INDOT starts National Work Zone Awareness week

INDIANAPOLIS – Earlier today, the Indiana Department of Transportation officially recognized National Work Zone Awareness

Week as both maintenance and construction projects begin across the Hoosier state. The theme of this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20-24) is “Safe Actions Save Lives”.
INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist was joined by Indiana State Police, Indiana Constructors Inc. (ICI), and the Indiana Laborers District Council (LiUNA!) near the Clear Path I-465 project site on the northeast side of Indianapolis to announce $2.6 billion in transportation infrastructure projects set to take place across Indiana this year.
“Drivers across the Hoosier State will encounter orange barrels and active work sites this spring and summer,” said Governor Mike Braun. “Making improvements to our state’s transportation infrastructure is critical to boosting economic growth and quality of life, and it takes all of us slowing down and paying close attention to ensure safety for everyone on the road.”
“More than 1,000 projects are planned on state highways, U.S. routes, and interstates this construction season,” said Commissioner Quist. “130 of those aim to improve traffic flow and safety, and over 6,200 lane miles of pavement will be resurfaced or replaced. It’s vital that motorists keep safety top of mind when traveling through work zones in an effort to protect themselves, their passengers, other drivers, and road workers.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of injuries and fatalities in work zones involve drivers or their passengers.
“In 2025, 16 people were killed, and more than 1,500 were hurt in Indiana work zones,” said Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor. “While we’ve seen improvement in these numbers in recent years, there is still work to be done. We are asking for help from drivers to continue bringing these numbers down by slowing down, avoiding distractions behind the wheel, and driving unimpaired, especially in work zones.”
Indiana drivers are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by visiting 511in.org or downloading INDOT’s TrafficWise app to see real-time traffic conditions and INDOT project updates.
Subscribe to text and email updates delivered straight to your inbox at alerts.indot.in.gov. To report a roadway issue or concern, visit indot4u.com. Learn more about work zone safety at INDOT here.

Plymouth man jailed for domestic battery

PLYMOUTH — On April 19, 2026, Plymouth Police were dispatched to a residence in reference to a physical domestic dispute.


Upon arriving, officers located both parties involved, and an investigation into the incident was conducted. During that investigation, it was determined that Kody Thielmann, 19, of Plymouth, had committed domestic battery against his girlfriend during an argument.
Thielmann was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Marshall County Jail, charged with Domestic Battery.

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

Accident sends one to the hospital

ARGOS — On Sunday,​ April 19,​ 2026, Marshall County Deputies responded to a personal injury accident at the intersection of

US 31 and State Road 10.
After an investigation, it was determined that a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Mark Davis, was traveling east on State Road 10 and failed to yield to the right of way of a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander, driven by Ian Mechelsen of Michigan, traveling north on US 31.
After the collision, the Chevrolet Tahoe caught fire,​ with its occupants able to safely exit the vehicle. Mechelsen was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. ​
Agencies Involved: Argos Police Department,​ Argos EMS,​ Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. ​
​ ​ ​ ​

Commissioners ban data centers in Marshall County

PLYMOUTH — During their regular meeting on Monday, the Marshall County Commissioners have banned data centers in the

county for the foreseeable future.

The Commissioners passed the ordinance on all three readings.
County Plan Director Nicholas Witwer explained the reason for the ordinance that will replace the current moratorium on data centers.

Along with data centers, the first reading of ordinances that will limit any farm-scale solar facilities in the county to a total of five acres and create a quarter-mile setback for any battery storage facilities.

After Witwer’s presentation of the battery ordinance, the commissioners again passed all three readings. So far as solar “farms”…

Second reading on the solar farm ordinance will be in two weeks.

Preliminary Injunction reinstates acceptance of valid college photo IDs for voting

INDIANAPOLIS — According to a press release from the State of Indiana’s Election Division, earlier this week, the U.S. District

Court issued a preliminary injunction that allows the use of valid photo IDs issued by state educational institutions for voting purposes.
The injunction means that, until a full trial is held, county election officials must accept a voter’s student ID for voting purposes in an election, including the May 5th primary election, as long as that ID meets the listed criteria under Indiana Code 3-5-2.1-84:
The ID must display a photo of the voter, display the name of the voter that matches their registration record, be current or only expired since the most recent General Election on November 5th, 2024; and be issued by the state or federal government.
A state law in 2025 originally banned the use of public university student ID cards as voter identification.

Marshall—Starke Special Olympics banquet tickets

KNOX — Marshall-Starke Special Olympics is preparing for its 3rd annual Sports Banquet, and the ticket deadline is this week.


The banquet is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, from 3-7:30 pm Central Time, and will take place at the Washington Township Community Building, located at 20 North State Road 23 in Knox. The banquet is to honor the athletes who completed the 2025 season and to celebrate their dedication and achievements.
The banquet will feature a social hour, followed by dinner and award presentations. There will also be entertainment. Tickets are available for athletes free of charge, but must be picked up by Thursday, April 23rd. Guest tickets are also available for $15 each and must be purchased by Thursday. Tickets are presale only and will not be sold at the door.
During the event, athletes will receive Certificates of Participation, and their coaches will share memorable moments from the season while presenting awards such as MVP, Most Improved, and Sportsmanship.
This banquet is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved in Special Olympics. To purchase tickets, reach out to County Coordinators Jackie and Joe at MarshallStarkeSO@gmail.com.

McCrammer sentenced to 5 years for OVWI

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Prosecutors’ Office announced today the sentencing of 23-year-old Karzdon McCrammer.


McCrammer was charged after the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department responded to a single-car crash on New Year’s Day of 2025 that left McCrammer’s passenger paralyzed. McCrammer pled guilty to one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, causing serious bodily injury as a level 5 felony in an argued sentencing in Marshall Superior Court II. Level 5 felonies carry a potential penalty of one to six years in the Indiana Department of Corrections.
The case was tried by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ashley Lowe and Defense Counsel Scott Pejic before Judge Matthew T. Aldridge in Marshall Superior Court II. After hearing evidence, testimony, and argument from the state and defense, including a compelling victim impact statement, Aldridge sentenced McCrammer to five years, two to be served in the DOC, two to be served in Marshall County Community Corrections, and one on reporting probation.
McCrammer will also have to complete 100 hours of community service, complete the Marshall County drug and alcohol program (MCDAP), pay a $1000 fine, and have his driver’s license suspended for two years.
Of the sentencing, Lowe said, “While nothing will ever restore the victim’s ability to walk and while nothing the court can render will ease her pain, I hope today’s sentencing of the man who altered her life forever is of some consolation. I also hope today’s sentencing serves as a clear warning to anyone who may be thinking of getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks — actions have consequences in Marshall County.”

Double-digit drop in average gas prices around the state

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 17.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.75/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 6.2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 73.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 11.7 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.500 per gallon.
Locally the lowest reported prices by community:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $3.99
Francesville — $3.99
Medaryville — $3.89
Starke County
Knox — $3.89
North Judson — $3.99
Hamlet — $3.89
Grovertown — $3.79
LaPorte County
Hanna — $3.79
LaPorte — $3.60
Michigan City — $3.60
Wanatah — $3.79
Rolling Prairie — $3.99
Westville — $3.64
New Carlisle — $3.99
North Liberty — $3.75
Walkerton — $3.63
Marshall County
Argos — $3.76
Bourbon — $3.69
Bremen — $3.68
Culver — $3.99
LaPaz — $3.95
Plymouth — $3.62
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $3.12/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $4.49/g, a difference of $1.37/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 9.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.97/g today.
“Average gasoline prices declined in 48 states over the last week, while diesel prices fell in 46 states, offering a welcome break at pumps, with the national average price of gasoline dipping below the $4 per gallon mark over the weekend,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, that relief may prove fleeting. Oil prices surged in Sunday night trading after Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz and President Trump signaled further escalation if Tehran does not agree. With global oil flows remaining at risk, renewed volatility is taking hold, and the continued back-and-forth is making any lasting resolution increasingly fragile. As a result, gasoline prices are likely to rise again in the days ahead, with diesel expected to follow if disruptions persist, and many of the states that exhibit price cycling could see increases in the next 24-48 hours.”
GasBuddy®, a PDI Technologies company, is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com.

Three charged with dealing methamphetamine

PLYMOUTH — On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Marshall County Drug Task Force conducted operations in Plymouth. Officers

had identified drug activity occurring at a business on the south side of Plymouth. Surveillance units identified and monitored parties involved, and also identified an apartment on Holloway Drive as being involved in the illicit sales of Methamphetamine.
The Plymouth Police Department and Marshall County Police Department assisted task force officers and conducted a traffic stop on a motorcycle on Oakhill Drive near Nursery Street. Two occupants of the motorcycle, 49-year-old Billy McKinney III of Monterey, Indiana, and Anna-Marie Underwood of

Monterey, Indiana, were taken into custody for Dealing in Methamphetamine as a Level 2 Felony.
Task Force Officers then applied for and were granted a search warrant for the apartment on Holloway Drive. Officers recovered more suspected Methamphetamine and paraphernalia at the residence, and arrested 38-year-old Stephanie Durham of Plymouth for Dealing in Methamphetamine Level 2 Felony, Neglect of a Dependent Level 5 Felony, and Maintaining a Common Nuisance Level 6 Felony.
All parties are being held at the Marshall County Jail on $100,000 cash bonds.
Readers are reminded that criminal charges are mere allegations, and that the individuals so charged are presumed innocent of the allegations unless or until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

Parole visit leads to possession arrest

PLYMOUTH — On April 13, 2026 at 10:21 a.m., Plymouth Police assisted the Indiana DOC parole agents with a home visit.


During the check, a home-made smoking device was located and field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Matthew S. Blount, 39 of Westville, was lodged at the Marshall County Jail.

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

County hires new deputy

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matthew Hassel has announced the hiring of Deputy Sheriff Callie Prater.


Deputy Prater resides in Etna Green, is a 2006 graduate of Triton High School, married, and has 5 children. He served as a Bourbon Police Officer for the last two and a half years and has graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy with a Tier 2 certification.

Town of Culver seeking seasonal employees

CULVER — The Town of Culver is accepting applications for seasonal street department workers.


Applicants must be 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license. The work will entail working outside in all weather conditions: driving, lifting, trench work and other duties as may be determined by the supervisor.
Applications may be picked up at Town Hall, 200 E Washington St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. M-F. EOE

Governor Braun Announces $10 Million Investment in Indiana Tech Industry

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Mike Braun today announced a $10 million commitment to Roll Tack Ventures, an Indiana-

based venture capital firm committed to investing in growing technology companies with established customer traction across industrial and mid-market sectors.
Gov. Braun emphasized that not only will this investment bolster Indiana’s technology industry, but it will connect those tech innovators to other businesses across the state.
“This commitment supports the scaling of high-growth, high-wage technology companies that will collaborate with a wide array of industries in Indiana,” said Gov. Braun. “By supporting Indiana-based funds like Roll Tack, we are strengthening our innovation ecosystem and connecting new knowledge, expertise and technology with Hoosier businesses.”
The $10 million commitment will be made by the State of Indiana through the 21st Century Research & Technology Fund and will directly support investment in B2B technology companies that address critical operational challenges across manufacturing, logistics, energy, healthcare, insurance, and critical infrastructure. The state’s investment, alongside participation from private capital investors, supports Roll Tack Ventures’ $50M fund, Roll Tack 26.
Through this investment, Roll Tack Ventures will help reinforce Indiana’s role as a center for industrial innovation by supporting technology companies that address critical operational challenges with national and global relevance.
“Deploying capital through the 21st Century Research & Technology Fund allows Indiana to align public capital with private market discipline,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David J. Adams. “This commitment strengthens the state’s long-term innovation strategy while maintaining a focus on responsible stewardship and measurable outcomes.”
“Some of the world’s most important companies have deep roots in Indiana and the broader Midwest,” said Sarah Lerner-Mantel, managing partner of Roll Tack Ventures. “Access to Series A and B capital is critical for scaling technology companies that solve real operational challenges. We back companies that have already earned passionate customer traction and leverage our deep connection to the Midwest to scale them quickly and effectively.”
Roll Tack and its leadership team have a strong history of investing in Indiana companies and businesses that strengthen the local economy. Prior to founding the firm, Roll Tack leadership collectively built and sold five startups, led early-stage investing at Purdue University, and oversaw operational innovations at Wayfair.
Since its founding, Roll Tack has activated a growing global network of operators, investors, and corporate leaders, connecting more than $50 billion of capital to opportunities across Indiana and the broader Midwest. The firm partners closely with universities and innovation ecosystems throughout the region and has directly supported entrepreneurial education for 17 Indiana universities in the past year.

Argos School Board to meet Monday

ARGOS — The Board of Education of Argos Community Schools will meet for a Regular Board meeting on April 20, 2026, in the

Dragon Center conference room.
This meeting is a meeting of the School Board in public for the purpose of conducting the School Corporation’s business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There will be time for public participation as indicated on the agenda.
DRAGON CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM 7:00 P.M.
● Call to order
● Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silence
● Communication from patrons
● Approval of minutes of March 20, 2026, regular meeting and executive session
● Approval of personnel changes
● Monty Peden: Sleep in Heavenly Peace update
● Greg Drennen: Construction update
● Approval of recommendation to accept bid from Brown & Brown General Contractors
for elementary patio work
● Approval of NIESC Media Specialist contract for 2026/2027 school year
● Approval of quote from V&M Construction for new roof on daycare building and roof
repair on the block building at the soccer field
● Approval of LWC invoices 19518, 19519, and 19520
● Approval of Non-Standard Course Waiver to incorporate Speech into 10th-grade ELA to
meet Indiana Pathways requirements and credits
● Approval of Classified staff wage increase beginning July 1, 2026
● Approval of Administration contracts beginning July 1, 2026
● Approval of purchase of gift cards for Employees’ Years of Service Celebration
● TAG stipend consideration
● Approval of purchase of MacBooks for staff
● Superintendent report
● Approval of claims
● Financial reports
● Closing comments
● Adjournment

Commissioners to meet on Monday

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will meet on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners

meeting room on the second floor of the County building on Jefferson St.
On the agenda are regular reports from Highway Superintendent Jason Peters, County Attorney Sean Surrisi, and County Auditor Angie Birchmeier.
CEO of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, Greg Hildebrand, will have a report, and Ryan Secord of Henriott Insurance will make a group health insurance presentation.
For special accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (574) 935-8720 at least two business days before the scheduled meeting to request an accommodation.
The meeting will be streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN.

Marshall County Sheriff releases jail/arrest report for March

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel has released the jail and arrest report for March of 2026.


The total number of inmates on April 15 was 121 out of 233 beds. Of those, 86 were pre-trial inmates, and 25 were sentenced inmates who were serving felony charges. There were 98 men and 23 women.
There are currently 1308 active warrants in the county.
Top five offenses for March:
— Driving while suspended 24
— Failure to appear 24
— Operator never licensed 23
— Operating while intoxicated 20
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department made 68 arrests in March, Plymouth Police made 63, and Bremen Police 9.

IDEM accepting applications for free well water testing

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (or IDEM) is encouraging eligible Hoosiers to apply

for free well water testing. The testing is provided through the 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Network program.
Although private well water is unregulated by both the IDEM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, IDEM’s Office of Water Quality Drinking Water Branch periodically collects water samples from qualified private residential drinking water wells to characterize groundwater conditions, track environmental changes, and identify areas that may be influenced by natural geology or human activity.
“By taking part in this program, homeowners gain valuable insight into their own drinking water, while the information collected contributes to a clearer statewide picture of groundwater quality,” said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. “This scientific sampling helps us ensure Indiana’s groundwater remains clean, safe, and resilient for generations to come.”
To be considered for the 2026 survey, property owners must:
— Reside in Indiana and have an active, private residential drinking water well;
— Ensure the well is listed in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Online Water Well Record Database;
— Be able to provide IDEM with a copy of their water well record.
If the property owner does not have a copy in their personal records, IDEM will attempt to locate it in the DNR Online Well Record Database
Complete the online GWMN survey, surveymonkey.com/r/gwmn2026, no later than June 1, 2026.
IDEM will select a limited number of participants. Selected homeowners will be contacted to arrange a sample collection between June and October 2026. Participation is voluntary, and results will be shared directly with the homeowner.
Because private wells are not regulated, IDEM strongly encourages homeowners who rely on private drinking water wells to test their water regularly. Guidance for routine well testing is available from the Indiana Department of Health’s website, search for “Well Water Quality and Testing” at http://www.IN.gov/health.
More information about the Groundwater Monitoring Network program is available through IDEM’s website, idem.IN.gov.

Cemetery walk on Saturday

PLYMOUTH — This Saturday, April 18, 2026, in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States, there will be a cemetery

walk honoring 5 women whose fathers served in the Revolutionary War, and are buried in both Culver and Plymouth. The parts will be played by five members of the speech, debate, and acting classes from Plymouth High School.
The event will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, in the old section at 1 P.M. Please use the entrance on the intersection of Lincoln Street and Oak Hill Avenue. The program will last 30-45 minutes. Please bring a folding chair if needed. If you have any other questions, please email jmechling-smith@culver.lib.in.us.

Unwanted person arrested

PLYMOUTH — On April 14, 2026, at 4:13 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to 2535 N.

Michigan St., Room 254, for an unwanted person.
The caller advised that his ex-girlfriend was in his room and wouldn’t leave, and the hotel staff didn’t want her there anymore. The officer talked to the staff, and they advised that the room was not in her name, that they didn’t want her there anymore, and wanted her trespassed.
The officer went to the room, and the woman was identified as Holly Nolen, 34, of Plymouth. Officers advised Nolen she needed to leave and that she was being trespassed. She advised that she would leave, but then wouldn’t leave the room or gather her belongings.
Nolen was then arrested for criminal trespass and transported to Marshall County Jail, where she was given a court date and bond.

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

Mayor’s Annual Prayer Breakfast

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger will be hosting this year’s Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Plymouth

Community Church-Stockman Youth Center, 11802 Lincoln Hwy, in Plymouth on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 am.
The proceeds will benefit the Marshall County Neighborhood Center and Link to Hope. Tickets for the event will be $20 each.
The doors of the Stockman Youth Center will open at 6:00 a.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 a.m. Pastor Brian Hasse will be delivering the message. The breakfast buffet will be provided by Christos Family Dining.
Call Laura at 574-936-6717 or email mayorsec@plymouthin.com to purchase your tickets.