On the Beat in Bluffton

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Craigville Postmaster Retiring





Craigville Postmaster Loretta Smith was lauded by friends, family and co-workers at her pre-retirement party Tuesday. This is Smith's last week on the job.
Smith has worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years.
Read my story in this weeks News-Banner.

Wide Load


Indiana State Police cleared traffic along 124 from western Wells to the eastern portion of the county for this extra-wide load of piping. Downtown Bluffton traffic came to a standstill momentarily, right in the middle of lunchtime.
Final destination: Butler.

Mailbox Mania


I have noticed a number of interesting and unique mailboxes scattered around the county. Like this Colts helmet off 124 East of Bluffton.
I plan to take a photo whenever I spot one. If you know of any feel free to drop me a line at JerryB@news-banner.com.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Norwell's "Music in Motion" Invitational






At Saturday's marching band competition the Nappanne Red Regiment claimed First Place in all but one caption award and were crowned Grand Champion overall.
Only Bluffton's Bengal Brigade managed to take a win from Nappanne, scoring Best Visual in Class C caption competition.
Bishop Dwenger's Marching Saints (top photo) won the Mickey Allen Mental Attitude award.

Punt, Pass & Kick


These kids all participated in the Punt, Pass & Kick competition Saturday at the Middle school practice field. The event was sponsored by Wells County Boys & Girls Club.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Field fire in Harrison Township


A grayish white plume of smoke decorated the skies above Southeastern Wells County most of the afternoon as crews from local fire departments fought a determined field fire. No injuries were reported and the fire was fully extinguished by early evening.(Photo by Glen Werling)

Southern Wells Vs. Bluffton






Managing Editor Glen Werling spent some time at the Southern Wells/Bluffton game Friday night and took these great pictures. It wasn't pretty, but all the players gave it their heart and that's what really matters.

Norwell Baseball Diamond Gets Make-Over

It's been a tough year-and-a-half, but work is finally wrapping up on the new facilities at the Norwell Knights baseball diamond.
Check out our story in Saturday's News-Banner.





Dog Bites Man





Bluffton Patrol Officer Cliff Thomas was target practice for K-9 Officer Reno this morning.
Thomas seemed just a bit nervous to me, but maybe it was my imagination.
Read the whole story in tomorrow's News-Banner.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

'Tis the Season for Spooky


Autumn is the season for Spooky, but not too Spooky.

Take this cute display just outside Bluffton. Cute enough for everyone and definitely in keeping with the Season.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Ethanol churning toward the future


Work continues at the new Indiana Bio Energy ethanol plant on the outskirts of Bluffton. Jutting out above the cornfields which provide the basis for the fuel which in turn might someday drive the tractors which harvest the corn....

Road to Ouabache Closed


Don't look now, but if you're heading to Ouabache State Park you can't get there via 216 due to work on the culvert.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Norwell Student Artists Recognized by State


Tonight the Northern Wells Community school Board recognized the achievement of student artists Emily Spear and Kylee Moore whose artwork was published in the 2008-2009 Indiana Safe School Calendar.
This is the first time two students were selected from the school to appear in the same calender.
(Thanks to Kevin Moore for the photo)

SR 1 Closed: Detour ahead


Don't look now but the state has closed SR 1 at 1000S. They want you to use 218 as a detour.

Roses are red in Bluffton


On the southside of Bluffton this morning, Nelson Story was trimming his "Knock-out Rose" bushes with an eye toward perfection.
They were just 6" twigs in a small clay pot three years ago, but look at them now.
It's amazing what a little care (and a green thumb) can create.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Falling into Winter



Canadian geese started heading South last week, but Autumn did not officially begin in Wells County until Monday afternoon.
Beside the geese and the earlier sunset another way to tell the season is to watch the farmer's are doing. These Southern Wells farmers were working hard all through the Autumnal Equinox.
Check this week's News-Banner for my story on the impact of agriculture on the Wells County economy.