DEA: Fentanyl is a Threat to Health and Public Safety

The Drug Enforcement Agency has issued a nationwide alert on fentanyl as a threat to health and public safety.

According to the DEA, Fentanyl can be laced with heroin and when produced in clandestine labs can have an effect 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. Drug incidents and overdoses related to fentanyl are occurring and the DEA is warning the general public that Fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin and an accidental inhalation of airborne powder could occur.

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Plymouth Woman Arrested After Daughter Runs Away

A Plymouth woman whose daughter ran away from home faces drug charges. Plymouth Police responded to the Speedway gas station Thursday for a report of a 10-year-old girl who had run away. The officer returned her to the motel room on North Michigan Street where her mother was staying. His report indicates there was a strong smell of marijuana coming from the room. The officer got a search warrant and found marijuana, pills and drug paraphernalia inside the room, according to his report. Seana M. Baldwin, 29, was arrested for possession of marijuana over 30 grams, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of a legend drug and possession of paraphernalia.

Traffic Stop Leads to Meth Arrest

A traffic stop for failure to use a turn signal ends with a trip to jail. A Marshall County Police Officer pulled a vehicle driven by Yvette Hanselman, 41, over on 10th Road and Lincoln Highway around 9:30 last night. Hanselman’s driver’s license was suspended prior, according to the arrest report. Officers allegedly found methamphetamine in her car as well. She was booked into the Marshall County Jail for possession of methamphetamine and driving while suspended prior.

 

Ritz Touts Reading in Education, Criticizes Standardized Assessments

One of Indiana’s most staunch advocates for public education ventured to Plymouth on Thursday.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz was the invited guest speaker at the Marshall County Reading Council’s spring banquet. Between promoting several of her initiatives in elective office, Ritz took time to criticize the way standardized tests are being utilized, as well as their effect on student learning.
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Marshall County EMA to Use Grant for Another Purpose

The Marshall County Emergency Management Performance Competitive Grant (EMPG) will be used for a different project.

Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery told the commissioners this week that the $8,485.29 grant was to be used for an Emergency Operations Center exercise, but it was canceled due to lack of interest.

“I did meet with the EMA Advisory Board and asked what they wanted to do with that money because I did not want to give it back to the State. They came up with a couple of recommendations. We purchased some additional emergency alert radios, and we also will be purchasing some additional preparedness materials to distribute to the folks in the community. That will take care of that grant.”

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Marshall County Commissioners Discuss Lawsuit over Stolen Documents

The Marshall County Commissioners got an update on a class-action lawsuit against a company who allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of data from the recorder’s office.

County Attorney Jim Clevenger told the commissioners that the lawsuit involves Marshall County and several other counties against Black Knight Real Estate Data Solutions. Recorder Marlene Mahler previously told the commissioners that the company reportedly took 2,700 documents totaling 39,000 pages out of the computer system without going through the proper channels. The recorder’s office would normally charge $1 per page so the company would owe $39,000. The lawsuit seeking damages would triple that amount.

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Travel Advisory Issued for Marshall County

Damage to Marshall County roads caused by the recent thawing prompts travel restrictions. County officials are asking for voluntary limits on the amount of weight being transported on county roads in order to avoid additional damage. The county is under and advisory, which is the lowest level of travel restriction. It indicates that hazardous conditions exist and that individuals should use caution or avoid these areas.

Legislation Would Allow Inmates E-mail Access

Legislation sponsored by State Representative Tom Dermody will be signed into law.

According to a press release from the LaPorte Republican’s offices, the legislation would allow for additional options for prison inmates to correspond with their families. The Indiana Department of Corrections is required to provide necessary items to send mail through the postal service.

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