In light of the heat wave sweeping across the Midwest this week, the Indiana Administration of Family and Social Services has shared a resource to help individuals find cooling centers in their local areas.

Because extreme summer heat is expected across Indiana over the next several days, cooling centers will be open throughout the state for those in need of a safe and cool place to visit to escape the extreme heat. 

The searchable list of cooling center locations and hours can be found at Indiana 211, or IN211.org. Click on “Shelter and Housing” and then “Cooling and Warming Centers”. 

Searches can be performed by zip code. A search based around Knox showed various cooling centers in the Starke County area, including multiple branches of the Starke County Public Library. Common cooling centers include libraries, county and city office buildings, and police departments. 

Businesses wishing to update, add, or report a cooling center location should contact the Indiana 211 resource team at in211database@fssa.in.gov.

Elkhart-Lagrange-Steuben-Noble-De Kalb-Starke-Pulaski-Marshall-
Fulton IN-Whitley-Allen IN-White-Cass IN-Miami-Wabash-Huntington-
Wells-Adams-Grant-Blackford-Jay-Northern La Porte-Eastern St.
Joseph IN-Northern Kosciusko-Southern La Porte-Western St. Joseph
IN-Southern Kosciusko-Cass MI-St. Joseph MI-Branch-Hillsdale-
Northern Berrien-Southern Berrien-Williams-Fulton OH-Defiance-
Henry-Paulding-Putnam-Van Wert-Allen OH-

* WHAT…Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 100 to 
  105 expected, with isolated higher values possible. Daily high 
  temperatures in the 90s.
* WHERE…Portions of northern Indiana, southwest Michigan, and 
  northwest Ohio.
* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Heat related illnesses increase significantly during 
  extreme heat and high humidity events.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Overnight lows in the mid-70s will offer 
  limited relief from the heat.

Instructions:

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car
interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

PLYMOUTH — On Sunday, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department received a call about a deceased man in the Yellow River,​ in the area

of US 31,​ north of US 30. The deceased was located by persons floating on the river.
The identity of the deceased man is pending at this time. An Autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday,​ June 30,​ 2026. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department does not believe that there are any public safety concerns. The ​ situation is still under investigation by several Agencies. It is believed that the deceased has been identified;​ however, police are waiting for confirmation of that.
If any person has any information or concerns, please contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and speak with the Detective Bureau.

BREMEN — On June 24, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch was advised of a two-vehicle collision at U.S. 6

and Dogwood Rd.
Investigating the collision,​ ​it was found that a Kia passenger car driven by Andrew Spangler, 22, of Mishawaka, had failed to yield while attempting to cross U.S. 6. ​ Spangler drove into the path of a VW SUV driven by Sydney Nykiel, 24, of Nappanee, resulting in a right-angle collision.
Occupants of both vehicles were later seen at the Bremen Hospital for minor injuries. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Bremen Police,​ Bremen Fire,​ Tri-County EMS,​ the Indiana State Police,​ and Newcomber’s Towing at the scene of the collision. ​

DALLAS, TX – GasBuddy, the fuel savings platform empowering drivers to choose their road to savings, today released its 2026

Independence Day gas price forecast, projecting the national average price of gas will actually fall to approximately $3.75 per gallon on July 4 – but still be the second most expensive Independence Day on record behind the all-time high of $4.80 on July 4, 2022.
The projection comes despite six consecutive weeks of national-average declines following a spring spike driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The recent U.S.-Iran framework agreement has helped ease supply fears and pull prices lower, but the accord remains fragile, and risks to the upside are significant. However, with the U.S. Department of Treasury authorizing the sale of oil by Iran, oil prices recently fell below $70/bbl, which may help consumers see lower prices faster, with global inventories benefiting from the additional oil.
“Six weeks of declines sounds like good news, and in some ways it is, but the context matters,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “At roughly $3.75, this would be the second most expensive July 4 ever recorded, roughly 65 cents higher than last year and nearly $1 above where prices started in 2026. The U.S.-Iran agreement gives markets hope, but it’s being tested, and any breakdown in those talks could reverse the recent relief quickly. Drivers should use every tool available to find the lowest prices near them before filling up.”
While the projected $3.75 per gallon average represents a dramatic improvement from May’s peak of $4.57, it still marks roughly a 65-cent increase from last July 4’s $3.10 per gallon average, and a stark reminder of how significantly the Strait of Hormuz closure reshaped the price environment for 2026. Americans will spend hundreds of millions more on gasoline this July 4 holiday weekend compared to last year. Only 2022’s record spike, driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and pandemic-era demand surges, has produced a more expensive Independence Day at the pump.
July 4 gas prices over the last 5 years:
•2021: $3.12/gal
•2022: $4.80/gal (record high)
•2023: $3.46/gal
•2024: $3.49/gal
•2025: $3.10/gal
•2026: ˜$3.75/gal (projected)
To learn more about GasBuddy, visit gasbuddy.com.

Summer cookout costs decrease for Indiana shoppers, lower than U.S. average
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana shoppers may see slightly lower prices than last year as they prepare for their Fourth of July cookout.

Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual summer cookout market basket revealed Hoosiers are paying an average of $66.73 for a cookout feeding 10 people this summer, or $6.67 per person – a 7% decrease compared to last year.
Indiana’s market basket price is approximately 10%, or $7.09, less than the U.S. average price of $7.38 per person. Additionally, the average price for the Midwest region was also slightly less than the national average, showing that neighboring states are seeing similar results.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the prices our shoppers were able to find in Indiana this year because the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food at home has increased about 2.9%,” explained INFB Chief Economist Dr. Todd Davis. “It’s important to remember, though, that this data is just a snapshot of what consumers are paying at the grocery store on any given day.”
The total market basket price of $66.73 includes ground beef, cheese, hamburger buns, pork chops, chicken breasts, pork and beans, potato salad, strawberries, chips, ice cream, cookies and lemonade.
Potato salad saw the largest decrease in price (-56%) this year compared to 2025, seemingly because the price of eggs has been cut in half from this time last year. Cookies, pork and beans, strawberries and chicken breast were the only items that were more expensive compared to last year.
“Egg prices were way above average this time last year, mostly likely due to the impacts of avian influenza, so those prices are now back to normal and even a bit lower than the national average,” noted Davis. “The protein side of the market basket is where you should shop around for deals since those make up about 54% of the total cost.”
Indiana shoppers surprisingly found cheaper prices this year for pork chops and ground beef. Davis attributes these cost improvements as the main factor for lowering the total market basket price in the state.
According to the USDA, just 11.8 cents of every retail food dollar spent goes back to farmers. The rest is for food processing, packaging, transportation, wholesale and retail distribution, and food service preparation.
“Farmers are price takers, not price makers – just like consumers,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “Margins are still tight for farmers due to high supply costs because the amount farmers are being paid isn’t covering that increase in expenses.
But Indiana farmers are committed to streamlining their operations to decrease costs of production as best they can, all while providing safe, affordable food not just for Hoosiers, but for families all over the world.”
The INFB summer cookout market basket survey was conducted in early June by volunteer shoppers across the state who collected prices on specific food items from one of their local grocery stores. Volunteer shoppers were asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
Indiana’s survey was completed in conjunction with a national survey administered by the American Farm Bureau Federation. More details about AFBF’s national summer cookout market basket results can be found at fb.org.

PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of June 23, 2026, at 3:50 pm, a Plymouth Police Officer conducted a traffic stop near the

intersection of US 30 and Pioneer Drive after observing a registration violation.
During the officer’s investigation, K9 Kyzer assisted and alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was completed, and suspected methamphetamine, marijuana as well as paraphernalia were located in the vehicle.
The driver and passenger were both identified as 24-year-old Blake Slone and 22-year-old Sarah Botset, both of Walkerton. Slone and Botset were both taken into custody and lodged at the Marshall County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.

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

BOURBON — On June 23, 2026, at 2:04 a.m., Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call about a suspicious woman at

a residence on 9B Road. The 911 caller advised that the woman had entered his residence and then took off on foot.
Marshall County Deputies, along with a Bourbon Police Department Officer, responded to the residence and conducted an investigation. The woman was identified as 19-year-old Courtney L. Shepherd of Bourbon​ and was located shortly thereafter walking through a field on the property.
Shepherd was suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance and was taken to the Plymouth Hospital for a certified chemical test. She was then transported to the Marshall County Jail, where she was booked and processed for Residential Entry,​ a Level 6 Felony,​ and Operating a Vehicle with a Controlled Substance in body,​ a Class C Misdemeanor.

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

Fewer Hoosiers are losing their jobs, as employers continue holding onto workers. Indiana logged 2,056 new unemployment

claims for the week ending June 20, a drop from the week before. The U.S. Labor Department released the numbers Thursday, saying they’re the kind of steady filings you see when employers are trying to hold onto their workers. They say this pattern points to a slow, steady adjustment in the job market, not a surge, not a slide, just an economy that isn’t booming but isn’t cooling off either.
According to the Department of Workforce Development, the state’s unemployment rate for May sits at 3.3 percent, well below the national rate of 4.3 percent. Indiana added 3,800 private-sector jobs last month, driven by gains in construction and hospitality. Right now, there are over 94,000 open job postings statewide. If you are looking for work, resources are available online at in.gov/dwd.

PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of June 23, 2026, Plymouth Police were dispatched to a residence on Jackson Street for the

report of a woman who was refusing to leave the property. Officers arrived on the scene and located Marisa Elyn Oviedo (33) of Plymouth, along with her belongings.
While speaking with Oviedo, a strong odor of Marijuana was detected. Oviedo would resist officers and refuse to hand over her handbag. Oviedo was placed into custody and escorted to the back seat of a patrol vehicle.
A search was conducted on the handbag, and officers located a pipe that tested positive for Methamphetamine, as well as a THC product. Oviedo was transported and lodged in the Marshall County jail and charged with Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

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

PLYMOUTH — On June 20, 2026, Plymouth officers were dispatched to the area of Elm and Poplar St. for the report of a man screaming and a child crying.

Upon arriving in the area Officer’s located the source of the screaming. Officers made contact with the suspect, Ronald Games, 54 of Plymouth, who was irate with the Officers and making threats while holding the child.
Officers were eventually able to get the suspect to hand the child off to another adult, at which point the suspect was taken into custody.

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

CULVER — The Culver Town Council will meet Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. in the Culver Town Hall at 200 East Washington

Street in Culver.
On the agenda is a public hearing on an ordinance establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). All interested parties may appear and be heard. A copy of the ordinance is on file at the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office and is posted at http://www.culver.in.gov.
The Council will hear reports from various boards and commissions, the Town Manager, and the Town Clerk.
A video of the meeting will be available on YouTube @townofculver6770

PLYMOUTH – At their meeting on Monday, the Plymouth City Council was asked to address the issue of signage around the city

in several areas.
Initially, Council Person Linda Starr brought up a concern of one of her constituents, about signs obstructing visibility at East Jefferson and Indiana St., but that issue was quickly taken up by Councilman Randy Longanecker.

City Plan Director Ty Adley told the Council he would look at the city ordinance regarding signs and suggest a course of action.

CULVER — As part of its ongoing summer series of historical programs focused on America’s 250th birthday, the Culver

Historical Society will present “Bicentennial Culver,” a look back at a variety of patriotic celebrations in Culver’s past, with particular emphasis on the variety of ways the local community marked the bicentennial of 1976. The free event takes place on Saturday, June 27, at 10:30 AM, at the Culver Public Library.
Showcasing the story with visuals and narrative will be Culver Academies Museum and Archives Manager and Society board member Jeff Kenney, and Society President, the Very Rev. Dr. John Houghton.
Other events in the Society’s summer series, which is focused on celebrating the 250th birthday of America, include:
“The Presidents of the United States of America,” a tour of original documents signed by each of the 47 Presidents while they were in office, accompanied by a live presentation by Culver’s John Zeglis; Sat., July 18, 2 PM, on the ground floor of the Huffington Library on the Culver Academies campus.
Vocalist and composer Olivia van Goor will present a program of popular favorites for the Society’s annual fundraiser on Sat., August 8, at 7:30 PM, at the Culver Academies Legion Memorial Building. Tickets may be purchased by contacting historyofculver@gmail.
An original one-act play, “True Daughters: An Independence Day Reminiscence,” (followed by the Society’s annual meeting), presents three area pioneer ladies, true “Daughters of the American Revolution,” discussing their fathers’ roles in the War of Independence. Sat., Aug. 29 at 10:30 AM, Culver Community H. S. Auditorium.
The Society’s annual Stories and Stones event will celebrate the lives of several local residents buried at the Culver Masonic Cemetery on Sat., Sept. 19, starting at 1 PM at the Cemetery.
With the exception of the fundraiser/concert, all events are free and open to the public. Contact historyofculver@gmail.com with questions.

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of June 21, 2026, Plymouth Police were dispatched to Kroger’s in response to a public

disturbance.
Plymouth police arrived and located two individuals in an altercation on the ground. While speaking with both parties and witnesses, it had been determined that Julia Annalise Beers, 25, of Plymouth, had battered the other party. Beers was placed into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail. Beers was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Domestic Battery.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Sunday, June 21st, 2026, at 5:41 p.m., Marshall County Dispatch requested Plymouth Police check on a man

in the north parking lot of the hospital property.
Units arrived on scene, and after further investigation, Raymond L. Buck, 29, of Plymouth, was arrested for Public Intoxication, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Disorderly Conduct. Buck was transported to the Marshall County Jail for processing.

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

PLYMOUTH – The Plymouth City Council voted Monday night to hire Veritas Group as consultants as the city moves forward

with the project to build a new “public safety building” that would house both the city Fire and Police Departments.
In March of 2025 the Council voted to undertake a study of building a new building for the departments due to the condition and age of both current buildings. Monday night they approved an additional appropriation of $45,000 to hire Veritas to work with the city on the project.

The “BOT team” mentioned by Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger is part of the style of financing being considered for the project.
BOT stands for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) financing and allows a local government to partner directly with a private developer, who finances, designs, and builds a public facility (like a public safety building). The municipality then pays the developer back through a specialized lease or installment arrangement, bypassing traditional public bid procedures or bond referendums.
The Council voted 5-1 for the additional appropriation with Randy Longanecker the “no” vote and Shiloh Milner absent.

BOURBON — The Triton Jr-Sr High School office will reopen Monday, July 27th. High school office hours are 8:00 AM – 4:00

PM. Student registration dates are Wednesday, July 29th, from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, and Thursday, July 30th, from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Students who are new to the corporation that will be entering Triton Jr. Sr. High must call 574-342-6505 to make an appointment to register.
The Triton Elementary School office will reopen Wednesday, July 22nd. Elementary office hours are 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Student registration dates for Triton Elementary are Wednesday, July 29th, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Thursday, July 30th, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Parents may update contact information, confirm transportation, pick up free school supplies, apply for meal assistance, deposit money in lunch accounts, and receive classroom assignments. NEW students entering Triton Elementary are welcome at any time.
There will not be student textbook rental fees for the 2026-2027 school year.
Seventh-grade orientation is Tuesday, August 4th at 6:00 PM in the high school auditorium.
Triton Elementary School Open House is Monday, August 10th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
The Triton athletic meeting for students going into grades 5-12 (athletes/parents/coaches) is Thursday, August 13th at 6:00 PM in the high school auditorium.