INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecast an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) throughout Indiana for Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) throughout the state.
Today will bring warm, dry, and sunny conditions. Highs are expected to reach at least the mid 80’s across the state. This is consistent with recent conditions, and ozone measurements have been increasing during this period as we have remained in the same air mass for multiple days. This is expected to result in measurements continuing to increase and in Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) for Ozone.
Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:
View air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
To learn more or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.
Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Governor Mike Braun has extended the gas tax holiday for a second time.

Braun is extending the suspension of both the 7% Gasoline Usage Tax and the Gasoline Excise Tax through July 7, 2026. The current suspension was set to expire on June 7.
“Indiana has the cheapest gas in the country because we are using every tool in the toolbox to save Hoosier families money. Affordability is my number one priority,” said Braun
AAA’s ranking of gas prices by state has Indiana in the lead with the cheapest gas in the country, at $3.585 for a gallon of regular.
For June, the Gasoline Usage Tax would otherwise be $0.265 per gallon. The Gasoline Excise Tax is currently $0.36 per gallon. Suspending both taxes saves Hoosiers more than 62 cents per gallon at the pump.
Today’s action is permitted under Indiana’s energy emergency statute. After COVID-19, the Indiana General Assembly limited the Governor’s emergency powers during a statewide disaster declaration to 60 days. That change did not modify the Governor’s separate authority during an energy emergency, which retained its original 120-day maximum duration.
Indiana law treats energy emergencies and disaster declarations as separate authorities.
The April energy emergency has not been rescinded by the Governor. Because the energy emergency remains in effect, Indiana law allows the Governor to continue the emergency and related relief for up to 120 days without calling a special session of the General Assembly.
Governor Braun first announced a 30-day suspension of the Gasoline Usage Tax on April 8. On May 6, Governor Braun extended that relief and added a suspension of the Gasoline Excise Tax, more than doubling the savings for Hoosier motorists, both of which have today been extended.

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP will have road closures on State Road 23 between Wolf St in North Liberty and Olive St/Locust Rd in South Bend beginning on or after Monday, June 8.

Crews will replace six pipes between New Rd and Kern Rd. At the same time, a small structure replacement will also be conducted between U.S. 20/31 and Ireland Rd. State Road 23 is expected to be closed for 10 days. This work was originally scheduled to begin in May but was postponed due to utility delays.
Through traffic should seek alternate routes or use the official detour of U.S. 20/31, U.S. 31, and State Road 4. Access will be maintained for local traffic, but motorists should be prepared to alter travel based on the locations where work is occurring.
These pipe replacements are in advance of road resurfacing along this stretch of State Road 23. State Road 23 will be reduced to one lane for road resurfacing, with road widening occurring in some locations. Construction activities will be ongoing through the end of November.
INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution, and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

ARGOS — Local residents will have a pair of opportunities over the summer to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — Big Boy No. 4014 — the only one of eight Big Boys in existence and the only one operational.

The Big Boy will pull into Argos on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the S. Michigan Street Crossing at 2:30 p.m. and then depart for Ft. Wayne at 3 p.m.
In July, the train will make its way back across the state and stop in Knox on July 16, 2026, at 10 S. Heaton St., arriving at 12:30 p.m. CDT and departing at 1 p.m. for South Holland, IL.
Twenty-five Big Boys were commissioned exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. These massive locomotives were built to haul heavy equipment in support of the war effort, normally operating between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Big Boys are 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds.
No. 4014 was retired in Dec. 1961 after traveling 1,031,205 miles. Union Pacific reacquired it from the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California, in 2013 and relocated it back to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for a multi-year restoration. It returned to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s Completion.
The seven other remaining Big Boys are on public display in St. Louis, Missouri; Dallas, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Denver, Colorado; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

INDIANAPOLIS (June 3, 2026) – Wednesday, the Indiana State Fair unveiled the first full wave of its 2026 list of scheduled

concerts as part of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage schedule, August 7-23 (Fair is closed on Mondays).
The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage has become a summertime staple for concertgoers and music lovers. All shows at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage are free with paid fair admission, and seating is first-come, first-served. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Discount tickets can be purchased for the 2026 Indiana State Fair today at indianastatefair.com/.
The first wave of concerts just unveiled today for the 2026 Hoosier Lottery Free Stage at the Indiana State Fair includes:
•The Beach Boys – Friday, August 7 – opening day
•Busta Rhymes – Thursday, August 13
•Gene Simmons – Thursday, August 20
•Don McLean – Saturday, August 22
•Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Sunday, August 23
“The Indiana State Fair is a beloved summer tradition that has been bringing people together for 169 years,” said Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing Officer of the Indiana State Fair. “The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage lineup adds to the unforgettable entertainment, memories, and traditions that make the Fair a highlight of summer.”
As Champions of Play and title sponsor of the Free Stage, the Hoosier Lottery is inviting fairgoers 18 or older to take a swing at summer fun with myLOTTERY. Six winners will receive six State Fair tickets, a parking pass, $250 in Fair Bucks, six box seats to a 2026 Indianapolis Indians home game at Victory Field, and a Hoosier Lottery Prize Pack. Enter by signing up to become a free myLOTTERY member or confirming your existing account at HoosierLottery.com/StateFair by July 2, 2026. Promotional odds are dependent upon the number of entries received.

“The Hoosier Lottery is proud to be back in the starting lineup as sponsor of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage at the Indiana State Fair,” said Sarah M. Taylor, Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery. “This year’s ‘Always a Hit’ theme is a home run, celebrating baseball, Indiana’s summer spirit and our nation’s 250th anniversary. As longtime partners with the Indiana State Fair and the Indianapolis Indians, we know how baseball brings people together, and we’re excited to help fairgoers enjoy great entertainment, great value and great memories at one of Indiana’s favorite summer traditions.”
There is a limited number of reserved viewing area tickets available now for the concerts. The 2026 Indiana State Fair is scheduled to open on Friday, August 7, and run through August 23, when you can enjoy The Greatest 15 Days of Summer at this iconic Hoosier tradition. For more information, please visit indianastatefair.com/ or follow the Indiana State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and X. The Indiana State Fair will be highlighted by its 2026 theme “Always A Hit,” presented by the Indianapolis Indians.

PLYMOUTH — On June 1, 2026, at approximately 8:00 PM, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the Economy Inn regarding

concerns of ongoing drug activity in a room while a child was present.
Officers were provided additional information that 46-year-old Kenneth Lain and 37-year-old Tiffany Milton would be residing in the room with a 1-year-old juvenile. Additionally, officers were advised that Lain also had an active warrant for his arrest.
Officers arrived on the scene and located the room in question. Lain, Milton, and the juvenile were all located inside the room, and Lain was immediately taken into custody for his warrant. Milton provided consent to search the room, and officers then located narcotics and paraphernalia inside the room.
The Department of Child Services was contacted, and Milton was taken into custody shortly after. Both Lain and Milton were transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Neglect of a Dependent.
Lain was also booked for his warrant.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Park Board meeting on Wednesday, June 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the cabin located at Memorial

Forest.
Agenda items include:
•Update on Mill Pond Multi-Use Trail
•Fishing Pier
•Memorial Forest
•Swing set & mulch
•Canoe/Kayak
•5 year comprehensive plan update
•New Business

ARGOS – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E & B Paving LLC will begin construction on a reduced conflict

intersection (RCI) at U.S. 31 and State Road 10 on or after Tuesday, June 9.
The left lane and shoulder of northbound and southbound U.S. 31 will be closed for road construction for the intersection improvement project. The median of U.S. 31 and State Road 10 will be closed, eliminating access to eastbound State Road 10 from southbound U.S. 31 or westbound State Road 10 from northbound U.S. 31. State Road 10 will have only right-in, right-out access to and from U.S. 31 due to the median closure.
The detour for westbound State Road 10 will follow northbound U.S. 31 and utilize the ramps at the U.S. 30 interchange to turn around to southbound U.S. 31 to get to westbound State Road 10. The detour for eastbound State Road 10 will follow southbound U.S. 31, State Road 110, and State Road 331.
Motorists should stay alert for changing traffic patterns in the area and follow all traffic directions and signage carefully. Construction will be ongoing through July.
The RCI is an alternative to traditional roadway intersections on a four-lane highway. Instead of motorists crossing fast-moving lanes of traffic to get to the opposing lanes, drivers at an RCI turn right in the same direction of traffic, merge into the left lane, and then make a U-turn in the direction they intend to travel.
Learn more about RCIs on INDOT’s website here. This is an interim safety measure, with plans still moving forward for the construction of an interchange at this location, currently scheduled to begin in 2028. Learn more about that project and other adjacent projects along the U.S. 31 corridor on the INDOT website here.
INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when traveling through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution, and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

PLYMOUTH — On May 1st, Brian Foster and his family’s lives were changed forever.

Foster was returning home after attending the graduation of his players at the college and was in a horrific accident with a semi-truck at the intersection of US 30 and Union Road near campus.
He has been in a coma since then with a severe traumatic brain injury (Diffuse Axonal Injury).
“We are in the middle of preparing to move him to a long-term acute care hospital in Chicago, since that is the closest one besides one in Crown Point, which is not in network,” said his wife, Natasha.
Foster is the head men’s basketball coach at Marian University Plymouth — formerly Ancilla College — and is also a graduate of the school and an outstanding player for the Chargers.
Foster also works for Beacon Community Impact as a Community Health Educator.
“The week of his accident, he was actually at Plymouth High School presenting to students in their health classes about the dangers of vaping,” said Natasha. “Plymouth High School dropped off at the hospital the most beautiful cards and letters from those Plymouth students talking about the impact he made on them in just that short time.”
The tragic events came at a time when Foster and his family were already in the process of some significant transitions and life events.
“Our daughter just graduated from IU Indy 6 days after his accident, and now is in the process of moving from Indy to Chicago to continue her D1 college basketball career at UIC,” said Natasha. “Our son graduated from high school this year, and his plan was to play for his dad this fall.”
“Even through all of this, Brian’s impact is so strong that two of his new recruits actually committed to play for him while he’s been in a coma,” she said.
“Brian has poured so much into the youth and athletes in this community,” said Natasha. “I really want to shed light on the amazing guy he is, but also use his story to bring some desperate attention to how dangerous that US 30 intersection is before this happens to another family, especially with Union being the road these Marian students and families have to take. I haven’t been on social media a lot lately, but I did notice that on May 21st and May 22nd there were two more accidents at that same intersection, as well as one a week ago at US 30 and Queen.”
The future is uncertain, but medical costs are not. Foster’s daughter, Vaya, started a GoFundMe account to help the family keep their heads above water with Foster’s relocation and continuing need for serious medical care.
Those interested in helping can go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/hope-and-healing-for-coach-brian-foster

PLYMOUTH – That’s the question that was raised by the Marshall County Commissioners in their meeting on Monday morning.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon began a discussion on ending the county’s current deal with the MCEDC.

Bohannon stated that Marshall County currently pays 40 percent of the organization’s operation funds, and in his view, the vast amount of benefit from MCEDC activities goes to “the business community” and the TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) districts.
He said that he felt too much control was being given to a non-elected board, and there should be more control for elected officials of the MCEDC, and he didn’t see a lot of value in the county continuing the current contract.
President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz presented his point of view.

After some discussion, the Commissioners and County Attorney Sean Surrisi will pursue negotiations with the MCEDC on the matter and talk about ending or restructuring the current arrangement.

PLYMOUTH — On May 28,​ 2026, at approximately 10:30 PM, a Marshall County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Deputy conducted a

traffic stop with a vehicle in the area of Michigan Road and Veterans Parkway.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 55-year-old Doreen Ruggles. Ruggles was found to have a suspended driver’s license. During the traffic stop,​ suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia were located in the vehicle.
Ruggles was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for driving while suspended – misdemeanor,​ possession of marijuana,​ and possession of paraphernalia. The Plymouth Police Department assisted the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Marshall County Deputies were dispatched to a residence for an unwanted guest, later identified at Jeffery J. Oswalt, 44.

While talking with the residents of the property, it was found that there was an active protection order for two of the parties living in the residence.
Oswalt was taken into custody and booked into the Marshall County Jail.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
​

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 25.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.65/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are $1.20/g lower than a month ago and stand 59.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 15.5 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.437 per gallon.
Lowest prices reported in local communities:
Pulaski — $3.89
Francesville — $3.99
Medaryville — $3.99
Starke County
Knox — $3.69
North Judson — $3.69
Hamlet — $3.69
LaPorte County
La Crosse — $3.69
LaPorte — $3.44
Michigan City — $3.38
Wanatah — $3.65
Rolling Prairie — $3.79
Westville — $3.44
New Carlisle — $3.79
North Liberty — $3.59
Walkerton — $3.69
Marshall County
Argos — $3.69
Bourbon — $3.39
Bremen — $3.59
Culver — $3.79
LaPaz — $3.63
Plymouth — $3.39
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $3.01/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $5.09/g, a difference of $2.08/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 19.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.26/g today.
“Average gasoline prices declined in all 50 states over the last week, with GasBuddy now tracking 15 states where the average price of gasoline has fallen below $4 per gallon, offering motorists some of the most widespread relief seen in weeks,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Much of the decline was driven by falling oil prices and the unwinding of recent price cycles, as growing optimism surrounding a potential U.S.-Iran agreement helped ease concerns over global oil supplies. Diesel prices also posted a substantial decline, falling more than 15 cents per gallon nationally. However, the coast is anything but clear. Oil prices edged higher Sunday evening as uncertainty surrounding a potential deal persisted and renewed Israeli attacks added another layer of geopolitical risk. While motorists may continue to see some short-term relief, some price-cycling states could soon experience another upward swing as retailers run out of room to lower prices further. Overall, any setback in negotiations could quickly reverse the recent decline in fuel prices.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com

PLYMOUTH – The Marshall County Plan Commission got a crash course in agrivoltaics in their Thursday night meeting.

Agrivoltaics (also called agrisolar or dual-use solar) is the simultaneous use of land for both agricultural production and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation. It addresses land-use conflicts by turning traditional competitors into mutually beneficial systems. Some in use are livestock grazing – primarily sheep – crop cultivation or pollinator habitats.
The practice is not included in the current county ordianance on solar energy systems and Plan Director Nick Witwer, suggested that the Commission add the term to the current ordinance, while the Commission continues to work on changing that ordinance.

Another concern for the practice was brought up as well.

The Commission unanimously added the term to the current ordinance.

INDIANAPOLIS — This summer, Indiana students ages 18 and younger will have access to free, nutritious meals and snacks at

close to 1,000 locations statewide through the 2026 Summer Food Service Program.
Households can find information about the meal types served and days of the week when meals are offered by using the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals Site Finder or the Indiana Department of Education’s Searchable Meal Site Locator. These site maps will continue to be updated throughout the summer. Families can also call the USDA’s National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273), or text “Summer Meals” or “Verano” to 914-342-7744 to find sites near them.
Site locations and meal service times vary throughout the state based on local area sponsors. Congregate meal locations range from parks and community centers to schools, churches, and mobile feeding sites. In qualified rural locations, meals may be available for pickup.
For over 50 years, the Summer Food Service Program has provided children ages 18 and under with access to free, nutritious meals and snacks during the summer months. The Summer Food Service Program is a federal nutrition program funded by the USDA and administered by the Indiana Department of Education. The program is designed to meet the needs of low-income children in areas where access to good nutrition may be limited. 

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of May 28, 2026, at approximately 11:30 am, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the

Neighborhood Center for a woman causing a disturbance and believed to be under the influence of an illegal substance.
The woman, identified as Jasmine Perry, 31, of Plymouth, was located at the corner of Garro and Walnut and detained.
Due to Perry’s continued behavior and showing signs of intoxication by illegal drugs, she was taken into custody and booked into the Marshall County Jail for charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ARGOS — On Thursday, May 28,​ 2026, at approximately 7:55 PM, Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop

with a vehicle in the area of U.S. 31 and 17th Rd.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 29-year-old Kyler A. Smith of Kokomo. During the investigation, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted,​ and suspected marijuana and THC products.
Smith was subsequently arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked and processed for Possession of Marijuana – ​ Class B Misdemeanor.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

PLYMOUTH — In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Heartland Art Center invites artists, families, students, and

community members of all ages to participate in “America the Beautiful”, a community-wide art exhibition exploring what America means through creativity and artistic expression.
Opening Tuesday, June 30 and continuing through Saturday, July 25, the exhibition will be hosted at the historic Fire Station in downtown Plymouth. The exhibition will feature artwork inspired by the people, places, traditions, landscapes, cultures, memories, and experiences that shape America. Depending on participation, additional downtown Plymouth locations may also be utilized to showcase artwork from the exhibition.
The exhibition’s location adds another meaningful layer to the celebration, as the Historic Fire Station is recognized as the oldest standing fire station in the State of Indiana. The exhibit offers an opportunity to honor both creativity and history in one of Plymouth’s most iconic buildings.
In addition to the exhibition itself, America the Beautiful will also feature a public scavenger hunt experience designed to encourage community engagement, exploration, and visitation throughout downtown Plymouth during the exhibition. Exhibition viewing hours will be Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m
Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate. All artistic mediums are welcome, including painting, drawing, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, and more.
“This exhibition is intended to celebrate the many perspectives, stories, and experiences that make up America,” said Heartland’s president, Anna Kietzman. “We hope to create a welcoming and inspiring community exhibition that reflects the beauty of our landscapes, our communities, our creativity, and the people who call this country home.”
One artwork may be entered free of charge, with additional entries accepted for a small fee. Online submission forms are due by Saturday, June 20, with artwork drop off taking place June 23–27 at the Historic Fire Station, located at 220 N. Center Street in Plymouth. Information and the exhibition prospectus can be found at: http://www.heartlandartcenter.org
A public reception celebrating the exhibition will take place during the 11th Annual ARTS in the Street Festival on Saturday, July 25th, bringing together artists, residents, and visitors from across the region for a day of art, creativity, music, and community celebration in downtown Plymouth.

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County will conduct weekly testing on its outdoor warning siren system beginning on Tuesday, June

2nd.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch Center will automatically activate its sirens every Tuesday at 11 AM for 30 seconds.
Dispatch controls sirens for Bourbon, Center, and Union Townships. These are the sirens that will be activated during the weekly tests. Other sirens across the county are controlled by their respective fire departments and have their own testing procedures.
In 2024, the Marshall County Council supported an additional appropriation to automate county-controlled sirens. This technology has been a huge success and has led to more rapid notification of the sirens once a Tornado Warning is issued, eliminating the potential for human error. Adding a weekly test doubles down on the system’s feature that displays the operational status of each siren and engages the public in preparedness efforts.
If severe weather is forecasted on the day of a test, or if it is actively raining at 11 AM, the test will be cancelled to avoid “false alarms”. If a test is cancelled, a post will be made by the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) on Facebook announcing the cancellation.
This is one step of many that public safety officials are taking to improve severe weather preparedness in Marshall County. The EMA is actively pursuing funding opportunities for new and existing sirens, planning NOAA Weather Radio giveaways, and securing high-quality training for its public and private partners.
The EMA would like to express our thanks to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Bourbon Volunteer Fire Department, Culver-Union Township Fire Department, and Plymouth Fire Department for coordinating this test and their commitment to severe weather safety.