits AIDS Task Force Inc., a not-for-profit organization that serves HIV-impacted Hoosiers in 11 northeast Indiana counties, including Kosciusko, Whitley and Wabash. Nancy Cripe, events coordinator for AIDS Task Force Inc., said the walkathon is important because "AIDS hasn't gone away.It's still prevalent." The Task Force has 220 clients with HIV, regardless of the stage of their disease, Cripe said, more than it has ever had at any time in its 16-year history. "It's considerably more than what we had last year."Last year, she said, they had approximately 160 clients with HIV.They hit the 200 mark in May of this year.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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