PLYMOUTH — In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Heartland Art Center invites artists, families, students, and

community members of all ages to participate in “America the Beautiful”, a community-wide art exhibition exploring what America means through creativity and artistic expression.
Opening Tuesday, June 30 and continuing through Saturday, July 25, the exhibition will be hosted at the historic Fire Station in downtown Plymouth. The exhibition will feature artwork inspired by the people, places, traditions, landscapes, cultures, memories, and experiences that shape America. Depending on participation, additional downtown Plymouth locations may also be utilized to showcase artwork from the exhibition.
The exhibition’s location adds another meaningful layer to the celebration, as the Historic Fire Station is recognized as the oldest standing fire station in the State of Indiana. The exhibit offers an opportunity to honor both creativity and history in one of Plymouth’s most iconic buildings.
In addition to the exhibition itself, America the Beautiful will also feature a public scavenger hunt experience designed to encourage community engagement, exploration, and visitation throughout downtown Plymouth during the exhibition. Exhibition viewing hours will be Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m
Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate. All artistic mediums are welcome, including painting, drawing, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, and more.
“This exhibition is intended to celebrate the many perspectives, stories, and experiences that make up America,” said Heartland’s president, Anna Kietzman. “We hope to create a welcoming and inspiring community exhibition that reflects the beauty of our landscapes, our communities, our creativity, and the people who call this country home.”
One artwork may be entered free of charge, with additional entries accepted for a small fee. Online submission forms are due by Saturday, June 20, with artwork drop off taking place June 23–27 at the Historic Fire Station, located at 220 N. Center Street in Plymouth. Information and the exhibition prospectus can be found at: http://www.heartlandartcenter.org
A public reception celebrating the exhibition will take place during the 11th Annual ARTS in the Street Festival on Saturday, July 25th, bringing together artists, residents, and visitors from across the region for a day of art, creativity, music, and community celebration in downtown Plymouth.

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County will conduct weekly testing on its outdoor warning siren system beginning on Tuesday, June

2nd.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch Center will automatically activate its sirens every Tuesday at 11 AM for 30 seconds.
Dispatch controls sirens for Bourbon, Center, and Union Townships. These are the sirens that will be activated during the weekly tests. Other sirens across the county are controlled by their respective fire departments and have their own testing procedures.
In 2024, the Marshall County Council supported an additional appropriation to automate county-controlled sirens. This technology has been a huge success and has led to more rapid notification of the sirens once a Tornado Warning is issued, eliminating the potential for human error. Adding a weekly test doubles down on the system’s feature that displays the operational status of each siren and engages the public in preparedness efforts.
If severe weather is forecasted on the day of a test, or if it is actively raining at 11 AM, the test will be cancelled to avoid “false alarms”. If a test is cancelled, a post will be made by the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) on Facebook announcing the cancellation.
This is one step of many that public safety officials are taking to improve severe weather preparedness in Marshall County. The EMA is actively pursuing funding opportunities for new and existing sirens, planning NOAA Weather Radio giveaways, and securing high-quality training for its public and private partners.
The EMA would like to express our thanks to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Bourbon Volunteer Fire Department, Culver-Union Township Fire Department, and Plymouth Fire Department for coordinating this test and their commitment to severe weather safety.

PLYMOUTH — On May 22, 2026, at 3:43 a.m., a Plymouth Officer was stopped at the intersection of N Michigan and Garro St.

when he noticed a male standing by his vehicle who appeared to be urinating.
When the Officer approached the subject, he identified the odor of alcohol emitting from the man. Christopher M. Dittrich, 32, of Granger, was taken into custody and charged with Public Nudity and Public Intoxication.
He was transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen by 19.9 cents per gallon over the last week, to $3.89/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 11.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 70.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased by 4.0 cents from a week ago and stands at $5.571 per gallon.
The lowest reported prices in local communities:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $4.09
Francesville — $4.29
Medaryville — $4.29
Monterey — $3.94
Starke County
Knox — $3.99
North Judson — $4.09
Hamlet — $3.99
LaPorte County
LaCrosse — $3.89
Wanatah — $3.89
LaPorte — $3.64
Michigan City — $3.66
Rolling Prairie — $3.99
Westville — $3.84
New Carlisle — $3.99
North Liberty — $3.69
Walkerton — $3.78
Marshall County
Argos — $3.99
Bourbon — $3.79
Bremen — $3.89
Culver — $3.99
LaPaz — $3.85
Plymouth — $3.71
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $3.38/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $5.79/g, a difference of $2.41/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 6.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.45/g today.
“Average gasoline prices declined in 40 states over the last week as falling oil prices helped offset earlier price cycling in many markets, bringing relief to motorists after several states had already seen sharp increases,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Much of the decline came after renewed optimism surrounding a potential U.S.-Iran agreement pushed oil prices lower, easing geopolitical pressure on energy markets. In many states, that drop created breathing room after recent price cycles and allowed pump prices to fall again. While oil continued drifting lower over the weekend on hopes of a deal, new CENTCOM reports involving U.S. defensive strikes highlight how quickly the outlook could change. For now, motorists may continue to see some relief, but it remains too early to know how long the decline will last.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com.

PLYMOUTH — On May 21, 2026, at 4:37 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were contacted by an off-duty

Plymouth Officer who received a call from the manager at Lake City Bank, saying that a man was inside attempting to cash a fraudulent check.
When a Plymouth officer arrived on the scene, he was advised that the man and another man were in Akron, Indiana, in Fulton County, and had attempted to cash a fraudulent check. They told the officer that the bank headquarters sent out a picture of the men and advised that if they came into any of their branches, they should contact the Police.
The suspect, Joshua Sprinkle, 34, of Indianapolis, was placed under arrest for the felony of fraud. Sprinkle was transported to Marshall County Jail, where a probable cause affidavit was done.

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

PLYMOUTH — On May 21 at 11:35 p.m., Plymouth Police units were dispatched by Marshall County 911 to room 144 at the

Days Inn for a report of Brian M. Shepherd, 34, of North Judson, trying to gain entry to a room.
Dispatch said they could hear the suspect hitting and kicking the door.
When officers arrived, the suspect was not in the room. Shepherd was then on the sidewalk in front of Christo’s Family Restaurant. He was found to be intoxicated and detained.
After making contact with the victim and two juveniles in the room, it was learned that a battery had taken place. Shepherd was then transported to the Marshall County jail and lodged on the charges of Domestic Battery in the presence of a minor and Public Intoxication.

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

WALKERTON — A motorcycle vs. deer accident led to the rider being airlifted to the hospital.

John J. Griffin, 67, was northbound on a Yamaha motorcycle on Thorn Road when a deer ran in front of him, and he was unable to avoid the animal. Griffin was ejected from the motorcycle.
He was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
Agencies involved were the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Walkerton Police, Polk Township Fire, Walkerton EMS, and Lutheran Air.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced the completion of the prosecution of Plymouth resident

Daniel Kneifel today. Kneifel was charged with child molestation in 2023 and has now been convicted and sentenced.
The investigation began in July of 2022 when the Department of Child Services received a report of sexual abuse against a 13-year-old child committed by Kneifel. The criminal investigation was handled by Captain Jeff Snyder of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. The child was interviewed, as was Kneifel, who denied all of the allegations. Initially, no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence to proceed at that time.
In January of 2023, however, a second report was made with the Department of Child Services, alleging continued sexual contact between the 13-year-old and Kneifel. Captain Snyder again investigated the case, this time having been provided additional evidence that corroborated the allegations. The child was interviewed again, as was Kneifel. Kneifel initially denied all of the allegations, but later claimed the only contact was a kiss where the child had been the aggressor. He stated the child kissed him on his front porch, which was recorded on his Ring doorbell camera, and Kneifel admitted that he had deleted the footage.
Attempts were made by law enforcement to recover the deleted footage, but ultimately it was never able to be produced. Charges were filed in August of 2023, with probable cause being found and a bond set at $50,000 cash. Bond was posted September 12, 2023, and Kneifel remained at liberty while charges were pending.
A jury trial commenced in Marshall Superior Court 3 on April 1, 2026. The State was represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth Boehm, and Daniel Kneifel was represented by Michael Tuszynski. After a 2-day jury trial and approximately four hours of deliberation, the 12-person jury delivered a guilty verdict on Count 1: Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony and Count 3: Child Molesting, Level 4 Felony. The jury found on Count 2: Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony. Kneifel was remanded into the custody of the Marshall County Sheriff at that time.
Sentencing was held on Friday, May 22, 2026, before the Honorable Judge Matthew Sarber. After hearing statements from the child, the child’s mother, the Defendant’s wife, and the Defendant’s best friend, the Court heard recommendations from each side as to what sentence should be imposed. The Court weighed the mitigating and aggravating factors and ultimately ordered that the sentences on Count 1 and Count 3 be served consecutively. The total sentence is 40 years, with 38 to be served in the Indiana Department of Correction, 2 years suspended, and 1 year to be served on formal probation with sex offender terms and conditions imposed. Kneifel will be ordered to participate in Sex Offender Management and Monitoring as a condition of the sentence.
The Prosecutor’s Office would like to thank Captain Snyder for his tireless efforts investigating this case and remind the public that if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. You may report abuse and neglect anonymously.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Historical Society is announcing the third in its America’s 250 Brown Bag Lunch and

Lecture series, featuring presentations on the Revolutionary War era. The next Brown Bag event is on Friday, June 12, from Noon – 1:00 p.m. Join Judge Matthew Sarber for an engaging look at the U.S. Constitution — its founding ideas, the influence of the Federalist Papers, and the framework that shaped our government.
Judge Sarber will also connect these principles to today’s world, leading what is anticipated to be a thought-provoking discussion and Q&A inspired by current events.
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.

PLYMOUTH — On May 23, 2026, at approximately 12:15 AM, Plymouth Police units were dispatched by Marshall County

911 to the intersection of Pierce and Gilmore Streets for a fight reportedly involving approximately twenty people.
While en route, dispatch advised that there were guns and pipes involved and that a vehicle was getting its windows smashed out. Dispatch reported that there were up to seven individuals with handguns. Upon arrival, officers located several individuals who had been involved in the altercation, along with unspent rounds in the roadway. In speaking with witnesses and victims, it was alleged by two individuals that they had been pistol-whipped and had a handgun put to the back of their head. They advised that some of the suspects ran into the residence at 200 Pierce St.
Officers attempted to make contact with the individuals inside the residence, with no response. A search warrant was obtained, and the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team was contacted to assist in serving the warrant. It was alleged that there were up to 10 individuals in the residence along with an unknown number of weapons. While waiting for the ERT team, the front door opened, and one subject exited while two individuals were observed running to the back of the residence.
Officers then entered the residence and located five individuals in a bedroom in the rear of the residence. The individuals would not comply with the officer’s commands, and a Marshall Sheriff’s Dept K-9 was deployed. Two individuals who resisted were bitten by the K-9. All five individuals were then detained and later taken into custody. Several handguns were also located inside the residence.
Four individuals were initially arrested and transported to the St Joseph Hospital ER for treatment and jail clearance. Some of the initial charges include Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon, Battery, Public Intoxication, Minor Consuming, Obstruction of Justice, Criminal Mischief, and Resisting Law Enforcement.
The Plymouth Police Department will continue to investigate the incident to determine if any further charges need to be filed by the Prosecutor’s Office. Further charges may occur after the investigation is complete and forwarded to the Marshall County Prosecutors’ Office for review.
Those initially arrested on varying charges are:
•Austin C Price, 19, Plymouth, IN
•Elijah K Waggoner, 21 Plymouth, IN
•Kiley E Pitts, 21 Plymouth, IN
•Amro Y Yasin, 20 Plymouth, IN

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

PLYMOUTH — On May 22, 2026, at 1 p.m., Plymouth Police were called to the parking lot at 2125 N Oak Rd for a report that

two children, ages 2 and 9, were left unattended in a car while the parent was in a meeting.
While left unattended, the 2yr old child gained access to a loaded firearm and fired one round, striking the windshield.
There were no injuries or other property damage. Aaron Lee, 34, of Crawfordsville, was taken into custody and preliminarily charged with Neglect of a Dependant Level 6 Felony.

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

ARGOS — On May 20, 2026, at 5:33 PM, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Deputies and Argos PD responded to the area

of the 17,​000 block of Kenilworth Road for the report of a man pointing a firearm at his wife and son.
Upon arrival,​ deputies and Argos PD made contact with the man,​ later identified as 54-year-old Shawn Barenie.
Barenie was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for Intimidation With A Deadly Weapon and Pointing A Firearm.

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

PLYMOUTH –

That was the exchange between Commissioner Adam Faulstich and County Attorney Sean Surrisi at the Marshall County Commissioners meeting on Monday.
Surrisi’s response as to why it wouldn’t be advisable centered on possible constitutional challenges that could be brought against the county, pointing to a history of acceptance of those coming to the United States for its tolerance of the right to worship and objections from residents that may not espouse the Christian faith.

PLYMOUTH — On May 19,​ 2026, at approximately 9:00 AM, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Deputies responded to a

residence in the 3000 block of Olive Road in reference to a man threatening Marshall County Highway Department employees with a rifle.
Upon arrival,​ deputies made contact with the suspect,​ later identified as 51-year-old Jonathan Ashby. During the investigation,​ a search warrant was executed at the residence. Firearms and suspected drugs were located.
Ashby was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for Intimidation With A Deadly Weapon,​ Possession of Marijuana,​ and Possession of Paraphernalia.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety and Common Council will meet on Tuesday, May 26, 2026,

starting with the Board of Works at 6 p.m.
On that agenda are reports from the various city department heads and a request for street closures for downtown events.
The Common Council will begin its meeting immediately following the Board of Works. On that agenda are public hearings for the Historic Fire Station Renovation Project and an application to vacate for Habitat for Humanity.
Later in the meeting, an ordinance regarding permit and application fees for the city, as well as a resolution supporting a grant application for the restoration of the Historic Firehouse, will be heard.
Both meetings will be held in the Council chambers on the second floor of the City Building. 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.

PLYMOUTH — On Monday, May 18, 2026, officers with the Marshall County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant in

the 400 block of Klinger Street in Plymouth, next to Jefferson Elementary School.
During the investigation, officers recovered suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia, and seized several firearms from the residence. Three individuals were arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Thomas Holloway, 70, of Plymouth, Rita Waltz, 61, of Plymouth, and Daniel Royster, 48, of Kokomo were charged with Possession of Methamphetamine Level 5 Felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance Level 6 Felony, and Possession of Marijuana and given $10,000 cash

bonds.
Rita Waltz also had an active warrant out of Fulton County for Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony.
MCDTF was assisted by the Plymouth Police, Marshall County Police, and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department.
The Marshall County Drug Task Force would like to thank the Plymouth Police Department’s School Resource Officers and Plymouth Community School Corporation for their swift response to ensure the safety of all

children and staff was maintained at Jefferson Elementary while the search warrant was executed.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Redevelopment Commission will consider financial support for a new Career and Technical

Education (CTE) program in aircraft maintenance at the Plymouth airport.
The program would be part of the current Alpha Flight School that provides CTE courses in aviation to local high school students.
City Attorney Jeff Houin told the Commission that current studies being conducted by the city regarding the future of the airport show the new program would fit in those plans.

Jodi Marone and Deb Venti, representing Alpha Flight’s new venture, told the Commission that they had already received a grant of $50,000 from the Marshall County Community Foundation and requested support from Redevelopment TIF funds for another $50,000 that would fund the equipment needs for the first two years.
Marone told the board that 30 students had already signed up to begin the program in its first session, which would begin in the fall of 2026. The plan would be to increase to 90 students in 2027 and 120 in the following fall.
Houin said the Commission could only provide equipment funding, no operational costs, and the support funds would be drawn from TIF 3.
Members of the Commission were supportive of the venture and will look at the proposal in more detail for discussion at their June 16 meeting.

Graduation is upon us for 2026, and here are the dates and times for local Commencement ceremonies, by county:

Marshall County

• Argos High School: Friday, May 29th @7pm
• Bremen High School: Friday, May 22nd @7pm
• Culver Academies: Commencement events all day Friday, May 29th, and Saturday, May 30th. Graduation and Final Formation for Class of 2026 events all day on Sunday, May 31st.
• Culver High School: Friday, May 29th @7pm
• Plymouth High School: Sunday, May 31st @2pm Eastern Time, at Rock Pile football stadium. Rain date of Tuesday, June 2nd at 7 pm
• Triton High School: Sunday, May 31st @2pm Eastern Time, in the High School gymnasium
  Pulaski County
• West Central School Corporation: Sunday, May 24th @2pm Eastern Time, at the High School gymnasium
• Winamac Community High School: Sunday, May 31st at 2 pm Eastern Time
  Starke County
• Knox Community High School: Friday, June 5th @7pm Central Time
• North Judson High School: Sunday, May 31st @2pm Central Time, at the football field
• Oregon-Davis High School: Sunday, May 31st @1pm Central Time