Suspicious vehicle report leads to arrest

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Oct. 23, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Plymouth Police observed a

vehicle in the 1200 block of W. Jefferson Street that appeared to have a man hanging out from the driver’s side door of the running vehicle.
The officer a man, had thrown up outside of the vehicle and on himself and was suspected of being intoxicated.
Pedro A. Chavez, 24 years old of Plymouth, failed standardized field sobriety testing and, upon completing a chemical test, was transported to the Marshall County Jail where he was lodged for operating while intoxicated.

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

Culver leaf pick up information

CULVER — Beginning Monday, the Culver Street/Utilities Department will pick up piles of leaves raked to the curb.


Please place leaf piles as close to the road as possible, but do not place them in the road. The truck has a vacuum hose, and it only extends so far, so if you notice a nice line of remaining leaves, they were outside of the arm’s reach.
Please make sure to pull branches and sticks out of any leaf piles and set them in a separate pile so that they do not get sucked up with the leaves and clog the hose.
Please do not rake your leaf piles into the streets. When that happens, they get run over and matted down, which makes it difficult to collect them all. They also cover storm drains, slowing down drainage and causing backups.
Once a complete route through town is completed, they will start over so they should pass by properties at least once a week.
Any questions, contact Karen Heim, Clerk-Treasurer, Town of Culver, ILMCT Past-President, 574-842-3140, http://www.townofculver.org

Dive team recovers handgun


PLYMOUTH — On Oct. 14, Plymouth Police took a report of a stolen handgun. During the investigation, the male suspects were identified as Keegan Burt, 19, of Knox, Andrew Quinn, 19, of Plymouth, and a male juvenile, 16, from Warsaw.


They admitted to stealing the firearm, and showed Plymouth Detective Derek Workman a location where they had thrown the handgun into the Yellow River near the walking bridge on the Eastside of River Park Square. Detective Workman made contact with the St. Joseph County Dive team, and they agreed to come attempt to retrieve the handgun from the river.
On Oct. 24, several members from the St. Joseph County Dive Team dove the river and were able to locate the stolen handgun. No other items of note were located; however, the Dive Team did remove several other items from the river.
The handgun located was not suspected to be used in any other crimes and was taken to the Plymouth Police Department for Processing.

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

Possession arrest made by Culver Police

CULVER — On Thursday, Oct. 16, at 9:13 p.m., Officer Alex Zerbee of the Culver Police Department and a Marshall County Deputy located a vehicle that had previously been observed with a suspected odor of marijuana emanating from it.


The vehicle was found parked and unoccupied on the street outside the Culver-Union Township EMS building, and the officers detected an odor of suspected marijuana coming from that vehicle.
Officers were able to make contact with the owner of the vehicle inside the EMS building.
Officers also detected the odor of suspected marijuana coming from the immediate area where the owner of the vehicle, Scott Erickson, 52, of LaPorte, was located.
During the investigation, items labeled as pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes, THC edible, and suspected synthetic urine were located in the vehicle, as well as other suspected marijuana vape devices.
Erickson was arrested by Culver Police and taken to the Marshall County Jail, where he was incarcerated for alleged misdemeanors of possession of marijuana and possession of synthetic urine.
A report will be filed with the Marshall County Prosecutors’ Office for review of formal charges.

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

Plymouth city meetings on Monday


PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety, as well as the Common Council, will meet on Monday evening, starting with the Board of Works at 6 p.m., followed by the Council at the conclusion of the Board of Works.


On the agenda for the Board of Works is a hearing on an order to take action at the Red Rock Inn
The Council will hear first reading on an ordinance regarding garbage fee for the city, as well as resolutions for an order of the Plymouth Plan Commission and an updated Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan for pedestrian facilities in the public right of way.
Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers in the City Building, those attending should 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 will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@CityofPlymouth

Hit and run arrest


PLYMOUTH — On Oct. 20 at 5 p.m., a hit-and-run accident occurred at 500 W Jefferson. It was reported that a maroon Ford F150 backed into a parked black Honda SUV and left the scene.


Video footage was obtained of the incident, and the driver and the suspect vehicle were identified.
A search of the area was conducted, and the maroon truck was located. A traffic stop was then conducted.
Roberto Navejar of Plymouth was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident and cited for driving while suspended.

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

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor


PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of Oct. 21, at 3:45 p.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to Martins Supermarket for the report of individuals stealing.


After investigation, Officers placed Landon Robert Tremaine, 18, in custody for his role in the incident. Tremaine was transported and lodged into the Marshall County Jail, and charged with Contributing to the Delinquency Of A Minor.

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

Operating while intoxicated arrest


PLYMOUTH — While on routine patrol, a Marshall County Deputy observed a vehicle parked in the road on 15 B Rd near SR17.


When the Deputy turned around to check on the vehicle, it had already begun to drive down the road. While observing the vehicle, the Deputy noticed it leaving the roadway and driving in the grass. The Deputy initiated a traffic stop, and after some investigation, the driver, Raymi Lutz,​age 47, of Kewanna, was taken into custody for operating while intoxicated.

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

It’s never too late to learn


INDIANAPOLIS — Have you always wanted to try a certain outdoor activity, but you didn’t have anyone to show you how to get started? DNR can help by offering a range of beginner hunting and fishing workshops.


These beginner workshops provide a safe environment for learning basic skills and empower you to enjoy a new outdoor adventure independently. Subjects include basic fishing, squirrel hunting, deer hunting from a ground blind, bass fishing, waterfowl hunting, and more. All questions are great questions as you are guided through a classroom curriculum followed by hands-on learning activities.
Learn more at https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/events/?lid=ydl98iabqwmj&utm_source=braze_idnr&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Indiana_wildbulletin_October2025

Argument lands two in jail

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Oct. 11, at 3 a.m., Plymouth Police responded to the area of Hillcrest and Fairfield Blvd for reports of an unknown issue involving a woman who was possibly shoved down stairs.


During the officer’s investigation, the woman was located and identified as Leah Starcher, 21 years old of Hartville, Ohio. Starcher was determined to be intoxicated and was taken into custody and transported to the hospital. A man located at a residence on Winding Oak Drive was identified as Zachary Nelson, 20 years old, of Holland, Michigan. Officers’ investigation found that Nelson and Starcher were in a verbal argument and were both intoxicated. Nelson was also taken into custody and transported to the hospital.
Starcher and Nelson were seen by the emergency room physician and cleared for jail. Both were lodged at the Marshall County Jail, with Starcher facing a preliminary charge of public intoxication and Nelson with illegal consumption of alcohol.

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

Culver Fall Fest Chili Cook Off


CULVER — Think your chili has what it takes? Join us at VFW Post 6919 for our Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Oct. 25th, from 1–5 pm at the VFW Post 6919 in Culver.


Entry is free, and you can sign up via Facebook Messenger @ VFW POST 6919 or stop in after 1 pm. Rules and regulations are on the VFW page.
If you would like to be a taste tester, a $5 donation will let you taste and then vote for your favorite. If you have questions, call or text 574-356-6210.

Possession charges


PLYMOUTH — On Oct. 13 at approximately 1:59 a.m., Plymouth Police were notified of a possible intoxicated driver traveling North on Oak Dr. from Lake Ave.


Officers located the vehicle at the intersection of Oak Dr. and Jefferson St. and initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle, Abigail Folsom, 22 of Michigan City, was found to be operating the vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.
Also found inside the vehicle was suspected THC vape cartridges as well as marijuana. Folsom was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail where she was issued a court date and a bond.

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

Drug take-back event


PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department will be participating in the DEA National Drug Take Back on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.


Residents will be able to drop off their expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs at the Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies in the parking lot of Walgreens, located at 2014 N. Michigan Street in Plymouth.
Drug abuse costs the U.S. more than $740 billion every year in costs related to crime, lost work productivity, and health care, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Some experts think that more people are abusing prescription medications because there are more drugs available.
Doctors report writing more prescriptions than ever before. Also, it’s easy to find online pharmacies selling these drugs. Teens may take medication from their parents’ medicine cabinets for themselves or their friends to use. Most young people have no idea what medications they’re taking, and which ones may cause serious problems — even death — if used with other drugs or alcohol. They might also believe that the medicines are safe because they’re prescribed.
A survey indicates that there were more Americans abusing psychotherapeutics than the number of cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogen abusers combined. Expired, unused, or unwanted medications in our homes are a potential source of supply to drug abusers, posing a risk to public health and safety. Please take a few moments to clean out your medicine cabinets and bring them to the Walgreens Drug Store on Saturday, Oct. 25, between 10 am and 2 pm.

Arrest for possession of cocaine

PLYMOUTH — On Oct. 18, at 1:55 a.m., Plymouth Police were patrolling the area of Liberty St. and Jefferson St. The officer observed a scooter disregard two stop signs and fail to use a turn signal.


After the traffic stop was initiated, the driver, identified as Ely Vasquez-Reyes, 35, of Plymouth, was found to have an active arrest warrant for Failure to Appear. While an inventory of the vehicle was being conducted, a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine was located.
Vasquez-Reyes was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was lodged for his arrest warrant and Possession of Cocaine, a Level 6 felony.

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

Multiple charges in traffic stop

PLYMOUTH — On Oct. 20 at 2:08 a.m., Plymouth Police conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape at the intersection of N Michigan St. and Plymouth-Goshen Trail.


The driver of the vehicle, Grace Gardner, 24, of Plymouth, was found to be operating the vehicle with a suspended license. After further investigation, it was discovered that she had taken the vehicle without permission from a residence in which she had been trespassed. During a search of the vehicle, police located a suspected marijuana vape pen.
Gardner was arrested and transported to the Marshall County jail. She is charged with Theft of A Motor Vehicle, Driving While Suspended, Possession of Marijuana, and Criminal Trespassing.

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

Gas prices unchanged this week

Average gasoline prices in Indiana are unchanged in the last week, averaging $2.83/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 20.3 cents per gallon lower than a

month ago and stand 22.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 3.7 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.591 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.28/g yesterday while the most expensive was $9.99/g, a difference of $7.71/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 4.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.98/g today.
“Gas prices have finally fallen below $3 per gallon nationally — the earliest date we’ve seen a $2.99 national average since 2020, when COVID was the primary driver of low prices,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “OPEC+ deserves much of the credit for this trend, having steadily raised oil production for much of 2025. Currently, 35 states have average gas prices below $2.99/gal, and GasBuddy even recorded the first $1.99 cash price at a station in Evans, Colorado, with stations in Oklahoma and Texas not far behind. Barring any major disruptions, gas prices are likely to remain slightly below year-ago levels and could stay under $3 for much of the next few months.”
GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

DNR reminder to get ready for waterfowl season

INDIANAPOLIS — From breakfast in the blind to celebrating a limit with your fellow hunters, waterfowl hunting is one of the most social and fun-filled outdoor activities. But do you have your ducks in a row for the season?


DNR has a new license system, the Activity Hub. Setting up your account early and ensuring you have the required hunting licenses, stamps, and HIP registration number will give you ample time to troubleshoot, ask for help, or visit a retailer if needed.
To log in:
Go to GoOutdoorsIN.com and click the Login button. You’ll be directed to Access Indiana, where you’ll log in or create an account.
Once logged in, you’ll be returned to the Hub to verify your personal info, purchase licenses, and apply for reserved hunts.
Need help or have questions? Call: 317-232-4200 or 877-463-6367 or email INHuntFish@dnr.IN.gov.
For a full list of waterfowl hunting dates, regulations, and an outline of which stamps each age group needs, take a gander at the Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Black and White Gala at Heartland

PLYMOUTH — Heartland Art Center in downtown Plymouth will host a fundraising event where art, music, and community come together. The Black & White Gala will be held on Friday, November 7, from

6–9:30 PM at the Heartland Art Center in downtown Plymouth. The evening includes:
— Silent & live auctions with one-of-a-kind art, creative items, and unique experiences.
— Heavy hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, and two drink tickets with your admission.
— Live jazz, caricatures by Mark Daniels, and live art created before your eyes.
— The inspiring Black & White Exhibit, featuring works by Heartland’s member artists.
Your presence supports something bigger than one evening. All proceeds benefit the Heartland Art Center renovation of the historic Montgomery Ward building into a regional hub for the arts. This project will expand access and opportunity, making the arts more inclusive, more vibrant, and more available to Marshall County and beyond.
Tickets are $45 – reserve yours today: http://bit.ly/3VB0eQt
Attire: Creative Cocktail in Black & White — Have fun with it!
If you cannot attend, you can still make an impact. Donations to Heartland’s Fund at the Marshall County Community Foundation are eligible for a 20% match, strengthening our endowment and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Search warrant brings arrests

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of Oct. 15 at 11:45 p.m., Plymouth Police responded to the Red Rock Inn after receiving reports of a fight in progress.


One man was combative with police and highly intoxicated. He was taken into custody and identified at Justus Shotts, 21 of Plymouth. Shotts reported that he was robbed by a neighbor who was armed with a knife.
Search warrants were obtained for two rooms after suspected drugs were seen and believed to be present.
The robbery suspect was identified as Thomas Wall, 32, of Plymouth.
As a result of the search warrants, multiple suspected drugs and paraphernailia was located.
Shotts was lodged at the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, publid intoxication, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of a legend drug and paraphernalia.
Wall is held on no bond for preliminary charges of robbery, dealing a controlled substance, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of meth, a legend drug a narcotic drug, and paraphernalia.

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