PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway will be out working on Tuesday.
Weather permitting, they will be chip-sealing Lincoln Hwy from Queen Road to the County Line The county culvert crew will be replacing a culvert on King Road. King will be closed from 4th Road to 3B Road with no vehicle traffic until all work is completed. On Wednesday, the road crew will be chip sealing King Road from US 30 to 3rd Road. Please use caution when approaching these roads and be mindful of our workers and road conditions. Slow down and drive safely on these roads for the next few days after completion in case there is any loose gravel.
Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 13.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.10/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 10.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 35.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 3.2 cents in the last week and stands at $3.644 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.29/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.54/g, a difference of $1.25/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 5.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.09/g today. “Nearly every state saw average gas prices decline for the second straight week, even as the nation celebrated July 4 with the lowest national average for Independence Day since 2020,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “That downward momentum may continue, as OPEC’s weekend decision to boost production by a larger-than-expected 548,000 barrels per day in August adds further pressure to oil prices, potentially accelerating supply builds. If tensions in the Middle East remain contained and the Gulf is spared from major hurricanes, the odds are improving that the national average could dip below $3 per gallon later this summer, but in the meantime, we could see the national average falling to its lowest summer level since the pandemic.” GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps, and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada are available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Highway Department has two projects that will start on Monday. Crews will be chip and sealing Lincoln Hwy from Queen Rd. to the County Line.
The culvert crew will be replacing a culvert on 9th Rd. The road will be closed from Union to the County Line for most of the day, with no vehicles able to get through Please use caution when approaching these roads and be mindful of our workers. Slow down and drive safely down these roads for the next couple of days in case there is any loose gravel.
CULVER — Culver Union Township Library will be having an after-hours fundraising event in partnership with Heartland Art Center on July 18 from 6-8 pm.
Browse local artists work, which will be available for purchase, and enjoy some good food and wine. To sweeten the deal further, not only do you get to enjoy local art, but your kids can enjoy some arts and crafts. No need to find a babysitter for the event, as Youth Services will be hosting their own activities upstairs at the Library. There will be arts and crafts, snacks, and even a movie showing. The whole family can enjoy a night out at our Night Out Gala. Tickets will be $20 per adult, with kids being free to enter. Each ticket includes a free drink, with additional drinks being available to purchase. You can buy a ticket through the Friends of the Library via Zeffy, https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/night-out-gala, or stop into the library if you want to pay via cash or check. Checks can be made out to the Friends of the Library. Be sure to bring an ID to the event. The funds raised from this event will be used to support fun and interesting programming for both kids and adults, so be sure to come out and help support your local library.
CULVER — Culver Town Manager Kevin Danti opened bids for a proposed upcoming water plant improvement project during the Culver Town Council meeting on Thursday, June 26.
Danti explained that seven potential contractors showed interest in bidding on the project, but only one bid was returned by the deadline to be opened during the June 26 meeting. Peerless Midwest submitted a bid of $998,500. The council members unanimously approved a motion to have Midwestern Engineering review the bid and provide a recommendation on action on the bid in an upcoming meeting.
The council also learned of the resignation of Don Fox from the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation board. Fox served on the board for five years. He has indicated that he will serve until his successor his chosen. Culver residents interested in being Culver’s representative on the board are asked to submit applications to the council by Tuesday, July 22, at 4 p.m. ET at the Culver Town Hall.
Additionally, Culver Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim said a proposed adjusted water rate ordinance will be introduced to the council during the next meeting, Thursday, July 10. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled during the July 24 meeting. There is a proposed increase in water rates.
PLYMOUTH — On the morning of July 3, Plymouth Police Officers were dispatched to the Economy Inn for the report of a man exposing himself to other residents.
Bruce Hochstetler, 56, of Plymouth, refused to answer the door and speak to officers. Management requested that Hochstetler be evicted, but Hochstetler continued to ignore officers and management. After officers entered the room, Hochstetler was transported without incident to the Marshall County Jail for charges of Criminal Trespass, Indecent Exposure, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Obstruction of Justice.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of July 2, at 4:55 p.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to the area of 123 W. Garro Street for the reports of a woman who would not leave and was possibly intoxicated.
Officers arrived on the scene and located Casandra Brown, 36, inside the office. Brown was intoxicated and would not leave after being asked by employees. Brown was transported and lodged into the Marshall County Jail and charged with Public Intoxication.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — On July 1 at 2:33 p.m., Plymouth officers were dispatched to the Plymouth Walmart about a woman consuming items in the store and refusing to pay for them or leave the business.
The woman was identified as Jessica Lantz, 57, of Ohio. She continued to refuse to leave the business after being given several opportunities and refused to pay for the items. She was then taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail where she was lodged for trespassing and theft-shoplifting.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
CULVER — The Marshall County Coroner’s office released results of an autopsy in the death of Billy McCarty of Culver. The press release from Marshall County Coroner Dean Byers says that autopsy results show that McCarty died as a result of a skull fracture resulting from a fall in his garage. His death has been ruled accidental. The Marshall County Coroner’s Office was notified of a death on July 3 at 9:33 a.m. McCarty, age 54 of Culver, was found at his home and was pronounced dead by Deputy Coroner John Lampkins. Investigation led by Culver Police Chief Chad Becker and assisted by the Indiana State Police and the Coroner’s Office determined that foul play was not suspected in the death.
PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of July 1, Plymouth Police were dispatched to the area of Hillcrest Ave. and Oak Rd. for a motor vehicle accident.
While speaking with the driver, Miguel Gonzalez, 68, of Plymouth, it was determined that he had never received a Driver’s License. Gonzalez was transported and lodged in the Marshall County Jail and charged with knowing or intentionally operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a license.
On June 30 at 10:26 a.m., a vehicle being driven by Marroquin Perez Felix Estuardo, 21, of Ft. Wayne was stopped for a traffic infraction. Estuardo was found to have never been issued a driver’s license. He was lodged at the Marshall County Jail.
Suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will meet on Monday in the Commissioners meeting room on the second floor of the County Building in Plymouth.
On the agenda are reports from Highway Superintendant Jason Peters, Deb VanDeMark on Mashall County Park Board projects and Greg Hildebrand with the quarterly report from the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation. EMA Director Jack Garner will have his quarterly report along with County Attorney Sean Surrissi, and County Auditor Angie Birchmeier. The meeting can be streamed live at : https://www.youtube.com/@MarshallCountyIN
CULVER — The Marshall County Coroner’s Office was notified of a death on July 3 at 9:33 a.m. in the 300 block of Clover St., in Culver.
The deceased, Billy McCarty, age 54 of Culver, was found at his home. McCarty was pronounced dead by Deputy Coroner John Lampkins. Investigation led by Culver Police Chief Chad Becker and assisted by the Indiana State Police and the Coroner’s Office has determined that foul play is not suspected in the death. An autopsy has been scheduled to assist in determining Mr. McCarty’s cause of death.
Thursday July 3 •Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth will host an Independence Day Fireworks Show starting at dusk. Food carts and trucks will be available, and you can make dinner reservations. Spectators should use designated parking areas.
•New Song Church in Plymouth will have community fireworks at dusk. The event starts at 7 p.m. with fun and food trucks.
Friday July 4 •The Etna Green 4th of July Celebration will feature a parade at 11 a.m., followed by a festival in Heritage Park with vendors and a fireworks display in the park in the evening.
•Walkerton will have a 4th of July Parade starting at 7 p.m. at Urey Middle School, followed by fireworks at dusk. Due to construction, spectator seating will be at the practice field on the west side of Georgia St.
Saturday July 5 •Culver will have a fireworks display on July 5, at 10:15 p.m. The best spot to view the show will be from on Lake Maxinkuckee, or from the Park. Tune in to 98.3 FM to hear the accompanying music for the show. The July 5th Fireworks display is hosted by Lake Maxinkuckee Freedom Fireworks Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization. All contributions go toward future 4th of July weekend fireworks shows.
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Plan Commission cleared the way for the next step in a proposed housing development on Dora Lane on Tuesday night.
Habitat for Humanity made an application for a preliminary subdivision of Neidlinger Park on Dora Lane. The area was part of a previously planned unit development (PUD), and the action will revitalize a Habitat project that stalled due to COVID. The development will provide affordable housing for the city, but not “traditional” Habitat for Humanity Homes. The multi-home development will be similar to the development Habitat did on West Harrison Street several years ago in partnership with a contractor. A maximum of nine residential lots will be created along with sidewalks on each side of Dora Lane and adjoining street hookups in the neighborhood. Habitat is currently seeking a grant to help move the project forward.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the second of two 2025 Community Funds grant rounds. Applications for the Fall 2025 grant round are due on Friday, August 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted online on the MCCF website.
These grants support specific projects or programs throughout Marshall County typically focusing on the arts, education, health and human services, recreation, and the environment. Community members who serve on MCCF’s Grants Committee evaluate the grant proposals and conduct site visits during a competitive application process. The first grants from unrestricted funds at MCCF were awarded in 1995; since then, the MCCF has awarded over $5.6 million in total grants to the community from these funds alone. For more information, contact the Marshall County Community Foundation at 574-935-5159 or go to marshallcountycf.org.
On Wednesday, the Marshall County Highway will be chip-sealing Lincoln Highway from the city limits to Highway 30.
Also, Wednesday Milestone Contractors will be paving 16 C road from Redwood Road to Peach Road. Both roads will be closed to through traffic. Access will be limited to local traffic and emergency services only while work is being done. Please use caution, slow down, and be alert when traveling near or through construction zones.
According to a press release from the Indiana Farm Bureau, Hoosiers can expect to see higher food prices than last year as we head into Fourth of July celebrations.
The release states that Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual summer cookout market basket revealed Hoosiers are paying an average of $71.49 for a cookout feeding 10 people this summer, or $7.15 per person – a 5% increase compared to last year. Indiana’s market basket price is approximately 1%, or 6 cents, more than the U.S. average price of $7.09 per person. “Inflation is slowing slightly, prices are leveling out, and supply chain issues that have been prevalent for the last few years are slowly getting worked out, so we are seeing just a slight increase in prices compared to the last few years here in Indiana,” explained INFB Chief Economist Dr. Todd Davis. The total market basket price of $71.49 includes ground beef, cheese, hamburger buns, pork chops, chicken breasts, pork and beans, potato salad, strawberries, chips, ice cream, cookies and lemonade. The two items that saw the largest increase in price were ice cream and strawberries, which increased 31% and 19% respectively from the 2024 price. However, those items were right in line with the national averages this year. In fact, most items on the shopping list this year in Indiana were similar in price to the national averages with the biggest differences being hamburger buns and lemonade which were about 8% less than the national prices. Only ground beef and pork chops were more affordable in Indiana this year. “When you’re shopping, look for the bargains on the protein side,” noted Davis. “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), there’s more pork in cold storage so the prices you’re seeing at the supermarket are generally going to be a bit lower. Ground beef, on the other hand, our shoppers found the price to be just about the same as last year, which is encouraging because cattle herd numbers remain low across the country.” According to the USDA, just 16 cents of every retail food dollar spent goes back to farmers. The rest is for food processing, packaging, transportation, wholesale and retail distribution, and food service preparation. “Farmers are price takers, not price makers – just like consumers,” said Janis Highley, INFB 2nd vice president. “Margins are still tight for farmers due to high supply costs because the amount farmers are being paid isn’t covering the increase in expenses. But Indiana farmers are committed to streamlining their operations to decrease costs of production as best they can, all while providing safe, affordable food not just for Hoosiers, but for families all over the world.” The INFB summer cookout market basket survey was conducted in early June by volunteer shoppers across the state who collected prices on specific food items from one of their local grocery stores. Volunteer shoppers were asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals. Indiana’s survey was completed in conjunction with a national survey administered by the American Farm Bureau Federation. More details about AFBF’s national summer cookout market basket results can be found at fb.org.
Marshall County Deputies stopped a vehicle on US 31 at 14C Road and while talking with the driver, Matthew D. Fetter, 37, it was found that he had never been licensed.
When the Marshall County Deputies attempted to place Fetter in custody, he attempted to flee the scene of the traffic stop in the vehicle and later resisted arrest. Fetter was ultimately placed into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — In a special session on Monday, the Plymouth City Council heard from Eric Walsh of Baker-Tilly with a city-wide economic analysis.
Walsh reported the good news: due to good management and conservative fiscal strategy, the city is in “very healthy” financial shape. He then went on to advise caution in the coming years, based on the Indiana Assembly’s passage of SB1 in their last session, saying that some “hard decisions” may be on the horizon. While the property tax caps in the bill — phased in over the next six years — will have a negligible effect on city finances in the short run, according to Walsh, by 2027, it could cause problems. While there is no way to come up with exact numbers for the future, lost tax revenue caused by the tax caps imposed by the legislature’s bill could cause significant enough shortfalls for the city to have to consider other revenue possibilities to make ends meet. Walsh said that while road repair money will still be available from the Community Crossings Matching grants, the bill will give a larger sum of money to those communities that have already instituted a wheel tax. The bill also allows cities the size of Plymouth to adopt their own income tax of up to 1.2 percent. Plymouth currently has neither of those taxes. Walsh said that the legislature would likely take no action to fix the local shortfalls caused by the bill, but the bill had given Indiana’s cities and towns “the tools to take the heat and fix it locally” with added local taxes. He said the places the budget would be toughest were in personnel and in capital projects, including city vehicles and police cars. Walsh said that the city’s TIF money would be a way of easing the capital projects money crunch when it came to building projects, but some hard decisions might be necessary regarding hiring any additional personnel or replacing vacated positions. While the city is in very sound financial shape, Walsh encouraged discussions to have a proactive approach to what might be on the horizon in 2027. The board accepted Walsh’s report and voted to have those discussions moving forward.
Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 14.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.24/g according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 14.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 34.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 2.7 cents in the last week and stands at $3.676 per gallon.
GasBuddy today also released (https://go.gasbuddy.com/july-4-2025) its 2025 Independence Day gas price forecast, projecting the national average price of gas to fall to $3.15 per gallon on July 4, down nearly 35 cents from last year’s July 4 average to the lowest Independence Day tally since 2021. Though recent events have caused some turmoil and volatility in energy markets, gas prices have returned to decline due to cooling Middle East geopolitical tensions and increased oil production from OPEC in recent months. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.67/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.69/g, a difference of $1.02/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.14/g today. “The national average price of gasoline has resumed its decline, with falling prices driven by easing tensions in the Middle East—just weeks after those same tensions had pushed prices higher,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “For motorists planning to hit the road for Independence Day, gas prices are expected to continue falling nearly coast to coast in the lead-up to July 4. Relief could expand as the holiday weekend approaches, with the national average on track to hit its lowest July 4 level since 2021 at $3.15 per gallon, we project. As long as tensions in the Middle East remain contained and the U.S. avoids a major hurricane, we could see the national average fall below $3 per gallon later this summer.” GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.
