LaPAZ — On Tuesday, Jan. 6, at approximately 7:26 PM, Marshall County Deputies were
dispatched to the area of Cale and Troyer Street in Lapaz for reports of a man, later identified as 27-year-old Joshua M. Shaffer, breaking windows and slashing tires on a female’s vehicle. The caller further advised that Joshua had been drinking and was seen driving his green 2003 Chevrolet Silverado back and forth between the residences. Deputies arrived on the scene and began investigating the incident. During the investigation, it was determined that Shaffer had operated a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Shaffer was transported to Plymouth Hospital for a certified chemical test. Upon doing so, he was found to be just under three times the legal limit of alcohol. Shaffer was then transported to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, where he was booked for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Prior Conviction, a Level 6 Felony.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
DALLAS – GasBuddy, North America’s trusted source for fuel savings for more than 25 years, today
released its 2026 Fuel Price Outlook, forecasting the yearly national average price of gasoline to fall back below $3 per gallon for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The yearly U.S. average is projected to be $2.97 per gallon, down 13 cents from 2025’s average of $3.102 and marking the lowest yearly average since 2020. Despite the welcome relief from the highs seen earlier in the decade, GasBuddy expects 2026 to still bring familiar bouts of volatility tied to seasonal demand, refinery maintenance, hurricane season, and ongoing geopolitical risks. Diesel prices are forecast to remain elevated relative to gasoline but continue easing from recent peaks, averaging $3.55 per gallon for the year. Key highlights from GasBuddy’s 2026 Fuel Outlook:
2026 national average: Projected to be $2.97 per gallon, down from $3.10 in 2025 — the fourth straight yearly decline.
Spring peak: Prices may briefly reach the low $3.20s during the switch to summer gasoline.
Second-half relief: Prices are likely to fall after June, with December forecast to average $2.83.
Diesel: Forecast to average $3.55 nationally in 2026, down from $3.62 in 2025.
Lowest-priced regions: The Gulf Coast and South are expected to stay well under $3.
Highest-priced regions: California, the Northeast and Chicago remain top-cost areas, but below 2022 highs.
U.S. gasoline spending: Motorists are projected to spend $11 billion less on gasoline in 2026 compared to 2025.
Average household spending: Projected at $2,083, down slightly from 2025. “The world has spent years recovering from the economic whiplash of the pandemic and the shock of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the situation has been improving quietly since 2022,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “As global central banks slammed the brakes on an overheated economy and new refining capacity came online, we’ve seen fuel prices ease year after year — a trend few would’ve bet on when chaos ruled the energy market. And 2026 keeps that momentum going. It’s not a return to ultra-cheap fuel, but for the first time in a long time, the wind is clearly behind drivers’ backs. If the market avoids major surprises, sustained averages below $3 per gallon could become commonplace in the year ahead.”
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council will meet on Jan. 12 in the second-floor meeting room of the
Marshall County Building On the agenda is reorganization of the board, reports from the highway, job classification, and budget and finance subcommittees, board appointments, and additional transfers of appropriations. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be live-streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN ADA Notice: For special accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (574) 935-8720 at least two business days prior to the scheduled meeting to request an accommodation.
PLYMOUTH — The city of Plymouth will hold its regular meetings on Monday, starting with the Board of
Public Works and Safety at 6 p.m., immediately followed by the Common Council. Both meetings will be in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City of Plymouth Building. Those attending should enter the Garro Street entrance. On the Board of Works agenda are opening quotes for a fire station vehicle, a resolution to amend the Complete Streets Policy, and reports from the various city department heads. The Common Council will make appointments to the various city boards and commissions and hear amendments regarding the zoning ordinance and subdivision control ordinance, first readings of ordinances for repealing and replacing ordinances regarding the commercial revitalization rebate program and establishing a fee for non-emergency responses and lift assistance at residenttial care facilities, resolutions regarding Indiana Code, and from the Center Township Trustee regarding the budget. Both meetings will be live-streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth. If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948.
*Press release in its entirety* MARSHALL COUNTY – Lieutenant Detective Les McFarland of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department
officially filed today to run for Marshall County Sheriff in the 2026 Republican primary. The filing marks the transition from an exploratory phase focused on community engagement to a committed campaign for conservative, experienced leadership. Since announcing his exploratory committee in August 2025, McFarland has spent the past months meeting with hundreds of Marshall County residents, law enforcement professionals, and civic leaders. These conversations have shaped his vision for the department and reinforced his commitment to serve as Sheriff. “Over the past several months, I’ve listened to what matters most to Marshall County residents,” McFarland stated. “The priorities are clear: valuing every life, protecting constitutional rights, managing tax dollars wisely, and leading with integrity. These are the principles that have guided my career, and I’m ready to bring that commitment to serving as your Sheriff.” McFarland’s platform centers on protecting life at every stage, upholding constitutional principles including the Second Amendment, professionalizing department operations, and ensuring fiscal responsibility without compromising public safety and service. His conservative values are rooted in his faith and commitment to law and order. “I’ve dedicated my career to protecting and serving the people of Marshall County,” McFarland added. “After 30 years with this department and 35 years in law enforcement, I know what strong leadership looks like. I’m committed to bringing that experience, integrity, and accountability to the Sheriff’s office.” McFarland brings extensive experience across all facets of law enforcement to his candidacy. Beginning his career as a patrolman, he served on the Drug Task Force, working undercover with state and federal agencies to combat drug trafficking organizations. He was later promoted to Detective Sergeant, investigating high-felony cases including theft, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Following his promotion to Detective First Sergeant, McFarland assumed supervision of the patrol unit while continuing his investigative duties. Since 2023, he has served as Lieutenant Detective, supervising the Detective Bureau and serving as the Department’s Public Information Officer. “Some of the most meaningful work I’ve done has been liberating children from violent and abusive homes and bringing justice to families in their darkest hours,” McFarland noted. “As Sheriff, I will continue expanding the Detective Bureau to ensure every victim receives the thorough investigation they deserve.” McFarland’s candidacy has earned support from law enforcement colleagues and community leaders across Marshall County. Ray Gleason, a veteran, author, and reserve law enforcement officer who has known and worked with McFarland for over a decade, is among those who have praised his character and approach to public service. “Les sees his role with the Marshall County Sheriff’s office as a public trust in which he puts community safety and well-being first,” Gleason stated. “As a law enforcement officer, Les displays a balance of professional competence, integrity, and empathy for others. In his dealings with others, Les stays calm under pressure, especially in tense and emotionally charged situations.” Additional endorsements are available at McFarlandforSheriff.com. A graduate of North Putnam High School and Vincennes University with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, McFarland began his law enforcement career with emergency first responder certifications. He served with the Akron Police Department and Bremen Police Department before joining the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, accumulating over 35 years of total law enforcement experience. McFarland has served on the Bourbon Town Council for 15 years, gaining valuable experience in budget management, grant acquisition, and compliance with eligibility requirements. In 2019, as President of the Bourbon Town Council, he served on the regional Stellar Community team when Marshall County earned its Stellar Community Designation. This experience has prepared him for the fiscal responsibilities and collaborative leadership required of a Sheriff. Beyond his official duties, McFarland is actively engaged in the community through organizations such as Marshall County Relay for Life, Dustin’s Place, and Operation Quiet Comfort. His community involvement reflects his belief that effective law enforcement requires building strong relationships and trust with the citizens he serves. The Republican primary election will be held on May 5, 2026, with early voting beginning April 7, 2026. If elected, McFarland would take office on January 1, 2027. For more information about Les McFarland’s campaign, visit McFarlandForSheriff.com or contact the campaign at McFarlandForSheriff@gmail.com or 574-767-1468.
PLYMOUTH — On Jan. 6 at 10:25 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department recognized a
vehicle that was at an address on Garro St., where officers had been the prior night for a domestic dispute. The vehicle was coming from the jail. The officer followed, and it went back to the Garro St. address. The officer observed a man identified as Jose Ramirea-Padilla, 47, of Plymouth, with the woman he had battered the night prior. There had been a “No Contact Order” put in place. The officer waited for more units before making contact. The woman claimed the man took off out the front door. The woman gave officers permission to search the house and then they found him hiding under a sleeping bag. Ramirez-Padilla was taken into custody for invasion of privacy. He was transported to Marshall County Jail.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matthew Hassel recently presented Life Saving Awards to Chief
Jail Officer Seth Crawford, Jail Records Administrator Ryan Schori, and Jail Officers William Schaetzle and Shalea Harvey for their outstanding actions during a medical emergency at the jail. On June 24, 2025, Jail Officer Shalea Harvey was monitoring jail cells when she observed what appeared to be an active medical emergency. She immediately alerted the on-duty jail staff to respond. Jail Officer William Schaetzle was the first to arrive on scene, with the remaining staff following closely behind. All jailers present that day quickly initiated life-saving measures and continued providing care until emergency responders arrived and assumed responsibility for the individual. The actions taken by these jailers were honorable and directly contributed to saving a life. Their dedication, professionalism, and refusal to give up exemplify the highest standards of public service. We are proud of these officers and commend them for a job well done.
Pictured left to right Turnkey Records Ryan Schori, Turnkey Dispatcher William Schaetzle, Turnkey Dispatcher Shalea Harvey, and Chief Jail Officer Seth Crawford.
PLYMOUTH — On Sunday, Jan. 4 Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to a two-vehicle
unknown injury accident at the intersection of Lincoln Hwy and King Rd. A Ford Escape, driven by Austin Lalone, 27, was stopped at the stop sign at the north side of the intersection of Lincoln Hwy and King Rd. and failed to yield the right of way to a Ford F-150, driven by Jamie Fluery, 46, which was traveling east on Lincoln Hwy. The driver and passenger of Lalone’s car were transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Plymouth with minor injuries.
PLYMOUTH — On the evening of Jan. 5, at 9:30 pm, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the area of
Garro and Fourth Street for an open 911 call. Marshall County Central Dispatch advised responding officers that an altercation could be heard on the other line; however, no one would answer. When officers arrived at the location on W. Garro Street, the residents were involved in a physical domestic battery. As a result of the officer’s investigation, it is believed that Jose Ramirez-Padilla, 47, of Plymouth, struck the female victim and grabbed her by the throat. Ramirez-Padilla was taken into custody and, once cleared by medical professionals at the Plymouth Hospital, was transported and lodged at the Marshall County Jail. Ramirez-Padilla was preliminarily charged with strangulation and domestic battery.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Historical Society will present its first “Genealogy Summit for
Beginners” on January 31. Every family has a story, and you can learn how to trace your roots, uncover hidden stories, and confidently research records across generations. Three experienced teachers and genealogists will present classes on the research process, beginning with the basics of genealogical research, including charts, forms, and terminology. Classes will cover simple to unusual places to find accurate information about your ancestors. You will learn how to utilize the websites and online services to add depth and context to family narratives. The cost for the Genealogy Summit is $35, which includes lunch and class packs. We are accepting registrants age 12 and older. Register at the Museum or online at https://mchistoricalsociety.org/event/genealogy-summit-for-beginners/. The Museum is located at 123 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Phone 574-936-2306 for more information.
PLYMOUTH — In their Monday morning meeting, the Marshall County Commissioners voted unanimously
to oppose the reclassification of Bridge #231 — the N. Center Street Bridge in Bremen. Jason Peters informed the board that the current schedule would have bid letting for the project in August, but that the ongoing discussions would likely push back that timetable. The bridge has been the subject of discussion for some time. In a Jan. 2 meeting in 2024, Peters told the Commissioners — at that time Stan Klotz, Mike Burroughs, and Kevin Overmyer — that the recommendation of the project Engineers, DLZ, was for a full bridge replacement. A “red flag” investigation by INDOT was prompted by a historian’s letter saying the bridge is a historic site. In December, the DNR nominated the bridge for the National Registry of Historic Places, further complicating the project. DLZ’s Andy Kostielny informed the Commissioners on Monday that in such cases, the price of the repair would be higher and the bridge’s longevity would decrease. Commissioner Jesse Bohannon made a motion to oppose the reclassification of the bridge.
The hearing on the reclassification is currently scheduled for Jan. 14.
Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 12.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.77/g
today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 7.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 33.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.3 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.498 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Marshall County was in Bourbon at $2.64. The most expensive was in Culver at $2.99. In Starke County, the cheapest was in Hamlet at $2.64, the most expensive in Winamac at $2.99. The cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.19/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.19/g, a difference of one dollar per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.74/g today. “Another week, and motorists have been greeted with the sixth straight weekly decline in the national average price of gasoline as seasonality continues to drive trends at the pump,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “While more states did see prices rise this week, most of those increases were in ‘price-cycling’ markets, where routine jumps often follow larger declines. Elsewhere, a majority of states saw prices inch lower again. And with GasBuddy’s 2026 Fuel Outlook set for release this week, we’ll soon have a clearer sense of what drivers may face next year— particularly as new developments in Venezuela put fresh attention on the global oil market. Some Americans believe gasoline prices could be impacted in a significant way, but I’m here to throw a bit of cold water on that. Even under the most optimistic outcomes, it could take years of positive developments for additional supply to meaningfully move the needle, and the impact on U.S. gasoline prices may ultimately be limited. For now, I expect gas prices to bottom out in the weeks ahead before beginning their seasonal climb toward March.” GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years. It is the most authoritative source of station-level fuel pricing data, updating averages 288 times daily.
PLYMOUTH — On Dec. 31, at 3:35 a.m., Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call from a
woman in Culver stating that a man, later identified as twenty-nine-year-old Layne J. Manns of Plymouth, was drunk and refusing to leave. According to the caller, Manns had then left the area in a vehicle, possibly headed to the Plymouth area. A short while later, Officers with the Plymouth Police Department located the vehicle and the man at his residence. A DUI investigation began, and after a search warrant was signed and granted, it was discovered that Manns was operating at over twice the legal limit for alcohol. Manns was later transported to the Marshall County Jail where he was booked and lodged for: OWI-.15% or higher, OWI-Endangerment, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Disorderly Conduct.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
PLYMOUTH — On Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 11:34 PM, Marshall County Police and Plymouth Fire
responded to the area of State Road 17 and 10B Road for reports of a single vehicle accident with an overturned vehicle. Upon arrival, Marshall County Officers located the vehicle in a front yard on its side. He was able to make contact with the two occupants in the vehicle to verify they were OK. Plymouth Fire was able to safely help them from the overturned vehicle. The driver, Ashli Tanner, refused medical treatment with no injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, Matthew Ganshorn, was examined by EMS and was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Plymouth. During the investigation, it was found that the driver lost control of the vehicle southbound on State Road 17 just south of 10B Road due to the extreme icy roadway conditions. The vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a small tree, causing the vehicle to overturn onto the passenger side. Tim’s Towing was requested to the scene to remove the vehicle.
LAPAZ — On Thursday, Jan. 1, at 1:40 pm, Marshall County Central Dispatch was notified of a
two-vehicle collision at the intersection of US 6 and Oak Road. Dispatch was informed that the collision was a T-Bone-style collision. When Officers arrived on scene, it was determined that a northbound 2013 Chevy Sonic, driven by Katelyn Asher, 27, of Plymouth, was unable to stop on the ice-covered roadway and was struck in the passenger side by a 2017 GMC Sierra, towing a trailer, driven by Kevin King, 42, also of Plymouth. Asher, along with her two juvenile passengers, were transported to the Bremen Hospital to be evaluated. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by LaPaz Fire & EMS, Lakeville Police Department, and Reichert-Knepp Towing.
PLYMOUTH — On Dec. 23 at 8:24 p.m., Marshall County Deputies stopped a vehicle for speeding.
While talking with the driver, the Deputy could smell an odor commonly associated with marijuana emanating from the vehicle. After a search of the vehicle, approximately 140 grams of suspected marijuana were found. April S. Spencer, 48, and Timothy N. Heise, 49, were taken into custody on the charge of Possession of Marijuana.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Coroner Dean Byers has announced the appointment of John Lampkins
as Chief Deputy Coroner for Marshall County. Lampkins has served Marshall County as a Deputy Coroner for 11 years and is certified as a Medicolegal Death Investigator through the Indiana Coroner’s Training Board. Lampkins currently serves as a Full-time Paramedic/Firefighter with the City of Plymouth. He also serves as an EMT Instructor with the North Central Career & Technical Education Cooperative. Lampkins’ new role will begin on Jan. 1.
PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Dec. 29, at 3 a.m., Plymouth Police were advised that an adult male
was going to meet with a juvenile after having sexually drawn conversations over social media. Plymouth Police led the investigation, which identified 57-year-old John Machlan of Plymouth as the suspect. Machlan drove at 3:30 a.m. to meet with a juvenile he thought to be 13 years old. As a result of the officer’s investigation, Machlan was taken into custody for level 4 felony- child solicitation and lodged at the Marshall County Jail. A probable cause affidavit was submitted before Marshall Superior Court 3, where the judge signed the probable cause order and assigned bond.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 10.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.65/g
today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 12.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 33.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 5.4 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.521 per gallon. The cheapest gas in Marshall County was in Plymouth at $2.59 a gallon, the most expensive in Culver at $2.89. In Starke County, the cheapest was in Hamlet at $2.54 a gallon, the most expensive in Winamac at $2.89 a gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.25/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.29/g, a difference of $1.04/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 4.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.75/g today. “For the fifth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has declined, with all but a handful of states seeing prices move lower,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Oil prices have remained relatively low even amid the U.S. blockade on Venezuela’s oil exports. With refineries running at seasonally high output and gasoline inventories building, most states— outside of price-cycling markets— have continued to see declines, with some stations in nearly a dozen states now dipping below the $2-per-gallon mark. That trend could persist a bit longer before prices finally bottom out sometime in January or February.” GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years, updating averages 288 times daily from the broadest mix of inputs— spotter reports, direct station integrations, and transactional data.
