City of Plymouth passes new fees for trash removal

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth’s Common Council passed a resolution on second and third reading for a new contract and rates for trash removal by Republic for the city.


City Attorney Jeff Houin read the Ordinance titled 2025-2251, and explained that fees in the ordinance were for five years so that the city wouldn’t have to remember to come back each year to adjust those fees. The fees include a $2.00 administrative fee, in addition to the amount Republic Services will charge the City for trash removal.
The contract is for a 3 percent increase each of those five years of the contract.

Commissioners to meet Monday

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will meet on Monday in the second-floor meeting room of the Marshall County Building.


The Commissioners will hear reports from Christie Johnson seeking a problem solving court grant, EMA Director Jack Garner, Janis Holiday of Older Adult Services, John Grolich regarding a public safety grant request, Jennifer Daake on a sick bank request, Sheriff Matt Hassel on an amendment to an agreement with ViaPath, County Auditor Angie Birchmeier, and discuss “Commissioner Items” including a reading of Resolution 2025-15 making Marshall County a second amendment sanctuary county.
ADA Notice: For special accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (574) 935-8720 at least two business days prior to the scheduled meeting to request an accommodation.
The meeting will be streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN.

Marshall County Sewer District to hold executive session

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Regional Sewer District (the “District”) will hold an executive session at 9 A.M. on Wednesday, November 17. The session will be held at the City of Plymouth Council

Chambers is located at 124 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, entrance off East Garro Street.
This executive session is being held pursuant to Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5- 6.1(b)(2)(B), and is therefore closed to the public under Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5-3. A copy of the executive session’s memoranda shall be provided to the public pursuant to Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5-4.
For questions and additional information, please visit https://www.marshallcountyrsd.com/ or contact the Marshall County Regional Sewer District at questions@marshallcountyrsd.com or call (574) 200-0049.

Joseph sentenced

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced the sentencing of 50-year-old Jason Joseph of Plymouth.


Joseph accepted a plea agreement resolving a probation violation and two (2) pending cases involving dealing methamphetamine as a Level 2 felony.
Joseph will serve 1825 days on the probation violation, followed by a 20-year sentence on the Level 2 felony in the Indiana Department of Corrections.
Joseph was charged with a series of methamphetamine sales to a confidential informant between February and March of 2025.
The cases were prosecuted by Deputy Prosecutor Elizabeth Boehm of the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office. Judge Tami Napier of Marshall Superior Court 1 presided over the sentencing. The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bryant of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

Argos School Board to hold public hearings, regular meeting

ARGOS — On Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. the Argos School Board will hold a public hearing to discuss and hear public input regarding the proposed renovation and improvements to facilities throughout the School

Corporation, including site improvements, and the purchase of buses, equipment, and technology.
On Nov. 24, the Board will hold a second public hearing to discuss and hear public input regarding the proposed Project and will also consider the adoption of a resolution to enter into a Lease Agreement relating to the Project and to issue bonds to finance that Project.
The Board will then meet for a regular board meeting on Nov. 17, in the Dragon Center conference room. This meeting will begin immediately following the conclusion of the public hearing.

Plymouth Community School Corporation recognized as Heart Smart Schools

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth High School, Menominee Elementary School, and Riverside Intermediate School have earned official Project ADAM Heart Safe School designations — recognizing their ongoing commitment to student, staff, and community safety.

As part of PCSC’s proactive efforts, led by our Director of Safety & Security, Ward Byers, to strengthen school safety initiatives, the corporation began implementing Sudden Cardiac Arrest Response Teams and Protocols last year. These teams ensure that schools are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency.

“Receiving Project ADAM at our school represents a commitment to the safety and well-being of every student, staff member, and visitor on our campus,” said Michelle Zentz, Principal at Riverside Intermediate School. “Knowing we’re now better prepared to respond in a cardiac emergency gives us confidence and peace of mind. We’re proud to take on this responsibility and to be part of a program that truly saves lives.”

Ryan Welch, Principal at Menominee Elementary School, shared a similar sentiment:

“This recognition from Project ADAM is meaningful to us here at Menominee. With guidance

and training from our Director of Safety, Mr. Ward Byers, we as a staff know we are prepared in the event of a true cardiac crisis. With safety and the well-being of our students always at the forefront of what we do in schools, this training gives us the knowledge and confidence to be best prepared.”

Jake Singleton, Principal at Plymouth High School, emphasized the impact of ongoing readiness: “Being recognized as a Project ADAM Heart Safe School affirms our commitment to protect

every student, staff member, and visitor. Our team trains regularly on AED use and emergency response, and we’re ready to act the moment seconds matter.”

The Project ADAM Heart Safe School Designation is awarded to schools that successfully implement comprehensive sudden cardiac arrest programs, including awareness, staff training, and emergency response procedures. These life-saving initiatives extend beyond the regular school day to include athletic programs, events, and community visitors — helping ensure that every person on campus is protected.

A special thank you goes to Gibson and Andy Metsker for providing CPR training to PCSC staff, supporting the district’s mission to maintain safe and prepared learning environments.

For more information about Project ADAM and how schools can become Heart Safe, visit https://projectadam.com/Heartsafe.

Tutoring Grants Now Available for Indiana Students and Families

Eligible families can access $1,000 grants, focused on English/language arts and math

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana families can now access tutoring grants through Indiana Learns, a statewide initiative that helps qualifying students strengthen their skills in English/language arts (ELA) and math. Enrollment is open through Friday, December 19, and families can begin scheduling tutoring sessions immediately.
“As a state, we continue to make progress in both reading and math. Indiana Learns is just one example of our commitment to keeping our foot on the gas pedal and improving outcomes for students,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Indiana Learns specifically focuses on our most struggling students and provides them the opportunity to receive high-quality tutoring support, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay. This investment in our Hoosier families is an investment in the future of our state, and first and foremost, the future of our students. ”
To qualify for an Indiana Learns tutoring grant, a student must meet the following criteria:
— The student resides in Indiana.
— The student completed ILEARN testing and scored below proficiency in either ELA or Mathematics;
— Student is enrolled in and is attending a CSI, TSI, or ATSI-designated school as a third through eighth-grade student; and
— The student qualifies for the federal free or reduced lunch program.
Families can check their eligibility and enroll today at IndianaLearns.org. Those who qualify can use their $1,000 grant to access tutoring in ELA and math through approved Learning Partners statewide. Tutoring is available in-person, online, or in a hybrid format, giving families flexible options to meet their students’ needs.
Indiana Learns is administered by The Mind Trust on behalf of the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Since October 2022, Indiana Learns has enrolled more than 25,000 students, funded over 280,000 hours of tutoring, and maintained an attendance rate of over 80 percent – with data showing that students who engaged more frequently in tutoring had greater academic gains. An external study comparing students who participated in Indiana Learns students to those who did not participate found statistically significant results in ELA and math proficiency.
“Indiana Learns has proven that when students receive consistent, high-quality tutoring, they make real academic progress,” said Brandon Brown, CEO at The Mind Trust. “We’re proud to continue this partnership with IDOE to ensure more families have access to the resources their students need to succeed.”
To enroll or to learn more about Indiana Learns, visit IndianaLearns.org.

Possession charges for couple

PLYMOUTH — On Nov. 8, at 11 P.M., the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was notified of a vehicle off the roadway at Michigan and 4th Road. When deputies arrived, they located a black 2006 Pontiac

Grand Prix on the northeast corner and occupied by a woman driver and a man as the front seat passenger.
The driver was identified as Norma Edington, 52, and the passenger was identified as Shayne Edington, 47, both of Bourbon.
Mrs. Edington was found to have been intoxicated and later charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. There were also marijuana and paraphernalia located in the vehicle and Shayne Edington was charged with those offenses.
​Both were taken to the Marshall County Jail where they were charged and booked.

Marshall County Highway urges caution in winter driving

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department is reminding motorists to use extra caution when traveling during winter weather, particularly in shaded areas and on bridges or overpasses where

snow and ice can persist even after roads have been plowed and salted.
Shaded roadways often receive limited sunlight throughout the day, preventing snow and ice from melting as quickly as on open sections of pavement. Likewise, bridges and overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road system because cold air circulates above and below the structure, causing moisture to refreeze rapidly when temperatures drop.
“These areas can appear clear but still have slick spots,” said Jason Peters, Superintendent of the Marshall County Highway Department. “Drivers should slow down, avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and give themselves extra time to reach their destination safely.”
The Highway Department continues to monitor weather conditions and treat roadways as needed. However, drivers are encouraged to remain alert, reduce speed, and maintain a safe following distance to prevent accidents.

Culver Town Council to meet Thursday

CULVER — The Culver Town Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Culver Town Hall on East Washington Street.


On the agenda is continuing public dialogue on Ordinance 2025-013 on Culver Investment Disannexation of real estate known as Culver Meadows, Marty Oosterbaan with a CRC spending plan, along with the first reading of an ordinance for a schedule of charges for the Culver Union Township Fire Department.
The Council will also hear reports from Emergency Services, Fire, Police, Park, and Utilities, as well as the Town Manager and Clerk-Treasurer.
The meeting will be archived and streamed on YouTube @townofculver6770.

America 250 planning July 4 parade

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman wore a different hat at the meeting of the Plymouth Board of Works and Safety at their Monday meeting.


Donning the tri-cornered hat of the Colonial Era, Chipman asked the Board to close South Michigan Street on July 4 of the coming year for the America 250 committee to host another event — a parade to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Chipman told the Board the parade would start at Webster School and head north along Michigan Street, turning at LaPorte and ending at River Park Square in downtown Plymouth. He said the event would coincide with the normal closing time of the Farmers Market and could include other activities that day in the park, but the Committee hadn’t planned any as yet, waiting for approval for the road closure from the Board of Works before any further planning.
The theme of the parade will be the Declaration of Independence and the era of it’s signing.
The Board unanimously approved the request.

Special Weather Statement issued November 11 at 3:31PM EST by NWS Northern Indiana

Gusty Southwest to Westerly winds tonight may cause blowing/drifting snow across local roadways,

which could cause slippery conditions. Temperatures overnight will also drop to freezing or slightly below freezing, which may cause wet roads from snow melt to re-freeze, causing slippery conditions and black ice to form, especially on untreated roads and bridges. Use caution when traveling and treat wet-looking roads like ice.

Marshall County Ends Travel Advisory

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency has returned Marshall County to a normal travel status effective immediately.


A Travel Advisory was issued on Nov. 9 due to a lake effect snow event that dumped up to a foot of snow in some portions of the county. Slick roads resulted due to the snowfall and black ice from a rapid freeze. Marshall County Central Dispatch was flooded with slide-off calls, particularly on Monday morning.
Conditions have improved today, and the snow has come to an end. There is a potential for snowmelt to refreeze on untreated roads overnight, but that depends on a number of factors that may prevent refreezing. County and state highway crews will keep an eye on the roads just in case.
Continue to drive with caution, just in case some slick spots linger.

Local company awarded IDEM grant

INDIANAPOLIS – A Marshall County Company is among six organizations receiving an Indiana’s Recycling Market Development Board grant to expand recycling in the state.


CT Polymers in Marshall County was awarded $500,000 toward the purchase of a compounding line that will separate recycled plastics and polymer materials from mixed waste, diverting 24,000 tons from landfills annually. The company expects to create 30 additional jobs.
The joint effort represents over $15.7 million in expected total investments, which will create 42 jobs and prevent an additional 197,884 tons of materials from being sent to landfills each year.
Grants are administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).
“These grants demonstrate how strategic investments in Hoosier businesses and organizations can lead to increased environmental stewardship,” said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. “By investing in advanced equipment and innovative solutions, we’re helping Hoosiers recycle more effectively, reduce landfill waste, create jobs, and put valuable materials back into Indiana’s economy.”
The Recycling Market Development Program was established in the early 1990s to better manage solid waste by developing markets for recycled materials. More information about the RMDP grant program, including future grant opportunities, can be found on IDEM’s website, idem.IN.gov/recycle/recycling-market-development-program.

Gas prices take a jump


Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 10.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.00/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 12.6 cents per

gallon higher than a month ago and stand 12.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 6.5 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.728 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.49/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.47/g, a difference of 98.0 cents per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 4.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.03/g today.
“The national average price of gasoline edged higher last week, with the vast majority of states seeing prices climb,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Refinery issues in the Great Lakes and West Coast have kept prices elevated, and gasoline inventory data from the government showed another large weekly drop in supplies, which has temporarily propped up prices. With thousands of flight cancellations ahead of Thanksgiving due to the FAA flight cuts, there could be slight shifts in gasoline demand, which may limit any near-term declines.”
GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

Marshall County Council votes to take on Sewer debt

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council voted on a resolution to purchase a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) for the Marshall County Sewer District.


The District had taken out a bond issue in anticipation of a first project worth over $3 million. Each day that the bond stays active costs the Sewer District, and therefore Marshall County, $492. Purchasing the BAN would allow the county to take over the debt of the district that has been dissolved by IDEM.
The Sewer District was scheduled to meet this week, but that meeting has been cancelled. Lawyers for the sewer district have not informed the Council or Commissioners whether they will take advantage of the 30 days allowed to file for a judicial review of the IDEM decision.
Council member Greg Compton questioned whether the move might be premature given that the Board still had 30 days to appeal the decision, but Council member Nicole Cox disagreed.

By purchasing the BAN the county would also be able to claim the assets of the Sewer District at around $2 million. The cost of the BAN currently would be around $1.3 million.
Council member Brandon Schadek also had strong words after the positive vote.

Special Weather Statement issued November 10 at 3:30PM EST by NWS Northern Indiana


At 324 PM EST/224 PM CST/, Doppler radar was tracking intense lake effect showers along a line extending from near Lakeville to near Hamlet to near Winamac. Movement was southeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD…An intense lake effect snow band is creating very hazardous travel conditions. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Visibility down to 1/2 mile or less, and very difficult driving conditions. Locations impacted include… Logansport, Plymouth, Rochester, Knox, Winamac, Walkerton, Bourbon, Argos, Kingsford Heights, Culver, Royal Center, Hamlet, Koontz Lake, Pulaski, Walnut, Tippecanoe, Oak Grove, Ripley, Kewanna, and La Paz.

Special Weather Statement issued November 10 at 1:44PM EST by NWS Northern Indiana

At 139 PM EST/1239 PM CST/, Doppler radar was tracking an area of intense lake effect snow along a line extending from near Fair Plain to near Three Oaks to Westville. DOT cameras show very low visibility and

poor roadway conditions. Movement was southeast at 20 mph. Motorists should delay travel until the band has passed.
An intense lake effect snow band is creating very hazardous travel conditions. Near white-out conditions and impossible driving conditions at times. Locations impacted include… South Bend, Mishawaka, Michigan City, La Porte, Niles, Benton Harbor, Plymouth, St. Joseph, Westville, Buchanan, Knox, Trail Creek, Gulivoire Park, Benton Heights, Fair Plain, Granger, Bridgman, Walkerton, North Liberty, and New Buffalo.
This includes the following highways… Interstate 196 between mile markers 0 and 3. Interstate 80 in Indiana between mile markers 38 and 80. Interstate 94 in Indiana between mile markers 33 and 45. Interstate 94 in Michigan between mile markers 0 and 35.

Updated: NWS says more snow is expected

The National Weather Service says that the snow may not be over. Most Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories are in effect through 1 am EST Tuesday, and additional accumulations of 2 to 6 inches in the

warning/advisory areas are possible
After a lull in snowfall while the lake effect band is further west in Wisconsin and Illinois this morning into early afternoon, the band will return and move eastward through late tonight, weakening after 2 a.m.
An additional 2 to 6 inches of lake effect snow is expected. The greatest totals will generally be north of Pulaski/Fulton Counties in Indiana.