All posts by Rusty Nixon

INDIANAPOLIS — According to the Indiana Department of Education, results from the 2024-2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment show an unprecedented increase in third-grade literacy rates.

With this nearly five percentage point jump, Indiana’s third-grade literacy rates have now increased for four consecutive years, indicating that Indiana’s strategic, intentional investments in early literacy are working.
Statewide, results reveal that 73,500 of Indiana’s third-grade students – or 87.3 percent – demonstrated proficient reading skills on the IREAD assessment. This is an improvement of nearly five percentage points over results for the 2023-2024 school year, which is by far the largest single-year increase since the launch of IREAD in 2013. The previous record for the largest year-over-year increase was set in 2024, and was less than 1%.
From 2013, when IREAD began, to 2021, Indiana’s literacy rates declined every year, except one (a 0.2 percentage point increase from 2014 to 2015). The pandemic exacerbated this literacy crisis, and in response, Indiana has made historic investments aimed at helping more students learn to read. With the nearly five percentage point jump in 2025, Indiana’s third grade literacy rates are now back to pre-pandemic levels. The state has also set a goal that by 2027, 95 percent of third-grade students will be reading proficiently.

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 22, at approximately 6:20 a.m., the Plymouth Police Department responded to a call for service at 301 Skylane Dr, #A1, where 32-year-old Isaac Sellers reported multiple people were walking in and around his apartment.

Officers responded and confirmed there was no one but Sellers present. He was taken to the hospital, where he was evaluated and cleared and advised not to contact 911 unless there is an emergency. Later the same morning, at approximately 7:20 a.m., Sellers dialed 911 again and reported that multiple people were walking around his apartment with guns. Officers responded to Sellers apartment and confirmed there was no one inside but him.
Sellers was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked and lodged for Emergency Telephone System-Placement of 911 Calls Prohibited (Misuse of 911).

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

*See all the area police reports at https://max983.net/police-reports/

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety awarded bids for the demolition of The Pointe Apartments on Kingston Road in Plymouth.

The property had been working with the city in an attempt to remedy situations that led to it being deemed unsafe for habitation over a year ago by City Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal. When the final deadline to meet the code passed with no action, the city accepted bids for the demolition of the property.
The Board received two bids at the previous meeting, and Manuwal recommended the bid by Hunter Transit for $55,101, which includes all asbestos testing and complete removal of the demolished structure.
Later in the evening at the meeting of the Plymouth Common Council, Manuwal stated he had just over $19,000 available in the Unsafe Building Fund for the work to be completed and asked for an additional appropriation request to be prepared for the demolition, to be considered at the board’s first meeting in September.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the Marshall County

Regional Sewer District on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 6 pm in Room 203 of the Marshall County Building 112 W. Jefferson Street, Plymouth.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department will be grinding, grading, rolling, and then spraying Suter Road on Tuesday. Milestone will be paving Suter Road on Wednesday.

This road will be closed. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones. Be mindful of our workers and road conditions.

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have decreased by 6.7 cents per gallon over the last week, averaging $ 3.12 per gallon today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 4.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 23.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.0 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.651 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.78/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.79/g, a difference of $1.01/g.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 3.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.12/g today.
“The national average saw a modest increase over the last week after storms temporarily knocked the Midwest’s largest refinery offline in Indiana, triggering sharp jumps in gas prices across Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “We could soon see prices cycle higher in Illinois and Indiana as well, although there’s been some late-week relief in wholesale prices now that the refinery is restarting. Meanwhile, Florida saw the nation’s largest weekly decline, but a rebound due to price cycling is likely on the horizon. All of this is playing out while oil prices remain relatively stable in the low $60s. With no major hurricanes threatening the U.S. at the moment, the biggest wildcard remains any shifts in Russia’s war on Ukraine. For now, expect only moderate gas price fluctuations, with the potential for lower prices arriving later this fall.”
GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

PLYMOUTH — The Randolph Street Bridge will be open for festival-related activities at noon on Thursday, Aug. 28. Access will be granted to vendors, trolleys, emergency responders, and pedestrians in support of the event.

For safety and compliance, general public vehicle traffic will not be permitted. The bridge will be patrolled to ensure these restrictions are followed.
As previously committed, the bridge is being made available to support the festival. While federal regulations prevent full public access, special provisions allow its use for this specific purpose.

ROCHESTER – Woodlawn Hospital (“Woodlawn”) has provided notice of a network data security event that may affect information related to certain individuals.

On June 30, Woodlawn detected suspicious activity on its computer network. In response, Woodlawn notified law enforcement authorities, took steps to confirm the security of its computer network, and conducted a thorough assessment of the matter to determine what happened and how it may affect information that was stored on the network.
During Woodlawn’s review, it identified that certain files may have been copied from the network. For this reason, Woodlawn is notifying individuals about the matter and has placed a notice on its website.
If individuals have questions about the matter or would like information on steps they may take, they may visit http://www.woodlawnhospital.org/security-incident or contact our toll-free assistance line at 877-332-1724. Individuals may also write to Woodlawn at Woodlawn Hospital, Attn: HIPAA Compliance Officer, 1400 E 9th St., Rochester, IN 46975.

DENVER — Last week, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit competed in the 26th Annual American Working Dog K9 Olympics Seminar and Certification Trials hosted at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana. 

Held from August 10th to 15th, this event brought together approximately one hundred K9 teams from military special forces, private contractors, and other law enforcement agencies across the country. The competition featured over thirty events designed to replicate real-world scenarios. Our K9 teams competed in key disciplines, including narcotic detection and patrol work, which encompasses searching for humans, obedience, tracking, control, article searches, apprehensions, and obstacle courses. The handlers and their dogs also completed their annual certifications. 
Deputy Blake Bennett with K9 Diesel and Deputy Alex Truty with K9 Bear proudly represented our department and performed well. In fact, Deputy Bennett and K9 Diesel scored within the top ten in

several patrol and detection events and even brought home some hardware with a 3rd finish in Narcotic Vehicle Exteriors.

We are thankful for their hard work and dedication to our department and our community.

NIPSCO will be closing Tyler Road between Pine Road and Oak Road, during working hours from Tuesday, August 26 to Friday, August 29.

The closure will be daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the road will be opened in the evening during non-work hours. Please reach out to St. Joseph County Department of Infrastructure, Planning, and Growth with any questions or concerns at (574) 235-7800.

PLYMOUTH – Marshall County health officials announced that five mosquito pools have tested positive for the West Nile virus in the county.

“As people are outside, I want them to be aware of this risk for infection with West Nile virus from mosquitoes, and I strongly recommend they take the simple precautions necessary to protect themselves,” said Byron M. Holm, M.D., local health officer, Marshall County Health Department.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have bitten an infected bird. A person bitten by an infected mosquito may show symptoms there to 15 days after the bite.
The virus typically causes a mild illness known as West Nile fever, which may include symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands, or a rash. However, a small number of individuals can develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other neurological syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis.
“West Nile virus is potentially a very serious disease,” said Dr. Holm. “The good news is it is also preventable.”
Dr. Holm urges county residents to take the following protective steps when they are outdoors:

• Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times, dusk to dawn, when possible.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes
  and exposed skin.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  Local health officials are also asking residents to take steps to rid their properties of potential mosquito breeding grounds:
• Repair failed septic systems.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that re left outdoors.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.
• Dispose of old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other unused containers
  that can hold water.
• Every week, empty and clean any containers used to hold water.
• Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
• Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.
  Health officials report that although individuals over age 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from West Nile virus, people of all ages have been infected with the virus and have had severe disease.
  990 Illinois St Plymouth, IN 46563 574-935-8565
  http://www.marshallcountyhealth.com
  Byron Holm, M.D., Health Officer
  Visit the Indiana State Department of Health Web site at: http://www.statehealth.in.gov for updated information on West Nile virus activity in Indiana.

ARGOS — The Board of Education of Argos Community Schools will meet for a Public Hearing for an Additional Appropriation of Argos Community Schools to purchase the Argos American Legion Post 68 Building and Property for Educational Purposes.

The meeting will be on Monday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. in the Dragon Center Conference Room.

BOURBON — On Aug. 20,​ at 12:23 a.m., Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call for a wrong-way driver on US 30.

Dispatch was informed that the vehicle was in the eastbound lanes going westbound from SR 331. Marshall County Deputies responded to the area. Deputies located the vehicle near Hawthorn Rd on US 30.
Deputies were able to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. The vehicle was occupied by Alysson ​Nicole Nutting, 28, of Bourbon, and a toddler. Nutting ​was found to have been under the influence of alcohol. A certified chemical ​test was administered, and Nutting was found to have a BAC ​of .203. Alysson was booked into Marshall County Jail on the following charges: Reckless Driving, Neglect of a Dependant, OWI, with passenger less than 18 years of age, Operating With a BAC of .15% or greater

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

*For all the police reports go to https://max983.net/police-reports/

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Works and Safety, along with the Common Council, will meet on Monday, beginning with the Board of Works at 6 p.m.

On the agenda are awarding the demolition bid for the Pointe Apartments and reports from the city department heads.
The Council will meet immediately following with agenda items, including the second reading of an ordinance initiating a wheel tax for the city, along with an ordinance amending contractor registration requirements.
Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building. Enter through the Garro Street entrance. If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948.
The meeting will also be live streamed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/@CityofPlymouth

PLYMOUTH — On August 19, at approximately 11:05 pm, Plymouth Police attempted a traffic stop on a Red SUV traveling east on Laporte St. from Michigan St. The vehicle was observed speeding and driving through two stop signs without coming to a complete stop.

Once the vehicle was stopped, the driver, identified as Joseph Parciak, 25, of Culver, threw a loaded pistol out the window of the vehicle. During the course of the investigation, Parciak was found to be under the influence of alcohol.
Field sobriety testing was conducted and he was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail where was lodged for Operating a vehicle while intoxicated Endangerment- Class A Misdemeanor, Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated- Class C Misdemeanor, Obstruction of Justice- Level 6 Felony, Criminal Recklessness with a firearm- Level 6 Felony, Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor, and Operating a Vehicle without ever obtaining a license- Class C Misdemeanor.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

*For all the police reports go to https://max983.net/police-reports/

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Historical Society is sponsoring a Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture Event on Friday, September 5th, from Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Marshall County Historian Kurt West Garner will present a photo essay, “Spirit of the Place: A Walk Through Indiana.” The presentation will blend photography, architecture, and history from Garner’s travels around Indiana.
The Brown Bag event will be held at the Marshall County Historical Society & Museum, 123 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. For more information, please call 574-936-2306.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department will be paving the following road on Thursday:
•Olive Trail from 12B to 13th Road.

•They will be grinding Quail Ridge Subdivision as well.
This road will be closed. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones. Be mindful of our workers and road conditions.

PLYMOUTH — After a marathon work session with the Marshall County Council, the Marshall County Commissioners made it official, unanimously passing a resolution to disband the Marshall County Sewer District.

In a resolution that was read in full at the work session, the Commissioners have called on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to dissolve the Marshall County Sewer District. The resolution cited reasons that the current project proposed was not economically feasible, fair, or reasonable.
President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz told the joint session that the resolution did not kill sewers in the county, but the resolution “takes government out of it.”
In voting for the resolution, Commissioner Jesse Bohannon quoted from the Indiana constitution that citizens “had the right to alter and reform their government,” and Commissioner Adam Faulstich stated that “…for an unelected board to have that kind of power, with no valid checks and balances, is a dangerous situation.”

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Highway Superintendent Jason Peters gave the Marshall County Commissioners an update on the county’s road work.

The county’s chip and seal program has reworked 67 miles of highway at a cost of around $1.251 million. He told the Commissioners that cold mix work would start in the next few weeks, and currently, crews are finishing up culvert work and prepping roads. Additional paving work on 3rd Road, 16 C Road, and 9th Road is complete, with work on Nutmeg set to begin next week.
Work on Academy Drive in Culver was also completed.
The Randolph Street Bridge project continues to move forward with LaPorte Construction pouring sidewalks and laying base asphalt. Work is anticipated to be complete on Aug. 23, with the company returning after the completion of the Blueberry Festival on Sept. 8 to clean up any remaining work.