Plymouth Community School Corporation Announces Promotions

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Article provided by the Plymouth Community School Corporation

PCSC Brooke BusseBrooke Busse has been named the new Director of Quality Programs for Plymouth Community School Corporation. Prior to this promotion Busse had been serving since 2012 as the corporation’s eLearning Coach. She has worked for PCSC since 2006; initially as a Title 1 Reading Teacher at WDA Washington Discovery Academy and from 2007 through 2012 as a 2nd grade teacher at WDA. Busse holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialist endorsement from Valparaiso University. She is currently pursuing an online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Educational Technology at Ball State University.

PCSC Andy Hartley headshotAndy Hartley is the new Assistant Superintendent for Plymouth Community School Corporation. He first started in 2008 as an assistant principal at Plymouth High School. In 2012 Hartley became the principal of Washington Elementary. He holds a B.S. degree from Manchester College in elementary education and a M.S. from Butler University. Hartley obtained a Superintendent’s License after earning his Educational Specialist License in School Administration in 2012. Prior to coming to Plymouth, he was a classroom teacher for five years. In 2010, the Indiana Association of Schools Principals named Hartley Assistant Principal of the Year in District 2.

Tippecanoe Township Seeks Planning Grant

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Tippecanoe Township officials are looking to upgrade equipment and other needs and the Marshall County Commissioners agreed to help with the process.

Tippecanoe Township Trustee Matt Pitney expressed concern to the commissioners Monday morning about the township’s aging fire trucks and dilapidated building.

“The fire truck and the fire tanker are over 30-plus years old – all of our trucks are failing. Our fire station is part of the old school that has been kind of retrofitted. We’re parking fire trucks on top of a basement of the old school. We’ve spent endless hours repairing things ourselves trying to save the township some money,” said Pitney.

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Marshall County Clerk’s Office Gathers First Absentee Ballots

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

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

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

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

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

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

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

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

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

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?

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

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

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

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

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

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 →