Up until recently, the storm drains could not keep up with the amount of rain coming down which led to regional flooding. Though most public roadways are now clear of water, many driveways, basements and crawl spaces are still experiencing flooding and overall wetness. Continue reading
Sandra Lee’s Studio of Dance 37th Recital: Imagination
Sandra Lee’s Studio of Dance has put on nearly four decades of recitals. This year’s 37th annual show includes a variety of dances performed by students of all ages. Continue reading
Obtainable Option for Further Education
The People’s University of Marshall County is a learning center that teams up with local businesses to offer specialized classes for interested individuals of all ages. Currently, People’s U is seeking potential students and instructors as well as new ideas for desired courses. Continue reading
LaPaz Residents Speak out Against Ordinance Amendment
The Marshall County Commissioners held a public hearing Monday morning to take comments on the proposed ordinance amendment on the Commercial Overlay District.
The ordinance encompasses all of Marshall County, but some LaPaz citizens spoke out about the ordinance as they’re worried about commercial development with the overpass on U.S. 6 and the new U.S. 31.
Residents are concerned about existing businesses that were “displaced” when the new U.S. 31 was constructed. Most traffic now passes by LaPaz instead of through LaPaz and taxpayers are concerned about those establishments. Agriculture ground was also a focus of concern as commercial developments could dig into the county’s agribusiness district.
Former Marshall County Man Found Guilty, Could Face 50 Years in Prison
A former Marshall County man could face up to 50 years in prison after being found guilty in a two-day trial in Marshall County Superior Court.
Russell A. Prosser, of South Bend, formerly of Culver, was charged with two counts of serious violent felon in possession of a firearm. A jury found Prosser guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felony, a Class B felony. He was found not guilty on a count of possession of a flint lock pistol.
The case began in December of 2013 when officers found Prosser sleeping in a truck in the McDonald’s parking lot in LaPaz. He was a suspect in a case where several thefts occurred from vehicles in Culver. Guns were spotted by police inside the vehicle. A warrant to search the vehicle was obtained, and the weapons were confiscated. He was known by police to have been convicted of an armed robbery, and it was illegal for Prosser to possess any firearm.
Suspicious Activity Report Leads to Heroin Bust
A report of suspicious activity at a gas station in LaPaz Monday night led to the arrest of a man on drug possession charges. Continue reading
Attempt to Pass Counterfeit Bill Leads to Drug Arrest
A Marshall County woman is jailed on a $50,000 cash bond after officers investigating a report of a fast food restaurant customer trying to pay with a counterfeit $20 bill reportedly found an active meth lab. Continue reading
Marshall County Commissioners to Meet Today
The Marshall County commissioners will meet today with a host of items to discuss.
Bart Trester of USI will provide the commissioners with an update on the 7th Road project and the Metronet project. The Metronet project is ahead of schedule while the 7th Road project continues. An update on the Jefferson Street bridge will also be provided by a USI representative.
Ward Byers from Court Services will be before the board for approval of an employment contract and Stacy Richer will have a request to vacate a street on county-owned property.
Marshall County Community Foundation Distributes $66,210 in Grant Funds
Over $66,200 in grant funds were awarded to 10 organizations in Marshall County Thursday afternoon.
The Marshall County Community Foundation held its second round of 2014 Community Fund grants where non-profit organizations submitted proposals for specific projects. Linda Yoder, Executive Director of the Marshall County Community Foundation explained that the Community Fund is one of the most flexible and responsive of the Foundation’s 318 funds.
Voter Registration Ends Monday
The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 4 and in order to cast your important vote you need to be properly registered.
Voter registration is open this week at all county clerk’s offices. The last day to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 6. You must be registered by the end of the business day on Oct. 6 in order to vote in the November election.
If you need to register to vote or have questions about your current registration, call the Starke County clerk’s office at (574) 772-9160, the Pulaski County clerk’s office at (574) 946-3313 or the Marshall County Clerk’s office at (574) 936-8922. Election and registration information can also be found on the state’s website.
Absentee voting in all three counties begins Tuesday, Oct. 7.
Local County Entities Receive Local Government Cooperation Award
The decision to being dark fiber optic infrastructure into the counties of St. Joesph and Marshall plus the City of Plymouth has prompted the Association of Indiana Counties to award county officials for that effort.
The entities were the recipient of the 2014 Local Government Cooperation Award for the Metronet project.
The Metronet project that extends dark fiber from St. Joseph to Marshall County will assist businesses in obtaining the highest speed of internet available to streamline operations and to create economic development. The project was funded by Marshall County government, St. Joseph County government and local businesses.
Marshall County EMA Director Encourages Safety this Winter Season
It may be a little early to think about snow and ice, but county officials are already making plans for when system and lake effect snow could impact travel in the area.
Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery informed the Marshall County Safety Committee last week of the different levels of advisories that could be issued during severe weather this winter.
Marshall County Highway Department Ready for Winter Season
The Marshall County Highway Department is ready to handle winter weather, according to Jason Peters, Supervisor of County Highways.
He commented on the status of the department in a Marshall County Safety Committee meeting this week. Peters said the highway department has a good system of when to send out workers to clear the roads of snow and ice.
Initial Hearing Set for Former Highway Superintendent
Former Marshall County Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck will appear for his initial hearing in Marshall County Superior Court on Tuesday, Oct. 21. at 8:30 a.m. ET.
An indictment against Haeck was recently returned by a grand jury in Marshall County and he was summoned to appear in court on a charge of theft. It is alleged that Haeck stole $12,351.41 from the county in 2012 and 2013. The money reportedly came from the sale of scrap metal.
Police Offer Advice to Marshall County Safety Committee
Police officers spoke to those assembled in a Marshall County Safety Committee meeting this week where they gave school, highway and emergency management officials some things to remember in case of an emergency.
Indiana State Police Troopers want to work with local law enforcement agencies and the school corporations during certain critical situations. One officer indicated that social media can hamper efforts of the police when investigating potential hazardous situations that involve student safety. Police agencies have protocols in place to deal with bomb threats and active shooter reports, as do school corporation. It was recommended that law enforcement and administrators need to come together to solidify a plan. A recent situation was cited where a bomb threat was reported at a school corporation in the region and students were texting parents to pick them up from school when police needed to keep those students together for safety reasons, student count and witness accounts.
