Keith Knepp

The annual Nappanee Fireman/EMT Awards Dinner recently took place at American Legion Post 154. Pictured from left are Larry Thompson, the former mayor, fireman and EMT, who presented the awards; Sandra Witt, co-EMT of the Year; Junior Mast, Nappanee Fire Department, co-recipient of the Delb Yoder Memorial Award; Alec Chapman, Nappanee Fire Department, co-recipient of the Delb Yoder Memorial Award; and Rod Newcomer, co-EMT of the Year. InkFreeNews photo by Dale Tobias

Jim Smiley, left, is sworn in to the Milford Town Council by Austin Rovenstine, secretary of the Kosciusko County Republican Party. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

When you ask most people how many days there are in a calendar year, the answer you’re most likely to get is 365. However, for a small subset of people, it’s that 366th day that only comes once every four years that is the most significant.

Editor’s Note: With the start of early voting for the May 7 primary election set to begin on Tuesday, April 9, InkFreeNews is beginning a series of previews for contested races in Kosciusko County.

Smokey Stover appears on all apparatus of the Nappanee Fire Department, which has taken on the name of Nappanee Smoky Stovers after receiving the rights to the cartoon from its creator, Bill Holman, who grew up in Nappanee. The fire department will be getting a new home in the near future, as the city will build a new fire station on the north side of Nappanee. InkFreeNews file photo.

WAKARUSA — The 56th annual Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival is set to take place April 26-28 in the heart of downtown Wakarusa. One of northern Indiana’s most-anticipated spring time events, this year will feature a tradition, which has endured for almost as long as the festival itself.

Marcie Knafel, Carmel, and Katie Zarich, Indianapolis, were two of the more than 400 riders to participate in the 13th annual Tur des Lakes on Saturday, July 20.

The Nappanee Conservation Club recently presented two $2,500 scholarships in memory of Dr. Walter C. Anglemeyer. Awards were given to Isaac Simmons and Kate Wendzonka. Pictured from left are Kenny Yoder, Simmons, Wally Anglemeyer, Dan Hummel, Wendzonka and Gus Feiler. InkFreeNews photo provided by Wally Anglemeyer.

The Knight brothers, Chris, left, and Jeff, share their photographic talents throughout the school year as they capture NorthWood athletes through their lenses. They have created a new website in which parents, fans and students can view and download photographs, free of charge. Photo provided by Chris Knight.

NAPPANEE — The 48th annual Nappanee Apple Festival will return to the Elkhart County community Sept. 19-22. It has been recognized as one of Indiana’s top festivals, taking place in a community that has been ranked in the top five great places to live in Indiana.