By Anita Goodan

The Culver Town Council members unanimously approved an ordinance that authorizes additional appropriations in the amount of $5,700 in the CCI Fund for three new computers for three police cars.  It was explained that the computers to be replaced are about 10 years old and they are not operating at a optimum level. A public hearing was opened on the related ordinance which yielded no public comments.  

In other business during the July 10 meeting, Culver-Union Township EMS Director Michael Hasselfeldt updated the Culver Town Council members during their recent meeting that paramedics are getting harder to find which is a state-wide issue.  He stated that the department has shifts covered in July and August with at least one paramedic on each shift, but many part-time paramedics are experiencing burnout and no free time attempting to cover other shifts in neighboring communities.  He did note that Culver has three full-time paramedics and 10 part-time paramedics.  

Hasselfeldt added that the department received a donation of two power chair stairs, and virtual reality training software and goggles.    

Town Manager Kevin Danti asked the council for a work session before the next meeting Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m. ET to discuss ongoing and future projects.  He also announced that a hotel feasibility study is planned, and the theatre restoration project is moving forward.  

The Culver Town Council also approved the initiation of the TextMyGov service.  When it becomes available Culver residents can sign up for the program with a cell phone number where informational texts can be sent by town officials when there is immediate information to be distributed, or upcoming events.  There may also be a feature where residents can report certain issues to town officials.  Those reports may include a sinkhole, pothole, or water leak, as examples.  The cost is $3,500 a year which was unanimously approved.  

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Revelopment Commission will meet Tuesday evening in the Council Chambers at the City of Plymouth building. Attendees should enter by the Garro Street entrance.

On the Agenda are a resolution accepting and interest in the Plymouth RDC Center LLC and updates on the Centennial Crossings and Water Street Townhomes projects and a request for monetary support from the REES Theatre.
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. and can be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@CityofPlymouth

PLYMOUTH — On July 14 at approximately 1:11 a.m., Plymouth Police observed a black sedan recklessly conducting “donuts” at the Centennial Park soccer fields.

During a traffic stop of the vehicle, it was discovered that the driver, Jose Julian Ortiz Vera, 23, of Plymouth, was operating the vehicle without ever having obtained a valid driver’s license.
Ortiz Vera was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail and charged with reckless driving, criminal mischief, and operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a License.

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

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a motorcycle accident on July 12, at 1:18 p.m. at US 31 and US 30.

The rider, Zachary Graham, 31, was traveling south bound on U.S. 31 approaching the interchange with U.S. 30. ​As he entered a curve in the southbound lanes of the highway,​ the motorcycle traveled off the roadway into the center median.
Graham lost control of the motorcycle and was ejected from it. ​He sustained injuries that included abrasions,​ lacerations, and a possible broken hand. ​Plymouth EMS transported Graham to Memorial Hospital. ​ ​ ​
Agencies involved were the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department,​ Plymouth Fire/EMS, and Reichert Knepp Wrecker Service.

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 5.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.04/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 12.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 52.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 3.2 cents in the last week and stands at $3.676 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.59/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.89/g, a difference of $1.30/g.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 2.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.11/g today.
“With oil prices posting a modest uptick last week, the national average price of gasoline also inched slightly higher, with just over half of U.S. states seeing increases, while nearly two dozen saw declines,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “As we approach the midpoint of the summer driving season, gasoline inventories remain just below average, while diesel inventories are considerably tighter—keeping upward pressure on diesel prices. While renewed tariff discussions could weigh on oil markets due to concerns about economic growth, absent any major developments, we expect the national average to remain rangebound in the low-$3 per gallon area, where it has spent much of the summer.”
GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps, and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

By Anita Goodan

CULVER — The Culver Town Council members will open a public hearing during their meeting Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. ET at the Culver Town Hall to take comments on a proposed increase in water rates.

Information provided by Clerk-Treasuer Karen Heim indicated that the proposed increase follows an updated rate study conducted by Baker Tilly officials.  The study evaluates whether or not the town’s current water and sewer rates can support the costs of maintaining and operating the systems.

Heim further explained that the original rate study was completed in 2021, and at that time, Baker Tilly recommended a rate increase. However, the council opted to delay any changes as the community was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the study was updated again, but no action was taken. Earlier this year, Heim requested another update to reflect new revenue projections, including the impact of additional housing developments at the Dunes. The study showed that an increase is necessary, but revenue from the Dunes reduced the recommended rate increase by approximately 50 percent. No increase in sewer rates is recommended. 

Customers who have a standard 5/8” meter and use 1,000 or 2,000 gallons of water a month will experience an increase of $26.91, if an ordinance reflecting these changes is eventually approved in three readings by the council.  Those who use 3,000 gallons a month will see an increase of $33.32 a month, while those who use 4,000 gallons a month will see an increase of $39.70 and those who use 5,000 gallons a month will see an increase of $46.08 a month.  

Members of the public are encouraged to voice comments during the town council’s meeting July 24.  

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department be fog sealing on Tuesday at:

•Lincoln Hwy from the City limits (Ozinga) to US30
•Pioneer from SR17 to Jim Neu Dr.
These roads will be closed during the process. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones. Be mindful of our workers and road conditions.

ARGOS — On Thursday,​ July 10,​ at 5:48 P.M.,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of State Road 10 and Ironwood Road with possible injuries.

​
Officers from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene and, through investigation, determined that a 2021 Nissan Murano driven by Danita Rice, 57, of Argos, was stopped at the intersection. Rice was attempting ​to turn east onto State Road 10 when she failed to yield to a west-bound 2001 Ford Excursion,​ driven by Stanley Cripps,​ 35, of Tippecanoe.
The two occupants in the Nissan were transported to the Plymouth Hospital to be evaluated for complaints of lower body pain.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Argos EMS,​ Fire,​ and Police ​and ​Lyons Wrecker Service.

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety, along with the Plymouth Common Council, will meet Monday evening in the Council Chambers in the City of Plymouth Building. Attendees should use the Garro Street entrance.

On the agenda for the Board of Works is a tabled order to take action issued to Northgate Mobil Home Park, a swearing-in ceremony for new firefighters, and a contract for IT services with Hyperwave.
The Council will hear ordinances regarding cemetery fees and stormwater management regulations.
They will also hear first reading on ordinances fixing salaries for appointed officers and employees, and fire and police personnel for the year. They will also hear the first reading for ordinances regarding appointments to the park and recreation and Aviation boards.
The Board of Works begins at 6 p.m. with the Council meeting directly following. You can watch the live stream at www.youtube.com/@CityofPlymouth

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council will meet on Monday evening in the second-floor meeting room of the Marshall County Building in Plymouth.

On the agenda are reports from the Highway, Budget and Finance, and Job classification subcommittees, and a quarterly report from Greg Hildebrand, the CEO of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and will also be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@MarshallCountyIN

PLYMOUTH — On the night of July 4 at 11:55 pm, a Plymouth officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Michigan near Novelty St.

The vehicle was observed leaving the Taco Bell parking lot, driving south on Michigan St. with no headlights or taillights. While closing on the vehicle, the officer also observed that the vehicle was unable to maintain lanes and struck a curb when pulling over.
The driver, Rylan Julian, 18, of Plymouth, was taken into custody. Julian was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked on charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Illegal Consumption of an Alcoholic Beverage.

On July 8 at approximately 2 a.m, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the area of E Lake Ave and Gideon St. for a report of a man sleeping on a residential lawn.
Police located the man, Max Borjas-Bennett, 19, of Plymouthlying in the grass. He was found to be under the influence of alcohol. Borjas-Bennett was arrested for Public Intoxication and transported to the Marshall County Jail.

On July 5 at 1:15 a.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to 1316 Holloway Drive for a report of an impaired driver.
Officers located the vehicle involved and, while speaking with the 911 caller, also located the driver of the vehicle. It was determined that the driver, Brianna Householder, 24, of Plymouth, had operated a vehicle while intoxicated. Householder was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Marshall County Jail

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

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department has been made aware of scammers calling citizens of the community pretending to be members of the department, soliciting funds on behalf of the criminal justice system.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is not soliciting funds. Do not respond to solicitation of funds or requests for payments through email or by phone.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department does not use PayPal, Apple Pay, Western Union, or any other third-party financial transaction entity. Official payments, such as bonds, are made directly to the government agency.
Lieutenant Detective Les McFarland advises the public to never give out any personal information or funds unless you know who you are dealing with and can verify the identification of the individual or department you are dealing with.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department or the agency in question to verify the request. The Sheriff’s contact page can be found here: https://sheriffmarshallcounty.org/contact-us

PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of July 8, at 4:34 p.m., Plymouth Police were attempting to locate a male subject who had an active felony warrant for his arrest.

Officers arrived at an address on West Harrison and spoke with Isaiah Navejar, 20, and Francisco Navejar, 46, and were informed that the wanted man was not inside, and that they had not seen the man.
Officers, along with K9 Officer Castor, conducted a sweep of the residence and located the wanted man, Roberto Navejar, 42, in a bedroom inside the residence.
Roberto was transported and lodged into the Marshall County Jail for his warrant. Isaiah and Francisco were also transported and lodged in the Marshall County Jail and charged with obstruction of justice and assisting a criminal.

On the morning of July 9, at 11:30 a.m., Plymouth Police were notified of a woman who had an active warrant for her arrest.
Officers arrived at a residence on Madison St. and located Laura Jimenez, 51. Jimenez was transported and lodged into the Marshall County Jail for the warrant.

Also on the morning of July 9, Plymouth Police became aware of a warrant for John Slattery, 41, of Plymouth.
The warrant for Slattery was confirmed with Marshall County Central Dispatch. Officers made contact with Slattery at his residence, and he was taken into custody and transported to Marshall County Jail without incident.

On July 6 at 11 a.m., while investigating a traffic accident, it was learned that Stephanie Ferree, 42, of Plymouth, had an active body attachment warrant.
She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department will be working on Monday on Pioneer Drive. That road will be closed for fog sealing, from SR17 to Lincoln Hwy, and Lincoln Hwy to the jail.

This road will also be closed. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones. Be mindful of our workers and road conditions.

CULVER — The Culver area has enjoyed local theater for well over a hundred years–from the 19th-century Maxinkuckee Chautauqua Assembly, to the storied Maxinkuckee Playhouse summer stock theater on the east shore of the lake, down to the Maxinkuckee Players of today.

Perennial (and founding) Maxinkuckee Players member Dan Adams and Culver Academies Historian Jeff Kenney will present “Drama by the Lake: Culver’s Theatrical History,” a history of live theater in town, at the lake, and at the Academies on Saturday, July 12, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Culver-Union Twp. Public Library, 107 N. Main Street in downtown Culver. The public is welcome and the program is free.
The presentation is part of the Culver Historical Society’s roster of summer programming.
The next two programs will take place in the Culver Academies’ Legion Memorial Building: the annual fundraiser concert, this year featuring the Dave Bennett Quartet, Saturday, AUGUST 9, at 7 pm, and “Underneath the Maxinkuckee Moon: Culver in Music,” with retired Culver Academies Bandmaster MAJ Bill Brown, Saturday, AUGUST 16, at 10:30 AM. The Stories and Stones Cemetery Walk will follow at Culver’s Masonic Cemetery at 1 PM on Saturday, September 20.

PLYMOUTH — On July 9, at approximately 1:48 p.m., Plymouth Police were called to 1628 W. Jefferson St. (Family Express) regarding a man who was shoplifting.

After speaking with the man, Dallas Sheets, of Knox, he stated that he did take an item without paying for it. He was then transported to MCJ and lodged for theft.

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

INDIANAPOLIS — The Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced 142 addresses across 27 counties will gain access to high-speed broadband as a result of $628,906 awarded in the 14th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program.

Local provider Surf Internet received $177,600 to extend service to 37 addresses in its coverage area.
The Indiana Connectivity Program aims to connect residents and businesses that lack access to broadband internet service with service providers and assist in the extension of broadband to those locations.

Owners of residential and business locations unserved or underserved (access to actual speeds less than 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload) can apply for consideration by entering their information into the Next Level Connections portal to initiate their interest in receiving broadband internet service.

BOURBON — On Monday,​ July 7,​ at 3:06 p.m., the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call about a two-vehicle injury crash on US 30 at Beech Road. ​

The investigation revealed that a GMC Sierra driven by Charles Middaugh, 81, of Argos, was traveling south on Beech Road and pulled into the path of a Dodge Caravan, driven by Scott Prince, 60, of Elkhart, which was traveling east on US 30 in the right-hand lane. ​Both drivers were transported to the hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
Agencies involved were the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department,​ Bourbon PD,​ Bourbon Fire,​ Lutheran EMS,​ and Indiana DNR

INDIANAPOLIS – Local students Lorelei Burdick of John Glenn High School and Miranda McCarty of Knox Community High School are among this year’s recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie).

The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, awards recipients a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total) to high-achieving high school and college students who agree to teach in an eligible Indiana school for five years. A record-breaking 1,091 students applied for the 2025-2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, with nearly 300 scholarships awarded.
“Teachers help shape the next generation of Hoosier leaders,” Culp said. “It is encouraging to see these students stepping up and kickstarting their educational careers.”
Pressel said those qualifying for the scholarship must graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
“This scholarship can be a financial lifeline for students seeking a degree in education,” Pressel said. “I congratulate these recipients for their hard work and dedication to serve future generations.”
To learn more and apply for the next round of scholarships opening in the fall, visit LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher. Questions may be directed to NextTeacher@che.in.gov.

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of July 7, at 2:15 am, Plymouth Police conducted a traffic stop near the St. Joseph Hospital (1915 E. Lake Ave) for moving and equipment violations.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jose Pulido, 50 years old of Acampo, CA, and the passenger as Ashley Selvidge, 43 years old of LaPorte.
During the traffic stop, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department-Canine Diesel assisted and indicated the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle was completed, and suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia, and syringes were located.
Both Pulido and Selvidge were taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail, facing preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a syringe, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia. Selvidge is also facing an additional charge of obstruction of justice after she attempted to hide and discard evidence.

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