By SGT. TRENT SMITH
Public Information Officer, Indiana State Police Bremen Post

Skyler Jolee Cain

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — A two-week investigation by the Indiana State Police, with the assistance of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Warsaw Police Department, Winona Lake Police Department and the North Webster Police Department, culminated with the arrest of three North Webster residents.

State police and local officers served a search warrant at a North Webster home located at 5489 N. CR 900 E., Tuesday night. Once inside police discovered a multitude of methamphetamine drug paraphernalia along with meth that had just recently been cooked and a 5-year-old child.

State police arrested 28-year-old Skyler Cain and 30-year-old Joshua Howey, residents at the home, on several meth related charges to include possession of methamphetamine, possession of precursors and manufacturing meth in the presence of a child.

Joshua Lee Howey

The 5-year-old child of Cain and Howey was removed from the home by police and is now in the care of the Department of Child Services. Both Cain and Howey face additional felony charges of neglect of a dependent.

Also living at the residence, Casey Louden, 28, was arrested for manufacturing meth in the presence of a child, possession methamphetamine and possession of precursors.

All three subjects are being held at the Kosciusko County Jail.

Casey James Louden

The state police has recently refocused its effort to combat the meth and heroine epidemic that is taking over our community, commented Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Trooper Andy Cochran. We are training and dedicating more troopers in this fight and working closely with other agencies in an effort to stop the spread of this disease.

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following accidents:

7:27 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, West CR 600S and South County Farm Road, Warsaw. Driver: David R. Bauer, 36, South CR 100E, Claypool. Bauer struck a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

5:43 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, South Packerton Road, south of East CR 600S, Claypool. Drivers: Kiran G. Carlin, 22, South Packerton Road, Warsaw, and Tina M. Ward, 39, South Packerton Road, Claypool. Carlin rear ended Ward’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

8:21 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, North SR 15 and West CR 1000N, Milford. Driver: Jeremy L. Sorensen, 22, West CR 1000N, Milford. Sorenson hit loose gravel with his motorcycle causing him to lay down his bike, after which the bike ignited into flames. Damage up to $10,000.

7:17 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, East Hatchery Road, Syracuse. Driver: Henry B. Ford, 27, East Pittsburgh Street, Syracuse. Ford was westbound on Hatchery Road when he approached a corner he reported a car was on the side of the road. Ford stated this caused him to go off the road where he exited on the west side at a 90 degree corner. Officers stated there were no skid marks or tire tracks to indicate an evasive maneuver. Officers report it appears Ford failed to make the 90 degree curve and drove off the road, striking a utility pole, road signs and a fence. Ford admitted to drinking a few beers earlier in the day before driving. Alcohol test indicated a PBT of .23. Damage up to $10,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

11:11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 1900 Plaza Drive, Warsaw. Driver: Sakhan Khiev, 29, North Slateview Court, Warsaw. While attempting to park, Khiev accidentally pressed down on his brake and struck into the wall of Lassus Handy Dandy part, causing his airbags to deploy. There was substantial damage to the area of impact as well as throughout the interior of the building on the other side of the wall The wall was significantly pushed in and bore a large crevice. Plaster along the interior walls had been cracked or knocked off and multiple ceiling tiles had fallen down and the front entrance door frame was canted. No windows were damaged and no injuries were sustained. The Warsaw Fire Inspector on scene deemed the integrity of the building unsafe, therefore, Lassus Handy Dandy employees shut down business operations inside the building for the near future. The City Building Inspector was notified and the fuel pumps at the business are still available. Damage up to $25,000.

4:46 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, Lake City Highway, south of East Center Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Amanda L. Rollins, 32, Mineral Spring Avenue, Winona Lake, and Norma L. Walker, 77, North Lindberg Street, Warsaw. Rollins and Walker’s vehicles sideswiped each other’s vehicles. Damage up to $2,500.

6:22 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, North Detroit and East Canal streets, Warsaw. Drivers: Carol S. Kindig, 76, West CR 700S, Mentone, and Andrew E. Sellers, 24, North SR 19, Etna Green. Kindig reported she was northbound on North Detroit Street when she attempted to make a left hand turn after being waved on by a southbound vehicle. Kindig then struck into Sellers’s vehicle. Damage up to $50,000.

Editor’s Note: Dominic Fisher was initially booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on a sexual misconduct with an inmate charge. According to the Sheriff’s Department, there was an entry error in the jail. The prosecutor’s office has corrected the charge, as reflected below.

Kosciusko

The following people were arrested and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

Aug. 23

• Dominic John Fisher, 32, 6941 N. Kalorama Road, Leesburg, arrested for two counts sexual misconduct with a minor. Bond: $15,250 surety and cash.
• Gerald R. Hastings Jr., 71 EMS D2B Lane, Syracuse, arrested for OWI. Bond: $700 cash.
• William Lloyd Kois, 18, 6112 Heron Blvd, Warsaw, arrested for possession of paraphernalia misdemeanor. Bond: $600 cash.
• Robert Lee Nine Jr., 57, 3762 E. Old Road 30, Warsaw, arrested for failure to stop after accident, public intoxication and possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.
• Victor Manuel Hernandez, 18, 1608 Tippecanoe Drive, Warsaw, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.

Aug. 22

• Gary Robin Prater, 44, 9994 Lake Road, Prestonsburg, Ky, arrested on warrant. No bond.
• Bryan Gene Rice, 32, 2441 W. CR 250S 113, Warsaw, arrested for criminal conversion. Bond: $600 cash.
• Kenyon Dwight Harris, 29, 3837 S. SR 25, Mentone, arrested on two counts failure to appear felonies, perjury and on a body attachment. Bond: $30,750 surety and cash, $1,800 cash.
• Edgar Tellez Rodriguez, 19, 2441 W. CR 250S, Warsaw, arrested for possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. Bond: $600 cash.
• Renardio Darnell Dunlap, 43, 820 Wexford Place, Warsaw, arrested for domestic battery. Bond: $25,000 surety.
• Henry Blake Ford, 27, 207 E. Pittsburgh St., Syracuse, arrested for OWI and OWI with a BAC greater or equal to .15 percent. Bond: $700 cash.
• Megan Leann, Slusher, 24, 802 S. State St. Lot 75, South Whitley, arrested for OWI with a BAC greater or equal to .15 percent. Bond: $700 cash.
• Alysha Lynn Cochran, 19, 2441 W. CR 250S 14, Warsaw, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.

Aug. 21

• Christopher Wade Mote, 27, 210 Mercer St., Ligonier, arrested for burglary. No bond.
• Joseph Lile Hegar, 27, 1110 Maynard Drive, Benton Harbor, Mich., arrested for failure to appear felony charge. No bond.
• Jose Ascencion Hernandez, 40, 679 SR 19, Etna Green, arrested for driving while suspended with prior. Bond: $450 cash.
• Carrie Sue Morningstar, 41, 2518 Weststate Court, Fort Wayne, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.

UPDATE: Lassus has reopened the storefront and is available to customers at this time. 

WARSAW — A local gas station has closed after a vehicle struck into the structure, causing structural damage that compromised the integrity of the building.

According to an accident report filed by Warsaw Police Department, at 11:11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, a vehicle driven by Sakhan Khiev, 29, of Warsaw, struck into the Lassus Handy Dandy Mart off of Detroit Street. Khiev stated as he attempted to park at the location, he accidentally pressed down on the accelerator causing his vehicle to strike into the front of the building.

Though reports initially indicated there was no damaged believed to have been caused to either the structure or vehicle, the report stated there was substantial damage to the area of impact as well as throughout the interior of the building on the other side of the wall. The wall was significantly pushed in and bore a large crevice. Plaster along the interior walls had been cracked or knocked off and multiple ceiling tiles had fallen down and the front entrance door frame was canted. No windows were damaged and no injuries were sustained in the crash.

The Warsaw Fire Inspector on scene deemed the integrity of the building unsafe, therefore, Lassus Handy Dandy employees shut down business operations inside the building for a time. The City Building Inspector was notified and the fuel pumps at the business are still available. Damages are estimated up to $25,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following incident:

• 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2500 block Walton Boulevard, Warsaw. Officials at Wal-Mart reported they had merchandise stolen from their store and fraudulently returned for a gift card.
• 8:57 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 300 block West Main Street, Warsaw. Officials at Retired Tigers reported a criminal trespass.

Warsaw

Officers with Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

6:27 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, Lake City Highway and Orthopedic Drive, Warsaw. Drivers: Mark D. Smith, 46, Warsaw, and Gary M. Lasley, 61, Fort Wayne. Smith’s vehicle struck the back of Lasley’s vehicle. Damages up to $2,500.

5:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, North parker Street near Lake City Highway, Warsaw. Drivers: Thomas C. Foxworthy, 24, Fishers, and Timothy L. Fuller, 45, North Manchester. Foxworthy’s vehicle hit the back of Fuller’s vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

5:29 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, East Center Street and North Park Avenue, Warsaw. Drivers: Estefani R. Gomora, 17, Warsaw, and Juanita L. Wagner, 74, Leesburg. Gomora’s vehicle hit the back of Wagner’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

5:27 p.m. Friday, Aug, 28, East Center Street and South Colfax Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Tiffanie R. McMichael, 26, Etna Green, and Melissa A. Setser, 44, Winona Lake. McMichael’s vehicle hit the back of Setser’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

5:04 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, West Market Street near South Lake Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Phoebe C. Muthart, 47, Nappanee, and Oneida J. Cerda, 33, Warsaw. Muthart’s vehicle pulled out into the westbound lane. Muthart did not see Cerda’s vehicle approaching. Muthart’s vehicle crashed into Cerda’s vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

4:24 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, South Bronson Street and East Center Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Russell Walker, 64, Tampa, Fla., and Jay King, 50, Pierceton. Walker’s vehicle hit the back of King’s vehicle. Damage up to $50,000.

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following accident:

8:24 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, East Old Road 30, west of North CR 450E, Warsaw. Driver: Larry L. Stout, 68, North CR 175E, Warsaw. Driver struck deer. Damage up to $2,500.

3:08 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, County Farm Road and CR 800S, Claypool. Drivers: Anthony W. Gabbard, 25, North Rumpelstiltskin Drive, Cromwell, and Sheldon L. Marles, 40, Laurelwood Drive, Warsaw. Gabbard was northbound on County Farm approaching CR 800S when he reportedly failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection. Gabbard was struck by Marles, and was ejected from his moped and thrown into a field southeast of the collision. Gabbard was pronounced dead at the scene. The moped wedged under the front of Marles’s vehicle and both vehicles caught fire. Both drivers were tested for drugs and alcohol. Results are pending. Damage over $100,000.

8:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, West Old Road 30, west of Hoffer Road, Warsaw. Driver: Ronald E. Miller, 70, Monroe Street, Rochester. Miller was traveling east on a motorcycle and reportedly went off the roadway, causing his motorcycle to flip approximately three times according to witnesses. Miller reportedly did not remember the accident and was checked at the scene but sustained no further injuries. Damage up to $2,500.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident:

1:34 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, East Garfield and North Cook streets, Warsaw. Drivers: Roger Rollins, 68, East Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw, and Erin E. Hoak, 38, North Lincoln Street, Warsaw. Rollins reportedly disregarded a stop sign and collided with Hoak. Damage up to $2,500.

2:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, North Detroit and East Main streets, Warsaw. Drivers: Andru B. Hicks, 42, Short Street, Nappanee, and Jessica Rico, 29, West Clearwater Drive, Warsaw. According to a witness at the scene, Hicks ran a red light and struck into Rico at the Detroit and Main Street intersection. Hicks was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital for Knee and chest pain. Rico was driven by a family member to be checked for injuries. Damage up to $100,000.

1:03 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, North Parker Street, north of Walter Way, Warsaw. Drivers: Kelli A. Hoffman, 19, Kay Boer Drive, Jenison, Mich.; Johanna G. Leichty, 17, 12th Road, Bourbon; and David A. Knoerzer, 26, Graceland Avenue, Claypool. Hoffman bent to pick up her phone and rear ended Leichty, who was then pushed into Knoerzer. Damage up to $2,500

WARSAW — No one seemed to mind to wait in line to experience the zip line, leave a hand print on a city snow plow, take a ride in an REMC bucket truck, or pick up goodies handed out by the various organizations.

The Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory’s annual Family Safety Day was another huge success Saturday. Just hours after the event was underway, several organizations were reporting 200-300 items distributed at their respective booths.

Over 40 different stations were set up in the park and in the Center Lake Pavilion.

Activities ranged from watching law dog demonstrations, getting stickers from law enforcement officers, participating in the bike rodeo, making your own first aid kit, learning CPR, to picking up some healthy snacks and having your face painted. Many even braved the chilly morning to take a ride out on the lake in the Warsaw Police Department boat.

There were health tips: proper way to brush your teeth, an opportunity to perform an operation to remove gummy worms, have an eye exam, see what healthy and unhealthy lungs look like, and many more.

The city’s street department was on hand to teach street crossing safety. Young and old alike were also given the opportunity to get a little messy and put a hand print on four of the city’s snow plows. A clear coat will be placed over the hand prints. Youngsters are encouraged to watch for those plows when its time to remove the snow. “They will be helping us push the snow,” said Jeff Beehler, street superintendent.

Parents and kids alike walked away with bags full of informational handouts, coloring books, cups, pens, candy, balloons and trinkets.

The event was hosted by WWFT along with numerous corporate sponsors.

Below are just a few photos of the activities:

WARSAW — A notice of a tort claim has been filed on behalf of Mark H. and Carol J. Soto by attorney David C. Kolbe against the Warsaw Police Department and Political Subdivision Risk Management Commission, located in Indianapolis.

According to the claim, filed Monday, Sept. 14, Dr. Mark H. Soto is and has been a professor at Grace College for over two decades. Several years ago Soto began a relationship with a man named Kevin Bronson as a Christian mentor and counselor. According to the tort, he later developed a relationship as Bronson’s power of attorney and representative in various financial and familial transactions and exchanges. Soto also coordinated Bronson’s necessary legal, medical and social services and remained, by and large, a Christian mentor.

Several years ago efforts reportedly began to make a film of Bronson’s life, which was filled with long periods of imprisonment, membership in a white supremacist organization, development of martial arts expertise and long periods of drug abuse. Bronson later became a member of the Warsaw/Winona Lake community and embraced and espoused conversion to evangelical Christianity with “apparent resultant change in attitudes and behavior.”

The tort notes certain “well-to-do” members of the community, and in particular, members of the Christ’s Covenant Church of Winona Lake, invested in the upcoming movie. The pastor of the church reportedly became deeply involved in the events and Bronson became a principle in a martial arts business during this time.

A falling out reportedly occurred between Bronson and his local investors as well as his martial arts business partner. Based on alleged concerns expressed by investors and members of the church and community, a police investigation was opened by Warsaw Police Department Officer Paul Heaton, a member of Christ’s Covenant Church.

In mid-March, Heaton reportedly contacted Soto in regards to a police interview, which after seeking legal advice, Soto declined. However, on March 20, three search warrants were issued against Soto to seek possession of computers, laptops, cell phones, mobile cellular devices, bank documents, proof of residency and other documents and property — including property of Bronson’s in storage at the Soto home.

In addition, police appeared at Grace College offices and seized his computer and property. The tort claims the Soto family has yet to have their property returned. The family also alleges they have, on numerous occasions, requested a copy of the affidavit of probable cause filed for the March 20, search warrants. To date, law enforcement has reportedly refused to produce these documents.

During the summer, Prosecuting attorney Daniel H. Hampton reportedly recused himself from all matters surrounding these events and the case was handed to special prosecutor F. Nelson Chipman of Marshall County, who has reportedly launched his own investigation into these matters.

The Sotos allege they have become the target of a vindictive and unfounded investigation, instituted and perpetuated by Heaton and his police chief, Scott Whitaker. Throughout the course of the investigation, the family’s alleged participation in unlawful activity, which Soto denies, have allegedly damaged his reputation in a possibly irreparable way.

In addition, the ongoing retention of the computers have rendered the Soto family unable to file their 2014 tax returns and resolve a 2013 tax question leaving them subject to possible fines and penalties.

The Sotos claim as damages the sum of $2 million dollars each, aggregate of $4 million and the return of all personal and professional property.

Click here to see the warrants filed against Soto.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Kosciusko County DUI Taskforce Indiana announces there will be a sobriety checkpoint in the county from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 to 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.

County and local law enforcement agencies participating in the Kosciusko County DUI Taskforce will continue to conduct roving patrols and sobriety checkpoints during the month of September. This project is made possible through grants received by the Governor’s Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving.

DUI: Taskforce Indiana is a year long statewide project aimed at reducing alcohol-related crashes, deaths and injuries. With the increase in traffic, the DUI Taskforce is committed to making the roads safer by their increased presence and DUI enforcement throughout Kosciusko County. The following dates and times have been scheduled for the Kosciusko County DUI: Taskforce Indiana in September:

Law enforcement agencies involved include: Kosciusko County Sheriffs’ Department; Mentone, Milford,
Pierceton, North Webster, Silver Lake, Syracuse, Warsaw, and Winona Lake police departments.

K-9 Bubka made his first public relations event appearance at the Sept. 12 Family Safety Day in Warsaw.

WARSAW — Meet Bubka, literally a new breed of police officer.

Officially dubbed K-9 Bubka, the 2 1/2-year-old English cocker spaniel joined the Warsaw Police Department’s narcotics unit in July. His duties will be confined to detecting drugs and tracking persons such as lost children and missing Alzheimer’s patients.

He joins his canine colleagues, Dax and Mako, Belgian malinois often mistaken for German shepherds, who entered the force in April and October 2013, respectively.

Bubka was born January 2013 in the United Kingdom, where cocker spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs. His 12 weeks of training in the Netherlands and in Denver, Ind., consisted largely of channeling his natural intense drive for hunting to searching for drugs and finding lost persons.

Bubka spent three additional weeks of training with his handler on the police force. “The training is essentially to show the handler how to work with dog,” said Lt. Joel Beam, who oversees the K-9 unit. “The dog already knows what to do.”

The purchase of all three dogs was made possible by the “generous donation” of a benefactor who prefers to remain anonymous. “We wouldn’t be able to have a canine program without this donor,” said Beam.

Bubka is unique to the force in that he is a non-biting police dog. As such, he is an ideal attraction in public relations events. “We give dozens of canine demonstrations every year, and we can’t let people approach the patrol dogs” who are trained to track down criminals and bite, said Beam. “To have a cocker spaniel is great PR tool. We can walk him through crowds without fear of him biting anyone and the children can love on him.”

Beam visited the kennel in Denver to acquire a drug-sniffing police dog.

“I told them we wanted a non-biting dog. They demonstrated some Labrador retrievers and springer spaniels” among the hundreds of available trained animals.

“Bubka blew all those dogs out of the water with his ability to find drugs,” Beam said.

Most police dogs are placed in patrol units, so “it’s unique to have a dog in the undercover unit.” The handler and the dog are an inseparable set, according to Beam, and “are on call 24/7 so the department has access to the dog whenever they need it.”

Police dogs live with their handlers, with all expenses paid by the city until the dog retires. Then the handler is given the option of purchasing the dog for $1 and assuming all expenses thereafter.

Handlers understandably become very attached to their canine partners. Beam did.

“I had a K-9, Buddy, for eight years and it will be the highlight of my career. The bond that is built between handler and K-9 is unlike any other.

“I had to retire Buddy on Sept. 5, 2014, because of bone cancer. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my partner in my backseat.”

For more information about Bubka, call the Warsaw Police Department at (574) 372-9515.

K-9 Bubka joined the Warsaw Police Department in July, becoming the department’s first canine assigned to the narcotics unit.

Kosciusko

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department investigated the following accidents:

8:46 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, West CR 400N, south of North CR 150W, Warsaw. Driver: Maria F. Mercedes Velazq, 25, East Levi Lee Road, Warsaw. Driver struck a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

4:41 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, North Detroit and East Main streets, Warsaw. Drivers: Matthew C. Marshall, 18, East CR 450S, Warsaw, and Taia T. Paine, 38, East Pink Magnolia Drive, Warsaw. Marshall was southbound on Main Street when the light reportedly turned from red to green. Paine did not begin to proceed through the intersection and Marshall rear ended Paine’s vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

12:49 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 857 N. Parker Street, Warsaw. Driver: Timothy M. Hurst, 32, South Union Street, Warsaw. Hurst was pulling out of the Menard’s parking lot to head south on North Parker Street when he suffered a seizure, causing him to push down on the gas pedal and drive through a field and into Discount Tire’s parking lot. There he struck two parked vehicles, registered to Brent A. Spahr, Churubusco, and Richard W. Morin, Mishawaka. Hurst was transported by EMS to Kosciusko Community Hospital where he was treated for a complaint of pain to his shoulder and neck. Hurst was also given a citation for operating a vehicle with a suspended infraction. Damage up to $50,000.

12:16 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, East Winona Avenue and South Indiana Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Dennis L. Merry, 25, Maplewood Lane, Rochester, and Toni C. Wilson, 56, Taylor Street, Warsaw. A semi was blocking the westbound left turn lane on Winona Avenue. Merry stated he was signaled to make a turn in front of the semi by the semi driver causing him to collide with Wilson. Damage up to $2,500.

(Photos by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — At 12:49 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, a driver suffered a seizure that lead a collision at a nearby business.

Timothy M. Hurst, 32, South Union Street, Warsaw, pulled out of the Menard’s parking lot to head south on North Parker Street. Hurst reportedly suffered a seizure, causing him to push down on the gas pedal and drive through a field and into Discount Tire’s parking lot.

There he struck two parked vehicles, registered to Brent A. Spahr, Churubusco, and Richard W. Morin, Mishawaka.

Hurst was transported by EMS to Kosciusko Community Hospital where he was treated for a complaint of pain to his shoulder and neck. Hurst was also given a citation for operating a vehicle with a suspended infraction.

Damages are estimated up to $50,000.

WARSAW — At 3:54 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, officers with the Warsaw Police Department received a call that a passenger car and motorcycle had been involved in an accident.

When officers arrived, they learned that Jack M. Higgins, 18, East CR 225S, Warsaw, had been making a lefthand turn off of Hickory, onto Center Street, when a motorcycle driven by Troy D. King, 41, West Market Street, Pierceton, collided with his vehicle.

Higgins had stopped at a stop sign and as he inched into the intersection, King’s motorcycle collided with his vehicle. According to police reports, King was treated for complaints of leg pain.

WARSAW — At around 8:46 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, officers from the Warsaw Police Department received a call about an accident that took place on South Buffalo Street near Winona Avenue.

Once they arrived, the officers learned that Teresa B. Bakehorn, 44, North Buffalo Street, Warsaw, had been driving and looked away from traffic for a moment, and when she looked back, Ryan G. Burgher, 32, Pheasant Ridge Drive, Warsaw, was stopped in traffic. Bakehorn’s vehicle hit the back of Burgher’s vehicle. Damages up to $2,500.

According to police reports, two juvenile passengers in Burgher’s vehicle were complaining of head pain and were transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital by Lutheran EMS.

Pictured at the City of Warsaw Police Department are KLA Cadet Tiffany Kreider, DePuy Synthes; Brad Tandy, Kosciusko County Council; City of Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; District 22 State Representative Curt Nisly; and KLA Cadets Heidi Miller, Grace College and Chris Koldyke, Zimmer Biomet

By JONI TRUEX
KLA Public Information Director

Kosciusko Leadership Academy met at the city of Warsaw Police Department to learn about local and state government in Kosciusko County.

Mayor Joe Thallemer, city of Warsaw, addressed the cadets and spoke about leadership. The community lost four men who truly exemplified leadership recently. The qualities of leadership include the willingness and ability to respond when things happen. Other qualities are the willingness to give back, willingness to listen, no personal agenda, preparation, keeping an open mind, consideration of both sides of an issue, offering support, loyalty, and making the best decision for the community or organization.

The mayor went on to state there are several issues facing the city including transportation workforce, and the need for continued funding for the bike trails.

Kosciusko County Councilman Brad Tandy stated a few of the areas of responsibility held by Kosciusko County including the jail, the judicial system, road, sheriffs department, judges, assessors, taxes, coroner, clerk, health department, trustees, animal control. Other responsibilities include area plan, taxing issues, county option income tax, economic development tax, and wheel tax. Councilman Tandy also discussed the changes in the judicial system and the effect on Kosciusko County.

District 22 Representative Curt Nisly shared he represents 65,000 people to the state. “The best government is that which is closest to the people” stated Nisly. Also discussed were the topics of roads, unemployment rate, growth in population, and how representative districts are determined.

The next KLA session will focus on social services on Oct. 20, at the K-21 Health Care Foundation. KLA Alumni are welcome to attend.

KLA is a not for profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through white paper projects.

MARSHALL COUNTY — An early morning police chase today Thursday, Oct. 15, involved the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Bourbon Police, Bremen Police, and K9’s with Winona Lake and Warsaw police departments. The result was a female being taken to the hospital and then arrested.

Vanessa McCracken, 19, Columbia City, was arrested for resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, aggressive driving and leaving the scene of an accident. her bond was set at $1,500.

An officer with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, at approximately 2:38 a.m. this morning, Oct. 15, attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a 2000 Dodge Neon on US 30 in the area of King Road. The stop pertained to an equipment violation.

However, the vehicle fled eastbound on US 30, reaching speeds near 120 miles per hour. The vehicle then crashed through a fence on US 30 near Cedar Road. The vehicle continued through a field and into a water filled ditch.

Officers located the vehicle and with the assistance of K9 officers, located the driver laying in another ditch. McCracken was taken into custody and transported to Plymouth Hospital for evaluation. Upon her release from the hospital she was taken to the Marshall County Jail.

Mayor Joe Thallemer administers the oath of office to Rogelio Navarro while his family watches on. In front are Robbie and Jarvis, while in back are Navarro, his wife, Jessica and children Carmen and Rolley. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

WARSAW — Rogelio Navarro was sworn in as a new officer of the Warsaw Police Department at the start of the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Friday, Oct. 16. Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer administered the oath of office with Navarro’s family by his side.

Navarro served one year with Nappanee Police Department before beginning his probationary period with WPD.

During the city’s business, the board opened and approved the purchase of a pick up truck for the parks and recreation department. Bids were received from Lakeside Chevrolet, Warsaw, $21,554.51 with trade-in; City Chevrolet, Columbia City, $20,057.25 with trade-in; and Shepherd Chevrolet, North Manchester, $20,752.26 with trade-in. The bids were taken under advisement initially and awarded before the end of the meeting.

Lakeside Chevrolet was awarded the bid. While Lakeside was not the lowest bid there was a 6 percent difference between its bid and the lowest bid. “It is important we try to look locally when we can,” said Thallemer, who stressed the city does not want to discourage bidders from outside the area. “We look at other bids and look to set thresholds. In this case it came in on the edge,” said Thallemer.

Lakeside was also recommended because of the miles and time saved should the vehicle need to be taken in for maintenance. The bids were for a 2016 two-wheel drive truck. The 2001 GMC one-half ton truck will be used as a trade-in.

Bids to demolish three structures were awarded to Pete Gawthrop, Syracuse, at a total cost of $17,000. The structures, found to be substandard buildings according to Municipal Code, are located at 108 N. Parker Ave., 124 S. Sherman St.; and 324 N. West St. Quotes were also received from G & G Hauling and Excavating, Inc., Warsaw, a total quot of $33,420.80; and Beer & Slabaugh, Inc., Nappanee, at a total bid of $40,941.25.

Prior to the start of the business meeting, Thallemer asked for a moment of silence for Charlie Smith, who was a big part of the three-member board. “Let the record reflect the absence of Charlie Smith who has departed from his earthly home. He was a long standing member of the Board of Works and Safety and he will be sadly missed.”

Other Business

During other business:

• Approved an agreement with Umbaugh Cash Advisory Services for Investments
• Signed a sub-recipient agreement for Warsaw Housing to work with Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation on a Community Development Block Grant
• Locked in diesel prices with North Central Co-op for one year, or the established gallon amounts are reached. A contract will be signed at the next meeting.
• Signed an agreement with The Bowling Alley for the city employee Christmas Gathering at an estimated cost of $4,180.65.
• Officially signed a recycling contract for 2016 through 2018 with Borden Waste-Away Service for alley and curbside services for several months and strictly street/curbside pick up from thereafter.
• Approved payment to VS Engineering in the amount of $467.33, on Phase Two of the East Market Street project for engineering fees, from Bronson to Hickory. Jeremy Skinner, city planner stated this project is scheduled for the 2017 fiscal year — July 2017 to July 18, with bid letting occurring between this time. He stated 95 percent of the survey work has been completed.
• The current East Market Street project should be completed within four weeks, with with final resurfacing and punch list items yet to be completed.

The next meeting of the board will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2. This meeting was moved from the regular date of Friday, Nov. 6

WARSAW — A passenger in one of the vehicles was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital following a two-vehicle accident at 2:42 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Lake City Highway and Orthopedic Drive, Warsaw.

Sue L. Brown, 66, West Corlys Lane, Silver Lake, complained of pain to the neck. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Warren D. Adams, 49, West Corlys Lane, Silver Lake. Adams was not injured.

Warsaw Police Officer Rogelio Navarro reports Trevis A. Smith, 24, South CR 700W, Claypool, was traveling west of Lake City Highway in his 2007 Saab. Smith told police he came to a stop at the intersection and when the traffic signal turned green he saw the Adams vehicle inch forward. Smith stated he looked down for a second and started to drive forward, hitting the back of the Adams vehicle.

Adams told police he was stopped in his 2006 Chrysler, and when the light turned green his vehicle was struck in the back by the Smith vehicle.

Damage was estimated up to $5,000.

Pictured is ISP Clandestine Lab Technician, Luke Waikel, wearing some of the protective equipment along with the new trailer and equipment. (Photo provided)

WARSAW — Local police agencies recently obtained new equipment that allows certified clandestine drug lab officers the opportunity to respond quicker to clandestine labs (meth labs) where they can render them safe.

With the help of multiple agencies throughout Kosciusko County, a new response trailer was recently placed into service. The trailer and equipment, which is housed locally, allows certified clandestine drug lab officers from the Warsaw Police Department, Winona Lake Police Department and Indiana State Police, the opportunity to respond to clandestine labs and begin the evidence collection and technical clean-up process much sooner than waiting for a regional response vehicle.

Prior to receiving this equipment, if a clandestine lab was located in Kosciusko County, the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team would be called to respond. Traditionally, this ISP team would respond from the state police post in Bremen, or even as far away as Lowell. It could sometimes take 2 to 4 hours for the regional vehicle to arrive, or even longer, depending if the regional team was already working a case. So, depending on the local lab, this could tie up law enforcement and fire fighters for extended periods of time.

The trailer and equipment was obtained following national Drug Enforcement Administration certification of several local officers from the Warsaw and Winona Lake police departments. The 40 hour DEA training, held in Quantico, Va., certified these officers in clandestine lab collection, storage and disposal.

In addition, these officers completed 24 hours of on-the-job training, and must complete eight hours of refresher training each year, to maintain their certification. These officers utilize specific personal protective equipment and are subject a respiratory protection program and medical monitoring, due to the hazardous chemicals involved in clandestine labs.

It is the hope of the Kosciusko County Centralized Drug Unit that additional officers from other agencies across Kosciusko County will be trained and certified.

The local team is available to assist any agency who requests them. The Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab team may still assist and respond. ISP is responsible for the long term storage and disposal of the chemicals.

This project was made possible with assistance from the following organizations; Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Warsaw Police Department, Winona Lake Police Department, Leesburg Fire Department, Winona Lake Fire Department, Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Department, Lutheran EMS Kosciusko and the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section.