PLYMOUTH — Captain Snyder with the Marshall County Police, in collaboration with the United States Marshals Service, conducted a Sex and Violent Offender compliance operation throughout Marshall County from Monday, August 31st through Wednesday, September 2nd.

Those on the Sex and Violent Offender registry are required to report information including their primary residence, employment, vehicles, telephone numbers, and social media accounts being used. Any change of information must be reported in person to the managing agency within 72 hours of making a change.
The primary objective of the operation was to ensure that all offenders currently registered as residing in Marshall County were checked for accuracy in their reporting details.

Officers with various police agencies checked the registered physical residences and employment locations of 74 active registered offenders in Marshall County. The enforcement of violations resulted in the arrests of four individuals:

Randy Tener, age 61, of Bremen — arrested by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department for failure to register as a sex offender.
Kenneth Mattern, age 52, of Plymouth — arrested by the Plymouth Police Department for failure to register as a sex offender.
Robert Rumback, age 36, of Plymouth — arrested by Parole officers for parole violations.
Tyler Southwell, age 33, of Plymouth — arrested by Parole officers for parole violations.
Criminal cases were drawn for violations on an additional five registered offenders, with the information forwarded to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office for review pending criminal charges. The offenses included:
Failure to register as a sex offender and failure of a sex offender to possess identification, investigated by the Plymouth Police.
Two additional investigations for failure to register as a sex offender, investigated by the Marshall County Police.
One for possession of marijuana, investigated by the Indiana State Police.

PLYMOUTH — On Friday, September 4, Det. Sgt. Jonathan Bryant with the Marshall County Police Department conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Pioneer Drive and U.S. 30.

During the stop, Marshall County Police K9 Bear was utilized. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in locating suspected methamphetamine. Officers also located items that had been stolen the previous day in Walkerton.

Dakota Elder, 30, was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail. He was booked in on a charge of Possession of Methamphetamine as a level 5 felony and held on a $5,000 cash bond.

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

PLYMOUTH — On Saturday, September 5, at approximately 7:32 p.m., Marshall County Central Dispatch was advised of a man

at the Plymouth Speedway with a head injury. Marshall County Officers and Plymouth EMS responded to the scene.
As police arrived, a fight broke out. A man, later identified as Toby Dillian Watson of Ft. Wayne, was pointed out by staff as the one who started the fight. Officers attempted to stop Watson when he took off on foot. Officers apprehended him shortly after and found him to be in possession of a firearm.
Watson was booked into the Marshall County Jail on two level 5 felonies for felon in possession of a firearm and resisting law enforcement causing injury, along with a level 6 felony charge of obstruction of justice.

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

PLYMOUTH — A 24-year-old Michigan man faces drunk driving charges after deputies responded to a report of a possibly

impaired driver on US 30 Friday afternoon.
According to a news release from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, dispatch received a report at approximately 4:29 p.m. on Friday, August 4, of a possibly impaired or reckless driver traveling westbound on US 30 from SR 331. Marshall County officers responded to the area, and a deputy initiated a traffic stop on the suspected vehicle for a moving violation.
During the investigation, deputies discovered the driver, Tanner C. Imus, 24, of Michigan, was exhibiting signs of alcohol intoxication. Imus was transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Imus was arrested and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle with a BAC of .15% or More and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated — Endangering.

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

ARGOS — The Town of Argos is inviting the community to come together this Friday, September 11, for its annual 9/11

Remembrance Walk and Ceremony, an event honoring the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the lasting impact of September 11.
The event will begin at Argos Community Schools, where participants will gather at 5:30 p.m. before walking together to Nickle Plate Square at 5:45 p.m. A remembrance ceremony will follow at 6:00 p.m.
This year, the Remembrance Walk & Ceremony will be held alongside TGIF Argos, with festivities following the ceremony.

PLYMOUTH — On the afternoon of Aug. 27, 2026, a Plymouth Patrolman was parked behind a vehicle in an alleyway and

blocking traffic. Patrolman Thornton proceeded to watch a man and woman get into an altercation, and the vehicle pulled away into the roadway, with another person hanging on to the moving vehicle.
The officer stopped the vehicle and detained Fernando Baca Villagomez, 37, of Plymouth. During the investigation, injuries were located on the other party. Villagomez was placed in custody, transported to the Marshall County Jail, and charged with Domestic Battery.

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

CULVER — The Town of Culver has contracted with HydroCorp to replace the water meters throughout town.

If you receive a Culver utility bill, you should have received an email from HydroSoft requesting that you schedule an appointment for your water meter replacement. To schedule your appointment, please visit www.watermeterinstall.com and use the unique code provided in the email.
If you need assistance scheduling your appointment, please contact HydroCorp’s Customer Care Team at 800-315-4305.

Marshall County community breaks ground on first phase of new greenway trail and first large-scale housing development in more than 20 years

BREMEN — The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the South Bend–Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA), the Town of Bremen, and other local and regional leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of the first phase of the Bremen GROWTH Project, a transformational, multi-site project to expand housing opportunities in Bremen.
The Bremen GROWTH Project — Greenway, Recreation, Opportunities for Wage Growth & Transformational Housing — is supported by $3.737 million in READI 2.0 funding awarded through the IEDC and the South Bend–Elkhart Region’s RDA. The project brings together investments in housing, recreation, and connectivity.
At the center of the project is a planned three-mile greenway trail connecting parks, Bremen Public Schools, and future development sites, along with new housing and recreational opportunities. The broader project is expected to catalyze significant private investment and create new housing options to help Bremen attract and retain the workforce needed by local businesses.
Total investment associated with the project is expected to exceed $40 million.
“This groundbreaking represents more than the beginning of a multi-phased construction project. It represents a commitment to Bremen’s future — to creating places where people can live, connect, work and build their lives,” said Mike Leman, Bremen Town Council President.
The housing component represents a significant milestone for Bremen. The project will launch the Town’s first new large-scale housing development effort in more than 20 years and is expected to add a substantial number of new housing units to the community.
The project is also receiving support through the Indiana Finance Authority’s Residential Infrastructure Fund (RIF), a low-interest loan program designed to help Indiana communities finance infrastructure that supports residential housing development. The IFA lists a $6.0 million RIF award for the Bremen GROWTH Project.
“A special thanks needs to be given to Governor Braun, State Senator Ryan Mishler and State Representative Jack Jordan for their support of these programs in the state budget that allowed Bremen to drive this important project,” said John DeSalle, a member of the Regional Development Authority Board and former CEO/President of Hoosier Racing Tire. “These are the types of investments needed to attract the workforce we need in this region to sustain our businesses and communities.”
The greenway will provide an important connection between Bremen Public Schools, existing parks and other community amenities while also helping open new areas for future development. The broader Bremen GROWTH initiative was designed to link housing and quality-of-life investments with the community’s long-term economic development goals.
“Bremen is growing, and we need to make sure there are enough homes for the workers and families who want to be part of that growth,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “This project will bring the community its first major housing development in more than 20 years while creating connections to schools, parks and other amenities that make people want to put down roots. READI projects like these are a great example of how we grow our workforce, strengthen our communities, and build an economy that lasts.”
For Bremen, the groundbreaking marks the beginning of a project years in the making and the next step in a long-term vision for the community.
As construction and development move forward, project partners will continue advancing the individual components of the Bremen GROWTH initiative, creating new opportunities for housing, recreation, connectivity, and economic growth.

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth School Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 5:30 pm for the 2027

Budget Hearing. The September monthly meeting, which includes a public hearing for collective bargaining, will be held immediately following the Budget Hearing.
Both meetings will be streamed on YouTube @pcscschoolboard7192.

TIPPECANOE — On Sunday,​ Aug. 30,​ 2026,​ at 9:50 am,​ Marshall County Dispatch broadcast a report of a domestic battery in

progress at the residence on Dewberry Rd,​ Tippecanoe.
The initial reporter told Dispatch that her husband shoved her through a doorway. Marshall County Officers and Bourbon Police Officers responded.
During the investigation, it was discovered that a battery had occurred. Odell Kiesow, 56, was transported to the Marshall County Jail for domestic battery in the presence of a minor.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 12.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.38/g today, according to

GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 25.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 12.3 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 1.4 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.570 per gallon.
Lowest reported prices in communities around the area:
Pulaski County
Winamac — $3.69
Francesville — $3.69
Medaryville — $3.69
Starke County
Knox — $3.69
North Judson — $3.69
Hamlet — $3.43
Grovertown — $3.49
LaPorte County
LaCrosse — $3.49
LaPorte — $3.17
Michigan City — $3.29
Wanatah — $3.45
Rolling Prairie — $3.59
Westville — $3.34
New Carlisle — $3.79
Walkerton — $3.29
Marshall County
Argos — $3.59
Bourbon — $3.29
Bremen — $3.24
Culver — $3.69
LaPaz — $3.39
Plymouth — $3.26
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.89/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.19/g, a difference of $1.30/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.01/g today.
“Average gasoline prices fell in slightly more than half of states over the last week while diesel declined in roughly half, as oil prices moved lower and offered some modest relief at the pump,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Over the weekend, the Trump administration struck a major deal with Venezuela, a signal that the White House remains concerned about elevated fuel prices — though in reality, any benefits from increased Venezuelan output will take years to fully materialize and are unlikely to move the needle in the near term. The factors with the most immediate impact on where prices go from here remain the ongoing developments between the U.S. and Iran and continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, both of which continue to exert outsized influence on global fuel markets. Motorists should expect continued volatility in the weeks ahead.”
GasBuddy is North America’s trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers fuel up for less for over 25 years.

PLYMOUTH — On the morning of Aug. 28, 2026, at 8 am, Plymouth Police and Plymouth EMS were dispatched to W Jefferson St. in response to a battery that had allegedly taken place.

The victim was located and taken to the hospital for evaluation. An investigation took place, and the suspect was identified as Steven Bishop, 30, of Plymouth. Officers made attempts to make contact with Bishop, but were unsuccessful. At 12:10 pm, Bishop turned himself in at the Plymouth Police Department. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he was booked for a preliminary charge of Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury.

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

HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT

WHAT…Heat index values 100 to 104 expected. Overnight heat
  indices in the middle 70s.
* WHERE…Portions of northern Indiana and northwest Ohio.
* WHEN…From 2 PM EDT /1 PM CDT/ Tuesday to 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
  Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
  illnesses.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A period of dangerous heat and humidity is in
  store through at least Wednesday evening, with minimal relief
  Tuesday night. Chances for showers and thunderstorms should remain
  north of the advisory area.

Instructions:

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

For generations, a promotion has been treated as the obvious next step: a better title, more money, more authority, and a sign that an employee is moving forward.

But new research suggests many workers are now questioning whether the next rung on the career ladder is really worth it – especially if it comes with the red flags of an AI-era workplace.
A snapshot poll of 500 employees by Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development firm, found that 39% of Indiana employees would reject what could be described as a “toxic promotion”: a role that came with increased AI-driven performance tracking, more productivity monitoring, responsibility for checking or correcting AI-generated work, or pressure to deliver more output using AI without additional support.
The finding builds on Careerminds’ earlier research into “promotion pushback,” which found that among Indiana employees who had been offered a promotion in the past year, nearly 1 in 3 had turned it down. This equates to 52,569 people.
Together, the findings suggest that workers are not simply becoming less ambitious. Instead, many appear to be making a more practical calculation about what promotion now means in the modern workplace. The issue is no longer just whether a new role comes with more stress, longer hours, or people management responsibilities.
Increasingly, employees may also be asking whether advancement means becoming more monitored, more exposed, and more accountable for AI-driven systems they do not fully control.
Before AI, moving up usually meant more responsibility, more visibility, and more pressure. But in today’s workplace, a promotion may also bring productivity dashboards, AI performance scoring, automated monitoring, responsibility for reviewing AI-generated work, and expectations to use AI to increase output without extra resources.
That could make some promotions feel less like recognition and more like risk.
The original research, based on a survey of 3,017 employees, found that promotion reluctance is already widespread.
The reasons employees gave for rejecting, or considering rejecting, a promotion were largely practical. Nearly one in four said they were happy with their current work-life balance and did not want to disrupt it. Others said the pay increase would not justify the extra responsibility; they did not want more stress, longer hours, or to manage other people.
But the new toxic promotion finding suggests AI may now be adding another layer of concern. For employers, the message is clear: promotion is no longer automatically viewed as a reward. If a new role comes with vague expectations, heavier monitoring, responsibility for AI outputs, or pressure to do more with less, employees may decide the title and salary bump are not enough.

Study results

“Promotions have traditionally been viewed as an automatic win for employees, but these findings suggest many workers are taking a much closer look at what that next step actually means for their day-to-day quality of life,” says Amanda Augustine, a Certified Professional Career Coach and resident career expert for Careerminds.

“A better title alone may not feel worth it if the role also comes with longer hours, higher stress levels, increased monitoring, or a poorer work-life balance.

“For employers, this is an important signal. When employees turn down advancement opportunities, it doesn’t necessarily mean they lack ambition. In many cases, it means the role being offered doesn’t feel sustainable, clearly defined, or fairly compensated for the level of responsibility involved.

“As AI becomes more embedded in the workplace, employers also need to think carefully about how new responsibilities are being framed. If promotion starts to mean more monitoring, more accountability for AI-generated work, or greater pressure to justify output, some employees may see advancement as a liability rather than an opportunity.”

INDIANAPOLIS – More than five decades after returning home from Vietnam, the legendary “Indiana Rangers” received two of

the highest honors bestowed for military service and service to the state of Indiana.
Company D (Ranger), 151st Infantry Regiment of the Indiana Army National Guard – widely revered as the “Indiana Rangers”— were formally awarded the Presidential Unit Citation at the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) conference. The prestigious award recognizes the unit’s extraordinary heroism, combat service, and immense sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Governor Mike Braun also honored the Indiana Rangers with a group Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest honors, recognizing the unit’s extraordinary service, courage, and enduring legacy to the state.
“For more than 50 years, the Indiana Rangers have carried with them a legacy of courage, sacrifice and service that every Hoosier should be proud of,” said Gov. Braun. “These men answered our nation’s call, fought with extraordinary bravery in Vietnam and came home as one of the most decorated units of the war. Today, we are making sure their service receives the recognition it deserves. It is my honor to award the Indiana Rangers the Sagamore of the Wabash as they receive the Presidential Unit Citation they earned more than half a century ago.”
The recognition arrives more than 50 years after the Indiana Rangers returned home in 1969. The unit holds the unique historic distinction of being the only Army National Guard ground maneuver unit to serve in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. It subsequently became one of the most decorated units of the conflict, earning hundreds of individual awards for valor and service.
“Today is an extraordinary and historic day for the Indiana National Guard. After more than five decades, we have the privilege of presenting our Indiana Rangers with the Presidential Unit Citation they earned for their service in Vietnam,” said Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Indiana’s Adjutant General. “This is more than an award – it is a long-overdue recognition of courage and dedication to these Hoosier Soldiers. It is an honor to stand alongside them and their families as we ensure their legacy is remembered.”
“The extraordinary heroism of the Indiana Rangers is a testament to the enduring legacy of our National Guard,” Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, said. “Through the grueling jungles of Southeast Asia, these elite warfighters answered the Nation’s call, demonstrating the highest standards of courage, grit, and lethality. They proved what it means to be ‘Always Ready, Always There.’ We are proud to honor their historic achievements with the Presidential Unit Citation today-their valor remains an inspiration for the entire Joint Force as we stand Stronger Together, Stronger Tomorrow.”
The Sagamore of the Wabash is the highest honor the Governor can bestow on Hoosiers who have displayed extraordinary leadership, service, and excellence for the state of Indiana. The Indiana Rangers were granted the Sagamore in addition to the Presidential Unit Citation, which is the highest military decoration awarded to a unit for extraordinary heroism in combat against an armed enemy. For the Indiana Rangers, the citation recognizes the collective courage, teamwork, and sacrifice of the entire company, extending beyond their numerous individual acts of valor.
Deployed to Vietnam in December 1968, Company D conducted hundreds of dangerous long-range reconnaissance missions. The unit frequently operated deep within enemy-controlled territory under the most grueling conditions before returning to Indiana in November 1969. For decades, surviving members of the unit have tirelessly advocated for appropriate recognition for the company as a whole.
Today’s presentation included remarks from Governor Mike Braun, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Steve Nordhaus, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Christopher LeNeve, Indiana’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, and U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz.

CULVER — In April of 2025, the Culver Police Department began investigating a possible invasion of privacy after receiving

reports of alleged communication between an adult woman and a juvenile man. A witness reported ongoing electronic messaging contact between Shannan Hoffmann, 38, and a 15-year-old minor, despite a valid protective order prohibiting communication between them.
An initial investigation took place, and evidence was gathered to support the allegations of ongoing electronic messaging communications, some inappropriate, including messages being sexual in nature and nude photographs. A follow-up interview was conducted with the minor and his parents, with a subsequent forensic interview being conducted.
Search warrants were sought for the minor’s electronic device and involved social media accounts for both, which were later analyzed with the assistance of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.
Hoffmann was later interviewed regarding her alleged involvement, and a search warrant was obtained for her electronic device, which was later examined with the assistance of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation included interview statements and examination of data from the search warrants, and a probable cause affidavit was filed with the Marshall Superior Court, resulting in an arrest warrant for Hoffman on charges of child exploitation, child solicitation, possession of child pornography, dissemination of matter harmful to a minor, and invasion of privacy.
Hoffman, who now resides in Winamac, was arrested on Aug. 23, 2026, at 4:15 p.m. when she was located in a vehicle in the area of SR 10 and SR 17 in Culver. She was taken to the Marshall County Jail.

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

ARGOS — On Sunday, Aug. 23,​ ​the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a moving

violation in the area of US31 and 16th Road.
Upon further investigation,​ both individuals were in possession of Marijuana. The driver, Warren Highbaugh Jr., 32, was arrested and booked in the Marshall County Jail for driving while suspended prior and possession of Marijuana.
The passenger,​ Jontae Williams, 25, was arrested and booked for possession of Marijuana.

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