A Plymouth Community School Corporation principal and teacher will return to the classroom today after an investigation into possible mismanagement of school funds cleared them of any wrongdoing. Jefferson Elementary School Principal Angie Mills and a teacher have been on paid leave since Friday, Nov. 14, according to our reporting partners at WNDU-TV. Continue reading
Culver Woman Sentenced to Probation
A Culver woman was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty in a plea agreement with the state to a charge of possession of methamphetamine as a Class D felony that was reduced to a Class A misdemeanor.
Erin Schoberg was sentenced to 12 months in the Starke County Jail. All of the sentence was suspended to be served on probation. Schoberg told Judge Kim Hall that she was in possession of a half of a pill that was in her purse.
Schoberg will need to attend a substance abuse program recommended by the probation department.
Incoming Marshall County Prosecutor Names Chief Deputy Prosecutor
Marshall County Prosecutor-elect Nelson Chipman has appointed Tami L. Napier of Hancock County as the next chief deputy prosecuting attorney. Her appointment begins Jan. 1.
Tami Napier has been the chief deputy prosecutor in Hancock County for the last four years. Prior to that she served as a deputy prosecutor in Marion County for five years where she was assigned to major felonies, the sex crimes unit and the homicide division. She initiated programs like the Hancock County Child Fatality Review Team, the Hancock County Sexual Assualt Response Team and the Domestic and Sexual Assault Prevention Coalition.
Highway Supervisor Gives Road Plow Priority List to Commissioners
Marshall County Supervisor of County Highways Jason Peters gave the commissioners a map and a list of which roads are to be opened first in the event of snow.
The commissioners had asked for a list so they know which areas would receive attention first. They also asked Peters to forward the information to the sheriff’s department, EMS, fire department, and EMA Director for emergency planning.
Peters said that the main roads, Quince Road, 4B, Queen, Oak, North Michigan, King, Plymouth-Goshen, Iris, Fir, 9th, Overmyer, Olive, Thorn, Muckshaw, South Michigan, Lincolnway and others, would be open to traffic within two hours first thing in the morning.
Weidner School of Inquiry Selected as Exemplar School
The Weidner School of Inquiry at Plymouth High School has been designated as an exemplar school for 2015 by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is the leading organization advocating for 21st century learning.
The Weidner School of Inquiry was one of 14 schools selected for this honor. The program highlights exemplary 21st century learning practices that are improving schools and student learning in classrooms and communities across the United States.
Public Hearing Held on Culver Community Schools Superintendent Contract
The Culver School Board conducted a public hearing Monday evening concerning the superintendent’s contract. No public comments or questions where given and the hearing was closed within five minutes. Continue reading
Ancilla College Students Chosen for College Acedemic Team
A pair of Ancilla College students are 2014-2015 nominees for the Phi Theta Kappa All-USA/Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team. Phi Theta Kappa is a two-year college national honor society. Continue reading
Marshall County EMA Director Receives Grant Funding
Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery presented the commissioners with a grant sub agreement for their signatures for a competitive EMPG grant that the county received in the amount of $8,485.29.
Avery explained that the grant is a reimbursable grant that will be used for a training exercise and educational material for the public. When he originally requested to apply for the grant, he wanted to purchase recording equipment for the Emergency Operations Center but he found out that could not be approved with the grant funds.
BMV Reinstatement Program Available until Dec. 31
Suspended drivers have until Dec. 31 to take advantage of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ Reinstatement Relief Program. The Reinstatement Relief Program allows suspended drivers to pay temporarily reduced reinstatement fees and earn reinstatement, as long as all other legal requirements are met.
Don Snemis, Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, said the program offers a 50 percent discount on reinstatement fees before July 1, 2013 for operating without insurance. Customers may be responsible for providing proof of insurance, completing a driver safety program, paying court fees, or successfully passing a driver’s license written knowledge exam, driving skills exam or vision screening.
Culver Community School Board Decides on Balanced Calendar
The Culver Community School Corporation adopted the balanced calendar concept last night making it the third school in the area to do so. The school board unanimously approved the plan. Superintendent Dr. Vicki McGuire says a set calendar cannot be made until test dates are released, but the concept will be put in effect.
Road Construction Project in Marshall County on Hold
The 7th Road project in Marshall County will not be completed this year.
The project supervisor overseeing the construction, Bart Trester, told the Marshall County Commissioners that the current state of the project on Michigan Road will remain through the winter.
“The traffic has been running on phase three section of the roundabout and will probably remain like this through the winter,” said Trester. “The contractors finished placing the HMA base and intermediate lifts along the main line from Seltenright Ditch to Linden Trail and the HMA base from Seltenright Ditch to the roundabout. Due to weather limitations, the contractor will more than likely shut down operations for the winter. They have opened Lilac Road and Linden Trail for thru-traffic for over the winter.”
Culver School Board to Consider Balance Calendar Tonight
The Culver School Board will be discussing the Balanced Calendar concept tonight. During the last meeting the board received balanced calendar survey responses from families, students and faculty members. A total of 780 responses were received with 75 percent of the surveys saying yes, they would like to see a balanced calendar implemented. Continue reading
Marshall County Commissioners to Meet Today
The Marshall County Commissioners will meet today where Bart Trester from USI will give an update on the 7th Road construction project, the Metronet project and work on the Jefferson Street bridge.
The commissioners will also have the second reading of an ordinance regulating construction setbacks at Pretty Lake. Plan Director Ralph Booker explained in a public hearing that the Pretty Lake Homeowners Association approved a change where new construction at the lake would need to be a 45 foot setback from an 789.0 elevation line.
Culver to Receive Additional Funding for Water Treatment Plant Project
The Town of Culver is receiving more monetary assistance from the Culver Redevelopment Commission to go towards the new water treatment plant project. The commission announced last week at the town council meeting they will be giving $100,000 to the town. Continue reading
Beware of Health Insurance Marketplace Scams
Applicants for health insurance coverage through the marketplace should be aware of scammers during this open enrollment period. Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Stephen W. Robertson says no one at Healthcare.gov needs credit card information in order to help you apply for insurance. This has happened to people who have called the toll-free number to sign up for coverage or ask questions about the plans offered in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. Robertson says scammers set up telephone numbers that are very similar to the Healthcare.gov number in hopes that someone will misdial. Continue reading
Take Steps to Prevent the Flu
The flu season is underway and health officials urge you to take steps now to prevent the flu.
Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and is spread by droplets from close contact with infected people or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches and sore throat.
Some people are at higher risk of complications related to the flu including pregnant women, young children, those with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems and the elderly.
Prevent the spread of the flu by washing your hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes and stay home if you are sick.
The Pulaski County Health Department has a full supply of flu vaccines. You can get a flu shot from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. For more information, call (574) 946-6080.
Marshall County Police Investigating Residential Burglary
The Marshall County Police Department is investigating a recent burglary at a home in the 17000 block of 12th Road. Sometime between 6 and 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 someone broke into the residence and stole two diamond rings and currency, according to the property owner. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call the Marshall County Police Department.
Town of Culver Still Searching for Town Manager
The search for a Town Manager in Culver continues. At the last meeting, Culver officials extended the search for a town manager until Dec. 1st. The town has been working with consultant Mitch Ripley to find a suitable candidate. Continue reading
Unemployment Dips Slightly in October
Unemployment slipped a little in October for Starke County, but still remains low compared to previous reports. In all, 77 counties saw a slide in unemployment in October.
Starke County had an October unemployment rate of 6.1 percent. The percentage fell two points in October. Starke County is ranked 15th in the state.
Marshall County Commissioners Split Cost of Conduit with Plymouth
The Marshall County Metronet project is drawing to a close.
The commissioners last week approved a payment agreement between the county and the City of Plymouth for shared conduit installation. The county is to pay half of the cost of the installation and handholds on Lincolnway to State Road 17 on Pioneer Drive, Pioneer Drive to Overmyer Drive and three lateral connections to the three county buildings for a total cost of $37,513.76. The city will pay the same cost for those installation costs.
The commissioners unanimously approved the agreement and now it will go to the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission for their review.
