PLYMOUTH — On Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 11:56 am, Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a crash
between a semi tractor-trailer and a minivan at the intersection of US 30 and Queen Road. When Officers arrived on scene, it was learned that an eastbound 2023 Volvo Tractor Trailer being operated by Qingrui Fan, 55, of Flushing, New York, utilized the turn lane to avoid stopped traffic at the intersection and struck a north-facing minivan that was stopped on Queen Road. The minivan was a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan being operated by Dixie Warner, 69, of Plymouth. The driver of the mini-van, along with her two additional occupants were transported to the Hospital. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Plymouth Police, Fire, and EMS, along with Lyons Wrecker Service and Tim’s Towing.
INDIANAPOLIS – Wednesday, Governor Mike Braun launched Keep IN, an initiative to provide small business owners with
resources and support as they plan their futures. The initiative is spearheaded by the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a new state agency created by Gov. Braun to help small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive in Indiana. Keep IN aims to preserve local jobs and locally-rooted businesses by reducing preventable business closures and supporting smoother business ownership transitions. “Supporting Hoosier businesses has been a cornerstone of my administration from day one – and part of that support must include helping the transition to the next generation of Hoosier entrepreneurs,” said Braun. “As a business owner myself who acquired and grew a business here, and then prepared it for transition, I know firsthand the importance of succession planning for business owners and communities. Thousands of businesses in Indiana face ownership transitions in the coming years. We want to help keep those businesses thriving in the Hoosier State.” The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation worked with the Indiana Business Research Center to gain insight into localized data on the need for business owner support: — Nearly 60 percent of total business revenue in Indiana is generated by businesses owned by people aged 55 or older. — At least half of the business revenue in 88 out of 92 counties is associated with 55+ owners. National data reveals that 92% of small business exits involve closure, rather than sale or transfer of ownership. “Keep IN is about helping Indiana business owners plan ahead and make informed decisions about the future,” said Brian Schutt, Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Director. “By starting earlier and increasing access to information, we can help support stronger outcomes for business owners, employees, and local communities.” As part of the Keep IN initiative, Gov. Braun is launching a pilot with SMB.co, a platform that helps small business owners understand their business value and provides educational tools and resources to support early planning and informed decision-making. Through the pilot, business owners in three economic development regions – Northwest Indiana, South Central Indiana, and Southwest Indiana – can access SMB.co tools free of charge, including business valuations, transition readiness assessments, and exit planning. The SMB.co pilot program is a state-led effort implemented at the regional level, ensuring business owners receive support that reflects the realities of their local communities and the industries they serve. Fundamental to the work of Keep IN is collaboration with organizations around the state that help provide resources and support to Indiana businesses. As part of that, Gov. Braun is excited to announce that the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation has partnered with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to offer a series of free workshops for Hoosier business owners who are considering selling their businesses or beginning the process of succession planning. The workshops will cover topics such as determining a business’s value, identifying resources for legal guidance, and developing a succession plan. Business owners interested in learning more and signing up to be notified when registration is available can visit http://www.indianachamber.com/smallbizsuccession
PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel released the jail report for the month of April.
The population of the jail on May 1 was 115 out of a total of 233 beds. Of those 79 were pretrial inmates, 22 were sentenced, 20 with felonies. Of the 115, 97 were men and 18 were women. The top five offenses for April: •Operating while intoxicated — 27 •Driving while suspended — 25 •Operator never licensed — 25 •Possession of Marijuana — 18 •Failure to appear — 15 Plymouth Police made the most arrests with 68, the Sheriff’s Department made 61, and the Indiana State Police and Bremen Police made six.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council will have its monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
in the second-floor meeting room of the Marshall County Building. On the agenda are sub-committee reports from Highway and Job Classification/Compensation. Steve Dalton of Cender Dalton will report on future county revenues and the impact of legislation. Sheriff Matt Hassel will have a grant application request and the commissary fund report for Jan. through March. The Council will also hear a number of abatement requests and additional appropriations and transfers. 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. The meeting will also be live-streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN.
LAPAZ — On May 3, 2026, a woman contacted Marshall County 911 in reference to a battery that occurred on Troyer Street in
Lapaz. The woman told officers that the suspect, Samuel Menefee, 33, of North Liberty, fled the area northbound on Michigan Road. St. Joseph County was notified and requested to attempt to locate the suspect. An investigation was conducted, and evidence of a battery was present. Menefee was later located in St. Joseph County and transported back to the Marshall County Jail. He faces charges of domestic battery.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — On May 2, 2026, at 8:17 PM, Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call stating that a man was
rolling around in the median. The caller gave the location of US 30 and King Rd. Dispatch received a call shortly after from a second caller who stated he was now walking in the driving lane. Officers responded shortly after and found Eric L. Edington, 53, who was heavily intoxicated. A portable breath test was administered, and the result showed a BAC of .217. He was taken into custody and booked into the Marshall County Jail.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — The City of Plymouth will have meetings of the Board of Public Works and Safety and the Common Council on
Monday, May 11, 2026, beginning with the Board of Works at 6 p.m. On the agenda is the dedication of infrastructure for Menominee Heights phase II and III, and an order to take action at 405 Clark Street. The Board will also hear reports from the city department heads. Immediately following the Board of Works, the Common Council will meet with reports from the City Attorney on tax abatements and a proposal to amend the official zoning map for the city of Plymouth. The Council will also hear ordinances on emergency key boxes and permit and application fees for the city, and resolutions regarding an internal controls policy, and for a commercial revitalization rebate program grant for Jaimes Grocery LLC. Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building. Those attending should enter through the Garro Street entrance. If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948. Both meetings will be live-streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP will have road closures
on State Road 23 between Wolf St in North Liberty and Olive St/Locust Rd in South Bend beginning on or after Wednesday, June 10. Crews will replace six pipes between New Rd and Kern Rd. At the same time, a small structure replacement will also be conducted between U.S. 20/31 and Ireland Rd. State Road 23 is expected to be closed for 10 days. This work was originally scheduled to begin in May but has been postponed due to utility delays. Through traffic should seek alternate routes or use the official detour of U.S. 20/31, U.S. 31 and State Road 4. Access will be maintained for local traffic, but motorists should be prepared to alter travel based on the locations where work is occurring. These pipe replacements are in advance of road resurfacing along this stretch of State Road 23. State Road 23 will be reduced to one lane for road resurfacing, with road widening occuring in some locations. Construction activities will be ongoing through the end of November. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.
TIPPECANOE — On April 29, 2026, around 8:00 PM, Marshall County deputies were called to 1425 18th Rd for a Domestic
disturbance. Officers saw Janaleigh A. Heyer strike the victim, when confronted she resisted arrest. Once in custody, she was transported to the hospital for clearance. Then transported to the Marshall County Jail, where she was charged and booked for Domestic Battery and resisting arrest.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — On Sunday, May 3, 2026, at approximately 6:19 pm, Marshall County Dispatch broadcast a report of a domestic
disturbance at the residence on 5B Rd, in Plymouth. Marshall County Officers responded. During the investigation, it was discovered that a battery had taken place in the presence of minors. Linda Bottorff, 34, was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail for domestic battery in the presence of a minor, battery by bodily waste.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Indiana Governor Mike Braun extended the suspension of Indiana’s gas tax in an effort to provide
Hoosiers relief from high gas prices. Governor Braun extended the April emergency energy declaration by another 30 days, the maximum the law allows, and is extending the suspension of the 7% Gasoline Usage Tax on fuel for an additional 30 days, also now suspending the Gasoline Excise Tax, which will more than double the savings at the pump for Hoosiers. Today’s decision extends Governor Braun’s gas tax holiday to the end of his emergency declaration and is the longest he can suspend the gas tax on his own authority without a special legislative session. “Making life more affordable for Hoosiers will always be my top priority,” said Braun. “Suspending both the gas tax and excise tax gives Hoosiers meaningful relief for the next month.” The Gasoline Usage Tax is $0.23 per gallon for May, and the Gasoline Excise Tax’s current rate is $0.36 per gallon for 2026. Governor Mike Braun’s extension of the gas tax holiday will give Hoosiers a 12.4% discount on the average price of gasoline in Indiana. Governor Braun also announced that he will increase the mileage reimbursement rate for state employees who utilize their own vehicles for work-related travel. Details on that increase will be shared once confirmed.
PLYMOUTH – Road work in Marshall County will kick off this week.
Marshall County Highway Superintendant Jason Peters told the Marshall County Commissioners that E&B paving was planning to start on the Community Crossings grant projects this week starting with 12B Road from US 30 to the county line; Muckshaw Road from SR 10 to 18B Road; 14B Road from SR 17 to the county line; and 15th Road from the railroad to the county line. NIPSCO will also be doing line work that will involve some county roads and County Attorney Sean Surrisi briefed the Commissioners on an agreement worked out by he and Peters to insure the county roads involved.
PLYMOUTH — A crash at US 30 and Union Road caused serious injury to one man.
James L. Wilson, traveling eastbound on U.S. 30 in the construction zone, driving a 2024 Freightliner semi, was approaching the intersection of Union Rd. At the same time, a Toyota Corolla driven by Brian A. Foster was traveling northbound on Union Rd. and began to drive northbound through U.S. 30, going through Wilson’s lane of travel. Wilson was unable to avoid a collision with the front of Foster’s vehicle colliding with the driver’s side. Foster was unresponsive and trapped in his car. Plymouth EMS extricated him, and he was flown by helicopter to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. The collision is still under investigation.
PLYMOUTH — On May 2, 2026, at 9:58 pm an off-duty Marshall County Police Officer attempted to stop a vehicle that was all
over the roadway on US 30 near Iris Rd. The vehicle had nearly struck the officer prior to his activating his emergency lights. The vehicle failed to yield to the officer and continued westbound on US 30. The vehicle continued at a high rate of speed until it struck a semi on US 30 near CR 1100E in Starke County. The vehicle impacted the rear of the semi, then impacted a Plymouth patrol car before coming to rest in a ditch. The sole occupant of the vehicle, Camica Shanique Gibbs, 31, was taken into custody shortly after. A Plymouth Police officer was taken to the hospital for minor injuries due to the collision. Gibbs faces charges of resisting law enforcement, causing bodily injury, and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH – Candidates for the coming November election were decided last night in the state’s primary election and most of
the conteste races were on the Republican side of the ticket. Locally Joe Morris won his parties nomination for Marshall County Prosecutor taking 77 percent of the vote and defeating challenger Nick Langowski. In a hotly contested race Les McFarland took 51 percent of the votes (1823), to challenger Jeff Snyder’s 48 percent (1725) for the Republican nomination for Marshall County Sheriff. In another race that was almost too close to call for most of the night George Null took 41 percent of the vote and Erica Partin 32 percent to edge Ed Barcus for the two spots for Argos Town Council. Other races saw Deb Johnson defeat Tom Flynn for the Republican nomination for County Council District 2, and Brandon Richie defeat Laura Brockway for the Council District four nomination. Drew Westafer secured the nomination for Bourbon Town Council over Spencer S. Standley. Heather Overmyer, Diane Hansen Miller and Terri Jo Morrison Hinds will run for Union Twp. Board. Jeff Gustafson, Jerry I. Moore, and Michael C. Norris gained the party nomination for the Polk Twp. Board, and Matthew Pitney will be the Republican nominee for Tippecanoe Twp Trustee. On the Democratic side just one spot was contested and Jamee Decio took 66 percent of the vote over Shaun Michael Maeyens to earn the right to run for US Representative in District 3.
Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen $1.05/g in the last week, averaging $4.83/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey
of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 92.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.64/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 21.3 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.621 per gallon. Locally the lowest reported prices in each community: Pulaski County Winamac — $4.89 Francesville — $4.89 Medaryville — 4.79 Monterey — $4.89 Starke County Knox — $4.89 North Judson — $4.99 Hamlet — $4.88 Grovertown — $4.99 LaPorte County LaCrosse — $4.79 LaPorte — $4.64 Michigan City — $4.65 Wanatah — $4.79 Rolling Prairie — $4.69 Westville — $4.74 New Carlisle — $4.99 North Liberty — $4.89 Walkerton — $4.73 Marshall County Argos — $4.89 Bourbon — $4.69 Bremen — $4.99 Culver — $4.99 LaPaz — $4.96 Plymouth — $4.82 According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $3.12/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $5.99/g, a difference of $2.87/g. The national average price of gasoline has risen 38.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.42/g today. “Gasoline prices rose in every state over the last week, with some of the most significant and fastest increases concentrated in the Great Lakes, where states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois saw sharp spikes, while Wisconsin experienced more modest gains,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “At the same time, diesel prices surged to new records in parts of the region, with some areas touching the $6-per-gallon mark. While refinery outages were a key driver behind those outsized increases, early signs of improvement could help ease some of the most extreme price pressures in the Great Lakes in the days ahead. Beyond the region, markets are also digesting a wave of new developments— including OPEC+ raising production for June and President Trump outlining a plan to free stranded ships— which could help restore some supply. However, with so many moving pieces, the outlook remains highly fluid, and while some localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist in the near term.” GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com.
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth School Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Administration
Boardroom. The meeting site is fully accessible. Any person requiring further accommodation should contact the Superintendent at the School Corporation’s Central Office. There will be time for public participation as indicated by the agenda item. The Plymouth Community School Board of Trustees will then meet in Executive Session on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 4 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to receive information about prospective employees and interview them.
CULVER — On Saturday, May 2, at 2:30 a.m. Culver Police were conducting a traffic stop at SR 10 near Thorn Road.
While the officer was standing outside his marked patrol car, another vehicle struck the rear driver’s side of the patrol car, narrowly missing the officer, and continued on without stopping. The officer notified the dispatch center and eventually caught up to the vehicle, which was slow to stop. The driver, Angela Shaffer, 62, of Culver, was found to be the only person in the vehicle. An investigation was conducted, and the driver exhibited signs of impairment and agreed to a certified test. The results of the chemical test revealed that Shafer was just over three times the legal limit for alcohol. Shaffer was taken to the Marshall County Jail on preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated and OWI endangering. A report will be filed with the Marshall County Prosecutors’ office for review of formal charges.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
