CULVER — In April of 2025, the Culver Police Department began investigating a possible invasion of privacy after receiving

reports of alleged communication between an adult woman and a juvenile man. A witness reported ongoing electronic messaging contact between Shannan Hoffmann, 38, and a 15-year-old minor, despite a valid protective order prohibiting communication between them.
An initial investigation took place, and evidence was gathered to support the allegations of ongoing electronic messaging communications, some inappropriate, including messages being sexual in nature and nude photographs. A follow-up interview was conducted with the minor and his parents, with a subsequent forensic interview being conducted.
Search warrants were sought for the minor’s electronic device and involved social media accounts for both, which were later analyzed with the assistance of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.
Hoffmann was later interviewed regarding her alleged involvement, and a search warrant was obtained for her electronic device, which was later examined with the assistance of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation included interview statements and examination of data from the search warrants, and a probable cause affidavit was filed with the Marshall Superior Court, resulting in an arrest warrant for Hoffman on charges of child exploitation, child solicitation, possession of child pornography, dissemination of matter harmful to a minor, and invasion of privacy.
Hoffman, who now resides in Winamac, was arrested on Aug. 23, 2026, at 4:15 p.m. when she was located in a vehicle in the area of SR 10 and SR 17 in Culver. She was taken to the Marshall County Jail.

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

ARGOS — On Sunday, Aug. 23,​ ​the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a moving

violation in the area of US31 and 16th Road.
Upon further investigation,​ both individuals were in possession of Marijuana. The driver, Warren Highbaugh Jr., 32, was arrested and booked in the Marshall County Jail for driving while suspended prior and possession of Marijuana.
The passenger,​ Jontae Williams, 25, was arrested and booked for possession of Marijuana.

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

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun has directed flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday

at the age of 80.
Dolly Parton was an international icon, country music singer, and philanthropist who was responsible for sharing hundreds of millions of books with children through her Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Gov. Braun’s flag order applies to flags at the State Capitol and all state facilities statewide. The flag order is effective immediately until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026.
The Governor’s flag order is in addition to President Donald Trump’s order for American flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and at all federal public buildings and grounds across the country for the same time period.
Governor Braun encourages all Hoosiers across Indiana to help honor Dolly Parton by lowering flags to half-staff at their homes and businesses.

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun Wednesday announced a new texting tool that will make it easier for Hoosiers

impacted by the severe storms and flooding to find disaster recovery resources available in their communities.
Through Indiana 211, residents can now text IN211HELP to 898-211 to get started. The 24/7 service will prompt users to select the type of assistance they need and will provide a list of disaster-specific resources based on their entered zip code.
“Hoosiers impacted by these storms are focused on taking care of their families, their homes and their communities, and they shouldn’t have to spend hours searching for the help they need,” said Gov. Braun. “This new Indiana 211 disaster resources texting service puts disaster resources directly in the hands of Hoosiers and makes it easier to connect with available assistance as Indiana continues its recovery.”
Indiana 211 has played an important role in the state’s response to the recent storms, quickly connecting impacted Hoosiers with available assistance and resources. Indiana 211’s development of new tools, including the disaster texting service, will help make it easier for residents impacted by the storms to identify and access assistance in their communities.
Residents who need additional assistance can call 2-1-1 or visit IN211.org to search for community disaster resources, submit a Disaster Damage Reporting Form, submit an application for State Disaster Relief Funds or Military Family Relief Funds and connect with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Disaster Recovery Hub.
For more info see the complete story on our website.

Using the Indiana 211 Disaster Texting Service*:
Text IN211HELP to 898-211 and follow the prompts.
You will be prompted to enter your zip code.
Reply with the type of disaster resources you are seeking from the provided menu. An additional prompt with sub-resource categories may be provided.
Once all prompts have been answered, Indiana 211 will text each resource available in your zip code, based on the need category you selected, directly to you.
For more resources, you can text IN211HELP again to start over.

• Standard msg&data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt-out. HELP for help. For end-user privacy and terms and conditions of texting with 898211, go to: https://educationalmessageservices.com/policies/

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.
​

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)

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.

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.