Multiple charges for South Bend man

PLYMOUTH — On June 9, 2026, at 6:05 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a

vehicle whose registered owner had a previously suspended license.
The registered owner was identified as Marcelino Pallanti, 62, of South Bend. While the officer was talking to him, he detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person and saw open containers in the vehicle.
The officer had him step out of the vehicle and located a marijuana pipe in his pocket. Pallanti advised that he had marijuana in the vehicle. Field sobriety testing was conducted, and Pallanti failed. Pallanti was given a portable breath test (PBT) and blew a .180. Pallanti was then placed under arrest for OWI and was given a certified test, and the results are pending.
During the search of the vehicle, several open containers were located along with THC gummies and marijuana. Pallanti was transported to Marshall County Jail and booked in for Felony OWI with a prior conviction, OWI, OWI endangerment, driving while suspended prior, no insurance with prior conviction, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.

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

One treated after a multi-vehicle accident

ARGOS — On Saturday,​ June 6,​ 2026,​ at approximately 4:44 pm,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a

multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of US 31 and State Road 110.
Argos Police Department Officer Delee arrived on scene and advised that it was only a two-vehicle collision. When Marshall County Officers arrived on scene,​ it was determined that a 2024 Kia,​ operated by Kamille Feliciano​, 19, of Chicago, was driving north on US 31. A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was stopped on State Road 110 on the east side of US 31.
The driver of the Silverado was identified as Bruce Ezra, 74,​ of Bringhurst,​ Indiana,​ and failed to yield to northbound traffic.
As a result of the crash,​ Feliciano was transported to the Plymouth Hospital to receive additional treatment for her complaints of pain.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Argos Fire,​ Police,​ and EMS,​ Rochester Police,​ Fulton County Sheriff’s Department,​ and Lyons Wrecker Service.

To tax or not to tax, that is the question

PLYMOUTH – Whether to continue the special Local Income Tax that currently supports jail operations at it’s current rate will be the decision of the

County Council and Commissioners, as the bond will be paid off at the beginning of 2027.
In February, the bond that was issued in 2008 and refinanced in 2014 to take advantage of lower interest rates will be paid off in full. In 2021, the Council passed a resolution to continue the LIT after the payment of the bond at a rate of .25 percent in order to pay for jail operations.
In a joint work session of the Commissioners and Council, Council President Tim Harmon addressed the issue of continuing at that rate.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon suggested a cut.

Councilman Jim Masterson brought up another point.

President of the Commisioners Stan Klotz brought up county employees.

The decision will need to be made by October 1.

Traffic stop leads to arrest

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of June 6, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Plymouth Police Officers were working Operation

Pull Over with a focus on impaired and reckless driving.
Officers were notified of a speeding vehicle north on US 31. A Plymouth Police Officer would locate the vehicle near 11th Road. The officers saw signs of impairment when speaking with the driver.
A 15-year-old juvenile was also a passenger in the vehicle. The driver was identified as 32-year-old Jesse Pittman, and the passenger as 25-year-old Michal Cole, both of Walkerton.
Pittman was taken into custody for felony operating a vehicle while intoxicated, OWI-endangerment, possession of marijuana-prior, and Cole was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. Both were lodged at the Marshall County Jail.

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

Volunteers Needed for State Fair Fishin’ Pond

INDIANAPOLIS — Summer is here, and preparations for the Indiana State Fair are underway. If you’re looking for a fun way to

get involved and give back, consider volunteering at the DNR State Fair Fishin’ Pond.
Volunteer registration is now open, and DNR needs all hands on deck to reel in the next generation of anglers at this popular, hands-on, and free fishing experience for youth ages 5–17. Volunteers are needed throughout the State Fair, which runs Aug. 7–23 in Indianapolis.
Volunteer duties include registering participants, baiting hooks, removing fish from hooks, preparing equipment, and helping guide participants around the pond. Training will be provided by DNR staff before the event. Volunteers also receive free parking and State Fair admission for days worked, and a DNR Fishin’ Pond volunteer T-shirt.
Find out more at https://www.in.gov/dnr/places-to-go/events/dnr-at-the-state-fair/dnr-state-fair-fishin-pond/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=state_fair

Rider airlifted after crash with deer


LAPAZ — A collision with a deer resulted in a motorcyclist being airlifted to the hospital by Lutheran Air.


On June 7,​ 2026, at approximately 9:34 pm Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call for a crash involving a motorcycle and deer. The caller told dispatchers that the accident happened in the 4000 block of Olive Rd.
The rider, Nathan White, 47, of North Judson, sustained numerous injuries and was airlifted from the scene.
Agencies Involved: Marshall County PD,​ ​La Paz Fire and EMS,​ Lutheran Air

Local boards discuss road funding

PLYMOUTH – A joint work session of the Marshall County Commissioners and County Council talked about funding difficulties

looming for the county Highway Department on Monday.
Governor Braun’s gas tax holiday has put a hurdle in the way of funding the local road program, according to Council President Tim Harmon.

While Braun has said that the state will make up the difference with local communities, President of the Commissioners Stan Klotz said, when or if that might happen is not certain.

The funding shortfall for this year’s county road program is estimated at around $1 million. The county would like to move additional funds either from the general fund or the “rainy day” fund, where there is currently more than adequate surplus. Commissioner Jesse Bohannon concurred.

While both boards feel the need to complete this year’s program and adjust next year’s based on funding, just where that extra money may come from is yet to be determined.

Gas prices around the state continue to fall

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 22.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.42/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are $1.08/g lower than a month ago and stand 43.4 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 13.8 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.299 per gallon.
The lowest reported prices at various communities around the area:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $3.64
Francesville — $3.79
Medaryville — $3.69
Starke County
Knox — $3.59
North Judson — $3.69
Hamlet — $3.69
Grovertown — $3.39
LaPorte County
LaCrosse — $3.59
LaPorte — $3.19
Michigan City — $3.19
Wanatah — $3.33
Rolling Prairie — $3.59
Westville — $3.29
New Carlisle — $3.69
North Liberty — $3.39
Walkerton — $3.29
Marshall County
Argos — $3.69
Bourbon — $3.39
Bremen — $3.39
Culver — $3.69
LaPaz — $3.32
Plymouth — $3.25
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.94/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $5.09/g, a difference of $2.15/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 17.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.09/g today.
“Average gasoline prices declined in virtually every state over the last week as oil prices continued to fall, with crude approaching $90 per barrel and refiners ramping up output following seasonal maintenance,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The combination of lower oil costs and improving refinery runs has kept downward pressure on pump prices, giving motorists a welcome reprieve. However, the future of prices remains murky. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining effectively closed, global oil supplies continue to tighten, and any further deterioration in the situation could send prices sharply higher. For now, motorists may enjoy the savings at the pump, but the risk of a significant reversal has not gone away.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com

Wisconsin man arrested after assault

PLYMOUTH — On June 7, 2026, at 7:50 a.m., units were dispatched to N. Michigan Street for an unwanted guest.


The woman residing at the address said she was accosted by an unknown man on her porch, later identified as 43-year-old Alejandro Alex Martinez Lagares of Kenosha, WI.
The victim said Lagares started kissing her neck, showed his genitals, and started rubbing on her. The victim was able to get away and get back into her residence and call her sister. The sister came over and found the man on the porch. She took pictures of him driving his vehicle and of the license plate.
Units located the vehicle parked at the Economy Inn and made contact with Lagares in his room. Lagares was taken into custody and lodged at the Marshall County Jail for battery, public nudity, and a false identity statement.

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

Man charged with possession of meth

PLYMOUTH — On June 7,​ 2026, at approximately 1:30 AM, a Marshall County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Deputy conducted a

traffic stop with a vehicle in the 2000 block of Michigan Street in Plymouth.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 47-year-old Anthony ​Kaercher. During the traffic stop,​ K-9 Officer Diesel conducted a free air sniff ​ and alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located.
Kaercher was suspected of being impaired and was taken to the Plymouth Hospital for a certified chemical test. He was then transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for Possession of Methamphetamine,​ Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person,​ and Possession of Paraphernalia.

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

Plymouth School Board vacancy

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth Community School Corporation has received notice of the resignation of Allison Shook, at-large

representative to the Plymouth Community School Corporation Board of Trustees. With this resignation comes the opportunity to serve the Plymouth Community Schools by completing the remainder of this term, which ends on December 31, 2028. The vacant position must be filled by the Board within thirty days of the resignation, which was effective June 3, 2026.

  • The interested party must live inside the Plymouth Community School Corporation boundaries.
  • The interested party must have lived within the Plymouth Community School Corporation boundaries for at least the last year.
  • The interested party must possess all qualifications provided under state and federal law for a regularly elected governing body member filling the office.
  • The interested party must write a letter to the Board identifying why he/she would like to be chosen to complete the term.
  • The interested party must be available to be interviewed in a public meeting by the Board on July 1, 2026, with interviews starting at 6:00 p.m.
  • The interested party must attend the July 2, 2026, Special Board meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Board will vote on the appointment in open session, and the new Board member will be sworn in as part of this meeting.
  • The newly appointed Board member will take his/her respective seat at the regular monthly meeting of the School Board on July 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
    Letters of Interest should be sent to:
    Plymouth Community School Corporation
    Attn: Stacey Patrick, President
    611 Berkley Street, Plymouth, IN 46563
    Letters must be received by June 19, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
    Those being interviewed will be notified of their interview times by June 26, 2026.

Tick bite prevention tips from Indiana DNR

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is reminding citizens steps to help prevent tick bites.

Tick bites are typically on the rise this time of the year, with a combination of warmer weather (which ticks love) and more people spending time outdoors.

Indiana DNR shares that there are simple ways to lower your chances of being bitten by a tick:

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on your clothing, and treat clothing with permethrin, when possible.
Stay on marked trails and avoid walking in taller grass and brushy, wooded areas.
Wear light-colored clothing, which makes it easier to spot any ticks.
Indiana DNR shared a link to the EPA’s search tool resource to find the bug repellent that is best for you: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you

Deputies make arrest after traffic stop


ARGOS — On Tuesday,​ June 3,​ 2026, at approximately 6:58 pm,​ a Marshall County Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on

US 31 near SR 110 for a moving violation.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver,​ Noelle West, was in possession of marijuana.
West was transported to the Marshall County Jail for possession of marijuana.

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

Deputies arrest man for marijuana

PLYMOUTH — On Tuesday,​ May 6th,​ 2026, at approximately 10:30 pm,​ a Marshall County Officer initiated a traffic stop on a

vehicle for an equipment violation on Oak Rd north of US 30.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the passenger, Dakota W Elder, 30, was in possession of marijuana. Elder was transported to the Marshall County Jail for Possession of Marijuana. ​

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

Ramp from U.S. 35 to U.S. 30 to close

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction Co Inc will close the ramp

from U.S. 35 to U.S. 30 eastbound on or after Wednesday, June 10, through mid-July.
Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 35, State Road 8, and State Road 39.
This ramp closure is to facilitate work on the U.S. 30 resurfacing project between U.S. 35 and Union Rd, with alternating lane closures through the end of November.
No left turns from U.S. 30 are permitted through the work zone, and motorists crossing or turning onto U.S. 30 should exercise caution. Currently, the eastbound lanes are closed, and the westbound lanes are operating as two-way traffic. When approaching U.S. 30 on intersecting roads from the south going northbound, motorists should stop in the median to check for traffic before completing their movement.
The project will consist of two phases, with the phase switch planned for mid-August. During phase two, the eastbound lanes will be two-way traffic, and the westbound lanes will be closed for construction. Ramp closures will occur at the U.S. 30 and U.S. 35 interchange toward the end of each construction phase due to the work being performed.
INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when traveling through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution, and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

Marshall County Council to meet Monday

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council will meet on Monday, June 8, 2026, in the second-floor meeting room of the

County Building.
The Council will hear subcommittee reports from budget/finance, Highway, and Job Classification and Compensation.
Abatement requests will be made for Houin Family Farms, Homestead Dairy, Faulkner Fabricating, and Center Street Properties, in addition to additional appropriations and transfers.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be live-streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN.

Marshall County Commissioners, Council to hold work session

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Board of Commissioners and the County Council will convene for a special joint work session on

Monday, June 8, 2026 at 2 p.m.
On that agenda are discussions of:

  • Miscellaneous Budget Matters
  • Jail and Court Funding
  • Highway Related Funding Matters
  • Opioid Settlement Funds
  • Other Related Matters
    The meeting will be held in the Marshall County Building, Meeting Room 203, 112 W. Jefferson, Plymouth, Indiana

City of Plymouth meetings on Monday

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety and Common Council will have their meetings on Monday,

June 8, 2026.
The Board of Works will begin at 6 p.m. with regular reports from the various department heads in the city.
The Board will discuss an executive order regarding dumpster placement and consider parking space requests for Hinterland Bookery.
Immediately following, the Common Council will meet. On that agenda are second and third readings of an ordinance regarding permits and application fees for the city, two proposals to amend the zoning ordinance for the city, and an ordinance for the vacation of an alley.
Updates on ONE Marshall County and the comprehensive plan are also on the agenda.
Both meetings take place in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building. Those attending should enter by the Garro Street entrance. If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948.

IDEM Forecasts Statewide Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, June 4

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecast an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) throughout Indiana for Thursday, June 4, 2026.


Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) throughout the state.
Today will bring warm, dry, and sunny conditions. Highs are expected to reach at least the mid 80’s across the state. This is consistent with recent conditions, and ozone measurements have been increasing during this period as we have remained in the same air mass for multiple days. This is expected to result in measurements continuing to increase and in Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) for Ozone.
Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:
View air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
To learn more or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.
Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.

Braun extends gas tax savings for Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Governor Mike Braun has extended the gas tax holiday for a second time.


Braun is extending the suspension of both the 7% Gasoline Usage Tax and the Gasoline Excise Tax through July 7, 2026. The current suspension was set to expire on June 7.
“Indiana has the cheapest gas in the country because we are using every tool in the toolbox to save Hoosier families money. Affordability is my number one priority,” said Braun
AAA’s ranking of gas prices by state has Indiana in the lead with the cheapest gas in the country, at $3.585 for a gallon of regular.
For June, the Gasoline Usage Tax would otherwise be $0.265 per gallon. The Gasoline Excise Tax is currently $0.36 per gallon. Suspending both taxes saves Hoosiers more than 62 cents per gallon at the pump.
Today’s action is permitted under Indiana’s energy emergency statute. After COVID-19, the Indiana General Assembly limited the Governor’s emergency powers during a statewide disaster declaration to 60 days. That change did not modify the Governor’s separate authority during an energy emergency, which retained its original 120-day maximum duration.
Indiana law treats energy emergencies and disaster declarations as separate authorities.
The April energy emergency has not been rescinded by the Governor. Because the energy emergency remains in effect, Indiana law allows the Governor to continue the emergency and related relief for up to 120 days without calling a special session of the General Assembly.
Governor Braun first announced a 30-day suspension of the Gasoline Usage Tax on April 8. On May 6, Governor Braun extended that relief and added a suspension of the Gasoline Excise Tax, more than doubling the savings for Hoosier motorists, both of which have today been extended.