PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Historical Society and the Marshall County Museum are planning their second Casino Night Fundraiser to be held on June 13 at the historic REES Theatre in downtown Plymouth.

The theme is a trip back in time to the glamorous Copacabana Night Club of the 1950s. Be prepared for fun, games of chance, and a few surprises. You’ll play craps, blackjack, poker and roulette in a perfect Art Deco setting. Grab your daddio, put on your swingin’ threads, and mingle with the cool cats in our far-out hot spot!
In addition to the game prizes, we will have a Silent Auction featuring items donated by local businesses and individuals. There will be something for everyone! Funds raised will support this year’s community programming and much-needed technology purchases.
The party starts on June 13 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are limited and are $50 each, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, music from Jack Shellac Gramophone DJ, and $25 in chips. Cash bar. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and all donations are appreciated. Call 574-936-2306 for more information.

On May 19,​ at 2 p.m., a Marshall County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Deputy conducted a
traffic stop with a vehicle in the area of US 31 and 11th Road.

The driver, 21- 21-year-old Promize Johnson, was found to have an Indiana Driver’s License with the status of Suspended with a Prior Conviction. During the traffic stop,​ a handgun suspected of being ​unlawfully possessed was located in the vehicle. ​
Johnson was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for Unlawful Carrying ​of a Handgun – Class A Misdemeanor and ​Driving While Suspended with a Prior Conviction – Class A Misdemeanor.

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

PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of May 17, at 2:30 P.M., Plymouth Police were dispatched to The Red Rock Inn for the reports of a suspicious man refusing to leave.

Officers arrived on the scene and identified the man as Anthony Hymas, 47, from Hanover, PA. Police spoke with parties on scene and were advised that Hymas had battered another person while in the Lobby of the Motel.
Hymas was transported and lodged at the Marshall County Jail and charged with Battery.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners spent the majority of their Monday meeting hearing the concerns of citizens in the area of Lake Latonka and Lawrence Lake about the Marshall County Sewer District and, in particular, Board President Thomas McFadden.

Speaking for the group, Bill Woodward outlined their concerns, focusing on the lack of citizen input in the process and the fiscal repercussions to those in the district.
The Marshall County Sewer District was formed in April of 2022 to address septic system concerns in high-concentration areas such as subdivisions, trailer parks, and lake communities, including groundwater contamination, along with properties being unusable after the failure of a septic system.
In March of this year, Commissioner Jesse Bohannon had expressed concern over the fiscal responsibility of the board, saying they had already incurred a significant debt, and at Monday’s meeting, restated that the Sewer district had issued a $3 million bond and had spent $700,000 to date. The District had not received an expected grant from the state, and without the money from that grant, the cost to consumers would be nearly $220 a month.
Woodward said that his research had also shown that many hooking up to the proposed system would incur between $6-10,000 in costs, both of which would be a hardship to many. He said that other, more cost-effective options to the proposed sewer plan already in the works fell on deaf ears with McFadden.
The group told the Commissioners that when they asked about their options and if they could choose not to hook into the system, they were told they could apply for an exemption. If they did not receive that exemption, they were told that they would be fined and their homes could be taken from them. Woodward said that those exemptions were rarely given.
The group also had concerns over the approach of Board President McFadden, who seemed to have no concern for the apprehensions, and according to Woodward, had repeatedly said that the project would happen in spite of those concerns.
Bohannon suggested that they request McFadden to come before the Commissioners in their next meeting, but since that attendance could not be required, they felt he would likely not attend.
President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz felt that they needed to research information on what action they could legally take and what would be the best way to proceed. The decision was reached that County Attorney Sean Surrissi would research the legal precedents and courses of action of the situation and report to the Commissioners at their next meeting.

CULVER — Lost historical ‘treasures’ from beneath the waters of Lake Maxinkuckee will be front and center at the first of the Culver Historical Society’s summer history programs on Saturday, May 24, starting at 10:30 am in the east pavilion of Culver’s town park/beach.

As everyone who’s boated or walked the piers of the lake knows, some things fall off, some things break, some things get dropped overboard, accidentally or on purpose. Longtime metal detectorist Mike Beaver, an extremely active member of the Northern Indiana Research and Recovery Society of Warsaw, has found examples of all these and more on the bed of Lake Maxinkuckee, donating his hundreds of finds to the Culver Historical Society and the Culver Academies Museum. In this special program at the lakeshore, he will share several of his favorite finds and describe and demonstrate his historical hobby.
“Maxinkuckee Lost and Found” kicks off a summer of CHS programs primarily focused on the history and heritage of the arts in the Culver/Lake Maxinkuckee area.
These include:
— “From Winter to Williams and Beyond: Visual Arts in Culver” with CHS President the Very Rev. John Wm. Houghton, Ph.D. (Sat., June 21, 10:30 AM);
— “Drama by the Lake: Culver’s Theatrical History,” with Dan Adams and Jeff Kenney (Sat., July 12, 10:30 AM);
— An Evening with The Dave Bennett Quartet (the Society’s annual fundraiser, Sat., Aug. 9, 7:30 PM);
— “Underneath the Maxinkuckee Moon: Culver in Music” with retired Culver Academies Bandmaster Maj. Bill Browne (Sat., Aug. 16, 10:30 AM);
— “Stories and Stones” at Culver’s Masonic Cemetery (Sat., Sept. 20, 1 PM).
Details about each program will be forthcoming as their respective dates approach.

PLYMOUTH — On May 17 at 9:15 p.m., Plymouth Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling south on N Michigan St. near the US 30 on ramp.

Inside the vehicle, police found more than 50 grams of Marijuana. The driver of the vehicle, Rickey Johnson, 55 of Craig, CO., was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — As the Marshall County Health Department prepares to move to their new home in the old Bowen health building on Plymouth’s east side from their current home at the Community Resource Center on Plymouth’s west side.

The Health Department will be closed the week of June 9–13 to move into the building at 990 Illinois St, Plymouth. The department sent a press release on Tuesday to remind citizens that all services will be unavailable during that week.
Meanwhile, the department will have a new Administrator when they make the move. Current Health Department Administrator Sandy Dunfee has submitted her resignation. County Health Officer Dr. Byron Holm reported to the Marshall County Commissioners at their meeting on Monday that the Board of Health had offered that position on an interim basis to Lisa Letsinger.
The Commissioners also approved several maintenance items for the building as the department prepares for its move.
Hyperwave and Surf Internet have been employed to get the department up and running on the Internet after the move, with Hyperwave installing the hardware and other items needed for the connectivity of the building and the special needs of the department.
Resealing and markings for the parking lot were approved for National Asphalt Solutions to perform the work in late May at a cost of $3989.
Bowmans was awarded a quote for work on the building’s HVAC system that will take place in sections while the department is in operation, with a hopeful completion of the work the second week of July.
The cost of the system overhaul will be just under $109,000.
Signage will also be changed to reflect the Health Department’s occupancy.
All the costs of the projects will be covered by Health Department funds received from the state of Indiana.

If there are any questions or concerns, you can contact the office at 574-935- 8565.

PLYMOUTH — On May 19 at 7:45 a.m., Plymouth officers were dispatched to the area of Baker St and Michigan about a female reporting that a 10-year-old girl was trying to wave down vehicles, and stating that she needed help.

During a thorough investigation, also involving Plymouth Police detectives and the medical staff, it was determined that a battery had occurred.
Fernanda Reyes was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where she was lodged for the domestic battery and neglect of a dependent.

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

CULVER — Spring is in the air, and nothing says spring like zombies.

Culver Academies Department of Theatre will present “Night of the Living Dead”, a play adapted from the 1968 film, on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
The show is free to the public at Eppley Auditorium with open seating.
This fast-paced, fun live theatrical adaptation of George A. Romero’s film Night of the Living Dead also incorporates a variety of media that pays homage to this classic horror film with overhead projection, film, live stream video, fog, lights, and sound. miniature models, and more.
For more information, reach out to Stacy Joyce, Unofficial Eppley Zombie Wrangler at stacyjoyce9@gmail.com.

PLYMOUTH — On May 18,​ at 12:30 AM, a Marshall County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Deputy conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle in the area of US 31 and 19th Road.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 19- 19-year-old Mason Mayer. During the traffic stop,​ a handgun, suspected psilocybin mushrooms,​ marijuana,​ drug paraphernalia,​ as well as alcohol were located in the vehicle. Mayer was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for Possession of a Controlled Substance,​ Possession of Marijuana,​ Possession of Paraphernalia,​ and Illegal Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage by a Minor.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 11.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.17/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 15.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 44.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 2.9 cents in the last week and stands at $3.502 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.69/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.49/g, a difference of 80.0 cents per gallon.
“Gasoline prices jumped in over three-quarters of U.S. states over the last week, as oil prices surged following former President Trump’s decision to reduce tariffs and strike new trade deals—moves that inspired optimism that a major tariff-induced economic slowdown might be avoided,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “In addition to gains in price-cycling markets, rising oil prices—fueled by economic optimism and tightening gasoline inventories—contributed to broader upward pressure on prices. While Americans are still seeing significant savings compared to a year ago, that gap has narrowed as oil prices have rebounded. As we approach Memorial Day, GasBuddy is preparing to release its summer travel survey results and issue a gas price forecast for the season. For now, motorists can expect one of the most affordable summers for hitting the road since the pandemic, with gas prices tracking at some of the lowest inflation-adjusted levels in years.”
GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

PLYMOUTH – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Phend & Brown will conduct alternating lane closures on U.S. 31 between 13th Rd and 14th Rd over the next three weeks.

Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area as final construction tasks are completed on the overpass bridge at Elkhart Western Railroad. Construction is expected to wrap up the first week of June, with all four lanes open to traffic once complete.
INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution, and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

On Friday,​ May 16,​ at 5:54 pm,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a 2 motor vehicle collision with a horse-drawn buggy at the intersection of US 6 and Dogwood Road.

When Officers arrived on the scene, it was determined that a 2024 Chevy Silverado pulling a trailer was stopped on the south side of US 6. The driver of the Chevy,​ Brian Blake,​ 41, of South Bend,​ entered the intersection and ​failed to yield to a west-bound 2013 Volvo XC70,​ being driven by Michael Henry,​ 20, of Bremen. The collision caused the Chevy to run into a stopped horse-drawn Buggy,​ being operated by Nathan Slabaugh,​ of Wakarusa.
All the occupants of the Buggy were transported to Memorial Hospital to be evaluated. The other two drivers were checked out on scene by EMS​ but denied treatment.
Newcomer’s Towing and Reichert-Knepp Towing were called to the scene to remove the motor vehicles. ​The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Bremen Police,​ Fire,​ and EMS,​ Nappanee EMS,​ Newcomer’s Towing,​ and Reichert-Knepp Towing.

PLYMOUTH — On May 15 at 8:26 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle whose plate came back with the registered owner having an infraction for a suspended license.

The officer confirmed the registered owner was driving the vehicle. When the officer began to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle cut off a box truck, causing them to hit their brakes, and then didn’t stop right away. While the vehicle was moving, the driver had the passenger switch seats with them and nearly hit the back end of a truck pulling cars.
The vehicle then stopped at US 30 and Oak Drive. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Mason Markley, 19, of Grabill, Indiana. Markley was arrested for Reckless Driving and transported to Marshall County Jail and booked in for Reckless Driving.

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

PLYMOUTH — On May 9 at 4:17 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were advised of a wanted person at an address on Sycamore Street in Plymouth.

The caller advised that Timothy Taylor, 46, of Plymouth, was at that residence. An officer was driving by and saw Taylor sitting on the ground outside the house. Taylor ran into the house.
The owner of the house gave the officer permission to go inside. After several announcements of there being a K9 on scene, Taylor then came down from upstairs where he was hiding.
Taylor was transported to Marshall County Jail and booked in for 2 warrants out of Marshall County and 1 Warrant out of Saint Joseph County was given an additional charge for resisting arrest.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Republican Party will hold a caucus at 6 p.m. on June 3 for the purpose of filling a vacancy on the Marshall County Council left by the resignation of District 4 representative Steve Gorski.

Any person interested in the position should file a declaration of Candidacy no later than 72 hours in advance of the meeting with Deb VanDeMark, Chairman of the Marshall County Republican Party, P.O. Box 102, Plymouth IN, 46563, or call 574-274-8325, email deb0831@outlook.com

PLYMOUTH — The City of Plymouth has received recognition for its efforts in creating the city’s new comprehensive plan.

City officials with the assistance of the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) began work on the plan earlier in the year and it’s completion drew the attention of the Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association who awarded the city with the Hoosier Planning Award for Outstanding Comprehensive Plan Honorable Mention at their Spring Conference earlier this month.

LAPAZ — On May 15 at 7:30 p.m.,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call in reference to a suspicious man located at the Lapaz ​Quick Mart.

Marshall County Deputies responded to the area and made contact with James R. Voreis, 38, of Fort Wayne. During the investigation, K9 officer Bear conducted a free air sniff of the suspect’s vehicle. K9 Bear alerted to the presence of narcotic odor in the vehicle and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted.
Deputies located suspected cocaine and methamphetamine ​along with ​drug paraphernalia. Voreis was subsequently arrested for Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Methamphetamine.

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

PLYMOUTH — On May 9,​ at 6 pm, a Marshall County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Deputy conducted a traffic stop with the vehicle in the area of US 31 and Veterans Parkway.

The driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old ​Curtis Houghton, and suspected marijuana was located in the vehicle.
Houghton was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for Possession of Marijuana.

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

PLYMOUTH — On May 14, at 6:17 pm, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the Economy Inn for a man who was making threats to kill people.

Upon arrival, Officers encountered the male, identified as Israel Negrete, 36, squatted down on a second-floor balcony. Negrete was showing signs of drug use with involuntary movement and statements that were not making sense.
He was unable to answer questions appropriately and continuously talked unprovoked about fictional things. Officers took Negrete into custody and, during a search of his person, located a glass pipe that tested positive for methamphetamine. He was transported to the hospital for medical clearance and then to the Marshall County Jail and lodged for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Public Intoxication by Drugs.

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