PLYMOUTH – Two men were arrested Monday evening after a fight broke out at the Economy Inn on North Michigan Street in Plymouth.

Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to 2535 North Michigan Street at approximately 8:37 p.m. on October 19 following reports of a fight between two males. Upon arrival, officers found one man bleeding from the face, while the other was located in his room.

During the investigation, Officer Fisher identified the two individuals as Antoine Green, 46, of South Bend, and Bill Ortiz, 47, of Plymouth.

The investigation determined that both men were involved in the altercation. Both were placed under arrest and charged with battery, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct. Green and Ortiz were transported to Plymouth Hospital for jail clearance before being booked into the Marshall County Jail.

PLYMOUTH – A legal clash is brewing in Marshall County government after the prosecuting attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Board of County Commissioners, demanding they halt plans to disable the county’s Flock license plate reader cameras.

On Tuesday morning, Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Nelson Chipman sent the letter to Commissioners Stan Klotz, Jesse Bohannon, and Adam Faulstich, with copies to County Auditor Angie Birchmeier and County Attorney Sean Surrisi. The letter demands they stop the “bagging and tagging” of six Flock automated license plate readers currently leased to the 72nd Judicial Circuit.

“I am aware of decisions made at your most recent board meeting of October 19th, 2026,” Chipman wrote. “Please consider this correspondence as a demand to cease and desist from your contemplated action of ‘bagging and tagging’ the six Flock automated license plate readers currently under lease to me in my official capacity as Prosecuting Attorney of the 72nd Judicial Circuit.”

Chipman’s letter went on to sharply criticize the commissioners’ approach, calling it “tyrannical” and arguing it sidesteps less intrusive alternatives.

“Despite failing to explore less intrusive measures to obtain the same result, the tyrannical method you have hastily chosen, ‘bagging and tagging,’ necessarily requires your agent or employee to effectually seize and disable private personal property without due process of law,” Chipman wrote. “At a minimum, such action is additional evidence of your bad faith resulting in tortious interference with the contractual rights of the state judicial office I temporarily occupy and a lawful vendor — a contract of which I have repeatedly declared Marshall County government is not a party.”

The prosecutor closed the letter with a warning of potential legal action should the commissioners proceed. “Should you fail to abide by this demand to cease and desist the threatened seizure of private personal property leased to the 72nd Judicial Circuit, I shall have no choice but to consider my Office’s future reactive options, including self-help. I trust that will not be necessary,” Chipman wrote.

The letter comes on the heels of Monday’s commissioner meeting, where County Attorney Sean Surrisi said he had contacted Flock following the County Council’s notice of non-renewal. Surrisi said he inquired about the ability to “bag and tag” the cameras — a motion originally made by Commissioner Faulstich earlier this month that passed on a 2-1 vote. Surrisi reported that Flock provided its recommendation for bagging the cameras.

Commissioner Faulstich asked whether the county faced any legal exposure at this point. Surrisi responded that the only potential litigation could come from the prosecutor’s office. He discussed the county’s relationship with Flock, noting that the commissioners are “adjacently involved” because, as the executive body of the county, they control the land the cameras sit on and have general oversight of contracts.

After further discussion, Commissioner Bohannon made a motion to instruct the Highway Department to bag the six county Flock cameras within the next 14 days. The motion passed on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Klotz voting no. Bohannon then made a second motion to reject any Flock claim presented for payment unless it is prorated to cover the dates of December 20th through the 31st, 2026.

The standoff between the prosecutor’s office and the commissioners sets the stage for a potential legal showdown over who controls the Flock cameras and whether the county has the authority to disable them.

During Tuesday’s What’s Your Opinion Show, Commissioner Klotz said employees with the County Highway Department will not bag the county’s Flock cameras.  He said Commissioner Bohannon has ordered the material to bag the cameras and will do the job himself.

PLYMOUTH — After two hours of crunching numbers and comparing scenarios, the Marshall County MUST (Municipal Unit Strategic Task Force) voted to send a message that they didn’t agree with the proposed Local Income Tax rate of 1.25.

MUST is a county-level collaborative group established under Indiana legislation, starting March 1, 2026, to address Local Income Tax (LIT) distribution decisions as the legislature begins to shift tax burden from property to income tax in the state. The group, chaired by the President of the Marshall County Council, Tim Harman, was made up of the Clerk-Treasurers of the various municipalities in the county. Once a group finalizes its plan (or works through scenarios), the findings and non-binding reports are forwarded to the DLGF (Department of Local Government Finance).
Marshall County’s MUST sent back a message that they could not work with a LIT rate of 1.25 and also voted to send a narrative along with the report on what they would like to see.
The goal, working from projections of revenue in the future, was to make all the various tax entities “whole”, or provide at least as close to the current amount of funds they currently have from the LIT as possible.
Major objections of the group to the proposed plan presented to them by the legislature centered on Townships, libraries, and schools in the county. In the current structure, those entities have no draw of LIT funds; all their operating funds come from property tax. Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger also felt that the mandate to renegotiate the distribution every year would make planning for each budget nearly impossible.
Marshall County will also need to make up over $4 million in operating funds for the jail, as the special LIT tax currently in effect will go away when the bonds are paid in 2027.
The report, along with the group’s narrative, will be drawn up by Marshall County Auditor Angie Birchmeier and presented to the DLGF by the Nov. 1 deadline

PLYMOUTH – The REES Theatre will host its first-ever “Monster Ball: Thriller at The REES” Halloween fundraiser this Saturday, October 24, featuring music, dancing, costumes, and community support for the historic downtown Plymouth venue.

Running from 6:00 to 11:00 PM, the event promises a night packed with Halloween fun and a few surprises along the way. Organizers say they hope the Monster Ball becomes a new annual tradition for the theatre.

DJ entertainment will be provided by David “Cookie” Cook’s DJ business, accompanied by live singers. The evening will also feature tarot readings, a costume contest, a silent auction, treats, drinks, and dancing.

More than just a Halloween party, the Monster Ball serves as a fundraiser for The REES Theatre. Every ticket purchased and every silent auction bid helps the venue continue bringing movies, live entertainment, special events, and community programming to its historic downtown Plymouth location.

Tickets are priced at $60 per couple, which includes two drink tickets, or $35 per person, which includes one drink ticket.

Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help with this year’s event and welcome anyone interested in lending a hand. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals and businesses looking to support the fundraiser and The REES Theatre.

The theatre extended its gratitude to current sponsors DAC Enterprises, Plymouth Foundry, Kings Jewelry, and Anna Gilsinger–RE/MAX. Those interested in becoming a sponsor can email Director@reestheatre.org for more information.

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 6.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.84/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 18.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.01/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 5.2 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $6.300 per gallon.

Lowest reported prices in communities around the area:

Pulaski County

Winamac — $3.94

Francesville — $3.99

Medaryville — $3.99

Starke County

Knox — $3.99

North Judson — $3.89

LaPorte County

LaPorte — $3.84

Michigan City — $3.81

Wanatah — $3.72

Rolling Prairie — $3.92

Westville — $3.69

North Liberty — $3.85

Walkerton — $3.51

Marshall County

Argos — $3.79

Bourbon — $3.79

Bremen — $3.79

Culver — $3.99

LaPaz — $3.96

Plymouth — $3.79

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $3.06/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.69/g, a difference of $1.63/g.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 5.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.24/g today.

Gas Buddy is America’s trusted fuel savings source at GasBuddy.com

PLYMOUTH – On Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at 12:55 pm, Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Olive Trail and 11th Road.

One caller had informed Dispatch that one of the vehicles involved had rolled over. When Officers arrived on scene, it was learned that a 2024 Dodge Durango, driven by Ethan Daley, 17, of Plymouth, was traveling south on Olive Trail. As Daley approached the intersection at 11th Road, there was a stopped 2017 Ford F-150, driven by Coleton Masterson, 26, of Argos, on the west side of the road. As the Durango approached the intersection, the F-150 failed to yield the right-of-way and struck the Durango in the rear passenger side, causing a series of rolls.

The Durango came to a rest with its right side up. The driver and 2 other occupants of the Durango were transported to the Hospital to be evaluated. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Plymouth Fire & EMS, Rans Towing, and Lyons Towing.

PLYMOUTH – A Plymouth man was arrested Saturday evening after allegedly threatening adults and children with a knife during a campfire gathering on the 700 block of Broadway Street.

Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to the scene at 9:17 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, following reports of a man who had come out with a machete and threatened people outside.

During the investigation, officers spoke with several witnesses and determined that Ruben Ramirez, 58, of the 200 block of Jefferson Street in Plymouth, had come out with a knife and threatened people and children while intoxicated.

Ramirez was placed under arrest by Officer Fisher and transported to Plymouth Hospital for jail clearance before being taken to the Marshall County Jail. He was booked on charges of intimidation with a deadly weapon, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct. Ramirez was given a court date and bond.

PLYMOUTH – Marshall County’s economy remains strong heading into the final quarter of 2026, but challenges are mounting.

That’s the takeaway from the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation’s third-quarter update, delivered by CEO Greg Hildebrand.

The numbers tell a story of strength and pressure. National unemployment stood at 4.2 percent in early October. Marshall County’s rate was even lower at 3.2 percent in August — below Indiana’s 3.6 percent. But the county’s labor force is down slightly from a year ago, and inflation remains a concern. Diesel is averaging around seven dollars a gallon locally, and 30-year mortgage rates have climbed to 7.28 percent nationally.

Hildebrand says leads from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation are picking up — a promising sign. MCEDC is collaborating with Purdue MEP on industrial training, conducting a countywide infrastructure study, and working on talent attraction.

But Hildebrand says workforce remains the central challenge. He emphasizes that quality-of-life amenities, housing, and educational access are now just as important as physical infrastructure in attracting investment.

PLYMOUTH – The Plymouth Common Council unanimously voted last week to accept two donations totaling $520 earmarked for the Plymouth Police K9 Program.

City Clerk-Treasurer Lynn Gorski presented the donations to the council, detailing a $50 contribution from the Hoosier Old Wheels and a $470 gift from Bowen Printing. Both donations were designated for the K9 Program under restricted terms and conditions.

Gorski asked council members whether they wished to accept the donations with the attached restrictions and designated purpose. Following a unanimous decision, the clerk said she would receipt the funds into the respective account.

The contributions add to ongoing community support for the Plymouth Police K9 Program, which relies in part on local donations to fund its operations.

PLYMOUTH – The Marshall County Council met for a short meeting on Friday to finalize the budget for 2027.

The council unanimously passed the budget for 2027.

Grab your candy buckets, dust off those costumes, and get ready — Swan Lake Resort is turning the woods into a Halloween wonderland, and every ghost and goblin in Plymouth is invited.

Mark your calendars, because on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Swan Lake Resort will host its wildly popular Trick-or-Treat Trails — a free, family-friendly Halloween event that’s part candy crawl, part hayride, and all fun.

The event runs from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, with trick-or-treating, and the trail truly comes alive.

Admission is completely free. The only thing you need to bring is your own candy bucket or bag. That’s it. No tickets, no catch, no tricks — just treats.

What’s Waiting on the Trail? Dozens of businesses and organizations will set up decorated candy stations along the trail, handing out goodies to every costumed kid who comes through.

But the candy stations are just beginning. Take a scenic ride through the woods. It’s autumn, the leaves are turning, and there’s something magical about a hayride.

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee will be at the Swan Lake Resort’s Trick-or-Treat Trails because every great parent deserves a warm cup of coffee while chasing sugar-fueled superheroes through the woods, and the Kona Ice truck will be there for when the costumes get warm and the kids need to cool down. Shaved ice to the rescue!

Here’s the beauty of Trick-or-Treat Trails: it goes on rain or shine. If Mother Nature decides to throw a little October weather at the party, the activities simply move indoors. So, there’s no reason to let a cloudy forecast keep you home.

ARGOS — The Board of Education of Argos Community Schools will meet for a Regular Board meeting and public hearing on the capital projects and bus replacement plans on Oct. 19, 2026, in the Dragon Center conference room at 7 p.m.

This meeting is a meeting of the School Board in public for the purpose of conducting the School
Corporation’s business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There will be time for public participation as indicated on the agenda.
On the agenda:
-Public Hearing on Capital Project and Bus Replacement Plans
Regular Meeting
-Communication from patrons
-Approval of minutes of regular meeting and public hearing -September 21, 2026
-Approval of personnel changes
-Approval to offer the purchase of old MacBooks to staff
-Approval of buyback offer of old MacBooks to Total Technology
-Approval to recycle obsolete technology equipment
-Approval of Core Mechanical Services pay app no. 5 for tunnel piping replacement
-Approval of Ziolkowski Construction pay app no. 5 for exterior masonry repairs
Approval of LWC invoices 20026, 20027, 20028, 20029, and 20030
-Approval of SPG Roofing pay app. no. 2 for roofing work
-Approval of siding quote for Educational Center from V&M Construction
-Approval of 2027 school district budget as advertised
-Approval of 2027 Capital Projects plan and Bus Replacement plan as advertised
-Approval of December 2026 stipend for certified/classified employees and administrators
-Approval of claims
-Approval of donations
-Superintendent report
-Financial report
Closing comments
Adjournment

Drivers who rely on Academy Road in Culver to get across town will need to find another route on Monday.

Academy Road will be closed from Wall Street east to the town limits on Monday, October 19, to accommodate a sewer line installation, according to Culver Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim.

The closure is expected to last through the day as crews work to install the new sewer line along the corridor. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and plan for potential delays in the area.

Local access for residents within the closure zone may be maintained, but through traffic should avoid the segment between Wall Street East and the town limits.

PLYMOUTH – United Way of Marshall County (UWMC) announced Thursday morning that Ray Blair has claimed the $11,481 winning prize from the fourth annual Marshall County Blueberry Half Pot.

This year’s raffle reached a total jackpot of $22,963. Proceeds benefiting UWMC support local programs such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which delivers free books to young children, along with other efforts to improve education, health, and financial stability throughout Marshall County.

“We are grateful to everyone who purchased tickets and to the sponsors and volunteers who gave their time and support,” said Linda Yoder, UWMC Executive Director. “Their generosity helps us connect local families with resources and opportunities that strengthen our community.”

The 2026 Blueberry Half Pot was proudly supported by Diamond Level Sponsor Paladin Legacy Advisory Group; Gold Level Sponsors AK Industries, Inc. and Coca-Cola; and Silver Level Sponsor Masterson & Associates.

The Marshall County Community Foundation (MCCF) announced Thursday $300,622 in Fall 2026 grant awards, including $284,449 from Community Funds and $16,173 from the Ralph C. Vonnegut Jr. Fund.

Twice each year, nonprofit organizations are invited to request funding for projects that improve quality of life in Marshall County. MCCF Grants Committee members evaluate proposals through a competitive application process. This fall’s awards support projects ranging from technology training and grief support to arts facilities, environmental stewardship, and spaces where residents can gather and connect.

Fall 2026 Community Fund Grant awardees include the Marshall County Neighborhood Center who received $15,000 for HVAC and building improvements that will help maintain a safe, welcoming space for the people it serves. enFocus was awarded $65,000 to expand its work in Marshall County for one year across five areas: education and workforce; health and social services; energy and housing systems; government services; and civic data and systems. The Bremen Arts Collective received $30,000 to replace its septic system and support continued use of its facility for arts programming. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ will use the $3,600 grant for the Seasonal Dignity & Wellness Initiative, which trains volunteers to build relationships with Marshall County residents, offer seasonal wellness support, and connect people with community resources. Dustin’s Place was awarded $7,500 to strengthen coordination among schools, healthcare providers, first responders, and community partners so grieving children and families can access compassionate support. Human Delta, Inc. will use the $50,000 for Next Path 2.0, which provides technology training to Marshall County residents, students, and organizations. The Marshall County Park and Recreation Department was awarded $5,500 for professional removal of hazardous trees and invasive species at Memorial Forest. The new Garden Court Horizons that will be built at the intersection of SR 17, Olive Trail, and Overmyer Drive on the city’s west side received $102,849 for bike racks, a greenhouse, a play yard, a resident garden, and signage to create spaces where residents can grow, play, and connect. UMatter2 was awarded $5,000 for the Veteran Community Food Program, which provides food to veterans and their families who face barriers to accessing other food resources.

Community Funds are MCCF’s most flexible resources for addressing current and emerging needs. These unrestricted endowment funds support projects in areas such as arts, education, health and human services, recreation, and the environment.

Since its first Community Fund grants in 1995, MCCF has distributed more than $6 million from these funds alone.

An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will shut down a stretch of State Road 23 for a full day of roadwork on Wednesday, October 21.

Milestone Contractors LP will conduct the one-day closure, expected to run from about 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Crews will tackle two key projects during the closure: installing a new pipe structure between New Road and Osborne Road and placing a thin overlay on State Road 23 from Madison Road to Crumstown Highway to improve skid resistance and roadway safety.

Through traffic should seek alternate routes or use the official detour using U.S. 20/31 to U.S. 31 and on to State Road 4.

Access will be maintained for local traffic, but motorists should be prepared to alter their travel plans based on where work is actively occurring along the route.

The one-day closure is part of a larger resurfacing contract that covers State Road 23 between State Road 4 and north of the U.S. 20/31 bypass. Construction activities related to that contract will be ongoing through the end of November.

INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when traveling through the area and to follow traffic directions carefully.

Motorists should slow down, exercise caution, and drive distraction-free through all work zones. The reduced speeds and temporary lane shifts are in place to protect both drivers and the crews working alongside traffic.

While the closure is just one day, the broader resurfacing project will continue to shape travel along this corridor for several more weeks. Planning ahead, checking for updates, and allowing extra time will help keep your commute — and the crews on the road — moving safely.

The Plymouth Rotary Club will host its annual Meet the Candidates Night on Thursday, October 22, allowing voters to hear from state, county, and township candidates on the November 3 General Election ballot.

For the last several years, the Rotary Club has provided this forum as a way for voters to learn about the candidates — who they are and where they stand on the issues — before heading to the polls.

The event is free and open to the public, and will be held at The REES Theatre, located at 100 North Michigan Street in downtown Plymouth, beginning at 6 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees will find plenty of street and parking lot space available nearby.

For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be broadcast live at 6 p.m. on: GIANT fm WTCA 106.1 and AM 1050 or on Max 98.3.

With early voting and Election Day both on the horizon, the forum offers one of the last best opportunities for Marshall County voters to hear directly from candidates — in person or on the radio — before making their decisions at the ballot box.

A South Bend man with an active warrant for his arrest turned himself in at the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office yesterday morning.

On Wednesday, October 14th at 8:30 A.M., the Plymouth Police Department was notified of a subject who wanted to turn himself in because of an active arrest warrant through Marshall County. Officer Wallace was dispatched to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office at 112 West Jefferson Street in Plymouth. The officer took Eric Salfer, 45, of South Bend, into custody without incident and transported him to the Marshall County Jail. Salfer was lodged on the active arrest warrant, given a cash bond of $6,810, and a court date in Marshall Superior Court III.

PLYMOUTH – Those driving on the east side of Plymouth will see the newest Heartland Harvest greeter on duty at 705 East Jefferson Street, working around the clock to let the entire community know that Heartland Church and its congregation are gearing up for a day of fall celebration — and everyone’s invited.

Heartland Church will host its annual Heartland Harvest this Sunday, October 18, from 3 to 6 PM at its Plymouth campus. The afternoon promises a full slate of free family fun, with no tickets and no catch — just a whole lot of fall festivities.

The event features activities for all ages, including a petting zoo with more than 20 animals, hayrides, a bounce house, face painting, and free food such as apple cider, hot dogs, and popcorn. A few food trucks will also be on site with additional options available for purchase.

“We’re throwing a party for our community, and everyone’s invited,” said Heartland Church. The congregation encourages families to bring the kids, invite their friends, and make some fall memories together.

The festival is completely free to attend. No tickets are required, and there are no hidden costs — though food trucks will be on site for those looking to purchase additional options beyond the complimentary fare.

Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon out with the family, a chance to meet neighbors, or just a reason to celebrate the season, Heartland Harvest is opening its doors — and its heart — to the whole community this Sunday.ay.

PLYMOUTH – Plymouth’s downtown merchants are gearing up for their annual Old Fashioned Christmas Scavenger Hunt, and they’re calling on all downtown businesses to join the fun.

The two-day event runs Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 — Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday — as part of Plymouth’s Old Fashioned Christmas festivities.

Participating businesses choose from a list of Old-Fashioned Christmas-themed items to hide inside their store or display in their storefront window. Shoppers then explore downtown, visit participating businesses, search for the items, and complete their Scavenger Hunt ballots for a chance to win a prize.

For businesses that aren’t open on Black Friday or Shop Small Saturday, there’s still a way to join: simply place the scavenger hunt item in the front window so participants can spot it from outside.

There is no cost to take part, and the benefits are plentiful. Your business will be listed on the official Scavenger Hunt ballot. Participation brings new and returning customers through your doors. You gain additional exposure through event advertising, and you help make downtown Plymouth a fun, festive shopping destination.

Downtown businesses must register by November 10 to participate. To sign up, email your business name and contact information to Jennifer Criddle with the Downtown Plymouth Events/Marketing Committee at wellness.essentials6@gmail.com. She will send you the list of items to choose from for your scavenger hunt display.

Downtown Plymouth’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration has become a cherished tradition for the community, and the Scavenger Hunt adds an interactive layer of fun that gets families exploring every corner of downtown. With Shop Small Saturday built into the weekend, it’s a perfect pairing of local commerce and holiday cheer.