Marshall County returns to Travel Advisory

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency has dropped Marshall County to a Travel Advisory

effective immediately.
On Sunday, a Travel Advisory was upgraded to a Travel Watch due to rapidly deteriorating conditions from Winter Storm Fern. Wind gusts above 30 mph prolonged dangerous travel conditions due to drifting on Marshall County’s back roads.
Winds have died down and the Marshall County Highway Department has made significant progress in pushing back the drifts that formed Tuesday. Slick roads do remain a concern due to very cold temperatures preventing snow/ice melt. With passable but slick roads, county officials are keeping Marshall County at the Travel Advisory level.
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.
Thank you to Marshall County’s plow drivers and first responders who have worked hard to ensure the public’s safety during this event.

MCRSD to hold final meeting

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Regional Sewer District (the “District”) will hold a final meeting at 9 A.M. on Thursday,

January 29. The meeting will be held at the Marshall County Building located at 112 W. Jefferson Street, Room 203 (2nd Floor).
The District anticipates that no further meetings will be necessary following this meeting and that the Board of Trustees will authorize all actions necessary to wind up the affairs of the District
For questions, additional information, and archived copies of the agendas, minutes, memoranda, and previous videos of meetings, please visit https://www.marshallcountyrsd.com/ or contact the Marshall County Regional Sewer District at questions@marshallcountyrsd.com or call (574) 200-0049.
A live transmission of the meeting will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@MarshallCountyIN
There will be an opportunity for questions and comments from the public during this meeting. Your participation is welcome.

Prosecutor’s office announces battery charges for BB gun incident

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Prosecutor’s office has filed charges after an investigation for a man who allegedly shot his

girlfriend with a BB gun multiple times.
On Friday, January 23, Officers with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department responded to St. Joseph Regional Hospital – Plymouth for a report of a woman who was shot multiple times with a BB gun and sustained an injury to one of her eyes.
A suspect in connection with the shooting was identified as Edwin Barker, and on January 26, Barker was taken into custody by Marshall County Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bryant. Barker is currently being held in the Marshall County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond.
During the investigation, Detective Bryant was assisted by Marshall County Deputies Alex Truty and Robert Williams.
Charges were reviewed by Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Langowski, and it was determined that Barker would be charged with Aggravated Battery as a Level 3 Felony and Domestic Battery resulting in Serious Bodily injury as a Level 5 Felony.

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

Gasoline prices rise in Indiana

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have risen 6.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.86/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 18.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 14.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 7.8 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.543 per gallon.
Locally, the lowest reported prices:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $2.99
Franesville — $2.89
Medaryville — $2.99
Starke County
Knox — $2.79
North Judson — $2.85
Hamlet — $2.69
LaPorte County
Hanna — $2.79
LaCrosse — $2.95
LaPorte — $2.80
Michigan City — $2.80
Wanatah — $2.79
Westville — $2.89
New Carlisle — $2.87
Walkerton — $2.41
Marshall County
Argos — $2.99
Bourbon — $2.79
Bremen — $2.79
Culver — $2.79
Plymouth — $2.85
LaPaz — $2.89
Grovertown — $2.79
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.29/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.19/g, a difference of 90.0 cents per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 7.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.84/g today.
“Average gasoline prices have jumped for a second straight week as oil prices have climbed back above the $60-per-barrel mark amid ongoing geopolitical tensions,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “New sanctions on Iran’s oil are making it more difficult for those barrels to reach the market, tightening supply, while the major winter storm that sent temperatures plunging is also likely to impact refineries, causing disruptions and reduced output. Diesel prices have jumped as colder weather boosts demand for heating oil, a combination that could keep both gasoline and diesel prices moving higher in the week ahead.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years at GasBuddy.com

Suspicious person arrest

PLYMOUTH — On Jan. 22 at 8:43 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to 803 W. Jefferson St.

(Ladybug Laundry) for a suspicious person. The caller advised there was a sleeping bag behind the building by the alleyway, and thought there might be a man sleeping there, and wanted officers to check it out and make sure they were ok.
When Officers arrived on the scene, they located a man sleeping under sleeping bags. The man was later identified as Charles Davis, 36 years old, from Ohio.
Dispatch advised the man had a warrant out of Marshall County for public intoxication. Davis was taken into custody, transported to Marshall County Jail, and booked in for that warrant.

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

Indiana man arrested for cold case murder in San Diego

SYRACUSE – A Syracuse, IN man was arrested this week for a murder that occurred in San Diego, CA in 1975.


Investigators with the Indiana State Police, including the Cold Case Unit, were contacted in 2024 by San Diego, California, Cold Case detectives and asked to assist with a 1975 murder case. Indiana investigators assisted over the next year. They identified Johnnie Ray Salisbury, age 71, of Syracuse, Indiana.
Investigators from the San Diego Police Department flew to Indiana this week. Salisbury was taken into custody when an arrest warrant was served on Wednesday, January 21. The Syracuse Police Department assisted with this warrant service.
Salisbury was transported to the Kosciusko County Jail, where he awaits extradition back to California.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Culver Town Clerk reminds residents of cold-weather tips

CULVER — Culver Town Clerk Karen Heim is reminding residents of some tips to avoid problems with the frigid temperatures for the next week.


Frozen water pipes are always a concern when temperatures remain in the teens or below for an extended period. Some steps you can take to help keep water running in your home include opening the cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the water lines, and letting both hot and cold faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms drip slightly.
Taking these precautions can help prevent frozen pipes inside your home as well as freezing of your water meter and underground water lines.
Town Hall in Culver is available as a warming station during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours, the police lobby remains open. Once inside, please pick up the phone on the wall to contact the officer on duty, who will be able to assist you.
If you don’t reside in Culver you can find your nearest warming station by dialing 211.
If you are driving, remember that road salt becomes less effective when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, so please use extra caution.
Finally, check in on your neighbors and make sure they are ok.

President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for Indiana

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Indiana to supplement

response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from a severe winter storm beginning on January 23, 2026, and continuing.
The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health, and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 92 counties in the state of Indiana.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.
Hannah Penn has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. Designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Marshall County to participate in nationally coordinated homeless count

Point-in-Time Count to occur county-wide on Wednesday, January 28

PLYMOUTH — United Way of Marshall County is working with the local faith community, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to conduct a community survey to collect data on homelessness and housing insecurities in Marshall County. This effort is part of the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a nationwide initiative that gathers information on people experiencing housing instability – both sheltered and unsheltered – on a single day in January. This year’s count takes place on Wednesday, January 28. Local participation will help create a snapshot of housing challenges in Marshall County. Last year, nearly 100 individuals across the county shared their experiences to help paint a clearer picture of housing insecurity in local communities. 

Individuals and families who have relied on township trustees, churches, or charitable organizations to remain housed from month to month are encouraged to participate. 

Persons facing eviction, temporarily staying with others, or living in situations they feel are unsafe or unstable are invited to share their experiences. Families living with others due to limited housing options, rather than by choice, are also encouraged to take part.  

Have you experienced housing instability or do you know someone who struggles month to month to maintain a safe, affordable place to live?? Please help spread the word about this important effort. The local PIT Count helps improve understanding of the needs and circumstances of people affected by housing insecurity in Marshall County. The information gathered supports nonprofits like United Way and local leaders as they apply for grants and develop programs to strengthen housing stability throughout the county. 

Individuals may go to the PIT Count locations listed below. Specially trained volunteers will be at each PIT Count location to help in the simple, quick process. 

Mon. January 26

TYNER

Tyner United Methodist Church

4503 French St. (Plymouth)

5-6:30 pm—hot meal included!

Tues. January 27

ARGOS

Argos United Methodist Church

570 N Michigan St.

 9 – 11 am during food pantry hours

CULVER

Grace United Church of Christ

307 N Plymouth St.

10 am – 12 pm during food pantry hours

Wed. January 28

BREMEN

Grace Food Pantry

1237 W Plymouth St

11 am – 5 pm during food pantry hours

BOURBON

Helping Hands Food Pantry

204 N Washington St.

1 – 3:30 pm and 5:30-6:30 pm during food pantry hours

LAPAZ

Mac’s Market

2083 Michigan Road (Plymouth)

1-3 pm

PLYMOUTH

Bread of Life Community Food Pantry

6770 N Michigan St.

1 – 3 pm during food pantry hours

First United Methodist Church

400 N. Michigan St.

5 – 6:30 pm—hot meal included!

La Voz Unida

510 W. Adams Street Ste #270, Plymouth

4:30 – 7 pm

Marshall County Neighborhood Center

402 W, Garro St.

10 am – 12 pm; 5 – 7 pm during food pantry hours

Thurs, January 29

ARGOS

Argos United Methodist Church

570 N Michigan St.

5:30 – 6:30 pm during food pantry hours

Monday, Jan. 26 through Thursday Jan. 29

Monastery of the Holy Martyrs

1000 S Michigan St., Plymouth

1 – 5 pm

If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering to join the Count efforts, please reach out to Barbara Holcomb at barbholcomb51@gmail.com. 

Marshall County EMA upgrades to Travel Watch

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency has upgraded Marshall County to a “Travel Watch” effective immediately.


A Travel Watch is the middle level of local travel restrictions. During a “watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergencies, is recommended. Travel watches are signified with orange on statewide travel status maps. Please note that due to high traffic, the state’s website has been crashing and is slow to update
Marshall County EMA encourages businesses, schools, and other facilities to activate their Emergency Operating Plan and act in the interest of their employees and the public’s safety.
Winter Storm Fern dropped 4-6″ of snow across Marshall County, which, combined with previous snowfall, has led to drifting roads, especially those oriented North/South and in rural areas. The Marshall County Highway Department is reporting that it has been difficult to keep up with drifting in some areas while attempting to plow.
The Travel Watch will remain in place overnight and will be reassessed regularly for a potential return to normal travel status.
In the meantime, EMA encourages all travelers to stay home and only travel for essential purposes. If you do have to drive, please go extra slow and be courteous to those around you.

INDOT, ISP & IDHS prepare for winter storm, widespread travel impacts expected

INDIANA – The Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security urge

Hoosiers to prepare for a significant winter weather event this weekend.
A winter storm will have statewide impacts Saturday, January 24 through Sunday, January 25. Heavy snowfall is expected, especially for the southern half of the state. Lake effect is expected to follow in Northwest Indiana, continuing into Monday. Extremely cold temperatures and negative wind chills are forecasted Friday, January 23 through Tuesday, January 27.
The greatest impacts to travel will be Saturday evening through Sunday morning, but impacts are expected to be ongoing due to frigid temperatures and the possibility of blowing, drifting snow.
INDOT will have all available plows and drivers out on our state-maintained roads (state highways, interstates and U.S. routes). Preparations are being made now to ensure trucks, equipment and personnel are ready. Over 940 plow trucks and over 1,600 plow operators will be deployed over the weekend, with additional winter operations personnel providing support. Crews will remain active for the duration of the event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.
It takes an average of two-to-three hours for crews to complete a full snow route. During heavy snowfall rates, roadways will become snow-covered between plow passes. Extreme temperatures will hinder the effectiveness of salt so plowing will be INDOT’s main course of action during this winter event. Drivers will treat as conditions allow, and additives may be used to increase the effectiveness of salt. These temperatures will also have an effect on plow fuel systems, requiring the use of fuel additives to prevent freezing.
Motorists are encouraged to keep these tips in mind over the course of this winter event:
Avoid travel during and immediately after winter weather if possible
Share travel plans with others, including route and estimated time of arrival
Have an emergency car kit that includes, at a minimum, water, snacks, blankets, extra clothing, phone charger, a small shovel and a flashlight
Clear snow from all over the vehicle, not just the windows
Consider using fuel treatments to prevent fuel lines from freezing due to extreme temperatures
Utilize main routes where help may be more readily available if needed
Be alert for flashing lights and always give snow plows, first responders and tow companies extra space to work
Drive to the conditions: leave early, slow down, and increase following and stopping distances
Do not overestimate your driving skills or the capability of your vehicle to handle the snow
When in doubt, stay off the road
Resources during winter weather:
National Weather Service Weather Briefing: https://www.weather.gov/ind/INwxbrief
Real-time road conditions via INDOT road and snow plow cameras: https://511in.org/ or the free “INDOT TrafficWise” mobile app: https://www.in.gov/indot/contact-indot/indot-mobile-app/
Updates via INDOT Social Media Channels: https://www.in.gov/indot/media-room/connect-with-social-media/
IDHS Travel Advisory Map: https://www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/

Plymouth student recognized with IASP Reel Impact Award


PLYMOUTH — Plymouth Community School Corporation is proud to recognize Jaxon Frick for receiving the IASP Reel Impact

Award, an honor presented by the Indiana Association of School Principals to students whose video work makes a meaningful impact by telling the story of their school community.
Jaxon’s award-winning reel highlights the everyday moments that make Plymouth Community School Corporation special. Through thoughtful storytelling and creative visuals, his work showcases students, staff, and school events in a way that connects audiences and reflects the positive culture across PCSC schools.
The Reel Impact Award recognizes student creators who use digital media to strengthen school communication and celebrate education. Jaxon’s reel stood out for its creativity, professionalism, and ability to capture authentic moments that resonate with viewers.
“Jaxon’s work demonstrates the power of student voice and creativity,” said PCSC representatives. “His reel not only tells our story but does so in a way that reflects pride in our schools and community.”
Jaxon’s Reel Impact Award feature can be viewed through the Indiana Association of School Principals’ Reel Impact Spotlight. To watch his reel, visit: https://youtube.com/shorts/UZm7lZzWL0I

Battery arrest made


​PLYMOUTH — On Jan. 20,​ at approximately 8:30 PM, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a residence

in the 6,​000 block of State Road 17 in reference to a domestic disturbance. Dispatch had received a 911 call from a juvenile inside the residence that stated his dad was on top of his mom, choking her.
Upon deputies’ arrival,​ the man,​ later identified as 31-year-old Joshua Hostetler,​ attempted to batter deputies with a deadly weapon.
Hostetler proceeded to resist law enforcement and was ultimately taken into custody. Upon the deputies’ investigation,​ Hostetler was transported to Plymouth Hospital for jail clearance. Upon obtaining jail clearance,​ Hostetler was transported to the Marshall County Jail. He was booked for battery with a deadly weapon (attempted),​ criminal reckless with a deadly weapon,​ domestic battery in the presence of a child less than 16 years old,​ strangulation,​ and resisting law enforcement.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Plymouth Police Department and Plymouth Fire/EMS.

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

City of Plymouth to hold Monday meetings

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety and Common Council will hold their regular monthly meetings

on Monday, beginning with the Board of Works at 6 p.m. and the Common Council to immediately follow.
On the agenda for the Board of Works are opening quotes for a truck, a dump truck, and three police squad cars.
The Common Council will hear second and third readings on ordinances to amend the commercial revitalization program and establish non-emergency response fees.
Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the City Building in Plymouth. 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.
Both meetings will be streamed on YouTube @CityofPlymouth.

Culver Town Council to meet on Thursday

CULVER — Culver’s Town Council will meet on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. in the Culver Town Hall at 200

East Washington St. in Culver.
On the agenda are utility and ordinance violation appeals, reports from various commissions, and a discussion of Winterfest.
The meeting will be available to view on YouTube @townofculver6770

Redevelopment takes a step to consider a contract

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Redevelopment Commission took the first step in a long process of

considering a contract with R2 to do an energy efficiency study for the Plymouth Aquatic Center.
Plymouth City Attorney Jeff Houin explained the long process involved.

Houin recommended the board vote for the resolution to keep the option open to consider the contract at a later date. The amount would be just over $16,000.

Methamphetamine arrest

PLYMOUTH — On Jan. 18,​ at 2:30 a.m. K-9 Officer Diesel,​ the Marshall County Drug Task


Force,​ and officers with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and Plymouth Police Department conducted an investigation and executed a search warrant at the Economy Inn in Plymouth.
Upon conclusion of the investigation,​ 24-year-old Anna Clemons and 33-year-old Brent Hessler were taken into custody. During the investigation, suspected methamphetamine,​ hypodermic syringes,​ and drug paraphernalia were located.
Hessler was found to have an active warrant for his arrest for a parole violation from the original charge of dealing methamphetamine. He and Clemons were transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Clemons was booked for possession of methamphetamine,​ unlawful possession of a hypodermic syringe

or needle,​ maintaining a common nuisance,​ and possession of paraphernalia. Hessler was booked for possession of methamphetamine,​ unlawful possession of a hypodermic syringe or needle,​ maintaining a common nuisance,​ possession of paraphernalia,​ and his active warrant.

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

Klotz to host “economic” meeting

PLYMOUTH — President of the Commissioners, Stan Klotz, told his fellow board members he had

arranged a meeting with state officials, MACOG (Michiana Area Council of Governments) officials, and representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the town of Argos to discuss “economic development” in the town, specifically the impact of road infrastructure.

Klotz said the meeting was merely informational, but will be advertised as a meeting to allow the other Commissioners to attend.
Tentative meeting date is Jan. 30 at 10 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of the Marshall County Building on Jefferson St.

Sheriff’s scholarship available

PLYMOUTH — Marshall County Sheriff Matthew Hassel announced today that the Indiana Sheriff’s

Association will again award college scholarships to qualified high school seniors or college students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies. There will be approximately forty (40) $1000.00 scholarships awarded to qualifying students throughout the state.
The Indiana Sheriff’s Association Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of receiving, investing, and dispensing funds to provide college scholarships to qualified students who are committed to pursuing an education and career in the law enforcement field.
To qualify for one of these scholarships, the applicant must be an Indiana resident, be a current member of the association or a dependent child or grandchild, attend an Indiana college or university, major in a law enforcement field, and enroll as a full-time student (12 hours).
Applications for the scholarships are available from your high school counselor, the sheriff’s office at 1400 Pioneer, Plymouth. The scholarship application can also be downloaded from the Indiana Sheriff’s Association website: https://indianasheriffd.org/programs/scholarship-program/ The applications must be completed and received by the Indiana Sheriff’s Association on or before April 1.

Traffic stop leads to possession arrest

PLYMOUTH — On Jan. 18 at 5:16 p.m., Officers with the Plymouth Police Department conducted a traffic

stop on a vehicle whose registration the registered owner had shown was suspended.
The registered owner was identified as James Jackson IV, 33, of South Bend. Plymouth Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, and it pulled into Kroger’s Gas Station Parking lot. Jackson was driving and knew his license was suspended, and told the officer he had to return to court in Saint Joseph County in a month for driving while suspended.
Jackson was placed into handcuffs, and when the officer was doing a pat down, he located a black package with Marijuana inside, along with 2 THC vapes. When officers conducted a vehicle search, they located 3 other packages with green leafy substance inside and another THC vape.
Jackson was then transported to Marshall County Jail, where he was booked in for driving while suspended prior and possession of marijuana. James was given a court date and bond.

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