Final Marshall County Unemployment Rates for 2017

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development released the final unemployment rates for 2017 and Indiana’s rate stayed steady at 3.4 percent, still coming in lower than the national average of 4.1 percent.

In Marshall County, the unemployment rate dropped from 3 percent to 2.7 percent. Compare that to December of 2016 when Marshall County’s unemployment was at 3.4 and it appears that Marshall County is seeing lower unemployment.

However, just because there is a lower unemployment rate, that doesn’t necessarily mean more people are working. Continue reading

Culver Community Schools Staff Working to Incorporate New Graduation Pathways

Last year, the Indiana State Board of Education and the Graduation Pathways Panel came up with new graduation requirements and laid out some graduation pathways that local educators are working to incorporate into their schools.

According to Culver Superintendent Karen Shuman, to address these changes, staff members participated in professional development on Monday, January 8th. Continue reading

Triton Superintendent Highlights Importance of Community After Gym Flood Reveals Generosity

An unforeseen problem at Triton Schools resulted in a generous offer from another local school corporation and an opportunity to highlight dedicated members of the community.

As previously reported, the Triton Jr./Sr. high school gymnasium was flooded due to a pipe bursting. Triton Superintendent Jeremy Riffle said that Plymouth Superintendent Andy Hartley has graciously agreed to let Triton utilize Plymouth facilities for the time being.

As a way to counteract the negative stigma of school rivalries and schools competing for enrollment numbers, Riffle highlighted some individuals with multiple community connections. Continue reading

Culver Jr/Sr High School Cafeteria Renovation Project Update

At last week’s Culver School Board meeting, it was announced that the Junior/Senior High cafeteria renovation project is coming along well. Superintendent Karen Shuman told board members that the first phases of the project will be wrapping up as soon as the new furnishing comes in.

Jr./Sr. High School Principal Brett Berndt shared that the new furniture should be arriving sometime this week or early next week. Continue reading

Argos Superintendent Discusses AP Success with School Board

At the Argos School Board meeting last Monday, Superintendent Ned Speicher mentioned the AP Classes and AP Success stipends while discussing accomplishments from the 2017-2018 school year.

The AP stipends were included as a part of this year’s negotiated master contract, along with stipends for Academic Needs and Master Degrees in Reading or Literacy.

Another topic discussed at last week’s Argos School Board meeting was the corporation’s distinction as one of the College Board Top AP Schools. Continue reading

New Contracts for Coaches and Club Sponsors Approved at Bremen School Board Meeting

The Bremen Public School board members established club sponsors and coaches when they met last Monday.

As a part of the personnel portion of their meeting, board members approved new contracts with Jessica Klingerman and Tara Ton, who will serve as National Honor Society Co-Sponsors and Sabrina Wickens, who will be the sponsor of the Robotics Club and Coding Club. Continue reading

’17-’18 School Year Accomplishments and Goals Shared During Argos School Board Meeting

Some accomplishments, as well as a few ongoing goals, were shared during the Argos School Board meeting on Monday.

The successfully implemented Argos Pre-School program was acknowledged as an accomplishment, as well as the corporation’s two nominations from the Advanced Placement Teacher Investment Program offered through the University of Notre Dame. Continue reading

Bremen School Board Reorganizes at First Meeting of 2018

Some changes were made to the officer positions of the Bremen School Board during their meeting earlier this week. According to Bremen Superintendent Dr. Jim White, Brian Teall was elected to the president’s position and Suzanne Ginter was elected to serve as vice president.

The secretary position, on the other hand, was unchanged with Jesse Bohannon retaining that spot. Continue reading

Rochester Woman Sentenced on Possession of Methamphetamine Charge

On Wednesday, January 17th 44-year-old Geraldine Whitfield, of Rochester, appeared in Marshall Superior Court No. 1 where she was sentenced by agreement to 9 years imprisonment for Possession of Methamphetamine as a Level 3 Felony.

According to information released by the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office, 7 of those years call for incarceration at the Indiana Department of Corrections followed by 2 years of reporting probation. Continue reading

Bremen Superintendent Presents Bond Proposal to School Board for Consideration

When the Bremen School Board met for the first time this year, Superintendent Jim White presented members with some information about acquiring a bond in order to make some capital improvements around the building.

During Monday night’s meeting, Dr. White suggested that the school look into utilizing a solar generation system as a way to help defer energy costs over the next 25 to 30 years. Continue reading

Argos Superintendent Provides Update About Switching From Appointed to Elected School Board

Argos Superintendent Ned Speicher provided school board and audience members with an update about shifting from an appointed board to an elected one during Monday night’s meeting.

Their plan about this process is expected to go before the State Board of Education in February, according to Argos Administrative Assistant Patti VanDerWeele. Continue reading

Argos School Board Retains Existing Officers

The Argos School Board handled start-of-the-year reorganization and appointments when they met Monday night.

According to Administrative Assistant Patti VanDerWeele, the board members voted to retain existing officers since they were named in July. Monty Peden, Doug Middleton and Jennifer Hurford were elected to the President, Vice-President and the Secretary positions, respectively. Continue reading

South Bend Man Faces Multiple Charges After Reportedly Stealing Ring and Fleeing From Police

Around 9:50 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16th, a diamond ring (have a peek at this web-site to see the best designs) valued at $4,300 was reportedly stolen from Kings Jewelry at 202 N Michigan St in Plymouth.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Daniel Smith, of South Bend, allegedly ran out the door as Plymouth Police Officer John Weir was approaching the building. According to the officer’s narrative, a struggle ensued and Smith broke free, then ran to a car behind Treats. Continue reading

Plymouth Woman Faces Level 6 Felony After Resisting Law Enforcement With Vehicle

On Thursday, January 11th, Plymouth Police Officer Shanna Gilmer reported locating 35-year-old Maribel Alvarado, of Plymouth, operating a vehicle on Oak Drive.

Officer Gilmer said that Alvarado had an active warrant for her arrest in Marshall County for failure to appear on an intimidation charge. An attempt was made to stop the vehicle but Alvarado reportedly proceeded to drive to her residence on Hillcrest. Continue reading

Marshall County Community Foundation Now Accepting First Round of Grant Applications

The Marshall County Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for this year. If you’re seeking assistance from the organization you’ll need to act fast, as the first round of applications are due February 1st.

The grants provided support specific projects or programs throughout Marshall County, typically focusing on human services, recreation, the environment, health, education and the arts. Continue reading

Sunday Carryout Bill to Come Before Full Senate For Second Reading Today

Hoosiers looking for the opportunity to buy alcohol 7 days a week will have to wait for a few more legislative steps to be taken before anything is finalized. According to the Indiana General Assembly Senate Calendar, the bill regarding Sunday alcohol carryout sales for will come before the full Senate on second reading today.

Senate Bill 1, authored by Republican State Senator Ron Alting, would allow package liquor, grocery, convenience and drug stores to sell alcoholic beverages for carryout on Sunday from noon until 8 p.m. It would also permit restaurants that satisfy the carryout requirements to sell alcoholic beverages on Sunday. Continue reading

Nominations Now Open for Age of Excellence Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the REAL Services’ 22nd Annual Age of Excellence Awards.

Each year, REAL Services celebrates unsung heroes of several local counties including Marshall and La Porte. The organization seeks to acknowledge those members of our communities who go above and beyond to care for elderly and low-income individuals.

Nominations are being accepted for eight award categories including Business of the year, The Wyatt Mick Volunteer of the Year, the Les Fox Hoosier Lifetime Award, Caregiver of the Year, Professional of the Year, Agency/Program Serving Low-income Award, Change Agent of the Year and the Sergeant Shriver Lifetime Achievement Award. Continue reading