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.

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces temporary traffic restrictions on U.S. 20 for the removal of overhead signs.

On Wednesday, June 24, crews will remove the overhead signs and structure on eastbound U.S. 20 near the interchange with State Road 19.
Crews will begin with alternating lane restrictions starting around 5 p.m. in all lanes of eastbound U.S. 20 as well as the passing lane of westbound U.S. 20.
From approximately 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., crews will complete two rolling slowdowns in the eastbound lanes to finish removing the overhead structure. Each rolling slowdown will last for approximately 10 minutes with the minimum of a 20 minute break between each slowdown.
Drivers are asked to use extra caution in the area while crews are working and to obey all posted signs and directions that are being given by those guiding traffic.
Temporary directional signs will be put into place until the overhead structure can be replaced.
INDOT encourages drivers to consider safety for all by slowing down, using extra caution and driving distraction-free when travelling in and around all work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

PLYMOUTH — On June 21, 2026, at 1:54 p.m., a vehicle driven by Taryehaha Adkins-Whitaker, 24, of Indianapolis, was stopped

for a traffic infraction.
During the stop, Adkins-Whitaker decided to flee after passing her two children off to a relative in another vehicle. A pursuit lasted approximately twelve minutes on the northeast side of Plymouth at speeds in excess of 130 MPH at times. Adkins-Whitaker was stopped at US 30 and King Rd, where she was taken into custody and transported to the St Joseph ER in Plymouth for jail clearance.
Adkins-Whitaker was admitted for medical reasons and released from police custody.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Saturday June 20,​ 2026, at 2:01 A.M. a Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a

vehicle in the area of Tuxedo Dr. and Squire Dr. ​
The driver of the vehicle,​ Paul B. Arnett Jr., 54, of Knox,​ was arrested and lodged in the Marshall County Jail for Operating While Intoxicated – Controlled Substance,​ Operating While Intoxicated – Endangering,​ and Resisting Law Enforcement.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 0.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.32/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 64.0 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 22.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 19.2 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $4.990 per gallon.
The lowest reported prices in local communities:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $3.49
Francesville — $3.59
Medaryville — $3.49
Starke County
Knox — $3.49
North Judson — $3.59
Grovertown — $3.29
LaPorte County
LaCrosse — $3.39
LaPorte — $3.06
Michigan City — $3.20
Wanatah — $3.23
Rolling Prairie — $3.29
Westville — $3.14
New Carlisle — $3.69
North Liberty — $3.35
Walkerton — $3.29
Marshall County
Argos — $3.39
Bourbon — $3.29
Bremen — $3.29
Culver — $3.49
LaPaz — $3.29
Plymouth — $3.23
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.88/g yesterday while the most expensive was $5.09/g, a difference of $2.21/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 14.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.85/g today.
“Average gasoline prices declined in nearly every state over the last week, while all 50 states saw average diesel prices move lower,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, the outlook is far from settled. New uncertainty has emerged after Iran suggested the Strait of Hormuz was closed, along with fresh warnings that the U.S. could again strike Iran, developments that could push oil prices higher in the days ahead. Despite this, gasoline prices aren’t yet at significant risk of a spike, as some vessels have continued to move through the Strait. Still, should the situation worsen or escalate further, motorists could see that risk change quickly.”
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 Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has secured two training courses from the Rural

Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) to be hosted in Plymouth this July.
On July 21, “Disaster Recovery in Rural Communities” (MGT-415) will be held at the Purdue Extension of Marshall County office. This course explores the realities that rural areas like Marshall County experience after disasters strike. MGT-415 is a highly recommended training for elected/government officials, public safety leadership, nonprofit organizations, and those involved in economic development.
On July 30, “Mass Fatalities Planning and Response for Rural Communities” (AWR-232) will be held at Plymouth Community School Corporation. The Marshall County Coroner’s Office is partnering with EMA to bring this course to the county. AWR-232 prepares first responders, coroners, public health, and others to better manage a mass fatality incident, specifically in rural areas.
“The EMA has made enhancing training opportunities a top priority moving forward,” said Agency Director Jack Garner. “Bringing two national-level courses like these to Marshall County is a huge step in making sure EMA and its community partners are prepared to face all hazards that threaten the life, safety, and property of Marshall County residents.”
Both courses run from 8 AM – 5 PM and are provided at no cost to participants. Dual registration through the Acadis Portal and the RDPC website is required. For registration information, contact the Marshall County EMA by emailing ema@co.marshall.in.us, and they will help get you signed up.

PLYMOUTH — On June 18, 2026, at 2:35 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to Casey’s gas

station for a property damage crash that occurred at Jefferson St and the entrance to Martins.
The caller advised that a white Ford truck had hit her vehicle as she was turning off Jefferson St and left. The Officers made the scene, located video footage of the vehicle, recognized it from prior calls, and located it at the suspect’s residence. The man was identified as Robert Savage, 62 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana. Savage denied hitting a vehicle but said he was at Martins around the time of the crash. Officers located fresh damage on the Savage’s vehicle consistent with the crash. He was placed under arrest for leaving the scene of a property damage crash and was transported to Marshall County Jail.

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

PLYMOUTH — Saint Joseph Health System is making a $5 million capital investment to expand oncology services at Saint

Joseph Plymouth Medical Center, strengthening access to advanced cancer care for patients in Marshall County and surrounding communities.
The four‑month expansion project is designed to enhance local access to comprehensive cancer services, allowing patients to receive more of their care close to home and reducing the need to travel for treatment.
The investment includes expanded infusion services for chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the addition of a new linear accelerator to support advanced radiation oncology treatments and the recruitment of a new hematology and oncology specialist.
“This investment reflects our continued commitment to Marshall County and to ensuring our neighbors have access to compassionate, high‑quality cancer care close to home,” said Christopher Karam, president of Saint Joseph Health System. “By expanding oncology services at Saint Joseph Plymouth Medical Center, we are meeting patients where they are and supporting them through every step of their cancer journey.”
The new linear accelerator is scheduled to be online Oct. 31, providing patients with access to highly precise radiation treatments that can better target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
In addition, Ebenezer Kio, MD, a hematology and oncology provider with roots in the region, is set to join the Saint Joseph Medical Group on Sept. 21.
“Dr. Kio brings a strong commitment to patient-centered care and a deep connection to the region we serve,” said Leah Napolitano, MD, president of Saint Joseph Medical Group. “His expertise in hematology and oncology, combined with his compassionate approach, will further strengthen our ability to provide exceptional cancer care close to home.”
The expansion also strengthens collaboration across Trinity Health’s Illinois and Indiana Region, bringing advanced technology and expertise to the Plymouth campus.
“Adding a new linear accelerator and expanding infusion services allows us to deliver more sophisticated treatments that are often only available at larger cancer centers,” said William Small Jr., MD, vice president of Oncology for Trinity Health’s Illinois and Indiana Region and director of the Loyola Medicine Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. “This investment ensures patients in Marshall County can receive state‑of‑the‑art cancer care without leaving their community.”
For patients, the expansion means less time on the road and more time focused on healing.
“I am grateful that our community has access to this level of care close to home, without having to travel to South Bend or Mishawaka for treatment. The care I receive is truly exceptional,” said Art Jacobs, battalion chief with Plymouth Fire Department. “The nurses are incredibly caring, compassionate, and attentive, always making sure I am comfortable and well cared for during every visit. Their kindness, professionalism, and genuine concern for patients make a difficult journey so much easier.”
Construction and installation for the expanded oncology services are underway, with services rolling out as upgrades are completed over the coming months.