INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has updated today’s Air Quality Action forecast to include three regions in Northern Indiana. In addition, the agency has forecast an Air Quality Action Day for tomorrow in Southeast Indiana.

On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area
Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
A stagnant air mass continues across the region today, combined with unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, sunny skies, and light wildfire smoke may drive ozone levels once again into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range across these regions.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas:
Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
A stagnant airmass will persist across the region through Saturday, and the combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, sunny skies, and light wildfire smoke could once again elevate ozone levels into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range.
Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:
View air quality information for all Indiana counties, including a state map of affected counties;
Learn more about Air Quality Action Days and recommended actions;
Learn more about ozone and fine particulate matter; and
Sign up for air quality alerts.
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified dates. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, go to idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the affected region(s) to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.

INDIANAPOLIS — The final Free Fishing Day of 2025 is Saturday, Sept. 27, so mark your calendars! While there are no licenses or stamps required on Free Fishing Days, all regulations, such as seasons, bag limits, and size limits, still apply.

These special days offer Indiana residents the opportunity to try fishing for the first time without having to purchase a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
If you already have your annual fishing license, this is a perfect opportunity to take friends and family fishing who haven’t gone before. Additionally, you can plan a fishing trip with the click of a button using DNR’s new Fishing Trip Planner. After answering a few questions about your trip preferences, the planner charts your course and does the work for you.
Not sure where to go fishing? Check out the Where To Fish map and find your new favorite fishing spot.

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Common Council and Board of Public Works and Safety will have their regular meeting on Monday, starting with the Board of Works at 6 p.m.

On the Boards agenda are a partnership agreement with Future Habitat, a resolution for the date and time of trick or treating, and the opening of quotes for the Street Department parking lot.
The Common Council will meet following the Board of Works, and that agenda includes second and third readings of ordinances for appropriations and tax rates for 2026, setting salaries for elected officials for the coming year.
First readings will be heard on a resolution authorizing the Clerk-Treasurer to transfer money from the Rainy Day Fund to the Unsafe Building Fund, and establishing an “Economic Revitalization Area” in preparation for a tax abatement for American Container.
The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building, enter by the Garro Street entrance. If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948. The meeting is also livestreamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.

PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 18, at approximately 03:40 am, Plymouth Police were dispatched to 1000 Pidco Dr. in Plymouth in reference to a man who had pulled a knife on a coworker.

Upon arrival, the male, Keith Ziaja, 38, of Knox, was located inside his vehicle in the parking lot. During the course of the investigation for intimidation, it was found that Ziaja was under the influence of alcohol.
An OWI investigation was completed and Ziaja was taken into custody. Ziaja was transported to the Marshall County Jail where he was lodged for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated- Class C Misdemeanor. The charges for intimidation are included in the report that will be sent to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Officer for further review.

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

On Saturday,​ Sept 6th,​ at 8:42 P.M., Marshall County Deputies were dispatched to an address on 2C Road for a weapons-involved disturbance.

During the investigation, it was determined that Nathan H. Hill, 40, of Bremen,​ had operated his motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.
Hill was transported to Plymouth Hospital for a certified chemical test where he was found to be over two ​times the legal limit of alcohol. Hill was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a prior conviction,​ a Level 6 Felony.

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

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Sept. 16, at 2:20 am, a Plymouth Police officer received a report that a woman had been battered by a group of people at Carriage Green Apartments on Dora Lane.

The victim had injuries consistent with being involved in a physical altercation, which required her to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. Plymouth Police were able to locate the suspects and witnesses who were present during the altercation.
It was reported that the altercation stems from a murder that occurred in August of 2024 in Hamlet (Starke County).
Blake Bradley, 21 of Plymouth, was identified and interviewed. He was then taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Caitlyn Smith, 18 of Knox, was also identified and located at a separate location before being interviewed. Smith was taken into custody as a result of the investigation and was transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Bradley’s preliminary charges include disorderly conduct, domestic battery, obstruction of justice, and intimidation with a deadly weapon. Smith’s preliminary charges include battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, intimidation, and obstruction of justice.

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

PLYMOUTH — Monday, during the meeting of the Marshall County Commissioners, Highway Superintendent Jason Peters approached the board about seeking funding for some additional roads in Marshall County subdivisions that could be paved before the end of the season.

Peters suggested approaching the Marshall County Council with a request for additional funding for the year to address roads in Forest Hills, Oak Crest, Crest Lane, D Drive, and Tall Oaks. The paving would be hot mix and was not part of the original road plan for the county.
The Commissioners voted to seek the support of the Council for the additional road work.

PLYMOUTH — In their meeting on Monday, the Marshall County Commissioners unanimously pledged their monetary support pending County Council approval for the move of the Marshall County Community Corrections office from their current location on Jefferson Street.

The department is currently housed in the Community Resource Center on Adams Street, but Director Beau Holcomb told the Commissioners that his current lease would end in 90 days and would be replaced with a five-year lease at either $200,000 or $40,000 per year. He stated that he would like to apply all funds available to him to his budget needs rather than to rent.
The program currently operates at no cost to Marshall County, relying on grants and user fees to fund a budget of $900,000, while lowering the inmate population at the jail by allowing users to serve their sentences while still maintaining a job and living on their own with ankle bracelet monitoring of their activities. Holcomb said that while Community Corrections has not had funds cut by the state assembly, they have also not received an increase in a decade.
Commissioner Stan Klotz said that the county had been approached by the Bowen Center about the proposed property on West Jefferson. Bowen offered the property for sale at $50,000, and Holcomb stated that it would be sufficient for his needs and would once again do away with his rent cost to allow him to apply it to the budget.
Klotz proposed a one-time gift from the county of $50,000 for the purchase, and the county taking over maintenance of the structure to keep the program self-funded.
The recommendation will now be considered by the Marshall County Council.

BOURBON — On Friday,​ Sept. 12,​ at approximately 7:52 a.m.,​ ​Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a two-vehicle collision,​ with injuries,​ on US Hwy 6,​ east of Dogwood Road.

When Officers arrived on scene,​ it was learned that an eastbound 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 was being driven by Joseph Yates, 68,​ of Louisiana,​ who crossed the centerline and struck a westbound vehicle.
The ​westbound vehicle was a ​2022 Ford Bronco ​being driven ​by Leah Dumph,​ 32, of Nappanee. It was learned that inside the Bronco was a juvenile,​ who was also injured in the collision. All three parties involved were transported to the Hospital to receive further treatment for their injuries.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Bremen Police,​ Fire,​ and EMS,​ Bourbon EMS,​ Indiana State Police,​ and Newcomer’s Towing Services. ​

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Board of Finance voted unanimously to change the way interest income is deposited for four funds.

The Board of Finance, by state statute, is made up of the County Commissioners (Jesse Bohannon, Adam Faulstich, and Stan Klotz) along with the Marshall County Treasurer (Sandra Dodson). This board has the responsibility of supervising the allocation of public depositories for all public funds of the county. The county treasurer is also considered the custodian of all money belonging to the county and the investing officer of these funds, working in conjunction with the board of county commissioners to determine local public depositories.
County Auditor Angie Birchmeier told the board that four funds in the county budget did not have statutory limitations on where interest income could be deposited: the Special LIT (Local Income Tax), Cumulative Capital Development, Cumulative Bridge, and Rainy Day.
County Council President Tim Harmon had requested that the Commissioners allow the interest collected for those funds to be deposited into the General Fund, where they could be distributed for other needs.
In making the move, the Finance Board stated it was to provide maximum flexibility for the Council with county funds. The change will take place with all interest money for those funds starting with September.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section is now accepting applications from both traditional and lateral applicants. Individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career as a Capitol Police Officer may apply online at:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/indianasp/jobs/5070435/capitol-police-officer?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobsthis

This website offers a comprehensive overview of the application process and provides information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police Department. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for a Capitol Police Officer:

1. Must be a United States citizen.
2. Must be at least 21 years of age when appointed as a police employee (Traditional Recruit Graduation is March 13, 2026).
3. Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
4. Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an automobile.
5. Must be a high school graduate or possess a general equivalency diploma (GED) or (HSE).
   LATERAL APPLICANTS:
   Must be a current (part-time or full-time) merit law enforcement officer with an Indiana Law Enforcement Tier I or Tier II Certification. Out-of-state law enforcement officers are eligible if their certification is deemed equivalent to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board’s standards.
   For Lateral recruits, a finishing school will begin on March 2, 2026. For traditional recruits, a hire date of January 5, 2026, has been established, with the academy commencing on January 19, 2026. The starting salary for a Capitol Police Probationary Officer is $62,327 a year. After the first year of employment, the salary will increase to $64,472. The starting salary for retired or police officers in good standing with their agency, who have twenty (20) or more years of experience as a Tier I or Tier II officer, is $75,431. The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section also offers an excellent health care plan, including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for current and retired employees and their families. The State maintains short-term and long-term disability plans for full-time employees after six (6) months of continuous employment. As an Indiana State Police Capitol Police Officer, you are automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF), and the State will contribute to your retirement account.
   Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as a Capitol Police Officer by visiting https://www.in.gov/isp/career-opportunities/capitol-police/. Applicants can also contact a recruiter at isprecruiting@isp.in.gov.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance is now accepting applications for its summer internship program. There are approximately 20 paid internship opportunities in a variety of business areas, including claims, underwriting, information technology and actuarial departments.

The 11-week internship program will run from mid-May through the end of July. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with interns working closely with their respective teams to complete projects that directly benefit their departments and the company. In addition to meaningful professional experience, interns will spend time each week working on personal development.
“We provide weekly programming that covers topics like financial literacy and resume building,” said Tiffany Hackett, talent acquisition partner and internship program facilitator. “We also plan community service opportunities and social events for the interns. It’s about developing the whole person, not just their technical skills.”
Ideal candidates for the program are undergraduate students with Indiana ties. That includes students attending Indiana colleges and universities, as well as Indiana natives who attend out-of-state colleges and universities during the school year. The positions are hybrid roles with interns spending some of the work week at the company’s Indianapolis headquarters.
Representatives of the company will attend career fairs at the following schools in the coming weeks:
Butler University – Sept. 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
Purdue University – Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
University of Indianapolis – Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance’s downtown Indianapolis office features modern workspaces, an on-site fitness facility and cafeteria, 24-hour security and free parking. It is also close to dining and entertainment options.
To learn more about the program, explore open positions and begin the application process, visit https://jobs.infarmbureau.com/internships-early-career-professionals/. The company intends to have the majority of the internship opportunities filled by December.

As Hoosier children began returning to school in August 2025, the Indiana State Police, which oversees the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, organized and led a vital new initiative: Operation Guardian Angel.

The primary goal of Operation Guardian Angel was to intensify efforts in areas of proactive investigations, such as peer-to-peer file sharing and undercover (UC) chat investigations. Through these efforts, the Indiana ICAC aimed to identify and locate children who were victims of hands-on sexual abuse, bringing them to safety and holding their abusers accountable.
Beyond these crucial investigative efforts, the Indiana ICAC continued its ongoing commitment to prevention and community outreach. Educating the public about internet safety remains a key part of the ICAC’s mission to protect children in Indiana.
Investigations
Reactive Investigations Resulting from Citizen Complaints or CyberTips: 252
Proactive Investigations: 36
Number of CyberTips Received for August: 2,233
Number of CyberTips Received between January and August 2025: 16,124
Arrests
Total Arrests: 48
Identified as Hands-on Offenders: 14
Number of Arrestees who were also a Registered Sex Offender: 6
Child Victims Identified
Children Rescued from On-going Abuse: 14
*Newly Identified Children with Images: 31
**Newly Identified Children without Images: 26
Prevention Activities
Number of Presentations: 86
Estimated number of attendees: 8,546
For more information about the Indiana ICAC, please visit
https://www.internetcrimesagainstkids.com

*Newly identified child victim is a victim whose identity was not previously known to law enforcement or NCMEC, but now is known as a result of an investigation. These children are the newly identified child victims whose abuse was used by a suspect or suspects to create child sex abuse material (CSAM).

**Newly identified child victim is a victim whose identity was not previously known to law enforcement or NCMEC, but now is known as a result of an investigation. These children are the newly identified child victims whose abuse was not captured in any known child sex abuse material (CSAM).

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday the completion of the prosecution of 35-year-old Sharlotte Ashley Preston, of Plymouth, Indiana.

In September of 2024, Culver officers responded to a threat made to Circuit Court Judge Jeanette Surrisi via Preston’s Facebook account, which included references to violent repercussions Surrisi would face given Surrisi’s rulings on Preston’s child custody proceedings.
On August 6, 2025, Preston was found guilty of Level 5 Intimidation by a jury of twelve Marshall County residents, and on August 29, 2025, was sentenced in Marshall County Superior Court 3 to 90 days in Indiana DOC, 640 days Community Corrections, and 1 year probation.
The investigation was led by Officer Larry Jolley of the Culver Police Department and successfully prosecuted by Chief Deputy Prosecutor Nicholas Langowski and Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Lowe of the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.

ARGOS — On Friday,​ Sept. 12,​ at approximately 6:15 p.m.,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of US 31 and State Road 10.

Argos Police had arrived on scene and advised there were multiple patients with injuries. It was learned that a 2021 Toyota Corolla driven by Joshua Brett,​ of Shoals, Indiana,​ had attempted to cross northbound traffic,​ but ​failed to yield ​to traffic and was struck by a northbound ​2017 Ford F-150,​ driven by Daniel Chamberlin,​ of Plymouth.
There were a total of 3 occupants in the Corolla,​ who were all transported to Memorial Hospital in serious,​ life-threatening condition. The sole occupant of the pickup truck was transported to Plymouth Hospital for additional care. ​
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Argos Police,​ Fire,​ and EMS,​ Plymouth EMS,​ Bourbon EMS,​ Parkview EMS,​ Lutheran Air Ambulance,​ MedFlight Air Ambulance,​ Reichert-Knepp Towing,​ and Lyons Wrecker Service.​

PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 12, at 9:10 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on a moped that was carrying two passengers.

The driver, identified as Marisa Oviedo, 32, of Plymouth, was found to have a driver’s license status of Habitual Offender.
Oviedo was taken into custody, and that vehicle was impounded. While inventorying the vehicle, a counterfeit $100 bill was located in her purse amongst other money.
Oviedo was transported to the Marshall County Jail, where she was lodged for Habitual Traffic Violator- Level 6 Felony and Forgery- Level 6 Felony.

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

See all the area police reports at https://max983.net/police-reports/

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 2.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.13/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 10.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 6.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.6 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.658 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.65/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.89/g, a difference of $1.24/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.12/g today.
“While gas prices fell in more states than they rose last week, the West Coast continues to face challenges, with Oregon and Washington seeing some of the largest increases due to regional infrastructure issues,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The good news is that the transition to cheaper winter gasoline begins tomorrow across most of the nation, and with improvements underway in the West Coast market, I expect that average gas prices will continue to decline in the weeks ahead in most states— assuming hurricane season remains quiet.”
GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps, and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

PLYMOUTH — Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. in the County Building, Room 203, Pastor Matt Barnes from the State Capitol’s Public Servants Prayer Group is kicking off a Bible study for all appointed and elected officials in Marshall County. He will have a message and a lesson.

All elected officials are invited to attend, including but not limited to Municipal, Township, School, and County office holders, and all appointed board members, such as: Library, Sewer, Health, BZA, Plan Commission, Redevelopment, Drainage, Soil & Water, Parks, Elections, Central Dispatch, Community Corrections, etc.
The event will start at 5 p.m. and end approximately at 6:15 p.m.

ARGOS — The Board of Education of Argos Community Schools will meet for a Public Hearing on the

2026 Argos Community Schools Budget on Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dragon Center conference room. A Collective Bargaining hearing will immediately follow that meeting.
The Board will then hold their regular board meeting following the conclusion of the public hearings.

PLYMOUTH — On Sept. 10 at 1:58 a.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to Baker St. for a report of a domestic violence in progress.

Arriving at the scene, Officers determined that the crime was not in progress and that the report had been falsely made. The calling party was eventually identified and located traveling west on Baker St. near Columbus St.
A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver of the vehicle, Nolan Z. Kalka, 25, of South Bend, was found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Kalka was arrested and charged with False Reporting, Obstruction of Justice, and Operating a Vehicle with a BAC over 0.15. He was transported to the Marshall County Jail and issued a court date and a bond.

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