LaPAZ — On Aug. 21,​ 2026,​ at approximately 10 a.m.,​ an officer conducted a traffic stop near Kimble Street and Cortland Street

after observing a vehicle displaying an expired license plate.
The driver was identified as Melissa Marie Gamble of Plymouth. During the investigation,​ it was determined that Gamble’s driving privileges were previously suspended. During a subsequent inventory of the vehicle,​ the officer located two small baggies containing suspected methamphetamine and a glass smoking device.
Gamble was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked on charges of: Driving While Suspended-Prior,​ Possession of Methamphetamine,​ Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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

INDIANAPOLIS – Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes

farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
Represented by State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) and State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen), two locally owned farms were honored at the Indiana State Fair.
The Hahn farm in Marshall County received a Centennial Award and the Watkins Farm in Marshall County received a Sesquicentennial Award.
The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. Instituted in 1976, the program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms that have impacted Indiana’s economic, cultural and social advancement.
“Agriculture has played a crucial role in Indiana’s history since our founding, impacting all aspects of Hoosiers’ lives,” Bohacek said. “I am proud of the Hahn and Watkins farms for receiving these awards because it shows the dedication and hard work they put in every day to provide for our communities and state.”
“It’s important that we take the time to appreciate the past, present and future of our farm families,” Jordan said. “Farming is a lot of long days, and these Hoosiers are working hard to keep our agricultural traditions alive and well.”
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are centennial, sesquicentennial and bicentennial – for 100, 150 and 200 years, respectively.
To learn more about the program or to apply for a Hoosier Homestead Award, visit www.in.gov/isda.

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 19, 2026, Plymouth Police were dispatched to Skylane Drive for the report of a domestic fight over

chicken nuggets.
Officers arrived on scene and identified Melissa Novak, 53, and Emily Fischer, 27, both of Plymouth. Officers learned that Fischer had eaten a number of chicken nuggets belonging to Novak. A confrontation occurred, and as a result Novak was transported to the Marshall County Jail for Domestic Battery. Fischer was transported to the Marshall County Jail for Interfering With the Reporting of a Crime and Criminal Mischief.

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

PLYMOUTH — The city of Plymouth will have meetings on Monday beginning at 6 p.m. with the Board of Public Works and

Safety, followed by the Common Council.
The Board of Works agenda includes reports from the various department heads, a resolution regarding fire and EMS for West Township, and an easement for Plymouth Foundry.
The Common Council will hear ordinances fixing salaries for appointed officers and employees, as well as elected officials for 2027, and amending the Aviation Rotary fund.
There will also be a public hearing on a tax abatement for AK Industries.
Both meetings are held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building. Those attending should enter from the Garro Street entrance. The meeting will also be live-streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.

STARKE & MARSHALL COUNTY – Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct seal coat operations

on State Road 10 between State Road 23 and State Road 17 starting on or after Monday, August 24.
Scrub seal operations will take place for approximately two days during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The recommended state road detour is State Road 23, State Road 8, and State Road 17.
This work is weather-sensitive, so the schedule is subject to change.

PLYMOUTH — As summer winds down, the Marshall County Traffic Safety Partnership is partnering with the Indiana Criminal

Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national enforcement campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Through the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, officers statewide will work overtime beginning August 19 through September 7, 2026, to identify and stop motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“Our officers are seeing the consequences of impaired driving far too often,” said Lt. Les McFarland. “As we enter the final weeks of summer, we’re asking every driver to make responsible decisions. A sober ride isn’t just the safest option—it’s the choice that saves lives.”
Preliminary data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that in 2025, nearly 23% of Indiana’s traffic fatalities involved alcohol, and more than 41% involved drug impairment.
“Impaired driving continues to be one of the most serious threats on our roadways, and we’re focused on reducing these tragedies through education and enforcement,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign reminds everyone that impaired driving is preventable. When you choose a sober ride, you’re helping protect your community and ensuring everyone makes it home safely.”
In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired. 
Have a Plan Whether You’re Driving, Riding, or Hosting:
•Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home.
•Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
•If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.
•If you see an impaired driver, call 911. Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, administered by ICJI, is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

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.