Indiana private colleges join forces to offer a 30-credit block in high school that automatically transfers to any participating institution

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana high school students will have an additional opportunity to earn a tangible credential of value before graduation. The new Professional Pathway credential – announced Tuesday by leaders from the Independent Colleges of Indiana and Indiana Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner – expands early college opportunities and provides students with additional options to complete their first year of college while still in high school.
“This announcement adds to our state’s growing list of partners who want to ensure Hoosier students have a more seamless path to their future, whether that includes continuing their education, going straight into the workforce, or serving in our Nation’s military,” said Dr. Jenner. “As we seek to maximize the four years of high school, this is yet another option for students to earn guaranteed currency before ever leaving high school and get a jumpstart on their future.”
Similar to the Indiana College Core, through the new Professional Pathway credential, students can complete a minimum of 30 credits of specified general education courses, with all credits fully transferable as a “block” among the six participating private institutions.
The credits are specifically designed to support students in building essential knowledge and skills, ranging from communication and civic literacy skills that will benefit students regardless of their chosen career, to specific technical and industry skills. Completing this credential of value also puts students one step closer to earning the new Enrollment Honors Plus and the Employment Honors Plus diploma seals.
“Indiana’s commitment to diverse and rigorous educational pathways reflects a shared conviction that education is key to our collective future,” said Taylor University President Michael Lindsay. “The Professional Pathway credential ensures that students who desire faith-based options are well served while meeting the highest academic standards. It’s a wonderful example of preparing young people for meaningful futures in college, in career, and in life.”
The Professional Pathway credential was created in partnership with six Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) institutions, including Anderson University, Bethel University, Grace College, Huntington University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Taylor University. Indiana high schools can partner with any of the six institutions to offer the credential, which will then seamlessly transfer to all. It is anticipated that this credential will be primarily offered through Indiana’s faith-based high schools as they expand their existing partnerships with faith-based higher education institutions, thus increasing access to the new honors plus seals, regardless of where a student attends school.
“As the instructional leader of Heritage Christian School, it is my responsibility to make sure that our students never sacrifice academic excellence in order to receive a first-class, college-preparatory, Christian education,” said Head of Heritage Christian School Dr. Brian Dougherty. “This new credential allows me to fulfill my promise to my families. In the end, this pathway with faith-based colleges allows our students to receive an education at the highest level within a biblical worldview framework, which is foundational to a Christian education.”
If a student completes any portion of the 30 credits, all six institutions will also accept the individual course credits as equivalencies or elective credit, to be determined on a course-by-course basis. AP credits earned in courses equivalent to the courses making up the credential can also be counted in the 30-credit block, with a maximum of 15 credits from AP.
A list of courses that are part of the new credential can be found at https://www.taylor.edu/academics/programs/online/professional-pathway-credential.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced today the sentencing of 19-year-old Jacob Kats, of Tippecanoe, Indiana.

In March of 2023, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department responded to a child abuse complaint of an infant with suspicious injuries. Upon further investigation by Riley Children’s Hospital and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, the infant’s injuries were determined to be purposefully inflicted by the infant’s father, Jacob Kats.
On October 3, 2025, Kats pled guilty to Level 3 Aggravated Battery and was sentenced by Judge Matthew Sarber of Marshall County Superior Court 3 in an argued sentencing. Kats was ultimately sentenced to 15 total years in prison, 13 years to be executed in the Indiana Department of Corrections, and two (2) years to be served on probation.
The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Jonathan Bryant of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and successfully prosecuted by Deputy Prosecutor Elizabeth Boehm of the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.

INDIANAPOLIS — Reserved draw hunt applications are open for gamebird, squirrel, rabbit, deer, and waterfowl hunting opportunities. Hunters may apply for select hunts on DNR public and private lands through Wednesday, Oct. 29.

A $1 tech fee is charged for each hunt application. Before applying, make sure you possess a hunting license that is valid for the type of hunt you’re applying for.
Reserved hunts provide hunting opportunities on professionally managed lands dedicated to wildlife conservation. From wetlands teeming with waterfowl to warm-season grass fields alive with gamebirds, these hunts provide top-notch experiences. Don’t miss your chance to secure a reserved draw hunt by applying online today.

PLYMOUTH — The battle continues between the Marshall County Sewer District Board and the Marshall County Council and Commissioners, with the Council responding to last week’s meeting by the Sewer Board.

While litigation continues to remove Sewer Board member Thomas McFadden, the Council and Commissioners also recently asked the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to dissolve the District entirely.
Last week, the Sewer Board held a meeting to discuss a letter from IDEM requesting their side of the issue, and changed the venue from the normal meeting room at the Marshall County Building to the city of Plymouth Council Chambers, drawing a reaction from Marshall County Council President Tim Harmon.

Harmon also stated that a main argument of the Council regarding the dissolution was that the District did not reveal the actual cost per user and would not have received a favorable funding vote if it had.

Council member Nicole Cox told the Council that the Commissioners were currently working on a rebuttal letter to the Sewer District IDEM response.

PLYMOUTH — American Container passed the first step in receiving a personal property tax abatement from the City of Plymouth.

Speaking before the Common Council on behalf of the company, Marshall County Economic Development Corporation CEO Greg Hildebrand requested that the real estate where the equipment will be located be deemed an “Economic Revitalization Area,” clearing the way for a vote of the Council on the actual abatement.
American Container is planning on bringing in operational equipment worth $5.8 million and anticipates that the move could also increase the workforce by two employees. The company currently employs 73 people.

CULVER — We are excited to see you there and enjoy the family fun and entertainment on Main Street. Check out the schedule below!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
3PM – 5PM: GAME-ON – Come enjoy Switch games, Virtual Reality, and Classic Board Games! (Ages 12-17) at the Culver Union Township Public Library (107 N Main St.)

5PM – 8PM: Friday night dinner served at the VFW (108 E Washington St.)

6PM – 9PM Resin Glass Butterfly Class at Art Awakened (109 S main St.) PURCHASE TICKETS at https://artawakened.com/art-awakened-events

9PM: The Lakehouse Grille offers scary-good drink specials and SCARE-E-OKE! (620 E Lake Shore Dr.)

Need a place to stay at the end of the night? Book your Culver stay at https://www.airbnb.com/s/Culver–Indiana–United-States/homes?tab_id=home_tab&refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&monthly_start_date=2024-10-01&monthly_length=3&monthly_end_date=2025-01-01&price_filter_input_type=0&channel=EXPLORE&query=Culver%2C%20IN&place_id=ChIJozdUta3iE4gRmD-93ENkYgo&location_bb=QiTnt8Ks0eRCJNBywqzd%2Fw%3D%3D&date_picker_type=calendar&checkin=2024-10-25&checkout=2024-10-27&source=structured_search_input_header&search_type=autocomplete_click

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
8AM – 10AM: Lions Club Breakfast at the Depot Building (615 E Lake Shore Dr.)

Between the Culver Town Park and Main Street, use the interactive walking path to find your way to the park, and learn a bit about Culver’s history.

Scan the QR code on signage along the walking path to access Culver’s Walking Tours or go to https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/36e36c8fd9da455999ea37bc41216d2f to access.

8:30AM: 1 Mile Run/Walk – starting and ending at the Culver & Union Township Public Library (107 N Main St.). No registration required! Maps will be provided at the start of the run/walk.

9AM: Yoga in Downstairs Library (107 N Main St.) Free Yoga is Sponsored by Civvies & Culver Pediatrics

9:30AM: PET PARADE LINEUP BEHIND LIBRARY (in parking lot)

10AM: Food, non-profit, commercial and art vendors open

10AM: Pet parade – Dress your pet up in their favorite costume and parade them down Main Street!

10:30AM: PUMPKIN PATCH & PAINTING OPEN at the Culver Union Township Public Library Courtyard

10:30AM: Kids Acrylic Painting! (Walk-In) Choose from Halloween characters (bat, cat, ghost, or pumpkin) and paint your next creation at Art Awakened (109 S Main St.)

11AM: Kids Zone Opens

Featuring a bounce house, face painting, games, Halloween Movie Marathon, s’mores and concessions The Kids Zone is Coordinated by the Culver Elementary PTO

Special thanks to the Culver Chamber of Commerce for the s’mores!

11AM – 1PM: TRUNK OR TREAT – Decorate your car, truck, golf cart, tractor or any vehicle, and hand out candy to our trick-or-treaters. Prizes will be awarded to the best. most creative, trunks! Go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QpyFT5iDwlHDjhpMieQChBLXRdhDv8Ef/view to sign up your trunk!

Presented and sponsored by Culver Fire Auxiliary & Kiwanis Club of Culver

12PM – 10PM: Beer garden opens Hosted By: Studebaker Brewing

12PM: DJ Tim Begins at festival stage, Presented by Absolute Entertainment

1PM: Announce Trunk or Treat winner

1PM – 4PM: Annual Culver Lion’s Halloween Party – Games on South Main St. and Prizes at the Library Presented by The Culver Lion’s Club

1:30PM – 5PM: CHILI COOK-OFF at the VFW (108 E Washington St.) Stop in to taste all the delicious entries, and vote on your favorite chili!

2PM: Cornhole Tournament BEGINS! on Main Street Presented by, and Proceeds to Benefit Culver Community Cheerleading

5PM: Announce Scarecrow Contest Winner on Main Street Stage

Sign up for the Scarecrow Contest at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAgXswQP0Da5eF_zgRYjMVVq73O9y5-iyf52rbCzEiRZUn2Q/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0 or pick up a form from the Culver Union Township Public Library front desk! (Entries are due by October 7th)

5PM – 7PM: Canvas Painting for Adults (Painting: Fall Highland Cow) at Art Awakened By Suzi Q (109 S Main St.) PURCHASE TICKETS at https://artawakened.com/art-awakened-events

6:30PM – 9:30PM: The Time Travelers Performance on Festival Stage (Intersection of Jefferson and Main)

(CLICK https://timetravelersband.com/video/ TO VIEW THE TIME TRAVELERS)

The Time Travelers play a large variety of familiar classic rock songs that all have one thing in common…

…you can DANCE to them!

Family friendly classic rock for ALL occasions!

7PM: Moonlight Paddle beginning and ending at the Beach Lodge (819 E. Lake Shore Dr.)

We will paddle for about one hour, hugging the north shore on the out and back course. When we return to the beach, we will have a fire and s’mores, followed by a legendary Culver story shared by historian Jeff Kenney.

You can reserve a free canoe, along with paddles and jackets. Or, you can bring your own kayak, canoe or paddle board.

Each canoe can accommodate 2-3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. To reserve a canoe or canoes, email Dana Neer at DanaNeer400@gmail.com

10PM: Beer Garden Closes

10PM: Late Night Entertainment: Drink Specials and DJ at the VFW (108 E Washington St.)

Need a place to stay at the end of the night? Book your Culver stay at https://www.airbnb.com/s/Culver–Indiana–United-States/homes?tab_id=home_tab&refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&monthly_start_date=2024-10-01&monthly_length=3&monthly_end_date=2025-01-01&price_filter_input_type=0&channel=EXPLORE&query=Culver%2C%20IN&place_id=ChIJozdUta3iE4gRmD-93ENkYgo&location_bb=QiTnt8Ks0eRCJNBywqzd%2Fw%3D%3D&date_picker_type=calendar&checkin=2024-10-25&checkout=2024-10-27&source=structured_search_input_header&search_type=autocomplete_click

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26TH
9AM: Heartfire Church Service on the Festival Stage (Intersection of Jefferson and Main)

1PM – 4PM Clay Dish Class at Art Awakened (109 S Main St.) PURCHASE TICKETS at https://artawakened.com/art-awakened-events

All Weekend:

Shopping and dining open on Main Street: Civvies, The Culver Heron, The Garden by Elizabeth, Art Awakened, The Rolling Scone, Lucrezia Trattoria (opens at 4PM), & Cafe Max

CRAFTERNOON Activities & Shop Specials at 3 Bird Layne (120 Main St.)

Free T-Shirt to the first 50 Customers with purchases over $100! Plus 25% off Oakley’s, 20% off ALL summer clothing & tubes, 15% off surfboards at SurfBro (107 S Main St.)

PLYMOUTH — During last week’s meeting of the Plymouth Plan Commission, a request for an exemption to sidewalk requirements by Crossroads Church on Oak Drive brought an overall discussion of sidewalks in the area.

The city zoning ordinance has a requirement for sidewalks to be added with any new construction. Crossroads Church is in the process of expansion and has asked for approval for that construction, which includes a waiver and abatement of the sidewalk requirement.
The board had made a similar arrangement with recent projects by Collins Equity Group and Plumlee Dentistry to waive the construction of the sidewalk with a promise to gift the land for such to the city when the project began. That arrangement was recommended to the board for Crossroads as well by the Planning Department.
Plymouth City Attorney Jeff Houin explained to the Commission that the reason for the arrangement was to facilitate a project planned by the City of Plymouth to construct sidewalks from US 30 southward on Oak Dr. to Lake Avenue. He said that the cost of land acquisition is a major expense for such a project, and gave the city more control of the construction. If privately constructed, the company would place the sidewalk on its land rather than in a city right-of-way, which can cause legal issues, and the company would likely construct the minimum required by city ordinance.
Houin said that the Plymouth City Council has placed a high priority on getting the project completed — “second only to a new Firehouse” — and they planned to begin pursuing grants in November, towards a projected price tag of $4 million.
Houin said that having the land donated would save on that expense as well as the expense of demolition on any previously constructed sidewalks that didn’t meet the city standards.
Commission members’ discussion and concerns were based on consistency.
The city made previous arrangements with Beacon Credit Union and the storage facility constructed on Oak Road, that when adjacent properties placed sidewalks, they would be required to at their own expense.
President of the Commission Doug Feece also brought up a past situation in downtown Plymouth where the city had built sidewalks for a developer and then refused to do so at a later time for another developer. Feece said that his concern was that the enforcement and application of the requirement “has not been consistent”.
In the end, the Plan Commission voted 7-2 in favor of the church’s request.

On Oct. 8, at 8:56 p.m., Marshall County Deputies tried to stop a motorcycle without a license plate. The driver then fled from the police and was taken into custody a short time later.

While talking with the driver, John David Hall, 37, he informed Deputies that he had a license status of Habitual Traffic Violator.

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

Average gasoline prices in Indiana have fallen 15.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.83/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,271 stations in Indiana. Prices in Indiana are 31.7 cents per

gallon lower than a month ago and stand 39.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 3.5 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.628 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Indiana was priced at $2.34/g yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.89/g, a difference of $1.55/g.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 6.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.02/g today.
“Americans appear to be on the cusp of seeing the national average drop below $3 per gallon for the first time in years, as prices have fallen across the vast majority of the country,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With well over 40 states seeing gas prices decline and oil plunging below $60 per barrel to end the week, the good news may not end if — and when — the national average hits that magical $2.99 mark. We could even see a handful of stations in places like Oklahoma, Texas, or even Wisconsin drop below $2 per gallon in the weeks ahead — something not seen since the pandemic. In addition, with wages up and gas prices down, Americans are spending the smallest share of their paycheck on gasoline in many years.”
GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps, and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

CULVER — The week of October 20, the town of Culver will be conducting Hydrant Flushing.

This is a routine maintenance item to flush sediment from the water lines and allow for better water flow.
During the process, while discolored, the water is safe for consumption, but you probably don’t want to wash your whites. If your water is discolored, let the faucet run for a few minutes until the water is clear.

PLYMOUTH — On Oct. 8 at 10:35 p.m., Plymouth Police were dispatched to the Arby’s on N Oak Dr. for a report of an intoxicated driver in the drive-through lane.

The driver of the vehicle, Daniel K. Colburn, 30, of Plymouth, was found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated.
Colburn was arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail. While being transported to jail, Colburn had slipped his handcuffs to the front of his body. On arrival at the jail, Colburn kicked the patrol vehicle door open when being taken out of the vehicle, causing it to hit an Officer.
Colburn is charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated as well as Battery against a Public Safety Official.

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

LaPAZ — On October 8 at 10:53 p.m.,​ Marshall County Deputies ​were called to 12435 Thumper Trail in LaPaz ​for an unwanted guest.

During the course of the investigation,​ a female identified as Chasity Morgan, 45, was found to have a warrant out of Fulton County for Failure to appear.
When taken to the Marshall County Jail,​ prescription pills were located in her belongings, and she stated she had no prescription for them. She was then charged with possession of a controlled substance.

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

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Republicans are seeking student interns for the 2026 legislative session, according to State RepJack Jordan (R-Bremen).

These paid, full-time internships are open to college students, recent graduates, and students in graduate and law school. Culp said the internship is an opportunity to gain practical knowledge of state government through active participation in the legislative process.
Jordan said interns will work in the Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis full-time time Monday through Friday, during the legislative session, which starts in January and concludes in March.
“Interning at the Statehouse gives local students the ability to work with legislators and add professional experience to their resume,” Jordan said. “I encourage anyone who wants to learn more about state government and the legislative process to pursue this opportunity.”
Positions are available in legislative operations, policy, and communications.
Interns will be paired with a staff member to work directly with an assigned group of state representatives. During this spring semester internship, students will have opportunities to interact with state legislators, state agencies, and private sector organizations, as well as participate in a weekly speaker series featuring Indiana civic leaders.
Applications are available online at indianahouserepublicans.com/internship and are due by Oct. 31.

PLYMOUTH — On Oct. 6 at 10:30 p.m., an Officer with the Plymouth Police Department noticed a vehicle at Family Express (1628 W. Jefferson St.) driven by a man he knew to be suspended with a prior.

The man, identified as Jorge Terrones, 39 years old of Plymouth, got out of the driver’s side of the vehicle. Terrones then got into another vehicle and left the gas station, heading north on Oak Drive.
Another officer tried to catch up with Terrones to conduct a traffic stop. Terrones was driving at a high rate of speed and turned down Harrison Street. The officer located the vehicle in the 800 block of Seventh St., but Terrones had gotten out of the vehicle and run.
Officers were impounding the Ford truck when family arrived on scene who contacted Terrones and had him turn himself in. Terrones was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall Co. Jail for Driving While Suspended Prior and Resisting Law Enforcement.

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

PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Wesleyan Church will have its Fall Fest on Oct. 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., rain or shine.

There will be bounce houses, hot dogs, games, and candy for the kids.
The Church is located at 11203 Michigan Road, just south of Plymouth.

PLYMOUTH — Legal counsel led the meeting for the Marshall County Sewer District Board as the court wrangling continues with the Marshall County Commissioners and Council concerning the district.

Recently, members of both of those boards met with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, asking them to dissolve the district.
A correspondence from IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods on the resolutions by the Council and Commissioners, and a proposed response, were brought up by Sewer Board Attorney Chris Nusbaum. Woods’ correspondence asks the District for its perspective on those resolutions.
Nusbaum presented the District’s proposed response, which was approved at the meeting. Nusbaum explained that the response outlines the District’s appreciation of IDEM’s continued review and oversight of its plan in the best interest of the community; that the District remains committed to transparency in its process carrying out the approved plan in accordance with IC § 13-26; and accordingly the District will coordinate with IDEM throughout this process and provide IDEM with additional information as appropriate as funding options are solidified and the project advances through its natural phases.
The second topic from legal counsel was an update on the litigation status of the Marshall County Commissioners and Bill Woodward’s case against Trustee Thomas McFadden. Nusbaum explained that a hearing will be held on Friday on whether to dismiss the Commissioners from the amended complaint and reduce the matters before the court to solely the Quo Warranto complaint brought by Woodward. Additionally, Nusbaum explained that his office had received an updated coverage opinion from the District’s insurer and that the District’s insurer has agreed to advance reasonable and necessary defense costs for the defense of McFadden to the allegations in the amended complaint. The District has a $5,000 deductible, and Carson LLP is working with the insurer to confirm its invoicing and bill payment practices.
Nusbaum noted that ultimately the District should have little if any additional cost not covered by the insurer in defending McFadden; unlike the Commissioners and Mr. Woodward.

PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Council on Aging will host this year’s Senior Expo on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Plymouth High School.

Admission is free and gains you access to free:
— Refreshments
— Entertainment
— Health Screenings
— Flu Shots
— Door Prizes
— Expired medications disposal
— Information on goods and services for seniors
Transportation is also free for seniors.