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Waste District Funds Missing

Following an audit by the State Board of Accounts, approximately $27,000 was found missing from the Kosciusko County Solid Waste District's accounts in 1999 and 2000. The financial review is regularly scheduled once every two years, according to district chairman Joe Thallemer. At that time and since her appointment as director in September 1997, Marsha Eikenberry also served as the district's controller. State Board of Accounts representatives met with KCSWD directors and Kosciusko County commissioners Avis Gunter and Ron Truex, county councilman Maurice Beer, Winona Lake councilman Rolly Ortega and Warsaw city councilman Thallemer Wednesday in executive session an hour prior to the regular meeting. The accountants' preliminary findings reportedly show that unauthorized cashed checks, misuse of district property and unauthorized vacation days added to the district's loss. On first study no one other than Eikenberry is implicated in the theft.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Ku Klux Klan Rallies In Syracuse

SYRACUSE - Syracuse Elementary teacher Lera Reinholt has the support of the Ku Klux Klan whether she wants it or not. The Klan rallied in Syracuse this afternoon in support of Reinholt, a fourth-grade teacher who has come under fire this week for a worksheet distributed in her classroom.The paper asked students to fill in information about the workings of the Klan, and also contained a word search with some offensive racial terms. The Klansmen arrived at 12:15 p.m.to a crowd of about 200 people.One Klansman rolled down his car window and directed a string of invectives at media behind a fence. "It's all about white power.F*** the niggers! This is my land.Send the niggers back to Africa!" Sixteen Klansmen got out of their vehicles and 12 put on robes and hoods.Another put a bandana over his eyes to hide his identity.
DEB McAULIFFE, Times-Union Staff Writer, AND GARY GERARD, Times-Union Managing Editor- | July 28, 2016

Husband Of Murder Victim Pleads Guilty To Burglary

William Vroman, formerly of Milford, pleaded guilty to burglary Tuesday in Kosciusko Circuit Court, and a plea agreement could result in two other charges against him being dismissed. Vroman, 32, was the husband of 48-year-old murder victim Kathy Vroman, whose body was found in January near a wooded area in Michigan several days after he reported her missing.She died as a result of two gunshot wounds to the back of her head and Jason Fisher, 22, of Millersburg, is charged with her murder. Vroman was one of three men implicated in a Dec.2 burglary of Rice Ford in Warsaw, from which more than $100,000 in 2001 vehicles were stolen. Officials said Kathy Vroman's death may have been related to an auto theft ring in which Fisher; his father, Ralph Freddrick Fisher, 46, of Goshen; William Vroman; Lawrence Grant, 29, of Shipshewana; and George W.Aldrich, 28, of Etna Green, were allegedly involved.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Immigration, FBI Probe Suspects In Local Check Scheme

Local charges in an alleged check-kiting scheme are just the tip of the iceberg for two Egyptian men who also are being investigated by the immigration department and the FBI. Detective Lt.Steve Adang of the Warsaw Police Department said that complaints were received during the past two to three weeks about checks being written to businesses on overdrawn accounts, and that other complaints were being filed with local banks from businesses in Columbia City, Plymouth and Fort Wayne. Ahmed Ibrahim Hussien, 25, of 149 EMS C27 Lane, Warsaw, and Ahmed Hassan Marey, 25, of Pasadena, Calif., were taken into custody early Thursday morning at Indianapolis International Airport.WPD officers were aided in the apprehension by agents of the Department of Immigration and Natural Services and officers with the Indianapolis International Airport Police Department.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Charges Dismissed During Trial; Syracuse Man Gets Out Of Jail

After spending about 10 months in the Kosciusko County Jail, a Syracuse man was released on his own recognizance for a theft charge after three other charges against him were dismissed during the second day of a trial in Kosciusko Circuit Court. Joseph A.Prodonovich, 27, faced charges of burglary to a dwelling, a Class B felony, and theft and possession of a firearm by a felon, both Class D felonies.Charges were filed against him in July and he was arrested on those charges in August, at which time his bond was set at $100,000.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Civil Rights Suit Filed Against City, Officers

A North Webster couple has filed a lawsuit claiming malicious prosecution, conversion, spoilation of evidence, slander, conspiracy, conversion and abuse of process in connection with their arrest and the subsequent dismissal of charges against them. Richard and Janet Orban, represented by attorneys from the Indianapolis law firm Ice Miller and the Fort Wayne law firm Haller and Colvin, filed the suit June 13 in Marion Circuit Court. They claim their civil rights have been violated under Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S.Constitution.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Use of inhalants has long history, varied effects

Inhaling chemicals to get high has been going on since the early 1800s, says a report by William J.Bailey at the Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Indiana University. Some of the typical side effects of using inhalants are: nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, impaired judgment, rapid pulse, headaches and incontinence. There are typically three categories of chemicals used for inhaling: nitrous oxide, volatile nitrites and petroleum distillates. Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," is an anesthetic used in medical treatment.The chemical is known to produce an intense euphoria. During the high, the eyes tend to be wide open and a bit dilated.The pulse becomes rapid and the blood pressure elevates. The effects only last for a few minutes. Nitrous is often used as a propellant for whipping cream and is also used in auto racing to accelerate combustion.
DOUGLAS SANBURN, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Theft Arrest Made Tuesday

Mark Slone, CR 700W, Warsaw, was arrested Tuesday on theft charges relating to the January recovery of thousands of dollars in stolen construction tools found at his residence. In late 2003, multiple building sites and personal residences around the county reported construction materials and tools stolen. In January, after being called to a domestic distubance, police found evidence linking Mark and his brother, Brian, to the thefts. The Slones first were arrested and held on drug charges after police found precursors to methamphetamine in their residences. Detective Travis Marsh, Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, said now that the many stolen items have been sorted out they're able to process the theft charges.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Two Held In Milford Meth Bust

MILFORD -ÊTwo men were arrested early this morning for allegedly running an illegal methamphetamine lab on CR 1050N just west of CR 200N near Milford. Timothy Alan Shear, 44, of 1181 N.Syracuse-Webster Road, Syracuse, and Brandon Michael Eggeson, 27, of Howe, were arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail shortly before 5 a.m.today on charges of having an illegal drug lab and criminal trespass.Both are being held on bonds of $5,000. Both men reportedly have a history of involvement with meth, and both have been arrested for possession of precursors to making methamphetamine in the past. Around 2:30 a.m.today, officers from the Indiana State Police and the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department saw a Ford Ranger pull up to a barn at an old farm on CR 1050N.People entered the barn carrying items believed to be used for manufacturing methamphetamine.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Defense Attorney Says Ralph Fisher Has Alibi

Citing the possibility of bad blood between a father and son dating back to a divorce when the boy was 7 years old, defense attorney Thomas Leatherman of Goshen told the jury in Kosciusko Circuit Court this morning that "a Fisher killed Kathy Vroman, but not this Fisher." Leatherman is the attorney for Ralph Fredderick "Fred" Fisher, 47, of Goshen, who is accused of murder in the Jan.15, 2001, shooting death of Kathy Vroman, 48, of Milford.Vroman's body was found in a wooded area near Three Rivers, Mich., several days after she was reported missing.The investigation then turned from missing person to murder.At the origin of the investigation, Fisher's son, Jason Fisher, 24, of Millersburg, was charged with Vroman's murder.That charge remains pending and a trial date has not been set.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Burglary Suspects Arrested By Webster Officers

NORTH WEBSTER -ÊTwo men were arrested after members of the North Webster Police department broke up an alleged burglary Wednesday night. James A.Harris, 21, of 646 Columbus St., Wabash, was arrested at 7:31 p.m.Wednesday and booked into the Kosciusko County on charges of resisting/fleeing law enforcement, burglary to a residence and felony theft. Anthony Wayne Baker, 18, of 920 Anchorage Road, Warsaw, was arrested at 1:03 a.m.today and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on charges of burglary to a permanent residence, theft from a residence and resisting/fleeing law enforcement. Both men are being held on bonds of $5,000. According to North Webster Town Marshal Greg Church, a caller reported a possible burglary in progress at a trailer in Mid Lakes Mobile Home Park around 6:09 p.m.Wednesday after Harris and Baker allegedly climbed through a window to enter the residence.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

City Orders Landlord To Post Deposit

A Warsaw landlord was ordered Friday by the city's Board of Public Works & Safety to pay a $500 deposit to ensure that he makes required repairs on a local rental house within the next 30 days. The board told Juergen Voss he'll get his money back if all the violations on his property at 730 E.Center St.are corrected within 30 days. Voss proposed the 30-day period after board member Mac Silveus asked him how long it would take to finalize repairs to the residence. Warsaw building inspector Pam Kennedy had asked the board to impose a $600 fine and order Voss to comply with code requirements within 30 days. Kennedy said the city first received a complaint about the property in October; an inspection uncovered 48 violations.Despite two more orders in November and December, 11 violations still exist, she said.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Charges Likely In Road Rage Incident In Warsaw

Charges are expected against the driver of a sport utility vehicle who allegedly struck a motorist as the culmination of an incident of road rage. Brian C.Hodorek of Winona Lake told Warsaw police that he was struck in the face by the unidentified driver when both vehicles were stopped in the left turn lanes at U.S.30 and Center Street in Warsaw. Hodorek told police that the 5 p.m.incident started when the vehicles passed each other on U.S.30 near Quality Farm & Fleet and ended when they both stopped for a red light. The driver of the SUV reportedly got out of his vehicle, yelled at Hodorek while shaking a finger in his face, then struck him before returning to his vehicle and leaving the scene. A license plate number was obtained from the vehicle and police said the SUV is registered to a Columbia City business.The business will be contacted so the identity of the driver can be determined.Police plan to charge the man with battery.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Michigan City Man Arrested On Drug Charges

A Michigan City man was taken into custody at a Warsaw hotel early this morning after local police received a tip that the suspect in another county's drug case was possibly "hiding out" there. Wayne A.Anderson, 29, is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on a LaPorte County warrant for possession of marijuana and theft/receiving stolen property.He also is being held for the Drug Enforcement Agency on a charge of trafficking methamphetamine. Officers with the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team learned about 3 a.m.today from the Goshen Drug Task Force that Anderson was supposedly at the Hampton Inn in Warsaw. The Kosciusko/Warsaw SWAT Team joined local and state police in taking Anderson into custody.Anderson was possibly armed and dangerous, according to a press release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Man Arrested After Theft At Kmart

A Warsaw man allegedly trying to shoplift more than $1,700 worth of merchandise from Kmart Sunday afternoon was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail. Thomas E.Skeens, 32, of 2854 U.S.30E #154, suffered cuts to his hands while reportedly trying to flee the area by climbing a fence in the garden center of the store.He also allegedly battered two Kmart employees who attempted to detain him until police arrived. Skeens was treated for his injuries at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, before being booked into the jail.He is being held in lieu of $2,000 bond for one count of theft and two counts of battery. According to a Warsaw Police Department report, Skeens had a cart containing $1,779.92 worth of merchandise, including two DVD players, tools, sporting goods, clothing and other items, near the area he was apprehended after store employees responded to an alarm.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Three Held In Wawasee Burglaries

Three suspects face charges in connection with multiple burglaries in the Wawasee/Marineland Gardens area. One man has been in custody since last week, according to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department detective, and warrants are expected with charges against the other two men. A search warrant was executed at the home of one of the suspects Monday, but no stolen items were recovered as anticipated by police. The string of burglaries began in November and the last residence in the investigation was reported broken into in February.The theft left individual victims with substantial monetary loss, police said.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Webster Post Office Will Be Relocated

NORTH WEBSTER - The new post office at North Webster will not be located in the existing facility. Town council president Jon Sroufe read a letter from U.S.Postal Service Real Estate Specialist Leonard Stevens during Tuesday's council meeting. Stevens wrote: "Due to several safety issues and the lack of sufficient available land adjacent to the existing facility, the existing location cannot be expanded to meet future operational requirements.Therefore, this alternative must be eliminated from further consideration. "In the near future we will advertise for both existing buildings and vacant sites to construct a new facility.If we find that an existing building is not suitable, we will then construct a new facility." Stevens also wrote that any member of the community may appeal this decision by directing a letter to his attention at 62 Stratford Drive, Bloomingdale, IL 60117-7000. Appeals should be mailed before April 1.
GARY GERARD, Times-Union Managing Editor- | July 28, 2016

Teen Runs From Police While Being Taken To Court

A Warsaw teenager being taken to court this morning reportedly escaped from authorities and ran from the Kosciusko County Justice Building. Phillip Oest, 15, of Sheridan Street, Warsaw, was captured about 1-1/2 hours later on Fort Wayne Street, about two blocks from the Kosciusko County Jail. Oest was brought back from the South Bend Juvenile Detention Center for a court hearing this morning, and he was being placed into a holding cell on the second floor of the Justice Building when he allegedly ran from the officer, down a stairwell and out a door that exits onto Main Street.The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. Among the charges Oest was scheduled to appear in court for today was auto theft from a March 11 incident in Warsaw.Oest reportedly took a truck belonging to Jeff E.Kindel and crashed it into a tree in the 1600 block of East Clark Street.Several stolen items were allegedly found inside the truck.Officials said Oest does not have a driver's license.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Suspect Arrested In Ace Hardware Theft

Claiming he needed money for gas, cigarettes and food, a Pierceton man allegedly stole a drill from a Warsaw store, but was caught when a passerby followed him until police arrived. Wesley C.Korn, 45, of 5985 Old Road 30E, Pierceton, is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on preliminary charges of driving while suspended and theft from a business.His bond is set at $350. According to a Warsaw Police Department report, Korn allegedly removed a cordless drill from its case at Ace Hardware on East Center Street and employees reportedly saw him leave the store with the item under his coat. A Warsaw resident was pulling into the parking lot of the business when he saw Korn "leaving in a hurry" and noticed that people were chasing him.The resident told police he felt something was wrong, so he called authorities on his cellular telephone and followed Korn's vehicle until police caught up with him.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Arrests Made In On Cue Robbery

As a result of investigations into a December armed robbery of On Cue in Warsaw, two men have been charged in connection with a similar robbery at the business in July 2000. Jeremy Ray Shambaugh, 20, of 1968 S.CR 675W, Warsaw, was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail Monday afternoon on charges of aiding, inducing or causing robbery, a Class B felony, and theft, a Class D felony.He was released from custody after posting $10,000 bond. Shambaugh is accused of accompanying Cory Arndell, 21, of Claypool, to the On Cue store at the Marketplace shopping center in Warsaw on July 1, 2000.There is a warrant for Arndell's arrest for robbery and theft in this case.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016
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