Marshall County Clerk’s Office Gathers First Absentee Ballots

The Marshall County Clerk’s Office welcomed two voters Tuesday as they cast absentee ballots on the first day to do so in the City of Plymouth Primary.

Mayoral candidates include incumbent Republican Mark Senter, who will face the winner of the Democratic Party contest between Rex A. Crump and Anthony P. (Tony) Gamble. Republican Jeanine M. Xaver is the lone candidate for Plymouth Clerk-Treasurer.
Seven candidates have filed for the three available Plymouth Common Council At-Large seats. They include incumbent Republican Mike Delp, Republican Christopher R. Berdahl, Democrat Gary L. Cook, Democrat Jeffery R. Houin, Republican Burke L. Richeson, Democrat Joshua Walker and Republican Bill Walters.

Incumbent Republican Duane L. Culp is seeking another term as the District 1 candidate on the Plymouth Common Council. In District 2, Incumbent Republican Don Ecker, Jr. is the lone candidate. Incumbent Republican Wayne A. Smith and Democrat Shiloh Fonseca are vying for the District 3 seat and Incumbent Republican Shawn Grobe is looking to represent District 4 for another term.

The Marshall County Election Board opted to reduce absentee voting hours to Mondays and Fridays only for this primary since fewer voters are expected. The next opportunity to vote will be Monday, April 13, when polls will be open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Absentee voting is also available on Saturday, April 25 and Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET.

The final opportunity to vote absentee is May 4 from 8 a.m. to noon prior to the election on Tuesday, May 5.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act Affects Marshall County Manufacturer

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act has caused some concern for a Marshall County manufacturing company.

The Marshall County Commissioners took up the conversation on Monday morning.  Commissioner Kevin Overmyer did not release the name of the company but did say that the manufacturer’s largest customer has opted to discontinue business due to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Marshall County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Jerry Chavez commented that he received the same communication. He said the state moved in an aggressive matter concerning the legislation.

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Absentee Voting Begins Today

In-office absentee voting for the City of Plymouth Municipal Primary Election begins today and will continue until Monday, May 4. A ballot may be cast today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Voters can then cast absentee ballots on Mondays and Fridays only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET beginning April 13 to May 1. Absentee voting is also available on Saturday, April 25 and Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ballots may be cast before the absentee voting board in the Marshall County Clerk’s office.

The final opportunity to vote absentee is May 4 from 8 a.m. to noon. The Municipal Primary Election is Tuesday, May 5.

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Don’t Forget Any Income When Filing Your Taxes

Federal and state income taxes are due in eight days. Michelle Bachtel from H&R Block in Knox says it’s important not to exclude any sources of income.

“Pretty much all income, whether it’s reported or not reported, is taxable unless the law specifically excludes it,” Bachtel said. “This includes non-cash income from things like bartering or exchanging of assets. Both parties are expected to include the fair market value of the item or services they received as income on their tax returns.” Continue reading

Today is Primary Voter Registration Deadline

Monday is the final day for those looking to vote in the municipal primary election to register.

Forms must be turned into the voter registration office by 4:00 p.m. or, at the very least, postmarked by today. Voters can register to cast their ballot online, in-person, or through the U.S. Postal Service. Registration can be completed through the local county election office or at any BMV office.

Taxes Are Due Next Week – Who Needs to File?

Federal and state income taxes are due April 15. Michelle Bachtel with the H&R Block office in Knox says anyone whose income exceeds the filing threshold set by the IRS needs to file a tax return. Thresholds are based on your age and filing status, which is either single, married filing joint, married filing separate, head of household or qualifying widower.

Income requirements vary, but Bachtel offers a general guideline. Continue reading

7th Road Update on Marshall County Commissioners Agenda

The Marshall County Commissioners will receive an update on the 7th Road project when they meet this morning. Bart Trester from USI Consultants will relay the progress of the extension of the road to the new U.S. 31 highway. Among the aspects of the project, the roundabout needs to be completed. In a previous meeting, Trester noted that the project should be done in May. The completion deadline has already passed. Crews ran into unsuitable soils that needed to be addressed before work could continue. That delayed the project by a few weeks. Continue reading

Hoosier Lottery Jackpot Hits $12.3 Million

Tonight’s Hoosier Lottery Jackpot is worth a whopping $12.3 million. It’s been steadily growing since Oct. 2, 2014 when it was last hit. Tickets cost $1 per play. Hoosier Lotto players have a chance to win other prizes as well. Matching two of six numbers is good for a free Hoosier Lotto ticket, and matching three of six pays $3. Prizes for matching four or five of the six numbers are based on sales. Continue reading

Man Sentenced In Meth Cooking Case

A nine-year prison sentence was handed down on Thursday in Marshall County Superior Court for a Bremen man accused of cooking methamphetamine.

31-year-old Jerald Standifer received the sentence after being arrested in October of 2014. Officers allegedly located two one-pot meth labs in a car Standifer was driving on U.S. 31 near U.S. 30. Three others were arrested in the incident.

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Marshall County Community Foundation Awards Scholarship

A Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient has been named in Marshall County.

The scholarship includes sufficient funds for the recipient to receive full tuition at a four-year college or university. The Lilly Endowment scholarship also includes a $900 stipend for books and other equipment.

The Marshall County Community Foundation says Haley Klimaszewski was this year’s recipient. She currently attends Culver Community High School, but is planning to attend Indiana University in Bloomington.

The scholarships are managed as part of a statewide initiative to help residents achieve higher levels of education.

A committee made the recommendation to the Marshall County Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. The recommendation comes after the committee interviewed three individuals out of 20 applications.

Klimaszewski plans to study genetics during her time at university.