BREMEN — The Bremen Community School Board talked “future debt” at their meeting on Wednesday, in the wake of the General Assembly’s SB 1 that addressed property taxes in the state.

The Indiana Assembly’s bill addressed property tax relief, and since schools are funded by property taxes, the trickle-down effect of which is a lessening of funds available for public education. Bremen Superintendent Jim White approached the board about how they would like to move forward, regarding necessary projects already on the board for the corporation.
Currently, the next project involves security with the move of the office to the front of the building and adding features to make the entrance to the school secure. Included in that project would be an office for the Bremen School Resource Officer, and also include upgrading of the FACS area to enable the offering of more culinary educational programming.
White told the board that the corporation could adopt a “tread water and see what happens” approach or keep moving forward by adopting one of two options: a general operations bond or a first mortgage approach.
White said that both have a five-and-a-half-year payoff, but the law, as written by the state assembly, is that paying off the debt early on a general operations bond would involve a year’s “time out” before another project could be funded.
White said that the first mortgage option would allow the school to fund the planned project fully at around $6.6 million and have some left over to address smaller projects. It would also not cause a rise in the current tax rate.
The school also has a need to address HVAC concerns, but the funding for such would be $8-10 million and could be addressed in two years.
The board voted to pursue the first mortgage option.

INDIANAPOLIS – Many Hoosiers who have dealings with state government agencies woke up with a surprise in their inboxes on Tuesday, including those of us here at Kankakee Valley Broadcasting News, as a mass email phishing attempt was made by a currently unknown source.

Secretary of State Diego Morales, along with many state agencies, sent out press releases Tuesday morning warning citizens of phishing attempts currently circulating via email, which have been reported across the state, that appear to come from a sender impersonating a state-affiliated source, such as “txtag” or other entities. Those phishing emails may appear official but are designed to mislead recipients into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information. These messages are not legitimate and
Morales warned Hoosiers:

• Do not click on any links or attachments within these suspicious emails.
• Delete the message immediately.
  He said that the State Office of Technology is working to investigate and block further attacks.
  “These scams are dangerous, deceptive, and disruptive. I want to remind all Hoosiers to be
  cautious before opening emails and clicking on any unsolicited links, especially those that
  request personal information or direct you to unfamiliar websites. Your security is our top
  priority,” said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State.
  Hoosiers who receive suspicious emails should avoid clicking any links or downloading attachments. The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) is aware of the situation and is monitoring closely.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council gave a vote of support for a planned housing project on Olive Trail just outside of the Plymouth city limits.

Kevin Berger of Easterday Construction, along with Greg Hildebrand, CEO of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, approached the Council seeking support for the project in the form of a tax abatement.
Berger outlined the project that will be for a low-income housing development off of Olive Trail, SR 17, and Glen Overmyer Drive. The project would not be government-subsidized housing, but for those who have a lower income. It would be a tax credit project that would allow it to be essentially mortgage-free property, and rents would be set by the state as a percentage of the median income.
Tenants who could afford it would be given an option to buy the particular property at the end of 15 years or continue to rent.
In order to obtain the award for the project from the state, Easterday must show monetary support from government agencies, and Berger told the Council that instead of seeking Marshall County to provide sidewalks or some sort of infrastructure, he was asking for a commitment to provide a tax abatement when and if the project were awarded.
Currently, Easterday has an option on the property while the process of seeking the state award goes through. If the project does not go forward, there would be no obligation to the county.
Berger said that the project would hook into City of Plymouth utilities, that are already extended to the area near the hospital, and while there is no committment at this time from the city, it is likely that at some point in the near future there could be an annexation of the property if there is more requests for city utilities in the area.
Council President Tim Harmon stated his support for the project, citing the need for low-cost housing in the county and the fact that the property currently pays only $81 a year in taxes, saying that the development could only provide a net win for taxpayers over time if it is completed.
The Council gave a unanimous vote to support the development.

By Anita Goodan

The Culver Town Council members adopted two proclamations during their recent meeting.

The first proclamation recognizes National Police Week as May 11-17, 2025, while the second proclamation recognizes National EMS Week as May 18-24, 2025. The council members commend all in those roles who serve the Town of Culver and Union Township.

The council also authorized maintenance work done to all Stryker equipment associated with EMS. Culver-Union Township EMS Director Michael Hasselfeldt requested maintenance done on about eight pieces of equipment at a cost of about $4,000. If repairs need to be done it could cost a little extra, however Hasselfeldt believes that the equipment is in good working order. He just wants to be sure that the equipment is checked by Stryker representatives. The council unanimously approved the work to be done.

Culver-Union Township Fire Chief Terry Wakefield said the two tornado sirens are being repaired at a cost of $900 apiece. He asked permission to purchase two motors to have on hand to make more timely repairs on the sirens. He noted that it takes about four to six weeks to receive what is needed and it is best to have equipment on hand to get them in proper working order at a quicker rate. The council approved the cost of the motors at a total of about $8,500.

LAPAZ — On May 10,​ at 2:42 pm,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a motorcycle colliding with a tractor.

The collision occurred in the 15,000 block of ​US 6,​which is ​west of Pine Road. ​A preliminary investigation shows that a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle ridden by Michael Fisher, 38,​ of Walkerton,​ was attempting to pass a turning 2020 Massey-Ferguson tractor being operated by Caleb Gardner,​ 20, of Rochester.
Due to the nature of the collision,​ Lutheran Air Ambulance landed at the scene to transport the motorcyclist. ​The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by the Walkerton Police Department,​ Polk Township Fire and EMS,​ Lutheran Air Ambulance ​, and Reichert-Knepp Towing. ​

PLYMOUTH — On May 8, at 5:25 pm, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the Red Rock Inn for an active physical fight.

Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Michael Pittman, 44, of Plymouth, had gotten into a physical altercation with two other men. He was found to be the aggressor in the situation and had battered multiple victims with a walking crutch.
Pittman was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was lodged for battery.

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

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of May 10 at approximately 2:39 a.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to the Days Inn for a possible kidnapping.

The caller stated that Shaquile L. Booker, 30, of Centreville, MI, had taken her 6-month-old son and was currently on his way back to Michigan. An attempt to locate order was placed on Booker and the vehicle he was seen in. The vehicle was located in Elkhart County at 3:21 a.m., and Booker was taken into custody.
The child was located safe and taken to the Plymouth Hospital for a precautionary evaluation. Booker was transported back to Marshall County and then transported to the Marshall County Jail. He was booked on charges of level 5 felony kidnapping and Level 6 neglect of a dependent.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Friday,​ May 9, at 5:36 AM,​ Marshall County Police and Plymouth Fire were dispatched to a two-vehicle injury accident at the intersection of Lincoln Highway and Redwood Road.

​
Once on scene,​ it was found that a blue Dodge Journey,​ driven by Luis Munoz Gonzalez,​ 19, was traveling southbound on Redwood Road north of Lincoln Highway. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign and struck a gray Dodge Journey,​ driven by Christopher Rzepczynski, 47.
Both drivers were transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Plymouth for possible head injuries sustained in the collision. It was found that Gonzalez has never received a driver’s license. A criminal case report will be filed with the prosecutor’s office for review.
​Agencies Involved: Marshall County Police,​ Plymouth Police,​ Plymouth Fire and EMS,​ Lyon’s Towing.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 13.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.05/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 5.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 53.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.8 cents in the last week and stands at $3.473 per gallon, nearly the lowest tally since 2021.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.66/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.49/g, a difference of 83.0.
“Even with oil prices jumping more than $4 per barrel compared to last week, the national average price of gasoline has resumed its decline as refineries wrap up seasonal maintenance and prepare to boost output,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Forty states have seen average gasoline prices fall over the last week, while just ten have seen increases, most notably on the West Coast, where another refinery fire in Northern California once again disrupted gasoline production. As we approach Memorial Day, gas prices may see some minor fluctuations, but for now, I don’t expect any significant changes to the national average, with prices staying near their lowest seasonal level since 2021.”
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 — On May 7, at 8:40 pm, Plymouth Police observed a man walking in the area of 105 Dickson St. who was known to have an active Felony Arrest Warrant.

Matthew Young, 45, of Plymouth, was detained, and the warrant was confirmed. Young was transported to the Marshall County Jail where he will await transport to the Starke County Jail for further court proceedings on the arrest warrant.

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

LAPORTE — The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 41-year-old Shawn Wesly Russell Akison of Romeoville, Illinois, in connection with a serious bodily injury crash at US 20 and Fail Road involving two New Prairie School Corporation “mini-buses” carrying athletes and coaches to a baseball game.

The initial stages of the investigation determined that the St. Jospeh County Police Department received a report of a box truck traveling westbound on SR 2 in a reckless manner. A St. Joseph County Deputy located the box truck in the area of SR 2 and Timothy Road. A traffic stop was attempted, however, the box truck failed to yield and continued traveling west on SR 2. At SR 2 and CR 900 East (County Line), the deputy terminated the pursuit of the box truck.
At 3:13 PM, Deputy Jeff Armstrong was dispatched to the area of SR 2 and US 20 regarding the reckless driving box truck. At 3:16 PM, deputies responded to US 20 and Fail Road for a multi-vehicle crash. First responders confirmed the box truck was involved in the crash, along with a commercial motor vehicle, and two ‘mini-buses’ belonging to the New Prairie United School Corporation (NPUSC).
The box truck, being operated by Akison, was traveling west on US 20 approaching the Fail Road intersection. The box truck collided with a commercial motor vehicle and the two mini-buses.
Those injured included two coaches and seven student athletes. The injured subjects received treatment at the scene, along with several being transported by ground to an area hospital. One student-athlete was airlifted from the scene and transported to a regional hospital for treatment.
Akison was taken into custody at the scene. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment. After being medically cleared, Akison was transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ) on a charge of criminal recklessness. He remains housed in the LCJ and is being held on a $15,005.00 cash-only bond.
Anyone with dash camera footage or if you witnessed the box truck being operated on SR 2 or US 20 is encouraged to email Chief of Detectives – Captain Andy Hynek (ahynek@lcso.in.gov).
Toxicology test results are pending. The crash investigation is ongoing. No further information is available for release.

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

On Thursday,​ May 9,​ at 2:29 PM, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was notified of a stolen vehicle traveling south on US 31 from US 6. Marshall County officers located the stolen vehicle and attempted to perform a traffic stop in the area of US 31 and 16th Road.

The driver, Aaron C. Ellis, 27 of Indianapolis, failed to stop and then ​began traveling north on US 31 from SR 10 at a high rate of speed. Officers pursued the vehicle, and at one point, the suspect vehicle collided with a police vehicle.
Stop sticks were deployed in the area of US 31 and 13th Road and were successful. Ellis finally came to a stop south of 11th Road on US 31. He was taken into custody without further incident. It was also learned that Ellis had an active warrant out of Marion County,​ IN, for robbery and domestic battery. ​

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

PLYMOUTH — On May 7, at 11:55 pm, a Plymouth Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on Michigan Street, south of Skylane Drive for a registration violation.

A passenger in the vehicle, Mary Williamson, 21 of Dowagiac, MI, had an outstanding felony warrant for her arrest.
Williamson was wanted for felony larceny out of Berrien County, Michigan. Williamson was taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Marshall County Jail awaiting extradition to Michigan.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Tuesday,​ May 6,​ at 11:49 PM,​ Marshall County Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a blue 2006 Chevrolet Malibu in the area of US 31 and 9A Road.

The driver,​ Caleb L. Smith,​ 31, was found to be driving while suspended with a prior.
Two adult females and a juvenile were also in the vehicle at the time. Officers completed a probable cause search of the vehicle,​ finding many baggies and items of marijuana.
A rear female passenger,​ Quadesjah ​L. Mack,​ 24, gave officers a false name and was found to have an active warrant out of Elkhart County. ​She was taken into custody and was transported to the Marshall County Jail. Smith was transported to the Marshall County jail, and the registered owner of the vehicle,​ Kimberly A. Rustman,​ was issued a summons for possession of marijuana and released from the scene with the juvenile.

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

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of May 7, at 1:15 am, Plymouth police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was found speeding in the area of Oak and US 30.

The driver, Joshua Walker, 40, of Peru, had a revoked driver’s license. Officers found that Walker was in possession of narcotic drugs.
He was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of Possession of a Narcotic Drug.

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