Willie 103.5 https://www.willie1035.com/ Warsaw's FUN Country Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:41:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Colts are on the brink, says columnist Roger Grossman https://www.willie1035.com/colts-are-on-the-brink-says-columnist-roger-grossman/ Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:24:34 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/colts-are-on-the-brink-says-columnist-roger-grossman/ Roger Grossman
News Now Warsaw

The winds of change are blowing again in Indianapolis.

The Colts are 2-5, the fanbase is way beyond restless, and the first rock in what promises to be a landslide has rolled down the hill.

Last week, the Colts announced the firing of general manager Chris Ballard.

Under Ballard’s leadership, the franchise never fully reached the point where the rest of the league took it too seriously. Since he took over in 2017, the Colts have labored to a record of 76-82 with one tie.

Despite having an excellent running back and solid offensive line play during a large share of those years—including the current one — the Colts were never a team that scared any other decent team in their division, conference or the NFL.

And there haven’t been many years where there was excitement about the Colts’ chances to win 12 games and be playing deep into January.

And the Colts have earned that by digging themselves an early hole almost every season.

Over the last 20 opening days, the Colts have lost 15 times and tied one other time. In a 16- or 17-game season, starting 0-1 is not an impossible deficit to overcome, but it sure makes the goal of getting to 12 wins a lot more difficult.

Ballard isn’t responsible for all 20 of those season openers, but he did call the shots for the last 10, and the Colts won just once during his reign.

But the changing started even before that.

When owner Jim Irsay died in May of 2025, his three daughters came forward and announced that they were ready to collectively follow in their dad’s footsteps and run the team. Each, they said, would have their own role to play, with Carlie Irsay-Gordon being the most visible and the most involved in the day-to-day operation of the club.

Immediately, she began to prove that she was serious about that.

She was not going to be couped up in the owner’s box between the 200 and 300 levels at Lucas Oil Stadium.

No, this is an owner who was seen down on the sideline for every play of every game. She was wearing an earpiece to hear not only the conversations between coaches, but also between the sidelines and the players on the field.

She was listening, and she was literally taking notes.

We still don’t know exactly what she’s been writing down on her notepad, but clearly two Sundays ago after the embarrassing loss to a winless Titans team at home, she wrote “fire Chris Ballard tomorrow morning.”

And she did.

In pulling the trigger on that move, Carlie reminded us of what she had told Ballard, the front office and the coaching staff during the summer. She said (and I am paraphrasing), “If we aren’t competing for a championship, I’m going to start handing out pink slips.”

Six games into the season, it was clear that no championship was coming this year.

Ballard got fired with the echoes of the boos still ringing through the rafters of LOS, and the 2026 season unofficially came to a close for the Indianapolis Colts.

To win 12 games, Indy would have to win out.

It’s not happening.

Instead, the vultures of the National Football League are circling overhead. The Colts will become sellers before the league’s trade deadline two weeks from now, and Indy will begin charting the course for their future … again.

It’s expected that star running back Jonathon Taylor will be the most coveted of the Colts players. Even though running backs are not valued the way they used to be in pro football, Taylor is likely to bring at least a second-round pick back to Indy.

Defensive tackle Deforest Buckner has loudly, but respectfully, vented his frustration through the media to all of us about how things have been going. Bucker is of an age where he isn’t at the end, but he can see the end from where he is. He wants a shot at being on a winner and playing meaningful games in December and January, and if the girls have the hearts that I think they do, they will see to it that DB gets his wish fulfilled.

Frankly, he’d fit in very nicely with the Bears.

They wouldn’t have to have a fire sale like we see in baseball every summer, but for players with expiring contracts and those who promise to bring back the most draft capital, the front office doesn’t really have a choice.

So, before we even get to Halloween, the Colts season has been pronounced dead.

My prediction: the new GM will bring in a new coach, who will be looking for a long-term solution to the quarterback issue, which has never recovered from Andrew Luck’s slipping out the tunnel and into the Indianapolis night in the preseason of 2019.

It’s hard to imagine the Colts being good again for at least three years … or 10.

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]]> Roger Grossman
News Now Warsaw

The winds of change are blowing again in Indianapolis.

The Colts are 2-5, the fanbase is way beyond restless, and the first rock in what promises to be a landslide has rolled down the hill.

Last week, the Colts announced the firing of general manager Chris Ballard.

Under Ballard’s leadership, the franchise never fully reached the point where the rest of the league took it too seriously. Since he took over in 2017, the Colts have labored to a record of 76-82 with one tie.

Despite having an excellent running back and solid offensive line play during a large share of those years—including the current one — the Colts were never a team that scared any other decent team in their division, conference or the NFL.

And there haven’t been many years where there was excitement about the Colts’ chances to win 12 games and be playing deep into January.

And the Colts have earned that by digging themselves an early hole almost every season.

Over the last 20 opening days, the Colts have lost 15 times and tied one other time. In a 16- or 17-game season, starting 0-1 is not an impossible deficit to overcome, but it sure makes the goal of getting to 12 wins a lot more difficult.

Ballard isn’t responsible for all 20 of those season openers, but he did call the shots for the last 10, and the Colts won just once during his reign.

But the changing started even before that.

When owner Jim Irsay died in May of 2025, his three daughters came forward and announced that they were ready to collectively follow in their dad’s footsteps and run the team. Each, they said, would have their own role to play, with Carlie Irsay-Gordon being the most visible and the most involved in the day-to-day operation of the club.

Immediately, she began to prove that she was serious about that.

She was not going to be couped up in the owner’s box between the 200 and 300 levels at Lucas Oil Stadium.

No, this is an owner who was seen down on the sideline for every play of every game. She was wearing an earpiece to hear not only the conversations between coaches, but also between the sidelines and the players on the field.

She was listening, and she was literally taking notes.

We still don’t know exactly what she’s been writing down on her notepad, but clearly two Sundays ago after the embarrassing loss to a winless Titans team at home, she wrote “fire Chris Ballard tomorrow morning.”

And she did.

In pulling the trigger on that move, Carlie reminded us of what she had told Ballard, the front office and the coaching staff during the summer. She said (and I am paraphrasing), “If we aren’t competing for a championship, I’m going to start handing out pink slips.”

Six games into the season, it was clear that no championship was coming this year.

Ballard got fired with the echoes of the boos still ringing through the rafters of LOS, and the 2026 season unofficially came to a close for the Indianapolis Colts.

To win 12 games, Indy would have to win out.

It’s not happening.

Instead, the vultures of the National Football League are circling overhead. The Colts will become sellers before the league’s trade deadline two weeks from now, and Indy will begin charting the course for their future … again.

It’s expected that star running back Jonathon Taylor will be the most coveted of the Colts players. Even though running backs are not valued the way they used to be in pro football, Taylor is likely to bring at least a second-round pick back to Indy.

Defensive tackle Deforest Buckner has loudly, but respectfully, vented his frustration through the media to all of us about how things have been going. Bucker is of an age where he isn’t at the end, but he can see the end from where he is. He wants a shot at being on a winner and playing meaningful games in December and January, and if the girls have the hearts that I think they do, they will see to it that DB gets his wish fulfilled.

Frankly, he’d fit in very nicely with the Bears.

They wouldn’t have to have a fire sale like we see in baseball every summer, but for players with expiring contracts and those who promise to bring back the most draft capital, the front office doesn’t really have a choice.

So, before we even get to Halloween, the Colts season has been pronounced dead.

My prediction: the new GM will bring in a new coach, who will be looking for a long-term solution to the quarterback issue, which has never recovered from Andrew Luck’s slipping out the tunnel and into the Indianapolis night in the preseason of 2019.

It’s hard to imagine the Colts being good again for at least three years … or 10.

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]]> No injuries reported in two fires Tuesday afternoon in Kosciusko County https://www.willie1035.com/no-injuries-reported-in-two-fires-tuesday-afternoon-in-kosciusko-county/ Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:05:38 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/no-injuries-reported-in-two-fires-tuesday-afternoon-in-kosciusko-county/ Staff Report

WARSAW — Some firefighters in Kosciusko County stayed busy on Tuesday. 

The Times-Union reports two fires broke out within 90 minutes of each other on Tuesday afternoon. 

Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory responded to a fire at about 1:15 on County Road 100 North in Warsaw. 

The house trailer was being demolished and was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived.

A little more than an hour later, at 2:30, Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory and Turkey Creek Fire Territory responded to a fire along Chapman Lake. No other details were available.

Firefighters are still looking into the cause of both blazes.

 

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]]> Staff Report

WARSAW — Some firefighters in Kosciusko County stayed busy on Tuesday. 

The Times-Union reports two fires broke out within 90 minutes of each other on Tuesday afternoon. 

Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory responded to a fire at about 1:15 on County Road 100 North in Warsaw. 

The house trailer was being demolished and was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived.

A little more than an hour later, at 2:30, Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory and Turkey Creek Fire Territory responded to a fire along Chapman Lake. No other details were available.

Firefighters are still looking into the cause of both blazes.

 

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]]> Magical Meadows looking at a $1.9M renovation with focus on inclusive recreation https://www.willie1035.com/magical-meadows-looking-at-a-1-9m-renovation-with-focus-on-inclusive-recreation/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:13:32 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/magical-meadows-looking-at-a-1-9m-renovation-with-focus-on-inclusive-recreation/ By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — This year, The Magical Meadows wrapped up an extensive expansion project featuring two indoor riding arenas that cost an estimated $2.6 million.

Now, organizers are setting their sights on renovating the original arena and office space.

With the opening of two new arenas, officials will now focus on transforming the original arena and office space. On top of that, the building’s second floor (nearly 2,000 square feet) opens the door for even more changes in the future.

“The vision for this building is to completely do another huge renovation,” said Executive Director Michael Kuhn on Saturday while overseeing a first-ever trunk-or-treat event for people with special needs.

“We’re in the exploratory phase of building plans for that, and it will become the Adams Center for Wellbeing and Belonging,” he said.

The future name is a nod in recognition of longterm board chairman Carl Adams, who is a former executive director with Magical Meadows and who is still active with the organization.

Detailed plans of the venture are expected to be announced early next year, and Kuhn said the price tag is expected to be around $1.9 million.

The proposed Adams Center for Well-being & Belonging would include:

  • A multi-use gymnasium and recreation center
  • Space for adaptive recreation, exercise, camps, group activities, and community programming
  • Renovated private therapy and treatment rooms
  • Opportunities for outside providers to offer services such as recreational therapy, music therapy, and other specialized therapies 
  • Inclusive spaces where individuals with and without disabilities can participate together
  • New opportunities for siblings and families to play, connect, and participate alongside one another

The goal, he said, is to create an inclusive environment.

The Adams Center would not be exclusively for individuals with disabilities. Instead, the goal is to create a truly inclusive environment where people with and without disabilities can participate together.

The project would also allow The Magical Meadows to partner with qualified outside providers rather than attempting to directly provide every service. Providers could rent treatment and program space, expanding access to specialized services while also creating an additional source of earned revenue for the nonprofit.

More than 10 percent of Kosciusko County residents live with a disability, and The Magical Meadows has previously identified a shortage of local spaces and programs specifically designed to meet the needs of those individuals, according to a recent news release.

The project would also allow The Magical Meadows to partner with qualified outside providers rather than attempting to directly provide every service. Providers could rent treatment and program space, expanding access to specialized services while also creating an additional source of earned revenue for the nonprofit.

This model was first identified as part of the organization’s long-term sustainability strategy during the Growing with Heart campaign.

Recent expansion included the Warriors Arena, a dedicated facility created to serve veterans and first responders through The Magical Meadows’ Warriors Mount Up program.

The other arena now serves an array of equestrian-focused therapy programs.

In the meantime, organizers will look at the next phase of expansion.

“We want to do our homework,” Kuhn said. “We want to make sure this project is thoughtful, sustainable, and worthy of the people it will serve. Over the next several months, we are going to listen, learn, and work with the people who have helped us get this far to determine the best path forward.”

Saturday’s Trunk or Treat event expands on the organization’s belief in inclusivity.

The post Magical Meadows looking at a $1.9M renovation with focus on inclusive recreation appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

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]]> By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — This year, The Magical Meadows wrapped up an extensive expansion project featuring two indoor riding arenas that cost an estimated $2.6 million.

Now, organizers are setting their sights on renovating the original arena and office space.

With the opening of two new arenas, officials will now focus on transforming the original arena and office space. On top of that, the building’s second floor (nearly 2,000 square feet) opens the door for even more changes in the future.

“The vision for this building is to completely do another huge renovation,” said Executive Director Michael Kuhn on Saturday while overseeing a first-ever trunk-or-treat event for people with special needs.

“We’re in the exploratory phase of building plans for that, and it will become the Adams Center for Wellbeing and Belonging,” he said.

The future name is a nod in recognition of longterm board chairman Carl Adams, who is a former executive director with Magical Meadows and who is still active with the organization.

Detailed plans of the venture are expected to be announced early next year, and Kuhn said the price tag is expected to be around $1.9 million.

The proposed Adams Center for Well-being & Belonging would include:

  • A multi-use gymnasium and recreation center
  • Space for adaptive recreation, exercise, camps, group activities, and community programming
  • Renovated private therapy and treatment rooms
  • Opportunities for outside providers to offer services such as recreational therapy, music therapy, and other specialized therapies 
  • Inclusive spaces where individuals with and without disabilities can participate together
  • New opportunities for siblings and families to play, connect, and participate alongside one another

The goal, he said, is to create an inclusive environment.

The Adams Center would not be exclusively for individuals with disabilities. Instead, the goal is to create a truly inclusive environment where people with and without disabilities can participate together.

The project would also allow The Magical Meadows to partner with qualified outside providers rather than attempting to directly provide every service. Providers could rent treatment and program space, expanding access to specialized services while also creating an additional source of earned revenue for the nonprofit.

More than 10 percent of Kosciusko County residents live with a disability, and The Magical Meadows has previously identified a shortage of local spaces and programs specifically designed to meet the needs of those individuals, according to a recent news release.

The project would also allow The Magical Meadows to partner with qualified outside providers rather than attempting to directly provide every service. Providers could rent treatment and program space, expanding access to specialized services while also creating an additional source of earned revenue for the nonprofit.

This model was first identified as part of the organization’s long-term sustainability strategy during the Growing with Heart campaign.

Recent expansion included the Warriors Arena, a dedicated facility created to serve veterans and first responders through The Magical Meadows’ Warriors Mount Up program.

The other arena now serves an array of equestrian-focused therapy programs.

In the meantime, organizers will look at the next phase of expansion.

“We want to do our homework,” Kuhn said. “We want to make sure this project is thoughtful, sustainable, and worthy of the people it will serve. Over the next several months, we are going to listen, learn, and work with the people who have helped us get this far to determine the best path forward.”

Saturday’s Trunk or Treat event expands on the organization’s belief in inclusivity.

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]]> Two Kosciusko County men accused of soliciting a juvenile early Sunday morning https://www.willie1035.com/two-kosciusko-county-men-accused-of-soliciting-a-juvenile-early-sunday-morning/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:52:25 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/two-kosciusko-county-men-accused-of-soliciting-a-juvenile-early-sunday-morning/ Staff Report

PLYMOUTH — Two Kosciusko County men were arrested after allegedly inappropriately communicating with a juvenile.

According to a report from the Times-Union, the arrests came after Marshall County police were alerted at about 1:25 a.m. Sunday by a caller who said a man was attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

No other details were available, but as a result of an investigation, police determined that 52-year-old Tommy McKinney of Warsaw and 67-year-old William Marsillett of Etna Green are now accused of conversing with a youth under the age of 14 or a person they believed to have been under the age of 14.

Police say the conversation was sexual in nature and that they had been encouraging the juvenile to participate in sexual activity.

Police tracked the two men to a vehicle they had driven to meet the juvenile.

Both men are facing charges of child solicitation, possession of methamphetamine, and inappropriate communication with a minor.

Their bonds were set at $1,500.

 

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]]> Staff Report

PLYMOUTH — Two Kosciusko County men were arrested after allegedly inappropriately communicating with a juvenile.

According to a report from the Times-Union, the arrests came after Marshall County police were alerted at about 1:25 a.m. Sunday by a caller who said a man was attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

No other details were available, but as a result of an investigation, police determined that 52-year-old Tommy McKinney of Warsaw and 67-year-old William Marsillett of Etna Green are now accused of conversing with a youth under the age of 14 or a person they believed to have been under the age of 14.

Police say the conversation was sexual in nature and that they had been encouraging the juvenile to participate in sexual activity.

Police tracked the two men to a vehicle they had driven to meet the juvenile.

Both men are facing charges of child solicitation, possession of methamphetamine, and inappropriate communication with a minor.

Their bonds were set at $1,500.

 

The post Two Kosciusko County men accused of soliciting a juvenile early Sunday morning appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

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]]> U.S. Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble to perform free concert at Warsaw PAC https://www.willie1035.com/u-s-air-forces-premier-jazz-ensemble-to-perform-free-concert-at-warsaw-pac/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:14:31 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/u-s-air-forces-premier-jazz-ensemble-to-perform-free-concert-at-warsaw-pac/ News Release

WARSAW — Music lovers will have the opportunity to experience an evening of world-class jazz when the United States Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note takes the stage at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center for a special, free public performance.

The free concert is slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

As the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, the Airmen of Note bring exceptional musicianship and a rich jazz tradition to audiences across the country. The Warsaw performance is part of the ensemble’s community relations tour, which connects military musicians with communities through live music and engaging performances.

Admission to the concert is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Community members are encouraged to secure their seats online at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/usafband/the-airmen-of-note-live-in-warsaw.

The Airmen of Note is one of six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band, the Air Force’s premier musical organization.

Based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., the band represents the United States Air Force through performances that honor those who have served, inspire patriotism and service, and build connections with communities across the nation and around the world.

The upcoming performance offers a unique opportunity to experience the talent and artistry of Air Force musicians right here in Warsaw.

Community members are encouraged to reserve their free tickets early and help welcome the Airmen of Note to the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.

The post U.S. Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble to perform free concert at Warsaw PAC appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

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]]> News Release

WARSAW — Music lovers will have the opportunity to experience an evening of world-class jazz when the United States Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note takes the stage at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center for a special, free public performance.

The free concert is slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

As the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, the Airmen of Note bring exceptional musicianship and a rich jazz tradition to audiences across the country. The Warsaw performance is part of the ensemble’s community relations tour, which connects military musicians with communities through live music and engaging performances.

Admission to the concert is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Community members are encouraged to secure their seats online at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/usafband/the-airmen-of-note-live-in-warsaw.

The Airmen of Note is one of six performing ensembles within The United States Air Force Band, the Air Force’s premier musical organization.

Based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., the band represents the United States Air Force through performances that honor those who have served, inspire patriotism and service, and build connections with communities across the nation and around the world.

The upcoming performance offers a unique opportunity to experience the talent and artistry of Air Force musicians right here in Warsaw.

Community members are encouraged to reserve their free tickets early and help welcome the Airmen of Note to the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.

The post U.S. Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble to perform free concert at Warsaw PAC appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

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]]> Warsaw leaf collection set to begin Nov. 2 and end by Dec. 11 https://www.willie1035.com/warsaw-leaf-collection-set-to-begin-nov-2-and-end-by-dec-11/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:55:54 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/warsaw-leaf-collection-set-to-begin-nov-2-and-end-by-dec-11/ Staff Report

WARSAW — It’s that time of year — Warsaw has announced plans for its fall leaf pickup schedule.

The dedicated leaf pickup program is set to begin Monday, Nov. 2 and will conclude Dec. 11, weather permitting.

The weekly leaf pickup with coincide with resident’s regular garbage collection day.

Residents within the corporate city limits of Warsaw may place leaves at the curb prior to November 2. However, residents should be aware that the City will not have a dedicated leaf pickup route running daily before the No. 2 start date.

Residents are asked to follow these guidelines to help City crews efficiently collect leaves and keep the community safe:

• Place leaves at the curb or alley for collection.
• Leaves should be placed out by 7:00 a.m. on the resident's regular trash collection day.
• Do not mix sticks, branches, trash, or other debris with leaves. These materials can damage collection
equipment and create safety concerns for City crews.
• Do not rake leaves into the street or gutter. Leaves can clog stormwater catch basins and interfere with
drainage.
• Residents are encouraged to keep leaf piles clear of parked vehicles and other obstructions whenever
possible.

Collection schedules may vary depending on weather conditions and the volume of leaves throughout the community. Crews will continue working through the designated collection period to service neighborhoods as efficiently as possible.

Residents with questions regarding the leaf pickup program can contact the City of Warsaw Public Works Department at 574-372-9561 during regular business hours.

The post Warsaw leaf collection set to begin Nov. 2 and end by Dec. 11 appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

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]]> Staff Report

WARSAW — It’s that time of year — Warsaw has announced plans for its fall leaf pickup schedule.

The dedicated leaf pickup program is set to begin Monday, Nov. 2 and will conclude Dec. 11, weather permitting.

The weekly leaf pickup with coincide with resident’s regular garbage collection day.

Residents within the corporate city limits of Warsaw may place leaves at the curb prior to November 2. However, residents should be aware that the City will not have a dedicated leaf pickup route running daily before the No. 2 start date.

Residents are asked to follow these guidelines to help City crews efficiently collect leaves and keep the community safe:

• Place leaves at the curb or alley for collection.
• Leaves should be placed out by 7:00 a.m. on the resident’s regular trash collection day.
• Do not mix sticks, branches, trash, or other debris with leaves. These materials can damage collection
equipment and create safety concerns for City crews.
• Do not rake leaves into the street or gutter. Leaves can clog stormwater catch basins and interfere with
drainage.
• Residents are encouraged to keep leaf piles clear of parked vehicles and other obstructions whenever
possible.

Collection schedules may vary depending on weather conditions and the volume of leaves throughout the community. Crews will continue working through the designated collection period to service neighborhoods as efficiently as possible.

Residents with questions regarding the leaf pickup program can contact the City of Warsaw Public Works Department at 574-372-9561 during regular business hours.

The post Warsaw leaf collection set to begin Nov. 2 and end by Dec. 11 appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

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]]> Halloween event at Magical Meadows offers sweet treats for those with special needs https://www.willie1035.com/halloween-event-at-magical-meadows-offers-sweet-treats-for-those-with-special-needs/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:29:50 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/halloween-event-at-magical-meadows-offers-sweet-treats-for-those-with-special-needs/ By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Thousands turned out Saturday for Winona Lake’s Trick-or-Treat on the Trail, and big crowds are expected at Friday’s Downtown Spooktacular in Warsaw.

But the noise and hectic pace of those kinds of big community events are not always a comfortable environment for everyone, especially for those with special needs or challenges.

Michael Kuhn, the executive director for The Magical Meadows, said they’ve heard those concerns for years from parents, especially those with disabled adult children who still have a thirst for youthful frivolity that they might have missed out on when they were younger.

“When they go out and try to trick-or-treat as an adult, sometimes people aren’t so kind,” Kuhn said. “They don’t understand the scenario, the situation, and what that person may be dealing with.” 

With that in mind, The Magical Meadows hosted its first-ever trunk-or-treat event, specifically designed for those with disabilities and other challenges. 

Hundreds filed through the trunk-or-treat event, without having to worry about odd looks or comments.

Kuhn said he thinks the new tradition will fill a void.

Since some of the participants were non-verbal, there was also no need to greet candy givers with the traditional “Trick or Treat.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary for Magical Meadows, and coincides with the opening earlier this year of two new indoor riding arenas. Those renovations also included a long concrete parking lot, creating a good location for a Trunk or Treat event 

“With our new facilities, it just opened up an opportunity to really be able to welcome a lot more people and have the parking lot space to be able to do this,” Kuhn said.

Bourbon firefighters were on hand with a fire truck for children to enjoy and photo opportunities for trick-or-treaters were also available.

Saturday’s event is part of a growing effort by Magical Meadows to serve a broader segment of the community beyond horseback therapy with specialized needs.

“Even though this doesn’t necessarily have anything directly to do with horses, it’s still an extension of that purpose and of that mission of just showing people love and making sure that they know they have a place where they can go and feel welcome,” Kuhn said.

Those providing candy included groups with some connections to Magical Meadows as well as families closely associated with the nonprofit over the years.

Other groups turned out just to support the cause, Kuhn said.

Representatives of Night To Shine, including Tina Rice, were among those helping out.

Night to Shine works to create prom experiences for those with various disabilities.

“Because it’s designed to be inclusive for our special needs community, we thought it was a perfect opportunity for Night to Shine to be able to come out and explain a little bit or be a little bit more visible because we’re only really visible once a year in the community when we do our big event,” Rice said. “So this way we like to give back as well.”

The Trunk or Treat at Magical Meadows ran from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.

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]]> By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Thousands turned out Saturday for Winona Lake’s Trick-or-Treat on the Trail, and big crowds are expected at Friday’s Downtown Spooktacular in Warsaw.

But the noise and hectic pace of those kinds of big community events are not always a comfortable environment for everyone, especially for those with special needs or challenges.

Michael Kuhn, the executive director for The Magical Meadows, said they’ve heard those concerns for years from parents, especially those with disabled adult children who still have a thirst for youthful frivolity that they might have missed out on when they were younger.

“When they go out and try to trick-or-treat as an adult, sometimes people aren’t so kind,” Kuhn said. “They don’t understand the scenario, the situation, and what that person may be dealing with.” 

With that in mind, The Magical Meadows hosted its first-ever trunk-or-treat event, specifically designed for those with disabilities and other challenges. 

Hundreds filed through the trunk-or-treat event, without having to worry about odd looks or comments.

Kuhn said he thinks the new tradition will fill a void.

Since some of the participants were non-verbal, there was also no need to greet candy givers with the traditional “Trick or Treat.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary for Magical Meadows, and coincides with the opening earlier this year of two new indoor riding arenas. Those renovations also included a long concrete parking lot, creating a good location for a Trunk or Treat event 

“With our new facilities, it just opened up an opportunity to really be able to welcome a lot more people and have the parking lot space to be able to do this,” Kuhn said.

Bourbon firefighters were on hand with a fire truck for children to enjoy and photo opportunities for trick-or-treaters were also available.

Saturday’s event is part of a growing effort by Magical Meadows to serve a broader segment of the community beyond horseback therapy with specialized needs.

“Even though this doesn’t necessarily have anything directly to do with horses, it’s still an extension of that purpose and of that mission of just showing people love and making sure that they know they have a place where they can go and feel welcome,” Kuhn said.

Those providing candy included groups with some connections to Magical Meadows as well as families closely associated with the nonprofit over the years.

Other groups turned out just to support the cause, Kuhn said.

Representatives of Night To Shine, including Tina Rice, were among those helping out.

Night to Shine works to create prom experiences for those with various disabilities.

“Because it’s designed to be inclusive for our special needs community, we thought it was a perfect opportunity for Night to Shine to be able to come out and explain a little bit or be a little bit more visible because we’re only really visible once a year in the community when we do our big event,” Rice said. “So this way we like to give back as well.”

The Trunk or Treat at Magical Meadows ran from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.

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]]> 40-year-old suspect charged in death of Yorktown football player https://www.willie1035.com/40-year-old-suspect-charged-in-death-of-yorktown-football-player/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:07:31 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/40-year-old-suspect-charged-in-death-of-yorktown-football-player/ Network Indiana

MUNCIE  — A Randolph County man has been charged in connection with the shooting that killed a 17-year-old Yorktown football player.

Muncie police said 40-year-old Dairus Thompson II faces a preliminary charge for aiding, inducing, or causing murder in the October 5th shooting death of Chris Wilson Jr.

Officers found Wilson inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the 1400 block of East Cromer Avenue. Wilson was a standout defensive end at Yorktown High School and had committed to play college football at West Virginia.

According to court documents, detectives tracked Thompson’s white GMC Acadia on video driving toward Randolph County after the shooting. Police said phone records placed Thompson and a teenage relative in Muncie at the time of the shooting.

Witnesses told police Thompson suggested the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. Investigators say Thompson parked his vehicle and sent the teenage relative to carry out the shooting on his behalf.

Police also uncovered a video on Thompson’s phone where he gave instructions on how to perform a drive-by shooting.

Thompson was already in custody on an unrelated firearm charge stemming from a September homicide outside an Anderson nightclub.

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]]> Network Indiana

MUNCIE  — A Randolph County man has been charged in connection with the shooting that killed a 17-year-old Yorktown football player.

Muncie police said 40-year-old Dairus Thompson II faces a preliminary charge for aiding, inducing, or causing murder in the October 5th shooting death of Chris Wilson Jr.

Officers found Wilson inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the 1400 block of East Cromer Avenue. Wilson was a standout defensive end at Yorktown High School and had committed to play college football at West Virginia.

According to court documents, detectives tracked Thompson’s white GMC Acadia on video driving toward Randolph County after the shooting. Police said phone records placed Thompson and a teenage relative in Muncie at the time of the shooting.

Witnesses told police Thompson suggested the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. Investigators say Thompson parked his vehicle and sent the teenage relative to carry out the shooting on his behalf.

Police also uncovered a video on Thompson’s phone where he gave instructions on how to perform a drive-by shooting.

Thompson was already in custody on an unrelated firearm charge stemming from a September homicide outside an Anderson nightclub.

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]]> Warm, dry weather will extend through the workweek across the region https://www.willie1035.com/warm-dry-weather-will-extend-through-the-workweek-across-the-region/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:21:04 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/warm-dry-weather-will-extend-through-the-workweek-across-the-region/ By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

NORTH WEBSTER — This ongoing long, dry stretch of pleasant weather is expected to continue for another five days, if not more, across the region.

That’s because of a high pressure system that has stalled across the upper Midwest and part of Canada.

Meteorologist Chris Roller, with the National Weather Service office in North Webster, said Warsaw has gone about 10 days without rain.

“When we get a high pressure center that sets up that sets up across the north of the Great Lakes, as we currently have right now, that tends to promote quite a bit of warm air into the area,” Roller said.

While there’s a slight chance of rain on Saturday — Halloween — Roller says warm conditions could continue beyond the weekend.

“We still look to be leaning above normal for that first, maybe week or so, of November,” he added.

Kosciusko County will see partly sunny skies and a high of 72 today.

This week’s forecast from the National Weather Service.

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]]> By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

NORTH WEBSTER — This ongoing long, dry stretch of pleasant weather is expected to continue for another five days, if not more, across the region.

That’s because of a high pressure system that has stalled across the upper Midwest and part of Canada.

Meteorologist Chris Roller, with the National Weather Service office in North Webster, said Warsaw has gone about 10 days without rain.

“When we get a high pressure center that sets up that sets up across the north of the Great Lakes, as we currently have right now, that tends to promote quite a bit of warm air into the area,” Roller said.

While there’s a slight chance of rain on Saturday — Halloween — Roller says warm conditions could continue beyond the weekend.

“We still look to be leaning above normal for that first, maybe week or so, of November,” he added.

Kosciusko County will see partly sunny skies and a high of 72 today.

This week’s forecast from the National Weather Service.

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]]> Mentone man faces multiple charges after search warrant executed Friday morning https://www.willie1035.com/mentone-man-faces-multiple-charges-after-search-warrant-executed-friday-morning/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:25:18 +0000 https://www.willie1035.com/mentone-man-faces-multiple-charges-after-search-warrant-executed-friday-morning/ Staff Report

MENTONE — A Mentone man was arrested on drug and unlawful possession of firearm charges Friday morning.

Authorities, led by Indiana State Police, descended on a home around 9 a.m. Friday as they executed a search warrant and eventually took into custody Anthony Hackworth, 40, who was the only person at the location at the time.

Officers located and seized a firearm, illegal narcotics, and an extensive amount of drug paraphernalia

He faces charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug with a prior, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm by a dangerous person, according to a news release from Mentone Police.

The Mentone Police also offered words of appreciation to the Silver Lake Police Department, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Police SWAT team for their assistance in safely executing this operation.

Hackworth’s address on his booking sheet was listed as 112 E. Main St., Apt. B.

His bond was set at $35,000.This investigation remains active and ongoing.

 

 

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]]> Staff Report

MENTONE — A Mentone man was arrested on drug and unlawful possession of firearm charges Friday morning.

Authorities, led by Indiana State Police, descended on a home around 9 a.m. Friday as they executed a search warrant and eventually took into custody Anthony Hackworth, 40, who was the only person at the location at the time.

Officers located and seized a firearm, illegal narcotics, and an extensive amount of drug paraphernalia

He faces charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug with a prior, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm by a dangerous person, according to a news release from Mentone Police.

The Mentone Police also offered words of appreciation to the Silver Lake Police Department, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Police SWAT team for their assistance in safely executing this operation.

Hackworth’s address on his booking sheet was listed as 112 E. Main St., Apt. B.

His bond was set at $35,000.This investigation remains active and ongoing.

 

 

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