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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 — 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP will have road closures on State Road 23 between Wolf St in North Liberty and Olive St/Locust Rd in South Bend beginning on or after Monday, June 8.
Crews will replace six pipes between New Rd and Kern Rd. At the same time, a small structure replacement will also be conducted between U.S. 20/31 and Ireland Rd. State Road 23 is expected to be closed for 10 days. This work was originally scheduled to begin in May but was postponed due to utility delays. Through traffic should seek alternate routes or use the official detour of U.S. 20/31, U.S. 31, and State Road 4. Access will be maintained for local traffic, but motorists should be prepared to alter travel based on the locations where work is occurring. These pipe replacements are in advance of road resurfacing along this stretch of State Road 23. State Road 23 will be reduced to one lane for road resurfacing, with road widening occurring in some locations. Construction activities will be ongoing through the end of November. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution, and drive distraction-free through all work zones.
ARGOS — Local residents will have a pair of opportunities over the summer to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — Big Boy No. 4014 — the only one of eight Big Boys in existence and the only one operational.
The Big Boy will pull into Argos on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the S. Michigan Street Crossing at 2:30 p.m. and then depart for Ft. Wayne at 3 p.m. In July, the train will make its way back across the state and stop in Knox on July 16, 2026, at 10 S. Heaton St., arriving at 12:30 p.m. CDT and departing at 1 p.m. for South Holland, IL. Twenty-five Big Boys were commissioned exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad, the first of which was delivered in 1941. These massive locomotives were built to haul heavy equipment in support of the war effort, normally operating between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Big Boys are 133 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds. No. 4014 was retired in Dec. 1961 after traveling 1,031,205 miles. Union Pacific reacquired it from the RailGiants Train Museum in Pomona, California, in 2013 and relocated it back to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for a multi-year restoration. It returned to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s Completion. The seven other remaining Big Boys are on public display in St. Louis, Missouri; Dallas, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Denver, Colorado; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
INDIANAPOLIS (June 3, 2026) – Wednesday, the Indiana State Fair unveiled the first full wave of its 2026 list of scheduled
concerts as part of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage schedule, August 7-23 (Fair is closed on Mondays). The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage has become a summertime staple for concertgoers and music lovers. All shows at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage are free with paid fair admission, and seating is first-come, first-served. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Discount tickets can be purchased for the 2026 Indiana State Fair today at indianastatefair.com/. The first wave of concerts just unveiled today for the 2026 Hoosier Lottery Free Stage at the Indiana State Fair includes: •The Beach Boys – Friday, August 7 – opening day •Busta Rhymes – Thursday, August 13 •Gene Simmons – Thursday, August 20 •Don McLean – Saturday, August 22 •Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Sunday, August 23 “The Indiana State Fair is a beloved summer tradition that has been bringing people together for 169 years,” said Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing Officer of the Indiana State Fair. “The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage lineup adds to the unforgettable entertainment, memories, and traditions that make the Fair a highlight of summer.” As Champions of Play and title sponsor of the Free Stage, the Hoosier Lottery is inviting fairgoers 18 or older to take a swing at summer fun with myLOTTERY. Six winners will receive six State Fair tickets, a parking pass, $250 in Fair Bucks, six box seats to a 2026 Indianapolis Indians home game at Victory Field, and a Hoosier Lottery Prize Pack. Enter by signing up to become a free myLOTTERY member or confirming your existing account at HoosierLottery.com/StateFair by July 2, 2026. Promotional odds are dependent upon the number of entries received.
“The Hoosier Lottery is proud to be back in the starting lineup as sponsor of the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage at the Indiana State Fair,” said Sarah M. Taylor, Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery. “This year’s ‘Always a Hit’ theme is a home run, celebrating baseball, Indiana’s summer spirit and our nation’s 250th anniversary. As longtime partners with the Indiana State Fair and the Indianapolis Indians, we know how baseball brings people together, and we’re excited to help fairgoers enjoy great entertainment, great value and great memories at one of Indiana’s favorite summer traditions.” There is a limited number of reserved viewing area tickets available now for the concerts. The 2026 Indiana State Fair is scheduled to open on Friday, August 7, and run through August 23, when you can enjoy The Greatest 15 Days of Summer at this iconic Hoosier tradition. For more information, please visit indianastatefair.com/ or follow the Indiana State Fair on Facebook, Instagram and X. The Indiana State Fair will be highlighted by its 2026 theme “Always A Hit,” presented by the Indianapolis Indians.
