Marshall County employees will participate in active shooter training on Friday, Dec. 1.
The county building and courthouse will be closed to the public beginning at 1 p.m. The training is expected to last until 3:30 p.m.
All posts by Anita Goodan
Bremen Town Council Approves Insurance Policy
The Bremen Town Council members approved health insurance at their meeting Monday night.
According to Bremen Director of Operations Trend Weldy, the provider was able to lower deductibles for employee health insurance, but the monthly cost will increase “slightly”. He said it was a lengthy discussion, but gave the opinion that the town council made the best decision for coverage for the town employees.
Culver Town Council Passes Amended Zoning Ordinance
The Culver Town Council members passed an amended zoning ordinance on second and third reading during their regular business meeting Tuesday night.
At the last meeting, the council members voted to exclude the L1 District zoning changes from the other changes proposed within the recommended zoning ordinance amendment after it drew several opposing comments from L1 District residents. The omitted section addresses changes to the height and visibility requirements for fences in the L1 District, also changes in the side yard setback area in the L1 District. That portion of the original ordinance will be discussed by Culver Plan Commission members and a few volunteers from the L1 District residents.
Shady Rest Home Committee to Hold Public Input Session
The members of the Shady Rest Home Committee met with Gregg Erickson and his wife, Kelly, to go over the business plan for a proposed addiction recovery program at the county-owned Shady Rest Home in Plymouth.
The business plan outlined expenditures and revenues and more information about a structured recovery program for drug or alcohol offenders recommended to the program by Marshall County Community Corrections. The program, called “David’s Choice”, would assist recovering addicts for six to nine months on getting a job, completing treatment, conducting community service, and obtaining other life and job skills.
Plymouth Water, Sewer Rate Increases Pass by Majority Vote
The Plymouth City Council members approved the second and third reading of ordinances that increase water and sewer rates beginning with December consumption, billable in January.
A public hearing was held on the matter Monday night which mostly gathered public opposition. Many cited senior citizens with fixed incomes and the impact it will have on those that may find an approximate $130 additional cost per year too costly once all phases come to realization in 2019.
Marshall County May Receive old INDOT Substation
The Marshall County Commissioners are making a request to the Indiana Department of Transportation for use of the abandoned sub district station by the Tri-way Golf Course off of old U.S. 31.
INDOT built a brand new sub district station in Plymouth just north of U.S. 30 off of Pioneer Drive.
Culver Town Council to Hold Two Work Sessions, Regular Meeting Tonight
The Culver Town Council members will take part in two work sessions prior to their regular business meeting tonight.
At 5 p.m. ET, the members will discuss the salary ordinance and at 5:30 p.m. ET they will review possible changes to the traffic ordinance to include semi-trailer parking, speed control and pedestrian crossing. The public is invited to attend these work sessions.
La Paz Man Arrested on Suspicion of Domestic Battery, Dealing Methamphetamine
A La Paz man was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 21 following a report of domestic battery.
Deputies from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office say they were notified of the alleged incident around 5 p.m. Deputies and troopers from the Indiana State Police responded to a residence in the 200 block of Vandalia Avenue in La Paz after receiving the call.
Medical Issue Believed to Cause Marshall County Accident
A medical issue may have caused a single-vehicle accident in Marshall County Sunday afternoon.
According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Michael Lynn Andrus, of Anson, Texas, was traveling west on U.S. 6 just east of Elm Road when he suffered a medical issue. Police say Andrus’ vehicle ran off of U.S. 6 on the south side and struck a tree.
Plymouth City Council to Discuss Water, Sewer Rate Increases
The Plymouth City Council members are expected to discuss water and sewer rate increases when they meet tonight at 6:30 p.m.
A public hearing is set to gather public comment on the matter.
During a special meeting held Monday, Oct. 30, the city council learned that with Bay Valley Foods and Del Monte closing at the end of year water and wastewater treatment revenue losses are imminent. To help bridge the gap, an ordinance outlining a one-time raise in the water rate of 12 percent to begin Jan. 1, 2018, was proposed. In addition, an ordinance detailing a three-phase wastewater rate increase was proposed. It would allow for a 10 percent increase in wastewater rates beginning Jan. 1, 2018, with another 10 percent increase on Sept. 2, 2018, and a third 10 percent increase in March of 2019.
Marshall County Commissioners Approve GIS Request
Jason Durr from the Christopher Burke Engineering firm in South Bend requested GIS information on behalf of the Kankakee River Basin Commission.
Durr told the Marshall County Commissioners last week that the information will be used as a preliminary evaluation on basin assessment areas. He requested parcel data for the whole county, but the parcels directly affected by the Kankakee River Basin Commission may only be analyzed.
Double Donations to Marshall Promise Program on Giving Tuesday
Marshall County Promise will take part in this year’s Giving Tuesday event through the Marshall County Community Foundation.
Marshall County Promise is a program that helps youth in the county’s school systems dream about future careers and save for education beyond high school. Donations will be used to help local youth open CollegeChoice 539 accounts with an initial $25 deposit.
Elkhart Man Dies in Marshall County Accident
An Elkhart man died as a result of injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident Friday morning, according to a report released by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.
Police say 63-year-old Walter Lee Conner was traveling on U.S. 6 east of Jarrah Road when his van left went off the south side of the road, struck a fence and a mailbox, and continued into a 10-foot ditch. Conner died at the scene due to his injuries, according to police.
Area Police Departments Continue with Holiday Enforcement Effort
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, along with officers from the Plymouth Police Department, Bremen Police Department and Bourbon Police Department are out in force this holiday weekend to spot violations to Indiana’s seat belt and impaired driving laws.
Random patrols are expected along with saturation patrols and checkpoints. This overtime enforcement is supported with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) funds administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). Continue reading
Plymouth Gears up for the Christmas Season on Saturday
The City of Plymouth lighted holiday parade and Christmas tree lighting event is set for Saturday at 6 p.m.
Santa will lead the parade down Michigan Street in a Plymouth fire truck and get in place for the Christmas tree lighting and the unveiling of the park department’s light show at River Park Square.
Prior to this event, shop small business Saturday! Shop the downtown merchants where you will have a chance to win a $250 voucher to be used to purchase items at the downtown businesses. Win the voucher by checking off all of the items on your scavenger hunt list. Items pertaining to the Rees Theater can be found at participating stores. Find those items and check them off on your list. The scavenger hunt ends at 4 p.m. Continue reading
Information Tidbits from the Marshall County Commissioners
The Marshall County Commissioners discussed a few items Monday.
Highway Superintendent Jason Peters will work with a property owner on 2B Road concerning a drainage issue off the road. An investigation will be held into who is responsible for replacing the tile in that area as it appears to have failed. Further discussion will be held during the commissioners’ next meeting on Monday, Dec. 4.
The commissioners approved a grant request from Marshall County Community Corrections Director Ward Byers to apply for grant funds for Fiscal Year 2019. He said the budget of around $403,100 is for the jail treatment program, community corrections and the prosecutor’s felony diversion program. The council also previously approved this request.
Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed
The Salvation Army needs bell ringers to help collect funds to help neighbors in need.
Salvation Army Major Gerald Smelser said volunteers are on site for about two hours at a time, but can donate more time based on personal preference. Kettles are stationed Walmart and Kroger in Plymouth, Five Star in Knox, Bailey’s Discount Center in Knox, and additional sites in Bremen and Culver.
Members from church organizations, residents, business organizations, or school groups are welcome to participate. Bell ringers can volunteer from Saturday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Dec. 24 in two hour shifts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a certain location. Hours during the weekend usually need filled, but if there are more volunteers, time slots may open during the week.
BMV Branches Reopen Saturday
All Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches are closed today due to the Thanksgiving holiday, but those facilities that normally operate on Saturdays will reopen on Saturday, Nov. 25.
The Plymouth BMV branch will be open tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET while the La Porte and Valparaiso branches will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT.
The Knox, Walkerton and Winamac branches will conduct business during regular hours next week.
Marshall County Commissioners Consider Zoning Request
The Marshall County Commissioners considered a zoning ordinance amendment to change the zoning from an agricultural to a commercial zone at 12131 U.S. 6 adjacent to the La Paz Sewer Plant.
Marshall County Plan Director Ralph Booker said the property is located just south of U.S. 6 and west of U.S. 31 owned by Donald Abbott.
Marshall County Economic Development Corporation Director and CEO Jerry Chavez said this is a step in an economic strategic plan by La Paz officials. The town council there could decide to annex that property for tax purposes some time down the line.
Marshall County Highway Department Gearing up for Winter
Marshall County Highway Supervisor Jason Peters told the commissioners Monday morning that crews are working on transitioning equipment to tackle winter weather.
He said tandems will be moved over and will limit the amount of work that can be done.
