Bluffton Boot Camp Graduation

Members of the Bluffton Police Department Boot Camp enjoyed a week of training culminating with a graduation ceremony on Friday morning at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Bluffton Boot Camp Class of 2009

The 23 members of the Bluffton Boot Camp Class of 2009 graduated with honors today during a star-studded ceremony at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds. Mayor Ted Ellis and Chief Tammy Schaffer congratulated the students on working hard all week and learning skills that will continue to serve them well in the future.

(I expect to see at least one or two of these graduates show up on the BPD roster one day...)

C.O.P.S. in Bluffton

It was great seeing the arrival of the COPS cycling for C.O.P.S. in Bluffton yesterday afternoon.

They ride as a reminder of all that is at risk every time a police officer starts their day.





Friday morning, before setting out on their 90 mile ride to Richmond, Indiana, the cyclists visited with the Bluffton Boot Camper at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The Whims win

After scoring first place in Thursday's Battle of the Bands at Columbia Street West, The Whims are moving on to the semi-finals, August 13. A win there means The Whims will move on to the finals August 27.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.


News-Banner Assistant Editor Dave Schultz was at the semi-finals on Thursday and shot this great video. (Thanks Dave, for covering for me)

Meet Gene Cushman (or Ron)

We are not perfect, much as we would like to be. Reporters encounter many people in the course of the day and names can often become blurred as we move from person to person. It's embarrassing, but it happens.
Sometimes, however, it can also be quite funny.


Take this video shot yesterday by News-Banner Assistant Editor Dave Schultz. The man in the video is Uniondale Town Council member Gene Cushman. It's surprising to me that although Dave calls him "Ron" repeatedly in the video, Cushman remains focused on the most important thing: the new Veteran's Memorial Park they are building.

Bluffton Boot Camp

It was push-ups, sit-ups and chin-ups for the kids of the Bluffton Boot Camp this morning as Bluffton Police Officers put them through their paces at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Tomorrow is graduation for the kids and points they earn during these types of competitions mean recognition at the end of the week.

Fair is fair

Bluffton Police Chief Tammy Schaffer snapped this picture of me as I was taking pictures of the Bluffton Boot Camp at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds this morning.

(Told you I got my haircut yesterday...)

BPD Boot Campers beat Nathan Huss

Bluffton Deputy Chief Nathan Huss strapped on the Red Man suit and let the Bluffton Boot Camp practice their take-down technique on him.
The rule was, if Huss started crying they should stop hitting. Most of the kids listened. Most of them...

WagonTeamster Visits Wells County

Bob Skelding is driving his wagon and team of horses, Bob and Bill, across the country for no reason other than to enjoy the freedom of life on the road. He was passing through Wells County on Monday, averaging about 8 miles per hour, on his way to visit friends in Michigan. His wagon carries a small kitchen, bathroom and living quarters. You can follow his travels at his web site www.wagonteamster.com

Libert Center VFD Training

I had an opportunity to visit with the firefighters at Liberty Center Volunteer Fire Department last night. They are a great bunch of people. They were also kind enough to let in on their smoke training exercise; search and rescue.
LCVFD Assistant Chief Josh Daugherty explains what's happening in this video (sorry if it's hard to see--after all, it's smoke training--jb)

Cardboard Regatta in Bluffton

Zach Zeis and Ben Miller used a guitar-shaped boat to soar across the Wells Community Pool in just 49 seconds during Saturday's cardboard boat race. Check out their stunning run in video shot by Ace News-Banner Reporter Frank Shanly.

Concert at Kehoe

The Beatles tribute band "Eight Days a Week" presented a concert Sunday night at Kehoe Park. Rain forced a cancellation after the intermission--but the first half was a blast.
Assistant Editor Dave Schultz shot some great video. You can find the complete concert series schedule here.

2009 Iron Kid Triathlon Results

Saturday's Iron Kid Triathlon was a rousing success, despite dismal conditions brought on by early morning rain storms. Every kid was a winner as far as the crowd was concerned and Miss Wells County Stephanie Bussey had a medal for each of them.

Girls Age 5&6

Archbold, Paige 13:01 1st Place
Horton, Sarah 13:58 2nd Place
Mahnensmith, Sarah 14:00 3rd Place
Isch, Josie 15:18
Archbold, Taylor 15:43
Joyce, Rose 15:52
Prough, Jaci 16:04
Isch, Jada 21:25
Shaw, Cora 30:59


Boys Age 5&6

McEvoy, Ethan 14:49 1st Place
Hollems, Carter 16:12 2nd Place
Reiff, Alec 16:33 3rd Place
Morgan, Bo 17:34
Babcock, Miles 17:48
Barton, Julyan 19:08


Girls Age 7&8

Behrens, Kailey 12.51 1st Place
Isch, Lauren 15.34 2nd Place
Stumph, Faith 17.08 3rd Place
Morgan, Macy 17.19
Hazellett, Jada 18.10
Gerke, Jessi 18.26
Green, Peyton 18.45

Boys Age 7&8

Archbold, Jake 12.42 1st Place
Horton, Andrew 12.50 2nd Place
Prough, Ethan 14.18 3rd Place
Mallery, Braden 14.21
Green, Brady 14.38
Joyce, Joe 15.34
Stahly, Trevor 15.40
Kemper, Gabe 15.41
Johnloz, Jason 16.30
Searles, Kaleb 16.51
Geiger, Zack 17.26
Gilliom, Koby 17.32
Williams, Blaine 19.35
Carnall, Aaron 19.56
Reiff, Jack 20.27


Girls age 9&10

Mahnensmith, Kate 12.40 1st Place
Sterba, Olivia 13.52 2nd Place
Kemper, Libby 15.04 3rd Place
Hazellett, Chloe 16.41
Stumph, Kate 17.10
Spath, Makayla 19.02


Boys age 9&10

Prough, Trevor 12.32 1st Place
Kohler, Caleb 12.43 2nd Place
Louison, Cole 12.50 3rd Place
Copeland, Walker 13.35
Zeddis, Luke 14.27
Anderson, Jackson 16.08
Harris, Justin 17.06



Girls age 11&12

Kizer, Patricia 13.33 1st Place
Stronzek, Stephanie 13.37 2nd Place
Hazellett, Paige 14.14 3rd Place
Jaskie, Jamiee 15.18
Helton, Alyssa 16.25
Joyce, Rebekah 17.13


Boys age 11&12

Kissell, Ian 12.06 1st Place
Reckard, Jared 12.11 2nd Place
Barcus, Gavin 12.21 3rd Place
Green, Bailey 12.30
Boots, Kyler 13.06
Behrens, Kolin 13.14
Lewis, Blake 13.26

4-H Thanks Hare Canvas Products

The cost of the sunscreen for the hog barn at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds was $185 and the cost of the sunscreen for the show ring at the 4-H fairgrounds was $167. The Wells County 4-H Association paid for the show ring screen, but Hare’s Canvas of Markle donated the hog barn sunscreen free of charge.
This information was incorrect in Saturday’s News-Banner.

Now that's out of the way let's be clear: The Wells County 4-H Association knew it needed the sunscreen for the show ring and it also needed one for the swine barn. (Hogs can be burned by the sun if they don't have protection.)
The problem was it only had enough money for the $167 sunscreen to provide protection for the show ring. They explained this to Hare Canvas Products and ordered just the one screen.
To their surprise, Hare Canvas Products, 300 N. Tracy Street, Markle (758-8800) showed up with two sunscreens, and only charged them for one.

Talk about community support, folks. The people of Hare Canvas Products deserve recognition not only for making the donation, but for doing it without being asked. That's the way a community-responsible business operates.
And they aren't the only local business to contribute to the 4-H grounds. IMI brought a load of gravel and dozens of folks donated cash and labor to the ongoing project there.

The Wells County 4-H Association wants the fairgrounds to be in use year round. Helping to make that happen is a job for every able-bodied person in the county. If we all do our part, the fairgrounds will be a treasure for the entire community.

All-Star Little League Tournament

There is an All-Star Little League Tournament in Bluffton this weekend. Games are being played today, Saturday and Sunday at Jefferson and Roush parks.
Three teams from Bluffton will be joined by 20 others from Indiana, Michigan and Ohio in two age groups.
News-Banner Correspondent Justin Peeper shot some video for us.

Swiss Days in Berne 2009

Chocolate &
Cheese Tasting
Food connoisseurs are sure to enjoy the Swiss culinary specialties of chocolate and cheese at Swiss Days 2009.
Taste testing of each of these specialty foods will take place in the kitchen of the DRG Creativity Center, just a block and a half east of the downtown stage. Berne’s own Swissland Cheese will be cooking some cheese recipes for sampling. The cheese that will be available for taste testing includes Chocolate Cheese, Raclette, Baby Swiss, and Harvarti. Also, Ghyslain Chocolatiers, from nearby Union City, will bring a wide selection of artisan chocolates to try.
The taste testing will take place on Saturday, July 25 from 10 am- 2 pm. The cost for this event will be $5/cheese & $5/chocolate. Make sure to stop by for some decadent chocolate and locally made cheese at this year’s Swiss Days festival.

Big Wheel Race
The Swiss Days Big Wheel Race, sponsored by Swiss Village’s Kinder Haus Day Care Center, is back again! Children ages 3-6 are invited to participate and must ride the Big Wheels provided. Each participant will receive a special treat from Dairy Queen and Kinder Haus Day Care Center, with the top three winners in each age group receiving monetary prizes.
It will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. on Baltimore Street beside the Cross Community Church in downtown Berne. The race will feature young children from ages 3-6 in a 25-meter race to the finish on Big Wheels. Registration will be the day of the race and there will be a $3.00 entry fee.
For more information, please contact Heidi Schoeneman, Kinder Haus Day Care director, at 260-589-2364 or Michelle Lechlitner, Swiss Village Marketing Director, at 260-589-3173.

The 3rd Annual Swiss Days Furniture Frenzy
Berne, the Furniture Capital of Indiana, invites you to take part in the third annual “Swiss Days Furniture Frenzy!” Berne is known as the Furniture Capital of Indiana because of the furniture manufacturer and five furniture stores in town. Yager Furniture and Karen’s Treasures are both located in downtown Berne. Bernhaus Furniture, Clauser Furniture, and Habegger Furniture are all located on US 27. As you visit each of the furniture stores, follow instructions on the Furniture Frenzy game card and discover answers to the clues. You could be the winner of $1,000 in Furniture Bucks! Spend them at one or more of our five quality furniture businesses. “Swiss Days Furniture Frenzy” begins Friday, July 17 and runs through Saturday, July 25. The winner will be announced on Saturday at 8:30 pm from the Main Stage in downtown Berne during the Hank Haller performance. Don’t miss this chance to take part in the “Swiss Days Furniture Frenzy” and possibly win $1,000 in Furniture Bucks to be spent at one or more of the furniture stores! Furniture Frenzy game cards need to be returned to the Chamber office or Information Chalet no late than 6 pm on Saturday, July 25.

Win Prizes Just for
Attending Swiss Days
Want to win a 42” flat screen TV or a free t-shirt? If the answer is yes, then make sure to stop by Swiss Days 2009.
At this year’s Swiss Days festival, there will be prizes and giveaways happening throughout the entire weekend. In order to register to win a prize, festival goers will need to stop by the Information Chalet which is located at the corner of Main and Sprunger/Hendricks streets.
There will be hourly drawings for T-shirt giveaways and the grand prize drawing for the 42” flat screen TV, courtesy of Innovative Concepts, will be happening on Saturday evening at the downtown stage. Winners must be present at the time their name is called in order to claim their t-shirt, but do not need to be present to win the TV!
Make sure to take advantage of the prizes and giveaways that will be happening during Swiss Days 2009.

Parade Announcement
Always a favorite event and crowd pleaser is the annual Swiss Days parade. Local businesses, trumpeting marching bands, and dazzling floats will regale spectators along the parade route. Onlookers will also enjoy several attractions including accordion player Arthur Brogli, the National Guard, and the TRSS Drum Corps.
Individuals who would like to listen as well as watch the parade can do so at the downtown stage, located near the city building. Parade route maps will be available at the Information Chalet during Swiss Days. Enjoy the parade on Saturday at 6 pm!

Swiss Days in Berne 2009

WIENER DOG RACES
The 4th Annual Wiener Dog races will be held at Swiss Heritage Village on Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. during Swiss Days. Prizes will be awarded for four classes: Puppy, Stud, Powder Puff, and Open.
Entry fees are $5.00 for the first race and $3.00 for each additional race. Prizes will be awarded with the Grand Champion receiving a trophy. For registration information call 260-589-8007.

THE “BAKE AWAY” CONTEST
The Swiss Heritage Society will sponsor the official 8th Annual “Bake Away” Contest on Friday, July 24, 10 a.m. at the Swiss Heritage Village/Museum in Berne.
The Kids’ Cookies will have two divisions: Kids entering kindergarten through 2nd grade this fall and Kids entering 3rd grade through 6th grade this fall. Cookies should be made from scratch and include 6 cookies per entry.
The Frosted Cake category has two divisions: Single-layer cakes and multilayer cakes.
The Decorated Cookie has one division and must include six decorated cookies. For more information call 260-589-8007.
Prizes are donated by DRG of Berne, Berne Hardware, Berne Community Market and Swiss Heritage Society and will be awarded in each category.

SWISS DAYS CAR SHOW
The Swiss Days Car show will be held at Swiss Heritage Village on Saturday of Swiss Days, July 25. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and is sponsored by the Monroe Boy Scout Troop #72. Awards and prizes will be given all day. For more information contact Steve Maller at cell 417-0223 or Tony

IDEM looking at diesel fuel spill

Indiana Department of Environmental management is investigating an apparently minor diesel fuel spill at the former Bluffton Power Plant.
News-Banner Assistant Editor, Dave Shultz is working the story and shot this video on the scene. The story will be in today's News-Banner.

State Ag Director visits Wells County

By FRANK SHANLY
Wells County played host to some important guests Wednesday morning, reviewing and calling attention to a land preservation project near Liberty Center.
Indiana Agriculture Director Anne Hazlett visited the site of a grassed waterway and grade stabilization structure that is being installed on farms owned by the MLB Trust (the family of the late Marvin Day) and Dave Prible on 400W by the closed bridge over Rock Creek.
(Read the rest of the story in today's News-Banner)

New Tree for Bi-County ball field

Scott Minnich and Jace Hill, Minnich's Lawn Care (824-8103) were planting six trees at the new Bi-County baseball field this morning. Minnich donated his services and one of the trees. The other five trees were provided free of charge by friends of the local Dream Team...

Leadership Academy--are you in?

The Wells County Leadership Academy is now taking applications for the new year of classes which will begin in September.

The Leadership Academy is all about personal skill development and learning and putting into practice essential leadership principles. Dr. Tim Elmore developed the curriculum that is used for the Academy - the lessons are based on the Habitudes that Dr. Elmore has written.

Classes meet once a month from 8:00 am to noon and class size is limited. You can download an application here. Application deadline is July 31. If you have any questions, please call Pamela at United Way of Wells County at 260-824-5589.

Here is a video from one of last year's participants, Karen Everett, talking about what this program has done to enhance her life. Karen is the office administrator at Honegger Ringger Co.

Have you seen this duck?

Don't forget the annual Duck Race, sponsored by Family Centered Services, will be held at 1 p.m., August 8, at Kehoe Park. First prize is $1,000...that's a lot of quackers. There are 29 other assorted prizes available for winning, also.

Call FCS at 824-8574 to buy your ducks. It's just $5 per duck; $20 for a Quacker Sack of 5 ducks plus a free large, environmentally friendly tote bag; or $50 for 12 ducks, plus a free t-shirt.

Don't delay--call today. All proceeds go toward Family Centered Services.

Wells County 4-H Fair Parade Pictures

I had some left-over pictures from Saturday's 4-H parade and thought I'd post them here. Don't forget. News-Banner photos are available for sale at our Photo Gallery (and you can have them put on a t-shirt, coffee mug, calendar--whatever!)

4-H Foundation Bake Sale July 18

The 4-H Foundation Bake Sale will be held Saturday, July 18 starting at 5 p.m. at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton.
Bakes goods, along with pop and water, will be sold in front of the Community Building. Those interested in bringing treats to sell can do so by dropping the labeled items to the Community Building by 4 p.m. on the day of the sale and mark the price clearly. Baked goods should not need to be refrigerated. Place your name and address on each item. All proceeds will go to fund scholarships and other local programs promoted by the 4-H Foundation. Call Martha Paxson at 260-413-7391.

4-H Park almost ready to go

Visited the 4-H park this morning and posted lots of video at the 4-H video blog. Find that here.

Not much in the way of animals yet, as you can see, but lots of activity in the Exhibition Hall.

Library announces video contest winners!

A premiere of the top finalists in the Library You Tube Video Contest on Friday evening revealed the winners at the Wells County Public Library. Casey Fritz was the first place winner of a $100 Best Buy gift card. Morgan Napier won second with a Market Street Steakhouse gift certificate. Brandon Havener won third with a Tygers Pizza gift certificate. And Jenna Yonker won honorable mention of a Bohemian Bean gift card. You can watch the videos at http://wellscolibrary.org/ContestWinners.html
Photo compliments of Deb Perry (L-R) Casey Fritz, Brandon Havener, Jenna Yonker and Morgan Napier.

Wells County Leadership Academy

The Wells County Leadership Academy is now taking applications for the new year of classes which will begin in September.

The Leadership Academy is all about personal skill development and learning and putting into practice essential leadership principles. Dr. Tim Elmore developed the curriculum that is used for the Academy - the lessons are based on the Habitudes that Dr. Elmore has written.

Classes meet once a month from 8:00 am to noon and class size is limited. You can download an application here. Application deadline is July 31. If you have any questions, please call Pamela at United Way of Wells County at 260-824-5589.

Here is a video from Bluffton Regional director of marketing Tamra Boucher, talking about what this program has done for her company.

Greased pig and Hog Calling contests cancelled

By Justin Peeper
The greased pig contest that was set to take place following
opening-night awards and presentations at the 4-H Fair this weekend has
been canceled.
The contest, which began at last year’s fair, was scheduled for 8 p.m.
Saturday, but officials were forced to call it off, organizer Mike
Moriarity told The News-Banner late Tuesday night.
The contest served as a fund-raising event for the Fraternal Order of
Firefighters, and they used the profits to help fund scholarships for
Wells County students.
Organizers cited two reasons for canceling this summer’s competition.
First, they said not enough people had pre-registered. Second, they
indicated a problem securing pigs for Saturday night because of a
contract issue with the farmers who were going to supply the pigs.
It was unclear Tuesday night if the greased pig contest would be on the
county fair schedule for next year, Moriarity said.
About 102 people — children and teens — participated in last year’s
contest.
County fair officials have also decided to cancel the hog calling contest
that had been scheduled for Saturday night.
Organizers called off the 7:30 p.m. competition this morning after they
learned that Saturday’s 8 p.m. greased pig contest had been canceled, as
reported on Page 1 of today’s News-Banner.
This year would have been the first for a hog calling contest at the
county fair.

Mobile Skate Park in Murray

Bluffton Skateboard Park Committee brought the American Ramp Co. of Joplin, Mo., to set-up a mobile skateboard park at Murray this morning. More than 50 skateboarders and BMX freestylers showed up to take advantage of the ramps, slides and rails.

Youth Pastor Tim Zurcher is a member of the committee and a proponent of a Bluffton skate park.

Wells County Leadership Academy

Wells County Leadership Academy

The Wells County Leadership Academy is now taking applications for the new year of classes which will begin in September.

The Leadership Academy is all about personal skill development and learning and putting into practice essential leadership principles. Dr. Tim Elmore developed the curriculum that is used for the Academy - the lessons are based on the Habitudes that Dr. Elmore has written.

Classes meet once a month from 8:00 am to noon and class size is limited. You can download an application here. Application deadline is July 31. If you have any questions, please call Pamela at United Way of Wells County at 260-824-5589.

Here is a video from one of last year's participants, Karen Everett, talking about what this program has done to enhance her life. Karen is the office administrator at Honegger Ringger Co.

Kehoe Concert Series Kicks off Summer Series

Mike Walker and Deb Hart, of Portland, danced the night away at Kehoe Part Concert Sunday night, as "Spike and the Bulldogs" nearly brought the house down.

Asst. Editor Dave Schultz was there and shot this video...(Dave was everywhere this weekend!--jb)

Wells County 2009 Garden Walk

Gardens were in bloom Saturday for the 2009 Wells County Garden Walk.

Asst. Editor Dave Schultz visited the shaded gazebo built by gardeners Marty and Andrea Grove, of S. Williams Street, and shot this video:

Prize packages for annual Duck Race

Imagine $1,000 cash to spend anyway you want. That’s the grand prize in this year’s annual Family Centered Services Duck Race to be held on the Wabash River Saturday, Aug. 8.
“We have 49 Corporate Sponsors this year with a total of $11,075 in sponsorships and 73 merchants from Wells, Huntington & Adams Counties have donated prizes. We think that is amazing especially in this economy! We are so thankful,” said Brenda Taylor of Family centered Services.
1. Grand prize - $1,000
2. Second prize – travel package, two Southwest Airline tickets ($800 value)
3. Huntington pampering package number one – one-hour massage from Karen Gray, Vera Bradley cosmetic bag, pedicure from the nail station, 65-piece make up kit, curling iron, and Caribbean tanning sessions
4. Pampering package number one – Vera Bradley overnight bag, 65 piece make-up kit, curling iron, Todd Shalley $25 gift certificate. And a large Yankee candle
5. Portrait package number one - $250 Gallery Portrait gift certificate, bare mineral make-up, shear style pedicure and a curling iron
6. Pizza package number one – Pizza Hut – one pizza a month for a year
7. Huntington family pack – 3 month YMCA membership, 4 Huntington Seven theater concessions tickets, $20 gift certificate Owen’s-south, $20 gift certificate helping hand grocery, 6 McDonald value meals and $10 Bob Evans gift certificate
8. Beauty package – One-month Curves membership, body solutions passes, bare minerals make-up, curling iron, deluxe make-up mirror, and a cut & style at Achieva Hair Salon
9. Kid’s package number one – electric scooter, tincaps souvenir ball & behind the scenes tour
10. Pampering package number two – Mary Kay basket, bare minerals make-up, one-half hour massage from Rhonda Chapman, curling iron, cut and style at Achieva hair salon
11. Pizza package number two – Dominos – one pizza a month for a year and a travel mug
12. Portrait package number two – Sonshine studios deluxe sitting, bare minerals make-up, curling iron, and jeurgen’s picture hanger
13. Huntington pampering package number two – 30-minute massage from Touches of health, Vera Bradley tote bag, bare minerals make-up, curling iron, hair, cut from Wright Hair Design
14. Electronics package – Sweetwater Sound iPod, camera, black and white TV/radio
15. Bearcreek Farms get-away – one-night stay, $25 from Sharon’s style salon
16. Kid package number two – tent, telescope, lantern and black and white television-radio combination.
17. A day away in Huntington – free night at the Holiday Inn Express, one half-hour massage from Healing Serenity, $20 gift certificate from Brick House Grill, and $5 Pizza Junction
18. Bluffton dinner package - $50 Billy Ann’s gift certificate, $25 Pizza King gift certificate, $10 Richards and McDonalds, Tyeger’s medium pizza, 1 Coco China lunch buffet, 8-inch Dairy Queen ice cream cake, and Burger King gift certificate
19. Outdoor package number one – tent, inflatable boat, lantern, binoculars and 18-in-one tool
20. Cookout package – Lowe’s table top grill, grill accessories and Heyerly’s meat pack
21. Huntington car care – Ingle’s tire alignment, Jiffy oil deluxe oil change, Parkmoor car washes, and Sears 22-piece tool set
22. Outdoor package number two - $30 gift certificate outdoor concepts, outdoor watch, binoculars, bird seed, 25 piece tool set, and t-shirt
23. Tool time package - $40 gift certificate Troxel equipment, 25-piece tool set, outdoor watch, and 18-in-one tool
24. Fitness package – three-month membership at Worthman’s Fitness Center and Harvest of Health supplements
25. Car care package – four-wheel balance Buffton Tire, five Superwash gift certificate, Sears 22-piece tool set & travel mug
26. Outdoor package number three – tent, inflatable boat, camera, adventure tool
27. Home sweet home - $25 Scott’s gift certificate, $20 main cleaners gift certificate/, $25 Usborne children’s books, recipe card holder and Brew Ha mug and gift certificate
28. Out-of-town dinner package - $40 Arnold’s drive-in gift certificate, $15 west end gift certificate, and $15 galley gift certificate
29. Pet package – yearly shots at Bluffton Animal Clinic
30. Consolation cash - $50 from Sell Chiropractic

Leadership Academy

Wells County Leadership Academy

The Wells County Leadership Academy is now taking applications for the new year of classes which will begin in September.

The Leadership Academy is all about personal skill development and learning and putting into practice essential leadership principles. Dr. Tim Elmore developed the curriculum that is used for the Academy - the lessons are based on the Habitudes that Dr. Elmore has written.

Classes meet once a month from 8:00 am to noon and class size is limited. You can download an application here. Application deadline is July 31. If you have any questions, please call Pamela at United Way of Wells County at 260-824-5589.

Here is a video from Bluffton Regional director of marketing Tamra Boucher, talking about what this program has done for her company.

Send To Phone

Fair time already?

Bluffton city workers took advantage of the clear skies Friday morning to hang subtle reminders around the downtown that the Bluffton Street Fair is just a a couple short months away...

DREAM TEAM AWARDS BANQUET (date changed)

The Dream Team will hold its final game and awards banquet on the same day, July 30, at 6 p.m., at Bi-County Field.

For more information, to participate or to volunteer, call the Wells County YMCA at 824-5019.

Clean up the Wabash

Stacia Henderson, administrative secretary of the Upper Wabash River Basin Commission talks with Dave Schultz about the program and its impact on Wells County.

Dream Team hits a homer at Bi-County Field

The Dream Team had a great time playing their inaugural T-Ball game at the new baseball diamond at Bi-County Services.

Families from around Wells County attended the game to cheer on some of the greatest players around.


The Dream Team will play at 6 p.m. on July 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30. The awards picnic and celebration is scheduled for 6 p.m. on August 7.

Everyone is welcome to watch the games. Bring a lawn chair for the best seats and be ready to cheer!

Bluffton Independence Day Festivities

Bluffton fireworks were delayed from July 4 due to rain, but the display was no less awe-inspiring a day later.

Warren Independence Day Parade

Winding its way through downtown Warren on Friday, the Salamonie Summer Festival Independence Day parade was chock full of firetrucks, tractors, marching bands and even a clown or two.

LIBRARY VIDEO CONTEST PREMIERE JULY 10

The top video entries have been selected for the Wells County Public Library Video Contest Premiere on Friday, July 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. The finalists for the competition, with 1-3 minute You Tube videos promoting the library, are: Casey Fritz, Brandon Havener , Morgan Napier and Jenna Yonker. Bring family and friends to the free premiere to enjoy fresh popcorn while watching these fun and creative videos. For more information, contact the library at 260-824-1612.

Bluffton Fireworks 2009

Independence Day in Bluffton was a bit damp and dreary so the fireworks display was postponed until Sunday. A day late but no less fantastic of a show.

Salamonie Summer Festival Parade

Downtown Warren was the destination for a mile-long parade of floats Friday during the Salamonie Summer Festival.

I was on the scene, shooting photos and video and stuffing my face with pulled pork sandwiches from the kind folks at Dillman Church. Later I delighted in a delicious ice cream cone from C&E Concessions of Bluffton.

Independence Day Tea Party

News-Banner Assistant Editor Dave Schultz was on scene Saturday morning as hundreds gathered at the Wells County Courthouse for the Independence Day Tea Party.

Send To Phone

Fireworks at Salamonie Summer Festival

Shot some great pictures and had a fantastic time at the Salamonie Summer Festival. Thought you might enjoy these still shots.

Salamonie Summer Festival Fireworks

Check out this great piece of video from the fireworks finale at the Salamonie Summer Festival in Warren Thursday night.

Thousands of people gathered at the park, in their backyards, down the street in the school parking lot and at the baseball diamond. Cotton candy, ice cream and pulled pork sandwiches were on the menu; live music and a balloon launch were also part of the evening's fun.

Norwell Dance Team at Ossian Independence Day

I had this video left over from the Independence Day celebration in Ossian this week. I thought you might enjoy it. I know these students worked very hard to entertain the crowd and did a fantastic job.

Dan and Karen York: Today Show Makeover Ambush

Dan and Karen York were in New York visiting their sons when Karen was selected at random from the Today Show crowd. Check out this video compliments of MSNBC:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Ronald McDonald at WCPL

Ronald McDonald made his annual visit to the Wells County Public Library on Thursday. On Wednesday he was visiting the Ossian branch of the library, bringing his story-telling skills and snappy-patter to dozens of local kids.

He might be a clown, but he's all business when it comes to kids: treating them like little people and delighting in every smile he coaxes from their lips...

Ossian Independence Day Celebration

Ossian Health and Rehabilitation Center was the site of the 2009 Independence Day celebration in the northern Wells County community.

Complete with a parade of stars; free popcorn, games and balloons for the children; and live entertainment courtesy of some very talented Norwell High School students. A fireworks show capped an evening of family fun.

Rolling thunder: Tank comes to Bluffton

Sports Editor Paul Beitler shot some great video of the efforts to place an M-60 A3 tank at the National Guard Armory south of town.

Chains snapped like twine as the steel behemoth, weighing more than 50 tons, was positioned out front. Beitler was smart enough to stand back and give them plenty of room to work.