Southern Wells referendum talk tonight

Southern Wells Community School district will discuss a public referendum coming in November to increase property taxes to help bolster the school's General Fund and avoid cut-backs.

Superintendent James Craig will discuss the referendum during tonight's Open House at the school, starting at 7 p.m. Or visit the school web site www.swraiders.com and click the 'referendum' link.


Or, click here.

NHS Renovation Project

News-Banner Reporter Jerry Battiste (that's me) was at the most recent Norwell High School renovation meeting on Tuesday, where Superintendent Dr. Scott Mills reiterated his proposal to make repairs and improvements at the school.

Here, Jim Elizondo, with City Securities Corporation, Fort Wayne, explains how the school district could use federal stimulus money in the form of interest free loans to help make financing the project an easier pill to swallow...

NORWELL HIGH SCHOOL BOOK FEES DUE OCTOBER 14

Norwell High School students have received book fee statements for the first quarter. Parents are reminded that fee payments are due October 14.
For more information, contact high school treasurer Kristie George at 543-2213.

David C. Ford Memorial Highway

News-Banner assistant managing editor Dave Schultz was present for the ceremony naming Ind. 3 the Senator David C. Ford Memorial Highway. Look for the complete story in tomorrow's News-Banner. Here's a snippet of video...

Bluffton Street Fair 2009 draws to a close

Keep checking the Bluffton Street Fair 2009 blog all this week for new stuff. We have lots of photos and videos still being uploaded. And if you have something you'd like to submit for the blog feel free to send it to jerryb@news-banner.com and I'll post it to the Blog.

Bluffton Street Fair Scenes

Just walking down the street during the 2009 Bluffton Street Fair...check it out...

Bluffton Street Fair 2009

Really. If you haven't heard about the Free Bluffton Street Fair by now, it's not too late, but you might want to consider getting out a little more. Here are some pictures in case you've missed it thus far...

Southern Wells memory

At Friday night’s Southern Wells Homecoming game, Joseph Rhoton (right) and his friend Gideon Barcus (left) got to spend some time along the sidelines at the game against Garrett. Joseph won a raffle that was sponsored by P.I.E. at their “back to school” night. The winner of the raffle got to spend the night on the sidelines with the SWHS football team and coaching staff. Joseph received his own football jersey and also got to choose a friend to come with him. When asked what Joseph liked best about the night he said “running through the tunnel with the team before the game and spending time with his friend Gideon.” Thanks to the P.I.E. organization, the football team and coaches at SWHS for making a memory a first grader won’t soon forget. (Submitted)

St. Paul Lutheran celebrates 150 years

There are very few 150th birthday celebrations in Wells County.
But Sunday saw such an occasion, as St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on 300N marked a century and a half of service in the community.
Interim Pastor Paul Hunteman was joined by the Rev. Rudy Miller, Head of the Interim Ministry in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, and a congregation of about 80 people for the event. The service began with Pastor Hunteman reading a proclamation from Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis, announcing Sunday Sept. 20 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Day, in honor of the achievement.

Idol competitors and IU winners

Lots of photos and videos at our Blog Bank. Peruse the others for stuff like this:


Ace Reporter Frank Shanly was on-hand for the Bluffton Street Fair Idol preliminary competition held Friday night at Life Community Church.

More than 30 showed up to give it their best shot, but only 15 made the final cut.

Here are a few of our favorites:







Chandler Harnish and his Huskies Offense ran roughshod over Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday and Managing Editor Glen Werling was there to capturing some great images.

These photos and many more are available for sale at our Photo Gallery

Hoosier Salon

Hoosier salon paid a visit to the Wells County Creative Arts Centre this week. Barb Barbieri was kind enough to shoot these cool little videos for us. Check them out--they don't take long. ;-)

Street Fair Coming Soon!

Bluffton city utility workers were busy putting up Bluffton Street Fair banners all across the downtown this week. In less than a week the city will be overtaken by dozens of booths, vendors, games and rides...a summer's worth of fun in just a week. Don't forget to visit the Bluffton Street Fair blog for color photos and video throughout the week...

BHE Rewards Night tonight

The Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School PTO will host a Rewards Night at Wendy's Restaurant in Bluffton Sept. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The public is invited to dine in or go through the Driive-Thru.The PTO will receive 10 percent of the proceeeds.

Mounsey joins B-H full time

Eric Mounsey joined the Bluffton Elementary School staff as Family Services Liaison this week. The B-H school board approved the move at its Monday meeting. For complete meeting coverage check my story in today's News-Banner, page 1.

NORWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL PATRIOT DAY

September 11, 2009

The solemn program at Norwell Middle School began with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief message from Principal, Bob Hansbarger, acknowledging Patriot Day.

Patriot Day was established to honor those who stepped forward to help others during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. We respectfully remember those who perished in these attacks, even as we honor those who assisted in so many ways.

These heroes wore many hats. Firefighters, EMS personnel, and police officers were on the scene to help rescue, control fires, and maintain order. National Guard and other branches of the US Military were dispatched to specific area as needed. Across the country, local authorities stayed ever vigilant in service to their communities; teachers and staff members helped calm fears while they themselves watched the news in shock & horror. These ordinary people worked together to do extraordinary things.

To show appreciation for their compassion, strength and commitment as they continue to protect and serve the children and adults of our community, Norwell Middle School’s Student Council invited Bluffton and Ossian police, firefighters, EMS and NMS staff members to a luncheon in their honor. They were served proudly by student council members. The guests were welcomed and thanked with rousing applause during each of the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade lunches. Many staff and students wore red, white, and blue in tribute to Patriot’s Day.

In attendance to dine with NMS students were:
Bluffton Fire Department - Bob Plummer, Chris Broderick, Brent Schlichter, Brandon Shadle,
Ossian Fire Department - Mike Marquardt, Brad Wilson
Wells County EMS – Jennifer Meadows, Barb Blevins, Monte Fisher, Todd Reimschisel
Wells County Sheriff’s Department - Bob Frantz, Scott Holliday, Randy Steele, Kurt Powell
Norwell Middle School - Custodians, food service personnel, maintenance staff, administrators, teachers, and support staff

Thanks to all who attended, organized, hung signs, prepared and served food and drinks, and assisted with this luncheon! Special thanks to Subway for its donation!
(Submitted photos/story)

Ossian Days 2009 (more video)

Glen Werling was a one-man news team at Ossian Days on saturday. Here's more of his video. And check out Heidi Hicks singing "Rubber Duckie" during the talent show--adorable! Great job Heidi!!

Ossian Day Parade 2009 (pt 2)

More of Glen Werling's Ossian Days Parade pictures. If you'd like to buy a print, turn it into a t-shirt or a coffee mug, here's the link to our Photo Gallery...

Ossian Days 2009

News-Banner Managing Editor Glen Werling spent all day Saturday at Ossian Days 2009 and filed these great photos. Don't forget, all our photos are for sale at Dotphoto.com or click the "Photo Gallery" link on the News-Banner web site.