PLYMOUTH — The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded Marshall County to a “Slight Risk” (level 2/5)

for severe storms today.
Storms along the cold front will have the potential for damaging winds and even a possible tornado. Timing looks to be late afternoon into the evening.
The high winds will linger after the storms, prompting a Wind Advisory with gusts up to 50 mph Sunday night through Monday.
On the back side of the front lies a sharp drop in temperature. Wind chills on Monday morning will hover around 0. The rapid freeze could allow fallen rain to form black ice on pavements, making the Monday commute a slick one.
1-2” of lake effect snow is also expected on Monday. Add that to the 50 mph wind gusts, and blowing snow will also make travel hazardous at times.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Public Defender Board will convene for a meeting on Monday, Dec. 29, at 10 am to discuss the acceptance of the Public Defender Administrator contract and acceptance of

Public Defender contracts.
The meeting will take place in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room 203, 112 W. Jefferson Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
The meeting will be live-streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety moved to approve fuel bids for the Street

Department on Monday.
Two weeks ago, the Board accepted two bids:
One from Al Warren Oil Company in Bensonville, IL, for gasoline at $1.9075 a gallon and diesel at $2.3450 based on the amount ordered plus applicable tax.
One from Keystone Cooperative for gasoline at $2.0960 a gallon and diesel at $2.3851.
At that time, Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt asked the board to take the bids under advisement for his review, and they did so.
Monday, Marquardt made the recommendation for the Keystone bid, noting that they were slightly higher, but they could assure the city of a single supplier of fuel — which Al Warren could not have with three different suppliers — in case of a problem, and assurance of delivery time. Marquardt also said that Al Warren had not added in tax charges in their bid.

WALKERTON — On Dec. 22, the Marshall County Central Dispatch received several 911 calls in reference

to a ​2-vehicle collision ​at 8A and Jarrah Rd. ​
Upon arriving, it was found that a female juvenile in a Kia SUV was driving east on 8A ​and ​proceeded into the intersection, having not seen a Honda SUV driven by Payton M. Town, 18, of Plymouth, traveling south on Jarrah. ​
The juvenile was transported from the scene by ambulance to Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. ​Both ​Town and a passenger, Mykenzie ​L. Town, age 21 of Plymouth, had injuries at the scene,​ but ​refused EMS transport. ​
​ ​

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Dec. 21, at 4:30 am, Plymouth and Marshall County Police Officers

responded to 910 W. LaPorte Street after receiving a 911 call for a man and woman who were involved in a physical domestic altercation.
Officers determined that 33-year-old Jordan Hanthorn and 30-year-old Rachel-Marie O’Brien, both of Plymouth, physically battered one another in the presence of children.
Hanthorn and O’Brien were taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of felony-domestic battery in the presence of a child and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 9.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.76/g

today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 14.0 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 33.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 4.3 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.575 per gallon.
Locally, the cheapest gasoline in Marshall County was in Plymouth at $2.78 a gallon. The most expensive was in Culver at $2.89 a gallon.
In Starke County, the cheapest station was in Grovertown at $2.69, and the most expensive was in North Judson at $2.91.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.26/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.29/g, a difference of $1.03/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.26/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of $1.03/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 5.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.79/g today.
“For a fourth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has declined, as conditions remain ripe for some of the lowest seasonal gas prices in five years,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Oil prices continue to struggle amid rising U.S., Canadian, and OPEC+ oil production, while refinery output remains near some of the highest seasonal levels in years— factors that are likely to keep gas prices under pressure over the weeks ahead. We’re continuing to see some gas prices below $2 per gallon in the nation’s cheapest states, now at more than 125 gas stations. Diesel prices have also seen some relief, though inventories remain tight, keeping the national average higher than a year ago.”
GasBuddy delivers real-time prices at more than 150,000 stations and is the most authoritative source of station-level fuel pricing data, updating averages 288 times daily.

PLYMOUTH — It’s official now. The Marshall County Sewer District Board will conclude any current

business and then dissolve by a unanimous vote of the County Commissioners and Council on an agreement to end the dispute between the bodies.
In an agreement outlined for the County Commissioners and Council on Monday by Commissioners’ Attorney Sean Surrisi, the Sewer Board will conclude any business within a 60-day timeframe. All legal claims held by either side in the dispute will be released, including the current action by the county against Sewer Board President Tom McFadden and the Sewer Board appeal of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s action dissolving the District, and no future actions will be considered.

If any actions of any of the parties involved were to be investigated and found to be illegal, the agreement would allow the other to pursue civil action.
The county also agreed to cover the $5000 deductible for 6 years of insurance coverage for litigation against any individual member of the board.
Neither side in the dispute admits any wrongdoing as part of the agreement.
Both Commissioners and Council also voted unanimously to purchase the current bond of the district, which could be in the neighborhood of $1.6 million.

On Friday,​ Dec. 19th,​ at 12:54 AM,​ Marshall County Police were dispatched to the intersection of King

Road and 11th Road for reports of a single vehicle property damage involving a utility pole.
Deputies arrived on scene and located a 1993 Lexus passenger car at the southeast corner of the intersection against an REMC utility pole. The vehicle appeared to have been traveling southbound and left the east side of the roadway for unknown reasons.
During the investigation,​ the driver,​ Sean M. Janda,​ 21, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests were completed, and a later certified test showed his blood alcohol to be over two times the legal limit of alcohol. He received medical clearance and was transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Wednesday,​ Dec. 17,​ at 12:46 pm,​ ​Marshall County Dispatch broadcast a report of a

single-vehicle accident on the US 31 southbound on the ramp from eastbound US 30.
The report was of a vehicle that had left the roadway,​ into an embankment,​ and the woman driving was incoherent and possibly intoxicated, according to the initial reporter. Marshall County and Plymouth Police Officers responded along with Plymouth Fire/EMS.
During the crash investigation, it was discovered that the driver,​ Pamela Overmyer, was exhibiting signs of alcohol intoxication. She was transported to the Marshall County Jail for operating a vehicle with a BAC ​of .15% or more,​ operating a vehicle while intoxicated,​ and endangering.

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

PLYMOUTH — There will be a pair of special meetings to discuss the Marshall County Regional Sewer

District on Monday.
The Marshall County Commissioners will convene a special meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, in room 203 of the county building at 112 W. Jefferson Street in Plymouth to discuss the Sewer District.
Then, at 9 a.m., the Marshall County Council will conduct a special meeting in the same location for the same purpose.
Both meetings will be live-streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN

PLYMOUTH — On Dec. 17 at 9:21 p.m., Plymouth Officers were dispatched to the parking lot of

Walmart for a man in a vehicle being hit by the driver of the vehicle.
Upon arrival, it was determined that the two men had a verbal argument. It was then reported that the driver, Trevor Lucas, of Bremen, had hit the passenger several times on the left arm.
The passenger had visible marks on his left arm and was complaining of pain. Trevor Lucas was detained and transported to the Marshall County jail and booked for the charge of Domestic Battery.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Dec. 17, Officers responded to the 400 block of Pennsylvania for the report of a

Domestic Disturbance.
After investigation, it was determined that a Battery occurred. Tanya Hisey-Kujath, 49 of Plymouth, was taken into custody and booked into the Marshall County Jail for Domestic Battery and Intimidation.

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

PLYMOUTH — The City of Plymouth will have its regular meetings on Monday night, starting with the

Board of Public Works and Safety at 6 p.m.
On the agenda is the opening of bids for an ambulance.
Immediately following the Board of Works will be the Common Council meeting.
On that agenda are appointments to the various boards and commissions, as well as the Mayor Pro-Tempore.
There will also be resolutions for investment of public funds and a transfer of appropriations.
Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of 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 meetings will be live-streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.

Special Weather Statement issued December 18 at 11:55AM EST by NWS Northern Indiana

Southerly winds will gust up to 40 mph this afternoon into early this evening. Isolated wind gusts up to 50 mph will also be possible in heavier rain showers. Be sure to secure outdoor objects.

PLYMOUTH — Temperatures will rapidly decrease this evening, dropping below the freezing point

sometime after sundown.
Rain (and possibly snow) is on the way, which will freeze to untreated pavements and cause slick conditions.
Marshall County EMA has left the Travel Advisory in place as a precaution. Please be safe if you have to travel late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Redevelopment Commission heard an update on the Water Street

Townhomes project in downtown, and the projection is still that tenants will be able to move in beginning in January.
Plymouth City Attorney Jeff Houin told the Board that work has moved indoors at the site currently, with most of the outside work complete. Houin said that significant progress was being made on the interiors of the units.
One spot that is running behind schedule is the paving of the parking lot. The initial coat of asphalt has been applied, but with the cold weather, the final coat will have to wait until the spring. In the meantime, developers are making arrangements for temporary striping to be done before tenants begin to take occupancy.

PLYMOUTH — In a special meeting on Tuesday night, the Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals

reviewed and approved findings of fact from their meeting in December of last year, denying a variance of use for Tamarack Solar to use land in the Culver area to construct a solar farm.
The denial of the variance led to Tamarack filing suit against the Board and asking for a venue change to Fort Wayne and Allen County Superior Court. The meeting on Tuesday was to allow the BZA to review their findings of fact and make any changes before presenting the findings to the Judge in the case.
In a discussion that lasted less than half an hour, the BZA approved those findings of fact for presentation.
The Board made several slight changes and added points of emphasis.
One such was emphasizing the comprehensive plan for the county called for the preservation of farmland and open space in the county and the concern the installation would have on wildlife in the area.
A second was another item in the comprehensive plan stating that villages in the county should have the ability to grow larger in the future, and the BZA felt the growth of Burr Oak would be inhibited by the facility surrounding it.
The plight of one resident of the area was also highlighted, as the family had purchased land in the area before talk of the solar facility and had not been informed of its possibility. The land purchased would be surrounded by solar panels instead of farmland.
Concerns for groundwater contamination from lead and cadmium were also pointed out.
Only three members of the board — President Jeff Gustafson, Trent Bennett, and Tim Pletcher — were present since there was some dispute over paperwork on the two alternate members that had been appointed.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the

recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Marshall County: Rongtian (“Ray”) Ye of Plymouth High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
“Ray is a true reflection of the Lilly Scholarship. He embodies academic excellence, service-oriented leadership, perseverance, and character. His achievements and dedication uphold the core values and high standards of the award, demonstrating not only personal success but also a lasting commitment to strengthening his community.” said Beth Styers, MCCF Scholarship Committee Chair.
Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
“When I am remembered by my community, I want my legacy to be one that radiates passion and a commitment to giving back, showing just how much I appreciate all that this community has done to raise and support me,” said Ray Ye (Lilly Endowment Community Scholar).
In nominating Marshall County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, the committee considered 1) academic performance; 2) community service, work experience, and leadership; 3) school activities; and 4) an application essay and interview by the Lilly Scholarship Selection Committee. After narrowing the field of applicants, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.
“Each year the applicants from Marshall County are amazing and it is always a difficult selection process because their high school careers are so full of excellence!” said Linda Yoder, MCCF Executive Director.
Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program’s primary purposes are:
To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana.
To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play.
To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.
About Marshall County Community Foundation:
The Marshall County Community Foundation is a public charity with local roots that helps great ideas take flight through endowment philanthropy. Since 1991, donors to the Marshall County Community Foundation have built the community’s assets currently valued at more than $50 million and have returned over $30 million to Marshall County communities in grants and scholarships, $5.6 million from Community Funds. For more information about the MCCF, call 574.935.9159, or visit www.marshallcountycf.org.