From the Files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society

Editor’s note: This is a retrospective article that runs a few times a month on InkFreeNews.

Dec. 4, 1973 – A raging fire raced through the quarter-block Johnson Allied Building Center warehouse, 307 W. Market St., Warsaw, early today, completely destroying the complex with damage estimated placed in excess of $150,000.

The blaze was completely out of control when fire trucks arrived from the station only three blocks away minutes after the alarm was sounded.

Warsaw and Winona Lake fire units battled the flames from 2 a.m. until daylight today before the fire was brought under control.

While the cause of the fire has not been officially determined, Warsaw Fire Chief Norman Banghart said the possibility of arson “definitely would be investigated.”

Dec. 8, 1969 – Byron Tinkey and Debbie Groninger were selected as King and Queen, respectively, at the Akron High School Homecoming Saturday night. Byron is the 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Tinkey, Rt. 2, Akron. Debbie is a 17-year-old senior, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Groninger.

Dec. 6, 1969 – A recent recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for heroism is Spec. 5 Daniel Joe Hoffer, husband of Mrs. Marta Hoffer, Westhaven Estates, Rt. 5, Warsaw.

Hoffer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action Sept. 5, 1969, while serving as a medical aidman with Company D, 1st battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry during a combat mission in the Republic of Vietnam.

Dec. 7, 1968 – “R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. is a classic example of the type of industry the state of Indiana needs. If I can attract, in the next four years, just one company like Donnelley’s to Indiana, I’ve done my job.”

These were the sentiments expressed by Richard E. Folz, lieutenant governor-elect of Indiana, in a speech at the “Decade of Dedication” luncheon commemorating Donnelley’s 10th year as a member of the Warsaw community.

– Compiled by InkFreeNews reporter Lasca Randels