PLYMOUTH — On Saturday, Aug. 2,​ at 9:17 p.m., Marshall County Deputies were dispatched to Jellystone Yogi Bear Campground at 7719 Redwood Road in Plymouth,​ for a domestic dispute.

Ernesto Sanchez, ​40, was identified as one of the parties involved in the fight. Sanchez confronted another individual at the campground about stealing marijuana from his vehicle,​ then causing a fight to break out between he and the other party.
The other party was located with what appeared to be a broken leg or dislocated knee. Sanchez was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail where he was booked and lodged for domestic battery causing moderate ​bodily injury,​ 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 — The Marshall County Commissioners responded to action taken last week by the Marshall County Sewer District Board in an ongoing action they have filed against Thomas McFadden in the battle over a seat on that board.

The Sewer District sent a response to the Commissioner’s complaint filed against McFadden for refusing to surrender his seat, which they declared vacant, appointing Bill Woodward to replace him.
Their response stated their contention that state statute does not allow the Commissioners to file suit, only a county prosecutor or a private citizen that feels they have a right to the seat can file a “declaratory action” and/or a “quo waranto” action, which is a process used to challenge a person’s right to hold a public office or to exercise a power derived from the government. It essentially means “by what warrant” or “by what authority,” and it’s used to determine if someone is legitimately entitled to the position they hold or the authority they are exercising.
The Sewer District approved the board’s legal counsel to represent McFadden in the ongoing legal wrangling, as well as calling for a dismissal of the case brought by the Commissioners.
On Monday, the Commissioners amended their case, naming Woodward personally as part of the action, and also gave permission for County Attorney Sean Surrisi to also act as counsel for him in the proceedings.
Later in Monday’s meeting, President of the Marshall County Council, Tim Harmon, came forward and requested that they and the Commissioners have a joint meeting in the near future so that the Council “could weigh in” on the matter.

Low-interest disaster loans are now available

ATLANTA – In response to a Presidential disaster declaration for public assistance issued July 22, 2025, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Indiana affected by the severe storms, straight line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring March 30-April 9, 2025.

The disaster declaration covers Marshall County.
Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature are eligible to apply for both Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.
PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible PNPs cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help PNPs get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
Interest rates are as low as 3.625%, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 22, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 22, 2026.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecast an air quality action day (AQAD) across the northern section of the state for Tuesday, August 5.

Fine particulate matter levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
North Central Indiana, including the cities of:
Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac, and all other cities within the area.
Northwest Indiana, including the cities of:
Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso, and all other cities within the area.
Northeast Indiana, including the cities of:
Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash, and all other cities within the area.
Canadian wildfire smoke circulating in the region will be pulled into northern Indiana on Tuesday. Fine Particulate monitor readings will increase as the plume of smoke moves across the region.
IDEM forecasted Air Quality Action Days indicate anticipated higher levels of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter only. Other factors may affect overall air quality.
Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:
•View Air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties.
•Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions.
•Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
•Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24 hours) on the specified date. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department will be chip and sealing the following road on Monday:

•6B from the West County Line to Ply-LaPorte Trail
Also, on Monday the Marshall County Culvert Crew will be replacing a tile on:
•Pond Street (Kenilworth), the road will be closed from 17th (Dewey St) to the railroad tracks to the north.
This road will be closed. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones. Be mindful of workers and road conditions.

CULVER — The Culver Academies began the final two phases of the Academy Road replacing project from the Town limits to SR 10 on Sunday. There will be very limited parking on Academy Road for the duration of the final phases, Monday through Friday, Aug. 8.

The roadway will remain open to traffic flow during the entire process, apart from the final phase on Friday, Aug. 8, when traffic will be limited on Academy Road so the final coating can dry. Driving on this coating will damage both the new road surface and your vehicle.
Plans are in place to ensure that North Terrace always has one entry/exit point available; however, those who live on N. Shore Ln. will need to utilize the Employee Clinic parking lot to be able to get to the available roadway. Again, this traffic restriction only applies to a portion of the day on Friday, Aug. 8.
There will be staff in place to help direct traffic on Friday, August 8th, to ensure we limit damage/risk for everyone, and to help everyone find their way in and out safely.

BREMEN — Thursday night, the Bremen Public Schools Board of Education unanimously appointed Hope Amor as the district’s new Superintendent of Schools.

Amor succeeds Dr. Jim White, who retired after 11 years at Bremen.
Hope most recently served as a principal for Plymouth Community School Corporation and LaVille Community Schools.
Her background spans teaching and leadership positions in rural, urban, public, and private settings. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Purdue University.
As part of the selection process, Hope presented a 30-60-90 day transition plan to the Board, which includes a listening tour and strategies to strengthen connections across the district. Her vision emphasizes honoring Bremen’s traditions while advancing its role as a beacon of educational excellence in Marshall County and beyond.
A graduate of Bremen High School, Hope resides in Bremen with her husband, Nick. Nick is a local insurance agent and serves as the varsity girls basketball coach at LaVille.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is extending an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) across the northern section of the state for today, August 1, 2025. The forecast includes two regions in yesterday’s forecast and adds areas around Fort Wayne.

Fine particulate matter levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:

North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
With northeasterly flow at the surface Friday morning, we are continuing to be impacted by Canadian wildfire smoke moving south across the Great Lakes. Fine Particulate monitor readings in Northwest, North Central and Northeast Indiana have remained elevated overnight and we expect this to persist for most of today.

IDEM forecasted Air Quality Action Days indicate anticipated higher levels of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter only. Other factors may affect overall air quality.

Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:

View Air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.

PLYMOUTH — In a special meeting held in the Plymouth Common Council chambers, the Marshall County Regional Sewer District passed a motion to authorize their legal counsel to proceed with litigation in a case filed by the Marshall County Commissioners against board member Thomas McFadden.

The board voted unanimously, with McFadden abstaining.
At their last meeting, the Commissioners declared the seat on the board held by McFadden to be vacant and appointed Bill Woodward to fill that seat.
The board gave attorney Chris Nusbaum the authorization to file a motion to dismiss the suit as well as draft a letter to the Commissioners stating that they did not recognize the seat to be empty and therefore Woodward’s appointment is not valid.
The letter went on to state that the board would continue its ordinary course of business and that Woodward would be welcome to attend the district’s public meetings in the capacity of a citizen of Marshall County.
At the heart of the issue is the Commissioner’s interpretation of Indiana statute that appointees to the board serve “at the will” of the body that appointed them and can be removed at any time. The Sewer Board contention is that appointed members cannot be removed before their term “without cause”.
The dispute began with concerns by the Commissioners over the board’s fiscal expenditures since its formation.

PLYMOUTH — On July 26, a man reported that he had misplaced his wallet and debit card.
When he contacted the bank, there was an unauthorized transaction in Plymouth. With the help of the Plymouth Police Department’s Facebook page the man subject using the debit card was identifed as Joshua McCarty, 43.

A Crimestoppers tip revealed that McCarty was living under US 30 at the Michigan Road overpass. Detective Derek Workman located McCarty under the overpass on July 29. He was interviewed and then lodged at the Marshall County Jail.

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.*

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fair is serving up bold flavors and budget-friendly bites all Fair long—don’t miss these can’t-beat deals:

•$2 Tuesday, presented by the Indiana Secretary of State – Enjoy $2 admission, $2 food, and $2 rides every Tuesday.
•$5 Value Menu – Savory eats and sweet treats for $5 and under, available every day. Grab a Value Menu map at any Fair Information Booth (presented by Prairie Farms).
•Taste of the Fair, presented by Pepsi – Try this year’s wildest, most creative new eats and vote for your favorite.
•Gluten-Free Friendly – With over 10 gluten-free options available, the Fair is more inclusive than ever. Grab a Gluten-Free Menu map at any Information Booth.
Come hungry – and save while you snack! Visit http://www.IndianaStateFair.com for vendor lists, menus, and more.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department will be chip and sealing the following road on Monday:

•6B from the West County Line to Ply-LaPorte Trail
Also, on Monday the Marshall County Culvert Crew will be replacing a tile on:
•Pond Street (Kenilworth), the road will be closed from 17th (Dewey St) to the railroad tracks to the north.
These roads will be closed. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones. Be mindful of workers and road conditions.rs and road conditions..

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will meet on Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. in the second-floor meeting room of the Marshall County Building in Plymouth.

On the agenda are Jason Peters with the highway report, Janis Holiday with a quarterly report from the Council on Aging, Zachary Cook with the Bowen Health annual report, and regular reports from county attorney Sean Surrissi and Auditor Angie Birchmeier.
The Commissioners will hear requests from Sheriff Matt Hassel for out-of-state travel, and grant requests from John Grolich for the Plymouth Fire Department and Jack Garner for an EMA performance grant.
For special accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (574) 935-8720 at least two business days prior to the scheduled meeting to request an accommodation.
The meeting can be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@MarshallCountyIN

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecast an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for today, July 31, 2025.

Fine particulate matter levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
A shift to northeasterly winds this morning is driving Canadian wildfire smoke southward across the Great Lakes region. As a result, fine particulate monitor readings in Northwest and North Central Indiana are beginning to rise, with elevated levels expected to persist throughout the day.
IDEM forecasted Air Quality Action Days indicate anticipated higher levels of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter only. Other factors may affect overall air quality.
Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:
•View Air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
•Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
•Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
•Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the affected region(s) to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.

CULVER — On Monday, the Culver Town Council will meet for a work session to discuss budget requests for the Street, Police, and Clerk Departments as well as Motor Vehicle Highway, Local Roads and Streets, Cumulative Capital Development, and Riverboat funds.

They also may hear requests from Marshall County Council on Aging, Culver Youth Club, Culver and Lake Maxinkuckee Visitor Center, the Tree Commission, and others who might request funding from the Town of Culver.
On Tuesday, the Council will meet for a work session to review the budgets for the Park, EMS, and Fire Departments.

The meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth families can now take advantage of one-on-one therapy for children with autism.

Golden Steps ABA is now available in Plymouth with a focus on keeping your child happy, relaxed, and engaged while teaching them communication skills and social skills. You can communicate with the Golden Steps team at any time through their messaging system, so you always have access to knowing what your child is doing and how they are feeling.
Golden Steps ABA in Plymouth by calling 317-669-1232, or click on the link below.
https://www.goldenstepsaba.com/indiana/plymouth?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMDR5Zm5lWWNZcHA3VjFnMwEeHhH08o4DdQUlBe–oAZGWVOl37UF1wwpoM92QAoDzBp5bIlswE3FnDzpEvw_aem_TBZ3osNf0RmfOnCHpnSrzw

INDIANAPOLIS – An Indiana summer tradition is around the corner. Opening day of the Indiana State Fair is Friday, Aug. 1 at 8 a.m.

Fairgoers can still take advantage of early deals and major savings to kick off the celebration right:
•Advance discounted tickets are available online now (20% off Gate Prices)
•Discounted parking passes are still available at http://www.indianastatefair.com (20% off Gate Prices)
•$5 Menu options at all fair vendors
•$2 Tuesday is back
Visit http://www.IndianaStateFair.com for tickets, hours, and the full lineup.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors will close the ramp from U.S. 20 westbound to State Road 331/Bremen Highway beginning on or after Monday, August 4.

The ramp will be closed through early October for a small structure replacement. Motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will be to continue westbound and utilize the ramps at U.S. 31/Michigan St to turn around.

At 424 PM EDT/324 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Winamac, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD…

Wind gusts up to 40 mph. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include… Culver, Ripley, Monterey, Beardstown, Ora, and Bass Lake.

Showers and storms are slowly moving through Illinois and northwest Indiana and will enter Marshall County soon. Some of these storms may be strong to severe, with damaging winds as the main severe threat.

Perhaps the biggest concern is torrential rainfall. Flash flooding and road ponding are possible over the next several hours as this system moves through.
You are remined if you encounter flooded roads, turn around.