CULVER — The Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Culver Community class of 2026 is a family affair.

Jonas McCuen, Valedictorian, is the son of Matthew and Jessica McCuen. Jonas plans to attend Indiana University-Bloomington to study Business Management. At Culver Community, Jonas was involved in the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Art Club, C.A.V.S. Club, HNAC Math and Writing Competition Team, as well as being a part of the Leadership Marshall County Emerge Class. Jonas was also a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams.

Twin brother Caleb McCuen, Salutatorian, is the son of Matthew and Jessica McCuen. Caleb plans to attend Indiana University-Bloomington to study Intelligent Systems Engineering. At Culver Community, Caleb was involved in the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Art Club, C.A.V.S. Club, HNAC Math Competition Team, as well as being a part of the Leadership Marshall County Emerge. Caleb was also a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Treasurer Wendy Tapia has publicized information for this year’s tax bills.

Taxpayers’ 2025 payable 2026 tax bills will be mailed out this week, April 6-11. Some additional information:
— Due Date: Monday, May 11th
— Taxes can be paid at the Marshall County Treasurer’s Office, 112 W. Jefferson Room 206, Plymouth, Indiana
— Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— Extended Hours: Thursday, May 7th, and Monday, May 11th, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 9th, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
— A drop box is available at the south end of the County Building as well as inside the double doors on each end of the County Building. Cash should not be placed in the drop box. Payments made after the deadline incur penalties.

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 10.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.89/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 46.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 63.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 20.7 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.576 per gallon.
Lowest reported prices reported in local communities:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $4.03
Francesville — $4.19
Medaryville — $4.09
Starke County
North Judson $4.09
LaPorte County
LaPorte — $3.99
Michigan City — $3.88
Wanatah — $4.09
Rolling Prairie — $4.29
Westville — $3.84
New Carlisle — $4.15
North Liberty — $3.85
Walkerton — $3.83
Marshall County
Argos — $3.89
Bourbon — $3.69
Bremen — $3.99
Culver — $4.09
LaPaz — $3.89
Plymouth — $3.79
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $3.12/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $4.95/g, a difference of $1.83/g.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 11.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.06/g today.
“Gasoline prices are poised for another jolt this week, with many inland states—including the Plains, Great Lakes, and parts of the Rockies— likely to see sharp increases as last week’s surge in wholesale costs has yet to be fully passed through to consumers,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “In addition, some price-cycling markets could also see another round of increases. As a result, the national average could rise by double digits, potentially reaching the $4.20 to $4.35 per gallon range in the days ahead. Diesel prices continue to climb as well and now sit just 25 cents away from setting a new all-time record. Recent escalations between the U.S. and Iran have further intensified concerns about prolonged disruptions to global oil flows, keeping markets on edge. At this point, the trajectory of fuel prices remains highly uncertain and is largely contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz— until that occurs, the risk of further increases remains firmly in place.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will continue negotiations with Chesco Energy LLC, headquartered in West

Chester, PA, about placing a power plant in Marshall County.
The plant would be approximately 67 acres, located between LaPaz and Bremen on US 6, and would be a natural gas-fired facility and produce electricity with a turbine. It would be what is called a “peaker” facility, only being active when there is an energy shortage on the grid during peak usage.
CEO of the company, Reed Wills, told the board that he estimated that the plant would operate an average of 1000 to 2000 hours a year. He also told the Commissioners that the expense of the plant would be that of the company.

Wills was questioned by Commissioner Adam Faulstich over the ownership of the facility.

At the conclusion of the Chesco presentation, Commissioner Jesse Bohannon was positive about continuing negotiations with the Company.

PLYMOUTH — A Marshall County Officer started a pursuit near US 31 and Veterans Parkway on Monday morning, April 4,

2026, at approximately 3:20 am. The pursuit went northbound, down 1st road, and then north on Ironwood Rd.
A Bremen PD unit had stop sticks set up on 1st Rd. East of Ironwood, and while getting them set up, he backed his squad into a guardrail end, causing damage to the rear passenger side.
The suspect vehicle continued through St. Joseph County and ended up going down a dead-end road, Martindale, drove around a house, and the front passenger side of the suspect vehicle collided with the front passenger side of a Marshall County officer’s squad car.
The collision resulted in the squad car’s brush guard being pushed in and damaging it and the bumper. The vehicle is still drivable. Given damages and a collision happening on someone’s property, St. Joseph PD was later requested to complete a crash report.
After the collision, the vehicle continued to flee, throwing things from the vehicle, while it was pursued further into St. Joseph County and eventually into a residential area west of Ironwood, north of Ireland.
The vehicle was lost and relocated by an Officer later without occupants. St. Joseph County located a female carrying a baby nearby, detained her, and she eventually admitted to being the passenger. The woman was identified as Dawn M. Roush and was lodged for a felony warrant out of Starke County. The 8-month-old child was given to a family member.
Drones and K9’s used and were unable to locate the man. The areas where things appeared to be thrown out were searched, but nothing was located. The case is still under investigation.

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

ARGOS — On March 26,​ 2026,​ around 11:42 PM, Marshall County deputies located a vehicle off the side of the road on US 31

just South of 17th Road.
It was determined that the vehicle slid off the road, possibly due to the weather as a factor.
The driver, who was identified as Catherine Kelly, 37, of Springfield, TN was found to have been drinking. She submitted to a field sobriety test and a certified blood test, where she tested almost three times over the legal limit of .08%.
She was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

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

As the weather warms up and people start to participate in outdoor recreation, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources shares

important guidelines for boaters, especially those traveling from one body of water to another.
Aquatic hitchhikers such as quagga mussels are highly invasive and destructive freshwater species that are spread when they attach themselves to boats or watercraft and are then transported to another body of water.
In order to prevent and slow the spread of these harmful mussels, boaters need to remember to clean, drain, and dry their boats between launches, even into the same body of water.
Items that should be cleaned after use include boats, trailers, fishing equipment, waders, other recreational equipment, and other watercraft such as canoes and paddleboards.
To properly drain your boat, ensure you remove the drain plug and empty the bilge, live wells, and ballast.
Finally, to help prevent the spread of invasive species, boats should be allowed to air dry for around 5 days to lower the risk of aquatic hitchhikers. If a 5-day dry time is not possible, power washing and drying your boat to the best of your ability is strongly recommended.
More information can be found online at stopaquatichitchhikers.org.

CULVER — The Culver Town Council will hold an Executive Session on the following day/time:

— Tuesday, March 7 at 11 a.m. at Culver Town Hall, 200 East Washington, Culver.
— Tuesday, March 7, at 1 p.m. at Culver Town Hall, 200 East Washington, Culver.
— Wednesday, March 8, at 11 a.m. at Culver Town Hall, 200 East Washington, Culver.
The subject matter of the Executive Session involves:
Interviews and negotiations with industrial or commercial prospects or agents of industrial or commercial prospects by a governing body of a political subdivision. (IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(4))

CULVER — The Culver Redevelopment Commission will meet for a special work session on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 6 p.m., at

the Culver Town Hall at 200 East Washington, Culver.
The session is to discuss their support for the Town/Theater READI grant application and hold a discussion on the hotel feasibility study.
Citizens may participate via Teams or by phone. Teams Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26587774088117?p=sD4kGEh0PDpZoYTVI7 Participate by Phone: 574-221-6909, 980 203 882#
The meeting will also be downloaded on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@townofculver6770

PLYMOUTH — Due to heavy rainfall, the Yellow River has been placed under a Flood Warning. As of Saturday morning, the

Plymouth river gauge was reporting 12.5 feet of water with a continued rise expected into Sunday. The current forecast shows a crest at 13.4 feet Sunday evening, which puts the river in “minor” flood stage.

At 13.4 feet, flooding occurs in low-lying areas around the Yellow River. In Plymouth, that means many parks and some homes and businesses along the river. In rural Marshall County, roads and agricultural fields along the river are also already flooding or expected to flood. Very minimal impacts to homes are anticipated outside of the city.

Concerned residents and businesses can find sandbags in two locations:

1. City of Plymouth residents are expected to utilize the Plymouth Street Department’s facility for sand and bags, located at 2124 Western Avenue.
2. County residents outside of Plymouth should visit the old Civil Defense building at 9591 King Rd in Plymouth (just south of US 30).

Both locations are BYOS – bring your own shovel to fill the bags. Should the forecast worsen, a more extensive sandbagging operation may be utilized.

The heavy rains from earlier this week created flash flooding that is still lingering across the county. This, in addition to river flooding, has closed some roads. A complete and actively updated list of road closures and areas with high water signage can be found here: https://www.in.gov/counties/marshall-county-ema/news-and-information/active-alerts/

PLYMOUTH — Due to heavy rainfall, the Yellow River has been placed under a Flood Warning. As of Friday morning, the

Plymouth river gauge was reporting 12 feet of water with a continued rise expected into Saturday. The current forecast shows a crest at 13.5 feet on Saturday morning, which puts the river in “minor” flood stage.
At 13.5 feet, flooding occurs in low-lying areas around the Yellow River. In Plymouth, that means many parks and some homes and businesses along the river. In rural Marshall County, roads and agricultural fields along the river are also already flooding or expected to flood. Very minimal impacts to homes are anticipated outside of the city.
Concerned residents and businesses can find sandbags in two locations:
— City of Plymouth residents are expected to utilize the Plymouth Street Department’s facility for sand and bags, located at 2124 Western Avenue.
— County residents outside of Plymouth should visit the old Civil Defense building at 9591 King Rd in Plymouth (just south of US 30).
Both locations are BYOS – bring your own shovel to fill the bags. Should the forecast worsen, a more extensive sandbagging operation may be utilized.
The heavy rains from earlier this week created flash flooding that is still lingering across the county. This, in addition to river flooding, has closed some roads. A complete and actively updated list of road closures and areas with high water signage can be found here: www.in.gov/counties/marshall-county-ema/news-and-information/active-alerts/
If you encounter a flooded road, DO NOT drive through it! You never truly know how deep the water is or if the road underneath the water is still structurally sound. Do not wade into the water either, as the river can pick up all types of natural and biohazards when it floods.
Stay tuned to local media and the Marshall County EMA for future updates

• Jack Garner, EMA Director, Marshall County

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is partnering with Indiana State Police (ISP) and local law

enforcement agencies across the state to increase patrols aimed at reducing speeding and distracted driving on Indiana roadways as part of the annual Safer Roads Campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
As part of 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 April 4 through April 13, 2026, to identify and stop drivers who are speeding or violating Indiana’s Hands-Free Law.
“Distracted driving and speeding are preventable behaviors that put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “This campaign is a reminder that these actions have real consequences, and law enforcement officers are actively working to keep Indiana’s roads safe.”
According to NHTSA, Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023, and distracted driving accounted for 47 fatal incidents. However, limitations in data collection suggest that the actual number of deadly crashes caused by distracted drivers is likely higher than reported.
“Traffic safety is a core public safety priority,” ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott said. “We are committed to promoting voluntary compliance and reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Distracted driving and speeding pose serious risks, and campaigns like this are essential to confronting these behaviors and ensuring safer roadways for all motorists.”
Indiana’s Hands-Free Law, which took effect in 2020, prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. Calls may only be made using hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth, a headset, or another hands-free device.
To help prevent dangerous driving behaviors, ICJI and ISP encourage motorists to:
Put the phone down and avoid multitasking while driving
Obey posted speed limits and adjust speed for road conditions
Allow extra travel time, especially during busy commute periods
Keep a safe distance between vehicles
CHIRP is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department obtained a call of a domestic situation on Nutmeg Trail in Plymouth.

Officers went to the location and investigated the complaint. During the complaint investigation,​ a Search Warrant was obtained for the residence.
Charles Edward Garmon,​ III,​ age 40 was arrested and booked into the Marshall County Jail for domestic battery, possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, marijuana, a syringe or needle, and paraphernalia.
A case report will be completed and forwarded to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office for review and formal charges to be filed.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will have their regular meeting on Monday, April 6, at 8:30 a.m. in the

second-floor meeting room of the County Building at 112 W. Jefferson in Plymouth.
On that agenda are regular reports from Highway Superintendent Jason Peters, County Attorney Sean Surrisi, and County Auditor Angie Birchmeier.
Public Safety Grant requests from the Argos Fire Territory and Bourbon Fire Department will be heard, along with a sick bank request. Judge Matthew Aldridge will discuss the courtroom technology upgrade, and Reed Wills, CEO of Chesco Energy, will make a presentation.
The meeting will be streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN.
At the conclusion of that meeting, the Commissioners will conduct an Executive Session in the Marshall County Commissioners’ Room to receive information for interviews and negotiations with industrial prospects.

PLYMOUTH — MCHS is announcing the second in our America’s 250 Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture series, featuring

presentations on the Revolutionary War era. The Brown Bag event is on Friday, April 10, from Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Join local attorney Nelson “Nathaniel” Chipman for an in-depth look at the events that shaped the American freedom struggle in the time preceding July 4, 1776.
The event will be held at the Marshall County Historical Society & Museum, 123 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Pack a lunch and learn with us! For more information, please call 574-936-2306.

STARKE AND MARSHALL COUNTIES, Ind. – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction Co

Inc will have lane closures on U.S. 30 between U.S. 35 and Union Rd beginning on or after Tuesday, April 7.
U.S. 30 will be resurfaced through this area, with alternating lane closures through the end of November. For the first two to three weeks, the inside left lanes will be closed at each end of the project area while median crossovers are built. Once constructed, the eastbound lanes will be converted to two-way traffic while the westbound lanes are closed for construction for phase one.
The project will consist of two phases, with the phase switch planned for mid-August. During phase two, the westbound lanes will be two-way traffic, and the eastbound 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 phase of construction due to where work is occurring. During phase one, access to U.S. 35 northbound will be maintained for westbound traffic until later in the season, when the ramp will be closed for three weeks for repairs. The same will occur for the U.S. 35 northbound ramp to U.S. 30 eastbound near the end of phase two.
This project includes full and partial depth patching, milling and resurfacing, pipe work, and pavement markings. Full and partial depth patching involves replacing a greater depth than the resurfacing will. Areas with structural issues are identified, and the road is replaced down to the base for durable, long-term repairs. When the full resurfacing is done, the area will still be resurfaced to ensure a smooth driving surface.
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.

PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of March 31, 2026, Plymouth Police were notified of a man who had escaped the courtroom and

had fled on foot.
Plymouth Officers located Bruno J. Cataldo walking through the front yard of a residence on North Michigan Street. The officer announced and identified himself, which led to a foot pursuit. Officers would utilize department-issued Tasers, ultimately placing Cataldo in custody. Cataldo was transported and lodged in the Marshall County Jail.

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

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department responded to a domestic violence call for service. ​

Through an investigation, it was learned that Rikay Salmons, 34, was violating an active no-contact order issued by Marshall County Superior II. ​
Subsequently,​ she was arrested for Invasion of Privacy (A-Misdemeanor). ​Salmons was booked into the Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — On the evening of March 29th, 2026, at approximately 6:30 pm, Plymouth Police conducted a traffic stop in the

area of US 31 and 9A Road for a license violation.
The driver was identified as Rahjean Welch, 36 years old of Indianapolis. Welch was found to have never been issued a driver’s license. Signs of impairment were also identified during the course of the officer’s investigation, in addition to open containers and suspected marijuana.
Following a chemical test, Welch was taken into custody and lodged at the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of Operating While Intoxicated, Possession of Marijuana, and Operator Never Licensed.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

CULVER — Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Patrol Units were dispatched to the 15,​000 block of State Road 17 regarding

an unwanted guest call. ​
Units were told that a man later identified as Timothy Howard, 50, was intoxicated and refusing to leave. ​Through an investigation is was learned that Howard had driven to the residence and was in a state of intoxication. ​Howard was subsequently arrested for Operating While Intoxicated with a Previous Conviction (Level 6 Felony).

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