The Plymouth Police Department and Plymouth Community School Corporation are partnering to apply for a federal COPS (Community Oriented Policing Service) Grant to fund two school safety training exercises.

Assistant Police Chief Matt Emenhiser presented the plan Monday evening, outlining two separate training programs the grant would support.

The first is a table-top training exercise involving approximately 20 participants, including emergency services and school personnel, at a cost of $3,000.

The second is a larger-scale, two-day reunification exercise at a cost of $23,500, with approximately 60 participants. Emenhiser explained that reunification is the process of getting children safely back to their parents and guardians following a catastrophic or critical event at a school, such as an active shooter, fire, or weather incident.

The grant application is a joint effort between the police department, the school corporation, and Director of Safety Ward Byers.

PLYMOUTH – Wednesday Marshall County had a first meeting of a new mandated body the Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce.

County Council President Tim Harman chaired the meeting.
Indiana’s local income tax structure was governed by a system in which county income tax rates and their distribution were largely determined by county councils, with limited formal input from municipal entities. Significant reforms have been introduced to increase local flexibility and formalize the negotiation process. Beginning March 1, 2026, counties may establish a Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce (MUST) comprising representatives from county councils and fiscal officers (Clerk-Treasurers for the most part) from all cities and towns within the county. Other taxing units such as fire, EMS, library and school corporations are also encouraged to be part of the process.
This task force creates a formal forum for local governments to collaboratively address income tax distribution decisions.
The various taxing units voiced their concerns, Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger.

Bremen School Corporation Business Manager Stephanie Pittman said that while schools aren’t directly affected by the new legislation, they would like to be part of the discussions since decisions regarding tax distribution affect them as well.

Time is running out to grab presale tickets for the Special Olympics Indiana Marshall-Starke County Chicken & Pulled Pork Dinner and Silent Auction. With only about a week left to take advantage of discounted presale pricing, organizers are encouraging the community to get tickets early.

The event will be held next Saturday, September 26th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 901 East Jefferson Street, Plymouth. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, with carryouts available.

In addition to a delicious meal, the event will feature an exciting silent auction with items donated by generous supporters. Highlights include three Indianapolis Colts game tickets, local gift baskets, experiences, and more.

All proceeds directly support local Special Olympics Indiana athletes in Marshall and Starke Counties, helping provide sports training, equipment, and competition opportunities throughout the year.

To purchase presale tickets or for questions about the event, contact organizers by phone at 574-935-0513 or by email at MarshallStarkeSO@gmail.com. Additional information is available on the Facebook event page.

Two men were arrested early Thursday morning after allegedly stealing used cooking oil from a local restaurant — and then coming back for more.

The incident began at 2:46 a.m. on Thursday, September 17th, when the Marshall County Central Dispatch Center received a call from the owner of King Gyros at 1827 1/2 N. Michigan Street. The owner told dispatch he had video footage of a truck stealing used cooking oil from his business, but the vehicle had already left the area.
The same truck returned at 3:37 a.m. Plymouth Police were dispatched to King Gyros again and arrived while the two suspects were still on the property. The pair — 26-year-old Eliodanys C. Plutin of Indianapolis and 38-year-old Omar P. Cutino of Louisville, Kentucky were detained.
Both men were arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail. Plutin and Cutino were each booked for theft, a Class A misdemeanor, and organized theft, as a level 6 felony.

Used cooking oil can be recycled into biodiesel fuel, animal feed, and other products, making it a target for thieves who sell it to rendering companies for profit. The restaurant recycling industry estimates that stolen grease costs businesses millions of dollars nationwide each year.

Plymouth Police are encouraging other business owners who may have been victims of cooking oil theft to come forward.

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

The Culver Historical Society and the Culver-Union Township Public Library would like to invite you to attend the Stories and Stones Cemetery Walk Program.

There will be a lineup of familiar faces who have passed on, including The Culver Marina’s Jack Campbell, The Lightning Dude Ranch’s Ced White, and Culver Fire Chief Lance Overmyer.

The walk will be held in the Culver Masonic Cemetery on Sept. 19, at 1 P.M. In the event of rain, the location will be moved to the Culver-Union Township Public Library North Meeting Room. There will be free doughnuts and apple cider provided.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is reminding Hoosiers to place political campaign and other signs outside the state right-of-way as campaign season picks up across the state.

Under Indiana Code campaign and other advertising is prohibited on state-owned or state-maintained property year-round. Areas that should remain sign-free include intersections, interchanges, and rights-of-way that run parallel to highways — including medians, shoulders, and roadside areas.

When the right-of-way is not clearly marked, INDOT says boundaries may be estimated by looking for a fence line, the back of a ditch, or the area behind utility poles.

INDOT personnel may remove campaign and other unpermitted signs from the right-of-way during routine highway maintenance. Crews may also remove specific signs that pose an immediate safety risk, such as those placed too close to the roadway or obstructing a driver’s line of sight.

Removed signs will be taken to the nearest INDOT facility and may be claimed during regular business hours.

To report issues or concerns, or to ask questions about signs within the state right-of-way, contact INDOT Customer Service at indot4u.com or by calling 855-463-6848.8.

The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety heard updates Monday evening on the upcoming Drive and Shine utility hookup project, fire department staffing, and the city’s 2026 milling and paving schedule.

The traffic plan submitted for the utility hookup on Oak Drive by Drive and Shine was approved by the City of Plymouth last week. City Engineer Dan Sellers said work will start very soon, as Drive and Shine is just waiting for its INDOT permit. Sellers cautioned that there will be congestion during the work and some severe lane restrictions for about three weeks.

Board member Don Ecker expressed concern about allowing traffic to make a left turn when exiting the Drive and Shine driveway. Mayor Listenberger explained that about 18 months ago, during the initial planning stage, the city had it drawn one way, but the plan was changed because the two property owners couldn’t get along. He indicated that while the city isn’t in favor of left turns from the business, drivers will be able to access U.S. 30 from there.

It was noted that the city has no authority to restrict traffic at the intersection.

Board member Duane Culp asked whether the easement road immediately to the north of the new buildings will continue to allow access to the businesses west of Drive and Shine. Sellers confirmed that it will.

“Even from that drive, you can turn left,” the mayor added.

Fire Chief Steve Holm updated board members on the department’s hiring process. He said the lateral transfer employee has completed training and is working on his own. The second hire has been through the medical and psychological evaluations and has been approved by the pension board. That employee will start work on September 28th.

The third and final hire has completed the evaluations, and the chief is waiting on the results to send them down to the pension office for approval.

“We are stair-stepping their way in, but hopefully within another three to four weeks, we’ll be fully staffed,” Holm said.

City Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt told board members that he spoke to E&B Paving on Monday, and the city projects are not on their schedule for the next two weeks. Marquardt noted that all the concrete work is complete.

The 2026 city milling and paving projects include:

Parkview Street from the dead end to Michigan Street; Center Street from Novelty Street to Parkview Street; Adams Street from Plum Street to Michigan Street; Madison Street from 5th Street to the railroad; Kenwood Avenue from Oak Drive to Sycamore Street; and Harrison Street from Oak Drive to Michigan Street.

The Marshall County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, September 8th, to apply for the 2027 Community Crossings Matching Grant, seeking $1 million in state funding for three road improvement projects across the county.

The deadline to submit projects for next year’s Community Crossings Matching Grant program is September 30th. A financial commitment letter is required with the application, and the county’s local share would be $250,000 when applying for the full funding of $1 million.

Superintendent Peters recommended three projects for submittal, all of which the commissioners approved:

Donnybrook Subdivision
3rd Road, from State Road 331 to Elm Road
Elm Road, from 3B Road to the town limits

Plymouth Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson updated the Board of Public Works and Safety Monday evening on two upcoming projects aimed at improving the city’s wastewater and water infrastructure.

The first project involves slip-lining a sewer line on Western Avenue in the industrial park, in the area of U.S. Granules and Topp Industries. Weather permitting, Davidson said wastewater employees hope to begin the work next Monday.

The project calls for 350 feet of sewer line to be slip-lined at a depth of approximately 10 feet. As a precaution, Western Avenue will be closed to through traffic during the process, which is estimated to take 3 to 5 days. However, both industries will maintain access to their businesses while the work is being completed.

The second project Davidson discussed is the extension of a water main on State Road 17 and Hillcrest Avenue. Currently, the city’s water main ends at Autumn Trace, west of the hospital.

Davidson said the city has secured the necessary easements for the project. The new main will head west on SR 17 along the farm field to Hillcrest, then go north to meet up with Crimson Lane, where it will connect to an existing water main — completing a loop system.

The project will provide better fire protection and water quality, Davidson explained, since the water will circulate throughout the entire loop rather than dead-ending at the current terminus.

Davidson said he hopes to start on the project by the end of this month. While they will have to wait until the beans are harvested and cleared from the field before running the main west, crews can begin work on the Hillcrest section in the meantime.

Calling all chocolate lovers. The 8th Annual Chocolate Walk, sponsored by Discover Plymouth, returns to Downtown Plymouth on Saturday, October 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This limited-ticketed event offers participants a sweet day of strolling, shopping, and chocolates. More than 25 participating businesses will open their doors for the event, inviting guests to visit local shops and collect chocolate and chocolate-themed treats along the way.

Tickets are now on sale for $20 per person. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so organizers encourage those interested to purchase early.

Tickets can be purchased at the Marshall County Museum, Simplee Stated Gifts, or online through Eventbrite.

Participants will want to make the museum their first stop, where they will receive their passport card and a container to hold their chocolates as they make their way through Downtown Plymouth.

Grab your friends and spend the day strolling Downtown Plymouth, visiting local businesses, and collecting sweet treats — one sweet Saturday in Downtown Plymouth.

9-16-26 Wednesday News 10 P.M. E-1

Calling all chocolate lovers. The 8th Annual Chocolate Walk, sponsored by Discover Plymouth, returns to Downtown Plymouth on Saturday, October 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This limited-ticketed event offers participants a sweet day of strolling, shopping, and chocolates. More than 25 participating businesses will open their doors for the event, inviting guests to visit local shops and collect chocolate and chocolate-themed treats along the way.

Tickets are now on sale for $20 per person. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so organizers encourage those interested to purchase early.

Tickets can be purchased at the Marshall County Museum, Simplee Stated Gifts, or online through Eventbrite.

Participants will want to make the museum their first stop, where they will receive their passport card and a container to hold their chocolates as they make their way through Downtown Plymouth.

Grab your friends and spend the day strolling Downtown Plymouth, visiting local businesses, and collecting sweet treats — one sweet Saturday in Downtown Plymouth.

BOURBON –

With that Triton Superintendent Jeremy Riffle went on to point out some highlights already in the school year including the iRead scores by the corporations students.

Kindergarteners in the corporation are on target….with 99 percent hitting their benchmark numbers.RIFFLE kindergarteners

The high school science department also got high marks….with the corporation’s biology students getting the highest scores in the region.

Graduation numbers also continue to be over 95 percent each year for the past four years.

County Council members unanimously approved a series of staffing recommendations Monday morning to address immediate patrol coverage needs and long-term operational improvements within the Sheriff’s Department.

The recommendations came from Nicole Cox, chairman of the Job Classification and Compensation Subcommittee, who presented them during the council’s regular meeting at the County Building.

Cox told the council that Sheriff Hassel approached the subcommittee with a need for additional part-time patrol officers, as the department currently has three merit officers out.

The sheriff requested 40 hours per week at $45.00 per hour for part-time coverage. However, the subcommittee recommended — and the council approved — 40 hours per week for 12 weeks at $38.00 per hour, which aligns with the rate paid to part-time lake patrol officers.

Cox noted that the part-time patrol officers cannot start until the council’s next meeting on October 13, as an additional appropriation will be needed to cover the added expense. She said the 12-week arrangement should get the Sheriff’s Department through the end of the year, and if the need persists, the sheriff can return with another request.

Cox also informed the council that the current department administrator has stated they will be leaving. The sheriff has advertised the position and received several applications but is waiting for the official notice of resignation before making a hire. Additional funds will be needed to cover training for the replacement.

A new IT Technician position is included in the 2027 budget, Cox said. The subcommittee will bring a recommendation to amend the Salary Ordinance at the January meeting so the position can be filled.

Cox explained that adding the IT Technician will free up two patrol officers who are currently assisting in the IT Department, allowing them to return to patrol coverage duties — providing additional relief to the Sheriff’s Department’s staffing challenges.

Additionally, a civil processor in the Sheriff’s Department is retiring. The sheriff requested moving that position to an additional turnkey/dispatcher position, a move the council approved.

PLYMOUTH – The Marshall County Commissioners began the debate over whether Flock cameras should be allowed in Marshall County, and the Marshall County Council has ended it for the time being.

Voting on the budget for the coming year, the Council decided to defund the cameras by a 4-3 margin, with Councilman Brandon Schadek, Jim Masterson, and Greg Compton voting against.
The debate began with an exchange between President of the Council Tim Harmon and Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman.

Harmon responded.

After a discussion, a motion was made by Council Person Nicole Cox for continuing funding, with a reduction from $20,000 to $3000 for the system. Commissioner Jesse Bohannon and Harmon weighed in before the final vote.

In a written statement to GIANT FM news after the meeting, Chipman stated that “Flock is an important subject to be publicly debated and thoughtfully considered on facts, not hyperbole and intentional misinformation.”
He called defunding an “…existing lawful contract…” in a county budget ordinance “irresponsible government” and thanked the three councilmen who “voted with common sense.”

PLYMOUTH – Finishing the final two road projects for this year’s county road plan became a question of to pave or not to pave, with the final vote going to honoring the bid for outsourcing the projects by a 5-2 margin.

County Highway Superintendant Jason Peters had asked for an additional appropriation to pave 7th Road and 12B Road this year to complete the road plan from last year.
Just how that should be paid for became the contention.
President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz proposed a compromise on contracting out the project at just under $533,000 with the county highway taking on the work for 7th Road, with 12B going to Phend and Brown for close to $290,000.
The debate became whether to keep the original Phend and Brown bid for both projects. While Peters was willing he also said it would cut into his resources to complete the projects by winter.

Council person Jim Masterson stated that he deferred to Peters expertise in the matter

Council person Brandon Schadek voted against the motion for approval.

Council President Tim Harmon was the other no vote.

PLYMOUTH — The Mayor’s Summer of Music Concert Series rolls into its grand finale this Friday night, Sept. 11,

at River Park Square in downtown Plymouth. Fort Wayne’s premier nine-piece R&B powerhouse, the Sweetwater All Stars, will take the Senter Stage. Food trucks begin serving at 5:30 p.m., and the music starts at 7 p.m.
The Sweetwater All Stars were originally scheduled to appear on Friday, July 17th, but Canadian wildfire smoke and the threat of severe weather forced the cancellation of that show. After a slight schedule adjustment, the band was rebooked to close out the 10-concert series on September 11th.
Founded by Sweetwater founder Chuck Surack, the Sweetwater All Stars are made up of Sweetwater sales engineers, studio personnel, and local session musicians. The group has built a devoted following across Indiana and beyond with their high-energy performances and deep catalog of crowd-favorite classics.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a cooler with their favorite beverages and settle in for a free night of live music in downtown Plymouth.
The September 11th concert will serve as the grand finale of the 2026 Mayor’s Summer of Music series.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced today that a jury trial against Plymouth resident Aaron Joseph Seibold has concluded with a guilty verdict.

Seibold was charged with two counts of dealing methamphetamine as Level 2 felonies in 2024 after an investigation led by Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bryant of the Marshall County Police Department.
The investigation began in January 2024 when a confidential informant (CI) indicated they could purchase methamphetamine from Seibold. Bryant then utilized the informant to conduct a controlled purchase of methamphetamine on January 30, 2024. The CI successfully purchased $100 worth of methamphetamine from the defendant, which weighed over 5 grams. A second buy was arranged this time for over 13 grams of methamphetamine.
After a two-day jury trial conducted in Marshall Superior Court 1 a 12-person jury convicted Seibold of dealing methamphetamine as a Level 2 Felony, in an amount over 10 grams, and dealing methamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony, in an amount between 5 and 10 grams.
A secondary phase of trial was conducted before the Judge with regard to an enhancement of Count 2, due to Seibold having a prior conviction for a dealing offense. He was found guilty of that as well, enhancing Count 2 to also be a Level 2 Felony.
Level 2 felonies carry a sentencing range of 10 to 30 years in the Department of Correction.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at 10 a.m. in Marshall Superior Court 1.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals approved several variance requests for residential properties around the county at its September 8th meeting.

A request by Everett and Patricia Feece at 14945 12th Road in Plymouth to reconfigure lot sizes was approved. The variance will allow the property to be split to add a second home on the site.

A request for a density reduction by Savannah Oak Homes LLC was approved, allowing the property lines to reflect the two homes already on the property and helping in the eventual transfer of the estate for 20893 and 20925 9th Road in West Twp.

A variance request by Joanne Ullery of 9113 Tyler Road in Bremen was approved to allow a split of a 5-acre parcel into two 2½-acre parcels.

Weston Brugh received a variance from the County BZA to allow him and his wife to live in an RV on a property at 8481 Bell Street in Bremen for longer than eight weeks, enabling them to serve as caregivers for his mother, who is in hospice care.

Knight Wennertstrom received a variance to allow the addition of a 10×30 lean-to on an existing building at 5165 Michigan Road north of Plymouth.

David and Alison Veuyrink were also granted setback variances to facilitate the rebuilding of the residence at 3608 W. Shore Drive in Bremen.

Three men were arrested on drug charges Friday afternoon after deputies responded to a report of a vehicle fire in rural Marshall County.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Central Dispatch received a report at 2:33 on Friday afternoon, September 4, of a vehicle on fire near 15B Road and Peach Road. Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bryant responded to the scene and began an investigation.
Marshall County Deputies Truty and Smith also responded, along with K9 Bear. Through the investigation, officers located suspected methamphetamine, leading to the arrests of three individuals.
Glenn Manns, 41, Ricky McFarland, 68, and Eddie Spence, 62, were each arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. All three were held on a $1,500 cash bonds.

This October, the Marshall County Historical Society and Museum invites you to an evening of chilling tales drawn straight from

the darker corners of Marshall County’s history.
The Ghost Walk will take place on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 PM — because nothing says “the night before Halloween” like wandering through a museum after dark while knowledgeable storytellers recount tales of untimely deaths, tragic accidents, and other unsettling moments from the county’s past.
As participants make their way through the Museum, storytellers will share the stories of local residents whose lives ended unexpectedly, along with details about events that left their mark on the community. Following the Ghost Walk, guests can enjoy a special screening of the classic Mel Brooks comedy Young Frankenstein at The REES.
Tickets are on sale now for the Ghost Walk ($15 for museum members, $20 for non-members) and for the screening of Young Frankenstein at The REES. Info: 574-936-2306 or mchistoricalsociety.org

A multi-agency response was triggered on Friday, September 4th, after a driver suffering an active medical event struck another

vehicle on U.S. 31 and fled the scene before crashing into a ditch several miles north.
At approximately 3:10 p.m., Marshall County Central Dispatch received several 911 calls reporting a red Toyota SUV driving erratically northbound on U.S. 31 near 11th Road. Near that intersection, the SUV struck a black pickup truck and failed to stop at the scene.
Officers from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, the Plymouth Police Department, and the Indiana State Police responded to the area; however, heavy holiday traffic hindered their efforts to catch up to the SUV.
A Plymouth Police officer eventually located the red SUV continuing north on U.S. 31 near U.S. 6. The officer observed the vehicle drive into the grass median, cross over U.S. 31 South, and travel down a steep embankment on the west side of the highway. The vehicle then crashed into a ditch along the west side of U.S. 31, south of the railroad tracks.
LaPaz Fire and EMS were dispatched to the scene, where officers located the driver. The driver was non-compliant and was still attempting to operate the vehicle after the collision. He was briefly detained at the scene, but officers ultimately determined he was experiencing an active medical event that had caused the collision.
The driver, 42-year-old Daniel Lehman of New Paris, was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where he was treated and released.
The driver of the pickup truck, 84-year-old Salvadore Plaia of Plymouth, was operating a 2000 Chevy pickup at the time of the crash.
Agencies involved in the response included the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Plymouth Police Department, Indiana State Police, LaPaz Fire, LaPaz EMS, and Tim’s Towing.