PLYMOUTH — On April 29 at 10:20 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department conducted a traffic stop on US 30 west of Oak Dr. for a vehicle doing 73 mph in a 50 mph zone.

While the officer was talking to the driver, Dora Barraza, 43, of Yorkville, IL, there was an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Plymouth K9 Officer and his partner, Castor, were called to the scene for a free air sniff and indicated a positive alert on the vehicle. During a vehicle search, there were 29.6 grams of marijuana located.
Barraza was arrested for possession of marijuana and transported to Marshall County Jail.

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

INDIANAPOLIS — The American Stroke Association urges everyone to know the warning signs of stroke, F.A.S.T., and take steps to prevent stroke. Every year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke, however, as many as 80% may be preventable with healthy lifestyle changes and screening for risk factors. During May, American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is raising awareness nationwide that stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable.

A stroke can happen to anyone, even young people. Know the stroke signs, risk factors, and how to protect yourself:
Spot a stroke F.A.S.T. If you see Face drooping, Arm weakness, or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911. Explore what the warning signs may look, feel, or sound like in the interactive F.A.S.T. Experience.
Understand your risk factors and ask a doctor how you can prevent a stroke. High blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for stroke.
Stroke recovery is within reach. Track your health, medication, and more with the Heart & Stroke HelperTM app for stroke survivors and caregivers.
A stroke happens when normal blood flow in the brain is interrupted. When parts of the brain don’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, those cells die. Quick identification and treatment of stroke improve the chances of survival and recovery.
Learn the warning signs
Stroke is an emergency. If someone is having a stroke, they must get medical attention right away.
Use the acronym F.A.S.T. to identify the most common signs of stroke:
Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.”
Time to Call 911 – If you notice any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately. Quick action can save a life.
Take steps to prevent stroke
Black and Hispanic adults in the U.S. face disproportionately higher stroke risk, driven in part by higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes[3], as well as socioeconomic factors that impact access to care and prevention[4].
A large majority of strokes can be prevented:
Manage your blood pressure – Lowering your blood pressure reduces your risk of stroke. According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and many don’t even know it.
Live a healthy lifestyle – Eating well, staying active, quitting smoking, and managing stress can all help lower your stroke risk[5]. The Association’s Life’s Essential 8 provides key steps for improving and maintaining cardiovascular and brain health.
Monitor health conditions – Conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib), diabetes, and high cholesterol increase stroke risk. Work with your health care provider to manage them.
Reduce risk for a second stroke – Nearly 1 in 4 survivors will have another stroke[6], in some instances, because they don’t know what caused the first stroke. Testing to identify the cause and additional risk factors can help you and your health care team develop a plan to prevent another one.
Stroke recovery
Those who have had a stroke often must work against physical, emotional, and cognitive changes to move forward. Stroke survivors and caregivers can track their health journey, medications, and receive trusted information about stroke with the Heart & Stroke Helper app.
This American Stroke Month, take action and inspire change by learning the signs of a stroke and talking to your health care team to manage your risk factors.
Learn more at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.

PYMOUTH — A media advisory from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has announced that the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) has opened applications for Marshall County residents or property owners who incurred damage to their homes or property from the severe storm events on March 30th or April 2nd, 2025.

Marshall County became eligible for SDRF funds due to its issuance of a local disaster declaration on April 2nd, just a few hours after the second EF1 tornado in four days struck the county. On April 11th, Governor Mike Braun issued a statewide disaster declaration that included Marshall County.
Initial damage assessments conducted by the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and IDHS found significant damage and helped validate the declarations.
Applications to help with immediate needs will be capped at $2,000 initially, although eligible homeowners could receive additional assistance after a complete damage assessment is finished.
The State Disaster Relief Fund applies only to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. State funding cannot replace insurance coverage, which is the primary and best source of protection from storm damage. The maximum payout from the SDRF for an individual is $25,000. The fund only addresses the costs of repairing, replacing, or restoring property that is the primary residence of the applicant.
The SDRF is not currently accepting applications for the Public Assistance program. Local jurisdictions will be notified when Public Assistance becomes available.
If eligible, apply for funds at the following link: app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f75ca97d5deb4e789290c1ed1c389223
For more information on the SDRF, visit https://www.in.gov/dhs/emergency-management-and-preparedness/state-disaster-relief-fund/
If you have any further questions on your eligibility or application, please reach out to the Marshall County EMA by emailing ema@co.marshall.in.us.

PLYMOUTH — On April 28,​ at 8:07 p.m., Marshall County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Oak Dr. and Markley Dr. in Plymouth.

The license plate of the vehicle was shown to be suspended and the registered owner of the vehicle was shown to have a suspended license.
The driver was found to also be the owner of the vehicle, Kalyn M. Gentry, 33. Police also uncovered a small baggie of suspected Methamphetamine. ​

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

BREMEN — Marshall County Sheriff’s deputies investigated an accident on Monday on the Plymouth-Goshen Trail.

Osman Chincilla Bustillo, 39, was traveling west on US 6 west of Plymouth-Goshen Trail behind a long line of slow-moving traffic and was struck from behind by Isaiah Leach, 21. ​
Leach was traveling west on US 6 and looked down for a moment, and did not realize traffic was slowed and struck the rear of Bustillo’s vehicle. Leach was transported to the Bremen Hospital for treatment for minor cuts. ​The front seat passenger of Bustillo’s vehicle was treated at the scene for chest pain.
​
Agencies Involved: ​Marshall County Sheriff’s Department,​ Bremen PD,​ Bremen Fire,​ Bremen EMS ​

PLYMOUTH — This year’s Día del Niño celebration and Marshall County Kids Expo will be combined into one event celebrating children, culture, and community resources. The event will take place Saturday, May 3 from Noon to 5 p.m. at Lincoln Jr. High in Plymouth, enter by door 12.

Día del Niño, or “Children’s Day,” is a cherished tradition celebrated in many Latin American countries. This special day honors children and promotes their well-being through fun, learning, and cultural appreciation. Plymouth Community School Corporation is proud to bring this tradition to the community, providing a space where families can gather and celebrate our students in a meaningful way.
The Marshall County Kids Expo is an annual event designed to connect families with information about local activities, camps, and services available for children throughout the summer and year-round. Attendees can explore opportunities in sports, arts, and education by over 40 vendors, ensuring parents are informed about enriching experiences for their kids.
There will be games, prizes, and fun activities for the whole family, along with information on camps, activities, and services available in Marshall County, free health services provided by the Marshall County Health Department, including physicals, hearing, vision, dental, and lead screenings
Local food trucks will provide refreshments including Chagos Tacos, Bohemian Beverage Co., Alegria Campestre, Pa’L Antojo, Scoops & Sweet Bubbles, and Apex Ice
This event is sponsored by the PCSC ENL team, the Marshall County Kids Expo, and the Marshall County Health Department.

PLYMOUTH — On April 29, Plymouth Police responded to a report of child solicitation.

It was determined that the suspect, David McCrosky, 33 of Curtice, OH, was sending sexually explicit messages and photos to what he believed to be a 13-year-old male. McCrosky was taken into custody and booked into the Marshall County Jail for Child Solicitation and inappropriate communication with a minor.

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

By Anita Goodan

The Culver Town Council unanimously appointed a new police chief during their meeting Thursday, April 24.

Chad Becker, who has been an officer with the Culver Police Department for over 25 years, was approved as the new police chief upon the retirement of Wayne Bean in May.  Bean has served the Town of Culver as police chief for many years.  He will retire after having been in law enforcement for over 40 years.  

The council members congratulated Becker on his new role with the Culver Police Department and thanked Wayne Bean for his dedicated service to the residents of Culver.  

BOURBON — ​On Saturday,​ April 26,​ at approximately 8:24 p.m.,​ Marshall County deputies and Bourbon Police performed a traffic stop on US 30 near SR 331 after witnessing a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.

The driver,​ Leonel Alejandro Bermudez-Contreras, 28, did not have a valid drivers license. ​
Bermudez-Contreras was transported ​to the Marshall County Jail for reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.

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

BREMEN — On Saturday,​ April 26,​ at 3:17 p.m.,​ Marshall County Dispatch broadcast a report of a single vehicle accident into a utility pole on Plymouth Goshen Trail near Miami Trail.

Marshall County Officers,​ Bremen Officers, and Bremen EMS and Fire responded. During the crash investigation, it was discovered that the driver,​ Jose Abarca, 25, was exhibiting signs of alcohol intoxication. Abarca also had active warrants in another county in Indiana.
Abarca was transported to the Marshall County Jail for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. ​

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

By Anita Goodan

CULVER — The Culver Town Council members took action last week to approve a certified proposal from the Culver Plan Commission that would amend the Culver Zoning Ordinance regarding solar energy systems and energy storage systems. 

The Plan Commission has been working on this document since a moratorium was put in place on large industrial solar in June 2023. The moratorium was for two years, but at the time the council was hoping for a timely solution. 

No changes were made from the proposal from the Culver Plan Commission.

Councilwoman Ginny Munroe made a note that the Plan Commission president should be the authority in lieu of a building commissioner on these matters.  The council members unanimously approved that note and adopted the amended Culver Plan Commission’s certified proposal to amend the Culver zoning ordinance regarding solar energy systems and energy storage systems.  The proposed notes will be considered by the plan commission during a meeting in May.  

Additionally, the Culver Town Council members adopted a proclamation that celebrated April 25 as Arbor Day.  The council also adopted a proclamation that honored the memory of Ed Pinder who served many years on the Culver Town Council. He also owned a restaurant in Culver for 30 years, taught mathematics to students at the Culver Academy and at the Culver Community School Corporation, and was active in his church and other community endeavors.  The proclamation pointed to his legacy of public service, the sense of family, community involvement, educator, and a great citizen of the Town of Culver.  The proclamation noted that the flags in the Town of Culver would be at half-staff from April 25 to April 29 in his memory.   

PLYMOUTH – Dustin’s Place and United Way of Marshall County have announced that Dustin’s Place has received a $316,000 capital grant from Indiana United Way in support of turn-key improvements and build out of 6,000 sq ft of new space for Dustin’s Place within the LifePlex Building in Plymouth.

Once complete, the new home for Dustin’s Place will allow the expansion of peer-to-peer grief support for children and families who are navigating the loss of loved ones. This infusion of funding enables Dustin’s Place to meet an ever-growing need to support grieving children and families in Marshall County and the surrounding region.
Funding for this project was made possible due to United Way of Marshall County’s membership in Indiana United Ways, the state membership association for local United Ways serving Indiana counties.
“We recommended this project to the Indiana United Ways Statewide Capital Projects Committee because it addresses urgent local and regional needs, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of families as they navigate the difficult time following the loss of a loved one,” said Linda Yoder, Executive Director of United Way of Marshall County.“ This grant from Indiana United Ways enabled the project team to close a critical gap in funding and will make it possible to provide more children and families access to mental health services when they need them most,” added Yoder. “This project aligns with United Way’s goal of building stronger communities where people work together to create a better life for all.”
“1 in every 10 children in our community will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they turn 18, making childhood bereavement the most prevalent adverse childhood experience,” said Viki Brown, Executive Director of Dustin’s Place. “Our new home will allow Dustin’s Place to expand our mission of ensuring that no one grieves alone. Through this new space, we will be able to provide more groups, individual counseling, and unique grief expression rooms while maintaining our core values at no cost and with no waitlist. We expect to serve 100% more people in 2026.”
On Monday, April 28, Dustin’s Place will begin the work to renovate the 6500 square foot space located within the LifePlex Building in Plymouth. This renovation will take approximately 5 months, and the hope is to be done by the holidays.
You can follow along on our website, http://www.dustinsplace.org, and Facebook for updates and ways to get involved.
For more information about Dustin’s Place and its programs, visit dustinsplace.org.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Plan Commission hired a new Plan Director during their meeting last week, hiring Nicholas Witwer, a Bremen native, to take the position.

Witwer takes over the vacancy that was left when Ty Adley resigned to take a similar position with the city of Plymouth.
Witwer has a background in government, having graduated from Ball State in 2004 with a degree in Urban Planning, and did his internship in 2003 in Marshall County under the then-plan director Troy Kiefer. He went on to work for the city of Noblesville and then for the city of South Bend.
Most recently, Witwer worked as a quality control manager in manufacturing and is happy to return to the work where he began his career.
“I feel like this is a good fit and the right opportunity for me,” he said. “A lot of doors opened for me to be here today.”
Witwer began work on Monday and knows the challenges ahead for he and his department.
“There are some new uses coming to the county and regional area that haven’t existed in the past,” he said. “Writing ordinances that fit the needs of the county and these different businesses and zoning for them is going to be one of the biggest needs and challenges.”
“Updating our comprehensive plan is not necessarily a challenge but it’s something that we haven’t done since 2013 and that’s something that’s due.”

PLYMOUTH — On April 27, at 1:11 a.m., Plymouth Police responded to the Red Rock Inn for a report of a possible overdose.

Police found an unresponsive woman and determined she had overdosed on a narcotic drug. Inside the room, police found trace amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, along with various paraphernalia.
Officers arrested Ernest J. Westerhoff and Alyssa K. Kring for possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia, maintaining a common nuisance, and possession of a hypodermic needle.
Both were transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of April 26, at 8:20 p.m., Plymouth Police conducted a traffic stop for a moving and licensing violation near the entrance of the Northgate Mobil Home Park.

The driver was identified as 37-year-old Wayne L. Upchurch Jr, of Plymouth. Plymouth Police K9 officer Castor assisted on the traffic stop and indicated the presence of narcotics. A loaded firearm was removed from Upchurch’s person, and approximately 33 grams of suspected methamphetamine were located in the vehicle.
Upchurch was taken into custody and lodged at the Marshall County Jail on charges of dealing methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, and possession of paraphernalia.

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

PLYMOUTH — On April 27, at 10:32 a.m., Plymouth Officers were dispatched to the Comfort Suites about a person yelling in one of the rooms.

Ricky McFarland was the occupant inside the room and had broken out the room window. Police also located methamphetamine and cocaine inside the room. He was transported to the hospital for jail clearance and then transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was lodged for level 4 felony possession and criminal mischief.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 3.5 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 5.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 50.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.0 cents in the last week and stands at $3.499 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.59/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.56/g, a difference of 97.0 cents per gallon.
“Average gasoline prices in the U.S. have been volatile over the past week, with roughly half of the 50 states seeing prices decline while the other half experienced increases,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Oil prices, which had fallen into the $50 per barrel range at the height of Trump’s trade war, have since rallied and are now holding in the low $60s, leading to rising gas prices in some states. For now, I expect the national average to bounce around in the $3.10 to $3.20 per gallon range over the coming week, with a continued mixed bag for consumers—about half of the states may see prices inch lower, while the other half could experience increases. We’ll be watching for any market developments, but for now, the market appears to be in a holding pattern.”
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 April 26, an officer with the Plymouth Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling east on Adams St.

The driver of the vehicle, Terencio De Jesus Jarquin Herrera, 25, was found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated as well as never obtaining a driver’s license. He was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — On April 22 at 11:22 p.m., Plymouth Police responded to a report of a property damage accident in the alleyway between Walnut St. and Plum St.

Callers advised that the vehicle fled the scene.
Officers located the vehicle in the driveway of a residence on Walnut St. The driver of the vehicle, Larry Arroyo, 39, was found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated. He was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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