NORTH WEBSTER — As spring stirs the Hoosier forest floors, a new local series aims to turn curious hikers into confident foragers.

However, for those interested in the ancient art of foraging, getting started can be daunting, and even for experts, sharing their interest in foraging with others deepens skills while building community.

As a new resource, North Webster-based media and education company NourishCap has
announced the launch of “Friendly Foragers,” a free, weekly walk-and-learn series. Friendly
Foragers will safely explore wild mushrooms, plants, and geology in Indiana.

The inaugural walk is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Participants will meet in
North Webster at 5:30 p.m. before caravanning to the nearby Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area per details at NourishCap.com/FriendlyForagers.

Beyond the Morel: A Year-Round World of Fungi

While many local foragers focus exclusively on the high-stakes "morel season" in late spring, the Friendly Foragers series aims to show that the Indiana woods have much more to offer year-round. Group leader Benjamin Ashpole is a Hoosier Mushroom Society certified forager and YouTube educator. He focuses on increasing community, knowledge, and safety.

"Morel season gets people excited, but there’s a whole world of fungi and forest life out there the rest of the year, too," says Ashpole. "These walks will tap into that curiosity in a safe, grounded way."

Rather than "chasing baskets" of edibles, the curriculum emphasizes practical field skills.
Participants will learn how to:

● Safely recognize common wild mushrooms, berries, and fruits.
● Identify trees, fallen cones, and greens that indicate specific habitats.
● Understand the vital safety limits required for foraging.
● Slow down and build confidence in navigating local trails. Community-Centered Education

The initiative is part of NourishCap’s broader mission to make gourmet, functional, and practical mushroom knowledge accessible to everyone looking to deepen their understanding of local forests.

Hike-ready persons interested in joining the March 25 walk or future events can find more information and register at NourishCap.com/FriendlyForagers.

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INDIANAPOLIS – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wants Butler University to end its tradition of having a live mascot since Blue IV retired.

“Around the country, breeders are intentionally breeding English bulldogs to have flat faces and smushed-in snouts,” said Jakob Shaw, manager of strategic initiatives for PETA.

Shaw says those smushed-in snouts mean there is not enough space for them to accommodate their airways.

“That’s why many of those bulldogs spend much of their lives struggling to get enough oxygen to their lungs. So PETA is encouraging Butler to switch from the Butler Bulldogs to the Butler Bullfrogs,” said Shaw.

He says if they become the Butler Bullfrogs, PETA will jump-start the change by covering the cost of the new mascot costume.

“This will enable them to keep school spirit hopping without inadvertently promoting these breathing-impaired dogs,” said Shaw.

Shaw says for these bulldogs, breathing through their nose is like trying to suck in air through a tiny, crumpled straw.

PETA has reached out to Butler University and they have not heard back. Shaw says he’s prepared for Butler to not take PETA’s suggestion on this.

“All we can do is try. We always give everyone who has a bulldog guidance on how to give their dogs the most comfortable life possible. We love dogs and care about them. How can we justify supporting the greedy breeding industry, which sentences these dogs to a lifetime of suffering all for a certain look?” Shaw continued.

PETA sent a letter to Butler University President James Danko with what they call a “ribbeting proposal” for Blue IV’s replacement

“Ditch the sickly purebred and put a willing human in a costume as a hearty Hoosier native—the bullfrog,” said PETA.

The letter was signed by PETA President Tracy Reiman. This was what she had to say in the letter about the bullfrog:

"Let us introduce: The Butler Bullfrogs. They’re spirited, springy, and impossible not to cheer for. They also breathe freely, jump enthusiastically, and don’t require emergency vet visits after a walk. And 2026 is the perfect year to make this change: there’s no better way to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary than by replacing an English bulldog with an American bullfrog! To support this leap, we’d be delighted to cover the cost of a new bullfrog mascot costume. Consider it our way of saying “thanks for hopping in the right direction.”

We hope to hear that, after considering how breathing-impaired dogs suffer, you’ll decide to do what’s best for dogs just like Blue IV by retiring Butler’s live-animal mascot program in pursuit of a kinder alternative. Thank you for your consideration."

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UNION CITY — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for three Michigan counties after multiple tornadoes on Friday killed four people and injured dozens more.

Whitmer officially declared the emergency Sunday for Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties.

“Our entire state is wrapping its arms around Three Rivers, Union City, Edwardsburg, and everywhere in between,” Whitmer said in a social media post on Sunday. “Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and the Michiganders who were injured.”

The declaration authorizes the use of “all available” state resources to assist local response and recovery efforts. It also allows communities to request financial assistance from the state.

Among the fatalities was a 12-year-old boy, Silas Anderson, whose parents reported him missing soon after the storm struck before finding him. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office said.

A lone supercell moved through Cass, St Joseph, and Branch counties around 3:15 p.m. Friday.

A preliminary assessment  by the National Weather Service determined three tornadoes:

• Edwardsburg (Cass County): EF-1 with max winds of 95 mph]
• Three Rivers (St. Joseph County): EF2 max with max Winds of 130 mph]
• Union City (Branch County): EF3  with max winds of 160 mph]

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WARSAW — Kosciusko County Farmers and Artisans Market will remain in downtown Warsaw this summer, but with some changes.

Those include a more compact schedule and a smaller configuration that will keep Buffalo Street open.

Representatives of the market had sought last month to renew its street closing plan for the Saturday downtown tradition with closures on Center Street between Lake and Buffalo streets, and Buffalo Street from Center to Market streets.

A plan approved Friday by the city board of works will limit the closings to Center Street between Lake and Buffalo streets, and overflow parking will be available in the City Hall plaza

Buffalo Street will remain open.

Organizers had wanted to run it from April 18 to Oct. 31, but the board approved an alternative plan provided by the market organizers for the street to be closed on Saturday mornings from May 2 to Oct. 10.

The changes were made following some complaints about the extent of road closings.

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WARSAW — Warsaw Parks and Recreation will offer a free Arts & Crafts Day on Wednesday, from 1–3 p.m. in the Pete Thorn Gym at 800 N Park Avenue, Warsaw.

Anyone interested is encouraged to drop in anytime during the event and let your creativity shine, a news release from the parks department said.

We’ll have a wide variety of art supplies available so participants can create their own unique masterpieces.

Come and go as you please — stay for a few minutes or the entire time.

This is a relaxed, come-and-create event perfect for all ages and skill levels.

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Four people were killed Friday in southern Michigan as powerful storms that produced at least two tornadoes reduced homes to rubble, sent parts of roofs flying into the air and left a trail of debris hanging from power lines.

In the Union Lake area, near Union City, three people were killed and 12 were injured after an apparent tornado hit, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office.

[caption id="attachment_127920" align="alignright" width="700"] The hardest hit area was Prairie Rose Lane on the north side of Union Lake, Michigan. National Weather Service photo by 517 Drone Video and Photography.[/caption]

About 50 miles to the southwest, Cass County officials reported one death and several injuries after a tornado touched down.

Lisa Piper stood on her back deck near Union Lake and videoed a terrifying scene that played out on the other side of frozen Union Lake as a funnel cloud formed and then dropped toward the ground. Trees were torn from their roots and debris flew into the air.

“It’s lifting houses!” she said. As the devastation continued, she exclaimed, “Oh my heart is pounding. Oh, I hope they’re OK.”

Powerful storms formed Friday from Michigan all the way to Oklahoma, with reports of heavy rain and threats of severe thunderstorms. Tornado watches stretched from Iowa to Oklahoma, along with Michigan.

At least one tornado has been confirmed in southern Michigan, near Union City, on Friday, according to the National Weather Service, and there were reports of possible others.

Heavy storm damage was also seen in southwest Michigan, where Cass County declared a local state of emergency Friday evening following a tornado and severe storms that hit the area earlier in the day.

Jones said local resources are being utilized to their fullest extent and that additional assistance may be required to clear debris and support affected residents.

Cass County Emergency Manager Manny DeLaRosa confirmed that multiple large structures — including homes and pole barns — suffered damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction, according to a report from WNDU.

Numerous trees have also fallen onto roads and buildings.

[caption id="attachment_127910" align="aligncenter" width="838"] This photo was taken in Three Rivers, Mich., on Friday. Related storms killed four people. AP Photo.[/caption]

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LEESBURG — Live Well Kosciusko is partnering with Francine’s Friends to bring breast cancer screenings directly to the Leesburg community.

The mobile unit will be located at Owens Fresh Meat Market (6287 SR 15, Leesburg) on Monday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event is part of Live Well Kosciusko’s commitment to reducing barriers to care and
ensuring every woman in Kosciusko County has access to early detection services.

Women ages 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year are eligible for screening. Insurance will be billed when available, and assistance is offered to help ensure cost is not a barrier. To secure a preferred time, appointments are recommended, but walk-ins will be accommodated when possible.

“This event helps women have access to early detection services,” said Jessica Camarena of
Live Well Kosciusko. “If cost or access has been a barrier, we want you to know support is
available.”

Francine’s Friends Mobile Mammography is a program of Parkview Health. For more
information, click here.

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News Release

Warsaw — Beginning March 16, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts will launch its spring session of Conservatory classes, open to students from 2nd grade through adults. The session is sponsored by Dave and Cynthia Illingworth.

Classes meet once a week for six weeks and include musical theatre, dance, acting, and improv. Instruction will be led by Wagon Wheel’s professional teaching artists, along with special guest instructors, including members of the local improv troupe Everyone’s Tiffany.

To encourage continued learning, Wagon Wheel is offering multi-class discounts this session. Students who enroll in more than one class will receive $20 off their second class, $30 off their third class, and $40 off their fourth class and any additional classes. Discounts apply when the same student enrolls in multiple classes within the same session.

Wagon Wheel Conservatory provides innovative, personalized arts education designed to meet each student’s needs. Whether participants are exploring a new discipline or refining existing skills, instructors adapt lessons to individual learning styles to create a supportive and enriching environment.

Conservatory classes also focus on building confidence, communication, teamwork, and creative expression while giving participants the opportunity to experience Wagon Wheel not just as audience members, but as active creators.

“It is rare to have the opportunity to learn from instructors who are so talented, yet also so kind, engaged, and interested in their individual students,” shares one student testimonial. “Our teacher was inclusive and adapted to different skill and experience levels so that everyone had a meaningful experience. It is evident that the people of Wagon Wheel have a genuine passion for their work and for the people they work with. They make you feel safe, and they inspire confidence and creativity in the people around them.”

For a full list of classes, dates, and times, visit www.wagonwheelcenter.org/education/classes. Full and partial scholarships are available. For more information, email Outreach and Education Director Kira Lace Hawkins at kira@wagonwheelcenter.org.

About Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Warsaw, Indiana. Their mission is to enrich lives by fostering innovative educational programs, developing professional talent, and connecting communities through transformative performing arts experiences. For more information about Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts or to learn more about upcoming events, please visit www.wagonwheelcenter.org.

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WARSAW —

Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose is applauding recent efforts to enhance the downtown by Main Street Warsaw.

Already, initial plans to establish a festival street are underway, and last week, Kosciusko County offered its support to seek grant money that will look at First Christian Church, which needs significant repairs but is viewed by Main Street Warsaw as a possible multi-faceted art center.

Those two plans are part of a long-term effort to bring more art-related attractions and other amenities to the downtown.

While there is significant uncertainty about the future of the church building located across from the Kosciusko County Justice Building, Mayor Jeff Grose applauded the vision.

audio

Grose made the comments for a recording of In The Know, the public affairs show that airs this weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

Grose talked about the upcoming Anchorage Road construction project, which begins March 16, and the new downtown parking police was expected to receive final approval on Friday by the board of works.

Also part of the show was an extended interview with State Sen. Ryan Mishler, who helped craft Indiana's plan to construct a stadium in Hammond for the Chicago Bears.

Illinois lawmakers are expected to soon make a counterproposal to keep the Bears in Chicago.

*  *  * 

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.

WRSW (107.3):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

Willie (103.5 FM):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

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Indiana’s new school accountability system is officially on the books, pending a few final signatures.

The State Board of Education on Wednesday voted unanimously to formally adopt the new statewide model, locking in a redesigned A-F grading system that state officials said better reflects student progress, literacy and post-graduation readiness.

“This has been something that has been a long time coming,” said Katie Jenner, Indiana’s secretary of education. “Many, many stakeholders around Indiana weighed in.”

The multiyear effort was ordered by lawmakers after Indiana dismantled its previous accountability framework and rewrote high school graduation requirements. Schools have been without a grading system in the interim while the replacement model was in development.

[caption id="attachment_127845" align="alignright" width="270"] Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner speaks on Dec. 18, 2025. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)[/caption]

The rule now heads to state Attorney General Todd Rokita, who has 45 days to sign off, and then to Gov. Mike Braun for final approval.

“This model values academic outcomes as well as skills and experiences. It’s so much more than just creating a robot who can memorize things,” said Paul Ketcham, assistant secretary of education. “It is a very granular model. Every student will have the opportunity to grow, and it’s our responsibility to grow them.”

“In 49 other states, it’s an accountability rule,” Ketcham said. “In Indiana, it’s a roadmap for schools and students and families to be successful.”

A familiar framework — with a rebuild

Indiana schools will continue to receive single-letter grades — A, B, C, D or F — under the new system, but those grades will now be calculated in a fundamentally different way.

Rather than relying primarily on schoolwide averages and standardized test scores, the new framework assigns points student by student. Jenner and other education officials have described it as a model in which schools earn credit for each individual student based on a combination of academic proficiency, growth and additional “success indicators” that vary by grade span.

Those student-level scores are averaged within separate grade bands — elementary, middle and high school — and combined into one overall A-F grade for each school.

The model was intentionally designed to move beyond an “all-or-nothing” approach and incorporate multiple measures while keeping academic mastery central, particularly reading and math in the early grades, according to a state regulatory analysis.

“No longer does an indicator encourage schools to dismiss certain students that might be way behind,” said Ron Sandlin, senior director of school performance and transformation for the Indiana Department of Education. “We fundamentally flipped the paradigm. Every student in a school generates points.”

At the high school level, the model more directly ties accountability to Indiana’s newly redesigned diplomas and diploma seals.

Graduation rate and SAT performance each make up 10% of a school’s grade-12 score, alongside measures tied to coursework, credentials, work-based learning and student engagement.

“What we’ve tried to do is understand the student in their entirety,” Jenner said. “So that they don’t get washed in simple numerator-denominator math that we’ve been doing for so long.”

Multiple education groups and other board members additionally voiced support during Wednesday’s meeting.

“This framework gives teachers the tools to celebrate and support success beyond a single test score,” said Rachel Hathaway, Indiana executive director at Teach Plus, a national nonprofit focused on education policy. “Accountability should not be about labeling schools. It should be about improving them.”

Todd Bess with the Indiana Association of School Principals emphasized that the new model “prioritizes student growth alongside proficiency.”

“It recognizes the progress schools make every day with students at all starting points. Moving up those that are below (proficiency). Those that are just about there — and then obviously, those that are still wildly proficient — keep moving them, too, and finding those success indicators,” Bess said. “Families and communities can better understand school performance … and what I like is we can say we’re going to add these things up. Every kid matters, and here’s the greatest outcome.”

A transition year before grades ‘count’

The new accountability system will roll out through a transition period Sandlin tagged “Year Zero,” which applies to the 2025-26 school year.

Letter grades for the current academic year will be calculated and publicly released under the new model, but they will be informational only and will not trigger any timelines or consequences tied to Indiana’s accountability laws.

Sandlin said that the goal is to give schools and communities time to understand the new calculations and respond before the grades formally carry weight. Year Zero, he said, is intended to “set a clear baseline” and provide families and schools with transparent information about where performance stands under the new system.

IDOE plans to begin sharing detailed performance data with schools later this year, followed by the public release of Year Zero grades.

“This is different than any past A-F years,” Sandlin said.

As part of the transition, the grading scale will also be temporarily adjusted. For Year Zero, an A grade will span 85 to 100, rather than the traditional 90 to 100 range.

Starting with the 2026-27 school year, letter grades will once again count for accountability purposes. At that point, the cutoff for an A will gradually increase over time, rising by 2.5 points in any year when at least 25% of schools earn an A, until it reaches a final target of 90 to 100.

State officials said the approach is intended to allow an initial transition period while steadily increasing rigor as schools improve under the new model.

Wednesday’s vote followed months of revisions and public feedback led by IDOE, as well as parallel negotiations with federal education officials over Indiana’s accountability obligations.

Jenner said the state hit pause on its pending federal waiver — which would give Indiana added flexibility in how it aligns accountability and funding — to avoid locking in a model that was still being revised.

The waiver seeks permission from the federal government to overhaul how Indiana spends and tracks billions of dollars in education aid — a request that Hoosier officials said would align the state’s accountability system with federal law and allow more freedom in how schools use their funds.

Hoosiers officials specifically requested exemptions from multiple provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or ESEA, the federal law governing K-12 education, plus permission to combine funding from more than 15 federal education programs into a single “strategic block grant.”

The U.S. Department of Education has 120 days to review and respond to waiver applications once they’re received. Indiana’s was submitted in October, but the pause extends that timeline.

“We intentionally paused our federal waiver process as we were working through the final touches in our accountability model ….  in order to get this at the best place,” Jenner said. “We will unpause our waiver timeline shortly.”

“The fact that we’re doing this accountability work simultaneously as we’re working on our waiver has been a huge advantage to Indiana,” she said. “In addition to stakeholders in Indiana pushing us on some things, (federal officials) have also pushed us on some things. … A lot of people think policy work is threading the needle. We’ve had, like, multiple pieces of yarn.”

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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