INDIANAPOLIS — The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued various risk levels throughout Indiana for potential for severe weather.

The primary threat for severe thunderstorms is expected after 2 p.m. on Feb. 19, with the southern two-thirds of the state under the greatest risk. A cluster of storms will likely enter from Illinois between 4 and 6 p.m., continuing into the evening. The severe weather threat is anticipated to conclude by midnight to 1 a.m. on Feb. 20.

IDHS is actively monitoring weather conditions. While a tornado watch has not yet been issued, Hoosiers should prepare by familiarizing themselves with the following safety measures.
 

Tips for staying safe:

• Identify a safe location for shelter.
• During a tornado, move to the lowest level of a sturdy building and avoid windows, doors or exterior walls whenever possible.
• If you are in a vehicle, seek shelter in a nearby building. Do not take cover under bridges.

Please note that tornado sirens are not designed to be heard indoors. Therefore, it is recommended that Hoosiers have multiple alert systems in place for emergencies.

Recommended alerts include:

• NOAA Weather Radios
• Reliable weather applications, such as the FEMA app 
• Broadcasts from local television and radio stations

Understanding warning vs. watches:

• A watch indicates that conditions are favorable for a tornado.
• A warning signifies that a tornado has been reported. In the case of a warning, seek shelter immediately.

Visit getprepared.in.gov for additional safety tips during storm events.

PLYMOUTH — On Tuesday,​ Feb. 17,​ 2026, at approximately 8:07 PM,​ Marshall County deputies attempted to pull over a

2024 Chevrolet on US 30 in the area of Michigan Street ​for exceeding the posted speed limit.
The vehicle failed to stop and accelerated to speeds of 95 MPH. The vehicle continued eastbound at a high rate of speed. Another officer attempted to utilize stop sticks at the intersection of King Road,​ but they were unsuccessful.
Two officers were able to position their police vehicles in front and behind this vehicle ​and get the ​driver to pull over safely. The driver,​ Sebastiano Di Palma of Fort Wayne,​ was taken into custody for charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, reckless driving, and operating without a license.
A passenger in the car was later released.

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

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced today that $179.8 million in federal

transportation funding is being awarded to 50 cities, towns, and counties in rural portions of Indiana to invest in local road and bridge improvements and sidewalk projects.
Locally, the town of Plymouth was awarded $2,615,120 for a local TAP project on Oak Dr from SR 17 (Lake Ave) to US 30.
Marshall County was awarded $8,088,000 for a local bridge project on Michigan Road (Old US 31) over the CSX Railroad located north of US 6.
For this latest round of funding, rural communities will design, develop, and purchase right-of-way for local projects. While the funds awarded now are dedicated to construction, INDOT will also financially participate in design, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition components.
Communities must contribute at least 20 percent in local matching funds and meet other federal requirements to receive federal funding.
Communities were invited to submit project applications to INDOT for potential funding during a call for projects announced in November 2025.

PLYMOUTH — Just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, local fire crews were called to the Heartland Art Center for a fire that was

reportedly caused by a metal pole contacting a power line.
Emergency responders shut down Michigan St. between Garron and Washington Streets in the downtown. An additional fire was reportedly detected in the roof of the building, and crews from Argos and LaPaz were requested for assistance. Culver later responded with a ladder truck. NIPSCO crews were on the scene and worked to restore power to an estimated 450 outages in the area.
Just before 5 p.m., crews were working to reopen the street, and NIPSCO reported power restored.
A public statement by Heartland Art Center stated, “We are incredibly grateful to share that our staff is safe and our artwork was not damaged.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the neighbors who immediately contacted the fire department and to the exceptional firefighters who responded so quickly and professionally. Their care, responsiveness, and support made all the difference. Once it was safe to re-enter the building, they worked with us to ensure important items could be secured.”
“Within moments, many of our members and volunteers showed up to help move critical materials and offer support. In the midst of shock, we were reminded once again of the kindness and strength of this community.”
“Our historic building means so much to Plymouth and to us. While this is a setback, it could have been far worse, and for that, we are deeply thankful.”
The statement went on to say that, as far as recovery from the fire, “We will take this one step at a time. Heartland’s momentum will continue, and we will keep you updated as plans for temporary relocation and next steps develop. Participants registered for upcoming classes and events will be contacted directly by our staff in the coming days with alternative arrangements and updates.
Thank you for your messages, your prayers, and your support. We will get through this together.”

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners voted unanimously in their meeting on Monday to urge the Marshall

County Council to begin the process of discussions on the current local income tax that pays the bond on the Marshall County Jail.
The discussion began with the county’s financial consultant — Steve Dalton — asking for permission to begin work on a new type of financial projection for the county that considers what he called “what if” options.
He said the format would not be a “static document” and would be useful given the number of changes made to taxes in the current legislature. According to Commissioner Jesse Bohannon,

President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz then asked for the motion to urge the Council to begin discussions on the current tax for the jail. The county is close to paying off the bond, and discussion of how to maintain it and other expenses will be critical regarding how they handle the end of that tax.

Bohannon did have one last bit of information.

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of Feb. 12, 2026, at 9:45 pm, Plymouth Police conducted a traffic stop on Walnut Street near

Jackson Street for an equipment violation.
During the officer’s traffic stop, he identified signs of impairment from the operator, who was identified as 53-year-old Jose Rivera-Isaula of Plymouth. A search warrant was obtained after Rivera-Isaula was believed to be impaired and under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
After executing the search warrant and obtaining the chemical test, Rivera-Isaula was taken into custody and lodged at the Marshall County Jail on preliminary criminal charges of operating while intoxicated-controlled substance, and operating while intoxicated-over .08%.

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

LaPAZ — On Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at approximately 3:15 P.M., the Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call of an

injury collision on Michigan Rd. at Tyler Rd.
It was found that a 2007 Dodge SUV driven by Nicole Martin, 43, of Lakeville, had ​entered the path of a 2018 Nissan SUV driven by Patricia Anderson, 73, of Walkerton,​ which was southbound on ​ Michigan Rd. ​
Both drivers were transported from the scene for medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Lapaz Fire & EMS, along with Reichert and Knepp ​Towing, assisted at the scene.

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 1 cent per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.80/g today, according to GasBuddy’s

survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 4.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 18.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 1.0 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.624 per gallon.
Locally, the lowest prices reported:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $2.89
Francisville — $2.99
Medaryville — $2.89
Starke County
Knox — $2.79
North Judson — $2.85
Hamlet — $2.79
Grovertown — $2.79
LaPorte County
Wanatah — $2.79
LaPorte — $2.60
Michigan City — $2.76
Rolling Prairie — $2.99
Westville — $2.74
New Carlisle — $2.87
North Liberty — $2.79
Walkerton — $2.34
Marshall County
Argos — $2.74
Bourbon — $2.69
Bremen — $2.29
Culver — $2.89
Plymouth — $2.68
LaPaz — $2.82
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was $2.29/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.19/g, a difference of 90.0 cents per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.87/g today.
“The national average price of gasoline continues to grind higher, and while the pace of increases remains modest for now, upward momentum could accelerate in the coming weeks as refinery maintenance intensifies and the broader transition to summer gasoline begins,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, supply-side dynamics could temper that seasonal pressure. If OPEC+ proceeds with resuming production increases following its first-quarter pause, additional barrels could cap crude oil’s upside and limit the magnitude of the spring rally at the pump. That said, geopolitical tensions—particularly between the U.S. and Iran—remain an unpredictable variable, injecting risk into the outlook and leaving prices vulnerable to sudden shifts.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com.

PLYMOUTH — In their regular Monday meeting, the Marshall County Commissioners voted to have County Attorney Sean

Surrisi draft resolutions changing a current moratorium on industrial-scale solar facilities and data centers in Marshall County to a complete ban on those facilities.
The Commissioners, earlier in the meeting, sent an ordinance regarding battery energy storage systems (BESS) back to the county Plan Commission for revisions regarding setback standards. The current moratorium on all BESS, industrial solar, and data centers would come to an end in four months.

Klotz stated that the ban would be for just “industrial” level operations, not private.

PLYMOUTH — On Feb. 14 at 12:39 a.m Plymouth Police responded to the Skylane Apartments for a report of a domestic

altercation in progress.
Police made contact with a pregnant woman who stated that Rylee A. Williams, 20, of Peru, had battered her and stolen her car keys and cell phone. She also stated that Williams had locked her in the apartment and would not let her leave.
Williams was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail and charged with Domestic Battery on a Pregnant Female, Domestic Battery in the Presence of A Minor, Criminal Confinement, Interfering with the Reporting of a Crime, and Illegal Consumption of an Alcoholic Beverage.

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

PLYMOUTH — Heartland Artists invite all students in K-12 schools and homeschooling programs in Marshall County to

participate in this year’s exhibition.
Every year during the month of March, National Youth Art Month is organized by the Council for Art Education (CFAE).
The Heartland Art Center in Plymouth is pleased to join other arts organizations around the U.S. to host a wonderful exhibition, celebrating the young, emerging artists in our community. This special opportunity not only recognizes outstanding young artists in our area, but also allows these students the unique opportunity to have their artwork on display in a real gallery.
Any Marshall County student interested in participating can learn about the guidelines for submitting artwork by emailing Anna at heartlandartcenter@gmail.com or calling 574-316-0264. Then complete the registration form by February 22nd.

BREMEN — Casey Ton was awarded his Eagle Scout ranking at a Board of Review ceremony in Elkhart on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.

For his project, he secured benches for the Bremen pickleball court. This involved researching benches, working with the Bremen Parks Department and the Bremen Pickleball Club, raising funds through community organizations, and then assembling and installing the benches.
This summer, Casey will be traveling to New Mexico, where he will hike at the Philmont Scout camp for two weeks. Casey and his group will hike over 60 miles, live outdoors, and carry all the supplies for the entire trip in a backpack.
Casey, a junior at Bremen High School, plans to become an airline pilot after graduation. He is a three-year member of the Bremen High School baseball team and works part-time at the Wooden Peel.

PLYMOUTH — Katie Stanifer and Fred Berkeypile have been recognized by Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel.

Both received National recognition for their excellence in dispatching certification through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).
The achievement is awarded to Dispatchers who have completed at least three advanced dispatch courses within two years.
“Receiving this award shows that our Dispatchers are highly trained and will always strive to provide exceptional emergency services to the communities they serve,” said Hassel in a press release. “Training is a top priority for our 911 Dispatchers and we take great pride in recognizing these individuals for their hard work and dedication.”
In addition to the NENA award Stanifer and Berkeypile were presented a Marshall County Dispatch challenge coin for their achievement.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will meet on Monday in the second-floor meeting room of the Marshall

County Building on Jefferson Street in Plymouth.
On the agenda are regular reports from Highway Superintendent Jason Peters, County Attorney Sean Surrissi, and Auditor Angie Birchmeier.
Gary Neidig and Jeff Houin will present a ONE Marshall County update, and Sheriff Matt Hassel will present a grant agreement.
Among the Commissioner items is a tower agreement with Surf Air, and appointing a housing committee.
The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. and is live-streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN.
ADA Notice: For special accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (574) 935-8720 at least two business days prior to the scheduled meeting to request an accommodation.

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of Feb. 9, 2026 at approx 9:35 pm, Plymouth Police responded to the 1100 block of

W. Washington Street for a vehicle crash. Officers arrived on scene and found that a vehicle was traveling West on Washington Street at a high rate of speed, crashing into a parked car and causing additional property damage to a neighboring residence.
The driver was identified as a 22-year-old, Nelson Antunez-Oliva of Plymouth. Antunez-Oliva was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, leading to a search warrant being issued for a chemical test.
The results of the chemical test found that Antunez-Oliva was operating with a blood alcohol level of more than .10%. Antunez-Oliva was taken into custody and lodged at the Marshall County Jail for Operating While Intoxicated-Endangerment, Reckless Driving, and Operator Never Licensed.

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

PLYMOUTH — How to solve the problem at The Pointe continues to plague the Plymouth City Council with another discussion

to decide how to bring the situation to some resolution.
The cost to demolish the building has been discussed by the Plymouth Common Council and Board of Works and Safety for around two years. During that time, the State Attorney General’s office has placed a lien against the property of around $400,000, which they will not relinquish, and this is now muddying the waters of just what to do in demolishing the property.
In discussion with the city attorney, Jeff Houin, Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office has stated they “want nothing to do with the demolition of the building” or its cost, but once demolished, they will exercise their $400,000 lien against the property.
With no money for the demolition of the Pointe in this year’s budget, the city of Plymouth has been left with the choice of boarding up the property and waiting for next year’s budget or appropriating around $80,000 extra to the unsafe building fund for demolition. Of course, even that figure is contingent on the contractor that was awarded the bid for the project in August, honoring his bid of $50,000 to take down the property.
If the project has to be rebid, the estimate is a 15-20 percent increase to take the building down.
During the discussion, Councilman Don Ecker asked Mayor Robert Listenberger for guidance on his wishes.

The Council voted to prepare the additional appropriation pending the contractor’s approval to honor his August bid for demolition.
Due to a state change in the process, the decision will not be able to be considered until March.

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 7.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.79/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 12.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 14.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 2.9 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.614 per gallon.
The lowest prices around the area:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $2.89
Francesville — $2.99
Medaryville — $2.99
Starke County
Knox — $2.79
North Judson — $2.85
Hamlet — $2.69
LaPorte County
LaPorte — $2.77
Michigan City — $2.70
Wanatah — $2.89
Rolling Prairie — $2.99
Westville — $2.79
New Carlisle — $2.87
North Liberty — $2.75
Walkerton — $2.32
Marshall County
Argos — $2.89
Bourbon — $2.64
Bremen — $2.39
Culver — $2.89
Plymouth — $2.71
LaPaz — $2.84
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.29/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.29/g, a difference of 100.0 cents per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 1.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.84/g today.
“The national average price of gasoline only edged slightly higher last week, but nine of the ten largest weekly price movements were increases, led by West Coast states as California begins the transition to summer gasoline,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Most states saw relatively minor fluctuations, but we’re now starting to see seasonal trends take hold on the West Coast, with those pressures expected to gradually push eastward in the weeks ahead. Even though oil prices slipped slightly last week amid reduced geopolitical risk, strengthening seasonal factors are likely to intensify, potentially driving the national average back above the $3-per-gallon mark, where prices could remain for at least part of the spring.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com