The name of the driver who was pronounced dead at the scene of a two-vehicle accident on U.S 30 west of Oak Drive in Plymouth has been released. Marshall County Coroner John Grolich reported that 64-year-old James Michael, of Lucerne, suffered from a sudden acute medical emergency which left him unresponsive while behind the wheel of his pick-up truck Tuesday evening. Continue reading
All posts by Jacque Ryan
Culver Community School Board Adopts 2018 Budget
The Culver Community School Board adopted the 2018 budget when they met Monday evening. Superintendent Karen Shuman stated that their budget is in line with their enrollment and all accounts are in good standing.
Superintendent Shuman also said their taxation will remain status quo and representatives of the school corporation are hoping that the new housing being developed in the community will boost enrollment which would increase revenue and allow for the school to offer more programs to Culver Community students. Continue reading
Energy Safe Kids Presentation Coming to A Classroom Near You
This November, the National Energy Foundation and Northern Indiana Public Service Company(NIPSCO) are teaming up to deliver more than 100 ‘Energy Safe Kids’ classroom presentations in schools across Northern Indiana.
Energy Safe Kids is a unique and engaging program designed to encourage fourth graders to think about energy sources and how to be safe around them whether outdoors, at home or at school. Energy educators teach students the basics about energy and energy safety.
There will be two weeks of presentation beginning on Monday, November 6th. Interested individuals who are within NIPSCO’s service territory can register at EnergySafeKids.org/NIPSCO. Space is limited so fourth grade teachers who want to have an energy safety specialist speak to their students should sign-up as soon as possible. If you’re unable to get someone into your classroom this year, you can still register in advance for the 2018 program.
Here/Hear is Bringing Their Mental Illness and Mental Health Initiative to Ancilla College
Here/Hear is a nonprofit organization, based out of Plymouth, which works with a number of initiatives in order to help with mental illness. This week, the director of the organization Dr. Nate Crawford will be delivering his lecture, “Taking Care of Me: Tips for Living Well” as a part of The Lampen Lecture series at Ancilla College.
The Lampen Lecture series was named for Ancilla’s first president Sr. Joel Lampen and though it is sponsored by the college and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, residents of surrounding communities are encouraged to attend the free lecture series any time.
On Thursday, October 19th Dr. Crawford will be speaking in Cana Hall at 12:45 p.m. (EDT). His organization creates content for the web that helps people navigate the issues surrounding mental illness and they speak with students and parents about the affliction. Their mission statement says that they believe music and the arts provide a great way to engage people in conversations about mental illness and mental health.
Triton School Board Receives Building Project Updates From Architect
When the Triton School Board met last Monday, board members and the public were able to view some preliminary drawings and plans for the proposed building projects.
Architect Ben Sanchez of Barton-Coe-Vilaama presented the board with updates about different projects including plans for the high school roof repairs and designs for a new gymnasium. Superintendent Donna Burroughs said representatives from the Fort-Wayne based architecture and engineering firm were there to receive feedback before they undertake the school projects. Continue reading
Help Miller’s Merry Manor Fight Hunger during National Food Bank Week
National Food Bank Week is acknowledged annually in October to help food pantries prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth is doing their part by hosting a food drive through the 21st.
The local assisted living facility will be collecting paper products and non-perishable food items at their front desk all week. All items collected will go to the Bread of Life Community Food Pantry.
Miller’s Merry Manor is located at 635 Oakhill Avenue. For more information, contact them at 574-936-9981.
Join Mayor Mark Senter’s Effort to Help Save Local Lives
Mayor of Plymouth Mark Senter will be hosting a blood drive today at the Plymouth Farmer’s Market from 8 a.m. until noon. All blood donated will remain within the community and could potentially save up to three local lives.
The drive can be found at the corner of Garro and River Street. To make an appointment, visit givebloodnow.com and enter Plymouth as the sponsor code or contact the Mayor’s Office at 574-936-6717. Walk-ins are also welcome. All donors will receive a complimentary mug from The Medical Foundation.
Distinguished Young Woman of Triton Pageant Provides Scholarships to Participating Senior Students
Last Saturday young ladies of Bourbon gathered to compete for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Triton. For more than 50 years a group of community members have utilized Triton schools to host the annual scholarship pageant, previously titled Jr. Miss.
Superintendent of Triton, Donna Burroughs, explained that even though the event is not school sponsored, it is still an opportunity to highlight a variety of different areas of accomplishment achieved by Triton High School seniors.
“It’s recognizing scholarship and self expression and physical fitness in women of the senior class who wanted to participate.” Burroughs said, “All the students who participate receive some kind of scholarship, depending on which category they may have placed first, they get larger scholarships.” Continue reading
Triton School Board Amends Bus Pick-Up and Drop-Off Policy
The Triton School Board addressed certain safety concerns with drop-off and pick-up procedures when they met earlier this week. Superintendent Donna Burroughs said the school corporation currently does not have a form that parents fill out to specify different pick-up and drop-off locations.
Burroughs reported that there are some families who are calling in frequently to instruct the schools of different places that their child needs to be dropped off at or picked up from on different days.
“It’s impossible to keep track of, especially if you have a substitute bus driver who may not know the kids to know that they aren’t going to their usual spot.” Burroughs explained, “Before we just went ‘well here’s their house that’s where they get picked up and dropped off’ but we’re past that in a lot of cases now with both parents working or divorce situations, et cetera.” Continue reading
Free Outdoor Movie Night at River Park Square
Looking for a family-friendly way to spend Friday the 13th? Come down to River Park Square for the Free Freaky Friday Family Outdoor Movie Night. The event will commence at 7:30 p.m. and the featured film will be the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus.
Since the event will be outdoors, patrons are encouraged dress accordingly and to bring their own blankets and chairs to use during the showing of the movie. The Marshall County Girls Softball Travel League will be running a concession stand on site. They’ll be selling hot chocolate, soda pop, hot dogs and popcorn for a dollar each. Continue reading
Triton School Board Awards Staff for Receiving an “A” from the Indiana Department of Education
At the beginning of October, the Indiana Department of Education released their A through F school accountability grades. Triton Schools had been bumped up a letter grade from 2016, receiving an A this year.
In order to show their gratitude to the individuals responsible for the hard work that went into receiving the recognition, the Triton School Board voted to pay for gift cards to be given to everyone on the staff. Continue reading
Learn About Marshall County’s Haunted History on Friday the 13th
The Marshall County Historical Society Museum will be holding their final brown bag lunch event of the season on Friday the 13th. Community members are encouraged to bring a lunch down to the museum at 123 N Michigan Street in Plymouth to hear from a special speaker.
Mindy Langdon, community relations for the museum, said the historian will reveal some of the haunted history of Marshall County, “Our guest speaker is Jeff Kenney and he’s from the Culver area and he’s got some really great ghost stories to tell about things in the area that are kind of spooky.”
The event is held from noon to one, but concludes a little before the hour to allow individuals enough time to make it back to work if they’re on their lunch break. Get into the Halloween spirit a few weeks early by learning about the mysterious stories attached to local places you may see regularly.
Multiple Individuals Express Interest in Triton Superintendent Position
Monday was the final day that individuals interested in the Triton Schools superintendent position could submit applications for consideration.
Superintendent Donna Burroughs announced her plans to retire during a school board meeting back in September. Before the school board members met for their regular session on Monday, they held an executive session to go over the submitted applications. Continue reading
America Observes Fire Prevention Week
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health observance on record.
First established in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge, it was formed in order to commemorate the “Great Chicago Fire” of October of 1871 when more than 250 people died and another 100,000 were left homeless. This year, Fire Prevention Week started on the 8th and runs through the 14th. It serves as a reminder to individuals of all ages to be prepared for when the unexpected may strike.
During this week, parents and teachers are encouraged to go over basic fire prevention and safety tips with students at all levels. The NFPA has a few helpful resources that can help families be prepared in case of a fire. Continue reading
HIS Small Wonders Pre-School New Location Ribbon Cutting
HIS Small Wonders Pre-School has moved locations. Their facility is now housed in historic downtown Plymouth at the Old Firehouse at 220 N Center Street. The pre-school is hosting a ribbon cutting and open house on Wednesday, October 11th at 5:30 p.m.
Kristie Nate, the owner and director of the organization, said the event isn’t simply limited to parents with students at the school, it is open to everyone in the community. Nate expressed her gratitude to everyone who chipped in to renovate the facility which has been abandoned for years.
“All of the parents of our pre-schoolers jumped in and our staff and everyone helped make this happen from painting, to carpeting, to moving.” Nate explained, “Everybody worked together and we’re excited for the public to see how this can be used in downtown Plymouth.” Continue reading
Drive to Benefit Bremen Schools this Saturday
Tomorrow members of Marshall County not only have a chance to test-drive a new set of wheels for free, but they can also help assist a school corporation within the community simultaneously.
At Auto Park Ford in Bremen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. anyone over the age of 18 with a valid driver’s license can test drive one of the vehicles and $20 will be donated to the Bremen School Corporation for each vehicle driven.
The test drives are limited to one per household. When Triton Schools did this same program back in August they, were able to raise approximately $5,000 for various school expenses and student activities.
Fight Breast Cancer Every Step of the Way at Ounce of Prevention’s 5k on Saturday
This Sunday, come out to the Plymouth Greenway Trails to show your support for breast cancer awareness and to honor individuals who are currently fighting the disease and those who have lost their lives to it. The local organization Ounce of Prevention will be hosting their 5k for Cancer Fundraiser from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ounce of Prevention is an organization that was founded by two sisters, Jessica Oliver and Jennifer Oliver Houin. The sisters experienced the disease directly with the loss of two grandmothers and the diagnosis of their sister-in-law. After wondering what they could do to help support others in their community, they decided to take action in 2003 by establishing Ounce of Prevention. One could see more and get info on getting the right kind of treatment and get their doubts cleared by professionals.
Their mission is to raise awareness about breast cancer and to gather funds locally that will be invested locally. All proceeds raised from the 5k for Cancer and other fund raising events remain in Marshall County.
There is still time to sign-up online but onsite registration will also be available beginning at noon. The registration fee is $25 and includes a t-shirt. For more information about the organization and the sisters who started it or to register online before the race, visit the Ounce of Prevention website.
Plymouth Farmer’s Market to Feature a Cards for our Troops Event
This weekend at the Plymouth Farmer’s Market, Project Kindness is teaming up with Operation Quiet Comfort to help display the community’s appreciation toward wounded and ill members of the armed forces. Community members of all ages are encouraged to come out and contribute to the Cards for Our Troops event.
Operation Quiet Comfort is a national organization that exists for the sole purpose of honoring and comforting military men and women who fall ill or are injured in the line of duty. Project Kindness is a local non-profit organization aimed at having monthly events to inspire, motivate and encourage children of all ages to perform acts of kindness in their everyday lives.
Making personalized greeting cards to give to the sick and injured individuals who defend this country is one way to relay our gratitude for their sacrifices. Cards for our Troops will be happening at the farmer’s market from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 7th.
New Sign Going Up for Culver Community Schools
Culver Community School Corporation is currently in the process of installing a new sign that better represents the school corporation. Back in September, the Culver Community School Board discussed the design of the sign.
At the Culver Town Council meeting last Wednesday, Superintendent Karen Shuman alerted the board that the old sign was taken down that day and they are planning to have the new one up within the next week. Continue reading
President of Hoosier Racing Tire Awarded 1st Source Community Leadership Award
The President of Hoosier Racing Tire Corporation, John DeSalle was recently recognized at a luncheon where he was one of ten recipients of the 1st Source Bank 2017 Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership Award. DeSalle has helped generate millions of dollars for multiple projects within the community through his work with various organizations.
DeSalle works closely with the South Bend Elkhart Regional Development Authority, Ancilla College, the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Boys and Girls Club of Marshall County and the Northern Indiana Workforce Board. He has the desire to make the community a better place to live, work and raise families. Continue reading
