*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 — 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.

PLYMOUTH — Heartland Art Center in Plymouth is introducing a new experience, “The Artist’s Table”, a

new, intimate dining experience at the Heartland Art Center
On Saturday, Jan. 24, from 6–9 PM, Chef Matt Kolacz, French-trained at Le Cordon Bleu and head chef at Gather 2 Graze in Plymouth, thoughtfully curated a five-course dinner inspired by the work of artist Alan Larkin. Each course will reflect the artist’s style, process, and creative voice.
Guests will enjoy a refined, art-inspired meal with wine and beverage pairings available throughout the evening.
Adding to the experience, the night will also feature live music and live painters, creating an immersive atmosphere where creativity unfolds in real time.
This is a limited-seating experience, designed to be intimate, immersive, and memorable.
Interest has already been strong, and ticket sales will end on January 19th.
For registration, go to https://www.cognitoforms.com/HeartlandArtists1/TheArtistsTableTicketRegistration

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will have their year-end meeting on Wednesday,

Dec. 31, in the second-floor meeting room at the Marshall County Building on Jefferson Street in Plymouth.
The light agenda includes year-end claims along with 2026 appointments and an engagement letter for Krieg Devault Lobbying Services.
The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be live-streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN.

ARGOS — On Dec 28, at 8:12 p.m., the Marshall County Coroner’s Office was notified of a death in the

Emergency Room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth. 
The deceased was Carol Ziert, 80, of Culver. She was the driver of a 2024 Nissan passenger car that was westbound on State Road 10 and entered the path of a southbound vehicle on US 31.
The driver of the other vehicle, William James Mramer, 48, was transported to Memorial Hospital of South Bend with apparent minor injuries.
Ziert died from Multiple Blunt Force Injuries resulting from the crash, according to Marshall County Deputy Coroner John Lampkins.
Agencies involved were the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department,​ Argos Police Department,​ Argos Fire and EMS

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency has placed Marshall County under

a “Travel Advisory” effective at 9:30 AM on December 29, 2025.
A Travel Advisory is the lowest level of local travel restrictions. It means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of hazardous situations, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas. Travel advisories are signified with yellow on statewide travel status maps.
A total of 2-4” of snow will fall on Marshall County on Monday. 50 mph wind gusts are ongoing and causing drifting issues and sporadic whiteout conditions. The drifting will nullify plowing efforts. Travel impacts are expected throughout the day and possibly into the rest of the week.
Please avoid traveling if at all possible to allow crews safe operating conditions. Staying home will also help our public safety officials more efficiently respond to emergencies.
Stay tuned to local media and the Marshall County EMA for future updates – including an eventual return to normal travel status.

CULVER — The Culver Town Council will meet on Tuesday Dec. 30.

On the agenda are second and third readings of the amended zoning ordnanace and the 2026 salary ordinance.
The Council will also hear first reading of an ordinance on 2024 encumbered funds and a resolution transferring funds within departments and funds.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and the Culver Town Hall, 200 East Washington, in Culver.
The meeting will also be available on YouTube @townofculver6770.

PLYMOUTH — On Dec. 22, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle traveling 82 Mph in a posted 50

Mph zone.
The driver, Sean McCormack, 56, of Fort Wayne, was believed to be under the influence. Upon failing the Standardized Field Sobriety Test, the driver was taken into custody and booked at the Marshall County Jail for Operating while intoxicated (controlled substance) and Reckless Driving.

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