By Dan Spalding
News Now Waraw

WINONA LAKE — Democrats had a big turnout at Noah Noah Wood Grill in Winona Lake Saturday night, with speeches from four candidates.

Among those were Beau Bayh, who’s running for Secretary of State, and Kelly Thompson, who will likely face Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman in the general election for the 3rd District seat.

Beau Bayh is the son of former Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh and the grandson of former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh.

Bayh talked with News Now Warsaw before the dinner and was highly critical of Indiana’s Republican Secretary of State Diego Morales.

“We have someone who’s currently filling that role who has bought luxury vehicles, $92,000 of the taxpayer money; when he’s hired his family members and pays them six-figure salaries; when he’s taking trips all over the world and he’s given out millions of dollars in no-bid contracts to his largest campaign donors,” Bayh said.

“That’s breaking down the trust in that office, and we’ve got to rebuild that trust, so my first priority is going to be to clean up the corruption by opening an independent audit,” he said.

He also spoke about improving voter turnout in Indiana, which remains low compared to many other states.

He’s calling for expanded voting hours and the elimination of straight-ticket voting.

Indiana is only one of six states that allow straight-ticket voting.

He also supports a change to the state constitution to allow for what he calls “citizen-led statewide ballot referendums.”

Morales is expected to face challenges from Libertarian candidate Lauri Shillings and independent candidate Greg Ballard.

In the Democratic Party, Bayh will face Blythe Potter, who also spoke at the Winona Lake dinner.

Potter, a veteran and small business owner in Bargersville, said she wants to see the secretary of state’s office return to traditional roles with fewer headlines.

“My first work is going to be sure that we are empowering Hoosier voters. Many state already have a statewide ballot book, and Indiana has next to nothing,” Potter said.

She said she envisions it as becoming the most comprehensive ballot guide compared to other states.

Potter also pointed out that she’s running to be Indiana’s first female Democrat to serve as secretary of state.

Bayh is heavily outraising Potter in campaign fundraising.

Thompson, of North Webster, gave an energized speech on a wide variety of topics that repeatedly focused on affordability issues, including the right to health care.

She talked about conversations she’s had with pharmacists who are sometimes unable to provide prescriptions because of the price.

“They tell me that they watch people put medications back because we, in the richest country in the history of the world, can’t provide … what we deserve, which is access to affordable health care.”

Thompson, on the subject of abortion, said she’d like to see the number of abortions decline as low as possible, but said a new approach is needed

“Maybe the men in power think that the only way to fix this is to outlaw it, but I have news for you,” Thompson said. 

“Let’s help women who don’t want to get pregnant, not get pregnant. We need to have access to birth control like so many other states in this country already do. You want to know what else we could do? We could make sure that there is OBGYN care for women who might get pregnant in these states — We could make sure that women who get pregnant know that they’re going to be able to afford diapers and formula and a roof over their head.”

“Give them some child care!” she added.

Jamee Decio, a congressional candidate for the 2nd District Congressional seat, also spoke.

She’s an Elkhart native and a lawyer who has worked to provide legal aid.

Decio called on Congress to develop a policy that can provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have a clean record.

“Together we can make America great for the next generation,” Decio said.

Several awards were presented by party leadership, including the Salute to Service Award, which was given to Paul and Kay Croyle, who have been the leading supporters of the annual event in recent years. 

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By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — A GOP candidate forum at the Warsaw Community Public Library Saturday afternoon touched on many topics, including whether the two candidates for Kosciusko County Commissioners support the proposed city-county parking garage.

Incumbent county commissioner Bob Conley and his primary opponent, Don Wiesehan,  were both asked to address the issue.

The county, which would operate the parking garage south of the courthouse, has already acquired land for the project and is working with the city of Warsaw on the joint venture.

Numerous city and county officials have expressed support for the parking garage, but ultimately, the decision is in the hands of the county commissioners.

Conley said the county and the downtown are facing parking challenges, but sounded noncommittal.

He stressed that no decision has been made, and if it is found to be necessary and feasible, he believes the commissioners will support it.

The project would rely in part on $5 million from the $30 million Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative, with more support coming from the city and county.

Supporters say the $5 million is a rare chance to support the project that might not otherwise be affordable.

Coney spoke first.

“If it’s determined that the parking garage is a feasible answer to that … I’m sure we would all — especially the commissioners — would take a long, hard look at that and make a determination based on what is best for the economy and the downtown area,” Conley said.

Wiesehan said parking garages tend to require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, and he said the county needs to focus on adequately maintaining what they already have.

He said he thinks the county needs to first focus on maintaining its existing properties before looking at other projects.

He said he thinks parking garages often require significant maintenance and upkeep.

Weisehan said it comes down to fiscal responsibility.

“I am not, right now, for a parking garage,” he said.

Both men also addressed an issue at a recent GOP fish fry in which supporters for Wiesehan claimed Conley had declined to serve those wearing Wiesehan shirts. 

Conley said he walked around at the event ready to provide more fish to those who were seated, but that Wiesehan’s supporters did not reach out to him. He said it was a matter of people just raising their hands to alert him.

“They wanted fish, and all they had to do was state so. They never did,” Conley said.

“My opponent was there for two hours, at six o’clock, the crowd thinned out. They weren’t coming in the door (and) he quit,” Conley said.

Wiesehan then disputed that last claim.

The annual fish fry continued until 7 p.m.

At some point, Wiesehan said he began talking to guests instead of serving fish. He said it’s hard to shake hands when you’re wearing big, heavy fish fry gloves.

“I was there the whole time, Bob, and I don’t appreciate you saying I wasn’t,” Wiesehan said. “Was I serving fish the entire time? No, I was not.”

About ten candidates participated in the two-hour event hosted by the Republican Women’s Club.

Numerous questions focused on the state legislature’s attempts to provide property tax reform.

Lawmakers passed significant changes two years ago and then adjusted them again this year. 

Several county officials said they expect more changes next year as local taxing units struggle with the notion of reduced revenues needed to cover services.

County Councilman Dave Wolkins said the problem does not involve the legislature, but rather local boards that keep proposing new spending measures.

He lays the blame on local leaders.

“It’s our local boards, it’s our Kosciusko County Council, it’s your city council, it’s your library. We have a hard time saying no,” Wolkins said.

“We’ve got lots of requests coming in (and) The first question that’s always asked is do we have the money, and yes we do … so it’s very difficult for us to say no,” he said.

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Ryan Hedrick
WIBC Radio

INDIANAPOLIS — Bob Kevoian, longtime co‑host and co‑founder of “The Bob & Tom Show,” died at 75.

Kevoian died Friday at his home after receiving treatment for gastric cancer. He announced the diagnosis in 2023 and later created a podcast to document his experience.

Kevoian launched “The Bob & Tom Show” with Tom Griswold in Indianapolis in 1983.

The program entered national syndication in 1995 and grew into one of the most widely distributed morning radio shows in the country. It aired on hundreds of stations and built a large national audience over several decades.

Kevoian retired from the show in 2015. That same year, the National Radio Hall of Fame inducted him. Over his career, the program earned multiple industry honors, including the Marconi Award and the Kurt Vonnegut Humor Award.

Before his diagnosis, Kevoian stayed involved in creative projects and continued to appear at industry events. After retiring, he spent much of his time traveling with his wife, Becky, and camping in their Airstream RV.

Memorial service details are expected to be announced later.

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News Release

WARSW — The City of Warsaw Street Department is offering free sandbags to City of Warsaw residents.  They are available two ways.

Sandbags can be picked up at 794 W. Center Street, under the red awning located directly behind the main Street Department office.

Sandbags will also be offered for delivery, solely upon request.  To request delivery, contact the Street Department office at 574-372-9561 during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or contact Central Dispatch via their non-emergency number at 574-372-9511 during evenings and weekends.  Deliveries on weekends will be based on receiving multiple requests and not offered on an individual basis.

Residents are responsible for placing sandbags on their own property.  If you require assistance placing sandbags, contact the Street Department office for available volunteer contact information.

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News Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — This week, Congressman Rudy Yakym joined First Lady Melania Trump for a Ways and Means Committee Roundtable on foster care initiatives, including his bipartisan bill, The Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act (H.R. 7655).

“I appreciate the First Lady’s commitment to America’s foster youth and her leadership on the Fostering the Future initiative,” Rep. Yakym said.

“Today’s conversation was productive, and I look forward to continuing Congresswoman (Jackie) Walorski’s work alongside the First Lady, including advancing my bipartisan Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act to better connect young parents with the resources they need to protect children and strengthen their families.”

The Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act has earned the support of nearly 160 organizations.

Read a full bill summary HERE.

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News Release

WARSAW — Friends of the Trails invites the public to join a spring work party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Old Chinworth Bridge Trailhead Park, located at the intersection of CR 350W and W Old Road 30 in Warsaw.

Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, clear brush, and prepare the area along the river for future native plantings.

Volunteers are welcome to come for an hour or stay for the day. Clothes appropriate for working in brush are recommended, including long pants and sleeves, work gloves, and sturdy shoes.

Volunteers should also bring loppers and pruners if possible.

Dugan Julian, Regional Specialist with the State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management, will provide education on identifying invasive species in the park and safe and effective removal.

The historic Chinworth Bridge, a 140-foot iron Pratt through Truss Bridge, has been in place since 1897.

In 1924, the National Highway Act set the route for the Lincoln Highway through Warsaw and the land surrounding the bridge became the Tippecanoe River Rest Park.

After US Highway 30 was widened and moved to its current location, the Chinworth Bridge was dedicated in 1975 as a historical landmark and closed to vehicle traffic.

The Chinworth Bridge and the surrounding park are owned by Kosciusko County. In February, the Kosciusko Historical Society signed the park over to the County. The Old Chinworth Bridge Trail greenway connects the park to the City of Warsaw to the east and was extended to the west last year.

The Kosciusko Parks and Recreation Board and County government officials are making plans to enhance the park and restore the historic bridge in the next few years.

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Milford — The Milford Food Bank invites the community to celebrate the completion of its new warehouse facility with a public open house from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2,  at 112 E. Emeline St., in Milford.

A unique ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for noon.

This milestone marks a significant step forward for the faith-based nonprofit, which provides food to area food pantries and food assistance programs. The new facility is the result of a major expansion effort designed to meet growing demand for food assistance across Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan, and surrounding regions.

The expanded building will greatly enhance the organization’s ability to serve its network of partner agencies by increasing warehouse capacity, improving food processing capabilities, and streamlining operations and distribution.

The food bank currently distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of food each month to more than 240 partner organizations, and officials believe the new facility will allow it to nearly double its impact, reaching even more individuals and families facing food insecurity.

“Food insecurity continues to rise, and this expansion allows us to respond in a bigger and more efficient way,” said Angie Deak, Development Manager at Milford Food Bank. “This building is not just about space; it’s about extending hope, strengthening partnerships, and sharing the love of Christ with more people than ever before.”

The Open House event is free and open to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the new facility, meet the staff, volunteers, and board members, and learn more about the organization’s mission and impact.

The celebration will also include food available for purchase from Fellowship Mission’s It’s All Good Food Truck & Catering.

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A panel of state officials on Thursday green-lit a deal letting the Indiana Toll Road’s private operator raise rates twice annually — in exchange for a $700 million windfall — and the governor’s request to spend $200 million expanding a frozen low-income child care program.

The Indiana Finance Authority on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing increases twice a year on all vehicles traveling the 157-mile northern Indiana Toll Road, but it couldn’t take effect without State Budget Committee approval, Public Finance Director James McGoff said.

Class 2 passenger vehicles currently pay $16.21 for a full-length trip, with Class 5 trucks paying $87.49, with tolls rising once a year by 2% — or by the rate of inflation, if it’s greater.

The amendment to the 75-year road lease allows ITR Concession Company to hike rates by 1.5%, or by inflation, every Dec. 31 and June 30.

The increase this December will be 1.6%, according to slides McGoff presented Thursday.

The operator will pay the Indiana Finance Authority, which issues debt and finances projects for the state, a total of $700 million in cash over the next two years.

The money will go to a transportation and infrastructure fund for use in the seven counties through which the road runs — including Lake, the prospective host of a new Chicago Bears stadium.

If the Bears decide to relocate, spending would start in Lake County, on stadium-related infrastructure, McGoff said. In that case, Lake and Porter counties would increase local tourism taxes and the money would be distributed among the other Toll Road counties.

That way, all seven “will share in the modification to the lease,” McGoff said.

If the Bears stay put, the funds will stay in the agency’s account until lawmakers appropriate it.

Despite the money’s connection to the stadium, McGoff said that negotiations on changing the lease began about a year ago — before Hoosier leaders launched their campaign to woo the franchise.

And although the funds will directly benefit the Toll Road counties, McGoff said the state as a whole could benefit indirectly.

“Theoretically, it gives the ability for (the Indiana Department of Transportation) to reprogram their transportation projects to other counties,” he told the committee, “because these towns would be the beneficiary of the funds that are restricted for infrastructure and transportation.”

Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, thought that was unlikely.

“So the county is going to spend its money … in a way that saves INDOT money? I’m waiting for that day,” DeLaney told reporters. “They’re not going to do that. They’re going to spend it on whatever they think is useful.”

DeLaney — an alternate who served as the only voting Democrat on the committee — unsuccessfully proposed a motion to remove the item from the panel’s agenda for approval, but it was not seconded.

He complained that he had requested the amendment ahead of the Thursday vote but hadn’t received it.

Administration plans to increase budget for child care

Also on the State Budget Committee agenda was Gov. Mike Braun’s request to push $200 million from the state’s General Fund through the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth fund to reopen admissions for a key child care program.

The money would bring about 14,000 Hoosier children off a waitlist of those seeking vouchers. About 21,000 would remain, though.

“The Senate kickstarted this funding discussion by unanimously passing Senate Enrolled Act 4 during the 2026 legislative session, which allows the state to spend money from the FROG fund on CCDF,” said Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, in a statement Thursday.

Mishler, who chairs the State Budget Committee and authored the new law, said he’s “pleased to see that the Senate’s efforts are paying off, and we will continue to work on this program as we begin to prepare for the 2027 budget session.”

The Child Care and Development Fund currently provides vouchers to about 43,000 needy children, as long as their parents meet income and work requirements. It has been closed to new enrollees for more than a year as officials worked to curb state spending.

About 4,000 seats will be set aside for certain groups. The Family and Social Services Administration, which administers CCDF, released the numbers in slides presented Thursday.

The set-asides include 1,500 slots for foster and kinship care children; 1,000 for special needs kids; 800 for those being served by the Department of Child Services; 300 for homeless kids; 200 for the children of child care workers; and 100 for referrals from Ivy Tech Community College.

FSSA will also prioritize other groups: the siblings of current voucher-holders, infants, toddlers and 3- to 5-year-olds.

The agency will begin enrollments in late May, but the rollout will take months, said Adam Alson, FSSA’s director of Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.

That’s because the agency can only process about 3,000 applications a month, per slides. That works out to about 18 weeks, even if the first 14,000 applicants are all determined eligible.

The move will kickstart the Braun administration’s efforts to provide consistent funding, officials said.

“We are funding this for one year, but … it will create a multi-year obligation for the state of Indiana,” Alson told the committee.

He said the line item for early childhood learning in the next two-year budget “will reflect the commitment to maintaining funding for CCDF vouchers, and to increase the baseline from $39 million to at least $239 million” of state dollars, on top of base federal funding.

DeLaney was skeptical child care providers would be able to “bet on that” and make business decisions despite unknown future state funding.

“The governor has every intention of including a sustainable budget for CCDF vouchers in his budget,” State Budget Director Chad Ranney said. “… The governor is certainly committed to continuing this.”

Closing out the waitlist — if everyone on it is eligible — would take about $350 million, according to Family and Social Services Secretary Mitch Roob.

The State Budget Committee agreed, by unanimous voice vote, to adopt its agenda — approving all the items listed.

* * *

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By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Are you looking for a job? Warsaw Community Schools can help.

“If you have ever had a dream of being a special ed teacher, a math teacher, or a bus driver, we have something for you immediately,” said Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, who talked about the openings earlier this week.

“These are the hardest-to-fill positions all throughout the state and all throughout the nation, and Warsaw Community Schools is no different,” he said.

Spring is always a busy time for bus drivers because of the seasonal demand due to typical special events, Hoffert said.

Right now, Hoffert said, the transportation department is as stretched as possible and he hopes the community understands the stress they’re under. 

“Our bus drivers are gonna be putting in ‘buku’ hours. They’re gonna be doing a lot of overtime this spring, and we are always short on bus drivers,”  he said. “So yes, please give them a little bit of grace and thank them,” he said.

When it comes to math and special ed, Hoffert said. “These are just hard-to-fill areas.

To learn more, contact the school district’s HR department.

Hoffert’s discussion about job openings was part of his interview for In the Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

*  *  * 

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.

WRSW (107.3):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

Willie (103.5 FM):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

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