PLYMOUTH — On Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m., Matthew Keller Lowry, 38, of Plymouth, was involved in a property damage traffic accident and left the scene.
He was located at his residence, where further investigation showed that he was adjudged a Habitual Traffic Violator for Life. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — The City of Plymouth will hold its bi-weekly meetings on Monday evening, beginning with the Board of Public Works and Safety at 6 p.m., followed by the Plymouth Common Council.
On the Board of Works agenda is a discussion of a financial commitment for a project on Oak Drive.
The Common Council will review the 2026 TIF annual spending plan and hear first reading on ordinances regarding the 2026 fire department salaries and cemetery fees for the city.
They will also hear resolutions on designating allocations of financial institution tax fund distributions and designating allocations of commercial vehicle excise tax funds.
Both meetings will take place in the second-floor Council Chambers of the Plymouth 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.
The meetings will also be live-streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla is alerting Hoosiers to a mailing involving letters falsely claiming to be from the Comptroller’s Office. Correspondence appearing with official-looking logos is being sent to individuals and business owners requesting immediate action.
“An entity posing as the State Comptroller’s Office is dishonest and violates the public’s trust,” said Comptroller Nieshalla, “I want to ensure all Hoosiers are aware of these attempts and how to recognize a legitimate communication from our office to best protect themselves.”
What to Know:
— The Comptroller’s Office will never request personal payments by mail
— Legitimate mail from the Office will always include:
— The official State seal (the Comptroller’s Office does not have its own logo)
— A return address from 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN
Contact information for verification:
If you receive suspicious mail claiming to be from the Comptroller’s Office, do not respond or send money.
What to Do:
— Verify – Contact the Comptroller’s Office directly at comments@comptroller.in.gov or 317-232-3300
— Report – Suspected fraud should be reported to the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at in.gov/attorneygeneral
— Stay Informed – Follow the Comptroller’s Office on social media for news and alerts:
Facebook
Instagram
X
LinkedIn
This alert is part of Comptroller Nieshalla’s commitment to fraud prevention and taxpayer protection. In partnership with the Indiana Office of Technology and the State Treasurer’s Office, the State Comptroller’s Office released the Cyber Attack & Fraud Prevention Information & Resource Guide for local government entities, which outlines best practices for safeguarding public systems and finances. Key recommendations include:
— Dual authorization for payments and vendor updates
— Routine employee training on fraud awareness
— Multi-factor authentication and consistent system backups
The State Comptroller’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard taxpayer resources and defend public trust. Staying vigilant, verifying suspicious communications and reporting fraudulent activity, the Office and Hoosiers can partner as a necessary shield of defense.
INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosiers gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner won’t see much change in the cost of their holiday meal.
Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving market basket survey shows Hoosiers are paying an average of $53.62 for Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people, or $5.36 per person – an increase of 0.6%, or 3 cents per person, from last year. From a national perspective, Indiana’s market basket price is approximately 3% lower, 16 cents less, than the U.S. average price of $55.18, or $5.81 per person.
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, food at home prices have increased by 2.7% year-over-year, mirroring Thanksgiving food costs in Indiana and highlighting the impacts of supply and demand.
According to INFB Chief Economist Dr. Todd Davis, although overall food inflation has decreased, a driver of the marginal increase in price of this year’s basket is the increase in price of some produce, including carrots and celery for a veggie tray (43 cent increase), sweet potatoes (30 cent increase), pumpkin pie filling (24 cent increase) and peas (14 cent increase).
“Fresh produce markets can be very volatile, and many of these items saw an increase in wholesale and retail prices nationally,” Dr. Davis explained. “Those retail prices reflect an increase in factors beyond the farm gate, including transportation, labor, fuel, packaging and more that contribute to the overall increased cost of the product.”
However, many items in the market basket are less expensive for Hoosiers compared to last year, most notably cranberries and stuffing. Rolls, whole milk, whipping cream and the star of the Thanksgiving table, the turkey, were all slightly less than last year. Shoppers can expect to pay approximately $1.32 per pound for a whole turkey in Indiana, or $21.09 for a 16-pound bird, which is about 2% less expensive than the national average of $21.50.
Indiana ranks fourth in turkey production, with more than 8.4 million turkeys in the state, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service.
“It is important to remember that the turkey accounts for about 39% of the Thanksgiving dinner,” said Dr. Davis. “And with Indiana in the heart of turkey production and retail turkey prices down, it isn’t surprising that the turkey is more affordable this year, specifically here in Indiana. The concentration of turkey production in this region provides lower processing and marketing costs, which gets the turkey from the farm to the Thanksgiving table efficiently.
Additionally, frozen turkey has become more of a seasonal item that has a higher supply during the holiday season, making it a bit more affordable.”
In addition to the turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie filling, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, whole milk and whipping cream are all less expensive than the national average. Only pie shells, cranberries and the veggie tray are more expensive in Indiana this year than they are nationally.
According to the USDA, just 15.9 cents of every retail food dollar can be attributed to farm production, after accounting for input costs. Using this figure, the farmer’s share of this $53.62 market basket would be approximately $8.53. The rest is for food processing, packaging, transportation, wholesale and retail distribution, and food service preparation.
“Farmers are continuously finding ways to be agile and streamline their operation to produce healthy food families depend on for a holiday meal, despite key issues such as rising input and labor costs,” said Janis Highley, INFB 2nd vice president.
“Many consumers don’t realize that farmers are price-takers, just like them. We don’t set the prices, and the amount farmers are being paid doesn’t cover the increase of their input expenses.”
The total market basket price of $53.62 includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, a carrot and celery veggie tray, whole milk, cranberries, whipping cream, ingredients for pumpkin pie and miscellaneous baking items.
The INFB Thanksgiving market basket survey was conducted in early November by volunteer shoppers across the state who collected prices on specific food items from one of their local grocery stores before most holiday sales went into effect. Volunteer shoppers were asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals. Indiana’s survey is completed in conjunction with a national survey administered by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Redevelopment Commission heard an update from City Attorney Jeff Houin on the Water Street Town Homes project.
Houin told the board that the demolition of the alleyway was complete in preparation for repaving, along with the new parking lot for the project. Concrete pouring was slightly behind schedule since the addition of the sidewalk behind the Shumacher Building, but would continue around the east side on Water Street.
Street lights added to the project will be put in place once the concrete is poured, and awnings over the entrance ways will also be completed. In the interior, drywall has started.
Houin said the homes should be ready to be occupied in January.
Updates and photos on the project are available on social media accounts for Easterday Construction.
PLYMOUTH — Applications are now open for the Marshall County Artrepreneurship Program (MCAP), an eight-week business training initiative designed for visual artists who want to launch or grow sustainable
creative businesses. The program will run from February through April 2026 at the Heartland Art Center in Plymouth and is offered at no cost to participants.
MCAP is a partnership between the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, the Heartland Art Center, and Indiana Small Business Development Center, supported by Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s 2025 Community Collaboration Funding. The program draws on research from the Indiana Arts Commission’s Artist Needs Assessment as well as interviews with local and regional artists, ensuring the curriculum reflects real needs in the regional creative economy.
Over the course of eight weeks, participants will meet on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm to explore business fundamentals, financial management, and marketing strategies geared specifically toward artists. The cohort model provides peer support, networking opportunities, and individualized business advising through ISBDC. Participants will also take part in a culminating exhibition at the Heartland Art Center and will receive a $200 mini-grant to support their business goals.
The program is open to visual artists living in Marshall, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Starke, Pulaski, Fulton, or Kosciusko counties who work in 2D or 3D media, including visual arts and fine crafts. All artwork must be original, and no prior business experience is required.
Applicants will complete a short online form and submit a portfolio of 3–5 images representing work they currently sell or plan to sell. Applications open November 1 – December 8, 2025, and full details and application are available at heartlandartcenter.org.
PLYMOUTH — On Nov. 17 the Plymouth Police Department received four reports of spray painting at three different locations in Plymouth.
St. Michael’s Church, located at 612 N. Walnut Street, had profanity painted on the concrete at the main entryway. The law office of Joseph Morris had black spray paint on the sign for the business, which is located at 612 N. Walnut Street. A local resident also had black spray paint in their driveway, along with 8 tires slashed on vehicles parked in the driveway. Another resident had the back of their truck spray-painted.
Plymouth Police identified Damon Daniels, 46 of Plymouth as the suspect in the criminal mischief. After interviewing Mr. Daniels he was arrested and booked into the Marshall County Jail.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of Nov. 14, Plymouth Police initiated a traffic stop on Michigan Street after a vehicle continued straight while in the turn lane.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Edward Charles Ernest Willett (35). Edwards’ driving status was determined to be suspended. While speaking with Willet, Patrolmen could smell a strong odor of Marijuana coming from the vehicle. Patrolman Vinson and his K9 partner Castor, would assist. Officers located paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Willet was transported and lodged into the Marshall County Jail, and charged with Driving While Suspended- Prior, and Possession of Marijuana.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
PLYMOUTH – As Hoosiers prepare for holiday celebrations, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Dept. is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to keep roads safe and prevent traffic fatalities
as part of the annual Safe Family Travel campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Running from November 26 through the end of December, the campaign focuses on impaired driving, aggressive driving, and seat belt violations. During this time, officers will work overtime conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to deter unsafe driving and encourage seat belt use.
“We see the consequences of unsafe driving every day,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “By buckling up, slowing down, and never driving impaired, we can all help make Indiana’s roads safer this season.”
According to NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, especially during the holiday season. Likewise, failure to wear a seat belt continues to be one of the most preventable causes of death on the road.
“Driving safely is a shared responsibility,” said Lt. Detective Les McFarland. “If you plan to drink, plan a safe ride home. Stay sober behind the wheel or arrange a sober ride before the night begins.”
Motorists are encouraged to call 911 to report unsafe or impaired drivers. For more safety tips, visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving.
DALLAS, TX – Fewer Americans plan to hit the road for Thanksgiving this year, even as gas prices remain near the lowest holiday level since the pandemic, according to GasBuddy, North America’s trusted fuel
savings platform for more than 25 years. GasBuddy forecasts a national average price of gas of $3.02 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day, matching last year and marking one of the cheapest holiday averages since 2021.
GasBuddy’s 2025 Thanksgiving Travel Survey shows that 60% of Americans plan to take a road trip, a sharp decrease from 72% last year. The decline comes despite stable fuel prices and points to a more home-centered holiday season.
“Gas prices are cooperating this Thanksgiving, but that’s not translating into more travelers,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Drivers have grown more resilient to price swings, yet I worry that concerns about a cooling economy may be weighing on Americans’ willingness to travel. Even with affordable gas, economic uncertainty can make people stay closer to home.”
According to the survey, 74% say gas prices have no effect on their Thanksgiving travel plans, up from roughly 56% last year. Among those traveling, patterns remain familiar:
PLYMOUTH — On Nov. 17 at 7 a.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to the Economy Inn for a domestic battery that occurred, and the woman involved had gone to a different room to wait for the Police.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the woman had several bruises on her person. Through statements and injury evidence, Brayden Hochstedler was taken into custody and lodged for the domestic battery.
Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 1.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.01/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 14.7 cents per
gallon higher than a month ago and stand 0.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 4.1 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.769 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.43/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.79/g, a difference of $1.36/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.03/g today.
“With oil prices mostly stable near the $60 per barrel level, we’ve seen the national average move very little over the last few weeks. Roughly half of all states saw prices rise in the last week, while the other half saw prices fall,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “The West Coast should soon see notable price relief as wholesale prices drop amidst seasonally declining demand. With refinery maintenance nearing completion, we’ll likely see supply improve—and I’m hopeful this will bring the national average solidly below $3 per gallon by Christmas. As for Thanksgiving travel, GasBuddy’s Travel Survey, to be released tomorrow, will highlight some surprising shifts in travel behavior this year.”
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 — The Marshall County Commissioners made it official on Monday, voting unanimously in favor of a resolution to make the county a “Second Amendment sanctuary” county.
President of the Commissioners, Stan Klotz, said this before the vote…
At their meeting on Nov. 3, Commissioner Jesse Bohannon requested the board’s attorney — Sean Surrisi — to draft a resolution to that effect after a request from citizen Don Nunemaker. Nunemaker had made the same request several years ago without gaining the Commissioners’ support.
A “Second Amendment sanctuary” is a state, county, or city that passes resolutions or laws to oppose or limit the enforcement of state or federal gun control measures they consider unconstitutional. These “sanctuaries” often limit funding for gun law enforcement or state that local officials will not comply with certain state and federal gun laws.
Historically, the movement grew as a reaction to increased gun control efforts at the state level, with some resolutions being primarily symbolic expressions of opposition. In contrast, others aim to restrict enforcement actions.
PLYMOUTH — Plymouth’s Redevelopment Commission will meet on Tuesday in the Council Chambers
on the second floor of the City Building in Plymouth. Those attending the meeting should enter by the Garro Street entrance.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. If you are Handicapped and need special accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 574-926-2948.
The meeting will also be live streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.
PLYMOUTH — Plymouth’s Common Council passed a resolution on second and third reading for a new contract and rates for trash removal by Republic for the city.
City Attorney Jeff Houin read the Ordinance titled 2025-2251, and explained that fees in the ordinance were for five years so that the city wouldn’t have to remember to come back each year to adjust those fees. The fees include a $2.00 administrative fee, in addition to the amount Republic Services will charge the City for trash removal.
The contract is for a 3 percent increase each of those five years of the contract.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Commissioners will meet on Monday in the second-floor meeting room of the Marshall County Building.
The Commissioners will hear reports from Christie Johnson seeking a problem solving court grant, EMA Director Jack Garner, Janis Holiday of Older Adult Services, John Grolich regarding a public safety grant request, Jennifer Daake on a sick bank request, Sheriff Matt Hassel on an amendment to an agreement with ViaPath, County Auditor Angie Birchmeier, and discuss “Commissioner Items” including a reading of Resolution 2025-15 making Marshall County a second amendment sanctuary county.
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 be streamed on YouTube @MarshallCountyIN.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Regional Sewer District (the “District”) will hold an executive session at 9 A.M. on Wednesday, November 17. The session will be held at the City of Plymouth Council
Chambers is located at 124 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, entrance off East Garro Street.
This executive session is being held pursuant to Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5- 6.1(b)(2)(B), and is therefore closed to the public under Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5-3. A copy of the executive session’s memoranda shall be provided to the public pursuant to Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5-4.
For questions and additional information, please visit https://www.marshallcountyrsd.com/ or contact the Marshall County Regional Sewer District at questions@marshallcountyrsd.com or call (574) 200-0049.
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced the sentencing of 50-year-old Jason Joseph of Plymouth.
Joseph accepted a plea agreement resolving a probation violation and two (2) pending cases involving dealing methamphetamine as a Level 2 felony.
Joseph will serve 1825 days on the probation violation, followed by a 20-year sentence on the Level 2 felony in the Indiana Department of Corrections.
Joseph was charged with a series of methamphetamine sales to a confidential informant between February and March of 2025.
The cases were prosecuted by Deputy Prosecutor Elizabeth Boehm of the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office. Judge Tami Napier of Marshall Superior Court 1 presided over the sentencing. The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bryant of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
ARGOS — On Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. the Argos School Board will hold a public hearing to discuss and hear public input regarding the proposed renovation and improvements to facilities throughout the School
Corporation, including site improvements, and the purchase of buses, equipment, and technology.
On Nov. 24, the Board will hold a second public hearing to discuss and hear public input regarding the proposed Project and will also consider the adoption of a resolution to enter into a Lease Agreement relating to the Project and to issue bonds to finance that Project.
The Board will then meet for a regular board meeting on Nov. 17, in the Dragon Center conference room. This meeting will begin immediately following the conclusion of the public hearing.
PLYMOUTH — Plymouth High School, Menominee Elementary School, and Riverside Intermediate School have earned official Project ADAM Heart Safe School designations — recognizing their ongoing commitment to student, staff, and community safety.
As part of PCSC’s proactive efforts, led by our Director of Safety & Security, Ward Byers, to strengthen school safety initiatives, the corporation began implementing Sudden Cardiac Arrest Response Teams and Protocols last year. These teams ensure that schools are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency.
“Receiving Project ADAM at our school represents a commitment to the safety and well-being of every student, staff member, and visitor on our campus,” said Michelle Zentz, Principal at Riverside Intermediate School. “Knowing we’re now better prepared to respond in a cardiac emergency gives us confidence and peace of mind. We’re proud to take on this responsibility and to be part of a program that truly saves lives.”
Ryan Welch, Principal at Menominee Elementary School, shared a similar sentiment:
“This recognition from Project ADAM is meaningful to us here at Menominee. With guidance
and training from our Director of Safety, Mr. Ward Byers, we as a staff know we are prepared in the event of a true cardiac crisis. With safety and the well-being of our students always at the forefront of what we do in schools, this training gives us the knowledge and confidence to be best prepared.”
Jake Singleton, Principal at Plymouth High School, emphasized the impact of ongoing readiness: “Being recognized as a Project ADAM Heart Safe School affirms our commitment to protect
every student, staff member, and visitor. Our team trains regularly on AED use and emergency response, and we’re ready to act the moment seconds matter.”
The Project ADAM Heart Safe School Designation is awarded to schools that successfully implement comprehensive sudden cardiac arrest programs, including awareness, staff training, and emergency response procedures. These life-saving initiatives extend beyond the regular school day to include athletic programs, events, and community visitors — helping ensure that every person on campus is protected.
A special thank you goes to Gibson and Andy Metsker for providing CPR training to PCSC staff, supporting the district’s mission to maintain safe and prepared learning environments.
For more information about Project ADAM and how schools can become Heart Safe, visit https://projectadam.com/Heartsafe.
