Crash sends one to the hospital

PLYMOUTH — On Tuesday,​ Aug. 25,​ 2026,​ at 8:06 a.m.,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a single-vehicle crash with a utility pole in the 12,​000 block of 4A Road,​ in Plymouth.


When Officers arrived on scene,​ the driver,​ Daniel Keyser,​ 53, of Bremen, stated he was driving west on 4A Road in his 2014 Buick Verano. Keyser’s vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole
Keyser was injured in the crash and transported to the Hospital to receive additional treatment.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by LaPaz Fire & EMS along with Lyons Wrecker Service.

Marshall County Sheriff releases monthly jail report

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel has released the jail and arrest report for July.


The population of the jail on July 28 was 127 out of a total of 233 beds available. The average daily population was 119. Of those, 98 were men, and 29 were women; 21 were serving felony charges, and 79 were pre-trial inmates.
Marshall County deputies made 75 arrests, Plymouth Police 61, Indiana State Police 9, and Bremen Police 8.
The top five offenses for July were:
•Operating While Intoxicated (24)
•Operator Never Licensed (20)
•Failure to Appear (19)
•Driving While Suspended (18)
•Battery (13)

Gas prices drop around the state

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 7.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.50/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 1.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 38.0 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 16.6 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.584 per gallon.
Lowest reported prices in various communities around the area:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $3.79
Francesville — $3.79
Medaryville — $3.69
Starke County
Knox — $3.69
North Judson — $3.79
Grovertown — $3.59
LaPorte County
LaCrosse — $3.59
LaPorte — $3.34
Michigan City — $3.49
Wanatah — $3.54
Rolling Prairie — $3.59
Westville — $3.54
New Carlisle — $3.79
North Liberty — $3.55
Walkerton — $3.49
Marshall County
Argos — $3.59
Bourbon — $3.49
Bremen — $3.39
Culver — $3.69
LaPaz — $3.53
Plymouth — $3.41
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.99/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.09/g, a difference of $1.10/g.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 2.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.05/g today.
“Average gasoline prices moved higher in the majority of states over the last week, with fewer than 10 states seeing declines, while diesel surged nearly 17 cents per gallon nationally, leaving it less than 25 cents away from an all-time record high,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Gasoline, while not at all-time records, is at its highest level ever recorded this late in the calendar year, meaning Americans could for the first time ever see a national average price of gasoline above $4 per gallon on Labor Day — eclipsing the previous record of $3.83 per gallon set in 2012. While some oil shipments are apparently getting through the Strait of Hormuz, the dominant force propping up both gasoline and diesel prices is increasingly the growing loss of Russian refinery capacity, as continued Ukrainian attacks knock more facilities offline and constrain the global supply of refined fuels. Until that refining supply picture improves, both gasoline and diesel prices face continued upward pressure.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years.

Investigation leads to felony arrest

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth Police conducted a criminal investigation over the course of multiple days, starting on Aug. 21, 2026,

when Officers were notified of a juvenile in possession of a handgun. The investigation found that the handgun had the serial number filed off and, with further assistance, identified that the gun was stolen from St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Plymouth Police secured a search warrant for a residence on Hillcrest Avenue, which was executed with the assistance of K9 Kyzer. A second search warrant was served at a home in the 17000 block of 12th Road, Plymouth, again with the assistance of K9 Kyzer.
A probable cause affidavit was submitted to Marshall Superior Court 1 for review. Judge Napier signed and issued an order for the arrest of Nickolas Christ, 18 years old, of Plymouth. On Aug. 23, 2026, Christ was taken into custody and lodged at the Marshall County Jail for Felony Criminal Transfer of a Firearm, Possession of Stolen Property, Altered Gun Identification, and Misdemeanor Dealing Marijuana.

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

Marshall County 2027 budget notice available

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Auditor Angie Birchmeier has announced that the 2027 Budget is now available for viewing

online at www.budgetnotices.in.gov or by calling the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance at 888-739-9826.
Anyone interested may subscribe to receive selected local government budget notices via email by going to www.budgetnotices.in.gov.
The County Council is the fiscal body of the County and is responsible for approval of the Marshall County 2027 Budget. At the Aug. 10, 2026, County Council meeting, the department-submitted budgets were accepted; the public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. and the final adoption is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at 5:30 pm.
Both meetings will be held in the Commissioners Room, 112 W. Jefferson St., Rm 203, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Residents are welcome to call the Auditor’s office at 574-935-8555 with any questions or concerns.  

Possession arrest

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.

Obstruction of traffic arrest

PLYMOUTH — On Aug. 20, 2026, at 3:03 pm, Plymouth Police received a call about a man jumping in and out of the roadway,

with traffic passing by in the area of 1920 W. Lake Ave.
Officers were able to locate the man in question, 41-year-old Jorden McCoige, in the area of SR 17 and Meadow Ln. Officers spoke with McCoige, who was told to stay out of the roadway. Shortly after, he was seen in the area of SR 17 and Kenwood Ave walking in the middle of the roadway, causing traffic to come to a stop and making no attempt to get out of the roadway.
Officers took McCoige into custody shortly after and transported him to the Marshall County Jail for Obstruction of Traffic. He was assigned a court date and issued a bond.

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

Indecent exposure arrest

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, at 9:23 am, Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call about an unclothed man in the area

of 6th Road and Quince Road.
Michael Schmalzried,​ 34, was located and taken into custody. Schmalzried was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked on Indecent Exposure.

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

Local farms honored with Hoosier Homestead Award

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.

Chicken nuggets lead to arrest

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.

City of Plymouth mid-month meetings on Monday

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.

S.R. 10 to close for seal coat operations

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.

Marshall County to increase impaired driving enforcement ahead of Labor Day

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.

One taken to hospital after crash

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.

Assistance available for August storm recovery

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.

Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate a missing person

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.

Two charged with possession

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.

Disturbance leads to arrest

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.