PENDLETON — Middle school is a time when children start to figure out their interests. Students in Pendleton got to try out construction, learning how to work with their hands.

The Madison County Builders Association sponsored Trades Day at Pendleton Heights Middle School on Friday. The students, under the guidance of industry professionals, performed tasks such as assembling a table or settling concrete.

It is the second time Trades Day has come to Pendleton, but it is especially significant now because of changes to Indiana's education system made in the Statehouse this year.
"They're deciding if they're taking the college pathway or the career pathway, and that is decided by February of 8th grade," said Karen Shreves of the Madison County Builders Association.

Shreves said they are planning to expand Trades Day to more schools next year because of the newfound relevance of trades careers in K-12 education.
"By allowing the children the opportunity, the trades become less alien to them," Shreves said.

The projects made by Pendleton Heights Middle School students during Trades Day will remain on display at the school.
-
City-County Council calls for ban on data centers, weighing ordinance proposal
The Indianapolis City-County Council is set to vote Monday on a proposal that could temporarily limit new data centers.
Where ABC, Caitlin Clark and The Fever meet local journalistic TV
WRTV will air a special edition of its All ACcess Indy sports franchise ahead of the Indiana Fever’s 2026 season opener, highlighting one of the most anticipated seasons in franchise history.
Plainfield Fire Territory responds to crash with serious injuries
Plainfield Fire Territory Station 122 responded to the accident at US 40 and County Road 0 around 6:35 a.m., according to a Facebook post from the fire department.
What to expect in Indiana's state primaries
Half of Indiana’s 50 state Senate seats and all 100 state House seats are up for election in 2026. Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers.