The Plymouth Common Council is looking to generate dollars to help complete a few public works projects.
Plymouth Council Considers Bond Issuance on First Reading
All posts by Lenny Dessauer
Indiana Senate Dems Reviewing Minimum Wage Data
Indiana’s Senate Democrats are taking a look at the minimum wage in Indiana.
According to information put forward by the caucus, data from the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis has Indiana making slow strides in income growth compared with other states.
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Students Can Earn Scholarships for Driving Now, TXTing L8R
Multiple government agencies are partnering to give students scholarship opportunities.
The scholarships have been conducted in the past to help promote safe driving behind the wheel – especially when it comes to teens using their mobile devices. The “Drive Now. TXT L8R” campaign gives $5-thousand scholarships.
Triple A Studies Teen Driving, Distraction Levels High
A video analysis of teen driving has shown evidence that distracted driving is more of a problem than previous thought.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reviewed video evidence and found that distraction was a factor in about 6 of 10 moderate-to-severe crashes when teens were the drivers. Information released by AAA suggests that’s four times higher than the data suggests based on police reports.
Don’t Miss the Bus to the Tulip Festival
Kankakee Valley Broadcasting Travel Coordinator Ed Hasnerl has a few available slots for his upcoming trip to Holland, Mich. Enjoy the beauty of the annual Tulip Festival May 4-7. It’s just one of the adventures Ed has planned.
“Several people have talked to me about going to the Henry Ford Museum and eating dinner in an auto baron’s home – Edsel Ford, Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s home. It’s a wonderful home full of antiques and art, besides having dinner there,” Hasnerl said. Continue reading
Palm Sunday Tornado Anniversary Tomorrow
Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Palm Sunday tornadoes here in the Starke-Marshall area.
Shortly before 6 p.m. after massive thunderstorms passed through the area, the first tornado of many reported that day touched down in Starke County a few miles southwest of Hamlet. It crossed U.S. 30 and tore directly across Koontz Lake.
One-hundred vacation cottages were damaged. As one of the cottages was blown to pieces, the man inside was lifted into the air and thrown to his death 600 feet away.
Plea Deadline Date Extended in Grand Jury Case
A plea deadline date was continued to Thursday, April 23 at 9 a.m. in a case involving former Marshall County Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck. A judge granted the decision on behalf of the defense in a judgment released yesterday.
A Grand Jury returned an indictment against Haeck in September of 2014 alleging theft of scrap metal from the county in 2012 and 2013. He was employed at the highway department at the time the alleged acts occurred.
Marshall County Election Board Releases Polling Site Information
The Marshall County Election Board has approved polling sites for the 2015 Municipal Primary Election on May 5.
Center 1 and Center 2 voters in Plymouth will cast ballots at the National Guard Armory at 1220 W. Madison Street while Center 3 and Center 4 voters will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 901 E. Jefferson Street.
In Bremen, voters in German 3, German 4 and German 5 precincts will be voting at the Bremen High School at 511 E. Grant Street.
Gas Prices Expected to Stay Within Current Range over the Summer
The price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline remains low. Prices have gone up slightly in the past few weeks. Gasbuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says most stations raised prices to $2.45 a gallon.
“This is in line with what we would have expected. We’ve watched wholesale gasoline prices go up and in an account of some refinery kinks that occurred about a week-and-a-half ago that are still impacting the supply of gasoline and those prices. Prices, though, remain about $1.25 lower than last year. Over the coming week, I would expect some sort of minor decrease to emerge in gas prices,” said DeHaan.
Marshall County Habitat for Humanity to Build House in Bourbon Thanks to Sponsorship
A family in Bourbon was recently chosen to have a home built by Marshall County Habitat for Humanity volunteers, and this project will be supported by Harmony Marketing Group of Bourbon.
Marshall County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Dean Byers said they have an ambitious goal of constructing two houses this year.
No New HIV Cases Reported in Immediate Area
Injection drug use is pinpointed as a cause of a jump in HIV cases in Scott County. No new cases of HIV have been reported locally.
Governor Mike Pence declared a public health emergency in Scott County yesterday due to an outbreak of HIV cases. The Indiana State Department of Health has identified 79 cases of HIV originating in Scott County.
Frank Lynch from the Starke County Health Department said that the state may take action and institute a program that brings awareness to all counties.
Income Tax Filing Deadline is Quickly Approaching
Just three weeks remain to file income taxes on time. The deadline to file is Wednesday, April 15.
Katie McLear Public Relations Specialist with the Indiana Department of Revenue says taxes can be filed for free with the Indiana Free File program. If eligibility requirements don’t allow that option, McLear says the best option is to file electronically.
“There are a number of benefits to filing electronically,” explained McLear. “First for foremost you’re going to get your refund much faster. You’ll get that refund in about 10 to 14 days. You could wait up to 12 weeks if you file by paper.”
Judge to Determine Additional Court Proceedings in Grand Jury Case
A judge in a Grand Jury case involving former Marshall County Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck will determine a timeline today on whether a plea agreement hearing or trial will be scheduled. A Grand Jury returned an indictment against Haeck in September of 2014 alleging theft of scrap metal from the county while in his capacity as highway superintendent in 2012 and 2013.
According to court documents, Haeck is accused of stealing $12,351.41. He is charged with theft as a Class D felony. He appeared for an initial hearing in October of 2014 after being summoned to appear in court. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft.
Beware of State Tax Scam
State officials warn of a national telephone scam targeting Hoosiers. Callers claim to represent the Indiana Department of Revenue and say there is an outstanding tax warrant in the taxpayer’s name. They claim local law enforcement is on the way to arrest the taxpayer unless the debt is paid over the telephone. The scam artist sounds convincing and professional. They often have personal information about the taxpayer and can alter the caller ID to appear more legitimate.
Department of Revenue officials stress they do not call taxpayers without first corresponding through the mail and does not threaten to use local law enforcement. Commissioner Mike Alley says taxpayers should not be afraid to hang up the telephone if they suspect they are being targeted by a scam artist. Continue reading
Ancilla College Announces Summer CNA Course
Ancilla College is offering a Certified Nursing Assistant course this summer. Graduates who pass the Indiana State Department of Health CNA test are state-certified to work as nurse’s aides in long-term care facilities, home health and hospice groups and assisted living facilities.
Prospective enrollees must pass a physical, drug screen and background check. The program consists of 32 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinicals. Courses will meet Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 until 10 p.m. starting June 8th. Clinicals will take place on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Students will take the state certification exam after they complete the course requirements. Continue reading
Culver Town Council Reviews Questions About Business Rezoning
The Culver Town Council held a Public Hearing for two businesses looking to have a change in zoning.
During Tuesday night’s meeting the Town, and members of the public, were able to ask questions about the changes. Earlier this year, the Culver Plan Commission recommended a zoning change to the Town Council to allow Papa’s Pizza to expand its kitchen and some of its seating.
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ISP Holding Checkpoint in St. Joseph County Friday
Motorists in St. Joseph County may have to contend with a bit of a slowdown this weekend.
ISP says they will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday. Police did not specify where the checkpoint will be held. The ISP’s Bremen Post Troopers will be conducting the work.
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Marshall County Habitat for Humanity Taking Applications for Minor Home Repairs
The Marshall County Habitat for Humanity organization is offering help to low-income homeowners who may need to have minor or critical repairs done to their home.
Executive Director Dean Byers said there are two different options available for a homeowner to apply within a program called “A Brush with Kindness”. If a homeowner is chosen to participate, they will repay the organization based on their income.
Byers said one program allows for help in minor repairs and routine home maintenance.
Culver Town Council Needs More Time for Flouridation Considerations
The Culver Town Council has a decision to make regarding public health, but decided to postpone providing direction until more council members were present .
The Town is in the process of designing a new water treatment facility. At this point in the design, engineers are requesting council input on whether the Town will use fluoride in the water treatment process.
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Charbonneau Sponsored Right to Try Bill Signed Into Law
A new law in Indiana is considered the right step by an area state Senator.
Ed Charbonneau sponsored the “Right to Try” bill that allows terminally ill medical patients to bypass the FDA’s compassionate use application process. It was signed into law on Tuesday by Governor Mike Pence after convincing approval in the General Assembly.
