PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of Feb. 13, 2026, at approx 4 pm, Plymouth Police conducted a traffic stop in the area of

Michigan and Parkview Street. The officer knew the driver had a suspended driver’s license.
The driver was Kevin Cole, 43 years old, of Walkerton. During the officer’s traffic stop, he identified signs of impairment, to which Cole refused to perform any field sobriety testing and refused a chemical test.
A signed search warrant was obtained, and the chemical test was performed. Cole was transported and lodged at the Marshall County Jail for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana.

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

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of Feb. 18, 2026, just before 6 pm, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the police department for

a juvenile who wanted to report a domestic altercation involving an adult family member.
It was reported that the juvenile had been battered and strangled by the adult, who was identified as 47-year-old Kristopher Bugg of Plymouth. Plymouth Police Officers located and spoke with Bugg outside his residence. Bugg was taken into custody after officers conducted interviews and the juvenile was transported to the hospital to be seen by medical personnel.
Plymouth Officers would also apply for a search warrant for the residence, which was granted, and a search of the home was completed. Suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia were located in the home at the time of the search.
Bugg was lodged at the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of felony-strangulation, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of a legend drug, misdemeanor-domestic battery, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Works and Safety and the Common Council will meet on Monday. The Board of Works

begins at 6 p.m. with the Common Council to follow.
On the agenda is the awarding of several truck quotes.
The Common Council will consider ordinances regarding fees for returned payments to the city and an amendment to the building code regarding permit applications.
There will also be consideration of a first amendment to the Plymouth Aquati Center sublease and updates on ONE Marshall County and the city’s comprehensive plan.
Both meetings will be held in the City Building’s second-floor Council Chambers. Those attending should enter by the Garro Street entrance. The meeting will be live-streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth. If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948.

Drivers who avoid weekend fill-ups and shop around can save hundreds per year on gas

DALLAS, TX – GasBuddy, North America’s trusted source for fuel savings for more than 25 years, released new analysis identifying the cheapest and most expensive days of the week to buy gasoline in all 50 states. Based on an analysis of daily statewide fuel prices over the past year, GasBuddy found that Sunday is the most consistently affordable day to fill up in most U.S. states, while midweek, particularly Wednesday through Friday, tends to be more expensive.
In the state of Indiana, your best day to fill up, according to GasBuddy, is Monday, and the worst is Thursday.
You can get the state-by-state chart at https://blog-content.gasbuddy.com/uploads/2026/02/Best-Day-2026_By-State-1.pdf
While price trends fluctuate with oil markets and seasonal demand, weekly patterns remain surprisingly consistent. In most states, prices gradually rise through the week before easing into the weekend, creating a reliable window for motorists to save simply by adjusting the timing of their fill-up. Buying on the lowest-priced weekday instead of the most expensive one can save drivers 4 to 9 cents per gallon with little effort.
“Gas prices don’t just move based on global oil markets — they also follow a weekly rhythm,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “For most drivers, Sunday is the safest bet for finding lower prices, while filling up mid-week can mean paying more.”
In several states — including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Texas and parts of the West Coast — prices follow a more pronounced pattern known as price cycling. In these markets, prices often “reset” sharply higher on a specific day, then slowly decline over the next several days before the next spike.
In price-cycling states, the best savings often come five to seven days after a price jump, when competition drives prices back down. In these states, the gap between buying at the peak of a spike and near the bottom of the cycle can reach 15 to 45 cents per gallon or more, making timing especially important.
“These states experience sharper and more predictable weekly swings,” De Haan added. “If drivers notice a big jump, patience can pay off. Waiting several days after a spike often leads to better prices.”

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.