PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 10 at 1:58 a.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to Baker St. for a report of a domestic violence in progress.

Arriving at the scene, Officers determined that the crime was not in progress and that the report had been falsely made. The calling party was eventually identified and located traveling west on Baker St. near Columbus St.
A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver of the vehicle, Nolan Z. Kalka, 25, of South Bend, was found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Kalka was arrested and charged with False Reporting, Obstruction of Justice, and Operating a Vehicle with a BAC over 0.15. He was transported to the Marshall County Jail and issued a court date and a bond.

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

While working the DUI task force assignment, ​Marshall County Deputies stopped a vehicle for speeding.

While talking with the driver, Joshua D. Robinson, 34, a strong smell of marijuana emanated ​from the vehicle. Marshall County Deputies located approximately 2 Ounces of marijuana.

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

CULVER — The Town of Culver will begin construction on the Lake Shore Drive Widening Project starting Monday, September 15.

This construction zone is located on Lake Shore Drive between State Road 10 and Academy Road. Two-way traffic will be closed; however, the Town will try to maintain single lane traffic through this area to provide access to Park and Shop as well as First National Bank of Monterey. Any concerns or questions can be addressed to kdanti@townofculver.org.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation is in search of dedicated, qualified individuals who want to help serve their fellow Hoosiers this winter. INDOT will host winter seasonal

hiring events on Tuesday, September 23, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. local time, at six locations across the state, and on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time at four locations in the Southeast district.
Winter seasonal positions run from November through early April. Pay starts at $21 per hour for full-time operations and $25 per hour for on-call snowplow-only operations. Job duties for full-time seasonal positions include performing general highway and traffic maintenance, snow and ice removal and other duties related to winter operations. A valid CDL is required to be considered for full-time or on-call positions.
Registration is not required to attend INDOT’s hiring events, and interviews will be conducted on-site the same day. INDOT team members will be available to answer questions and provide more information about open positions and careers with the agency. For a full list of hiring event locations and more information, visit INDOTJobs.com.

LaPAZ — On Thursday, Sept. 4,​ at 12:01 pm,​ Marshall County Dispatch broadcast a report of a possible impaired or unsafe driver northbound on US 31 from SR 10.

The report was of a black Ford Explorer or SUV with a ladder on top of it,​ all over the roadway. Marshall County Officers located that vehicle and the vehicle was stopped for a moving violation.
Officers discovered that the driver Edd D Kadja, 23, and Nicholas W Dispain, 20 both of Indianapolis, were in possession of marijuana. Both were taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail. ​

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

PLYMOUTH — Kennedy Tennant has earned National recognition for Excellence in dispatching through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

This distinguished achievement is awarded to Dispatchers who have completed at least three advanced dispatch courses within two years. Receiving this recognition shows that our Dispatchers are highly trained and will always strive to provide exceptional emergency services to the communities we serve.
“Training is a top priority for our 911 Dispatchers, and we take great pride in recognizing these individuals for their hard work and dedication,” said Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel. “Today, Kennedy received her certificate from NENA and was provided with a Marshall County Dispatch challenge coin for her achievement.”

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Board of Finance will meet on Monday, Sept. 15 at

10:30 a.m. or immediately following the Commissioners Meeting in room 203 of the Marshall County Building.
The purpose is for the discussion of interest earned on County accounts.

The Marshall County Highway Culvert Crew will be closing a road on Thursday for a culvert replacement.

•Redwood from 3B to 2B
This road will be closed. No vehicles will be able to get through while work is being performed. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones. Be mindful of our workers and road conditions.

On Saturday,​ Sept 6,​ at 6:32 p.m., the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call regarding a single vehicle rollover on US 31 at 19th Road.

The driver, Matthew Stone, 40, stated he did not remember anything about the crash. ​A witness stated Stone’s vehicle was traveling north on US 31 at what appeared to be a high rate of speed and attempted to make a left-hand turn onto 19th Road and lost control,​ rolling the vehicle into the ditch. ​
Stone stated he did not remember the crash and was also trapped in the vehicle, and was extricated by the Argos Fire Dept. ​Stone was flown from the scene.
​Agencies Involved: ​Marshall County Sheriff’s Department,​ Argos Police,​ Argos Fire,​ Argos EMS,​ Medflight

PLYMOUTH — City of Plymouth Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson updated the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety on the current city water main upgrade project.

The work has experienced several snags, one of which over the work to be done on Lake Avenue near the railroad tracks. The city needed the approval of the railroad to work in their right of way, and just which railroad company owned the ground was the first snag, with the city finally confirming that the Genesee and Wyoming Railroad had the rights to the right of way. After finally obtaining permission for the work, the delay had taken long enough that the city subcontractor for the work will not be able to get to the work before the end of the year.
Because of that delay, Davidson told the board that Gennesee and Wyoming may charge more money.
The work on Jefferson Street continues, and Davidson told the board that he was very disappointed with the speed and inconvenience caused by the contractor.

PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 8 at 2:36 p.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to the Red D Mart for a man who was trying to steal from a vehicle.

Alvaro R. Flores, 41, of Warsaw, was seen trying to leave the area and refused commands to stop. Flores resisted arrest and bit an officer during the struggle.
He was taken into custody and transported to the Plymouth ER for medical clearance and lodged at the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Sept. 9, at 4 a.m., Plymouth Police Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on State Road 17, in Plymouth.

Plymouth Police Officers were assisted by Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies in executing the search warrant of the residence and property. As a result of the police department’s investigation, Oscar J. Andrade, 48, of Plymouth, was taken into custody for possession of cocaine, possession of a legend drug, possession of marijuana, intimidation, and invasion of privacy.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is warning Hoosiers to stay alert for government impersonation scams targeting residents through email, text, phone, and social media.

The Indiana Securities Division has seen a rise in reports of scammers posing as government employees or agencies, tricking victims into believing their accounts have been hacked or tied to illegal activity. Scammers then pressure victims to move their money—often resulting in devastating financial losses.
Recent cases include:
— An elderly woman who lost over $800,000 after being told her computer contained illegal content and ordered to transfer her savings into cryptocurrency and gold.
— Another Hoosier who lost nearly $2 million after scammers posing as Homeland Security agents convinced him to wire funds and hand over gold bars.
These scams often follow three steps:
•Tech Support Imposter – A pop-up, text, or email directs victims to call “tech support,” giving scammers access to personal computers and financial accounts. They pretend to run a virus scan on your computer and falsely claim the victim’s computer has been hacked.
•Financial Institution Imposter – Victims are told their accounts are compromised and instructed to transfer money “for safekeeping.” The victim is directed to transfer their money via a wire transfer, cash, or crypto ATM transfer, often to overseas recipients.
•Government Imposter – Scammers pose as federal agencies, sometimes using fake letterhead or emails to appear legitimate. The scammer continues to emphasize that the victim’s funds are “unsafe” and that they must be moved to a new “alias” account for protection.
“Scammers are preying on hardworking Hoosiers, stealing their life savings under the guise of protecting their assets. Urgency and secrecy are two of the biggest red flags. If you’re asked to convert cash into cryptocurrency, wire funds, or send gift cards, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. Ask questions and do your homework before handing over your hard-earned money,” said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State.
You should remember:
•The U.S. government will never ask for money through wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
•Do not click on unsolicited pop-ups, links, or attachments.
Verify before acting—contact the Indiana Securities Division at 317-232-6681 before sending money.

BREMEN — Marshall County Prosecutor’s office announces charges filed after an investigation for a report of a man and woman being stabbed on Jute Road in Bremen last week.

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, Officers with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call regarding a man saying he had been stabbed. Officers arrived on scene and located the man, who indicated he had been stabbed and had then stabbed a woman. Officers rushed to the home the man referenced and found one deceased woman. It was later learned that the man had not, in fact, been stabbed. The deceased woman was identified as Elizabeth Barrett Hite. After obtaining a search warrant for both the residence and the suspected offender’s vehicle, Officers executed multiple search warrants in the area of Jute Road, recovering a knife, drug paraphernalia, and a white powdery substance, among other items.
The man was arrested and identified as Justin Michael Brown of Bremen. He is currently being held at the Marshall County Jail for Murder with no bond. The initial hearing date has yet to be set in Marshall Superior Court.
Other agencies that assisted the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation were: the Indiana State Police, Bremen Police Department, Bremen EMS, Lapaz EMS, Marshall County Coroner, and Lapaz Fire Department.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Investigations Division.
This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the community at large.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed. The person charged is presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and is entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.

PLYMOUTH — On the mentioned date and approximate time, Officers with the Plymouth Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that showed the registered owner was suspended and also had a warrant.

The vehicle pulled over in the CVS parking lot. The driver was identified as Brett Wagoner, 52 years old, of Elkhart.
He was wanted out of Elkhart County and was suspended with a prior. Wagoner was transported to Marshall County Jail.

PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 8 at 11:23 a.m. Plymouth officers were dispatched to the Marshall County Probation Department to take Jonas S. Bliler, 27 of Connersville, IN, into custody for an active warrant in Elkhart County.
He was lodged at the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — During budget hearings for the coming year, Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel approached the County Council to keep in his proposed raise for his officers in the coming year.

The County Council previously advised Department heads to include a 3 percent raise across the board for county employees; Hassel would like to see his department get slightly more, citing the type of work they do.

Hassel told the Council that he felt his department’s pay scale should be compared with that of other police and sheriff’s departments, rather than with other Marshall County employees. Hassel pointed out that he was in competition with other law enforcement departments to retain his officers, especially those in the county, as his officers would not have to relocate to take a different job.

Council President Tim Harmon said the Council would discuss the matter before final adoption of the budget.

Final reading on the county budget will take place at the Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 13.

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Sept. 7, just after 3 a.m., Plymouth Police attempted to stop a vehicle on Fifth and Jackson Street for disregarding a stop sign.

The vehicle fled from the officer before attempting to hide in the vehicle in the parking lot at the corner of Broadway and Harrison Street. The driver was apprehended and identified as 36 year 36-year-old Raul Castro-Carcamo of Plymouth. Castro-Carcamo was found not to have a license and was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and in possession of cocaine.
Upon the officer completing his investigation, Castro-Carcamo was lodged at the Marshall County Jail for Felony-Possession of Cocaine, Resisting Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor-Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Endangering, and Operator Never Licensed-Prior.

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

The Culver Townwide Cleanup Pick Up Day will be Monday, October 6.

Place items for disposal at the curb on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5. The utilities crew will collect items on Monday, October 6. When placing items outside, please secure any that might blow away and set them apart from your trash and recycling cans. Tires and hazardous waste will not be accepted.

INDIANAPOLIS — If you know a young person who loves the outdoors, now’s the time to mark your calendar – Indiana’s Youth Deer Weekend is set for Sept. 27–28. The season gives kids a chance to experience deer hunting with parents, grandparents, or mentors.

Before heading to the woods, though, families are being encouraged to prepare early in Indiana’s new license system, called the Activity Hub. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expects heavy online traffic on Sept. 10, 17, and 26 as hunters gear up for the weekends. To avoid any last-minute hiccups, officials recommend logging in and making sure youth accounts are properly linked ahead of time.
The new system works a little differently from the old one. If you’ve purchased licenses for a child before, you may need to reconnect their account. For kids under 13, parents or guardians will need to link their accounts to their own. Youth 13 and older will need their own account, but can still be connected so adults can purchase licenses on their behalf.
One big change: “youth” accounts now only apply to those under 13, instead of under 18 as in the past.
Taking a little time to sort things out now means less stress later—and more time to focus on making memories in the woods.