PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Redevelopment Commission will meet on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Plymouth Common Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building. Enter from the Garro Street entrance.

The Commission will hear from the Plymouth Aquatic Center regarding their monetary request along with an update on the Water Street Townhouses project and the various TIF districts.
If you are in need of special accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-926-2948.

BREMEN — Sunday marked 41 years since the abduction and murder of Darlene Hulse, from her rural Argos home in Marshall County. Darlene was a homemaker, wife, and mother of three daughters.

Detectives from the Indiana State Police Cold Case team are asking the public for help. “Somebody knows something. It might be a family member, friend, or former associate,” said Detective Arthur Smith of the Indiana State Police Cold Case team. “Please help us in finding answers for Darlene’s family and the community. They deserve it.”
On August 17, 1984, shortly after 9 a.m., Darlene and her three daughters were preparing to leave their residence on 20B Road when a man forced entry into the residence under the guise of a delivery. A struggle ensued between Darlene and her attacker. During the struggle, her daughters, ages 6 and 8, fled the residence and ran to a nearby relative’s house to report the incident.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office was contacted, and officers from the Argos Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police immediately responded to the residence. When officers arrived, they found Darlene’s 11-month-old daughter in the residence, but Darlene was missing. Investigators were able to determine that Darlene was brutally attacked and abducted, being driven from the residence in the attacker’s vehicle. An area search was conducted, but Darlene was not located.
In the early afternoon hours of the next day, August 18, police received a report about a deceased female who was found in a wooded area by a timber surveyor on Olive Trail between State Road 110 and 20A Road. This is approximately six miles west of the Hulse residence. Investigators confirmed the identity of the deceased female as 28-year-old Darlene Hulse. An autopsy ruled the official cause of death as blunt force trauma.
Witnesses described the suspect as a white male in his mid to late 20s, approximately 6’0” to 6’2” tall, with blonde hair combed to the side, with a long nose and long face. The suspect vehicle was described as a 70s-style 4-door, greenish with rust. The vehicle was also described as possibly being a Pontiac or an Oldsmobile.
Information can be reported through the Cold Case Hotline at 833-466-2653 or via email at ispcoldcase@isp.in.gov

ARGOS — Two consecutive bridge projects will be conducted on State Road 10 between Muckshaw Rd and Lilac Rd beginning on or after Monday, August 18.

State Road 10 will first be closed between Muckshaw Road and Maple Road for a bridge deck overlay at Wolf Creek. Once complete, State Road 10 will then close between Maple Rd and Lilac Rd for a bridge deck overlay at Myers Ditch.
The official detour will follow State Road 17, State Road 110, and U.S. 31. State Road 10 is expected to reopen in early October.

ARGOS — The Argos Community School Board will meet on Monday at 7 p.m. in the Dragon Center Conference Room.

The Board will get a construction update from Greg Drennen, approve personnel changes and NEOLA Policies from the July meeting, and a payment application from R. Yoder Construction.

PLYMOUTH – The third annual Marshall County Blueberry Half Pot benefiting United Way of Marshall County is underway. Tickets for the 50/50 drawing are now on sale at a variety of pre-Blueberry Festival locations and events.

Tickets will also be sold throughout the 59th Annual Blueberry Festival in Centennial Park, Plymouth, over Labor Day weekend, Thursday, August 28, through Monday, September 1.
Last year’s jackpot was $37,487. This year, your ticket purchase gives you a shot at winning half of the net proceeds while helping provide hope and support for Marshall County neighbors who need it most.
Proceeds from the Marshall County Blueberry Half Pot will strengthen community resiliency by advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security through United Way and its trusted nonprofit partners – so everyone has the chance to thrive!
The 2025 Blueberry Half Pot is proudly supported by: 
Diamond Level Sponsor – Wahoo Solar 
Gold Level Sponsors – Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Revolutionary Accounting Services
Silver Level Sponsors – AK Industries, Inc., NFP (an Aon Company)
Ticket Sales Schedule
Tickets will be available at pre-festival locations and events and on-site throughout the Blueberry Festival. Here’s where you can find us between now and September 1:
Mayor’s Summer of Music
River Park Square, Plymouth, IN
Friday, August 15, 2025
Friday, August 22, 2025
Friday, August 29, 2025

Inaugural Brandyn Ross Memorial 100
Plymouth Motor Speedway
11631 12th Rd, Plymouth, IN

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Summer’s End Festival
Jackson Street, Bremen, IN

Saturday, August 23, 2025
Culver’s Farmer’s Market
819 E Lake Shore Dr, Culver, IN
Saturday, August 30, 2025

Plymouth’s Farmer’s Market
River Park Square, Plymouth, IN
Date to be Announced

Marshall County Blueberry Festival
Centennial Park, Plymouth, IN
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Friday, August 29, 2025
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Monday, September 1, 2025 (ticket sales end at 6 pm)

Raffle sales will close at 6 PM Monday, September 1, 2025, with the winning ticket number to be announced live after 10 AM on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 via GIANTfm 106.1. The winner does not need to be present to win. The winning ticket number will also be posted on UWMC’s website.
More information and the official rules can be viewed at: bit.ly/MCBlueberryHalfPot
Sponsor of the Marshall County Blueberry Half Pot is United Way of Marshall County, Inc. 
INDIANA GAMING LICENSE NUMBER 014728, EVENT REFERENCE NUMBER 163397.

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety opened bids for the demolition of The Pointe Apartments at their meeting on Monday.

The action culminates a year of back-and-forth discussions of the property between the city and owners after an order to vacate in July of last year. While repairs were attempted on the structure, to date, they have not met code standards or passed an inspection by Plymouth Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal.
Two bids were received by the city. Hunter Transit bid $55,101 for the demolition, and Beaver Excavating submitted a bid of $78,000 for the demolition alone and $97,500 to include removal.
Manuwal asked to take the bids under advisement for him to review them. He also told the board that there were not adequate funds in the current year’s budget for the demolition, and he would be seeking an additional appropriation for the work.

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth Rotary is holding its annual Pancake Breakfast this Saturday at River Park Square.

Tickets are $6 a piece ahead of time and $7 at the door; kids are $4. You can reach out to any participating Rotary member to purchase.

PLYMOUTH — Monday’s meeting of the Marshall County Council quickly turned to a discussion of the ongoing debate among several county governmental bodies regarding the Marshall County Sewer District Board and litigation that is currently underway regarding the removal of Sewer Board member Thomas McFadden and his replacement by the Commissioners’ appointment of Bill Woodward.

Council person Nicole Cox presented the Council with numbers she had compiled from Sewer Board consultants Jones, Petrie, and Rafinski (JPR) regarding expenditures of the Sewer Board since its inception in 2023.
Cox said that through the month of May of this year, the Sewer Board had spent just over $1.1 million. The majority of that money had been to consultants, with financial analyst Baker-Tilly receiving $113,000, $148,000 in attorney’s fees, and JPR, an engineering firm, receiving $847,000.
Cox said that some of the documents she received suggested that the Sewer Board had a contract with JPR for around $3 million, but she had not been able to confirm that as of the Monday meeting.
Council member Brandon Schadek made his point of view known quickly in the discussion, calling the board “fiscally irresponsible”.

Later in the discussion, Council President Tim Harmon also expressed his belief that the projected cost of hookup was at the center of the problem, having risen from an initial estimate of around $80 per month to over $200, with a large additional initial cost to hook up to the system.

Addressing the current debate between the multiple agencies, Council member Greg Compton urged a change in the tone, saying that it was “harsh”.

In the end, it was decided that a joint work session with the Commissioners would be desirable, with an invitation to be sent to the Marshall County Health Department to address the session.
In their meeting on Wednesday, the Marshall County Sewer District felt that, while not yet invited to the proposed session, they, too, should have representation.
The tentative date for the meeting was set at Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. However, no official date and time has been announced.

UPDATE

The joint work session of the Marshall Count Council and the Commissioners has been officially set for August 20 at 6 p.m. in the Marshall County Building meeting room 203 at 112 W. Jefferson in Plymouth.

MARSHALL COUNTY – Lieutenant Detective Les McFarland of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department announced today the filing of an exploratory committee for the 2026 Republican primary for Marshall County Sheriff. The announcement comes on the 30th anniversary of McFarland’s service to the Marshall County community, having joined the department on August 14, 1995.

As a conservative Republican, McFarland’s platform centers on upholding the highest standards of ethical leadership, expanding and strengthening the Detective Bureau, and ensuring fiscal responsibility without compromising public safety and service. His conservative values are rooted in his faith and commitment to law and order and constitutional principles.
“I’ve dedicated my career to protecting and serving the people of Marshall County, and I’m called to continue that service as your Sheriff,” McFarland stated.
“I’m committed to professionalizing our operations, maintaining the highest ethical standards and fiscal responsibility, and ensuring every citizen receives the protection and service they deserve,” he added.
McFarland plans to spend the coming months meeting with community members, law enforcement professionals, and civic leaders to discuss his vision for the department and gather input on public safety priorities.
“I encourage citizens to email me at McFarlandforSheriff@gmail.com or call 574-767-1468 to share their thoughts on our department’s strengths and where we can improve,” McFarland said. “This exploratory phase is about engaging with the community to build a strong plan that truly serves the citizens of Marshall County.”
McFarland brings extensive experience across all facets of law enforcement to his potential candidacy. Beginning his career as a patrolman, he served on the Drug Task Force, working undercover with state and federal agencies to combat drug trafficking organizations. He was later promoted to Detective Sergeant, investigating high-felony cases including theft, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Following his promotion to Detective First Sergeant, McFarland assumed supervision of the patrol unit while continuing his investigative duties. Since 2023, he has served as Lieutenant Detective, which includes supervision of the Detective Bureau.
“Some of the most meaningful work I’ve done has been liberating children from violent and abusive homes and bringing justice to families in their darkest hours,” McFarland noted.
A graduate of North Putnam High School and Vincennes University with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, McFarland began his law enforcement career with emergency first responder certifications. He served with the Akron Police Department and Bremen Police Department before joining the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, accumulating over 35 years of total law enforcement experience.
McFarland has served on the Bourbon Town Council for 15 years, gaining valuable experience in budget management, grant acquisition, and compliance with eligibility requirements. This experience has prepared him for the fiscal responsibilities of serving as Sheriff.
Beyond his official duties, McFarland is actively engaged in the community through organizations including Marshall County Relay for Life, Dustin’s Place, and Operation Quiet Comfort, demonstrating his commitment to serving others both on and off duty. His community involvement reflects his belief that effective law enforcement requires building strong relationships and trust with the citizens he serves.
If elected, McFarland would take office on January 1, 2027, bringing a proven track record of service, conservative leadership, and dedication to the citizens of Marshall County.

ARGOS — On Thursday, Aug. 7,​ at 11:11 a.m., the Marshall County Sheriff’s Dept. investigated an accident on Michigan Road.

Chancey Dennie, 78, of Argos was attempting to cross from the south junction of Michigan Road westbound toward 13th Road. Dennie began crossing the highway when traffic was quickly approaching. Branden Eckholm, 36, of Noblesville, was traveling north on US 31 in the fast lane. With no time to react,​ Eckholm struck Dennie’s vehicle on the front driver’s side.
Both vehicles came to rest in the median at the intersection of US 31 and 13th Road.
All four passengers were transported to the hospital to be checked for their minor injuries. ​
​Agencies Involved: ​Marshall County Sheriff’s Department,​ Plymouth Fire and EMS,​ Reichert and Knepp Towing .

*To see all the area police reports go to the home page and hit the “Police Reports” tab at the top.*

PLYMOUTH — At Monday night’s Plymouth Common Council meeting, an ordinance — Ordinance No. 2025-2247 — that would establish a municipal wheel tax for the city was heard on first reading. As usual with a first reading, no action on the ordinance was taken and there was also no discussion.

In a press release on the matter, Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger says that the ordinance is a reaction to Indiana House Bill 1461, just passed by the legislature, along with other changes in state funding for infrastructure.
Other Marshall County government entities have also had similar discussions recently regarding the Indiana Assembly’s message that communities with such local taxes in place will see preferential treatment for state infrastructure grants.
“Plymouth’s streets are more than a convenience; they are essential for public safety, economic development, and quality of life,” said Listenberger in the release. “Our ability to fund local street maintenance and improvement projects depends heavily on state support.”
“The State of Indiana has historically returned tax dollars to local governments, helping to cover the costs of repairing potholes, resurfacing streets, replacing signage, and upgrading critical infrastructure. However, this model of state funding is changing, placing more responsibility on local jurisdictions like Plymouth to identify and secure their own street funding solutions.”
This year’s passage of House Bill 1461 altered the way transportation and infrastructure projects are funded throughout the state. The bill shifts a greater share of responsibility for street maintenance and improvements from the state level to cities and counties. Specifically, House Bill 1461 restructures the distribution formula for state highway funds, resulting in reduced allocations for many mid-sized and smaller communities such as Plymouth.
Under this new law, state contributions to local street projects have been recalibrated to focus more on regional priorities and high-traffic corridors, often at the expense of smaller cities and rural areas.
In addition, many municipalities will need to decide whether to pass a local wheel tax to continue receiving the most benefit from Community Crossings Matching Grants. The immediate impact of House Bill 1461 on Plymouth is a projected shortfall of several hundred thousand dollars in our annual road maintenance budget.
The wheel tax to be considered by the Plymouth Council would apply to vehicles registered in Plymouth, including passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers. By law, the revenue generated would be earmarked strictly for transportation infrastructure; those funds could not be diverted to other purposes. The tax rate will be carefully calibrated based on vehicle type and reviewed annually to ensure fairness and adequacy.
“Plymouth stands at a crossroads. The shift in state funding brought about by Indiana House Bill 1461 means that our community must take new steps to maintain and improve the streets we all rely on,” said Listenberger. “I urge all residents to stay informed and engaged as we move forward with this important decision. Working together, we can continue to build a brighter future for Plymouth.”
Listenberger encouraged the citizen’s of Plymouth to reach out to his office with questions or comments at (574) 936-6717 or email mayor@plymouthin.gov.

BOURBON — On Monday,​ Aug. 11,​ at 3:15 ​AM,​ Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies ​observed a black 2018 ​Jeep traveling westbound on U.S. 30 from SR-331 at 110 ​MPH in a posted 60 ​MPH zone.

Deputies and Bourbon Police Department Officers caught up to the speeding SUV ​and activated emergency lights, but the vehicle failed to stop. Officers ​pursued the vehicle to the area ​of U.S. 30 and Pioneer Drive, ​where the driver was identified as 19-year-old ​Damion L. Jeffrey of Fort Wayne, who was taken into custody.
During the investigation, it was learned that the Jeep had been stolen from a dealership in the Warsaw area. Jeffrey was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked for Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle,​ a Level 6 Felony.

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

*To see all the area police reports go to the home page and hit the “Police Reports” tab at the top.*

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 12 at 6:55 a.m., Plymouth Officers were dispatched to Jackson Heights Road about a verbal argument.

Aleksandra Woodby, 49, of Plymouth, was arrested for disorderly conduct for interfering during the investigation by yelling and cursing inside and outside of the apartment where children were present after being given several orders to stop.
She was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where she was lodged for disorderly conduct.

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

*To see all the area police reports go to the home page and hit the “Police Reports” tab at the top.*

LAKEVILLE — Friday, Aug. 15, at 9 A.M., there will be a road dedication ceremony in honor of former Congresswoman Jackie Walorski.

The ceremony will be held at the intersection of Tyler Road and Michigan Road (Old U.S. 31) at the Marshall/St. Joseph County line. Michigan Road will be prominently marked as “Jackie Walorski Road” at various points from the St. Joseph County line to the Fulton County line.
Parking is available at the County Line Brethren Church. The public is welcome to attend. Guest speakers include U.S. Congressman Rudy Yakym and Indiana State Representative Jake Teshka.

MARSHALL COUNTY – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor RAM Construction Services of Michigan Inc. will conduct two consecutive bridge projects on State Road 10 between Muckshaw Road and Lilac Road beginning on or after Monday, August 18.

State Road 10 will first be closed between Muckshaw Road and Maple Road for a bridge deck overlay at Wolf Creek. Once complete, State Road 10 will then close between Maple Road and Lilac Road for a bridge deck overlay at Myers Ditch.
State Road 10 is expected to reopen in early October. During the closures, motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow State Road 17, State Road 110, and U.S. 31.

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 8 at 10:26 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were given information that Brittney Snider, 27 years old of Highland, Indiana, was at the Red D. Mart Gas Station with a warrant out of Marshall County for a probation violation.

Officers were advised that the woman was outside and was pregnant. Plymouth Officers located the woman outside and took Snider into custody.
Snider was transported to Plymouth Hospital for Jail clearance and then to Marshall County Jail, where she was booked in for her no-bail warrant.

On the afternoon of Aug. 8, Plymouth Police responded to the area of the Love’s Truck Stop (2952 Gary Drive) about a Welfare Check.
The Officer spoke with Tylor Michael Hall (31), who was inside a vehicle. It was confirmed through the Marshall County Dispatch that Hall had active warrants for his arrest through Kosciusko County. He was transported and lodged in the Marshall County Jail for the warrants.

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

*To see all the area police reports go to the home page and hit the “Police Reports” tab at the top.*

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have decreased by 10.0 cents per gallon over the last week, averaging $ 3.13 per gallon today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana.

Prices in Indiana are 6.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 33.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 1.8 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.690 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.61/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.59/g, a difference of 98.0 cents per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 2.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.08/g today. The national average is down 7.0 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 32.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
“After rising for two straight weeks, the national average price of gasoline saw a slight decline in the last week as oil prices fell below $64 per barrel, paving the way for prices to ease in most states,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Price-cycling markets again saw the largest weekly swings, with Florida and Michigan cycling upward, while Indiana and Ohio experienced sharp declines, but may be due for jumps this week. As we approach the peak of hurricane season, forecasts are showing favorable conditions for tropical development, so we’ll be watching closely for any potential impact on supply and prices as Labor Day nears.”
GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps, and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada are available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 1 at 11:20 p.m., Plymouth Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the Duke of Oil on N Michigan St.

The driver, Landin Ryan Kole Olson, 21, of Plymouth, was found to be operating the vehicle with a suspended license. Olson was also found to be in possession of marijuana.
Olson is charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended license and possession of marijuana. He was transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 3 at 2:33 a.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were patrolling the area of US 30 and Plymouth Goshen Trl.

Officers observed a vehicle traveling at a speed of 97 mph. The officer was able to catch up to the vehicle in the area of US 30 and Oak Drive, where the vehicle pulled over.
The driver was later identified as Cesar Corsega-Maita, 22 years old, of South Bend. It was determined during the stop that Cosega-Maita never had a driver’s license. He was arrested for reckless driving. driver never licensed, and possession of paraphernalia and was transported to Marshall County Jail. Plymouth Police were assisted by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and Lyons Towing.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 6 at 7:17 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were contacted by an off-duty officer who advised there was a wanted person inside Kroger’s store.

The man was identified as Shane Wilson, 25 years old, of Plymouth. Wilson had 4 warrants out of Marshall County for Criminal Mischief and was taken into custody.
He was transported to Plymouth Hospital for medical clearance due to a recent surgery he had, and then to Marshall County Jail, where he was booked in for his warrants.

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