PLYMOUTH – A routine traffic stop in downtown Plymouth Friday night turned into an arrest after police discovered the driver had no license and an active federal warrant — all because two children were standing in the backseat of a moving vehicle.

On the evening of October 23, at approximately 9 p.m., Officer Schieber and K9 Kyzer with the Plymouth Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Michigan and Washington streets after observing two children in the backseat of the vehicle standing up while it was in motion.

The driver was identified as Roger Aviliez-Martinez, 34, of Plymouth. During the stop, officers determined that Aviliez-Martinez had never been issued a driver’s license and was the subject of an outstanding federal warrant for his arrest.

Aviliez-Martinez was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail for intake and then transferred to the Fulton County Jail, a Department of Corrections holding facility.

Authorities did not provide details regarding the nature of the federal warrant, nor did they specify whether any additional charges or citations were issued in connection with the traffic stop. The incident remains under investigation.

BOURBON – A late-night investigation by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department led to the arrest of two men Sunday morning after authorities say the suspects attempted to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

Tommy McKinney, 52, of Warsaw, and William Marsillett, 67, of Etna Green, were taken into custody on Sunday, October 25, at approximately 1:26 a.m. following a response to a report of criminal activity in progress at 12657 Beech Road, the Bourbon Truck Stop.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, patrol units were dispatched to the scene in reference to an adult male attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor. Through the course of the investigation, authorities determined that both McKinney and Marsillett had been communicating with a juvenile under the age of 14 — or a person they believed to be a juvenile under the age of 14. The communications were related to sexual activity and further encouraged the juvenile to engage in that activity with the suspects, the department said.

During the arrest, investigators located methamphetamine inside the vehicle the suspects drove to meet the juvenile.

McKinney and Marsillett each face charges of child solicitation, as a level 5 felony; possession of methamphetamine, as a level 6 felony; and inappropriate communication with a minor, as a Class A misdemeanor. The cash bonds were set at $1,500.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Sergeant Ryan Hollopeter of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that further information may be released at a later date.

PLYMOUTH – A late-night call about a possible invasion of privacy at a Plymouth motel led to the arrest of two individuals Sunday night, one of whom was found violating a no-contact order and the other for concealing herself and refusing to cooperate with police.

On Sunday, October 25, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Plymouth Police were notified of a possible invasion of privacy in progress at the Economy Inn, located at 2535 North Michigan Street, room 210.

According to police, 45-year-old Christopher L. Langley, a resident of the Economy Inn, was reported to be violating a no-contact order involving a female staying at the same motel in the same room number.

Upon arrival, Officer Witkowski located Langley inside room 210 with the female party he had been ordered to have no contact with.

During the investigation, 49-year-old Sue A. Christlieb, who shares the same address, concealed herself inside the room and refused to identify herself despite being given multiple warnings by officers on scene.

Both Langley and Christlieb were taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail.

Langley was charged with invasion of privacy, false informing, and unlawful use of a police radio. He is being held on a $500 cash bond.

Christlieb was charged with assisting a criminal, resisting law enforcement, and unlawful use of a police radio. She is being held on a $750 cash bond.

CULVER – A short meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, saw the Culver Town Council receive updates on several projects.

Council Vice President Sally Ricciardi gave an update on the Redevelopment Commission meeting, telling the board that the action team for the Main St. renovation project had begun work and that they had also had a discussion on the spending plan for 2027 and hoped to have a report for the Council on that in November.

Town Manager Kevin Danti had an update for the Council on the installation of new water meters around the town, saying that there were somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 meters still to be installed. He and Utilities Superintendent Bob Porter were working on a plan to finish the installations. He said that the amount of part-time residency in the town was the main reason for the difficulties.

PLYMOUTH – This Halloween weekend, downtown Plymouth transforms into a hub of spooky entertainment, with a packed schedule of ghost walks, live comedy, and beloved cult films designed to delight thrill-seekers and comedy fans alike. Whether you’re a history buff, an improv enthusiast, or a die-hard fan of audience-participation cinema, there’s something waiting for you at The REES.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with a three-part evening that moves from haunted history to hilarious Hollywood.

The Marshall County Historical Society & Museum opens its doors — and its basement — for an immersive journey through Marshall County’s mysterious past. Storytellers will guide guests through real local history, eerie legends, and fascinating tales, offering a rare opportunity to explore areas of the museum not typically open to the public. It’s an evening where fact and folklore walk hand in hand. Advanced tickets are a must. Museum members are $15, and non-members are $20.

After the ghost walk, the action shifts to The REES Theatre, where Amy Beaucham’s improv group takes the stage for a lively, interactive performance of Halloween-themed improv games at 8:30. Audiences can expect plenty of laughs, unexpected twists, and the kind of spontaneous comedy that makes every show a one-of-a-kind experience.

The evening culminates with a screening of Mel Brooks’ beloved classic Young Frankenstein at 8:45. The film brings a wonderfully spooky twist to the iconic Frankenstein story, blending parody, affection, and razor-sharp wit into what is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedy films ever made. It’s the perfect capstone to a night of Halloween fun.

On Halloween night itself, The REES Theatre brings back a cult phenomenon that’s far more than just a movie — it’s an experience at 9 p.m.

The legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the big screen, bringing its outrageous characters, unforgettable music, and one-of-a-kind audience participation tradition to downtown Plymouth. Whether you’ve been doing the Time Warp for years or are experiencing the madness for the very first time, this Halloween favorite promises a night of singing, laughing, and joining in the excitement that has made the film a midnight movie institution for decades.

Two ticket options are available for the Saturday screening: general admission for $10, or ticket & goodie bag — $15, which includes a special bag of items to use during the film, letting audience members fully participate in the beloved Rocky Horror tradition.

From ghostly history and live improv to classic comedy and cult cinema, downtown Plymouth’s Halloween weekend offers an unforgettable lineup for friends and families alike. With events spanning both Friday and Saturday nights, attendees can choose one evening or make a full weekend of the festivities.

Tickets for all events are available online now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The REES Theatre’s website.

ARGOS – On Sunday, Oct. 26, 2026, at 5:29 pm, Marshall County Dispatch broadcast a report of a battery in progress involving a baseball bat at a residence on Muckshaw Rd., in Argos.

A hysterical woman called 911 and told Dispatch that a man was screaming and had pushed her out of the way. She then told Dispatch that someone was being hit with a baseball bat. Marshall County Officers, Argos and Culver Police, along with Argos EMS responded.

During the investigation, it was determined that a battery had occurred. Kenneth Owens, 47, was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail for Domestic Battery in the presence of a minor, Domestic Battery – resulting in moderate bodily injury, Domestic Battery – deadly weapon, Animal Cruelty, and Intimidation w/ a deadly weapon.

PLYMOUTH – The Plymouth Police Department’s K9 Program is asking residents to help shape its next fundraising effort, launching a community survey to determine which new merchandise and community items the public would most like to purchase in support of the K9 unit.

The department is considering a range of items, including a custom Plymouth K9 wall calendar, a stuffed “K9 Kyzer” plush animal, an official Plymouth K9 challenge coin, and Plymouth K9 vinyl stickers and decals. Community members are also invited to share additional ideas through the Plymouth Police Department’s Facebook page, where they can leave a comment with their preferred option or suggest entirely new concepts.

“If you or your business is interested in making a private or public donation to support the K9 unit directly, contributions are always greatly appreciated,” the department said in its appeal.

Donations by check can be made payable to the Plymouth Police K9 Fund. Those who wish to make a contribution or discuss sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Chief Weir or K9 Officer Schieber at the Plymouth Police Department.

The fundraising initiative aims to support K9 Kyzer and the broader K9 program, which relies on community backing to maintain its operations.

“Thank you all for your continued support of our K9 team and for keeping Plymouth safe,” the department said.

Community members interested in participating in the survey or learning more about the K9 Program are encouraged to visit the Plymouth Police Department’s Facebook page and share their feedback.

PLYMOUTH — A new mandate by the Indiana Legislature put housing in Marshall County on the agenda for the Marshall County Plan Commission.

The “housing matters bill” enacted by the legislature requires local governments to hold an open hearing to review the zoning ordinance to discuss the issue of reducing the costs and ensuring an adequate supply of housing in the county.

County Plan Director Nicholas Witwer went on to highlight parts of the zoning ordinance regarding housing in the various zones — multi-family, single-family, and accessory dwelling units. He said that currently an “accessory dwelling” is not allowable in any zone

He said his personal feeling was that there could be more done in allowing “tiny homes” in the ordinance, but other than that, he felt that the current zoning ordinance did all it could to allow housing.

PLYMOUTH – The City of Plymouth will hold its regular meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, with a full agenda covering department reports, street closings, ordinances, and resolutions.

The agenda includes reports from department heads, ratification of an executive order authorizing dumpster placement on a city street, consideration of street-closing requests from the Downtown Merchants Committee, and approval of claims.

The Common Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Among the items on the council’s agenda, the ordinance regarding the parking of motor vehicles on residential lawns has been tabled.

The clerk-treasurer will present donations for the council to consider, and council members will hear the first reading of an ordinance amending the city’s code on volunteer allowances. A resolution to designate allocations of excise tax revenue distributions is also on the agenda, along with updates on ONE Marshall County and the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

City meetings are held in the second-floor meeting room at City Hall. Those attending in person should enter through the Garro Street door and proceed to the second floor. The meetings are also streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel for residents unable to attend in person.

PLYMOUTH – Plymouth residents will see a change in bulk item pickup starting November 1, as Republic Services moves to align collections with regular trash days.

Under the new schedule, bulk pickup will no longer take place on the first Monday of each month. Instead, bulk items will be collected on residents’ regular weekly trash collection day — Tuesday or Wednesday — during the scheduled bulk collection week.

Republic Services said the change is intended to improve efficiency and provide more consistent service to customers. By aligning bulk collection with regular trash pickup days, the company hopes to make the program more convenient and easier to remember.

Approved bulk items should be placed at the curb by 5:00 a.m. on the scheduled trash collection day during the designated bulk pickup week.

Republic Services expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of citizens as the change is implemented. Residents with questions about bulk collection guidelines or their pickup schedule can contact the Culver office at 800-843-9631.

PLYMOUTH – A Plymouth man is facing several charges, including strangulation and battery against law enforcement, after an early morning domestic disturbance at the Economy Inn.

The Marshall County Central Dispatch Center received a 911 call at 4:12 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, from a female victim who reported that a male had choked her.

Plymouth Police were dispatched to 2535 North Michigan Street, the Economy Inn, where officers spoke with both parties. After a brief investigation by Officer Enyart, 36-year-old Lynn K.C. Sines, a resident of the Economy Inn, was taken into custody.

Sines was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked on charges of domestic battery, domestic battery with moderate bodily injury, strangulation, resisting law enforcement, and battery against law enforcement. He was held on a $1,500 cash bond.

PLYMOUTH – The Marshall County Election Board has scheduled a hearing next month to determine whether a County Commissioner candidate violated election law, following questions raised by both major political parties about his eligibility to hold public office.

Marshall County Republican Chairman Deborah VanDeMark sent an email to Election Board Administrator Mindy Keilman on October 5 questioning Emanuel Reese’s eligibility to run as a candidate for County Commissioner. In the email, VanDeMark said she received a call on October 3^rd from someone informing her that Reese had been charged with a B felony in Noble County. She indicated she found two cases but was unsure whether they involved the candidate because she did not have a birth date for confirmation.

VanDeMark said she reviewed documents from the Clerk’s office in which Reese stated he is not ineligible to be a candidate due to a criminal conviction that would prohibit him from serving in office. She quoted Indiana Code 3-8-1-5 regarding the disqualification of candidates.

“I realize the ballot is prepared and voting has begun. I believe at this point the issue would be what to do if he were to win,” VanDeMark wrote, asking Keilman to bring the matter to the Election Board for determination.

On October 20, Marshall County Democratic Party Chair Megan Rogers issued a press release stating, “The Marshall County Democratic Party is looking into Emanuel Reese’s ineligibility to serve in public office. We are doing our due diligence to the party, Emanuel Reese, and Marshall County.”

The Marshall County Election Board has scheduled a hearing on November 9 at 9 a.m. in the Clerk’s Office at the Courthouse to determine if Reese violated election law.

On Oct. 14, 2026, at 11:25 p.m., Marshall County Deputies were dispatched to the area of 12589 Rose Rd (Hidden Lakes Paradise Campground) regarding an intoxicated man repeatedly dialing 911 for non-emergency purposes.

Marshall County Deputies arrived on scene shortly thereafter and located the man, later identified as 48-year-old Christopher J. Miller of Plymouth, IN. Miller was subsequently arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked and processed for Misuse of 911 – Class A Misdemeanor. Christopher was assigned a court date and issued a bond of $505.00.

PLYMOUTH – The Marshall County Health Department is working to bridge a gap in food inspection services after an unexpected vacancy left the department without its longtime sanitarian.

New Health Department Administrator Jackie Franks appeared before the County Commissioners this week to inform them of the vacancy in the Food Sanitarian or Environmentalist position. Franks explained that the person in this role handles all food inspections, restaurant inspections for new food permits, and investigates complaints involving food.

Franks said one individual at the department can handle some of the work, but the position is highly specialized, and the previous employee had been in place for decades, leaving a significant knowledge gap.

To address the shortfall, Franks proposed establishing a reciprocal agreement with another county that has a larger capacity to lend a qualified person on an as-needed basis for new establishment inspections and complaint investigations. She has been in discussions with the Elkhart County Health Department, which has multiple employees trained to handle food inspections. Franks said Elkhart is still assessing whether it has the capacity to occasionally lend an employee to Marshall County.

Commissioner Klotz asked about covering the cost, and Franks said she would move money around in the budget to pay for the arrangement. She notified the commissioners that she won’t be able to hire a replacement until after Thanksgiving, once costs for the departing employee’s time off, vacation, and longevity pay are settled. She added that getting a new employee trained and up to speed will likely take a few months after their start date.

Franks noted that the position requires a bachelor’s degree, along with knowledge of food safety and the FDA Food Code.

The County Commissioners granted Franks the authority to move forward with obtaining an agreement with an adjacent health department and to bring the agreement back for ratification.

CULVER – With fall in full swing and leaves beginning to accumulate, the Town of Culver’s Street/Utilities Department will launch its annual leaf collection program starting Monday, October 26.

Culver residents are asked to rake leaves to the curb for collection, but several guidelines will help the crew work safely and efficiently. Leaves should be placed near the road but not in the road, as the leaf collection truck uses a vacuum hose with limited reach. Leaves left just beyond the hose’s reach may remain after collection.

Branches and sticks should be removed from leaf piles and placed in a separate pile so they do not clog the vacuum hose. The crew will return to collect branches once leaf collection is under control.

Residents are urged not to rake leaves into the street. Leaves run over by vehicles become matted down and more difficult to collect, and they can also cover storm drains, slowing drainage and potentially causing backups.

The crew will follow a designated route through town and start over once the route is complete, with each property visited at least once a week. Residents are asked to be patient as the crew works its way through town.

Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim thanked residents for their cooperation, saying a little preparation goes a long way in helping the crew collect leaves safely and efficiently.

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as our crew works through town,” Heim said. “Thank you for doing your part to help keep Culver clean, safe, and beautiful this fall.”

PLYMOUTH – The Plymouth Park Department is inviting families to River Park Square this Saturday, October 24, for its annual Downtown Halloween event and Trunk or Treat celebration.

Trick-or-treaters will be able to collect treats from businesses set up in the River Park Square parking lot from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The parking lot will be closed to traffic to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

The event is free and open to all.

Vendors can begin setting up at noon. The event will be held rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of thunderstorms or high winds.

PLYMOUTH – Two men were arrested Monday evening after a fight broke out at the Economy Inn on North Michigan Street in Plymouth.

Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to 2535 North Michigan Street at approximately 8:37 p.m. on October 19 following reports of a fight between two males. Upon arrival, officers found one man bleeding from the face, while the other was located in his room.

During the investigation, Officer Fisher identified the two individuals as Antoine Green, 46, of South Bend, and Bill Ortiz, 47, of Plymouth.

The investigation determined that both men were involved in the altercation. Both were placed under arrest and charged with battery, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct. Green and Ortiz were transported to Plymouth Hospital for jail clearance before being booked into the Marshall County Jail.

PLYMOUTH — After two hours of crunching numbers and comparing scenarios, the Marshall County MUST (Municipal Unit Strategic Task Force) voted to send a message that they didn’t agree with the proposed Local Income Tax rate of 1.25.

MUST is a county-level collaborative group established under Indiana legislation, starting March 1, 2026, to address Local Income Tax (LIT) distribution decisions as the legislature begins to shift tax burden from property to income tax in the state. The group, chaired by the President of the Marshall County Council, Tim Harman, was made up of the Clerk-Treasurers of the various municipalities in the county. Once a group finalizes its plan (or works through scenarios), the findings and non-binding reports are forwarded to the DLGF (Department of Local Government Finance).
Marshall County’s MUST sent back a message that they could not work with a LIT rate of 1.25 and also voted to send a narrative along with the report on what they would like to see.
The goal, working from projections of revenue in the future, was to make all the various tax entities “whole”, or provide at least as close to the current amount of funds they currently have from the LIT as possible.
Major objections of the group to the proposed plan presented to them by the legislature centered on Townships, libraries, and schools in the county. In the current structure, those entities have no draw of LIT funds; all their operating funds come from property tax. Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger also felt that the mandate to renegotiate the distribution every year would make planning for each budget nearly impossible.
Marshall County will also need to make up over $4 million in operating funds for the jail, as the special LIT tax currently in effect will go away when the bonds are paid in 2027.
The report, along with the group’s narrative, will be drawn up by Marshall County Auditor Angie Birchmeier and presented to the DLGF by the Nov. 1 deadline

PLYMOUTH – A legal clash is brewing in Marshall County government after the prosecuting attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Board of County Commissioners, demanding they halt plans to disable the county’s Flock license plate reader cameras.

On Tuesday morning, Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Nelson Chipman sent the letter to Commissioners Stan Klotz, Jesse Bohannon, and Adam Faulstich, with copies to County Auditor Angie Birchmeier and County Attorney Sean Surrisi. The letter demands they stop the “bagging and tagging” of six Flock automated license plate readers currently leased to the 72nd Judicial Circuit.

“I am aware of decisions made at your most recent board meeting of October 19th, 2026,” Chipman wrote. “Please consider this correspondence as a demand to cease and desist from your contemplated action of ‘bagging and tagging’ the six Flock automated license plate readers currently under lease to me in my official capacity as Prosecuting Attorney of the 72nd Judicial Circuit.”

Chipman’s letter went on to sharply criticize the commissioners’ approach, calling it “tyrannical” and arguing it sidesteps less intrusive alternatives.

“Despite failing to explore less intrusive measures to obtain the same result, the tyrannical method you have hastily chosen, ‘bagging and tagging,’ necessarily requires your agent or employee to effectually seize and disable private personal property without due process of law,” Chipman wrote. “At a minimum, such action is additional evidence of your bad faith resulting in tortious interference with the contractual rights of the state judicial office I temporarily occupy and a lawful vendor — a contract of which I have repeatedly declared Marshall County government is not a party.”

The prosecutor closed the letter with a warning of potential legal action should the commissioners proceed. “Should you fail to abide by this demand to cease and desist the threatened seizure of private personal property leased to the 72nd Judicial Circuit, I shall have no choice but to consider my Office’s future reactive options, including self-help. I trust that will not be necessary,” Chipman wrote.

The letter comes on the heels of Monday’s commissioner meeting, where County Attorney Sean Surrisi said he had contacted Flock following the County Council’s notice of non-renewal. Surrisi said he inquired about the ability to “bag and tag” the cameras — a motion originally made by Commissioner Faulstich earlier this month that passed on a 2-1 vote. Surrisi reported that Flock provided its recommendation for bagging the cameras.

Commissioner Faulstich asked whether the county faced any legal exposure at this point. Surrisi responded that the only potential litigation could come from the prosecutor’s office. He discussed the county’s relationship with Flock, noting that the commissioners are “adjacently involved” because, as the executive body of the county, they control the land the cameras sit on and have general oversight of contracts.

After further discussion, Commissioner Bohannon made a motion to instruct the Highway Department to bag the six county Flock cameras within the next 14 days. The motion passed on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Klotz voting no. Bohannon then made a second motion to reject any Flock claim presented for payment unless it is prorated to cover the dates of December 20th through the 31st, 2026.

The standoff between the prosecutor’s office and the commissioners sets the stage for a potential legal showdown over who controls the Flock cameras and whether the county has the authority to disable them.

During Tuesday’s What’s Your Opinion Show, Commissioner Klotz said employees with the County Highway Department will not bag the county’s Flock cameras.  He said Commissioner Bohannon has ordered the material to bag the cameras and will do the job himself.

PLYMOUTH – The REES Theatre will host its first-ever “Monster Ball: Thriller at The REES” Halloween fundraiser this Saturday, October 24, featuring music, dancing, costumes, and community support for the historic downtown Plymouth venue.

Running from 6:00 to 11:00 PM, the event promises a night packed with Halloween fun and a few surprises along the way. Organizers say they hope the Monster Ball becomes a new annual tradition for the theatre.

DJ entertainment will be provided by David “Cookie” Cook’s DJ business, accompanied by live singers. The evening will also feature tarot readings, a costume contest, a silent auction, treats, drinks, and dancing.

More than just a Halloween party, the Monster Ball serves as a fundraiser for The REES Theatre. Every ticket purchased and every silent auction bid helps the venue continue bringing movies, live entertainment, special events, and community programming to its historic downtown Plymouth location.

Tickets are priced at $60 per couple, which includes two drink tickets, or $35 per person, which includes one drink ticket.

Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help with this year’s event and welcome anyone interested in lending a hand. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals and businesses looking to support the fundraiser and The REES Theatre.

The theatre extended its gratitude to current sponsors DAC Enterprises, Plymouth Foundry, Kings Jewelry, and Anna Gilsinger–RE/MAX. Those interested in becoming a sponsor can email Director@reestheatre.org for more information.