The Plymouth Rotary Club will host its annual Meet the Candidates Night on Thursday, October 22, allowing voters to hear from state, county, and township candidates on the November 3 General Election ballot.

For the last several years, the Rotary Club has provided this forum as a way for voters to learn about the candidates — who they are and where they stand on the issues — before heading to the polls.

The event is free and open to the public, and will be held at The REES Theatre, located at 100 North Michigan Street in downtown Plymouth, beginning at 6 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees will find plenty of street and parking lot space available nearby.

For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be broadcast live at 6 p.m. on: GIANT fm WTCA 106.1 and AM 1050 or on Max 98.3.

With early voting and Election Day both on the horizon, the forum offers one of the last best opportunities for Marshall County voters to hear directly from candidates — in person or on the radio — before making their decisions at the ballot box.

An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will shut down a stretch of State Road 23 for a full day of roadwork on Wednesday, October 21.

Milestone Contractors LP will conduct the one-day closure, expected to run from about 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Crews will tackle two key projects during the closure: installing a new pipe structure between New Road and Osborne Road and placing a thin overlay on State Road 23 from Madison Road to Crumstown Highway to improve skid resistance and roadway safety.

Through traffic should seek alternate routes or use the official detour using U.S. 20/31 to U.S. 31 and on to State Road 4.

Access will be maintained for local traffic, but motorists should be prepared to alter their travel plans based on where work is actively occurring along the route.

The one-day closure is part of a larger resurfacing contract that covers State Road 23 between State Road 4 and north of the U.S. 20/31 bypass. Construction activities related to that contract will be ongoing through the end of November.

INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when traveling through the area and to follow traffic directions carefully.

Motorists should slow down, exercise caution, and drive distraction-free through all work zones. The reduced speeds and temporary lane shifts are in place to protect both drivers and the crews working alongside traffic.

While the closure is just one day, the broader resurfacing project will continue to shape travel along this corridor for several more weeks. Planning ahead, checking for updates, and allowing extra time will help keep your commute — and the crews on the road — moving safely.

The Marshall County Community Foundation (MCCF) announced Thursday $300,622 in Fall 2026 grant awards, including $284,449 from Community Funds and $16,173 from the Ralph C. Vonnegut Jr. Fund.

Twice each year, nonprofit organizations are invited to request funding for projects that improve quality of life in Marshall County. MCCF Grants Committee members evaluate proposals through a competitive application process. This fall’s awards support projects ranging from technology training and grief support to arts facilities, environmental stewardship, and spaces where residents can gather and connect.

Fall 2026 Community Fund Grant awardees include the Marshall County Neighborhood Center who received $15,000 for HVAC and building improvements that will help maintain a safe, welcoming space for the people it serves. enFocus was awarded $65,000 to expand its work in Marshall County for one year across five areas: education and workforce; health and social services; energy and housing systems; government services; and civic data and systems. The Bremen Arts Collective received $30,000 to replace its septic system and support continued use of its facility for arts programming. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ will use the $3,600 grant for the Seasonal Dignity & Wellness Initiative, which trains volunteers to build relationships with Marshall County residents, offer seasonal wellness support, and connect people with community resources. Dustin’s Place was awarded $7,500 to strengthen coordination among schools, healthcare providers, first responders, and community partners so grieving children and families can access compassionate support. Human Delta, Inc. will use the $50,000 for Next Path 2.0, which provides technology training to Marshall County residents, students, and organizations. The Marshall County Park and Recreation Department was awarded $5,500 for professional removal of hazardous trees and invasive species at Memorial Forest. The new Garden Court Horizons that will be built at the intersection of SR 17, Olive Trail, and Overmyer Drive on the city’s west side received $102,849 for bike racks, a greenhouse, a play yard, a resident garden, and signage to create spaces where residents can grow, play, and connect. UMatter2 was awarded $5,000 for the Veteran Community Food Program, which provides food to veterans and their families who face barriers to accessing other food resources.

Community Funds are MCCF’s most flexible resources for addressing current and emerging needs. These unrestricted endowment funds support projects in areas such as arts, education, health and human services, recreation, and the environment.

Since its first Community Fund grants in 1995, MCCF has distributed more than $6 million from these funds alone.

PLYMOUTH – United Way of Marshall County (UWMC) announced Thursday morning that Ray Blair has claimed the $11,481 winning prize from the fourth annual Marshall County Blueberry Half Pot.

This year’s raffle reached a total jackpot of $22,963. Proceeds benefiting UWMC support local programs such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which delivers free books to young children, along with other efforts to improve education, health, and financial stability throughout Marshall County.

“We are grateful to everyone who purchased tickets and to the sponsors and volunteers who gave their time and support,” said Linda Yoder, UWMC Executive Director. “Their generosity helps us connect local families with resources and opportunities that strengthen our community.”

The 2026 Blueberry Half Pot was proudly supported by Diamond Level Sponsor Paladin Legacy Advisory Group; Gold Level Sponsors AK Industries, Inc. and Coca-Cola; and Silver Level Sponsor Masterson & Associates.

A South Bend man with an active warrant for his arrest turned himself in at the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office yesterday morning.

On Wednesday, October 14th at 8:30 A.M., the Plymouth Police Department was notified of a subject who wanted to turn himself in because of an active arrest warrant through Marshall County. Officer Wallace was dispatched to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office at 112 West Jefferson Street in Plymouth. The officer took Eric Salfer, 45, of South Bend, into custody without incident and transported him to the Marshall County Jail. Salfer was lodged on the active arrest warrant, given a cash bond of $6,810, and a court date in Marshall Superior Court III.

PLYMOUTH – Plymouth’s downtown merchants are gearing up for their annual Old Fashioned Christmas Scavenger Hunt, and they’re calling on all downtown businesses to join the fun.

The two-day event runs Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 — Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday — as part of Plymouth’s Old Fashioned Christmas festivities.

Participating businesses choose from a list of Old-Fashioned Christmas-themed items to hide inside their store or display in their storefront window. Shoppers then explore downtown, visit participating businesses, search for the items, and complete their Scavenger Hunt ballots for a chance to win a prize.

For businesses that aren’t open on Black Friday or Shop Small Saturday, there’s still a way to join: simply place the scavenger hunt item in the front window so participants can spot it from outside.

There is no cost to take part, and the benefits are plentiful. Your business will be listed on the official Scavenger Hunt ballot. Participation brings new and returning customers through your doors. You gain additional exposure through event advertising, and you help make downtown Plymouth a fun, festive shopping destination.

Downtown businesses must register by November 10 to participate. To sign up, email your business name and contact information to Jennifer Criddle with the Downtown Plymouth Events/Marketing Committee at wellness.essentials6@gmail.com. She will send you the list of items to choose from for your scavenger hunt display.

Downtown Plymouth’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration has become a cherished tradition for the community, and the Scavenger Hunt adds an interactive layer of fun that gets families exploring every corner of downtown. With Shop Small Saturday built into the weekend, it’s a perfect pairing of local commerce and holiday cheer.

PLYMOUTH – Those driving on the east side of Plymouth will see the newest Heartland Harvest greeter on duty at 705 East Jefferson Street, working around the clock to let the entire community know that Heartland Church and its congregation are gearing up for a day of fall celebration — and everyone’s invited.

Heartland Church will host its annual Heartland Harvest this Sunday, October 18, from 3 to 6 PM at its Plymouth campus. The afternoon promises a full slate of free family fun, with no tickets and no catch — just a whole lot of fall festivities.

The event features activities for all ages, including a petting zoo with more than 20 animals, hayrides, a bounce house, face painting, and free food such as apple cider, hot dogs, and popcorn. A few food trucks will also be on site with additional options available for purchase.

“We’re throwing a party for our community, and everyone’s invited,” said Heartland Church. The congregation encourages families to bring the kids, invite their friends, and make some fall memories together.

The festival is completely free to attend. No tickets are required, and there are no hidden costs — though food trucks will be on site for those looking to purchase additional options beyond the complimentary fare.

Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon out with the family, a chance to meet neighbors, or just a reason to celebrate the season, Heartland Harvest is opening its doors — and its heart — to the whole community this Sunday.ay.

ARGOS – The Marshall County Fair Association Inc. will host a Fish Fry and Chicken Strip fundraiser this Friday, October 9th, at the Gallery on West on the county fairgrounds in Argos.

Dinner includes fish or chicken strips, potato chips, applesauce, and cookies for $15 per person. The event is carry-out only and runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., or until sold out.

Fish and Chicken will be provided by Dan’s Fish Fry Services.

Tickets are available at the event, or you can contact a Fair board member to RSVP your tickets in advance. Attendees should use the main entrance on Walnut Street.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Brent Markley at 574-952-6572 or Matthew Sands at 574-607-2395.

PLYMOUTH – Baseball, a Hollywood legend, and a story that still tugs at the heartstrings — all come to The REES Theatre this month as the downtown Plymouth venue presents the beloved 1942 classic The Pride of the Yankees for its October Seasoned Citizen Matinee.

The screening is set for Wednesday, October 14th, at 2:00 p.m. and is open to adults 55 and older.

Starring Gary Cooper as legendary New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig and Teresa Wright as his wife, Eleanor, the film follows Gehrig from his humble beginnings to an extraordinary baseball career. Known as “The Iron Horse,” Gehrig became one of baseball’s most celebrated players, famously appearing in 2,130 consecutive games — a record that stood for decades.

The film also features Babe Ruth as himself and tells the moving story of Gehrig’s courage after his ALS diagnosis, the disease that now bears his name. His unforgettable farewell speech at Yankee Stadium remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history. More than a baseball movie, The Pride of the Yankees is a timeless story of perseverance, love, and legacy that reaches far beyond the diamond.

The Seasoned Citizen Film Series offers guests a relaxing monthly afternoon to enjoy classic movies on the big screen with friends. Admission is $8 and includes popcorn and a drink.

Tickets are available online at reestheatre.org or at The REES Theatre’s Everwise Box Office on the day of the show.

The REES extends a special thank-you to Allen and Donna Pontius for their generous sponsorship and continued support of the Seasoned Citizen Film Series.

BOURBON – Triton Schools Superintendent Jeremy Riffle highlighted academic achievements of the corporation for the School Board at their regular meeting on Oct. 6, 2026.

Scores for the iLearn tests were released and showed the school with some of the best scores in the area.

Riffle put those scores into perspective.

He said the corporation is working on ways to celebrate those achievements.

PLYMOUTH – After hearing from law enforcement officials, a representative from the Institute for Justice, and 19 county residents, the Marshall County Commissioners voted 2-1 Tuesday evening to “bag and tag” the county’s six Flock cameras while keeping the contract in place — pausing the cameras’ use until the new sheriff and prosecutor can develop regulations for their operation.

The special meeting, held at the County Building, featured remarks from current Sheriff Matt Hassel and Sheriff-elect Les McFarland, County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman and Prosecutor-elect Joe Morris, along with a representative from the Institute for Justice. Those conversations took nearly an hour, leaving the remaining hour for public comment.

A total of 19 county residents spoke on the Flock issue, with six speaking in favor of the automatic license plate readers and 13 opposing them. Two letters of support were also added to the minutes.

After hearing from all who wished to speak, the commissioners began their own discussion.

Commissioner Stan Klotz said he has heard about the will of the people, but for him, it calls for an election. “We have elected officials, and for me, I want to hear what they have to say,” Klotz said. “This is not for or against Flock. If we’ve elected people to keep us safe, it’s only a courtesy we listen before we make a rash decision.” He noted that the state legislature is expected to take up the issue next year, creating guidelines and establishing a level playing field.

Commissioner Adam Faulstich identified three key issues: safety versus liberty, the separation of powers with the prosecutor’s office, and new elected officials having the opportunity to do what they think is right.

“This is the most American topic we’ve had in a long time because it is not divided along party lines,” Faulstich said. “It is concerned people, and everybody has a good point.”

Faulstich noted that the county has no authority over the cameras operated by other towns and cities within the county. He suggested giving the new sheriff and prosecutor time to put regulations together for the use of the cameras, acknowledging that the contract may become a legal battle. He said that until protocols are in place or a solution comes from the state, he doesn’t want the county’s cameras being used. However, he prefers that the cameras stay under the county’s control, that a contract remains in place, and that the available technology is retained. By maintaining the contract, he said, the county keeps control of those six cameras.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon said he fears state legislators will drag their feet on the issue. He said he took an oath to defend the Constitution and to apply his independent judgment on whether contracts the commissioners sign align with the Constitution.

Bohannon cited a court case in Oklahoma where the use of Flock camera evidence was suppressed, and he also referenced five Indianapolis officers who were disciplined for misusing Flock cameras.

Bohannon noted that the county council voted to defund the Flock cameras, and he believes their determination is final.

Klotz countered that a large amount of drug trafficking has been intercepted in Marshall County because of the Flock cameras, and he doesn’t want to see those drugs on county streets.

Faulstich made the motion to bag and tag the six county cameras and leave the contract in place, giving the new prosecutor and sheriff time to create and implement regulations for the use and storage of data. Bohannon seconded the motion, and it passed 2-1, with Klotz voting against the process of putting bags over the cameras.

A second motion was made not to remove the bags from the cameras until the commissioners vote on the decision.

County Attorney Sean Surrisi suggested not taking immediate action to bag the cameras until the county can have a discussion with Flock about the impact on the county.

PLYMOUTH – A Plymouth man was arrested early Monday morning after police say he was caught on camera attempting to steal from a residence.

On Monday, October 5th, at 12:15 a.m., Officer Thornton with the Plymouth Police Department responded to the area of Randolph and Berkley Streets regarding a report of a male seen on camera attempting to steal from a residence on Randolph Street.

Officer Thornton located a male in the area and confirmed he was the suspect seen on camera. The male, who lied to the officer, was identified as 34-year-old Jacob Satkoski of the 300 block of Water Street in Plymouth.

Satkoski was taken into custody and lodged in the Marshall County Jail for misdemeanor criminal conversion. He is being held on a $500 cash bond.

PLYMOUTH – During Monday’s Marshall County Commissioners meeting, the board established ground rules for Tuesday evening’s highly anticipated special meeting on the Flock camera controversy, voting 2-1 to impose a two-hour time limit with public comments capped at three minutes each.

President Stan Klotz said he and Commissioner Jesse Bohannon had discussed the special meeting and “have a bit of an agreement” on how it should proceed — though the two ultimately split on the question of time limits.

Bohannon asked to have a representative from the Institute for Justice (IJ) speak during the special meeting. The Institute for Justice is a non-profit public-interest law firm that litigates nationwide to protect individual liberties, private property, and constitutional rights.

Klotz was willing to allow Bohannon to bring in a speaker, but he wanted to ensure that current Sheriff Matt Hassel and Sheriff-elect Les McFarland had the chance to voice their opinions, along with current Prosecutor Nelson Chipman and Prosecutor-elect Joe Morris, without any limitations.

Klotz suggested a two-hour time limit for the meeting and limiting public comments to county residents and only three minutes per person.

Klotz made the motion, and Commissioner Adam Faulstich seconded it. The measure passed 2-1, with Bohannon voting against the time limit.

Bohannon told GIANT FM WTCA that he believes the public deserves a full hearing.

The special meeting is set for tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of the County Building, 112 West Jefferson Street. The room can only accommodate 200 participants. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the county’s YouTube channel.

CULVER — Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, Culver Police were notified by an organization that participates in online sexual predator exposure that a man was planning on meeting at a location in Culver with a decoy they believed to be 13 years of age after engaging in sexually explicit online conversations.

The same day at 7:29 p.m., an officer with the Culver Police Department was dispatched to the Culver Town Park after a report that the man had arrived at that location.
Evidence supported the fact that the man traveled to Culver after having online communications, which included the sending of nude photographs with the decoy, resulting in probable cause for the arrest of 65-year-old Joseph Morgan of New Castle, IN, for the alleged crime of felony child solicitation.
Morgan was incarcerated in the Marshall County Jail, and a probable cause affidavit was reviewed by the Marshall Superior Court, resulting in Morgan being held on bond until he appeared before a judicial officer.
Culver Police were assisted by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

WITH WINTER APPROACHING, NIPSCO IS REMINDING CUSTOMERS THAT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT.

ELIGIBLE CUSTOMERS CAN APPLY THROUGH MAY 31ST, 2027, OR UNTIL FUNDS ARE EXHAUSTED. THE PROGRAMS PROVIDE A BENEFIT OF UP TO 500 DOLLARS PER YEAR TO HELP COVER NIPSCO RESIDENTIAL GAS UTILITY BILLS.

NIPSCO OFFERS SEVERAL PROGRAMS TO HELP ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS, INCLUDING THE NIPSCO HARDSHIP PROGRAM FOR THOSE BETWEEN 151 AND 250 PERCENT OF FEDERAL INCOME GUIDELINES, SERV FOR ACTIVE MILITARY AND VETERANS WITH PAST-DUE ACCOUNTS, AND SILVER FOR SENIORS 60 AND OLDER.

LIHEAP IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO HOUSEHOLDS AT OR BELOW 60 PERCENT OF THE STATE MEDIAN INCOME — APPLY ONLINE AT EAP-DOT-IHCDA-DOT-IN-DOT-GOV OR CALL 2-1-1.

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS AND LEVELIZED BILLING OPTIONS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT NIPSCO-DOT-COM-SLASH-ASSISTANCE OR CALL 1-800-4-NIPSCO.

PLYMOUTH – A 20-year-old Indianapolis woman was taken into custody Saturday after fleeing a traffic stop and leading police on a pursuit that ended in South Bend, according to the Plymouth Police Department.

Officer Krynock initiated the traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. 31 and U.S. 30 just after 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, for a traffic infraction.

The vehicle was being driven by Aniyah N. Martin, 20, of Indianapolis. Rather than stopping, Martin immediately fled northbound on U.S. 31, eventually ending up on Whispering Hills Drive in South Bend, where she surrendered to officers without incident.

Martin was transported and lodged at the Marshall County Jail, where she was charged with resisting law enforcement, neglect of a dependent, driving while suspended with a prior, and possession of marijuana. Martin was held on a $1,500 cash bond and given a November 10th court date.

LaPORTE – The Indiana Department of Transportation is seeking dedicated individuals to serve fellow Hoosiers this winter. A hiring event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time at the Plymouth District Office, 2845 Jack Greenlee Drive.

INDOT will host a Winter Seasonal Hiring Event at the Northwest District Office in LaPorte at 315 East Boyd Boulevard.

Winter seasonal positions run from early November through March. The role pays $21 per hour for full-time operations, with $250 sign-on bonuses and $500 retention bonuses available for eligible candidates.

Job duties include general highway and traffic maintenance, snow and ice removal, and other winter operations. A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required.

Registration is not required to attend the hiring event. Applicants who submit their application through the online job listing links before attending will have a faster experience. Interviews will be conducted on-site, and INDOT team members will be available to answer questions and provide more information about positions and careers with the agency.