Bluffton High School’s Spring Comedy

Bluffton High School’s Drama Department will be performing 'Surviving Reality', written by Daniel O’Donnell on Saturday, April 10 at 7:00 P.M. each evening. This hilarious comedy begins when the owner of a small local television station decides to jump on the bandwagon and produce his own reality show, sparks fly about the million-dollar prize. Harold Fastbuck sees an opportunity to make millions with the TV show, which casts the haughty Tuttletons of Park Avenue, New York, with the down-home Hatter family of Hog Holler, Kentucky.
The families think they only have to live together in the Hatter cabin for a month, but unbeknownst to them, they must also endure a series of challenges. Being the lying cheater that he is, Fastbuck intends to make the challenges increasingly impossible so the million dollars cannot possibly be won.
Yet the desperate Tuttletons and simple Hatters comically endure everything thrown at them, including exchanging clothes and accents, to the final, ultimate test of eating worms and cow eyes.
Add in to the mix a young director fresh out of school; two obsequious producers, an elderly, egotistical emcee; and a compilation of all known reality shows, and you have chaos and laughter.
For only $4.00 each audience members can see Surviving Reality on Saturday, April 10 (7:00 P.M.) at Bluffton High School.

The cast of Surviving Reality include Ellen Cornwell, Paige Ladig, Donald Mock, Ryanne Runion, Robin Butler, Shannon Monroe, Aaron Carr, Katie Thompson, Layla Filhart, Joe Ifer, Brandon Anderson, Haley Humann, Ryan Coyne, Ivy Filhart, Katie Love, Kassandra Gerwig, Alexis Mulkey, Skylar Schwartz, and Katie Elliott.
(Submitted Info)

OES Parent-Student Book Club

The OES Parent-Student Book Club met Tuesday night from 6:30-8:00. They studied the book Small Steps by Peg Kehret. The book is a memoir of Peg Kehret's life as a teenager when she had Polio. Students and parents learned about the author, participated in small group discussion, and then completed a research project on a specific disability. This project tied into March being Disability Awareness month. Students researched epilepsy, diabetes, down syndrome, leukemia, and cerebral palsy. Students used artifacts from their research to create a poster to hang at OES to help others learn about disabilities. It was a really great night!
(Submitted Info)

Jericho visits Kroger! (Cute kids)

Caleb Geimer is learning how to be a cashier and check out a water bottle during a recent field trip by Jericho Kindergarten students. Elsa Corkwell watches from behind.


Jericho kindergarten students chilling in the freezer at Bluffton's Kroger during their field trip.

Pictured from Left to Right in the front row: Avia Stoller, Simon Fry, Caleb Geimer, Elsa Corkwell. Backrow: Nichole Hiday, Emily Taylor, Adin Stoller


Jericho's Kindergarten class went on a field trip to Kroger to explore the different departments and how they worked. Some of the trip highlights for the students were: watching the huge meat packer machine assembling packages of meat, stocking a shelf of milk in the refrigerator section, learning how to check out an item at the cashier's station and checking out how cold the freezers were. The students never thought going to a grocery store could be so fun!

Pictured from Left to Right: Adin Stoller, Caleb Geimer, Elsa Corkwell, Nichole Hiday, Emily Taylor, Avia Stoller, Simon Fry

Windows 7 at Wells County Chamber

S.R. 9 Closed for Removal of Railroad Crossing

Indiana Department of Transportation Release:

Detour effective April 12

MARION, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Fort Wayne District announces that S.R.9 will be closed effective April 12 due to the railroad crossing removal project.

S.R. 9 will be closed between W. 34th Street and W. 33rd Street while the abandoned Norfolk Southern railroad crossing is removed. Crews will remove the crossing surface, track structure, and concrete buffers. The road will then be reconstructed.

The official detour route is S.R. 18 to I-69 to S.R. 22/I-35. The length of the detour is approximately 18 miles and adds 12.5 miles for thru traffic.

The road is expected to open by mid to late April, weather permitting.

LANCASTER AND OSSIAN KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP SESSIONS ANNOUNCED

Ossian and Lancaster Elementary schools will each hold two Kindergarten Round-up sessions.
Ossian Elementary’s sessions will be Tuesday, April 13 at 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Parents should call the school to sign up for one of the sessions – 622-4179.
Lancaster Elementary’s sessions will be Tuesday, April 20, at 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. Parents should call the school to sign up for one of the sessions – 565-3135.
The child being enrolled in kindergarten next year needs to attend with the parent. Parents will have an informational meeting while the children participate in some screening activities with kindergarten teachers.
At the conclusion of each Round-up session, the Wells County Health Department will be available to give kindergarten shots. The child’s immunization record must be presented before any shots will be given.
Each school will provide a tour of kindergarten classrooms and have a school bus on site to tour.
Any parent who cannot attend Kindergarten Round-up should contact the school the child will attend.
Keep in mind that the child’s birth certificate, social security card, and immunization record is needed at the Round-up session.
The State of Indiana requires that STUDENTS MUST BE FIVE YEARS OLD ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2010, to enroll in kindergarten for the 2010-11 school year.

(Submitted Info)

'Rabbit School' at 4-H Fairgrounds

Danielle Cale, Wells County 4-H Rabbit Club co-leader and reigning Indiana State Fair Master Rabbit Ambassador helped organize the 3rd annual NE Indiana Rabbit School at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds on Saturday. Cale managed to have all 47 different rabbit breeds available for 4-H members to study.

More photos available at the Wells County 4-H Fair blog, here.

Ginger is a 4 year old Boxer, female. She is a super nice girl!


Rusty is an 8 month old orange Tiger DSH, male. He is very affectionate!


*We have several fixed and de-clawed cats for adoption. Their adoption fee is only $10.00 All of them are very sweet!
Call now: 824-6063

Mayor Ted is On-The-Air

Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis was on NIPR bright and early this morning, part of their annual fund drive. Ellis is a regular feature at the station, often participating in fundraising events. The current fund drive runs through tomorrow. Pledges can be made at NIPR.FM or 800-471-9426. (Photo submitted)

Street department Superintendent talks asphalt patches

Bill Ball, Bluffton Street Department Superintendent, spoke with News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz about paving and resurfacing.
It's your money at work. Check it out:

Ossian Conservation Club Events!!

Ossian Conservation Club Inc., a not for profit corporation, located at 9950 N. 100 E., Ossian, Indiana, has announced the following April 2010 events, for more information call 622-4712 or 622-6810 or click here.

April 10th - Nelson’s Port-A-Pit Chicken, Pork Chops and Ribs at Villa North in Bluffton, 11:00 a.m. till gone. No pre-sold tickets, $5.50 for half a chicken, $5.50 for a pork chop, and $9.00 for a slab of ribs. For dessert try Our Old Style Sugar Corn made in a cast iron kettle, $2.00 and $4.00 a bag. Proceeds will to go to the new furnace and siding fund.

April 11th - Ouabache Archers at Ossian Conservation Club – second meet of the year.
Several new Rinehart 3-D Targets! 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

April 18th – Ossian Conservation Club Shotgun Shooter’s informal Shotgun Shoot – regular clays – middies – minnies and rabbit targets. 12:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. Bring the whole Family. Public is welcome.

April 24th and 25th - Ouabache Archers are having a “Traditional Archery Shoot” at the Ossian Conservation Club. Several new Rinehart 3-D Targets! 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

This year we will be selling raffle tickets on a chainsaw “Wood Carving” by Sid King. If you have seen different animals or eagles carved from logs or stumps around the county you’ve probably seen Sid’s work. Tickets will sell for $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00, and will be sold at all of the fund raisers and events this year and also from club members. For tickets or more information call, Dave Saalfrank at 622-7107 or Rose Barrick at 622-4733. The drawing will be at the October 1nd meeting at the Ossian Conservation Club.


(If your group or club is having a free event, pass the information on to us and we'll post it to our Blog!)

BPD says: watch out for fraudulent cell phone calls

Bluffton Police Department Issues the Following Warning: Fraudulent cell phone calls are being received from Three Rivers Credit Union and Professional Credit Union saying user accounts have been deactivated and account numbers must be entered via the cell phone. THIS IS A SCAM. Do not respond. Contact BPD if you receive such a call.

Early morning house fire

Bluffton Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1342 W. South Street just after 6 a.m. this morning.
The homeowners were uninjured, but family pets, a dog and a cat, perished in the blaze.
A cause had not yet been determined at press time. Read the full story in today's News-Banner.

Adopt-a-Pet

Coty is a 4 month old American Eskimo Spitz, male. Home without small children is needed for him. Very sweet but a little shy.


Smokey is a 6 month old Grey/White DSH, female. Very loving girl!


*We have several fixed and de-clawed cats for adoption. Their adoption fee is only $10.00 All of them are very sweet!
Call now: 824-6063

Southern Wells Donuts with Dad

Southern Wells Elementary recently held their Donut for Dad breakfast.  This event is sponsored by the SWES P.I.E. organization.  The morning is filled with lots of fun for everyone.  The turnout is always huge and this year was no different.  After the students and dads were finished with breakfast, the book fair was set up in the library for anyone who was interested in a good book.  Special thanks go to P.I.E., all who volunteers to help with the breakfast and Mrs. Douglass for her help with the book fair.

(Submitted Info)

More NHS Drum Line

Good luck Saturday!!

Norwell Drum Line: Gimme a Beat!

In their final performance before State Competition on Saturday, the Norwell Drum Line entertained nearly 100 fans in the Norwell High School gymnasium on Thursday.

More OES Musical pictures

I took a lot of photos while at the Ossian Elementary School Spring Musical on Thursday. Here are a select few.

Doug Hunt plays guitar

When Southern Wells Technology Teacher Doug Hunt wants to get his student's attention all he has to do is grab a guitar. Convenient then that his students have been building guitars in his class all year. They finished up those guitars on Thursday and Hunt put each one of the new instruments to the test.

OES Spring Musical 2010

In case you missed the Ossian Elementary School Spring Musical Thursday here are some videos of the Jefferson Street Singers & Ringers and STOMP!.

'Billy Yank' comes to Ossian

Civil War re-enactor Kevin Stonerock, of Knightstown, visited Ossian Elementary School 4th graders on Thursday as 'Billy Yank.' Stonerock, in full military regalia, spoke of his experiences during the war.

Harbinger of spring

Keep those robins. The true harbinger of spring in Bluffton is when Bummies opens. Waitress Kristen Brinneman was kept on her toes at lunchtime during the restaurant's opening day Wednesday. (Photo by Glen Werling)

Green like a Shamrock

Green like a Shamrock
Ossian Elementary School first-grader Karrie LeSure, 8, enjoyed her first taste of snow peas, Wednesday as students sampled a variety of green foods including lettuce, apples and pickles. (Photo by Jerry Battiste)

St. Patrick's Day at Parks Department

The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Dept. hosted their annual St. Patty's Day
luncheon on March 17th. The event was held at the Bluffton Middle School
Culinary Arts classroom. The students prepared and served the delicious meal
of shepherd's pie, lettuce wedge salad, cheesy garlic rolls, and scrumptious
chocolate mint cookies.

The next luncheon is scheduled for Cinco de Mayo on May 3rd. Science Central
will be on hand to serve up the dessert of homemade ice cream made using
liquid nitrogen.

Southern Wells Random Act of Kindness

Southern Wells students serve those who serve
Rex Holloway enjoyed his pancakes with dozens of friends and fellow emergency workers at the Southern Wells Elementary School Student Health Council community appreciation breakfast on Wednesday. More than 75 members of local district fire departments, first responders, PIE officers and Wells County Sheriff Department officers attended this year’s Random Acts of Kindness learning service project. Students served a variety of foods including egg casseroles, muffins and pancakes. (Photo by Southern Wells Intern Brandon Gephart)

Leprechaun at Norwell

A sweet reward for a good cause
Since early March, Norwell High School students have been buying clovers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Not only did each donation go towards a great cause, but it also went as a vote towards one of NHS's teachers to dress up like a leprechaun for a day. Bobbie Shull (right) won the honor. Freshmen, Ian Tyler (left), dressed up as a leprechaun as well with spirit for the holiday. Katherine Gordon (right of Shull), Student Council president, organized the program with the help of Student Council members, pictured around the leprechauns. (Picture by Northern Wells Intern Devan Filchak)

NMS Instrument Try-Outs

Norwell Middle School band director Amy Hipsher conducted instrument try-outs Wednesday for Ossian Elementary School 5th graders. Every student had a chance to test their skill with the horns, woodwinds and drums. It was cacophony of sound, but the students learned about different instruments and Hipsher learned who was a potential future band member.

Lancaster fifth grade musical

Cathy Dunwiddie organized a musical with her 5th grade class at Lancaster Central Elementary School on Tuesday. The students did a great job keeping the audience entertained.
Unfortunately Jerry Battiste was covering the Northern Wells Community School board at the time, but someone was nice enough to shoot this video for him.
Thanks!

MARCH 14-20 IS NATIONAL SAFE PLACE WEEK

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 16, 2010) – National Safe Place announces March 14-20, 2010 as National Safe Place Week. This commemorative week highlights the innovative Safe Place program, which brings businesses and volunteers together to provide help and safety to children and teens facing abuse, neglect or serious family problems.

Safe Place is a nationally acclaimed outreach program that makes help readily available to young people in crisis. A network of more than 17,000 partnering businesses and community buildings that appeal to youth – such as fast food restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, public buses and libraries – are trained to connect youth who might be abused, neglected, thrown away or in immediate danger to their local youth shelter or Host Homes program.

Safe Place programs serve nearly 1,500 communities across the country and are managed by 140 youth-serving agencies in 39 states and the District of Columbia. More than 250,000 youth nationally have been counseled by phone or received help through a business or community location displaying the Safe Place sign since the program’s inception in 1983. Locally, Family Centered Services facilitates the Safe Place program, partnering with 38 businesses/agencies throughout the county that display the yellow and black Safe Place sign.

This week is designated to recognize the participating businesses, community organizations, youth service agencies and volunteers that are part of the National Safe Place program and work for the safety and well being of at-risk youth. They are commended for their hard work and dedication to support the nation’s youth.

(Submitted)

Southern Wells Book Fair

Sarah Kline, Laura Stoops, and Emry Hoening are looking at the games/entertainment styled books. The book fair was open to all SWCS elementary students at the school.


Mrs. Douglass is looking threw the books with Elliott Apps before his purchase at the book fair. Mrs. Douglass worked the book fair threw-out the week.

(Photos by Southern Wells Intern Brandon Gephart)

Kiracofe named Republican Party Chairman

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz covered the Republican Party caucus on Monday and had a chance to speak with newly selected Republican Party Chairman Ken Kiracofe.

Here's his interview. Read more in today's News-Banner.

Adopt-a-Pet

Alisia is a 4 year old DSH grey calico, spayed and declawed female. Housecat Only!


Baby Kitty is a 2 year old DSH grey/white, spayed and declawed female. Housecat Only!

*We have several fixed and de-clawed cats for adoption. Their adoption fee is only $10.00 All of them are very sweet!
Call now: 824-6063

Fans cheer Raiders, win or lose

The faithful Raider fans were out in force Saturday morning for the game against Covington. The Raiders may have lost the game, but their supporters never lost faith...

Deb Perry solo showing at the Balentine Gallery

You have until April 2 to visit the Creative Arts center for the solo showing of Deb Perry's photos and essays of the "Unscene" Bluffton.

Sunday she was on hand to present a walking tour of the display...

Southern Wells fans

Southern Wells Raiders man not have won their Regional contest against Covington, but it wasn't for lack of support from their fans.

Wells County Economic Development better than most

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz attended the annual Wells County Economic Development Report Thursday night and spoke with Economic Development Director Mike Row afterwards. His interview is here and his story is in today's News-banner.

Inside the Morrow Block

The News-Banner got an inside look at the Morrow Block building on Wednesday as crews worked to put the new roof on. Fire damage inside is clearly evident, but signs that the building could indeed be saved are everywhere.

They are only replacing the roof on the Morrow Block. At least for now.