N-B Video: Walk where soldiers fight

Take a walk through the Wells County Historical Society annual collections and hobby show, held Monday, Aug 29. Exhibitors displayed their miniature soldiers, model planes, dolls, Bluffton memorabilia and more. (Video by Barbara Barbieri)

N-B Video: Bringing the world to Wells County

Mike Row, Wells County Economic Development Director, discusses how Wells County is now part of a "foreign trade zone" and what that means for local businesses. Learn more in the Tuesday, Aug. 30, News-Banner. (Video by Glen Werling)

N-B Video: Wildcats on Parade

Markle held its annual Wildcat Festival this weekend, including the annual parade Saturday. Learn more in the Saturday, Aug. 27, and Monday, Aug. 29, News-Banners. (Video by Frank Shanly)



For more video, go to our Saturday, Aug. 27, "On the Beat" blog.

N-B Video — Markle Wildcat Festival: Welcome to the festival

The town of Markle kicked off its annual Wildcat Festival Friday, Aug. 26. Every year on the first night, the town announces the four official "grouches" after people vote on candidates to help raise money for the next year's festival. Learn more this year's grouches in the the Saturday, Aug. 27, News-Banner.

N-B Video — "We don't want to lose even one ..."

United Way campaign chairman Karen Everett discusses why she is hoping this year's annual fundraising campaign will make even more than last year. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Video — A walk in the park

Through a donation from the First Bank of Berne, the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department could extend the sidewalks at Roush Park. To learn more, see the Thursday, Aug. 25, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Video — How to build a field of dreams

The News-Banner's Paul Beitler talks with Bluffton-Harrison Superintendent Wayne Barker about the push to finish the new football field in time for the first home game on Friday, Aug. 26. For more stories and videos, go to www.news-banner.com. (Video by Paul Beitler)

N-B Video — Digging for water

After a service line broke Thursday morning beneath the 200 block of West Wiley Avenue, crew of the Bluffton Wastewater Department started digging through the street to find the source of the leak. For more stories and videos, go to www.news-banner.com. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video — Ossian Elementary back-to-school night

Ossian Elementary third, fourth and fifth-grade students gave their parents a tour of their school during Ossian's annual back-to-school night Tuesday, Aug. 23. During the evening, the fourth-grade students also performed. For more video from the evening, go to our "On the Beat" blog at www.onthebeatinbluffton.blogspot.com. (Video by Chet Baumgartner).

City salaries

Members of the Bluffton Common Council gave their preliminary approval to the following salaries for city employees. They will formally approve them at another council meeting. Learn more in Wednesday, Aug. 24, News-Banner.

Executive office and other positions (the first number is the civil portion; the second number is the utility portion)
• Mayor: $723.25; $1,550.74 bi-weekly
• Common Council (five): $3,321.95; $3,191.67 per year
• Clerk Treasurer: $977.76; $990.58 bi-weekly
• Judge of the City Court: $9,976.34 per year
• Member of Board of Public Works & Safety (two): $6,513.62 additional per year
• City Attorney: $384.51 bi-weekly

The following numbers are the maximum amounts:
• Chief Deputy Clerk Treasurer: $8.94 per hour
• Deputy Clerk Treasurer/Human Resource: $8.67 per hour
• Deputy Clerk Treasurers: $8.42 per hour
• Accounts Clerk: $7.05 per hour
• Non-classified Part-time:$4.64 per hour
• Temporary: $9.27 per hour
• Street Commissioner and Inspector: $1,857.50 bi-weekly
• Operator (1): $18.84 per hour
• Equipment Operator (3): $16.78 per hour
• Truck Drivers: $16.03 per hour
• Laborer: $15.52 per hour
• Extra Help: $13.50 per hour
• Non-classified part-time: $9.27 per hour
• Summer Help 1st year with City: $7.52 per hour
• Summer Help 2nd year with City: $8.02 per hour
• Summer Help 3rd year with City: $8.38 per hour
• Summer Help 4th year with City: $8.88 per hour
• Animal Control Office Manager: $18.67 per hour
• Animal Shelter Officer: $14.22 per hour
• Non-classified part-time: $9.27 per hour
• Civilian Radio Dispatcher/Computer (1): $19.10 per hour
• Civilian Radio Dispatcher (9): $16.39 per hour
• Civilian Parking Enforcement (1): $13.96 per hour
• Clerk/Typist: $16.18 per hour
• City Court Clerk/Public Safety Clerk: $15.32 per hour
• Custodial: $10.93 per hour
• Non-classified part-time: $9.27 per hour
• Dispatcher/Enforcement Uniform Allowance: $500.00 per year
Shift Differential — second shift: 2.5%, third shift: 5.0%
• Park Board President: $675.31 per year
• Park Board Vice President: $675.31 per year
• Park Board Secretary: $675.31 per year
• Park Board Treasurer: $675.31 per year
• Park and Recreation Superintendent: $1,609.68 bi-weekly
• Assistant to Park Superintendent: $11.62 per hour
• Park & Pool Maintenance Coordinator: $16.55 per hour
• Park & Pool Maintenance Assistant (1): $16.84 per hour
• Part-time Park & Pool Maintenance Helper: $10.44 per hour
• Mowing: $9.86 per hour
• Gym Director: $11.54 per hour
• Gym Assistants: $8.88 per hour
• Park Maintenance: $8.88 per hour
• Concession Supervisor: $8.44 per hour
• Concession Worker: $7.41 per hour
• Pool Manager: $10.84 per hour
• Asst. Pool Manager: $9.85 per hour
• Pool Maintenance: $8.61 per hour
• Lifeguard: $9.18 per hour
• Tennis Supervisor: $8.30 per hour
• Tennis Instructor: $7.41 per hour
• Crafts Supervisor: $8.30 per hour
• Crafts Instructor: $7.41 per hour
• Bus Driver: $49.20 per day
• Soccer Camp Supervisor: $8.67 per hour
• Soccer Camp Instructor: $7.48 per hour
• Summer Gymnastic Supervisor: $8.30 per hour
• Summer Gymnastic Instructor: $7.41 per hour
• Gymnastic Camp Instructor: $9.56 per hour
• Non-classified part-time: $9.27 per hour
• Downtown Development Manager: $11.60 per hour
• League Coordinator: $9.00 per hour

Police Department
• Chief of Police: $1,956.13 bi-weekly
• Deputy Chief: $1,886.99 bi-weekly
• Detective (Assignment Pay*): $59.81 bi-weekly
• Sergeant (Rank Pay*): $59.81 bi-weekly
• Patrol Officer: $1,578.53 bi-weekly
• Patrol Officer on Introductory Status: $1,387.59 bi-weekly
• Police Pension Secretary: $503.87 per year

Fire Department
• Fire Chief: $1,956.13 bi-weekly
• Engineer:
Probationary Engineer: $1,441.77 bi-weekly
Engineer after introductory period: $1,469.11 bi-weekly
Engineer after completing 2 years (w/BOW approval): $1,496.46 bi-weekly
Engineer after completing 3 years (w/BOW approval): $1,523.82 bi-weekly
Engineer after completing 4 years (w/BOW approval): $1,551.17 bi-weekly
Engineer after completing 5 years (w/BOW approval): $1,578.53 bi-weekly
• Inspector (1): $59.81 bi-weekly
• Engineer captain - additional compensation: $59.81 bi-weekly
• Training Officer: $719.81 per year
• Safety Officer: $431.87 per year
• Fire Pension Secretary: $215.96 per year
• Volunteer Captain Fire Fighters (up to 5): $20.49 per hour, plus an additional: $55.00 per
month
• Volunteer Lieutenant Fire Fighter (up to 4): no additional pay
• Volunteer Fire Fighters (33)
Introductory Year: $12.92 per hour
After completing 1 year satisfactory evaluation**: 14.64 per hour
After completing 4 years satisfactory evaluations**: $16.02 per hour
After completing 7 years satisfactory evaluations**: $17.19 per hour
After completing 10 years satisfactory evaluations**: $18.36 per hour
• Part-time Rate: $10.50 per hour

**All increases are subject to Board of Works approval.

A $400,000 signature

On Tuesday, Aug. 23, Bluffton High School Principal Steve Baker met with freshmen for the annual "Commitment to Graduate" ceremony, in which the freshmen signed a banner promising to complete their schooling. The News-Banner recorded several highlights from Baker's speech. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Grading the schools

Schools within the Bluffton-Harrison district recently revealed the grades they received through state and federal rankings. However, education officials contest the validity of the system, and in the case of Bluffton Middle School, officials are calling the C grade unfair. See the Tuesday, Aug. 23, News-Banner to learn more about the logic behind the letters — and why the state can declare one school an A while the federal government says that it isn't.

Public Law 221 dictates the state's grade for a school, but "AYP" is a federal filter that could possibly lower that grade. If a school doesn't meet AYP for two years in a row, the school is capped at a C for at least two years.

To learn more about how the federal and state governments created the goals that schools must meet to earn AYP, click here. You can also learn more about how schools which don't make AYP can recover.

N-B Video: Bunnies found at Bluffton Elementary

On Thursday, Aug. 18, Bluffton Elementary students found a nest of baby bunnies underneath the slide. Principal Julie Meitzler put the bunnies in a box during the school day to prevent the bunnies from getting hurt. Near the end of the day, she tried to quietly put them back, but one student recognized the box and its contents, and as soon as one student saw the bunnies, all the students had to say goodbye. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: A $1,000 run

Jericho Advanced Training Center for Ministry held its annual 5K and fun run to raise money for scholarships. More than 30 adults and children helped raise $1,000. For more information, see the Monday, Aug. 22, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: The new football field: the beginning and the end

We were there near the beginning, and we were there near the end. Enjoy these behind-the-seams look at the Bluffton High School Football field before their first football game. (Video by Glen Werling)

Studying the test

ISTEP scores help schools define their curriculum, remediation programs and more, and Wells County's public schools are starting to study their own scores with the beginning of the school year.

To learn more about ISTEP, how your school's students did, and how your student did, click on the following links:

• The Indiana Parent Network — https://www.inparentnetwork.com
  The Indiana Department of Network created the site to give parents access to their students' data. Parents need a password and username, available through their local schools.

• ISTEP scores — http://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/2011/
  2011 scores are now available. Parents can review schoolwide scores by grade, gender and student demographics. They can also find answers to common questions about the test.

• Sample ISTEP questions — http://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/3-8_gqe_resources.html
  Learn more about the actual test by seeing sample questions that reflect the content and difficulty of the test the students actually take.

A roof not all it's cracked up to be

The Northern Wells school board hopes to re-coat the roof of the Ossian Elementary School. Roofing consultant Luther Mock shared the following photos with school board members during their Tuesday, Aug. 16, meeting. Learn more in the Wednesday, Aug. 17, News-Banner.

Beyond the McKinney Ditch

As county residents continue to discuss how to address the issues surrounding the McKinney Ditch, the Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association offers the following tips for anyone's septic system. To read the complete guide, click here.

Inspect and pump frequently
You should have a typical septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector (generally every 3 to 5 years). Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components need to be inspected more often, generally once a year. Your service provider should inspect for leaks and look at the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet tee, your tank needs to be pumped. Remember to note the sludge and scum levels determined by your service provider in your operation and maintenance records. This information will help you decide how often pumping is necessary.

Watch your drains
What goes down the drain can have a major impact on how well your septic system works.

• Waste disposal: What shouldn’t you flush down your toilet? Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom items that can clog and potentially damage septic system components if they become trapped. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system or might contaminate surface waters and groundwater. If your septic tank pumper is concerned about quickly accumulating scum layers, reduce the flow of floatable materials like fats, oils, and grease into your tank or be prepared to pay for more frequent inspections and pumping.
• Washing machines: By selecting the proper load size, you’ll reduce water waste. Washing small loads of laundry on the large-load cycle wastes precious water and energy. If you can’t select load size, run only full loads of laundry. Doing all the household laundry in one day might seem like a time-saver, but it could be harmful to your septic system. Doing load after load does not allow your septic tank time to adequately treat wastes. You could be flooding your drainfield without allowing sufficient recovery time. Try to spread water usage throughout the week.

Failure symptoms
The most obvious septic system failures are easy to spot. Check for pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system or in your basement. Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry. You might also notice strips of bright green grass over the drainfield. Septic systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact with groundwater. This type of failure is not easy to detect, but it can result in the pollution of wells, nearby streams, or other bodies of water. Check with a septic system professional and the local health department if you suspect such a failure.

Learning about safety at college

From the Indiana State Police:

College students returning to campus means one thing - freedom from Mom and Dad. However, freedom has its responsibilities, and the risks college students often take have their consequences. To help protect college students, the Indiana State Police offers safety tips to keep students safe in the residence halls, on campus or whenever they are alone.

In the residence halls:

• Keep your dorm room door locked whenever the room is unoccupied, when you are in the room alone and when you are sleeping.
• Take care of your keys. Don't give anyone the opportunity to duplicate them and never leave a key over the door or near your room.
• Don't leave valuables, like your wallet, checkbook or jewelry, in open view.
• Keep drapes closed when changing clothes.

While walking on campus:

• Never walk or jog alone at night. Should you find yourself walking alone at night, avoid secluded or dimly lit areas. Stay away from wooded areas or locations where shrubs or buildings might provide cover for assailants.
• Never hitchhike or offer rides to strangers.
• Have your car or house key in hand and ready as you approach your vehicle or home.

Protecting you:

• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave.
• Alcohol and drugs cloud your decision making abilities. Make the right choices.
• Always be alert to your surroundings.
• Be cautious when communicating on social networking pages.
• Carry a cell phone with you.
• Don't become a victim of identity theft. Don't give out personal information about yourself.
• Learn to communicate the message that you're calm, confident and know where you are going. Stand tall, walk purposefully and make quick eye contact with people around you.

N-B Video: Ducks unite to help Wells County families

Family Centered Services held its annual duck race Saturday, Aug. 13. See the Monday, Aug. 15, News-Banner to learn more. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Video: Fire ignites in small barn near Liberty Center

See the Saturday, Aug. 13, News-Banner for more details. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: Bluffton fire chief recovers from fall

On Sunday, June 26, Bluffton Fire Chief Bob Plummer fell off a ladder and hit his head twice. Today, he has recovered and is sharing his story with the Bluffton News-Banner. See the Saturday, Aug. 13, News-Banner for all the details. (Video by Glen Werling)

N-B Video: Antques rumble through town

The Wells County Wheels of Yesteryear began its annual Antique Power Show and Festival Thursday, Aug. 12, with its regular parade through downtown Bluffton. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Highlights of the weekend:

• Opening parade on Thursday evening Aug. 11th
• Daily threshing and harvesting demonstrations, Machinery and equipment display
• Tractor pulls Friday and Saturday evening
• Garden tractor pull on Saturday morning, antique and modified
• Antique car and truck display, Collectibles Exhibits, Toy Farmer displays
• Trading Post - buy/sell farm collectibles, equipment and parts
• "Be-Sew-Happy" quilt show and pre-1840 historic encampment
• Several food vendors, craft and flea marketers, and toy sales
• Biscuit & Gravy breakfast on Friday morning
• Fish & tenderloin meal on Friday night, Chicken dinner Saturday night
• Pancake and sausage breakfast on Saturday morning
• Sunday breakfast and worship services
• Kid’s Peddle Pull Sat. 9:00
  

Journey to Africa

Bluffton resident Sarah Swanson, who is studying pre-med in college, spent the month of June at a hospital in Cape Town, Africa. You can read about her experiences in the hospital in the Thursday, Aug. 11, News-Banner, but you can see her adventures in that country here. We'll have more photos on tomorrow's "On the Beat" blog. (Photos provided)

Name that bison

The Ouabach State Park is looking for a name for its new bison, and you can use this form to suggest one. Simply click on the image to bring up a bigger version, then click on it again to bring up the full-sized version, and then print it. Return the form to either of the Ouabache State Park gates or main office. All names must be submitted by the close of the business day on Monday, Aug. 29. To learn more about the bison, see the Wednesday, Aug. 10, News-Banner.

New, high score

Bluffton-Harrison schools custodian Cary Stewart and Director of Maintenance Gary Schwartz install Monday another chunk of the scoreboard overlooking the north end zone before workers start laying the new turf Wednesday. Project officials say workers should finish the new field in time for Bluffton's first home football game, which is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 26. To see workers lay the field, purchase a copy of the Wednesday, Aug. 10, News-Banner. (Photo by Chet Baumgartner)

Crunching budget numbers

Every year, the Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District must approve an initial budget to submit to the state. From that budget, they create an initial rate, which is how much taxpayers will pay per every $100 of assessed value. From the rate, and other variables, the school determines how much revenue they'll receive, known as the levy. The state then determines how much it will initially appropriate.

Salaries make up a majority of the general funds.

N-B Video: Cruisin' hogs to fight cancer

Community members united Saturday, Aug. 6, for an all-day fundraiser to raise money to help cancer victims with bills and incidental costs. The day included a motorcycle ride, in which people could pay to participate. Learn more in the Monday, August 8, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: "Spraypainting" with straw

How do you cover 150 pounds worth of grass seed spread out over a large area? Ask the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Murder vs. reckless homicide

Yesterday, Wells County Prosecutor Michael Lautzenheiser changed the charge against Bruce K. Pond, 46, from reckless homicide to murder.

Murder, according to Indiana code, is
Sec. 1. A person who:
(1) knowingly or intentionally kills another human being;
(2) kills another human being while committing or attempting to commit arson, burglary, child molesting, consumer product tampering, criminal deviate conduct, kidnapping, rape, robbery, human trafficking, promotion of human trafficking, sexual trafficking of a minor, or carjacking;
(3) kills another human being while committing or attempting to commit:
(A) dealing in or manufacturing cocaine or a narcotic drug (IC 35-48-4-1);
(B) dealing in or manufacturing methamphetamine (IC 35-48-4-1.1);
(C) dealing in a schedule I, II, or III controlled substance (IC 35-48-4-2);
(D) dealing in a schedule IV controlled substance (IC

35-48-4-3); or
(E) dealing in a schedule V controlled substance; or
(4) knowingly or intentionally kills a fetus that has attained viability (as defined in IC 16-18-2-365);
commits murder, a felony.
As added by Acts 1976, P.L.148, SEC.2. Amended by Acts 1977, P.L.340, SEC.25; P.L.326-1987, SEC.2; P.L.296-1989, SEC.1; P.L.230-1993, SEC.2; P.L.261-1997, SEC.3; P.L.17-2001, SEC.15; P.L.151-2006, SEC.16; P.L.173-2006, SEC.51; P.L.1-2007, SEC.230.

Reckless homicide, according to Indiana code, is
Sec. 5. A person who recklessly kills another human being commits reckless homicide, a Class C felony.

Source: http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar42/ch1.html

N-B Video: Cool ... clear ... water

The intense heat and little moisture might make for an uncomfortable summer, but it makes it easier on Bluffton's water filtration plant. Watch the video to learn how they monitor that comfort, and see the Thursday, August 4, News-Banner to learn why high heats work just well for the water filtration plant. (Video by Dave Schultz)

Northern Wells school technology sees updates

Jeff Miller, the director of technology in the Northern Wells school district, shared with board members at their Tuesday, Aug. 2, the following technology upgrades in the district's four schools:

High School
• Upgrade computers in D4, D11 and D21.
• Install Smartboards in Math Classrooms.
• Mount Projectors in D1, D4, D11 classrooms.
• Install Smartboards in D5, D7 Vocational Funding.
• Upgrade Laptops in Science (60 Laptops).

Middle School
• New laptops for room 224 lab.
• Re-distribute these machines to room 110.
• Update room 113 with newer machines from NHS Library Lab.
• Upgrade computers in NMS Library Lab, 218.
• Mount Projectors in 6 classrooms.
• Install Smartboards in Math Classrooms (5).
• Expand Carl Ring’s lab by 5 machines.

Ossian Elementary
• Install Smartboards in 5th Grade Classrooms.
• Install Smartboards in 4th Grade Classrooms.
• Upgrade labs in room 10, 21 and 22. (90 machines).
• Upgrade student machines in Kindergarten with old lab 21 machines.
• Upgrade 1st and 2nd Grade Student machines with old Lab10 and Lab22 machines.
• Reduce the number of printers/copiers in the building.

Lancaster Central Elementary
• Install Smartboards in 5th Grade Classrooms.
• Install Smartboards in 4th Grade Classrooms.
• Upgrade labs in APod, BPod and CPod (90 machines).
• Upgrade student machines in Kindergarten with APod machines.
• Upgrade 1st and 2nd Grade machines with BPod and CPod Lab old computers.

No. 1 Priority
• Staffing level needs improved to a level that allows project work and support work to progress on a timely fashion without “crises mode” directing our efforts.
• Re-establish what a classroom should look like since we have all NEW administrators.
• Align our Technology Strategy with the Strategic Plan.
• Establish “Bring your own” device policies at NHS/NMS.

Future Items to be considered ...
• Data Warehouse Future?
• Scanner (OpScan 4U) to import to PowerTeacher.
• PowerSchool on a hand held device via Smartphones.
• Distance learning - hardware to do this? Skype? Staff Development?
• Moodle - Online learning communities?
• Broadcasting solution at NHS (Source from Cafe, Auditorium, Gym, etc.)?
• Administrative Handbook for PowerSchool, PowerTeacher, Progress Reports, etc. to be given to teachers on 1st day back.?
• Principal Laptops?
• Staff Laptops?
• Smart Boards (what grade levels make sense?)

For more about the Tuesday, Aug. 2, school board meeting, see the Wednesday, Aug. 3, News-Banner.

N-B Video: City officially opens new walking path

The City of Bluffton partnered with the Bluffton-Harrison school district to build a walking path from Wayne Street to the elementary school. Mayor Ted Ellis and Superintendent Wayne Barker cut the ribbon Tuesday. Learn more in the Wednesday, August 3, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

National Night Out tonight

Tonight, more than 37 million Americans are expected to leave their porch lights on in a symbolic gesture that is meant to raise awareness about crime. The night, organized by, National Association of Town Watch. Bluffton is listed as a locally registered community.

Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2010.

Along with this traditional display of lights, communities also hold block parties, cookouts and visits from local police.

To learn more, go to the National Night Out's website at http://www.nationaltownwatch.org.

N-B Video: Brother helps Bluffton sister win car

Monasue Coffield (foreground in the video) reacts as she learns how her brother, Jim Miller Jr., nominated her to receive a 2002 Lincoln Continental. The brother submitted a letter stating why she should receive the prize.