With extremely cold temperatures and frigid wind chills expected to continue in the coming weeks, the Center for Disease Control is warning people to take necessary precautions to avoid getting hypothermia or frostbite.
Before going outside, make sure you’re sufficiently dressed for the weather. Your fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, chin and nose should all be thoroughly protected, as these are the areas most vulnerable to frostbite. Continue reading
Culver Beach Lodge is hosting a special “Silly Safaris” Presentation tomorrow, featuring animals from the North Pole. The free, all-ages program will start at 11 a.m. ET and last until noon.
According to the organization website, this specific program focuses on animals native to the Arctic Circle, one of the world’s harshest environments.The presentation will feature a reindeer and may also include another mammal, a bird, a frog, a reptile, and a few insects to display the variety of creatures that inhabit this area. Continue reading
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources issued a press release today, seeking public assistance in finding two stolen Law Enforcement Snowmobiles that were taken from Potato Creek State Park near the town of North Liberty.
The snowmobiles were stolen on or around December 15, 2017. Indiana Conservation Officers are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and/or the recovery of the snowmobiles. For snowmobile parts, people can check over here Continue reading
The National Weather Service has issued an urgent winter weather advisory for Marshall County, including the cities of Plymouth, Bremen and Culver. The advisory will be in effect on Thursday, January 4 from 1 a.m. until 7 p.m. ET.
Lake effect snow will be impacting the area so residents should prepare for reduced visibility at times and difficult travel conditions during morning and evening commutes. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches, with localized amounts of up to 10 inches are expected. Continue reading
The latest Weekly Influenza Report from the Indiana Department of Health shows that flu activity increased sharply in the final weeks of 2017, resulting in multiple flu-related deaths.
The report from December 21st stated that the influenza-like-illness (ILI) activity code was minimal with only 2 deaths reported. On the very next report from December 29th, the ILI activity code had been changed to high with a total of 9 deaths reported. Continue reading
January is recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention month and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security established “The Blue Campaign” back in 2010 to bring visibility to the prevalent, but often under reported and over looked, global issue.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, annually, millions of women, men and children are trafficked in countries around the world, including the United States. It is estimated that it’s a $32 billion per year industry that includes domestic servitude, sexual trafficking and forced labor. Continue reading
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is warning citizens to be aware of scammers who see the New Year as the perfect opportunity to prey on unsuspecting individuals looking to replenish funds after the holidays. Fraudulent grant offers are particularly pervasive, so HHS representatives have a few tips to keep in mind in order to protect yourself from tricksters.
First of all, no legitimate federal government employee would ever call to say you qualify or you’ve been approved for a grant you never applied for. Representatives say to look out for people who target individuals since all government grants involve an application process to carry out projects with a public purpose and are not intended for personal use. Continue reading
In order to give local children something to do during their final week of winter break, the Marshall County Historical Society Museum is offering a free, kid-friendly special event today from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Interactive model trains will be running in the Disney-themed train room from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. In the community room, kids can play winter games and make crafts in the community room. Continue reading
Plymouth Police Chief David Bacon came before the Board of Public Works and Safety last Wednesday where announced that two new officers, Nicholas Kindig and David Finn will be starting soon. He told members the new officers will be officially sworn in the morning of Monday, January 8th.
Additionally, the police chief was seeking approval to apply for a State Department of Health grant. Continue reading
Plymouth Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt presented Board of Public Works members with 2017 Community Crossings Matching Grant contracts and a change order for spring sidewalk and street projects at their meeting Wednesday.
The change order included three quantity adjustments for work done to Jefferson Street as well as deductions for pavement markings and stones that were not required. Board members unanimously approved the change order which Marquardt said amounted to an additional $1,369.25. Continue reading
At the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety meeting this week, Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt received permission to install signage on Gary Drive, near Love’s Travel Stop.
Superintendent Marquardt asked board members to allow him to put up no parking signs in that area to keep semi-trucks from parking vehicles on the roadway. He said the problem became the most apparent when they ran into trouble plowing streets due to the abundance of trucks parked on the road, rather than in the lot. Mayor Mark Senter commented that it should be common sense for people not to park there, but agreed that something should be done to prevent future problems. The request received unanimous approval from board members.
Board members also continued discussion about problems with parking on Plum Street. Continue reading
Plymouth Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver sought permission to carry out year-end financial obligations during the city council meeting Wednesday night.
Clerk-Treasurer Xaver asked board members for the go ahead to make year-end transfers and encumbrances as necessary. She added that the figures will be added to the minutes from the meeting. Continue reading
Plymouth Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt alerted members of the Board of Public Works and Safety that all work on the Safe Routes to School project has officially been completed.
Marquardt explained the final step was to receive board approval and get the Mayor’s signature on the project. Board members unanimously approved his request to finalize the Safe Routes to School project.
Additionally, Marquardt opened bids for 2018 fuel and street supplies. The city received two bids for fuel supplies. Continue reading
Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter and City Council members unanimously approved all appointments as presented during Wednesday night’s city council meeting. The council appointed Billy Ellinger and Mike Miley to the Redevelopment Commission. Each of them will serve a 1-year term, ending December 31st 2018.
The Mayor’s report included appointing Ken Houin and Joe Mersch to the Aviation Commissioners, Robert Listenberger to the Park and Recreation Board and Art Jacobs to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Each of those members will serve 4-year terms, ending December 31st 2021. Continue reading
For most tax payers, December 31st is the last day to take actions that will impact 2017 tax returns, according to the IRS.
For instance, charitable contributions are deductible in the year made. This means donations charged to a credit card before the end of the year count for the 2017 tax even if the bill isn’t paid until 2018 and checks made to a charity count for 2017 as long as they’re mailed by the last day of the year.
Taxpayers are urged to refrain from preparing their tax returns until all necessary forms and documents are received. Needed documentation includes W-2 forms from employers and 1099 forms from banks and other payers. Continue reading
The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members will open bids for 2018 fuel and street supplies when they meet tonight at 6 p.m. ET. The City Engineer is scheduled to discuss 2017 Community Crossing Matching Grant Project contracts. Reports will be presented from various department heads, the City Attorney and the Secretary and Finance Officer. Mayor Mark Senter will also provide board members with a report.
Additional business includes a discussion over traffic on Plum Street and accepting November 2017 reports from the Water and Wastewater departments.
At 6:30 p.m., or immediately following the first meeting, Plymouth City Council members will convene. Members will first address any unfinished business including any tabled ordinances, resolutions or other items. Continue reading
In 2018 the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ will celebrate 150 years of their presence in America. A number of activities are planned for the coming year to acknowledge a century and a half of service from these dedicated congregation members. To kick off the year-long celebration, an opening prayer service and public reception is scheduled at The Center at Donaldson on Sunday, December 31st from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. ET.
Back in 1868, while our country was dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War, the foundress of the congregation, Catherine Kasper, missioned the first Poor Handmaids to America. Continue reading
Losing weight is ranked as one of the top New Year’s resolutions year after year. Though it’s quite common for individuals to want to lose extra weight as quickly as possible, evidence shows that people who lose weight gradually and steadily, about 1 to 2 pounds per week, are more successful at keeping the weight off. People can check weight loss tips here! Continue reading
As the year draws to a close, many people may already be establishing their new year’s resolutions. If giving up tobacco is on your 2018 to-do-list, the Indiana Tobacco Quitline is a good resource to utilize.
The free, phone-based counseling service can assist a variety of tobacco users including expectant mothers, former smokers seeking relapse prevention and tobacco users in any stage of readiness to quit. The telephone service can also assist friends and relatives of tobacco users who wish to offer support to their loved ones.
When someone calls into the service, a trained Quit Coach will provide an assessment of readiness to quit, a customized quit plan, motivation and problem-solving advice and up-to-date information about nicotine replacement therapy. Continue reading
Around this time of year, many people are doing whatever they can to keep the effects of winter weather out of their homes. However, for your own safety, there are a few things you should know before you do so.
According to State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson, alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the U.S. Marshal Greeson advises Hoosiers to take particular precautions if alternative heating equipment is utilized in order to ensure safety this season.
He advises residents to never leave space heaters on in unoccupied rooms and to only have one heater plugged in to each electrical outlet. Be to keep heaters away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture. Continue reading
