TIPPECANOE — On Tuesday,​ August 18,​ 2026,​ at approximately 3:01 pm,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call

regarding a two-vehicle collision in the 18,000 block of State Road 331​ in Tippecanoe.
When a Marshall County Officer arrived on scene,​ it was learned that a 2008 Honda Odyssey,​ driven by Jaydon Whitaker,​ was backing out of a driveway into a Honda Pilot,​ driven by Audrianna Bastardo.
As a result of the crash,​ the Honda Pilot spun around and was facing southeast when the Officer arrived on scene.
Bourbon EMS was called to the scene to transport Bastardo for ​a complaint of a head injury. ​The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Bourbon EMS and Lyons Wrecker Service.

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Park Department and Coca-Cola will sponsor a Family Fun Day in River Park Square on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 1-3 p.m.
There will be music, a bounce house, and food and drinks, all free to those in attendance.

PLYMOUTH — As Indiana continues to respond and recover from last week’s record severe weather and flooding, disaster assistance is being made available to help residents in need.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has created a webpage that is constantly updated with new resources for Hoosiers. That can be found at in.gov/dhs/emergency-management-and-preparedness/august-2026-disaster.
Here are a few sources of disaster assistance that are already available to Marshall County residents impacted by high winds or flooding:

•The State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) allows up to $5,000 to primary residences that suffered uninsured damages of eligible items, such as home repairs, essential appliances/furnishings, debris removal, medical devices, and essential transportation. Qualified residents can apply at app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a019f5a4457f0495bbef680cff9c75

•Households that receive SNAP benefits who lost food due to storm damage or power outages may be eligible for replacement benefits. Affected individuals will need to submit an affidavit for replacement benefits. The affidavit must be submitted by August 21 (for Marshall County residents) and the cause of loss must be verified. The document may be uploaded to the FSSA Benefits Portal, faxed to 888-436-9199, or dropped off at any Division of Family Resources’ office. The link to download the affidavit can be found under “I am a resident and need assistance” at in.gov/dhs/emergency-management-and-preparedness/august-2026-disaster.

•Other resources on the IDHS webpage include the Red Cross, Indiana 211, and USDA.
FEMA is NOT assisting residents through the Individual Assistance (IA) program at this time. IDHS and Marshall County EMA are working closely to seek a presidential disaster declaration that will bring additional relief to impacted county residents. That process is more extensive and requires Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (JPDAs) between the federal, state, and local governments, which have already begun in some parts of the state.

The Marshall County Commissioners declared a local disaster on August 17th, which qualifies Marshall County residents for SDRF funding and keeps the door open for FEMA assistance. While storm damage locally was not as severe as in other counties across Indiana, Marshall County EMA has received several damage reports caused by trees falling through homes and flooded homes. We encourage residents to continue submitting damage reports to help the county understand who needs assistance.
Damage reports can be emailed to ema@co.marshall.in.us, called into 211, or submitted online at in.accessgov.com/marshall-county-ema/Forms/Page/marshall-county-ema/damage-reporting-form/.
As more information and assistance become available, EMA will continue to keep the public updated through our Facebook page and other forms of communication.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department continues to actively investigate the disappearance of 34-year-old Joshua M. Obrochta who was last seen on Friday, August 7, 2026, in the Plymouth and Culver, Indiana, area.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 at approximately 5 p.m., the vehicle that Obrochta was last observed driving was located in the 5,000 Block of E. Toto Road in Starke County, Indiana. The vehicle had been involved in a collision; however, no driver or occupant of the vehicle was located. Obrochta is still reported missing, and it is believed that he may have fled the scene of the collision on foot.
Joshua is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 170-200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and the Starke County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone who may have information regarding Joshua Obrochta’s whereabouts or welfare to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department at 574-936-3187 or the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at 574-772-3771.

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 17, 2026, Plymouth Officers were dispatched to N Michigan St. for two men in a car possibly

unresponsive. Upon arrival, the driver attempted to flee the area.
During the investigation, Plymouth K9 Officer Schieber and K9 Kyzer conducted a free air sniff of the car, indicating a positive alert.
A vehicle search was conducted and narcotics were located. An OWVI investigation was also conducted on the driver.
Ryne Carpenter was arrested for: Possession of Narcotics L5, Possession of paraphernalia L6, and OWVI controlled substance
Christian Sweet was arrested for: Possession of Narcotics L5 and Possession of paraphernalia L6.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 15, 2026, at 3:16 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to an address on Oakhill Ave. for a disturbance in progress.

Officers were advised this was a dispute between neighbors continuing from the previous night.
When officers arrived, there was a man in the front yard yelling at the other neighbor who was on his front porch. The man yelling was holding a beer. During the investigation, the man at the center of the issue was identified as Steven Rudd 42, of Plymouth. Rudd was placed under arrest for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. He was booked into Marshall County Jail.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 10.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.58/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 20.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 39.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 14.3 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.418 per gallon.
The lowest reported prices at stations in local communities:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $3.69
Francesville — $3.79
Medaryville — $3.69
Starke County
Knox — $3.69
North Judson — $3.69
Hamlet — $3.47
Grovertown — $3.79
LaPorte County
LaCrosse — $3.59
LaPorte — $3.30
Michigan City — $3.56
Wanatah — $3.45
Rolling Prairie — $3.69
Westville — $3.49
New Carlisle — $3.69
North Liberty — $3.69
Walkerton — $3.39
Marshall County
Argos — $3.49
Bourbon — $3.59
Bremen — $3.69
Culver — $3.69
LaPaz $3.65
Plymouth — $3.49
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.86/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.24/g, a difference of $1.38/g. The national average price of gasoline has risen 7.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.02/g today.
“Average gasoline prices climbed back above $4 per gallon over the last week, with prices rising in slightly more states than they fell, as rebounding oil prices driven by the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries kept upward pressure on the market,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Diesel felt the pressure even more acutely, rising in all but a few states, as Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refining infrastructure continue to impact refined product prices more than crude oil itself. While the seasonal transition to cheaper winter-blend gasoline in the coming month could bring some relief, the two dominant challenges facing motorists— the closed Strait and the ongoing refinery strikes— show no signs of resolving anytime soon. Until they do, the path for gas and diesel prices remains tilted to the upside.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners have signed a local disaster declaration, or state of emergency, following last week’s severe weather event.

The commissioners approved the declaration at their August 17th meeting on the recommendation of the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). The declaration will be in effect for one week and is set to expire at noon on August 24th.
Over the last week, Marshall County has experienced multiple rounds of severe weather, leading to widespread tree damage, multi-day power outages, and also some flash flooding. Governor Mike Braun has already declared a statewide disaster, with FEMA agreeing to provide emergency response assistance to a number of Indiana counties, including Marshall. Please note that this is NOT assistance directly to impacted Marshall County residents – that determination will be made by President Donald Trump at a later date.
Due to costs related to debris removal, emergency response, and infrastructure damage, Marshall County and its municipalities may also qualify for partial federal reimbursement through the Public Assistance (PA) program. Marshall County EMA has already been in contact with other units of local government to encourage them to track costs associated with the storms. A county must declare a local state of emergency in order to continue through this process.
EMA has also conducted preliminary damage assessments on impacted residential and commercial structures and encourages county residents to continue reporting structural damage that may help the county qualify for Individual Assistance (IA) directly to impacted residents. Damage reports can be emailed to ema@co.marshall.in.us
We are especially thankful for all first responders and utility workers who endured long hours in difficult working conditions in order to keep the public safe. Our thoughts are also with nearby counties that experienced significant wind and flood damage. Incident-related updates will continue to be posted via the Marshall County EMA Facebook page.

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of Aug. 14, 2026, at 4 pm, Plymouth Police received information that Hunter Cole, 28, of Plymouth, was at a residence on 11B Road.

Cole was confirmed to have an outstanding felony warrant for child molestation in Starke County. Plymouth Police with K9 Kyzer, along with the Marshall County Drug Task Force and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, went to the residence and observed a man later identified as 34-year-old Jhordan Cole of Plymouth leaving the home and attempting to hide an item, which was later found to be suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The same subject was taken into custody along with Mary Morrow, 49, of Plymouth, and Adam Risner, 43, of Plymouth. K9 Kyzer would assist after verbal announcements were made for Hunter Cole to exit the residence. He complied and was taken into custody before being turned over to the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
Risner, Morrow, and Jhordan Cole were transported and lodged at the Marshall County Jail for felony-assisting a criminal, felony-maintaining a common nuisance, and Cole for the additional felony-possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor-possession of paraphernalia.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Friday,​ Aug. 14,​ 2026,​ at approximately 12:37 pm,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a two-vehicle accident in the 2600 block of Michigan Road in Plymouth.

The caller informed Dispatch that one vehicle had rolled over and the other was in the ditch. When Officers arrived on scene, it was determined that a 2019 Ford Explorer,​ driven by Diane Cole, 66,​ of Plymouth,​ had been rear-ended,​ pushed down into a ditch, and had rolled over.
Both Cole and her passenger were wearing seatbelts and were trapped inside the car. LaPaz Fire & EMS, along with Plymouth EMS, were safely able to extract both occupants of the vehicle. The other vehicle involved,​ a 2017 Toyota Prius,​ driven by Rosalinda Munoz, 77,​ also of Plymouth, had front-end damage from colliding into the rear of the Explorer and also went into the ditch.
Cole and her passenger were transported to Memorial Hospital. Lutheran Air Ambulance transported Munoz from the scene. Lyons Wrecker Service had been contacted to remove both vehicles from the ditch. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by LaPaz Fire & EMS,​ Plymouth EMS,​ Lutheran Air Ambulance, and Lyons Wrecker Service.

PLYMOUTH – Once again, the Marshall County Commissioners took up the subject of the use of Flock cameras, a type of license plate reader, by Marshall County law enforcement agencies.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon has been vocal in calling for restrictions, at the least, on how the devices and the data they collect may be used, and a yearly contract without automatic renewal with Flock
Commissioner Adam Faulstich reviewed the audit reports for the devices during a month-long period from July 15 to Aug. 15. The three entities that use the cameras — Bremen and Plymouth PD along with the Marshall County Prosecutors office — performed a total of 407 searches during that time.
Faulstich had the classic “good news, bad news” report.

Then the bad news.

Bohannon weighed in on his interpretation of essentially the same data.

President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz was against the outright termination of the current contract before Jan. 1, when a new County Prosecutor and Sheriff will take office after Nov’s election. He did agree to support giving Flock notice that the current contract would not be automatically renewed when it concludes in Sept. of this year.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police are urging drivers to travel safely in

areas experiencing flooding and severe weather.
“I’m closely monitoring conditions and have directed INDOT, Indiana State Police and our other state agencies to deploy resources wherever they’re needed as severe weather continues across Indiana,” said Governor Mike Braun.
“Please take road closures and high-water warnings seriously. Plan your travel carefully, avoid areas prone to flooding and never drive around barricades or through floodwaters.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, more than a dozen state highways and U.S. routes were closed across Indiana due to flooding and weather-related impacts. That number could potentially grow with additional severe weather expected through Friday.
INDOT crews are implementing road closures where necessary, as well as clearing drains and debris from roadways, to maintain safe travel conditions. State Police are continuing to patrol roadways, assisting motorists and providing support to local agencies in the hardest hit communities.
“INDOT crews are actively working to address weather-related issues on state-maintained roads,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “The agency is keeping a close eye on conditions and closing roads as necessary to help keep people out of harm’s way. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways.”
“Safety must always come first during heavy rainfall and flooding events,” said ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott. “We urge everyone to avoid areas with high water, as conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet, and just twelve inches to sweep away small vehicles. Please obey all road closures, never attempt to drive or walk through flooded roadways, and remember the lifesaving rule: turn around, don’t drown.”
If you must travel and encounter high water, do not attempt to continue driving. Always turn around and find an alternate route. Remember to slow down, turn on your headlights and watch for ponding or debris in the roadway as weather moves through.
Due to widespread power outages, especially in northern Indiana, drivers may find non-functioning traffic signals. In these instances, intersections should be treated as all-way stops.
View the latest updates on road closures and conditions from INDOT at 511in.org and report flooded roadways or other concerns at indot4u.com.

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of August 13, 2026, Plymouth Police found a vehicle stopped in the middle of Pioneer

Drive. While speaking with the driver, it was determined that a woman had exited the vehicle after an argument and proceeded to walk on foot. The driver was unsure where she was.
The patrolman located the woman further down the roadway. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol and noticed signs of impairment. Glory May Hummel (19) was placed in custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail for Minor in Possession of Alcohol.

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

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Indiana to supplement

state, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on August 11, 2026, and continuing.
The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.
This assistance is for many Indiana counties, including locally, Fulton, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, Porter, Pulaski, St. Joseph, and Starke.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding.
Darrin Ricketts has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. Designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

PLYMOUTH — On Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 1:09 am the Marshall County Coroner’s Office was notified of a death at

the Pretty Lake Golf Club in Plymouth.
An investigation found that the deceased, James Galt Jr., age 64, of Plymouth, had left the Pretty Lake Golf Club driving a golf cart. Galt drove the golf cart off an embankment onto an asphalt parking lot.
Galt was pronounced dead at the scene by Chief Deputy Coroner John Lampkins from injuries sustained in the crash.
Responding agencies included the Plymouth Fire Department & Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

ARGOS — The Board of Education of Argos Community Schools will meet for a Regular Board meeting on August 17,

2026, in the Dragon Center conference room.
This meeting is a meeting of the School Board in public for the purpose of conducting the School Corporation’s business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There will be time for public participation as indicated on the agenda.
DRAGON CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM 7:00 P.M.
● Call to order
● Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silence
● Communication from patrons
● Approval of minutes of July 13 regular and executive meetings and July 16 regular and
executive meetings
● Approval of personnel changes
● Construction update: Kevin McCurdy
● Approval of change order for roof repairs
● Approval of pay app no. 1 from Brown and Brown Construction for the elementary patio
● Approval of pay app no. 3 from Core Mechanical Services for the tunnel piping
replacement project
● Approval of pay app no. 3 from Ziolkowski Construction for masonry repairs
● Approval of LWC invoices 19885, 19901, 19891, 19892, 19893 and 19895
● Approval of stage lighting bid
● Superintendent report
● Approval of claims
● Financial reports
● Closing comments
● Adjournment

PLYMOUTH – Budget talks continue for the Marshall County Council, and part of the request from President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz was to consider two new IT positions – one in particular for the County Jail.

The need for more help in the county’s IT department started, according to Klotz, as a suggestion from fellow Commissioner Adam Faulstich that the department was understaffed.

Currently, the county pays for IT consulting services from Hyperwave, and Klotz was asked if adding the new IT positions would do away with that cost.

County IT Director Mike Marshall weighed in on the discussion, especially regarding a position being added at the jail.

Discussion continues on whether to add the two positions and just how they would be funded.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will have their second meeting of the month on Monday, Aug. 17, starting at 9:30 a.m.

The Commissioners will hear regular reports from Jason Peters of the Highway Department, Attorney Sean Surrisi, and Auditor Angie Birchmeier.
They will also hear requests from Billy Schoff and John Greer from Buildings and Grounds, Jackie Franks from the Health Department, and Deb VanDeMark and Greg Hildebrand of the County Park Board.
A prepay request, a letter of support for renaming a portion of US 6, and an emergency declaration for storm damage are listed as Commissioner items.
The meeting will be held in the second-floor meeting room of the County Building on Jefferson Street in Plymouth. For special accommodations, please get in touch with the ADA Coordinator at (574) 935-8720 at least two business days before the scheduled meeting to request accommodation.
The meeting will also be live-streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN

CAMBRIDGE CITY — Governor Mike Braun today declared a statewide disaster emergency and announced he mobilized the Indiana National Guard as he continues leading Indiana’s coordinated response to widespread damage, power outages and flooding caused by this week’s severe storms.
“My heart goes out to every Hoosier impacted by these storms,” said Gov. Braun. “My number one priority is protecting Hoosier lives, and our state and local teams are standing shoulder to shoulder to do just that. Our state’s response is firing on all cylinders. I’ve declared a statewide disaster emergency, mobilized the Indiana National Guard and directed state agencies to get people, equipment and resources where they’re needed. Hoosiers can be confident that we are working around the clock to keep people safe and help our communities recover.”
Gov. Braun signed Executive Order 26-21 Thursday, declaring a statewide disaster emergency. The declaration finds that state assistance is necessary to supplement local resources and directs the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to enlist the support of other state agencies and provide needed emergency services to impacted counties. It also directs IDHS to coordinate necessary assistance among federal, state and local agencies.
State agencies are responding to requests from communities across Indiana, including boats and personnel for water rescues, heavy equipment and crews for debris removal, traffic control, emergency generators, oxygen support, fuel and evacuation assistance.
Gov. Braun also authorized the mobilization of the Indiana National Guard to provide additional manpower and resources in Gary, Munster and Hobart. The Indiana National Guard is positioned for life-saving activities as well as cleanup and support.
Gov. Braun has directed state emergency teams to remain ready and is urging Hoosiers to do the same with another round of potential severe weather in the forecast for already impacted communities. Heavy rainfall on already saturated ground could quickly cause additional flash flooding.
“Even as we recover from what has already happened, we are preparing for what may come next,” said Gov. Braun. “Our teams are positioned, our agencies are coordinating and resources are ready to move. I urge every Hoosier to stay weather aware, listen to local authorities and never drive through floodwaters.”
Resources for Hoosiers:
In an Emergency: Always call 911
Cooling Centers: Visit on.in.gov/coolingcenters
Red Cross Shelters: Click here, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or download the free Red Cross Emergency App for access to shelter information
Report Damage: Indiana 211 is activated for Franklin, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Newton, Porter and Pulaski Counties. Call 211 (or 866-211-9966) or visit the 211 website to report damage sustained on your property.
Lane Closures and Road Conditions: Visit 511in.org
Travel Advisory Map: Visit on.in.gov/travel-status

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 8th, 2026, at 1:54 a.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department received a 911 call regarding a

possible physical domestic disturbance at the Economy Inn.
Plymouth Police units responded and located the source of the disturbance on the second floor at the southwest corner of the motel. As officers began speaking to an involved man and woman, 25-year-old Isaiah Batta, of Plymouth, began running.
Officers initiated a foot pursuit with Batta, who was eventually tased and taken into custody. Batta was treated at the hospital and transported to Marshall County Jail, where he was booked and lodged for Resisting Law Enforcement.

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