All posts by Rusty Nixon

ARGOS — The Town of Argos, together with the Marshall County Historical Society, will host a special reception honoring the legacy of the Argos Boy Scout troop, whose story captured national attention in the 1950s. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 5:30 – 8:00 PM at the Gallery on West in Argos.

In the mid-20th century, scouting was an integral part of American life, instilling confidence, character, and leadership in young men. For the Argos troop, a weekend campout in Wisconsin transformed into something extraordinary when it was featured on Walter Cronkite’s CBS radio program You Are There and later profiled in Boys’ Life magazine. The small-town troop’s adventure was shared with families across the nation, making Argos a part of scouting history.
The upcoming reception will showcase video excerpts from Cronkite’s broadcast, interviews with troop members George Stults and Gene Snyder, and archival photographs and articles from the era. Together, these materials paint a vivid picture of how scouting shaped generations of Argos youth and reflected the values of teamwork, service, and community.
“This event is more than just remembering a weekend campout. It’s about honoring the role scouting played in shaping young leaders and strengthening the fabric of our town,” said Jon VanderWeele, event organizer.

The community is invited to attend the event. Light refreshments will be served.
Event Details:
What: Reception honoring the Argos Boy Scout troop’s national recognition in the 1950s
When: Saturday, September 27th, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Where: The Gallery on West, Argos, IN
Hosted by: The Town of Argos & the Marshall County Historical Society
Additional information about the Town of Argos can be found online at http://www.townofargos.com and on social media @townofargos.

PLYMOUTH — The drama of just what will happen with “The Pointe” apartments in Plymouth moved into Act II on Monday as the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety heard a proposal for a repurposing of the building rather than its demolition.

Doug and Ann Pomeroy approached Plymouth Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal, and subsequently the Board of Works and Safety, about wanting to purchase the property before demolition. The Pomeroy’s have a ministry, Shepherds Beginnings, and are currently associate chaplains at the Marshall County Jail and leaders of the Celebrate Recovery ministry at Plymouth Wesleyan Church.
The Pomeroys would like to rebuild the building for their ministry as transitional housing for those released from jail or prison, where they can receive ministry help in counseling and gaining employment and permanent housing, as they transition to life after incarceration. The Pomeroys told the Board that they were currently helping those residing in hotels in Plymouth, but would like a place to move their clients out of that housing and add the ability to help more at a fixed location.
The Pomeroys have made an offer on the property contingent on several things, including the stay of demolition, a variance of use from the Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals, and approval of a timeline for rebuilding the structure, as well as settlement of a $300,000 fine imposed by the Indiana Attorney General. They have already begun the process with inspections of the property to gain input on the scope and cost of repairs.
Manuwal was not against a stay of the demolition order but did recommend caution.

The project received the first opposition, even before the end of the hearing, with City Councilman Randy Longanecker stepping forward.

The Board gave the Pomeroys a 30-day stay of demolition during which time they are to provide Manuwal with a list of repairs to bring the property to code and an estimated timeline of repairs.

PLYMOUTH — While on routine patrol, Marshall County Deputies observed a vehicle traveling 113mph in a posted 50mph zone ​westbound on US 30 in the area of US 31.

Upon performing a traffic stop on the vehicle and ​ ​talking with the suspect, ​the driver, Corrinna F. Janda, 39, was found to be operating a vehicle with a suspended license and suspected of operating while intoxicated.
She was taken to the Marshall County Jail.

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

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

PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 22 at 7:18 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to the area of S. Michigan St. and Pierce St. for a woman lying on the ground.

When the officer arrived, he noticed a woman, identified as Abbie Graciliano, a 20-year-old from Warsaw, staggering across the roadway. She was with another woman identified as Grace Gardner 24-year-old of Plymouth.
Plymouth Officers had encountered both women recently for a prior disturbance on Gilmore St. Both women were trespassed from that property. Both women were on the same property on Gilmore St.
Gardner was arrested for criminal trespass, and Graciliano was arrested for criminal trespass and public intoxication. Both women were transported to Marshall County Jail.

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

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

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is now accepting applications for the Creative Convergence program. Creative Convergence is a team-based workshop and funding opportunity aimed at creative community development. The program is held in partnership with the Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) at Ball State University’s Miller College of Business.

The Creative Convergence program consists of a two-day, in-person training and the opportunity to apply for a Creative Convergence Early Action grant. The in-person workshop will take place from November 4-5 in Fishers, Indiana. The training focuses on how to embed arts and creativity in community and economic planning and solutions, how to work collaboratively across sectors, and how to effectively engage with the community. The grant program is designed to allow communities to apply the learnings from the workshop to a project that benefits creatives and the community and offers awards of up to $5,000.
The program is designed to be completed by teams of three to four community members, including at least one representative from government, economic development, neighborhood or community development, or the business community, one representative from an arts or civic organization, and one local artist or creative. The team will work together throughout the training and the execution of the project.
Now in its fourth cohort, Creative Convergence was developed in response to a research study released by ICI, in partnership with the IAC, in 2022. “Planning with Arts & Culture” examined how Indiana municipalities utilize local arts and culture in their community and economic strategies. Key amongst the findings was the expressed need for support in identifying and leveraging the creative sector to improve quality of life for all.
Applications are open now and will close on Tuesday, September 30th at 11:59PM ET. Questions can be directed to Anne Johansson, IAC Community Services Manager, at AJohansson@iac.IN.gov.

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of September 20, at 1 a.m., Plymouth officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traveling nearly 20 MPH over the posted speed limit.

The traffic stop took place on US 31 and 9A Road, where the driver was identified as Jeremiah Banks, 39 years old, of Plainfield, IN.
During the traffic stop, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department-K9 Bear assisted. With the assistance of K9 Bear, approximately 20 grams of suspected marijuana were located in the vehicle. Further investigation was completed after Banks showed signs of impairment.
Following the investigation, Banks was lodged at the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of Possession of Marijuana with a prior conviction, operating a vehicle while intoxicated on a controlled substance, and endangerment.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Thursday, Sept. 18, at 8:27 p.m., Plymouth Officers on patrol westbound on US 30 west of Pioneer Drive clocked a White Chevrolet Impala traveling eastbound on US 30 west of his location at 100 MPH in a posted 50 MPH Zone.

Officers stopped the vehicle on US 30 eastbound just west of Pioneer Drive. The driver was arrested for reckless driving, and the K-9 officer was deployed; marijuana was located in the vehicle. The back seat passenger, Diquan King, 20, of Fort Wayne, was cited for possession of marijuana. The driver, Malachi Byrd, 22, also of Fort Wayne, was then transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked into the jail for Reckless Driving.

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

The Marshall County Highway Department has announced that Ule Trail, from 1st Road to the county line,

will be closed at the bridge to all traffic until Oct. 3 for a NIPSCO gas line relocation. Once completed, the bridge will likely remain closed during the construction phase to replace it.
Ule Trail will remain CLOSED until mid-December. Please plan accordingly for the closure.

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel has released the jail and activity report for the month of August.

The average jail population for the month was 138 out of a total of 233 beds. Of those 22 inmates were serving felony charges, 93 were pretrial inmates, 113 men and 25 women.
There are 1330 active warrants in the county.
The top five offences for August were:
Failure to appear — 28
Operating while intoxicated — 21
Driving while suspended — 18
Operator never licensed — 16
Possession of marijuana — 14
Sheriff’s Deputies made 76 arrests on the month, Plymouth Police 48, Bremen and Indiana State Police made 6.

BOURBON — On Sept. 14,​ around 5:11 a.m., Marshall County Deputies were notified of a possible impaired driver in a silver truck on US 30 headed east and turned south on Fir Road.

Deputies located the vehicle and made a traffic stop for traffic violations. The driver, identified as Walter J. Ortiz Rivera, 37, of Bourbon, was found to have been drinking. Field sobriety tests were performed and attempted by Rivera. He was offered a certified blood test and agreed. He was taken to the Plymouth hospital, where blood was drawn and tested at ​four times the legal limit.
Rivera was arrested for felony ​operating a vehicle while intoxicated due to prior convictions ​and never obtaining a license. ​He was charged and booked at the Marshall County Jail.

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

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the Indiana Department of Health shares information and facts to help raise awareness on suicide and how to help prevent it.

According to the Indiana Department of Health, some of the warning signs for suicide may not be obvious, but remembering the acronym FACTS may be helpful in looking for signs.
F for Feelings, or specifically expressing hopelessness about the future.
A is for Actions, or displaying severe or overwhelming pain or distress.
C is for Changes, if they are showing changes in their behavior, such as isolation from friends and social activities, anger, hostility, or changes in sleep patterns.
T is for Threats, including talking about, writing about, or making plans for suicide.
S is for Situations, as in someone is experiencing situations that can serve as triggers for suicide, including experiencing a loss, personal humiliation, trouble in school, at home, or with the law.
If you notice someone struggling with some of these signs, you can encourage them to share how they’re feeling and to seek treatment. You can offer help in getting them professional support, and maintain your connection and check in with them.
There is help available. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has trained crisis specialists available 24/7 and can be reached by dialing 988. Additionally, Indiana residents can receive support by dialing 211.
The National Suicide Hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, or by texting IN to 741741. The Trevor Project hotline, specifically geared towards LGBTQ+ youth, who experience higher rates of suicide than the general population, can be reached at 866-488-7386 or by texting “Trevor” to 202-304-1200.

At 828 PM EDT/728 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near La Porte to near Hamlet to near North Judson.

Movement was east at 25 mph. HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include… South Bend, Mishawaka, La Porte, Plymouth, Bremen, Knox, Gulivoire Park, Granger, Walkerton, North Liberty, New Carlisle, North Judson, Argos, Hamlet, Lakeville, Roseland, Koontz Lake, Oak Grove, La Paz, and Kingsbury. This includes Interstate 80 in Indiana between mile markers 70 and 81.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has updated today’s Air Quality Action forecast to include three regions in Northern Indiana. In addition, the agency has forecast an Air Quality Action Day for tomorrow in Southeast Indiana.

On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area
Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
A stagnant air mass continues across the region today, combined with unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, sunny skies, and light wildfire smoke may drive ozone levels once again into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range across these regions.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
A stagnant airmass will persist across the region through Saturday, and the combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, sunny skies, and light wildfire smoke could once again elevate ozone levels into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range.
Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:
View air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified dates. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the affected region(s) to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.

INDIANAPOLIS — The final Free Fishing Day of 2025 is Saturday, Sept. 27, so mark your calendars! While there are no licenses or stamps required on Free Fishing Days, all regulations, such as seasons, bag limits, and size limits, still apply.

These special days offer Indiana residents the opportunity to try fishing for the first time without having to purchase a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
If you already have your annual fishing license, this is a perfect opportunity to take friends and family fishing who haven’t gone before. Additionally, you can plan a fishing trip with the click of a button using DNR’s new Fishing Trip Planner. After answering a few questions about your trip preferences, the planner charts your course and does the work for you.
Not sure where to go fishing? Check out the Where To Fish map and find your new favorite fishing spot.

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Common Council and Board of Public Works and Safety will have their regular meeting on Monday, starting with the Board of Works at 6 p.m.

On the Boards agenda are a partnership agreement with Future Habitat, a resolution for the date and time of trick or treating, and the opening of quotes for the Street Department parking lot.
The Common Council will meet following the Board of Works, and that agenda includes second and third readings of ordinances for appropriations and tax rates for 2026, setting salaries for elected officials for the coming year.
First readings will be heard on a resolution authorizing the Clerk-Treasurer to transfer money from the Rainy Day Fund to the Unsafe Building Fund, and establishing an “Economic Revitalization Area” in preparation for a tax abatement for American Container.
The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building, enter by the Garro Street entrance. If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948. The meeting is also livestreamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.

PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 18, at approximately 03:40 am, Plymouth Police were dispatched to 1000 Pidco Dr. in Plymouth in reference to a man who had pulled a knife on a coworker.

Upon arrival, the male, Keith Ziaja, 38, of Knox, was located inside his vehicle in the parking lot. During the course of the investigation for intimidation, it was found that Ziaja was under the influence of alcohol.
An OWI investigation was completed and Ziaja was taken into custody. Ziaja was transported to the Marshall County Jail where he was lodged for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated- Class C Misdemeanor. The charges for intimidation are included in the report that will be sent to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Officer for further review.

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

PLYMOUTH — Monday, during the meeting of the Marshall County Commissioners, Highway Superintendent Jason Peters approached the board about seeking funding for some additional roads in Marshall County subdivisions that could be paved before the end of the season.

Peters suggested approaching the Marshall County Council with a request for additional funding for the year to address roads in Forest Hills, Oak Crest, Crest Lane, D Drive, and Tall Oaks. The paving would be hot mix and was not part of the original road plan for the county.
The Commissioners voted to seek the support of the Council for the additional road work.

On Saturday,​ Sept 6th,​ at 8:42 P.M., Marshall County Deputies were dispatched to an address on 2C Road for a weapons-involved disturbance.

During the investigation, it was determined that Nathan H. Hill, 40, of Bremen,​ had operated his motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.
Hill was transported to Plymouth Hospital for a certified chemical test where he was found to be over two ​times the legal limit of alcohol. Hill was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a prior conviction,​ a Level 6 Felony.

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