INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is now accepting applications for the Creative Convergence program. Creative Convergence is a team-based workshop and funding opportunity aimed at creative community development. The program is held in partnership with the Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) at Ball State University’s Miller College of Business.

The Creative Convergence program consists of a two-day, in-person training and the opportunity to apply for a Creative Convergence Early Action grant. The in-person workshop will take place from November 4-5 in Fishers, Indiana. The training focuses on how to embed arts and creativity in community and economic planning and solutions, how to work collaboratively across sectors, and how to effectively engage with the community. The grant program is designed to allow communities to apply the learnings from the workshop to a project that benefits creatives and the community and offers awards of up to $5,000.
The program is designed to be completed by teams of three to four community members, including at least one representative from government, economic development, neighborhood or community development, or the business community, one representative from an arts or civic organization, and one local artist or creative. The team will work together throughout the training and the execution of the project.
Now in its fourth cohort, Creative Convergence was developed in response to a research study released by ICI, in partnership with the IAC, in 2022. “Planning with Arts & Culture” examined how Indiana municipalities utilize local arts and culture in their community and economic strategies. Key amongst the findings was the expressed need for support in identifying and leveraging the creative sector to improve quality of life for all.
Applications are open now and will close on Tuesday, September 30th at 11:59PM ET. Questions can be directed to Anne Johansson, IAC Community Services Manager, at AJohansson@iac.IN.gov.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the Indiana Department of Health shares information and facts to help raise awareness on suicide and how to help prevent it.

According to the Indiana Department of Health, some of the warning signs for suicide may not be obvious, but remembering the acronym FACTS may be helpful in looking for signs.
F for Feelings, or specifically expressing hopelessness about the future.
A is for Actions, or displaying severe or overwhelming pain or distress.
C is for Changes, if they are showing changes in their behavior, such as isolation from friends and social activities, anger, hostility, or changes in sleep patterns.
T is for Threats, including talking about, writing about, or making plans for suicide.
S is for Situations, as in someone is experiencing situations that can serve as triggers for suicide, including experiencing a loss, personal humiliation, trouble in school, at home, or with the law.
If you notice someone struggling with some of these signs, you can encourage them to share how they’re feeling and to seek treatment. You can offer help in getting them professional support, and maintain your connection and check in with them.
There is help available. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has trained crisis specialists available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 988. Additionally, Indiana residents can receive support by dialing 211.
The National Suicide Hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, or by texting IN to 741741. The Trevor Project hotline, specifically geared towards LGBTQ+ youth, who experience higher rates of suicide than the general population, can be reached at 866-488-7386 or by texting “Trevor” to 202-304-1200.

BOURBON — On Sept. 14,​ around 5:11 a.m., Marshall County Deputies were notified of a possible impaired driver in a silver truck on US 30 headed east and turned south on Fir Road.

Deputies located the vehicle and made a traffic stop for traffic violations. The driver, identified as Walter J. Ortiz Rivera, 37, of Bourbon, was found to have been drinking. Field sobriety tests were performed and attempted by Rivera. He was offered a certified blood test and agreed. He was taken to the Plymouth hospital, where blood was drawn and tested at ​four times the legal limit.
Rivera was arrested for felony ​operating a vehicle while intoxicated due to prior convictions ​and never obtaining a license. ​He was charged and booked at the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel has released the jail and activity report for the month of August.

The average jail population for the month was 138 out of a total of 233 beds. Of those 22 inmates were serving felony charges, 93 were pretrial inmates, 113 men and 25 women.
There are 1330 active warrants in the county.
The top five offences for August were:
Failure to appear — 28
Operating while intoxicated — 21
Driving while suspended — 18
Operator never licensed — 16
Possession of marijuana — 14
Sheriff’s Deputies made 76 arrests on the month, Plymouth Police 48, Bremen and Indiana State Police made 6.

The Marshall County Highway Department has announced that Ule Trail, from 1st Road to the county line,

will be closed at the bridge to all traffic until Oct. 3 for a NIPSCO gas line relocation. Once completed, the bridge will likely remain closed during the construction phase to replace it.
Ule Trail will remain CLOSED until mid-December. Please plan accordingly for the closure.

At 828 PM EDT/728 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near La Porte to near Hamlet to near North Judson.

Movement was east at 25 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… South Bend, Mishawaka, La Porte, Plymouth, Bremen, Knox, Gulivoire Park, Granger, Walkerton, North Liberty, New Carlisle, North Judson, Argos, Hamlet, Lakeville, Roseland, Koontz Lake, Oak Grove, La Paz, and Kingsbury. This includes Interstate 80 in Indiana between mile markers 70 and 81.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has updated today’s Air Quality Action forecast to include three regions in Northern Indiana. In addition, the agency has forecast an Air Quality Action Day for tomorrow in Southeast Indiana.

On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area
Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
A stagnant air mass continues across the region today, combined with unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, sunny skies, and light wildfire smoke may drive ozone levels once again into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range across these regions.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
A stagnant airmass will persist across the region through Saturday, and the combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, sunny skies, and light wildfire smoke could once again elevate ozone levels into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range.
Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:
View air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified dates. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the affected region(s) to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.

PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 18, at approximately 03:40 am, Plymouth Police were dispatched to 1000 Pidco Dr. in Plymouth in reference to a man who had pulled a knife on a coworker.

Upon arrival, the male, Keith Ziaja, 38, of Knox, was located inside his vehicle in the parking lot. During the course of the investigation for intimidation, it was found that Ziaja was under the influence of alcohol.
An OWI investigation was completed and Ziaja was taken into custody. Ziaja was transported to the Marshall County Jail where he was lodged for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated- Class C Misdemeanor. The charges for intimidation are included in the report that will be sent to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Officer for further review.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Common Council and Board of Public Works and Safety will have their regular meeting on Monday, starting with the Board of Works at 6 p.m.

On the Boards agenda are a partnership agreement with Future Habitat, a resolution for the date and time of trick or treating, and the opening of quotes for the Street Department parking lot.
The Common Council will meet following the Board of Works, and that agenda includes second and third readings of ordinances for appropriations and tax rates for 2026, setting salaries for elected officials for the coming year.
First readings will be heard on a resolution authorizing the Clerk-Treasurer to transfer money from the Rainy Day Fund to the Unsafe Building Fund, and establishing an “Economic Revitalization Area” in preparation for a tax abatement for American Container.
The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building, enter by the Garro Street entrance. If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948. The meeting is also livestreamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.

INDIANAPOLIS — The final Free Fishing Day of 2025 is Saturday, Sept. 27, so mark your calendars! While there are no licenses or stamps required on Free Fishing Days, all regulations, such as seasons, bag limits, and size limits, still apply.

These special days offer Indiana residents the opportunity to try fishing for the first time without having to purchase a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
If you already have your annual fishing license, this is a perfect opportunity to take friends and family fishing who haven’t gone before. Additionally, you can plan a fishing trip with the click of a button using DNR’s new Fishing Trip Planner. After answering a few questions about your trip preferences, the planner charts your course and does the work for you.
Not sure where to go fishing? Check out the Where To Fish map and find your new favorite fishing spot.

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Sept. 16, at 2:20 am, a Plymouth Police officer received a report that a woman had been battered by a group of people at Carriage Green Apartments on Dora Lane.

The victim had injuries consistent with being involved in a physical altercation, which required her to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. Plymouth Police were able to locate the suspects and witnesses who were present during the altercation.
It was reported that the altercation stems from a murder that occurred in August of 2024 in Hamlet (Starke County).
Blake Bradley, 21 of Plymouth, was identified and interviewed. He was then taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Caitlyn Smith, 18 of Knox, was also identified and located at a separate location before being interviewed. Smith was taken into custody as a result of the investigation and was transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Bradley’s preliminary charges include disorderly conduct, domestic battery, obstruction of justice, and intimidation with a deadly weapon. Smith’s preliminary charges include battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, intimidation, and obstruction of justice.

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

On Saturday,​ Sept 6th,​ at 8:42 P.M., Marshall County Deputies were dispatched to an address on 2C Road for a weapons-involved disturbance.

During the investigation, it was determined that Nathan H. Hill, 40, of Bremen,​ had operated his motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.
Hill was transported to Plymouth Hospital for a certified chemical test where he was found to be over two ​times the legal limit of alcohol. Hill was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a prior conviction,​ a Level 6 Felony.

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

PLYMOUTH — Monday, during the meeting of the Marshall County Commissioners, Highway Superintendent Jason Peters approached the board about seeking funding for some additional roads in Marshall County subdivisions that could be paved before the end of the season.

Peters suggested approaching the Marshall County Council with a request for additional funding for the year to address roads in Forest Hills, Oak Crest, Crest Lane, D Drive, and Tall Oaks. The paving would be hot mix and was not part of the original road plan for the county.
The Commissioners voted to seek the support of the Council for the additional road work.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Board of Finance voted unanimously to change the way interest income is deposited for four funds.

The Board of Finance, by state statute, is made up of the County Commissioners (Jesse Bohannon, Adam Faulstich, and Stan Klotz) along with the Marshall County Treasurer (Sandra Dodson). This board has the responsibility of supervising the allocation of public depositories for all public funds of the county. The county treasurer is also considered the custodian of all money belonging to the county and the investing officer of these funds, working in conjunction with the board of county commissioners to determine local public depositories.
County Auditor Angie Birchmeier told the board that four funds in the county budget did not have statutory limitations on where interest income could be deposited: the Special LIT (Local Income Tax), Cumulative Capital Development, Cumulative Bridge, and Rainy Day.
County Council President Tim Harmon had requested that the Commissioners allow the interest collected for those funds to be deposited into the General Fund, where they could be distributed for other needs.
In making the move, the Finance Board stated it was to provide maximum flexibility for the Council with county funds. The change will take place with all interest money for those funds starting with September.

BOURBON — On Friday,​ Sept. 12,​ at approximately 7:52 a.m.,​ ​Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a two-vehicle collision,​ with injuries,​ on US Hwy 6,​ east of Dogwood Road.

When Officers arrived on scene,​ it was learned that an eastbound 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 was being driven by Joseph Yates, 68,​ of Louisiana,​ who crossed the centerline and struck a westbound vehicle.
The ​westbound vehicle was a ​2022 Ford Bronco ​being driven ​by Leah Dumph,​ 32, of Nappanee. It was learned that inside the Bronco was a juvenile,​ who was also injured in the collision. All three parties involved were transported to the Hospital to receive further treatment for their injuries.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Bremen Police,​ Fire,​ and EMS,​ Bourbon EMS,​ Indiana State Police,​ and Newcomer’s Towing Services. ​

PLYMOUTH — In their meeting on Monday, the Marshall County Commissioners unanimously pledged their monetary support pending County Council approval for the move of the Marshall County Community Corrections office from their current location on Jefferson Street.

The department is currently housed in the Community Resource Center on Adams Street, but Director Beau Holcomb told the Commissioners that his current lease would end in 90 days and would be replaced with a five-year lease at either $200,000 or $40,000 per year. He stated that he would like to apply all funds available to him to his budget needs rather than to rent.
The program currently operates at no cost to Marshall County, relying on grants and user fees to fund a budget of $900,000, while lowering the inmate population at the jail by allowing users to serve their sentences while still maintaining a job and living on their own with ankle bracelet monitoring of their activities. Holcomb said that while Community Corrections has not had funds cut by the state assembly, they have also not received an increase in a decade.
Commissioner Stan Klotz said that the county had been approached by the Bowen Center about the proposed property on West Jefferson. Bowen offered the property for sale at $50,000, and Holcomb stated that it would be sufficient for his needs and would once again do away with his rent cost to allow him to apply it to the budget.
Klotz proposed a one-time gift from the county of $50,000 for the purchase, and the county taking over maintenance of the structure to keep the program self-funded.
The recommendation will now be considered by the Marshall County Council.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section is now accepting applications from both traditional and lateral applicants. Individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career as a Capitol Police Officer may apply online at:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/indianasp/jobs/5070435/capitol-police-officer?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobsthis

This website offers a comprehensive overview of the application process and provides information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police Department. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for a Capitol Police Officer:

1. Must be a United States citizen.
2. Must be at least 21 years of age when appointed as a police employee (Traditional Recruit Graduation is March 13, 2026).
3. Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
4. Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an automobile.
5. Must be a high school graduate or possess a general equivalency diploma (GED) or (HSE).
   LATERAL APPLICANTS:
   Must be a current (part-time or full-time) merit law enforcement officer with an Indiana Law Enforcement Tier I or Tier II Certification. Out-of-state law enforcement officers are eligible if their certification is deemed equivalent to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board’s standards.
   For Lateral recruits, a finishing school will begin on March 2, 2026. For traditional recruits, a hire date of January 5, 2026, has been established, with the academy commencing on January 19, 2026. The starting salary for a Capitol Police Probationary Officer is $62,327 a year. After the first year of employment, the salary will increase to $64,472. The starting salary for retired or police officers in good standing with their agency, who have twenty (20) or more years of experience as a Tier I or Tier II officer, is $75,431. The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section also offers an excellent health care plan, including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for current and retired employees and their families. The State maintains short-term and long-term disability plans for full-time employees after six (6) months of continuous employment. As an Indiana State Police Capitol Police Officer, you are automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF), and the State will contribute to your retirement account.
   Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as a Capitol Police Officer by visiting https://www.in.gov/isp/career-opportunities/capitol-police/. Applicants can also contact a recruiter at isprecruiting@isp.in.gov.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance is now accepting applications for its summer internship program. There are approximately 20 paid internship opportunities in a variety of business areas, including claims, underwriting, information technology and actuarial departments.

The 11-week internship program will run from mid-May through the end of July. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with interns working closely with their respective teams to complete projects that directly benefit their departments and the company. In addition to meaningful professional experience, interns will spend time each week working on personal development.
“We provide weekly programming that covers topics like financial literacy and resume building,” said Tiffany Hackett, talent acquisition partner and internship program facilitator. “We also plan community service opportunities and social events for the interns. It’s about developing the whole person, not just their technical skills.”
Ideal candidates for the program are undergraduate students with Indiana ties. That includes students attending Indiana colleges and universities, as well as Indiana natives who attend out-of-state colleges and universities during the school year. The positions are hybrid roles with interns spending some of the work week at the company’s Indianapolis headquarters.
Representatives of the company will attend career fairs at the following schools in the coming weeks:
Butler University – Sept. 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
Purdue University – Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
University of Indianapolis – Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance’s downtown Indianapolis office features modern workspaces, an on-site fitness facility and cafeteria, 24-hour security and free parking. It is also close to dining and entertainment options.
To learn more about the program, explore open positions and begin the application process, visit https://jobs.infarmbureau.com/internships-early-career-professionals/. The company intends to have the majority of the internship opportunities filled by December.