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Warsaw Man 'Critical' After Diving Accident

LEESBURG - A Warsaw man is in critical condition after suffering a broken neck in a diving accident early Sunday at Tippecanoe Lake. Ben I.Bibler, 22, of North CR 175E, Warsaw, reportedly dove off a pier at a North Kalorama Road, Leesburg, residence and did not immediately resurface. Witnesses told a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department deputy that Bibler decided to go swimming about 5 a.m.and dove off the pier into about 4 feet of water.When he didn't come back out of the water, witnesses at first thought he was playing a joke on them. Two of the three people with Bibler got flashlights and began shining them in the water around the pier.Bibler was spotted floating 1 to 2 feet from the pier and was pulled unconscious from the water. A 911 call reported the incident as a possible drowning and CPR was performed until emergency personnel arrived.Bibler was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital before being transferred to Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

WCHS Closes Early After Water Problem

A water problem at Warsaw Community High School sent students home after lunch today. According to WCHS principal Dr.Jennifer Brumfield, two days ago the main water valve was turned off because contractors added a new valve to the system. "Apparently, when the main valve was turned back on, it was turned on full forcce," said Brumfield."Plastic beads from the water softener were forced throughout the system." Those beads traveled through the pipes at the high school, clogging toilets, faucets and water fountains, prompting the school to send students home this afternoon. According to Brumfield, the problem is related to the construction project.Contractors are responsible for the problem, and the work was done by outsidee companies, not school employees. Brumfield said the problem started yesterday but got worse today.Employees at the school unclogged toilets, faucets and fountains, but they refilled quickly.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

14-Year-Old 'Serious' After Being Struck By School Bus

PIERCETON - A Warsaw girl is in serious condition at a Fort Wayne hospital after being run over by her school bus Wednesday afternoon near Pierceton. Cassi M.Bause, 14, of East CR 100N, suffered unspecified injuries and was airlifted from the scene to Parkview Hospital.According to a police report, Bause had a pre-existing back injury and used crutches to help her walk.She was struck by the Whitko Community School Corp.bus after being dropped off at her residence.Because of her physical condition, another student helped Bause exit the bus and that student reboarded the bus and took a seat before the driver, Sara M.Austin, 52, of EMS B39W Lane, Leesburg, began to drive away. The 3:54 p.m.accident occurred on CR 100N, 2,600 feet east of CR 450E.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Police Warn Of Potential Scams

The Warsaw Police Department is warning residents about several incidents of Internet scams involving fraudulent U.S.postal money orders. According to WPD, local victims were contacted by people on the Internet through personal ads or through some type of business arrangement, loan or agreement to receive the fake money orders, cash them locally and send some or most of the money from the cashed checks back to the contact to a third party at another location. The money orders look real, but are fake and will eventually cause the person cashing them to reimburse the local banks for the transactions.Some of the Internet scams originate outside the country, but will use United States addresses and names, which end up not being valid or are forwarded to mail drops out of the country.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Crash Injures Warsaw Teen

One area man was seriously injured in a one-car accident Wednesday evening. Timothy A.Nelson, 19, of Harding Street, Warsaw, was airlifted to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, and was listed in fair condition this morning. According to police reports, he was driving a car registered to Kevin Schildroth, Warsaw, east on CR 100N, near Warsaw.Nelson was reportedly driving too fast to make the curve safely near Parks-Schram Road and touched the guard rail. This caused him to lose control of the car and go off the road on the south side of CR 100.The car then veered back across the road and came to rest when it hit a tree. Nelson was pinned under the steering wheel.The Warsaw Fire Department used their "Jaws" to free Nelson, who was then airlifted to Fort Wayne. Police reports list his injuries as a fractured or dislocated hip or upper leg.A passenger in the car, Laura Schildroth, Warsaw, was treated at Kosciusko Community Hospital for shoulder pain and released.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Diversion Tactic Used In Robbery

A Warsaw woman was distracted by one man while several others broke into and ransacked her home. Bertha Shoemaker reported the incident about 3 p.m.Saturday at her home on Fox Farm Road, Warsaw.She told the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department that she was gardening in her back yard when a man approached her and began to talk. Shoemaker said the cleanshaven white man was approximately 5-foot-3, 150 pounds, and had light brown hair that was balding.He was in his 20s or 30s and carrying a hand-held radio. The man asked her if she wanted her leaves raked.During the conversation with Shoemaker, she told police that he said into the radio once, "Go ahead, everything is fine." While they were talking, someone forced open the front door of Shoemaker's house and entered.The suspects reportedly opened every door and drawer in the home, finding and taking more than $2,000 before exiting through the front door. The Sheriff's Department is continuing the investigation.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Alcohol Permits Up For Auction

Two alcoholic beverage permits in Kosciusko County will be auctioned off Dec.7 at 11 a.m. The Kosciusko County permits are two of several types of permits in Indiana that will be sold to the highest bidders. One is for a beer and wine dealer/grocery permit in Enchanted Hills, originally held by Johnson Bay Marina.The other is for a beer, wine and liquor retailer/restaurant permit in Warsaw, originally held by La Madre Restaurant. "Most likely," said Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission controller Vicki Stephens, the permits are being auctioned off "because a permittee has gone out of business and they relinguished (the permits) back to the state." She said the bidders for the permits will not be actually bidding on the business, just the quota spot the permits held. The Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission will hold the public auction on alcohol permits at the Indiana Government Center South, Conference Center, 302 W.Washington, Indianapolis.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Woman Arrested In Internet Fraud Case

Complaints from more than 50 Ebay users across the country led to the arrest of a Warsaw woman on a warrant for theft. Nikki Brindle, of White Wolf Designs, 2603 E.Pine Drive, was arrested Monday for fraudulently selling high-priced electronics over the Internet, Kosciusko County Detective Todd Sautter said.She is being held on $5,000 bond. Reportedly, Brindle placed items for sale on Ebay, and after receiving payment, failed to send the item or issue a refund. Purchasers allegedly were told their items would come in seven to10 weeks, then when they never came, were told Brindle's supplier was back-ordered. Frustrated after waiting for items since early spring, some purchasers requested refunds and never got those, either.That's when the National White Collar Crime Center and the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department became involved. The sheriff's department confiscated Brindle's computer and financial records and is investigating the complaints.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Boy Banned From Store After Shoplifting

A 6-year-old boy has been banned from entering Marsh Supermarket after he allegedly shoplifted $23.94 worth of fireworks Monday. According to a Warsaw Police Department report, the boy came into the store about 1:50 p.m.carrying a Marsh bag.He put the fireworks into the bag and left, but was brought back in by an employee who witnessed the act. Police talked to the boy, who was unable to provide his address, but said he could show them where he lived. The boy's mother came to Marsh before police left with him and she said she was looking for her son, who apparently left the house while she was napping. Marsh declined to press charges against the boy on the condition that he does not return to the store. Center, Lake Intersection To Be Closed STAFF REPORT The Warsaw Street Department has announced the intersection of Center and Lake streets will be closed tonight beginning at 6 p.m.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Oakwood Hears Budget Proposal

A proposed 2006 budget estimate was discussed by the Oakwood Cemetery Board of Regency during its monthly meeting Thursday. Cemetery sexton David Shaw said that significant changes from last year's budget signify the paving of a new legion circle and the cemetery's need to upgrade its computer system in the administration building. Last month's proposal for a new lawn mower was cut from the estimate due to budget constraints. "I appreciate (the) efficiency of the cemetery board," Council Representative Bob Morrison said."If only we could have every department running the same way, it'd make things much easier." Payment of the newly acquired back-hoe in April was included.Also included in the estimate was $40,000 for the potential purchase of adjoining properties surrounding the cemetery.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Fires In Boggs Park Under Investigation

Fire damaged Kinder Manufacturing Sunday evening in Boggs Industrial Park, Warsaw. The Warsaw Police and Fire departments are investigating the reportedly suspicious oringin of the fire. Smoke was spotted at 5:58 p.m.Sunday coming from the back of the Kinder building.A Warsaw police officer said the fire was spreading to the wall of the loading dock area when he arrived. The fire apparently started in a trash compactor outside the building then spread inside through overhead garage doors, according to Warsaw Fire Chief Ken Shepherd. The sprinkler system activated when the fire spread inside and helped contain the blaze.The fire crews spent about 45 minutes at the scene. Shepherd said the fire was "started by unknown means by an unknown person." The fire department also responded to a fire in a dumpster on the northwest corner of the Little League baseball diamonds nearby. Investigators believe the two fires may be related.
TIFFANY SHAW Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Leesburg Woman Dies From Injuries Suffered In Crash

A Leesburg woman injured in a Saturday accident near Nappanee died Wednesday in Elkhart General Hospital. Phengdy Saovongxay, 60, of Brubaker Street, Leesburg, was a front-seat passenger in a van driven by Thony Sriratanakoul, 45, of Brubaker Street, Leesburg.Saovongxay complained of abdominal pain and was admitted to Elkhart General Hospital, where she died Wednesday. According to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department report filed Wednesday, the accident occurred at 5:44 p.m.Saturday at the intersection of Ind.19 and CR 1350N, about one-half mile south of Nappanee. Sriratanakoul and another passenger in his vehicle, Liane Saovongxay, 70, Brubaker Street, Leesburg, also were injured.Sriratanakoul complained of neck pain and Liane Saovongxay suffered a back injury.Both were treated at EGH and released.Another passenger in the van, Somphiane Sriratanakoul, 37, of Brubaker Street, Leesburg, was not injured.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

CCS Launches Christmas In July

Combined Community Services' Christmas in July program starts today and ends Aug.9. The back-to-school fund-raiser doesn't need monetary funds, according to event organizer Ami Pitt, because the Kosciusko County Fraternal Order of Police was so generous last year. "The FOP's $7,000 donation in 2003 is carrying us into this year as far as money is concerned," Pitt said."We'll have gym uniforms for Warsaw Community Schools students and possibly for Wawasee Community Schools students." Items will be distributed the second week of August.Needed items include rulers, erasers, pencils, paper, folders, scissors and school boxes. These things can be brought to CCS, 110 E.Prairie St., Warsaw, according to Dan Clay, CCS director of client assistance. "Because monetary donations aren't needed as badly, if people want to give money, give it to (CCS') Project Independence and they will service their own clients' children," Pitt said.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Girl Reports Attempted Sexual Assault

A seventh-grade 12-year-old Edgewood Middle School girl reported being sexually assaulted Monday by a stranger. According to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department report, the girl and a female friend, 14, were swimming at Hoffman Lake and noticed a man watching them.He left but returned later.He continued to watch the two girls swim. The two girls left the beach to eat lunch and noticed the man was walking around their house.The 12-year-old walked out onto the back patio and asked the man what he wanted.The man asked the girl if she knew where Second Street was.She said she did not. The girl turned around to look at her rabbits when the man allegedly grabbed her with both arms, lifted her up and put his hand inside her swimsuit.She began kicking and screaming.The man let go of her and fled.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Man Resists Arrest, Faces Charges

SYRACUSE -ÊA Syracuse man is in the Kosciusko County Jail after an incident with Syracuse Police officers Monday night. Officers were asked to help a woman who was removing her personal items from a residence at 508 Prairie Drive in Turtle Bay, when Michael S.Hively, 23, of the same address, allegedly became disorderly and combative. Hively resisted arrest, and fought with officers until he was secured in the back seat of a police car.The rear passenger window was shattered before several assisting officers were able to remove Hively and restrain him from causing more damage. Hively was booked into Kosciusko County Jail on two counts of battery on a police officer, one count of disorderly conduct, one count of resisting/fleeing law enforcement and one count of criminal mischief.He is being held on $10,000 bond.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Woman Dies From Sunday Crash Injuries

The Claypool woman injured in a Sunday train-pickup accident died this morning as a result of her injuries. Lessli Carol Bays, 28, was pronounced dead at 3 a.m.today after being removed from life support at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Bays suffered internal injuries in a 12:32 p.m.accident Sunday at the CSX crossing near the intersection of U.S.30 and CR 450E, west of Pierceton.She was a passenger in the pickup driven by her husband, Lester L."Buck" Bays, 26.The train struck the vehicle on its passenger side, causing the pickup to, at first, stick to the front of the train before falling back onto the track and flipping over. Lester Bays also suffered internal injuries in the accident.He was released from Parkview on Tuesday. The Bays' 16-month-old son, Brody Bays, was treated at Kosciusko Community Hospital the day of the accident and released, according to police, who said the toddler was protected by his child restraint seat.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

21-Year-Old Drowns In Center Lake

A 21-year-old man drowned Tuesday while swimming in Center Lake, the second drowning in Kosciusko County in less than a week. Walter S.Hough, 29, Claypool, drowned Friday night in Yellow Creek Lake. Martin Ortega, 21, East Clark Street, Warsaw, was pronounced dead at 8 p.m.Tuesday at Kosciusko Community Hospital.His body was recovered from Center Lake at 7:27 p.m., but attempts by Multi-Township EMS personnel to revive him were unsuccessful. At 7 p.m.Tuesday the Warsaw Parks office was called about a possible drowning at Center Lake beach.Witnesses said Ortega, a nonswimmer, went into water over his head.Pedro Cervantes, a 12-year-old who was at the beach, swam out to Ortega and tried to help him back to shore.He was nearly pulled under by Ortega and called for help from shore.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Wednesday Fire Burns Pole Barn

Sparks from a welding torch apparently touched off a fire which destroyed a pole barn on Julian Drive in Warsaw Wednesday morning. A Warsaw Fire Department official said the 30-by-40-foot building, owned by Ron Shepler, was a complete loss. Shepler told the fire department he was welding and cutting in the pole barn shortly before the fire began.Fire officials ruled the fire accidental, apparently caused by the welding work Shepler was doing. The fire was called in at 11:03 a.m., and the building was engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived. A Warsaw firefighter said there were several cars and tools in the building at the time of the fire and nothing was able to be saved. Firefighters spent 1-1/2 hours at the scene, but the fire was under control within minutes of their arrival. The fire did spread to a storage shed next to the pole barn, and the shed also was destroyed.
TIFFANY SHAW Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Three Hurt On Ind. 15

A two-car collision Thursday left three injured as a car struck a semi tractor-trailer on Ind.15 just south of CR 1100N. According to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department press report, witnesses of the accident said that at approximately 10 a.m., Renee A Gammiere, 36, of St.Joseph, Mich., traveled left of center while northbound on Ind.15 and collided with a southbound semi tractor-trailer, driven by Ricke Jensen, 34, of Middlebury, causing the vehicle to overturn. Gammiere was extricated by emergency personnel and transported to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne via Lutheran Air ambulance, where she is listed in stable condition. A passenger in Gammiere's vehicle, Elijah M.Homrich, of St.Joseph, suffered wrist injuries and was treated at Kosciusko Community Hospital. Jensen suffered back injuries and was transported to Goshen General Hospital, where he is in fair condition.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Kids OK As Bus Rolls Over

LEESBURG - A church bus filled with deaf campers rolled over onto railroad tracks this morning at the intersection of Armstrong and Baseline roads. None of the 11 teenagers on the bus was seriously injured but several were being transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital for neck and back pain.Eight adults on board were reportedly not injured. According to investigating police officers, the bus was driving west on Armstrong Road when the brakes apparently failed.The bus ran off the road at the intersection and tipped over, landing on the railroad tracks. All the passengers and driver were out of the bus when police arrived. One passenger on the bus, Chris Caldgar, of Cleveland, Ohio, said the campers were from Epworth Forest."None of the kids were hurt real bad," he said."I'm just glad the kids were OK." Caldgar and another passenger, Scott Caskey, said the deaf teens were gathered at the camp from all over the country.
TIFFANY SHAW Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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