2011: The stories that made a difference

News-Banner staff voted on what they believe were the top 10 stories of 2011, but they had to choose from 43 candidates. See the Saturday, Dec. 31, News-Banner for the top 10, but see those that didn't make the list, but still had an impact, here. Learn more about some of these in News-Banner columnist Justin Peeper's regular Tuesday column.

• Bluffton resident Jose Carrillo-Perez won $2 million on a lottery ticket scratch off.
• Kent Kiracofe replaces David Hanselman as Wells Circuit Court judge. Hanselman retires after more than 30 years on the bench.
• The Courthouse tree comes down and is replaced with a new tree … and a Civil War cannon is added.
• Southern Wells moves to all-day, every-day kindergarten next year; BHMSD will also have full-day kindergarten.
• Mayor Ted Ellis receives Frank O’Bannon Sunshine Award from HSPA.
• For the first time in its 121-year history, Bluffton High School earned Four Start School status from the Indiana Department of Education.
• Brandon Haushalter is new Bluffton Regional Medical Center CEO.
• A long-awaited skate park opened in Murray.
• Bluffton-Harrison school board approves one-route bus system in 3-2 vote.
• Longtime community activist Joe Emshwiller dies.
• 4-H Park has a new Junior Leaders food booth.
• Drug busts: 17 rounded up in June, 11 in December.
• Wells has two traffic deaths.
• A Fort Wayne man filed a suit seeking unspecified damages against the county, alleging lack of care during his incarceration at the county jail.
• Local radio station WNUY has been sold and will convert to an all-Christian talk format.
• Bob Greiner, recently retired manager at Ouabache, receives Sagamore of the Wabash award.
• Maureen Butler retires as director of Creative Arts Council.
• Judge Kent Kiracofe sets Dec. 31 deadline to have special prosecutor make report on his review of Harrison Township audits.
• Four county post offices are on a proposed closing list: Poneto, Petroleum, Keystone and Liberty Center.
• Ouabache has a new baby bison.
• Wells County YMCA launches $8 million campaign to build new facility.
• Ossian will need to spend an extra $200,000 to make repairs to sewer plant.
• Work begins to replace the bridge over the Salamonie River on 900S
• Two Southern Wells teachers receive national honors.
• Report on future of downtown Bluffton released by national consultants.
• Bluffton, Norwell marching bands compete at state competition.
• Snider Tire to add 20,000 square feet and three new jobs; Pretzels reaches new four-year labor agreement.
• Norwell teachers make plea about repairs needed at high school.
• Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis elected president of National League of Cities.
• Former Bluffton High School basketball standout Spencer Harris signs contract to play professionally in Iceland.
• Southern Wells Raiders win school’s first ever girls' softball regional title.
• Norwell grad Scott Woodward signs contract with LA Dodgers.
• Norwell finishes 3rd at state golf finals.

Did we miss a story? Do you disagree with what made the top 10? Let us know in the comments.

N-B Video: The business behind baseball

Bluffton High School graduate Luke Reiff explains his job as general manager for the Stockton Ports, a minor leage baseball team. Learn more in the Saturday, Dec. 31, News-Banner. (Video by Paul Beitler)

Of the people, for the people and by the people

Bluffton's eight elected city officials were sworn in for their new terms on Friday, Dec. 30. Afterward, Mayor Ted Ellis encouraged those called to "public service" to remember who came before and govern for those generations yet to come, and Bluffton Common Council member Jim Phillabaum reflected on continuing 40 years of service. Learn more in the Saturday, Dec. 31, News-Banner.

Bluffton City Court Judge Bob Bate; his Bible is being held by his wife, Peggy Bate.

Mayor Ted Ellis; his Bible is being held by his grandson, Curtis. Also with him were his mother, Mary Ellis; his wife, Marge Ellis; and his son, Andy Ellis.

Melanie Durr; her Bible is being held by Rev. Robert Madsen of First Presbyterian Church

Michael Morrissey; his Bible is being held by his wife, Jill

Carl Perry; his Bible is being held by his wife, Gerri Perry.

Bette Erxleben; her Bible is being held by her husband, Dr. Walter Erxleben.

Tami Runyon; her Bible is being held by her husband, Pat Runyon.

Jim Phillabaum; his Bible is being held by his wife, Joyce.

Those sworn in Friday were, left to right, Carl Perry, Michael Morrissey, Ted Ellis, Bob Bate, Tami Runyon, Bette Erxleben, Jim Phillabaum and Melanie Durr. Judge Kent Kiracofe performed each of the ceremonies. (Photos by Dave Schultz)

Doing well in Wells

Even though the year ends tomorrow, you can still donate to charities afterward for deductions when you do your taxes, says the executive director of a local not-for-profit. Learn more in the Friday, Dec. 30, News-Banner, and if you're looking for where to send a donation, consider the following organizations, taken from the News-Banner's Wells County 2011 Fact Book.

• AFH (A Friend’s House) Ministries, 1001 South Clark Ave., Bluffton. 877-821-5556, Fax 260-824-5165 or afriendshouse.net
• American Cancer Society, 111 East Ludwig Rd., Suite 105, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. 260-471-3911 or 1-800-227-2345. www.cancer.org
• American Heart Association, 6100 West 96th St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46278. 317-873-3640 FAX 317-873-3070
• American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana, 1-800-513-2599, for disaster assistance dial 628. James S. Beckstein, local contact at 260-638-4673. Blood Bank info: 1-800-RED CROSS.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters, Northeast Indiana, 2439 Fairfield Ave, Fort Wayne 46807, 888-456-1600. Josette Rider, executive director.
• Boys & Girls Club -- Wells Community Boys & Girls Club Inc., 1410 South Wayne St., 260-824-5070. Ken Ballinger, president.
• Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Inc., 6316 Mutual Dr., Fort Wayne, 46825. 260-484-9560 or 866-484-9560 (toll free) or www.cancer-services.org
• Citizens Against Drug Abuse of Wells County Inc., P.O. Box 89, Bluffton, IN 46714. Greg Werich, president, 260-824-6496. Nikia Bradley, coordinator, 260-403-8880. www.wellscounty.org/cada.htm
• Community & Family Services, 1100 South Main St., 3rd floor, Bluffton Regional Medical Center South, Bluffton. 260-824-4836. Pat Shelley, community services specialist.
• Family Centered Services, 123 South Marion St., P.O. Box 207, Bluffton. 260-824-8574, FAX 260-824-2790. www.familycenteredservices.org
• Food Bank -- Wells County. 1254 South Main St., P.O. Box 186, Bluffton, 260-827-0053. Connie Kaehr & Jodi Pfister.
• Family Hospice & Palliative Care, serving 13 counties including Wells, (260) 589-8598.
• Head Start Center, 260-827-0250.
• Loving Shepherd Ministries, 112 North Marion St., Bluffton. 260-824-9000.
• Mental Health Assoc. of Wells County, (Behavior & Recovery Resource Center of Wells County), 223 West Washington St., Bluffton. Sharon McMillan, president. 260-824-1514.
• Parlor City Fraternal Order of Police, contact Bluffton Police Department, 260-824-3320, 204 East Market St., Bluffton or other police agencies in Wells County. Monte Fisher, president, 260-543-2553.
• Salvation Army of Wells Co., extension service, emergency assistance, Pastor Neil Ainsle, 260-273-0089
• United Way of Wells County, 122 LaMar St., Suite 118, Bluffton, 260-824-5589. FAX 260-824-2217. Pamela Beckford, executive director. www.unitedwaywells.org
• Wells County Foundation, 360 North Main St., Suite C, Bluffton, 260-824-8620. Tammy Slater, executive director. www.wellscountyfound.org
• Wells County Habitat for Humanity, GBM Bldg., Suite 116, La Mar St., Bluffton. 260-353-3333. Pat Boyd, president, 260-387-3355.
• Youth for Christ Adams, Blackford, Grant, Jay Wells Counties, 1515 Sutton Circle Dr. North (setback street from St. Rd. 1 north), P.O. Box 431, Bluffton. 260-824-1330, John Wanner, executive director.
• YMCA, Wells County, 1935 North Main St.. Bluffton. Nikki Surbaugh, executive director. (260) 565-YMCA (9622) or www.fwymca.org

Please note that the preceding might include organizations that are not officially 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations, so any donations to them might not be tax deductible. Contact the organizations for more information.

N-B Video: A reunion 26 years in the making

Family members of Wells County resident Larry Owen come together over the holidays to celebrate his retirement as county engineer after 26 years. During a ceremony they attended, County Commissioner Kevin Woodward presented Owens with a plague to commemorate his tenure. (Video by Frank Shanly)

N-B Video: More 2011 "Sounds of the Season" at the Wells County Public Library

Various piano players serenade guests of the library with Christmas songs during the Wednesday, Dec. 21, evening program. Learn more in the Thursday, Dec. 22, News-Banner. For more music, go to our Thursday, Dec. 22, "On the Beat" blog. (Video by Barbara Barbieri)

Adopt-A-Pet

Zach is a 6-month-old gray/white DSH, neutered male. Current on vaccines.

Buckis is a 6-month-old Boxer/Lab mix, male. Current on vaccines.

Sasha is a 5-year-old Lab mix, spayed female. Current on vaccines. Housebroken and good with children.

Conquering Camelot

Don and Mary Ann Bricker, the owners of the Camelot event center in Vera Cruz, are auctioning off the buildng and its equipment. Curious what it takes to run an event center? Check out these photos to see what is for sale. The photos come courtesy of the Steffen Group, which is holding the auction. Learn more about the Brickers and their business in the Tuesday, Dec. 27, News-Banner.

All I want (to give) for Christmas

The News-Banner recently asked local elementary students what they would each give to someone if they could give that person anything. They're responses ranged from silly to sweet. You can see even more in the Saturday, Dec. 24, News-Banner.

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
My best friend. Her name is Alexys.
I would give that person:
A whole day spending time with each other.
I would give that person a gift because:
She gave me stuff and so I can be nice.
— Billy (no last name available), 10
Grade 2
Southern Wells

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
Poppi
I would give that person:
I would play with her all day.
I would give that person a gift because:
I would because she is my friend.
— Chloe Donahoe, 8
Grade 2
Southern Wells

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
I would give it to my grandpa.
I would give that person:
I would give him 15 days to spend time with me.
I would give that person a gift because:
I would give him it because he loves me and I do to, so that's why.
— Owen Vickrey, 8
Grade 2
Southern Wells

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
Marcello
I would give that person:
A shark book or go see him at the Bluffton school.
I would give that person a gift because:
He's my friend and I miss him.
— Poppi (no last name available), 7
Grade 2
Southern Wells

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
the Dolphins
I would give that person:
I would give them good luck to win the rest of their games.
I would give that person a gift because:
Because the dolphins stink
— Trae Schoeff, 10
Grade 4
Bluffton-Harrison

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
I would give it to my grandma.
I would give that person:
I would give her a glass thing because she likes glass stuff.
I would give that person a gift because:
I would give her a gift because she is a nice, loving grandma.
— Farren Filhart-Stoltz, 8
Grade 3
Bluffton-Harrison

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
I would give a gift to the orphanage.
I would give that person:
I would give the orphanage a family.
I would give that person a gift because:
They don't have a family. It's sad that they wake up on Christmas and they don't get a family or presents or a Christmas tree.
— Sheyanne Meyer, 9
Grade 4
Bluffton-Harrison

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
A person who doesn't get presents.
I would give that person:
I would give that person new clothes and pants.
I would give that person a gift because:
So I would make them feel happy.
— Mackenzie Duncan, 9
Grade 4
Bluffton-Harrison

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
My grandpa Larry.
I would give that person:
A small motorcycle statue.
I would give that person a gift because:
I miss him and he loved motorcycles.
— Carson McFarren, 8
Grade 2
Bluffton-Harrison

If I could give a gift to anyone, I would give it to:
I would give my mom a gift.
I would give that person:
I would give my mom a necklace that says I love you.
I would give that person a gift because:
I would give my mom a gift because I love her so much that I will never stop thinking about her everywhere I go.
— Jasmine Martinez, 9
Grade 4
Bluffton-Harrison

N-B Video: 2011 "Sounds of the Season" at the Wells County Public Library

Various piano players serenade guests of the library with Christmas songs during the Wednesday, Dec. 21, evening program. Learn more in the Thursday, Dec. 22, News-Banner. For more music, go to our "On the Beat" blog by browsing our blogs at www.news-banner.com. (Video by Barbara Barbieri)

N-B Video: The art of education

Northern Wells art teacher Hallie Koenig and Norwell High School students recently created a makeshift art gallery for their last project of the semester. Norwell High School students could then tour it on the last day before Christmas break. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

We wish you a furry Christmas

The animal shelter and the Friends of the Shelter are hoping to give the gift of a pet this Christmas season.

The male cats in the front room have all been neutered and are $10 each. Two are orange; one is black, and one is tiger and white. The $20 dogs are Sasha, a black Lab female who is 5 years old, and Dora, a black Shepherd/Collie female who is 6 years old.

There are three puppies who are 4 months old. They are Eskimo/Elkhound Collies. Available are two males, Max and Commanchee, and one female. They would be better with no small children, as they are very shy. Also, Peaches is a Dachshund mix female who is 3 years old.

To learn more about some of the animals that are currently up for adoption, click here.

All I want for Christmas

According to an Associated Press article in the Wednesday, Dec. 21, News-Banner, "more and more, Santas say the children on their laps are asking for less for themselves," and in the Saturday, Dec. 24, News-Banner, local elementary students will share what they would give if they could give any gift to anyone.

But children are still hoping to receive as well as give, and the following list — taken from letters to Santa the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department has received — shows how creative, or at least unique, some of their requests are.

• Ninja Turtle Costume
• big motorcycle
• pizza kitchen
• train
• doggy doo game
• one of your elves
• laptop
• official cattle field guide book
• Sharpies
• manicure madness
• paint ball gun
• light bulbs
• fruit snacks
• A bell from your sleigh
• "Intro to Engineering" science kit
• "a jumpy thing"
• a tool set and a work bench

Travel safe this week

With people preparing to travel for the Christmas season, the Indiana Department of Transportation offers the following website to keep up-to-date on road closings, warnings and more.

More about bullying

Both Lancaster Central and Bluffton Middle School initiated new policies or programs to help fight bullying this year. Lancaster teachers now have a "bullying assessment flow chart" to help teachers determine if an act could be consider bullying. Learn more about the chart, the program at Bluffton Middle School and other anti-bullying initiatives in the Saturday, Dec. 17, News-Banner.

Also, see our earlier posts for more about bullying.

Merry Christmas — from the Wells County elves

The Wells County Chamber of Commerce is wishing all a merry Christmas — in a unique, musical way. Click here to see it.

If the link doesn't work, copy the following address and paste it into your address bar: http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/14HE7tMGTJtPabiQ

N-B Video: Playing in a winter wonderland

Take a tour through the Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department's annual winter wonderland, where children could play games, meet Santa and more. Learn more in the Friday, Dec. 16, News-Banner. (Video by Barbara Barbieri)

N-B Video: Fighting back against bullying

Members of the Bluffton Middle School anti-bullying club perform a skit about bullying for Bluffton-Harrison Elementary students Thursday. The club was formed this year to help prevent bullying in school, and during Thursday's presentation, which included the skit, students shared about the different types of bullying, as well as answering questions from elementary students. Learn more in the Friday, Dec. 16, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Members of the Bluffton Middle School anti-bullying club

We'll have more on this topic on our Monday, Dec. 19, blog.

N-B Video: A howling good Christmas

The News-Banner's Barbara Barbieri visits the annual Paws and Claus event, hosted by the Bluffton Parks Department on Wednesday, Dec. 14, where pet owners can bring a little yuletide celebration to their animals. Learn more in the Thursday, Dec. 15, News-Banner. (Video by Barbara Barbieri)

give away announced

The BHS Bloggers are giving away a plethura of items. Click here to learn more.

What needs fixed at Norwell

The Northern Wells school board, after several meetings reviewing maintenance needs at Norwell High School, must now decide which of the projects to pursue. They will select from the following list, presented by Northern Wells Superintendent Scott Mills during the board meeting. Learn more in the Wednesday, Dec. 14, News-Banner.

Norwell High School

• Upgrade heating, ventilation and cooling to elevate the air quality to meet the standards set by the Indiana Department of Health. Improve individual room comfort levels and eliminate the excessive, distractive noise — $6,100,000
• Remove roof top HVAC to seal roof, prevent water leaks and increase heating and cooling efficiency — $265,000
• Fire protection sprinklers throughout the building for safety — $690,000
• Back-up generator to provide power to NHS to improve safety of students and staff — $200,000
• After-hours security improvements, including crowd-control gates, to prevent theft and other unauthorized use of NHS — $90,000
• A-wing space modernization to improve flexibility in the use of space for a variety of activities and to accommodate the increase in class sizes. Increased classroom space will permit ease of movement for students who use wheel chairs. Reduce the noise flowing between classrooms, which will result in less distractions for students. Improve electrical to allow classroom computers and other learning technology. Correct security issues with the main entrance to efficiently manage people wishing to enter the building. Correct security issues with outside doors. Ease student traffic congestion and eliminate their need to carry backpacks. Increase classroom space, flexibility of classroom use, decrease noise between classrooms — $4,250,000
• Protect kitchen staff and students by removing obsolete equipment. Improve the flow of traffic and safety of students — $1,550,000
• Modernize the auditorium to remove obsolete and dangerous equipment. Upgrade the seating area with safe and sturdy seating. Upgrade sound and lighting systems to a modern standard — $700,000
• Improve student safety by renovating these classrooms to provide a floor with one level. Reduce the noise flowing between classrooms, which will result in less distractions for students. Improve storage and classroom areas by renovating unused space — $1,200,000
• Upgrade of classroom furniture and cabinetry for revitalized areas — $160,000
• Improve restroom sanitation by renovating all restrooms — $438,000
• Improve quality of drinking water by replacing water coolers. Improve hot water systems by replacing hot water lines and hot water storage unit — $625,000
• Replace the sidewalks that cause a safety hazard and reseal parking lots to protect our investment — $365,000
• Replace original doors for safety and security — $580,000
• Repair the D-wing wall movement for building safety — Amount not listed
  
• Interior finish maintenance: paint, flooring (CPF) — $35,000
• Increase air quality in the D-wing by improving ventilation and exhaust in the science area (CPF) — $30,000
• Lighting upgrades for better lighting and energy-efficiency — $550,000
• Upgrade electrical circuits and outlets for computers and technology — $325,000
• Energy and security management system upgrade — $50,000
• Increase building security by adding surveillance cameras in hallways and public areas — $225,000
• Re-key building — Amount not listed
  
• Update fire alarm system and clock system efficiency, safety and security — $375,000
• Preparation for expansion of geothermal and sprinkler systems in future renovations — $495,000
• Upgrade firehouse 10,000 gallon tank, jockey pump and motor to provide water supply to sprinkler systems — $165,000
• Remove all asbestos insulation above ceiling — $50,000
• Replace original drain piping (B, C) to prevent drain collapse — $720,000

Norwell Middle School

• Exterior brick replacement to eliminate water penetration and add insulation for heating and cooling efficiency — $1,000,000
• Renovate columns between the wall and brick to add structural strength to the walls $60,000
• Upgrade insulated exterior wall panels for energy efficiency and protection from moisture — $4600,000
• Eliminate moisture penetration though window replacement to prevent further deterioration and add insulation for heating and cooling — $235,000
• Replace roof at the end of it’s current life expectancy (10 years) — $940,000
• Interior finish maintenance: paint, flooring, acoustics, bleachers, storage (CPF) — $275,000
• Upgrade interior walls to maximize classroom space — $1,500,000
• Improve sanitation in restrooms and locker rooms as well as improve supervision in girls' locker room — $440,000
• Drain line replacement to prevent future drain collapses — $1,250,000
• Upgrade water softener to protect plumbing fixtures — $65,000
• Upgrade heating, ventilation and cooling: air handling units, VAV boxes, building controls, exhaust fans, ducted returns to improve air quality and climate control — $2,550,000
• Lighting upgrades for better lighting and energy-efficiency — $810,000
• Increase building security by adding surveillance cameras in hallways and public areas — $145,000
• Upgrade pool filtering and pump system to improve water quality and efficiency — $190,000
• Upgrading to a secure main entrance entrance and replace all doors and hardware for safety and security — $650,000
• Upgrade lift station for pool and pool HVAC as both are nearing end-of-life expectancy — $440,000

Ossian Elementary School

• Replace the sidewalks and asphalt that cause a safety hazard and reseal parking lots to protect our investment — $250,000
• Roof recoating to extend the roof life another 10 years — $410,000
• Roof replacement at end-of-life cycle (10 years) — $1,250,000
• EIFS repair and brick replacement to stop deterioration due to water — $110,00
• Interior finishes: paint, flooring, student lockers for safety and security (CPF) — $225,000
• Upgrade hot water system and softener — $195,000
• Heating, ventilation, and cooling: condensing units, duct work, fittings, controls — $2,875,000
• Lighting upgrades for better lighting and energy-efficiency — $600,000
• Upgrade power circuits to classrooms for instructional technology — $565,000
• Increase building security by adding surveillance cameras in hallways and public areas — $60,000

Lancaster Elementary

• Paving and building envelope — $40,000
• Interior finish maintenance: paint, flooring — $35,000
• Gas fired boiler to aid geo loop — $40,000

Central Office

• Roof recoat — $25,000
• Parking lot repair — $180,000

Bluffton-Harrison school board to vote on new air quality regulations

As part of new state rules, the Bluffton-Harrison school board must vote on the following policy regarding vehicles idling. Learn more in the Tuesday, Dec. 13, News-Banner.

VEHICLE IDLING POLICY

This purpose of this policy is to eliminate all unnecessary idling by corporation school buses such that idling time is minimized in all aspects of school bus operation and to reduce vehicle exhaust that has the potential to be drawn into the building.

Vehicle exhaust from idling school buses can accumulate in and around the bus and pose a health risk to children, drivers and the community at large. Exposure to vehicle exhaust can cause lung damage and respiratory problems. Vehicle exhaust also exacerbates asthma and existing allergies, and long-term exposure may increase the risk of lung cancer. Idling buses waste fuel and financial resources of the school corporation.

This policy applies to the operation of every corporation-owned school bus and public and private vehicles on school grounds.

Public and Private Vehicles Idling Time
1. Drivers of all public and private vehicles are to turn off the engine if the vehicle is to be stopped more than 3 minutes in locations where vehicle exhaust may be drawn into the building or while on school grounds.

Corporation Vehicle Idling Time
1. When school bus drivers arrive at loading or unloading areas to drop off or pick up passengers, they should turn off their buses as soon as possible to eliminate idling time and reduce harmful emissions. The school bus should not be restarted until it is ready to depart and there is a clear path to exit the pick-up area.
2. School buses will not idle (on school grounds or off school grounds) for longer than five (5) minutes unless:

• There are extreme weather conditions (meaning 30 degrees Fahrenheit or less) and the purpose is to warm the interior of the bus,
• Longer idling time is necessary to facilitate the loading and unloading of students of special needs,
• There are safety or emergency situations,
• There are maintenance or mechanical inspection/repair issues requiring a longer time to facilitate the inspection/repair process, or
• The bus is idling in traffic.

3. Buses should not idle while waiting for students during field trips, extracurricular activities or other events where students are transported off school grounds.
4. In colder weather, schools are directed to provide a space inside a facility where bus drivers who arrive early can wait.
5. Bus schedules should be revised so that school bus caravanning can be avoided and the cleanest buses assigned to the longest routes.

Bluffton-Harrison school to vote on new technology policy

Members of the Bluffton-Harrison school board could soon approve a new policy that would allow students to bring portable electronic devices, such as iPads and laptops, to school. Learn more in the Tuesday, Dec. 13, News-Banner.

Bring Your Own Technology Policy

Definition of “Technology”
For purposes of BYOT, “Technology” means a privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic hand held equipment that includes, but is not limited to, existing and emerging mobile communication systems and smart technologies, portable internet devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), hand held entertainment systems or portable information technology systems that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, image capture/recording, sound recording and information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
Bluffton-Harrison MSD is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and has installed technology protection measures for all computers in the school corporation.

Internet
Only the internet gateway provided by the school may be accessed while on campus. Personal internet connective devices such as but not limited to cell phones / cell network adapters are not permitted to be used to access outside internet sources at any time.

Security and Damages
Responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the individual owner. The Bluffton-Harrison M.S.D., nor its staff or employees, is not liable for any device stolen or damages on campus. If a device is stolen or damaged, it will be handled through the administrative office similar to other personal artifacts that are impacted in similar situations. Bluffton-Harrison M.S.D. recommends that technology devices are labeled for identification purposes and hard protective cases are encouraged.

B.Y.O.T. BHMSD Student Agreement
The use of technology to provide educational material is not a necessity but a privilege. A student does not have the right to use his or her laptop, cell phone or other electronic device while at school. It is at the teacher’s discretion when and how technology is used in the classroom. When abused, privileges will be taken away. When respected, they will benefit the learning environment as a whole. Students and parents/guardians participating in B.Y.O.T. must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, as well as all Board policies, particularly Internet Acceptable Use (Policy IIBGA) and Internet Safety (Policy IIBGA). Additionally, technology:

• Must be in silent mode while on school campuses and while riding school buses.
• May not be used to cheat on assignments or tests, or for non-instructional purposes (such as making personal phone calls and text/instant messaging).
• May not be used to record, transmit or post photographic images or video of a person, or persons on campus during school activities and/or hours.
• May only be used to access files on computer or internet sites which are relevant to the classroom curriculum.

Students acknowledge that:
• The school's network filters will be applied to one's connection to the internet and attempts will not be made to bypass them.
• Bringing on premises or infecting the network with a Virus, Trojan, or program designed to damage, alter, destroy, or provide access to unauthorized data or information is in violation of Policy IIBGA.
• Processing or accessing information on school property related to malicious activity, altering, or bypassing network security policies is in violation of Policy IIBGA.
• Given reasonable suspicion, the school district has the right to collect and examine any device that was knowingly or unknowingly (i.e. viruses) used inappropriately.
• A device that is found to have a virus cannot connect back to the network until approved by the BHMSD Technology Department.
• Printing from personal laptops will not be permitted at school. Personal technology is to be charged prior to the start of the student’s school day. Students need express permission from a BHMSD employee to charge a device while at school.

N-B Video: Bluffton-Harrison names educator of the year

Eighth-grade science teacher is Bluffton-Harrison's educator of the year for 2011. She explains to the News-Banner's Chet Baumgartner how others deserve to win the award and how she teaches science. Learn more in the Tuesday, Dec. 13, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: A "Dailey" miracle

Bluffton residents Ben and Jackie Dailey reflect on the accident that almost killed their two children — and how their children have recovered since. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Video: 2011 Southern Wells Christmas Program

Southern Wells Elementary students perform during the 2011 Christmas program. Learn more in the Friday, Dec. 9, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: Chocolate chip avenue

A Friend's House Director of Operations Jessica Dettmer talks about her organization's annual fundraiser, the Cookie Walk. Learn more in the Thursday, Dec. 8, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Video: Hope remembers

About 125 people attended Bluffton's annual "Hope Lights a Tree" program, held at the Angel of Hope Park, to remember those who were no longer with them. The event culminated in the lighting of a tree. Learn more in the Wednesday, Dec. 7, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

CEDIT funds distribution for 2011

Ossian Town Council member Josh Barkley and Wells County Economic Director Mike Row asked the county commissioners Monday for CEDIT funds to help with the industrial park's water main extension, but commissioners said most of the funds had already been allocated.

The following shows what funds were directed to in 2011.

1. Payment of $240,000 into the Courthouse Capital Improvement Fund for Courthouse renovation, which will be funded with a fractional amount of the certified distribution to the County from the County Economic Development Income Tax.
2. Payment of $10,000 for the removal of log jams, which will be funded with a fractional amount of the certified distribution to the County from the County Economic Development Income Tax.
3. Payment of $20,000 for document imaging, which will be funded with a fractional amount of the certified distribution to the County from the County Economic Development Income Tax.
4. Payment of $20,000 towards the County’s computer system for continuing upgrades with this amount being funded from a fractional amount of the certified distribution to the County from the County Economic Development Income Tax.
5. Payment of $85,000 into the Wells County Chamber of Commerce, with the same being funded by a fractional amount of the certified distribution to the County from the County Economic Development Income Tax.
6. Payment of $139,650 to Ziolkowski Construction for Courthouse masonry upgrades from a fractional amount of the certified distribution to the County from the County Economic Development Income Tax.
7. 7. Payment of $408,000.00 to Wells County Highway Department for completion of Bridge 59 from a fractional amount of the certified distribution to the County from the County Economic Development Income Tax.
8. 8. Payment of the balance of the CEDIT funds, or $458,800.00 into the Capital Development Fund, with the same being funded by a fractional amount of the certified distribution to the County from the County Economic Development Income Tax. Also any funds remaining after the above distribution.

The state has approved the following amounts for various entities in Wells County to spend next year.

• Wells County — $632,301
• Bluffton — $333,223
• Zanesville — $3,275
• Markle — $24,631
• Ossian — $62,665
• Poneto — $3,846
• Uniondale — $2,544
• Vera Cruz — $342
  

N-B Video: Gubernatorial candidate visits Wells County

Indiana Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Wallace discusses social issues, economic expansion, federal contraction and more during the Wells County Republicans' annual Christmas breakfast at The Rosewood on Main on Saturday, Dec. 3. Learn more in the Monday, Dec. 5, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: Will Democrats leave again?

State Rep. Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale, shares how likely he thinks it is that Democrats will leave the state this year when Republicans try to pass "right-to-work" legislation. Learn more in the Saturday, Dec. 3, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Video: A "Hometown Christmas" in Ossian

The town of Ossian held its first "Hometown Christmas" celebration on Thursday, Dec. 1. Learn more in the Friday, Dec. 2, News-Banner. (Video by Cynthia Dahn).

Decorate the statehouse tree

From the office of State Sen. Travis Holdman:

We are looking for Hoosier school children to help decorate the large tree that will soon adorn the Indiana Statehouse rotunda.

First Lady Cheri Daniels is asking second-, third- and fifth-grade Hoosiers to create ornaments that fit the theme "Made in Indiana," depicting goods or products created in or associated with our great state. 



In order to have their ornaments placed on the tree, students must submit them by Monday, Dec. 5, to the following address:



Statehouse Tour Office

200 W. Washington St., Room 220

Indianapolis, IN 46204



Students should write their names and school names on the back of their ornaments. Other helpful guidelines include:

• Ornaments should not be larger than 8 inches;
• Ornaments should not be made from breakable or perishable items, but can be made from a variety of materials like paper, poster board, pipe cleaners, yarn, etc.;
• Ornaments should have a way to hang on the tree; and
• Ornaments will not be returned

Daniels plans to feature several ornaments on her website and will notify their creators.