PLYMOUTH — Dr. Byron Holm, the Chief Health Officer in Marshall County, addressed the Marshall County Sewer District board on Wednesday, hoping to shed light on the process that brought the entity into being.
Holm said the testing done at that time made it apparent to him and his team at the Health Department that failing or antiquated septic systems beginning to fail were the cause of that E. coli rise. At that time, he urged the County Commissioners to form the sewer district to protect the citizens and the groundwater in those areas.
Holm told the board and those at the meeting that his job was to protect the health of Marshall County citizens and felt that the formation of the sewer district was the best way to ensure the future health of the citizens and the environment. Holm said that if the rise of E.Coli is not addressed, the contamination will continue, as well as the cost to remedy it. He went on to address the concerns of those involved with the current project on the table of the excessive cost so far and asked the board to come up with a cost-effective way to address the problems in the county. He acknowledged that without grant funds, that would be a very difficult thing, but also said that in his professional opinion, a closed system (sewer) was the best option for the long term. After Holm’s address, the boards newest member, Dean Colvin, made a short statement as well during the acceptance of claims, saying that the expense was extreme but the board needed to “pump the brakes” and figure out how to cut the costs.
He also cautioned against the dismantling of the board entirely since the current project is only one of 12 outlined by the Health Department and the board would be a useful tool to address those problems.
PLYMOUTH — After an overnight road closure at King Road from 4th to 4 B Road the Marshall County culvert crew will resume work tomorrow, Thursday to finish up the culvert replacement. The Marshall County Highway Department will also be chip and sealing:
•King Road from the Ply-Goshen trail to 3rd Rd. This road will also be closed, with access limited to local traffic and emergency services only. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones. Be mindful of our workers and road conditions. Drive slowly and safely the next few days after work is completed in case there is any loose gravel.
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.
A Full Day of Creative Energy in Downtown Plymouth
PLYMOUTH – The streets of downtown Plymouth will burst to life with color, creativity, and community spirit at the 11th Annual ARTS in the Street Festival, happening Saturday, July 26th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This high-energy, family-friendly celebration of the arts is free and open to the public, and it’s shaping up to be bigger and bolder than ever.
With over 85 talented regional artists and artisans lining 3 blocks of North Michigan Street, you’ll find everything from fine paintings and ceramics to handmade textiles, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, literature, glass, metalwork, and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love to browse, there’s something for every eye and every budget. Hungry? We’ve got you covered with a delicious spread of food trucks and booths, as well as local restaurants, offering everything from tacos, sandwiches, and BBQ to gourmet charcuterie, sweets, and fresh fruit beverages. Cool off in the Beer & Wine Garden and take in the festival energy. The soundtrack of the day will feature non-stop live performances on the main stage, including Expressions Dance Studio, Core Dance, Triton Rhythmic Revolution, Rockwood, Joe Baughman & The Righteous Few, and Stay Nameless. Adding to the atmosphere, Rayna Dickson and Claire Hoekstra will perform as talented busking musicians, bringing their music to life right on the street. The festival is bursting with dozens of hands-on art activities for all ages, from sand art and painting to origami, weaving, and other creative stations that invite everyone to dive in and make something memorable. Add in face painting, a lively scavenger hunt, and roaming street performers—including a professional chalk artist, living statue, illusionist, and balloon artist—and you’ll see why families come back year after year.
Young artists 18 and under are invited to take part in the Youth Art Pop-Up Exhibit—a chance to display their work at the festival. Interested participants can find more details and register at http://www.heartlandartgallery.com. Plein air painters will be creating live throughout the day, capturing the spirit of the festival as it unfolds. Their artwork will be available for purchase during a special sale from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Heartland Art Center, and additional plein air works will be on display at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce during the day. Step inside the Heartland Art Center to explore three unique exhibitions: Kim Vander Vinne’s watercolor portraits of animals and people, Mark Vander Vinne’s plein air oil landscapes, a heartfelt memorial exhibit honoring Plymouth High School alumni David Smith and Pete Moriarty, and a vibrant showcase of work by Heartland’s own member artists. This beloved community tradition wouldn’t be possible without the support of our many generous sponsors and donors. Special thanks to: 1st Source Bank, A.K. Industries, Ameri-can Engineering, Banner Electric, Biggby Coffee, Bin There Dump That, Bowen Printing, Culligan Soft Water, Edward Jones, Eleanor & Randy Danielson, Fernbaugh’s, Greg & Susan Payne, Growing Kids Learning Center, Hoosier Racing Tire, Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Masterson Realtors, McKesson Title, Mr. Storage, Plymouth Parks, REES, REMC, State Farm – Laurie Sutter, Agent, The Kietzman Family, The Lakehouse Grille, Tri Kappa, U.S. Granules, Vanadco Signs, Visit Marshall County, Wahoo Solar, WTCA, and Zentis. The Heartland Art Center is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization whose mission is to support regional art and artists, make art accessible to the public and drive economic development. Located at 214 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN, the Center offers exhibitions, classes, events, and community programs year-round. Learn more at http://www.heartlandartgallery.com, or call 574-936-9515. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to stay connected and inspired.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners heard a report from the secretary of the Parks Department, Deb VanDeMark, in their meeting on Monday.
VanDeMark gave the board an update on projects and new facilities the County Parks have put together in the past five years since their formation. The mountain bike trails at Mill Pond are becoming an attraction with biking enthusiasts continuing to make it a stop. VanDeMark gave the board a copy of a map of the trails that will be posted at the kiosk at the start of the trails. It maps a multi-use trail for bikers and hikers at the site. The group plans future developments with a bike maintenance stand, security lights, and a utility shed for maintenance equipment. The group would also like to add a well for water and a fishing deck near the DNR pier at the site. In the future, plans are for a kayak launch as well. As far as kayak launches, the Park Board is looking at two locations on the Yellow River. Launches are currently near Bremen and Plymouth, and the County Board is looking at locations at the halfway points between Bremen and Plymouth, and Plymouth with Starke County. Under discussion are the county bridges at Hickory Road and 11th Road. At the Memorial Forest, development continues with a pavilion and picnic tables, along with a well and security cameras. Future projects for the area include frisbee golf, a small playground, and continuing development of the walking trails already at the park.
PLYMOUTH — Marshall County has received notice that several railroad crossings will be closed for maintenance work beginning Wednesday morning and lasting an estimated 1-4 days.
Crossings are:
5th Street in Plymouth (between Garro and LaPorte)
Pioneer Rd in Plymouth (between Lincoln Hwy and SR 17)
9th Rd in Plymouth (between Lincoln Hwy and Quince)
Union St in Donaldson (between Lincoln Hwy and 8th Rd) Please find an alternate route over the next few days.
PLYMOUTH — The Highway Department will be chip and sealing the following roads on Wednesday: •J️uniper-15B to SR10 •King-US30 to 3rd
The Culvert Crew will be replacing a culvert on King and 4th Road. That road will be closed until work is completed. Please use caution when approaching these roads and be mindful of our workers. Slow down and drive safely when driving these roads for the next few days, in case there are any loose stones.
Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 13.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.10/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 10.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 35.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 3.2 cents in the last week and stands at $3.644 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.29/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.54/g, a difference of $1.25/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 5.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.09/g today. “Nearly every state saw average gas prices decline for the second straight week, even as the nation celebrated July 4 with the lowest national average for Independence Day since 2020,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “That downward momentum may continue, as OPEC’s weekend decision to boost production by a larger-than-expected 548,000 barrels per day in August adds further pressure to oil prices, potentially accelerating supply builds. If tensions in the Middle East remain contained and the Gulf is spared from major hurricanes, the odds are improving that the national average could dip below $3 per gallon later this summer, but in the meantime, we could see the national average falling to its lowest summer level since the pandemic.” 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 — The Marshall County Highway will be out working on Tuesday.
Weather permitting, they will be chip-sealing Lincoln Hwy from Queen Road to the County Line The county culvert crew will be replacing a culvert on King Road. King will be closed from 4th Road to 3B Road with no vehicle traffic until all work is completed. On Wednesday, the road crew will be chip sealing King Road from US 30 to 3rd Road. Please use caution when approaching these roads and be mindful of our workers and road conditions. Slow down and drive safely on these roads for the next few days after completion in case there is any loose gravel.
PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Highway Superintendent Jason Peters updated the Marshall County Commissioners on progress in this year’s county road program on Monday.
Peters said that his crews have chip-sealed 64 miles of pavement so far this season with a total cost of $833,219. On paving projects, he said that Milestone will be completing work on 16C with shoulder work and then move on to 9th Road and Nutmeg Meadows upon completion. The Commissioners also approved the consulting project with USI for the annual inspection of bridges around the county for $428,852. The funding for the purchase of a Dura Patcher machine was brought. A Dura Patcher is used for permanent pothole repair and utilizes a spray injection process to deliver a mixture of emulsion and aggregate, creating a patch that is often more durable than traditional methods. The Marshall County Council had voted no to the immediate purchase with an additional appropriation, but the option of purchasing the machine in next year’s budget was more agreeable. The ways to fund the machine purchase during the current paving season will be taken up by both groups.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department has two projects that will start on Monday. Crews will be chip and sealing Lincoln Hwy from Queen Rd. to the County Line.
The culvert crew will be replacing a culvert on 9th Rd. The road will be closed from Union to the County Line for most of the day, with no vehicles able to get through Please use caution when approaching these roads and be mindful of our workers. Slow down and drive safely down these roads for the next couple of days in case there is any loose gravel.
PLYMOUTH — On July 1 at 2:33 p.m., Plymouth officers were dispatched to the Plymouth Walmart about a woman consuming items in the store and refusing to pay for them or leave the business.
The woman was identified as Jessica Lantz, 57, of Ohio. She continued to refuse to leave the business after being given several opportunities and refused to pay for the items. She was then taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail where she was lodged for trespassing and theft-shoplifting.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of July 2, at 4:55 p.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to the area of 123 W. Garro Street for the reports of a woman who would not leave and was possibly intoxicated.
Officers arrived on the scene and located Casandra Brown, 36, inside the office. Brown was intoxicated and would not leave after being asked by employees. Brown was transported and lodged into the Marshall County Jail and charged with Public Intoxication.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — On the morning of July 3, Plymouth Police Officers were dispatched to the Economy Inn for the report of a man exposing himself to other residents.
Bruce Hochstetler, 56, of Plymouth, refused to answer the door and speak to officers. Management requested that Hochstetler be evicted, but Hochstetler continued to ignore officers and management. After officers entered the room, Hochstetler was transported without incident to the Marshall County Jail for charges of Criminal Trespass, Indecent Exposure, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Obstruction of Justice.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
CULVER — Culver Town Manager Kevin Danti opened bids for a proposed upcoming water plant improvement project during the Culver Town Council meeting on Thursday, June 26.
Danti explained that seven potential contractors showed interest in bidding on the project, but only one bid was returned by the deadline to be opened during the June 26 meeting. Peerless Midwest submitted a bid of $998,500. The council members unanimously approved a motion to have Midwestern Engineering review the bid and provide a recommendation on action on the bid in an upcoming meeting.
The council also learned of the resignation of Don Fox from the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation board. Fox served on the board for five years. He has indicated that he will serve until his successor his chosen. Culver residents interested in being Culver’s representative on the board are asked to submit applications to the council by Tuesday, July 22, at 4 p.m. ET at the Culver Town Hall.
Additionally, Culver Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim said a proposed adjusted water rate ordinance will be introduced to the council during the next meeting, Thursday, July 10. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled during the July 24 meeting. There is a proposed increase in water rates.
CULVER — Culver Union Township Library will be having an after-hours fundraising event in partnership with Heartland Art Center on July 18 from 6-8 pm.
Browse local artists work, which will be available for purchase, and enjoy some good food and wine. To sweeten the deal further, not only do you get to enjoy local art, but your kids can enjoy some arts and crafts. No need to find a babysitter for the event, as Youth Services will be hosting their own activities upstairs at the Library. There will be arts and crafts, snacks, and even a movie showing. The whole family can enjoy a night out at our Night Out Gala. Tickets will be $20 per adult, with kids being free to enter. Each ticket includes a free drink, with additional drinks being available to purchase. You can buy a ticket through the Friends of the Library via Zeffy, https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/night-out-gala, or stop into the library if you want to pay via cash or check. Checks can be made out to the Friends of the Library. Be sure to bring an ID to the event. The funds raised from this event will be used to support fun and interesting programming for both kids and adults, so be sure to come out and help support your local library.
CULVER — The Marshall County Coroner’s office released results of an autopsy in the death of Billy McCarty of Culver. The press release from Marshall County Coroner Dean Byers says that autopsy results show that McCarty died as a result of a skull fracture resulting from a fall in his garage. His death has been ruled accidental. The Marshall County Coroner’s Office was notified of a death on July 3 at 9:33 a.m. McCarty, age 54 of Culver, was found at his home and was pronounced dead by Deputy Coroner John Lampkins. Investigation led by Culver Police Chief Chad Becker and assisted by the Indiana State Police and the Coroner’s Office determined that foul play was not suspected in the death.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will meet on Monday in the Commissioners meeting room on the second floor of the County Building in Plymouth.
On the agenda are reports from Highway Superintendant Jason Peters, Deb VanDeMark on Mashall County Park Board projects and Greg Hildebrand with the quarterly report from the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation. EMA Director Jack Garner will have his quarterly report along with County Attorney Sean Surrissi, and County Auditor Angie Birchmeier. The meeting can be streamed live at : https://www.youtube.com/@MarshallCountyIN
PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of July 1, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the area of Hillcrest Ave. and Oak Rd. for a motor vehicle accident.
While speaking with the driver, Miguel Gonzalez, 68, of Plymouth, it was determined that he had never received a Driver’s License. Gonzalez was transported and lodged in the Marshall County Jail and charged with knowing or intentionally operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a license.
On June 30 at 10:26 a.m., a vehicle being driven by Marroquin Perez Felix Estuardo, 21, of Ft. Wayne was stopped for a traffic infraction. Estuardo was found to have never been issued a driver’s license. He was lodged at the Marshall County Jail.
Suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
CULVER — The Marshall County Coroner’s Office was notified of a death on July 3 at 9:33 a.m. in the 300 block of Clover St., in Culver.
The deceased, Billy McCarty, age 54 of Culver, was found at his home. McCarty was pronounced dead by Deputy Coroner John Lampkins. Investigation led by Culver Police Chief Chad Becker and assisted by the Indiana State Police and the Coroner’s Office has determined that foul play is not suspected in the death. An autopsy has been scheduled to assist in determining Mr. McCarty’s cause of death.
