FT. WAYNE — Judge Jennifer Degroote from Allen Superior Court ruled on Tamarack Solar’s appeal of the Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday, September 30th.

In her conclusion, she stated:

Tamarack failed to preserve its issues of ex parte communication, bias, and alleged violations of due process by not raising these issues first with the BZA and then subsequently by not including these in Tamarack’s specific allegations of illegality in its Petition for Judicial Review. Even if Tamarack had not waived these issues, the Court would still deny the Petition for Judicial Review on the claims for the reasons set forth above.

Furthermore, the Court finds Tamarack failed to meet its burden of proving it satisfied all of the special discretionary use criteria as a matter of law. The evidence in the Board Record does not lead to the undisputed conclusion that Tamarack was absolutely entitled to the approval of its discretionary special use. Tamarack failed to overcome the presumption that the BZA’s decision is correct and unbiased. The BZA’s decision to deny the special use application was reasonable, supported by substantial evidence in the Board Record, and not arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion. For these reasons, Tamarack’s request to reverse the BZA’s decision and require the BZA to approve the Application is denied.

It is therefore ordered and decreed that: Tamarack Solar Energy, LLC’s Petition for Judicial Review is DENIED, and the decision of the Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals denying Special Exception Use Application, Number 24-BZA-45 is hereby affirmed.

Community members seeking a hearty weekend meal are invited to join the Maxinkuckee Odd Fellows for their upcoming all-you-can-eat breakfast on Saturday, October 3rd.

The morning feast will be served from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Odd Fellows Lodge, 15033 18B Road, at the corner of 18B and Pine Roads, between Culver and Argos.

Attendees can look forward to a classic, filling menu featuring pancakes and sausage, as well as biscuits and gravy. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat breakfast are $15 for adults and $8 for children.

In addition to the hot breakfast, the event will feature a bake sale. All proceeds from the baked goods will support the Marshall County Extension Homemakers, offering attendees a chance to enjoy a sweet treat while supporting a local agricultural youth organization.

Residents from across the county are encouraged to come out, enjoy a great meal, and support the community.

The Town of Culver’s Clerk-Treasurer, Karen Heim, announced that Culver will hold its town-wide cleanup on Monday, October 5.

Now that garage sales are done, residents within the town limits are asked to place any items for pickup at the curb on Monday morning, keeping them separate from trash bins.

The Culver Utility Department will pick up items throughout the day. Acceptable items include anything except hazardous waste and tires.

For more information, residents may contact the Culver Clerk-Treasurer’s office.

Plymouth High School becomes a hub of marching music this Saturday, October 3rd, as the Pride of Plymouth welcomes 26 marching bands and more than 2,500 student musicians for the ISSMA Scholastic Prelims and Open Class Invitational.

Bands from across Northern Indiana — including Triton, LaVille, John Glenn, NorthWood, Northridge, Concord, and Elkhart — will compete throughout the day. Performances begin at 11 a.m., with the final awards ceremony set for approximately 8 p.m. The Pride of Plymouth takes the field at 7.

Band Director Bryan Ames says it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the community.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Plymouth to showcase not only our band program, but our entire community. We are grateful for the many students, families, alumni, and volunteers who give their time to make this event possible.”

Tickets are 13 dollars for adults and 7 dollars for students and preschool, with a 50-cent surcharge for credit or debit sales. The community is invited to come out and support the Pride of Plymouth.

The Marshall County Commissioners have approved the paving projects that will be included in the 2027 Community Crossing Matching Grant Program application.

During their September 21st meeting, the commissioners voted to seek $1 million in matching grant funds, with the county contributing $250,000 in local money for the required 80/20 split.

Commissioner Stan Klotz said the estimated total cost of the projects is $1,255,834.75. It was noted that the County Council had already approved the financial commitment letter of $250,000.

The grant projects include the Donnybrook Subdivision in German Township, along with several roads in the Oak Boulevard area: Oak Boulevard from SR 331 to Yellowwood Court, Sycamore Lane from Oak Boulevard to Maple Court, Maple Court from Sycamore Lane to the cul-de-sac, Yellowwood Court from Oak Boulevard to the cul-de-sac, Redwood Court from Oak Boulevard to the cul-de-sac, and Dogwood Court from Oak Boulevard to the cul-de-sac.

Also included in the application are 3rd Road from SR 331 to Elm Road, Oak Road from the city limits to 6A Road, Linden Road from SR 10 to 16th Road, and 16th Road from Linden Road to U.S. 31.

In other County Highway business, the contractor hired for paving 7th Road is expected to begin work any day now. The projects include paving 7th Road from U.S. 30 to the county line for $289,332, and 7th Road from Fir Road to State Road 331 for $243,259.80.

PLYMOUTH – Plymouth police arrested a Chicago man Sunday evening after responding to reports of a street fight, an encounter that ended with a Taser deployment.

On Sunday, September 27th, officers were dispatched to Western Avenue and Pilgrim Lane after a caller reported two males actively fighting in the middle of the street.

Officer Jeremy Enyart located both men walking in the grassy area near American Container. The suspect was walking south toward the officer, who noticed what appeared to be blood on his face.

After several attempts to get the subject to stop, along with warnings of Taser deployment, Officer Enyart deployed his Taser to detain the suspect. A second Plymouth officer arrived and secured 25-year-old Angel Bustamante of Chicago with wrist restraints.

Bustamante was transported to the hospital for medical clearance before being taken to the Marshall County Jail, where he was lodged for public intoxication and resisting law enforcement. He is being held on a $750 cash bond.

PLYMOUTH – Community members are invited to a free meal this Wednesday, September 30, as part of the monthly Community Meal program sponsored by the First United Methodist Church at 400 North Michigan Street in downtown Plymouth.

The meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., or while food lasts. The September menu features a pulled pork sandwich, potato chips, fruit, and cookies. Diners may eat in or take their meal to go.

Organizers ask attendees to use the door on Adams Street, where signs will be posted to guide the way.

Everyone is welcome, and the meal is completely free. The Community Meal is held monthly on the last Wednesday of each month and is open to all.

PLYMOUTH – The Marshall County Plan Commission discussed how to proceed with updating of the comprehensive plan for the county at their meeting on Thursday Sept. 24, 2026.

County Plan Director Nicholas Witwer approached the board for direction on how to proceed with hiring a company to perform the work.

A question arose about costs for the service.

The Board directed Witwer to ask companies interested in the work to make a presentation to them at a future meeting.

PLYMOUTH – The City of Plymouth has submitted its application for the 2027 Community Crossing Matching Grant, City Engineer Dan Sellers reported during Monday evening’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

Sellers said the fix projects included in the application have an estimated value of $960,000. He detailed the streets in the application as:

Rex Street from Liberty Street to Roy Street
Berkley Street from Randolph Street to Columbus Drive
Richter Road from Jefferson Street to Solomon Court
Nutmeg Road from the city limits to Oak Hill Avenue
Western Avenue from North Street to Pilgrim Lane
Sellers noted these aren’t the only street projects planned for next year — just the ones that would be paid for by the grant if the city is awarded funds. “I tried to maximize the application to benefit Plymouth the best that I could,” he said.

Board member Don Ecker asked when the city would find out about the grant awards. Sellers said notification could come in a couple of months. He explained that the city hopes to get word as early as possible and then contact paving companies to seek bids at the end of the year, so paving can happen earlier. Sellers noted the city is still waiting on this year’s Community Crossing Matching Grant projects to be completed by the paver.

On another project, Sellers said the Oak Road improvement and sidewalk project is getting underway this week with survey work.

Mayor Robert Listenberger commented that the project is starting this fall with survey work, followed by further engineering next year. From there, the process will involve acquisition of property and the possible relocation of some utilities. He indicated it is a long process, with construction slated for 2032.

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 13.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.87/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 46.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 77.2

cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 4.1 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $6.449 per gallon.
Lowest reported prices in communities around the area:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $4.09
Francesville — $4.19
Medaryville — $4.19
Starke County
Knox — $3.99
North Judson — $4.09
Hamlet — $3.99
LaPorte County
LaCrosse — $3.99
LaPorte — $3.70
Michigan City — $3.76
Wanatah — $3.85
Rolling Prairie — $3.92
Westville — $3.94
North Liberty — $3.85
Walkerton — $3.87
Marshall County
Argos — $3.69
Bourbon — $3.79
Bremen — $3.89
Culver — $3.99
LaPaz — $3.91
Plymouth — $3.79
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $3.29/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.59/g, a difference of $1.30/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.42/g today. The national average is up 35.9 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.34/g higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
“Average gasoline prices fell in slightly more than half of states over the last week, with the Great Lakes seeing the largest declines after a major refinery successfully restarted, while the West Coast moved in the opposite direction as refinery snags there sent prices jumping significantly,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Diesel in the Great Lakes should also begin easing, though that relief may take several more days to materialize. With oil holding below $100 per barrel, many Americans may see modest declines ahead for gasoline and slight drops for diesel, but the West Coast faces continued pressure with further increases possible. The broader geopolitical situation remains fluid and could push prices in either direction with little warning, and with Trump still weighing a diesel export ban, impacts could follow.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years.

PLYMOUTH – The Marshall County Plan Commission approved a zoning change for a group of properties on US 6 just off of US 31.

Don Good and Andy Heltzell of Danch, Harner and Associates, a civil engineering firm in South Bend, came before the board representing Don Balka who brought forward the request and the Kertai family who also own a parcel in the requested area of change.
The group sought to have the zoning changed from C2 to A1. Heltzell explained that the properties had been changed to C2 at one point, purportedly for a commercial development in the area that never took place.

The Board approved the request unanimously.

CULVER – In August The Culver Town Council gave Police Chief Chad Becker permission to advertise for candidates to fill a full time vacancy on his staff and Becker came before the Council on Thursday Sept. 24 with his recommendation.

Becker said that Williams already had three years of service with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, was currently a part time officer in his department, and was also already Police Academy trained. He said those factors would make for a quick transition for his team.
The Council unanimously approved Williams as the town’s new full time officer.

PLYMOUTH – Two separate incidents last week resulted in arrests and bookings at the Marshall County Jail, according to the Plymouth Police Department.

On Thursday evening, September 24, Patrolman Thornton of the Plymouth Police Department initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Plymouth Goshen Trail on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. While speaking with the driver and passenger, Thornton was informed that the male driver did not have his license with him, but he identified himself as a male from East Chicago.

During the investigation, officers discovered that the individual had provided a false identity. The driver was later positively identified as Kentrell Garvie Lucas, who was found to be wanted through Porter County on multiple warrants. Lucas was also operating the vehicle without ever having obtained a driver’s license.

Patrolman Schieber and his K9 partner Kyzer arrived on scene and gave a positive alert to the odor of narcotics. A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up drug paraphernalia.

The passenger, identified as 29-year-old Siarra Simone Barnes-Jones, was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where she was charged with possession of paraphernalia and false informing.

Lucas was also placed into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail, charged with false informing and operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a license. He was additionally held on his outstanding Porter County warrants.

On Friday, September 25, the Marshall County Central Dispatch Center received a call from a male advising that he wanted to turn himself in on an active warrant.

The caller was later identified as 36-year-old Erick R. Rios. He was taken into custody shortly after 4:30 a.m. in the 600 block of Blue Ridge Trail in Plymouth. Rios was transported to the Marshall County Jail and lodged on an active warrant charging him with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated — endangerment, reckless driving, and knowingly or intentionally operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.

Rios was held without bond.

BOURBON – Triton School Corporation students and staff stepped beyond the classroom Friday morning to put others over self during the annual Triton Gives Back Day, a school-wide day of service dedicated to making a meaningful difference throughout the communities that surround and support Triton.

Service projects took place at locations including Potawatomi Wildlife Park, Mills Pond Trails, Kids Kingdom, Little Lambs Preschool, Bread of Life, Potato Creek State Park, and many other locations throughout the community.
Students worked alongside staff members to complete projects ranging from cleanup and beautification efforts to helping local organizations with tasks that will have a lasting impact.

The REES Theatre is inviting the community to a Halloween party on Friday, October 24, The REES will transform for “A Monster Ball: Thriller at The REES,” the theatre’s big Halloween fundraising event — and organizers hope it marks the start of a new annual tradition.

From 6:00 to 11:00 PM, guests can enjoy a night packed with Halloween fun, music, dancing, costumes, and a few surprises along the way.

The event will feature DJ entertainment provided by David “Cookie” Cook’s DJ business, along with live singers, tarot readings, a costume contest, a silent auction, treats, drinks, dancing, and more.
Every ticket purchased and every silent auction bid helps the REES continue bringing movies, live entertainment, special events, and community programming to the historic theatre in downtown Plymouth.

Tickets for the Friday night, October 24th event are $60 per couple, which includes 2 drink tickets, or $35 per person, which includes 1 drink ticket
Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help with this year’s Monster Ball. Anyone interested in lending a hand is encouraged to reach out.
Sponsorship opportunities are available as well. Businesses or individuals who would like to support the fundraising event and The REES are invited to contact the theatre for more information.
For tickets and more information, visit The REES Theatre.

CULVER – The Culver Town Council held a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance for appropriations and tax for the 2027 budget at their meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24.

Karen Heim presented the bottom line to the Council. While no governmental body knows exactly how much their tax draw will be at this point, she anticipated Culver would receive $3,013,164 in taxes for the general fund, with spending for the coming year budgeted for slightly higher at a total of $3,176,152.
Heim explained the difference.

She also told the Council that tax rates are based on the assessed value in Culver and offered her thoughts on what that number will be.

Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel has released the jail and arrest report for August.

The jail population on Sept. 9 was 120 out of a total of 233 beds. Of those, 25 were sentenced inmates, 24 were serving time on felony charges, 74 were pre-trial inmates, and 15 were awaiting arraignment; 101 were men and 19 were women.
The average population for August was 121. There are 1341 active warrants in Marshall County.
The top ten offenses for August:

• Driving While Suspended (19)
• Operating While Intoxicated (18)
• Failure to Appear (13)
• Operator Never Licensed (13)
• Domestic Battery (12)
• Possession of Marijuana (9)
• Public Intoxication (8)
• Resisting Law Enforcement (8)
• Violation of HD/PTR (6)
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance (5)
  Jail Booking Information:
  137 Total Bookings
• Argos Police — 1 Arrest / 0 No Judicial Review
• Bourbon Police — 1 Arrest / 1 No Judicial Review
• Bremen Police — 5 Arrests / 0 No Judicial Review
• Culver Police — 6 Arrests / 0 No Judicial Review
• Lapaz Police — 1 Arrest / 0 No Judicial Review
• Indiana State Police — 1 Arrest / 0 No Judicial Review
• DNR — 0 Arrests / 0 No Judicial Review
• Plymouth Police — 71 Arrests / 19 No Judicial Review
• Community Corrections — 3 Arrests / 0 No Judicial Review
• Sheriff’s Department — 48 Arrests / 3 No Judicial Review
  Accidents — 58
  Property Damage — 35
  Personal Injuries — 18
  Fatalities — 1
  Case Reports — 63
  Warning/Traffic Citations — 92
  Security Checks — 44
  Central Dispatch — 5,034 calls answered and out of that 1,405 were 911 calls. Of those 911 calls 99.72 percent were answered within 10 seconds or less.
  The Sheriff’s Department responded to 1,393 calls for service.

The 19th annual Marshall County Senior Expo will take place Thursday, October 15, at Plymouth High School, bringing together more than 60 vendors, free health screenings, complimentary food, and entertainment under one roof.

Held in the high school’s auxiliary gym and cafeteria, the Expo connects area seniors with businesses, agencies, educational resources, and services tailored specifically to their needs. This year’s event is free to attend, thanks to the Marshall County Council on Aging and sponsors Dunes Hospice, Elia Insurance Services, and First Light Homecare.

Among the more than 60 vendors on hand will be organizations providing specialized services to seniors, including the Marshall County Council on Aging, Marshall County Public Transit, SHIP, Real Services, Johnson Danielson, Mishler, Deaton Clemens, and Palmer Funeral Homes, Alick’s Home Medical, and St. Joseph VNA Home Care.

Visitors looking to make the most of their spare time can explore a booth dedicated to volunteer opportunities. The Expo also features information on swimming programs through We Love Swimming from the Aquatic Center, and a safe medication disposal site staffed by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and Marshall County Solid Waste, where attendees can drop off outdated or unwanted prescriptions.

The Expo offers a variety of free health screenings, including glucose and blood pressure checks, hearing tests, grip strength assessments, and a carbon monoxide test.

A range of local businesses will also be represented, including Live Oak Electric, Surf Internet, Leaf-Filter Gutter Protection, Walgreens, and more.

Attendees won’t want to miss the free food and entertainment. Breakfast will be provided by Pilgrim Manor, and lunch by Miller’s Merry Manor — two of the event’s corporate sponsors.

What: 19th Annual Marshall County Senior Expo
When: Thursday, October 15
Where: Plymouth High School, auxiliary gym and cafeteria
Cost: Free admission
Sponsors: Marshall County Council on Aging, Dunes Hospice, Elia Insurance Services, First Light Homecare; corporate sponsors Pilgrim Manor and Miller’s Merry Manor
For more information, contact the Marshall County Council on Aging.

The Marshall County Commissioners voted Monday unanimously to approve a contract with Blue & Company to conduct a comprehensive healthcare market assessment, a move President Stan Klotz says is a critical first step toward addressing the county’s healthcare needs and boosting economic development.

The contract, valued at $30,000 to $35,000, will fund an analytical study examining healthcare services utilization by Marshall County residents, patient outmigration patterns, and potential partnership and facility strategies. The assessment is expected to take about six months to complete.

Klotz said he has been working behind the scenes, with the other commissioners’ approval, to examine healthcare issues in the county. He reported having met with six companies that have expressed interest in bringing their businesses to Marshall County but said they would want to see the results of a health assessment to understand local needs before committing.

“Having good options for healthcare has a direct impact on economic development in the county,” Klotz said.

Blue & Company will conduct a focused market assessment of healthcare utilization by Marshall County residents. The analysis will cover inpatient and outpatient utilization, market share, patient outmigration, competitive dynamics, provider availability and alignment, ambulatory services, and payer mix.

Klotz acknowledged that fixing the county’s healthcare issues will take time — an estimated three to five years. However, he said having the survey in hand will give the county a “leg-up” because the data can be shared with prospective healthcare providers.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon expressed concern that some businesses may be trying to direct patients to other hospitals by limiting services, effectively pulling customers to facilities outside the county. He went on to say that Marshall County may simply not have enough money-making opportunities for someone to operate a hospital within the county.

Klotz noted that there is enough money in this year’s Commissioner budget to cover the required 50% down payment without needing to go to the county council. The remaining $17,500 will come from the 2027 budget.

The commissioners voted 3-0 to approve signing the contract with Blue & Company for the health assessment and the prepay request.

The Marshall County 2026 Tax Sale, conducted on September 15th by SRI, yielded strong results, with 30 of 34 properties selling at auction for a total of $620,209.84.

Marshall County Auditor Angie Birchmeier shared the results with the County Commissioners this week, noting that the tax sale is an important tool for returning delinquent properties to active tax status.

Birchmeier reminded those who participated in or had a property included in the tax sale that there is a one-year redemption period. This gives property owners a full year to reclaim their property by paying the required amounts.

Birchmeier said the auditor’s and treasurer’s offices are available to assist property owners in getting those numbers together so they can retain their property.

Property owners who wish to redeem their properties are encouraged to contact the Marshall County Auditor’s Office or the Treasurer’s Office for assistance with the redemption process.