Traffic fatality near Argos

ARGOS — On December 6, 2025, at 7:55 am, the Marshall County Coroner’s Office was notified of a

motor vehicle fatality on US 31 and State Road 10. 
The deceased was the driver of a Chevy Equinox that was westbound on State Road 10 and entered the path of a northbound semi-tractor-trailer. The Equinox was struck on the driver’s side. 
The deceased is Christopher J. Jankoviak, Age 57, of Niles, Michigan.
A passenger in the car was transported to Memorial Hospital, South Bend.
Jankoviak was pronounced dead at the scene by Marshall County Deputy Coroner John Lampkins.
Additional details regarding the crash and the other driver will be released by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Assisting at the scene was Argos Fire and Police

Marshall County Sewer District reschedules meeting

PLYMOUTH — Due to the County Building space being unavailable, the Marshall County Regional Sewer

District is rescheduling its meeting on Dec. 10, and will now hold its regular meeting at 11 A.M. on Friday, Dec. 19. The meeting will be held at the City of Plymouth’s Council Chambers located at 124 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563, entrance off East Garro Street. There will be no meeting on December 10, 2025.
For questions, additional information, and archived copies of agendas, minutes, memoranda, and previous meeting videos, please visit https://www.marshallcountyrsd.com/ or contact the Marshall County Regional Sewer District at questions@marshallcountyrsd.com or call (574) 200-0049.
There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide comments during this meeting. Your participation is welcome.

Injuries in an accident on US 31

LAPAZ — Marshall County Sheriff’s deputies investigated a two-car accident on US 31 south of LaPaz on Wednesday at 8:54 a.m.


A Chevy Impala driven by Adam Z. Scott, 26, of Rochester, was heading south on U.S. 31 near the 230 Mile marker. ​Traffic ahead on U.S. 31 south ​was slowing for a vehicle being recovered ​by a wrecker ​south of that location. ​ ​Scott ran ​into the rear of a GMC pickup truck driven by Carl G. Jenkins, 71, of South Whitley,​ which was escorting an oversized trailer. ​ Jenkins and Scott ​then struck the rear of the oversize ​trailer and came to rest in the roadway. ​Jenkins was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend ​for a possible back injury.​​​​​
Agencies Involved were Lapaz Fire,​ Lapaz ​EMS,​ Indiana State Police,​ Indiana Department of Transportation,​ and Marshall County Police
​ ​ ​

Rochester Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison

SOUTH BEND – Travis Frazier, 28 years old, of Rochester, was sentenced by United States District Court

Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Frazier was sentenced to 54 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Frazier accidentally shot a loaded gun while holding his infant child, who was struck by bullet fragments. Frazier had a prior felony conviction and a prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic battery, either of which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Rochester Police Department and the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

City of Plymouth to hold meetings on Monday

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., followed immediately by the Common Council.


On the Board of Works agenda is the Street Department opening of fuel bids for the coming year and the 2026 Animal Control Services Agreement, along with reports from the various department heads.
The Common Council will hold public hearings for additional appropriations, a tax abatement for Indiana Wheel, and a waiver of noncompliance for PIDCO.
Second and/or third readings will be heard on ordinances amending the salary ordinance for the fire department and for cemetery fees for the City of Plymouth.
Resolutions for additional appropriations, Indiana Wheel Company’s tax abatement, a transfer of funds from the Park and Recreation fund to the Greenways Trail, and a waiver of non-compliance for PIDCO will be heard.
Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building. Those attending should enter from the Garro Street entrance.
If you need special accommodation to attend the meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-936-2948.
The meeting will be live streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.

Marshall County Council to meet Monday

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council will meet on Monday evening at 5:30 in the second-floor

meeting room of the Marshall County Building on Jefferson Street in Plymouth.
In the attorney’s report, the Council will hear an update on the regional sewer district.
The 2026 Sheriff’s salary will be discussed. United Way’s Linda Yoder and Brent Martin will address the Council about the Marshall County SAFE Housing Response Fund, and Sandy Garrison and Mike Miley will give the Museum’s quarterly report.
In addition, the Council will have additional appropriations and transfers, along with amending the salary ordinance.
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 be live-streamed on YouTube @marshallCountyIN

The County Board of Zoning Appeals to have an executive session

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals will convene for an executive session on

Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. in Room 203 of the County Building on Jefferson Street in Plymouth.
The purpose of the meeting is for the discussion of strategy with respect to litigation that is pending in the Allen Superior Court, in the case of Tamarack Solar Energy LLC vs. The Board of Zoning Appeals of Marshall County.

An accident brings minor injuries

ARGOS — On Monday,​ Dec. 1,​ at 6:12 p.m.,​ Marshall County Central Dispatch was notified of a single

vehicle accident where the vehicle went down in a ditch on Muckshaw Road,​ south of 18B Road,​ in Argos. ​
The driver,​ Joseph Howell,​ 40, of Rochester,​ was out ​of the vehicle ​, walking around. When Officers spoke to Howell,​ he advised that he was traveling north on Muckshaw ​Road,​ which is when he caught a snowdrift that caused him to lose control. ​ ​
Howell was transported to the Hospital with some complaints of pain. ​The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Argos Fire,​ Police,​ EMS,​ and Tim’s Towing.

Sheriff releases November jail/arrest report

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel has released the jail and arrest report for November.


The population of the jail on Dec. 1 was 138 of a total 233 beds. Of those 109 were men, 29 women. There were 31 inmates serving felony charges, 35 were sentenced inmates, 80 were pre-trial inmates.
The average population for the month was 125.
The top five offenses for the month were:
Failure to appear
Operating while intoxicated
Operator never licensed
Possession of marijuana
Driving while suspended
There were 105 total bookings for the month, the Sheriff’s Department made 51 arrests, Plymouth Police 38, and Culver Police 5.
There are currently 1311 active warrants. there were 141 accidents, 129 property damage and 12 personal injury.

Bremen School Board to hold several meetings

BREMEN — The Bremen School Board will hold a meeting on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m., in the Media Center at the High School.


On the agenda is a review of board candidates.
Immediately following the board will also hold a closed executive session for an evaluation of individual job performances.
The Board will then hold a second public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m., in the Media Center of the High School.
On that agenda is strategic planning.
For those individuals needing an interpreter or other reasonable accommodations for the Board meeting, please call Bremen Public Schools (574-546-3929) to make arrangements. These arrangements should be requested one week in advance of the meeting.

Marshall County ends Travel Advisory

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency has returned Marshall County to a normal travel status effective immediately.


A Travel Advisory was issued on November 29th due to a system snow event that dumped up to a foot of snow in some portions of the county. The Advisory was also briefly elevated to a Watch. Slick roads resulted due to the snowfall and black ice from a rapid freeze. Gusty winds made plowing the back roads an incredibly difficult task. Numerous slide-offs were reported over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Conditions have improved considerably thanks to the work of the Marshall County Highway Department and other road crews.
Marshall County EMA Director Jack Garner thanked those involved in keeping roads safe.
“Thank you to INDOT, the Marshall County Highway Department, and municipal street departments for their hard work during this frustrating weather period. Also, thank you to public safety officials who responded to the numerous traffic incidents over the last week.”

Multiple charges for Plymouth man

PLYMOUTH — On Nov. 21 at 11:05 p.m., Marshall County Central dispatch received a rapid-ping 911 call

from Jefferson St. in Plymouth.
Plymouth Police arrived and located 32-year-old Joseph R. Childers of Plymouth and a female passenger on a traffic stop.
A DUI investigation began on Childers, who was later transported to the hospital for a chemical test and then transported to the Marshall County Jail on initial charges of OWI, domestic battery, and resisting law enforcement causing bodily injury.

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

Commissioners establish public defender department

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners moved forward with a reorganization of the way the county deals with public defenders. In their meeting on Monday, the Commissioners heard the first

reading of an ordinance establishing a separate department for the Public Defenders.
In May, the Commissioners adopted an ordinance that established a framework for a public defender system and a three-person Public Defender Board. This board, appointed by the county commissioners, the county judges, and the state commission, will be responsible for creating a comprehensive plan for providing public defense services.
The new ordinance would establish the department for accounting purposes.
Commissioner Jesse Bohannon was fully behind the measure

President of the Commissioners, Stan Klotz, brought up the cost of a case such as the recent Delphi murder case, which cost Carroll County around $3 million, stating that in such a case, the county would be able to recoup 40 percent of that cost.

Gas prices in Indiana take another double-digit drop

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 12.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.76/g

today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 13.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 27.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 5.5 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.722 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.29/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.29/g, a difference of one dollar per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 8.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.95/g today.
“Nearly every state saw average gas prices fall heading into Thanksgiving, with the national average dipping below $3 per gallon for several consecutive days—falling to $2.95/gal over the weekend, the lowest level since May 2021,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With refinery maintenance largely complete and OPEC increasing oil production for December, oil prices have struggled. Combine those factors, and you have a solid recipe for continued downward pressure on gas prices in the weeks ahead. A few dozen stations are already offering gas under $2 per gallon, and we could see that number grow as we move further into the holiday season. It couldn’t come at a better time for Americans—with relief arriving just as the holidays kick off.”
GasBuddy is the most authoritative source of station-level fuel pricing data, updating averages 288 times daily at https://www.gasbuddy.com/

Applications open for Indiana Senate Page Program

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Senate is accepting applications for the 2026 Senate Page Program, said State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores).


Through the full-day program, students in grades six through 12 tour Indiana’s Statehouse, listen to debates from the Senate floor, and help staff with age-appropriate tasks. Students also have the opportunity to meet their state senator.
“I enjoy meeting with young students from our local community year after year when they come to the Statehouse to serve as a page,” Bohacek said. “I encourage any students interested in learning more about state government to consider paging with us during the upcoming legislative session.”
The Senate Page Program will begin in January and continue throughout the legislative session. Pages are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. They begin their day at 8:30 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Groups serve together on Wednesdays. Indiana law permits eligible students to serve as a Senate Page one day per legislative session and receive an excused absence from school for their participation. Positions fill quickly, so it is important to apply early.
Students or parents should submit an application corresponding to the date they would like to page. Once the application is submitted, the Senate Page Office will reach out to confirm the paging date and ensure all required participation forms are signed.
For more information or to apply, visit http://www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Page-Program.

Plymouth re-books Santa

PLYMOUTH — Weather caused the cancellation of the city of Plymouth’s tree lighting and holiday parade

but the city was able to make arrangements to book Santa and Mrs. Claus for a different night.
Santa and Mrs. Claus have officially rescheduled their visit to Plymouth and will help light the City Christmas Tree.
The event will take place at River Park Square on Thursday, Dec. 4, at precisely 6 p.m.
As a special bonus, free hot chocolate will be available from the concession stand. You can stick around to be dazzled by an incredible musical light show created by the Park Department.

Threats continue for legislators including Bohacek

Courtesy Network Indiana

The already contentious debate over redrawing Indiana’s congressional maps has taken a dangerous turn, sparking an escalation of threats and intimidation aimed at state lawmakers.

Indiana Republican State Senator Jean Leising has become the latest target, announcing she received a pipe bomb threat over the weekend. Leising, who represents a seven-county district in Southeastern Indiana and opposes the redistricting effort, blamed the incident on “D.C. political pundits” pushing for the new maps.

“I was the target of a pipe bomb threat,” Leising wrote on social media, adding, “Thanks to the Oldenburg Town Marshall, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the ISP, all is okay!”

Locally, Senator Mike Bohacek issued a statement Monday saying that he and his family received a threat of a bomb placed in their home on Friday, Nov. 28.
“This recent pattern of threatening behavior and intimidation attempts is not only concerning but also illegal. I hope to see justice for this type of behavior,” said Bohacek. “I’d like to thank the Long Beach Police Department, the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police for their quick response and assistance during this investigation. I will not be providing any additional information at this time as law enforcement conducts its investigation.”

Indiana Wheel gets tax abatement from Plymouth Council

PLYMOUTH — In one of the more involved tax abatements awarded by the Plymouth Council, Indiana

Wheel will be the recipient of an abatement for a $5 million personal property investment for production equipment, for a second time.
Greg Hildebrand, CEO of the Plymouth Economic Development Corporation, came before the Council, sorting out the situation. Originally, an abatement for a $30 million investment was given to Jingoo Corporation, the owner of Indiana Wheel, when the business began in Plymouth.
Then the pandemic happened.
The business was then purchased by the current owner, who made a $5 million investment in 2024 with a further $10 million to be made, possibly before the end of the year, for a total investment of $15 million when the project is complete.
Hildebrand explained that the confusion is in the interpretation of the statute for tax abatements; some interpret the language to say the investment must be made at the time of the abatement, others that the company has the full length of time given in the abatement to implement the investment.
By “back-dating” the abatement, both bases would be covered, which the Plymouth Council agreed to last week.
The first two phases of the project are complete, with the company waiting for the arrival of equipment currently being constructed. The hope is that it will be in place before the beginning of the new year.
Indiana Wheel also plans on additional hiring when the third phase is complete.

Indiana 211 Connects Hoosiers to Essential Winter and Holiday Resources Statewide

As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, many Hoosiers find themselves needing extra

support. Indiana 211 is a free, confidential service that connects Hoosiers with local health and human services. Indiana 211 ensures that individuals and families across the state know where to turn when they need help. With one call, text, or click, Indiana 211 connects people to community resources available in their area.
Hoosiers can access a wide range of essential services through Indiana 211, including:

  • Food assistance programs and local pantries
  • Warming centers and shelters during cold weather
  • Thanksgiving meals and holiday programs
  • Help with housing, utility support, mental health services, and more
    Whether someone is facing a short-term challenge or navigating an ongoing need, Indiana 211 ensures they can find safe, local, verified resources.
    Residents can explore available community resources by visiting in211.org or calling 2-1-1 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Indiana 211 database is updated continuously, so every listing remains reliable, accurate, and accessible.
    Indiana 211 also encourages community partners to share new or updated information about food programs, holiday events, or winter warming sites. Organizations can send updates to in211database@fssa.in.gov or call the team 888-211-2402, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Ensuring the database stays current helps them serve Hoosiers better, especially during critical times of the year.

NWS issues winter weather advisory with more snow on the way

Additional 2-3″ of Snow Tonight – Travel Advisory Remains

  • WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. * WHERE…A portion of northern Indiana. * WHEN…From 5 PM EST /4 PM CST/ this afternoon to 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Tuesday. * IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes.
    A travel advisory remains in place for Marshall County.