PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Auditor Angie Johnson Birchmeier has been selected to serve as a member of the Association of

Indiana Counties (AIC) Legislative Committee for 2026. Birchmeier currently serves as the Treasurer for the Indiana Auditors’ Association as well as the Chairperson of the Legislative Committee for the Auditors’ Association.
The AIC Legislative Committee held the initial kick-off meeting on Friday, June 26, 2026.  Several items were discussed pertaining to local government. The Committee consists of a diverse group of local officials from Clerks and Commissioners to Highway Superintendents and Surveyors.  Collaboration and unity amongst the offices are necessary.
Birchmeier has been a public servant for nearly three decades. She worked for the City of Plymouth for twenty years before being elected Marshall County Treasurer in 2016, and then elected Auditor in 2022.
A lifelong resident of Marshall County, Birchmeier is a graduate of Plymouth High School and Indiana University South Bend.  She and her husband Jeff live in the community where they raised their son, Gage, who just completed his first year of college.
“AIC does great work for counties throughout Indiana, and to be chosen to serve on the AIC Legislative Committee is an honor,” stated Birchmeier.  “I look forward to being part of a solution to help the voices of local government be heard.”
More information about the Association of Indiana Counties can be found through the Association of Indiana Counties: https://www.indianacounties.org.
The Marshall County Auditor’s Office is in Room 205 of the Marshall County Building and is open to the public from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.  Residents are welcome to call us at 574-935-8555 with any questions.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our incredible country at one or all of these Marshall County fireworks events:

July 2: Plymouth Centennial Park at dusk
July 3: Swan Lake Golf Course at dusk
July 4: Bremen at the Lake at dusk
July 4: Culver Town Park, launched from Culver Academies at dusk

July 4: Plymouth is also hosting a July 4th parade starting at Oak Hill Cemetery to River Park Square at 10 am.

PLYMOUTH — On June 29, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m Plymouth Police were dispatched to an address on Loon Ct. for a

report of a disturbance in progress.
Officers discovered that a brick had been used to cause damage to the victim’s vehicle. After a brief investigation, Officers determined that Suyapa Damary Galeano Matute, 42, of Plymouth, would be taken into custody and charged with Criminal Mischief. Galeano-Matute was transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

INDIANAPOLIS — A new report reveals that dozens of Indiana hospitals are keeping patients in the dark regarding the true cost

of healthcare.
According to the federal government, 34 hospitals across the Hoosier state have been formally warned for failing to comply with federal hospital price transparency requirements.
The non-compliant facilities are part of a nationwide sweep where more than 500 hospitals were flagged for vague, incomplete, or difficult-to-access pricing data. Consumer advocates say these practices prevent families and employers from understanding medical costs before a bill ever arrives.
According to Hospital Watch, corporate hospital systems routinely charge patients and private insurers roughly three times what Medicare pays for the identical services. This pricing gap makes hospital billing one of the primary drivers of rising healthcare costs across the United States.
The lack of transparency is especially severe in Indiana, where a handful of powerful hospital networks dominate the local market.

Local healthcare providers cited were:

Doctors Neuropsychiatric Hospital (Bremen)
Michiana Behavioral Health Center (Plymouth)

Adapted from Network Indiana

PLYMOUTH — Below is an agenda for the Park Board meeting on Wednesday, July 1 at 6:30 p.m. EDT. The board will meet in

the cabin located at Memorial Forest.
Call to Order
Approval of the Minutes
Secretary Report
Old Business

• Mill Pond
• Update on Mill Pond Multi-Use Trail
• Fishing Pier
• Memorial Forest
• Swing set & mulch
• Map and Literature for Kiosk
• Canoe/Kayak
• Gravel installation at Hickory
• 5-year comprehensive plan update
• Donald Ritsema attendance and cost of update
  New Business
  Public Comment
  Adjournment

BREMEN — On July 1, 2026, at 8:43 am the Sheriff’s Office received a call of a single-vehicle crash in the 13,000 block of US 6.

Preliminary investigation found the deceased and sole occupant of the vehicle was westbound on US 6 when the vehicle left the roadway, striking a tree. It is believed at this time the crash occurred during the overnight hours.
Chief Deputy Coroner John Lampkins pronounced the driver deceased at the scene. An autopsy will be scheduled to assist in determining the cause of death.
Deceased is Robert M. Neiswender, Jr., 51, of Plymouth.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Governor Mike Braun is directing his administration to make local governments whole for any gas

tax revenues missed while the ongoing energy emergency is in effect.
At the Governor’s direction, Secretary Lisa Hershman and the Office of Management and Budget will coordinate with the State Budget Agency and Department of Revenue to calculate the amount necessary to reimburse local governments. State Budget Director Chad Ranney will bring the formal request to transfer funds from the State Highway Fund for April and May to the Board of Finance on July 21. Once the transfer is approved, local governments are expected to receive distributions from the Comptroller’s Office within five to seven business days.
“This is only possible because Hoosiers demand commonsense fiscal management, and we’ve delivered,” said Governor Mike Braun. “We are running government more efficiently, and as a result, we have the resources to offer tax relief while supporting local partners.”
“The Comptroller’s Office is committed to serving as a trusted partner to Indiana’s local governments by ensuring these distributions are processed accurately and without delay. We understand the importance of timely revenue distributions, and we remain focused on delivering taxpayer dollars with the transparency, accountability and fiscal stewardship Hoosiers expect,” said Comptroller Elise Nieshalla.
“As State Treasurer, affordability and lowering costs for Hoosiers while providing local units of government the tools they need to operate has been my primary focus since day one. Governor Braun’s decision to suspend the gas tax was the right thing to do,” said Daniel Elliott, State Treasurer. “This proposal adds to that decision by making local governments whole without negatively affecting Hoosiers. It’s a great example of what sound fiscal policies can accomplish. I look forward to working with the Governor, Comptroller Nieshalla and their teams to get this done.”
Similar requests will be made at the August and September Board of Finance meetings as needed. Local governments are expected to be reimbursed no later than November 1.

PLYMOUTH — On June 27, 2026, Plymouth officers were notified of an impaired or reckless driver complaint on US 30 and

Pioneer. The suspect vehicle was eventually located on Jefferson and Fifth Street, where a traffic stop was initiated.
After the car stopped, the driver and passenger were observed swapping seats as the Officer approached. The original driver was asked to exit the vehicle to be detained. Upon exiting, the driver became combative, and a brief struggle ensued before the suspect, Jesse Garcia, 43, of Crestwood, Illinois, was successfully detained without any injury.
He was taken into custody for driving with a suspended license with a prior conviction, Possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting law enforcement.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Sunday, June 28th,​ 2026, at approximately 9:40 PM, Marshall County Deputies were dispatched to Plymouth

Speedway for an in- progress physical altercation between two men.
Marshall County Deputies responded to the area and conducted an investigation. The two men involved were later identified as 21-year-old Jason Rodriguez​ and 23-year-old Miguel Rodriguez, both of Indianapolis​.
Both were subsequently arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail.​ Jason was booked and processed for Battery Against Public Safety Official as a Level 6 Felony,​ Resisting Law Enforcement,​ Class A Misdemeanor,​ Public Intoxication,​ Class B Misdemeanor,​ and Disorderly Conduct,​ Class B Misdemeanor.
Miguel was booked and processed for Public Intoxication as a Class B Misdemeanor.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 11.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.20/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 51.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 3.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 11.4 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $4.876 per gallon.
The lowest reported prices in various communities around the area:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $3.49
Francesville — $3.59
Medaryville — $3.39
Starke County
Knox — $3.39
North Judson — $3.49
Hamlet — $3.39
Grovertown — $3.39
LaPorte County
LaCrosse — $3.39
LaPorte — $2.94
Michigan City — $3.14
Wanatah — $3.17
Rolling Prairie — $3.25
Westville — $3.14
New Carlisle — $3.69
North Liberty — $3.13
Walkerton — $3.13
Marshall County
Argos — $3.39
Bourbon — $3.09
Bremen — $3.29
Culver — $3.49
LaPaz — $3.29
Plymouth — $3.13
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.79/g yesterday while the most expensive was $5.09/g, a difference of $2.30/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 6.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.78/g today.
“Average gasoline prices fell in 46 states over the last week, with diesel declining in 49, pushing the national average to its lowest level since mid-March,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The declines came despite a turbulent week, as fresh attacks were traded between the U.S. and Iran before both sides agreed to halt hostilities just in time Sunday, preventing what could have been a significant spike in oil prices. For now, GasBuddy anticipates the national average will continue drifting lower this week, though the situation remains anything but predictable. A handful of price-cycling states could see prices jump ahead of the July 4 holiday, while many states that already cycled higher last week should see prices fall back down. Motorists in non-cycling states are likely to see continued relief, but the fragile nature of the U.S.-Iran situation means the outlook could shift quickly.”
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 26, 2026, at 10:03 p.m., an officer with the Plymouth Police Department was working on the DUI Task

Force and was at the scene of a traffic stop involving the driver of a vehicle that left from 900 W. Harrison Street after being involved in a battery.
The caller advised that the woman driving was highly intoxicated. Officers located the vehicle, which disregarded two stop signs and didn’t stop right away for the officer. The female driver was identified as Karia Carrion Rodriguez, 39, of Plymouth.
The officer detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her person. She initially said she hadn’t been drinking, then later in the interview admitted having 3 drinks. She was given a field sobriety test and a portable breath test (PBT) and blew a .105. She agreed to a certified blood draw at the hospital, which showed her blood alcohol content was .178 BAC.
Rodriguez was then booked into Marshall County Jail for Battery, OWI, OWI above .15, and OWI endangerment.

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

ARGOS — On Saturday,​ June 27, 2026, at 7:45 pm,​ Marshall County Officers attempted to serve a warrant at the residence on

Michigan Rd,​ in Argos.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the suspect,​ Jeremy D Swank, had fled from the residence into a neighboring field. Marshall County,​ Fulton County, and Plymouth Police Officers led a manhunt to apprehend Swank,​ which led officers to the residence of 185 W Marshall St,​ Argos. Swank was arrested for his outstanding warrants and additional charges of resisting and possession of methamphetamine.
Randa L Jones and Christopher Van Lue were also taken into custody for charges that they hindered

the investigation. All were transported to the Marshall County Jail.

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

CULVER — The Culver Town Council unanimously passed a resolution at their regular meeting on Thursday night to pursue a

Community Crossings Matching Grant for paving in the town starting in the fall.

The resolution also allows Street Superintendent Bob Porter to negotiate with INDOT on behalf of the town for the grant.

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.