Police Shooting Suspect Acquitted

A jury has found 45-year-old Shipshewana resident Criss Duncan not guilty of attempted murder in a 2003 shootout with Milford Town Marshall David Hobbs. Read more on this story in the Journal-Gazette.

Additional Charges Filed Against Suspected Molester

A Mentone man faces two new charges this morning of molesting children. 25-year-old Anthony Demarco was still in the Kosciusko County Jail yesterday on the first charge of child molesting, when the prosecutor charged him with molesting two other victims. The new charges raise Demarco’s bail bond from a hundred thousand dollars to 250-thousand. The new charges accuse Demarco of performing oral sex on two boys, both of whom were under the age of 14 at the time. Court documents alleged that one incident happened in the victim’s home and the other happened in the home of Demarco’s parents. According to the documents, one of the victims told police he met Demarco at the Kosciusko Community YMCA. Demarco had worked for the “Y” until he was arrested on the first charge.

Fiscus to Return to Indiana Tonight

The body of Indiana National Guard Captain Michael Todd Fiscus of Milford will arrive in Indiana tonight. The remains of Fiscus and two of the other three Indiana Guard members who died in Afghanistan Saturday are scheduled to arrive at Indianapolis International Airport at 8 p.m. The Indiana National Guard's Ceremonial Unit will provide military casket teams to officially receive the remains from military escort officers. Various dignitaries, including Lieutenant Governor Skillman, plan to attend the repatirate ceremonies. The body of the fourth soldier who died will arrive in Pennsylvania tonight.

Milford Marshal Testifies about Shootout

Milford’s town marshal told a jury yesterday what it was like to be shot at. Read more about Marshal David Hobbs' testimony in the attempted murder trial of a 45-year-old Shipshewana resident in this morning's Journal-Gazette.

Committee Action Could Increase Property Taxes

You could see a big jump in property taxes, if a bill approved by an Indiana House committee yesterday becomes law. The bill would eliminate the property tax relief that the legislature created in 2003.

Committe Revives Daylight Savings Time

A state House committee has approved an amended bill that would put Indiana on Daylight Savings Time beginning this June. That bill is on its way to the full House for a vote, possibly next week. The rest of the country goes on daylight time Sunday.

Governor to Attend Wabash Celebration

Wabash gets a visit from the governor tonight. Governor Daniels will roll up in his new “RV-One” to help Wabash celebrate the 125th anniversary of being the first electrically lighted city in the world.

Funeral Arrangements Announced for Capt. Fiscus

Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home near Milford has announced funeral arrangements for Indiana National Guard Captain Michael Todd Fiscus, who died in Afghanistan Saturday. Visitation will be Sunday, April 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, on State Road 15 at County Road 900 N in Milford. A memorial service will be conducted at Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse at 1 p.m. Monday, April 4. The service will be followed by a procession to a hangar at the Warsaw airport, where a military ceremony will take place. There will be no burial ceremony, because Fiscus' remains will be cremated. Fiscus was a Milford resdient who is one of four Indiana National Guard members who died when a land mine exploded under their military vehicle.

Witness Accuses Defendant in Police Shooting

The first witness testified yesterday in the trial of a Shipshewana man charged with the attempted murder of a Milford police officer. Read more in this morning's Journal-Gazette.

Senate Passes Open Container Bill

If you’re driving around with some friends and one of them has an open beer in his hand, you could end up paying a fine under a bill the Indiana Senate passed yesterday. That bill now requires the approval of the House of Representatives before it can become law.

Lt. Gov., Congressman Support Grissom ARB

Three Indiana congressmen and Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman met with military officials yesterday, in an attempt to convince them of the value of Grissom Air Reserve Base. Skillman and the congressmen hope to keep Grissom off the Pentagon’s next base closing list.

Blockbuster Video Agrees to Refunds

Blockbuster video has agreed to pay refunds to its customers, after state attorneys general accused the company of running misleading advertisements. Customers who thought there’d be no penalty for returning a movie late can get a refund if Blockbuster charged them a restocking fee.

House Sends School Legislation to Governor

The Indiana House of Representatives has passed a bill that would require schools to provide a daily moment of silence and lead students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The House also passed an anti-bullying bill and a bill that would require the Indiana Board of Education to develop standards for cheerleading safety. All three bills are on their way to the Governor’s office for his signature.

Customers Line Up at Gas Stations

Rising gasoline prices brought lines to some stations in the Warsaw area yesterday. Many stations raised prices by 30 cents a gallon and cars lined up at the stations that hadn’t changed yet. A federal official says we should expect gasoline prices to keep going up through at least May.

Mayors Support "Do Not Call" Law

Three mayors in the Q101 area have signed a joint letter in an attempt to keep telemarketers from calling you. The mayors of Warsaw, Huntington and Wabash all signed the letter. It opposes an effort by the banking industry to overthrow Indiana’s “do not call” law.

Officials to Discuss Future of Grissom ARB

State and federal officials will meet at Grissom Air Reserve Base near Peru today, to discuss the future of the facility. The Pentagon is making plans to close some military bases around the country.

Ceremony at Afghan Base Honors Fiscus, Others

Yesterday, soldiers conducted a memorial ceremony at brigade headquarters in Afghanistan in honor of Milford resident Michael T. Fiscus and three other members of the Indiana National Guard, who died in Afghanistan over the weekend.

Governor Orders Flags to Half-Staff

Governor Daniels issued a news release today asking that all flags in Indiana be flown at half-staff until dusk on Friday (April 1) in honor of four Indiana National Guard soldiers who died March 26 in Afghanistan. The four all were members of the Indianapolis-based 76th Infantry Brigade. In addition, the governor issued the following statement: “Four brave and irreplaceable citizens have lost their lives for all of us in the noblest of causes. I ask the prayers of every Hoosier for their families as we grieve and await their return home.”

Warsaw Mayor Orders Flags Lowered

Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins has requested that city departments lower their American flags to half staff for one week (starting today), in memory of Milford National Guardsman Michael T. Fiscus, who was killed over the weekend in Afghanistan. Wiggins invites others throughout the community to do the same.

Milford Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

A soldier from Milford is one of four members of the Indiana National Guard who died in Afghanistan Saturday. 37-year-old Captain Michael t. Fiscus and his fellow soldiers died when a land mine exploded under their vehicle. Fiscus leaves behind a wife and two daughters who are four and five years old. He joined the Air National Guard about 16 years ago and later switched to the Army National Guard. Fiscus was part of a unit that was sent to Afghanistan to help train members of the Afghan army. Funeral services for Captain Michael T. Fiscus are pending this morning.

Minor Accident Turns Deadly

A Noble County man died over the weekend after what started as a minor accident near Syracuse. Police say it all started when 33-year-old Scott Halsey of Kimmel was driving along Turkey Creek Road and he hit some mailboxes. His car ended up stuck in a muddy field. As Halsey spun his wheels trying to get out, his car caught fire and he did not get out in time. Halsey died at the scene.

Seminar to Provide Parents Info on Sex Abuse

A recent investigation into allegations of child molesting in Warsaw and surrounding areas has led school officials to plan a seminar for parents this week. Hear seminar organizer Tony England of Warsaw Community Schools talk about who should attend the seminar. The seminar starts Wednesday evening at seven o’clock at the Central Instructional Materials Center adjacent to Warsaw Community High School. England says the seminar will feature a panel of local experts.

Free Small Business Counseling

The next monthly counseling session comes up soon for people who own small businesses or want to start one. The sessions are hosted by Kosciusko Development, Inc. and the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce and they’re free. The next date for the session is April sixth. Contact the Chamber for more information.

Scholarship Deadlines Approach

The deadline is fast approaching for students who want to apply for one of the scholarships available through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. They have to have their application in by four o’clock Friday afternoon. You can get more information by calling the foundation or visiting its web site.

Huntington Police Arrest Man in Bomb Threat

Huntington police arrested a Marion man last night in connection with a bomb threat at a Huntington factory. According to a news release, someone made the threat by calling Allied Signal late yesterday morning. Yesterday evening, police arrested the Marion man at Allied Signal, where he is a second-shift worker. He faces a felony charge of false informing.

Whitley Crash Kills One Teen, Critcally Injures Another

A 16-year-old boy died yesterday, when the S-U-V he was driving rolled over in a wooded area on the Whitley-Allen County line. The crash happened at about 2:45 yesterday afternoon, but The Whitley County Sheriff's Department has not yet released the name of the boy who died. A 15-year-old Roanoke boy was riding in the Ford Explorer. He’s in critical condition this morning in a Fort Wayne hospital. Police say the crash happened after the driver crossed the centerline and then over-corrected. But they don’t know why the vehicle crossed the centerline. Police say the do NOT think alcohol was involved.

Senators Discuss Gasoline Tax Increase

State senators talked about raising Indiana’s gasoline tax during a hearing on highway funding yesterday. The tax is currently 18 cents a gallon. And some senators say it doesn’t bring in enough money to do all the road construction the state needs. Lawmakers last raised Indiana’s gasoline tax in 2003 by three cents a gallon.

600 Warsaw Students to Participate in EdCom

About 600 Warsaw Community School students will demonstrate the results of months of learning at tomorrow’s EdCom Expo. After the opening ceremonies in the Tiger Den, students will fan out to 27 high school classrooms where a new group will start a presentation every half hour. Hear EdCom organizer Dick Rooker talk about the types of subjects the presentations might cover. Rooker says student presentations can range from video productions to power point presentations to live skits. The event begins at nine o’clock tomorrow morning.

Wabash Men Die in Crash, Fire

Bystanders and police in the Huntington County town of Andrews watched in vain yesterday, as a car went up in flames with two men trapped inside. They had tried to rescue the men, but were unable to get them out before the fire took over. Both the men were from Wabash. 19-year-old Eli Fouts had been driving. His passenger was 24-year-old Ryan Coburn. The coroner says a combination of blunt force injuries and burns killed both men. Police say the car left a road, hit some trees and rolled over before it caught fire. But they don’t know why the car left the road to begin with.

160 Give Advice to WCS

About 160 people showed up at a public meeting last night to give their input on Warsaw Community Schools. Superintendent Dave McGuire says administrators will spend the next several days organizing the information they received. He says he hopes people will come to a second meeting next Thursday to discuss the issues that were identified last night.

WCS Plans Sex Abuse Seminar

The counseling and mental health therapist at Warsaw Community Schools plans a special seminar for parents on the sexual abuse of children. The presentation is designed to help parents learn the signs of abuse and how to talk with their children about the issue. The meeting is next Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Central Instructional Materials Center adjacent to Warsaw Community High School.

DST Effort Shot Down

The leader of the Indiana Senate has shot down an attempt to revive daylight savings time legislation by attaching it to a bill regarding tobacco sales. Senate President Pro Tem Robert Garton, says the issues are too dissimilar to meet constitutional requirements that bills be germane. But Garton says he’s willing to help find another home for the bill.

Committee Approves Tougher College Admission Standard

High school students would have to pass a harder curriculum if a bill passed by a State House committee becomes law. The bill would require students to earn what’s called the “Core 40” diploma if they want to be admitted to any of Indiana’s public, four-year colleges. The bill still requires the approval of the full House.

Manchester College Names Dean

Manchester College President Jo Young Switzer today announced the appointment of Dr. Glenn R. Sharfman to the position of vice president and dean for academic affairs. Sharfman is a well-published history teacher and scholar with an array of small college administrative experiences. Sharfman has served as associate dean and director of graduate studies of Hiram College in northeast Ohio since 2001. He will succeed Dr. Switzer, who assumed the presidency Dec. 1.

Quiz Bowl Raises Money for Education Foundation

Thirty-one teams representing local businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools competed in the Warsaw Education Foundation's annual Community Quiz Bowl last night. More than 200 community leaders contributed in excess of $6,000 toward the foundation's mission. This year’s Quiz Bowl winners were: 1st: Source One Insurance 2nd: Boneheads (an all-star team comprised of Dane Miller, Dean Jansen, Toby Buck, Jean Northenor, and Steve Hollar 3rd: Kiwanis Club

WCS Seeks Public Input on Student Achievement

Warsaw Community Schools holds a public meeting tonight to get input from the community on how to improve student achievement. Superintendent Dave McGuire says Warsaw schools are already pretty good, but that can be its own problem. Hear McGuire talk about how he wants WCS to avoid complacency and become among the best school systems in the state. The first of a series of two meetings begins at seven o’clock this evening in the auditorium of Lakeview Middle School. Another meeting March 31st will be a continuation of tonight’s meeting. McGuire says administrators will incorporate input from the meetings in a strategic plan for the school system. There's more information about the meetings on the school system's web site.

House Approves Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The Indiana House of Representatives has approved a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. That means the amendment has passed the first of three steps toward ratification. The next step is for the legislature to approve it again in either 2007 or 2008. If it does, Hoosiers would vote on the issue in 2008.

Senate Committee Approves Open Container Bill

A committee of the State Senate as approved a bill that would hold drivers responsible for open containers of alcohol in their vehicles. The committee changed a bill that the House passed earlier this year. The House version would have fined passengers, but senators say it would have been too hard to enforce.

Biomet Posts Record Earnings

Warsaw orthopedic company Biomet reported today that it had record sales and earnings in its third quarter, which ended February 28th. The company says its net sales increased 18 percent to just over 482-million dollars. Operating income rose by nine percent to more than 144-million. Biomet President Dane Miller attributed the increase to the acceptance of products the company recently introduced.

Bill Would Require Photo ID to Vote

The Indiana House has passed legislation that would require most voters to show government-issued photo identification to cast ballots in elections. All House Democrats voted against the bill. They say it would keep some people away from the polls and that most of those voters would vote Democrat. Republicans say the bill will help prevent voter fraud and they all voted for it. The bill now goes to a conference committee to iron out differences between House and Senate versions.

Bill Would Restrict Cold Medicine Sales

You won’t be able to buy certain cough, allergy and cold medicines at convenience stores, if a bill the House approved yesterday becomes law. It would allow only pharmacies to sell medicines that contain an ingredient known by the brand name Sudafed. And the pharmacies would have to keep the drugs behind the counter. Illegal drug labs use the medicines to make methamphetamine. The bill is also on its way to a conference committee.

Columbia City Police Arrest Alleged Teen Vandals

Columbia City police took reports over the weekend of 21 cars damaged by vandals who fired paint balls and shot out windows with a pellet gun. Before the weekend was over, police arrested some teenagers for the crimes.

Columbia City Resume Sidewalk Program

Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck has announced the beginning of this year’s program to fix up sidewalks. The city will pay half the cost of replacing public sidewalks in front of taxable properties. Columbia City has a limited amount of money for the program and will consider applications on a first come, first served basis. Contact the Mayor’s office at for more information.

Percussionists Win State Championship

Warsaw Community High School’s Percussion Ensemble won first place at a state competition Saturday. The group now goes to the world championships in Dayton, Ohio April 15th. Warsaw has won the state title twice before… in 1997 and 2001.

Edgewood Middle School Orientation Tonight

Warsaw’s Edgewood Middle School holds an orientation session tonight for students who will attend the school next year and their parents. It begins at seven o’clock in Edgewood’s cafeteria.

New Scholarship for Claypool-Area Students

The Parent-Teacher Council of the former Claypool Elementary School has established a scholarship fund for Claypool-area students. Among other requirements, participants must live in Clay Township of Kosciusko County and graduate from Warsaw Community High School. The fund will award its first scholarship this year. The application deadline is April 1. For more information, call the Kosciusko County Community Foundation at (574) 267-1901 or visit the Foundation's web site.

Warsaw Plans Easter Egg Eggstravaganza

The Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department conducts is 20th annual Easter Egg Eggstravaganza tomorrow at Central Park. Activities include a chance for kids to play in an inflatable bouncer, visit with the Easter Bunny, color pictures and hunt for Easter Eggs. Get more information from the department's web site.

U.S. 30 Crash Kills Fort Wayne Man

A Fort Wayne man died last night after a crash on U-S 30 in eastern Kosciusko County. It happened just before seven o’clock, near the intersection of County Road 650-East. Police say 70-year-old Norman Buchan was driving a box truck that left the driving lane and crashed into the back of a parked semi. Buchan died at the scene. Police say they don’t know why his truck drove onto the shoulder.

Wabash Alloys Locks Out Workers

In Wabash, Wabash Alloys has locked out nearly 200 union workers after contract talks reached an impasse. Workers are picketing the plant this morning. The company makes products from recycled aluminum.

Steel Dynamics Issues Revenue Warning

Steel Dynamics says it won’t make as much money as it expected during the first quarter. The company blames a soft market, high raw-material costs and production outages. It makes steel products from recycled metal and has a plant near Columbia City.

Lawmakers Work to Strengthen "Do Not Call"

State Senators have amended a bill in an attempt to protect you from getting calls from telemarketers. The bill is designed to strengthen the state’s “do not call” law, in case federal authorities approve rules that would otherwise override Indiana’s law.

Bill Would Talke Personalized Plate Fees from Parties

A committee of the Indiana House of Representatives has passed a bill that would take money away from political parties and give it to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The money comes from part of the fee for personalized license plates.

House Passes Inspector General Bill

The Indiana House of Representatives has passed a bill that would give the state’s new inspector general the power to prosecute crimes, but only in some cases. It’s a compromise between what Democrat and Republican lawmakers wanted.

YMCA Responds to Molestation Allegations

Kosciusko Community YMCA Executive Director Steve Jungbauer says the organization is doing all it can to help police investigate allegations that a “Y” employee molested at least one child. Hear Jungbauer talk about how their could be other alleged victims and what parents should do. Jungbauer says all the alleged victims were boys and that the children will probably have trouble admitting if something sexual happened to them. He says parents should call the Warsaw Police Department at (574) 372-9515 if they learn that their children had any inappropriate contact with 25-year-old Anthony Demarco. The man is in the Kosciusko County Jail this morning on a single charge of child molesting. He pleaded not guilty in court yesterday. Jungbauer says Demarco has been involved in several jobs that put him in contact with children, including one at the Whitley County YMCA and jobs at various local school corporations. Demarco has also worked as a reserve police officer in Silver Lake. Jungbauer says the Kosciusko “Y” suspended Demarco as soon as it learned of allegations against him and fired him when police arrested him.

DNR Seeks Flood Clean-up Volunteers

The state Department of Natural Resources is looking for citizen volunteers to help clean up flood debris around J. Edward Roush Lake near Huntington. The clean-up happens this Saturday and volunteers will get a free lunch, but they must register by the end of the day tomorrow. For more information or to register, call the DNR at (260) 468-2127.

YMCA Employee Charged with Child Molesting

Warsaw police say an employee of the Kosciusko Community YMCA faces a charge this morning of molesting a 13-year-old child. And police say they suspect the 25-year-old man of molesting several other children in Kosciusko and possibly other counties. Warsaw police issued a news release yesterday in which they announced that they had arrested the Mentone man Friday. He’s in jail this morning in lieu of a 100-thousand dollar bond. According to the news release, the investigation began when the YMCA contacted Child Protection Services. Police say that their investigation indicates that most of the crimes they are investigating did not happen at the YMCA. But police say it appears that the suspect’s job at the “Y” might put him in contact with alleged victims. Police say their investigation will continue during the coming days and weeks.

Alleged "Large Scale" Cocaine Dealer Arrested

The Kosciusko County Drug Task Force has arrested a man they allege is a large-scale distributor of cocaine and marijuana in Kosciusko County. Police say that when they arrested the 25-year-old Fort Wayne man, he was in possession of about 14-thousand dollars worth of cocaine. He faces a charge of dealing cocaine and is free on a 20-thousand dollar bond.

Huntington Speller Wins Again

For the second year in a row, a Huntington student has won this area’s spelling bee. 12-year-old Michael Paynter is a seventh-grader at Riverview Middle School. He beat 17 other kids from northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio for the right to go to the national spelling bee in Washington in May. The runner-up was 14-year-old Christopher Auer, who is in the eighth grade at Indian Springs Middle School in Columbia City.

Huntington County Crash Kills Young Girl

A seven year old girl died in a Huntington County crash this morning. State police say Abbi Story of Huntington was riding in the front passenger seat of a minivan her mother was driving on Huntington County Road 100-South. Police say the mother failed to yield at the intersection of State Road Nine and a van hit the woman’s minivan near where the child was sitting. Abbi was a student at Saint Bernard Catholic School in Wabash, where her mother is a teacher.

Snow Leads to Many Accidents

Police report that snow showers have made streets and roads in the Q101 area pretty slippery this morning. Most area police departments report dozens of accidents and slide-offs yesterday afternoon and evening.

Sophomores Slip on ISTEP

Results are in from this year’s ISTEP test for 10th graders. They did not do as well as last year’s 10th graders did. But officials say they expected scores to drop, because the test was tougher this year.

HCCSC Gets Utility Rebate

Huntington County Community Schools got a rebate from their electric utility yesterday, for installing energy-efficient lights and other electrical equipment. Cinergy presented the school system with a check for 31-thousand dollars.

Library Reopens

The Warsaw Community Public Library reopens at nine o’clock this morning. The library closed at noon yesterday, so workers could reorganize the audio-visual department.

Hoosiers Select Design for Governor's RV

Hoosiers who voted on a web site have chosen the paint design of a new recreational vehicle Governor Daniels will use. After the painting is complete, the governor intends to use the RV at least once a week to participate in events throughout the state. Click on the image to see a larger version.

FDA Approves New Biomet Product

Warsaw orthopedic company Biomet announced today that the U.S Food and Drug Administration has granted clearance for the company to market a new bearing material for hip replacement implants. The company calls the material "ArComXL." The company says the new material wears up to 64% slower than its predecessor.

Officials to Test Severe Weather Warnings

As emergency officials test severe weather warning systems today, Kosciusko County Emergency Management Director Ed Rock hopes to dispel any notion that a severe weather will never happen to you. Hear Rock talk about his data on what parts of Kosciusko County have been affected by severe weather. Rock says officials will test warning sirens and emergency alert radios today as part of severe weather awareness week. The tests will happen once between 10 and 10:30 this morning and again between 7 and 7:30 tonight. Get more information on severe weather awareness week from the National Weather Service. Get more information on tornado safety from the American Red Cross. Get more information on thunderstorm safety from the American Red Cross.

Fort Wayne TV Station Cans its News Staff

The new owners of Fort Wayne television station WISE-33 have decimated its news staff. Except for Linda Jackson, all of WISE-33’s anchors, reporters and photographers lost their jobs. From now on, WISE-33 will run news produced by former competitor 21-Alive. As of yesterday, Granite Broadcasting now operates both WISE-33 and 21-Alive.

Whitko Releases Early

Kids in Whitko Community Schools go home two-and-a-half hours early today. Teachers will spend the rest of the afternoon in professional development activities.

New Web Site for Free, Discounted Prescriptions

Governor Daniels has announced a new web site that can help people find free or discounted prescriptions. The site has online forms that ask for information such as age, income level and insurance. Then it sends the data to programs run by drug companies. There’s also a toll-free number for people who don’t have Internet access: (877) 793-0765.