How to buy a gun in Indiana

Following the Dec. 14 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, many have called for tighter gun control laws. This has led to a rapid increase of gun sales across the country, including Bluffton's 21st Century Firearms.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about owning a gun in Indiana. For more information, see the Friday, Dec. 28, edition of The News-Banner.

Q: What do I need to buy a gun?

A: To purchase a long gun (shotgun or rifle) you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Indiana or a bordering state (Illinois residents may face restrictions). To buy a handgun, receiver, pistol gripped shotgun, or NFA firearm you must be at least 21 years old and a resident of Indiana. For all firearm purchases you must present a valid photo ID that includes your current address (drivers license, state ID card, military ID w/ current orders). The actual buyer must also complete ATF Form 4473 and be granted a proceed response to a "national instant criminal search" or "NICS" background check. The check takes about 5 minutes to complete ( This does not apply to NFA firearms ).

Q: I am a resident of another state, can I buy a gun in Indiana?

A: If you are a resident of a state bordering Indiana you may buy a long gun (Illinois residents may face restrictions). If you are a resident of a state other than Indiana, you may still buy either a long gun or handgun, but we must ship the gun to another federal firearm license dealer (FFL) in your state of residence. The FFL in your state will perform the NICS check and often charge about $25 for the service. The buyer is responsible for shipping charges.

Q: Is there a waiting period to buy a gun?

A: Indiana law does not require a waiting period. However, if a person receives a "Delayed" response from NICS the firearm cannot be transferred for up to 3 business days, while they continue their review. If we do not hear from NICS after three business days we may transfer the gun(s) to the buyer at our discretion.

Q: Are silencers and machine guns legal to own in Indiana?

A: It is legal for Indiana residents to own National Firearms Act (NFA) defined firearms. These include silencers, machine guns, short barreled rifles (SBR), and any other weapons (AOW). A “Tax Stamp” is required for ownership and costs a one time fee of $200.00 per firearm. The application for the tax stamp is submitted to the BATFE and can take from 60-120 days to be approved.

Q: How do I obtain a License to Carry a Handgun (LTCH) in Indiana?

The application is really a two part process beginning with a recommendation from your local law enforcement agency and then the application is sent to the Indiana State Police.  The Indiana State Police Superintendent is charged with the responsibility of actually issuing the license and administering the licensing program. An application is currently composed of three separate documents: 1) the original application, 2) the supplemental application, and 3) a blue FBI applicant fingerprint card. A money order or certified check made payable to the state of Indiana for the proper amount must be included.

Source: 21st Century Firearms of Bluffton

Ice wreaks havoc on county roads

The snow and ice from Wednesday's snow storm caused multiple accidents, and though no one was seriously injured, one driver severed a utility pole, causing a wire to fall across his car.

Though the wire was apparent not conducting electricity, electrical experts offer the following truth behind common myths to stay safe in similar situations, and learn more about the accidents in the Thursday, Dec. 27, News-Banner.

1. Tires are electrical insulators

Tires are electrical conductors, not insulators. It is true that you are safe in your vehicle when a live wire falls on it. But that's because electricity always seeks the easiest path to the ground. If you remain in the vehicle, the path of the electricity will be on the outside of the vehicle, through the tires, and into the ground. As long as we do not provide a path to the ground through our body the electricity will not enter it. So when an electrical wire falls on your vehicle, stay in your vehicle until help arrives and the power is shut off by the utility company. If you have to get out of your car because of a life-threatening situation, jump out with both feet together, making sure that you are not touching any part of the vehicle when your feet hit the ground and hop or shuffle at least 30 feet away.



 2. Power lines are insulated

Ninety percent of outside power lines are not insulated. There may be a weather coating over the wire that provides no insulation or protection from electric shock. Further, the lines that are insulated are exposed to the rigors of weather, so you never know what condition the insulation is in. No line is safe to touch or approach too closely, ever.



3. Only high voltage is dangerous

Voltage is the pressure that pushes electricity along, like water though a hose. Amperage (amp), the amount of electricity in any given spot, is what will hurt or kill you. It takes less than one quarter of one amp to put a heart into ventricular fibrillation (irregular beating). Most residents have at least 100-amp service coming into their houses. Many residents have 200-amp service.



4. When a wire falls to the ground, it automatically shuts off

Always treat a downed wire as energized until the utility company has shut it off and stated it is safe! Keep at least 300 feet away (two full pole spans) for downed wires.



5. When a live wire falls, it makes sparks

A power line sparks if it falls to the ground and does not make firm contact with the ground or other material. When a wire falls to the ground and makes firm contact, it will often make no noise or sparks, and will give the impression of being de-energized. Always treat a downed wire as energized until the utility company has shut it off and stated it is safe! Keep at least 300 feet away (two full pole spans) from downed wires.



6. Wood is an insulator

Wood is in fact a conductor, though not a good one. The molecules in wood are far apart, so it becomes difficult for electricity to jump from molecule to molecule. But the higher the voltage, the easier it is for electricity to move through wood. And if the wood is damp, it changes the equation and wood becomes a good conductor, even at low voltage. So be careful standing on a wooden crate to turn on your main fuse box or when you use a wooden ladder.



7. Household rubber gloves or rubber-soled shoes insulate

Only 100% pure rubber insulates against electricity. Household gloves and shoes are not made of pure rubber. Often, to make these shoes more marketable and durable, additives are mixed in with the rubber-like material. And that makes these gloves and shoes conductors.
Source: PSE&G

Oh the weather outside is frightful ...

Wells County received about an inch of snow during the season's first significant snow fall of the season — canceling schools, causing accidents and disrupting power.

But if severe weather strikes again, the National Weather Service posts alerts online to keep residents informed. Click here to see if Wells County has any alerts. Click here for more county-based weather-related information.

Also, see this earlier blog entry for safe driving tips.

Learn more in the Friday, Dec. 21, News-Banner.

Adopt a pet

Alex is a 2-year-old DSH tiger/white male.

Kiki is a 2-year-old DMH tiger/white female.

Little Bit is a 10-month-old Jack Russel/Rat Terrier mix male. He is very sweet and energetic!

Have yourself a fuzzy little Christmas

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department held its annual Paws and Claus holiday celebration Wednesday, allowing people to bring their fuzzy friends to meet the mythological elf.

 

 

NWCS awards high school bids

Northern Wells school board members unanimously awarded $11,098,564 in bids Tuesday to renovate the Norwell High School during the next two years — and taxpayers will pay about 2.6 cents less than originally anticipated.

Twenty contractors submitted bids in five categories, and board members selected the lowest bidders in each category. Learn more in the Wednesday, Dec. 19, News-Banner.

Click on this image to view a larger copy.

Click on this image to view a larger copy.

State police offers holiday shopping tips

From the Indiana State Police:

The holiday shopping season is upon us and the Indiana State Police would like to share some helpful safety tips.  Many shoppers will begin their day in the darkness of the early morning hours and end in the late evening hours, leaving shoppers vulnerable at times to potential criminal activity.  To counter anyone wishing to perform criminal acts on unsuspecting shoppers, the Indiana State Police offer the following precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Park in a well-lighted area and be sure to lock your car.
• Use extra caution when walking to and from your car, preferably with a friend.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a rubber band around your wallet and place in the inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Do not leave purses unattended in shopping carts.
• Place gifts and other valuables in the trunk of your car.
• Keep your car doors and windows locked at all times.
• Make sure your car is good mechanical condition.
• Carry a fully charged cell phone with you.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if they get separated from you.
• If you notice suspicious activity, contact store security or the nearest police agency. Especially if you notice person or persons loitering around your vehicle.
• Remember, the most important tip is to know who and what is around you.  Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you at all times.

The ISP also offers safe-travel trips this season. Click here to watch the video.

And don't forget to shop locally and conveniently online.

N-B Video: Walking in a sugar wonderland

A Friend's House, a Christian residential center which offers therapy and more for young woman, held its annual cookie walk fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 15. Volunteers baked more than 70 types of cookies and candies, raising $3,058. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: Once-in-a-lifetime birthday

Hailey Alfeld turned 12 on 12-12-12 (Dec. 12, 2012), and her family decided to surprise her at Bluffton-Harrison Middle School — except they didn't tell her. Learn more in the Thursday, Dec. 13, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Bluffton increases sewer, water rates

The Bluffton Common Council approved the following sewer and water rates during the Tuesday, Dec. 11, meeting. Learn more in the Wednesday, Dec. 12, News-Banner.

Sewer rates

For the use of and the service rendered by said sewage works, sewer charges shall be collected from the owners of each and every lot, parcel of real estate or building that is or could be connected to the City’s sewerage system or otherwise discharges sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, water or other liquids, either directly or indirectly, into the sewerage system of the City, which sewer charges shall be payable as hereinafter provided and shall be in an amount determinable as follows:

 

Monthly Consumption per month (First 300 cubic feet/Over 300 cubic feet):

• User Charge per 100 cubic feet: $2.84/$2.51

• Debit Service per 100 cubic feet:  $1.25/$1.25

• Total Sewer Charge per 100 cubic feet.: $4.09/$3.76

The minimum monthly charge shall be:

• User charges: $8.52

• Debt service and other charges: $3.75

• Monthly minimum allowed sewer charges: $12.27

The minimum monthly charge for any residential user who is not a metered water customer shall be (estimated cubic feet 807):

• User charges: $21.25

• Debt service and other charges: $10.09

• Monthly minimum allowed sewer charges: $31.34

The minimum monthly sewer charge for any commercial or industrial user who is not a water customer shall be one of the following:

— Numbers are estimated cubic foot per month/user charge/debt service and other charges/monthly sewer charges 

• 910/$23.85/$11.37/$ 35.22
• 955/$24.98/$11.94/$36.92
• 1084/$28.22/$13.55/$41.77
• 1472/$37.96/$18.40/$56.36
• 1602/$41.23/$20.02/$61.25
• 1740/$44.70/$21.75/$66.45
• 1860/$47.72/$23.25/$70.97
• 2295/$58.65/$28.69/$87.34
• 3600/$91.44/$45.00/$136.44
• 7336/$185.40/$91.70/$277.10
• 8257/$208.47/$103.21/$311.68
• 24429/$614.85/$305.36/$920.21 

For the use of and the service rendered by said sewage works, sewer charges shall be collected from the owners of each and every lot, parcel of real estate or building that is or could be connected to the Vera Cruz Sanitary Sewer system or otherwise discharges sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, water of other liquids, either directly or indirectly, into the Vera Cruz Sanitary Sewer System, which sewer charges shall be payable as hereinafter provided and shall be in an amount determinable as follows:

Monthly Consumption per month (First 300 cubic feet/Over 300 cubic feet):

• User Charge per 100 cubic feet: $4.11/$3.78

• Debit Service per 100 cubic feet:  $1.25/$1.25

• Total Sewer Charge per 100 cubic feet.: $5.36/$5.03

The minimum monthly charge shall be:

• User charges: $12.33

• Debt service and other charges: $3.75

• Monthly minimum allowed sewer charges: $16.08

The minimum monthly charge for any residential user who is not a metered water customer shall be (estimated cubic feet 807):

• User charges: $39.08

• Debt service and other charges: $10.09

• Monthly minimum allowed sewer charges: $49.17

The minimum monthly sewer charge for any commercial or industrial user who is not a water customer shall be one of the following:

— Numbers are estimated cubic foot per month/user charge/debt service and other charges/monthly sewer charges 

• 910/$23.85/$11.37/$35.22
• 955/$24.98/$11.94/$36.92
• 1084/$28.22/$13.55/$41.77
• 1472/$37.96/$18.40/$56.36
• 1602/$41.23/$20.02/$61.25
• 1740/$44.70/$21.75/$66.45
• 1860/$47.72/$23.25/$70.97
• 2295/$58.65/$28.69/$87.34
• 3600/$91.44/$45.00/$136.44
• 7336/$185.40/$91.70/$277.10
• 8257/$208.47/$103.21/$311.68
• 24429/$614.85/$305.36/$920.21

Water rates 

There shall be and there are hereby established for the use of and the service rendered by Bluffton Utilities Water Department the following rates and charges, based on the use of water supplied by said waterworks system:

Metered Rates Per Month/Rate Per 100 cubic feet
• First 200 cubic feet/$3.65
• Next 800 cubic feet/$2.80
• Next 5,000 cubic feet/$2.14
• Next 14,000 cubic feet/$1.47
• Over 20,000 cubic feet/$1.17

Minimum monthly charge

Each user shall pay a minimum monthly charge in accordance with the following applicable size of meter installed, for which the user will be entitled to the quantity of water set out of the above schedule of rates. — Numbers are meter size/cubic feet allowed/amount per month

• 5/8 and 3/4 inch meters/200 cu. ft./$7.30
• 1 inch meters/342 cubic feet/$11.28
• 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inch meters/553 cubic feet/$17.17
• 2 inch meters/749 cubic feet/$22.62
• 3 inch meters/1206 cubic feet/$34.00
• 4 inch meters/1730 cubic feet/$45.23
• 6 inch meters/ 2792 cubic feet/$68.00

Public Fire Protection — $305.25 for each hydrant per annum

Private Fire Protection (sprinkling system/per month cost)

• 1 1/2 inch line/$22.70
• 2 inch line/$30.16
• 3 inch line/$41.63
• 4 inch line/$49.20
• 6 inch line/$79.49
• 8 inch line/$100.17
• 10 inch line/$122.93
• 12 inch line/$176.99

$305.25 for each hydrant per annum

Schools receive almost double for full-day kindergarten

Wells County’s three public schools will receive $811,200 in state revenue to help fund their full-day kindergarten programs this year, the Indiana Department of Education announced Monday.

Learn more in the Tuesday, Dec. 11, News-Banner. To see what schools received statewide, click here.

Agencies aid in finding missing child

A missing 9-year-old Bluffton boy, Caiden Ray Miers, was located safe and sound in the 900 block of West Lancaster Street Saturday after he was reported missing for about 90 minutes.

The state of Indiana, as well as the nationwide organizations offers several resources to help ensure than any future missing children have a similar happy ending.

• Indiana Clearinghouse for Missing Children
• Indiana Amber Alert
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• A Child Is Missing

Learn more in the Monday, Dec. 10, News-Banner.

APC discuss wind farm regulations

As a crowd of about 60 people stated and restated their opposition to placing large wind turbines in Wells County during Thursday's Area Plan Commission meeting, a discussion on expanding setbacks for the turbines suddenly turned into a wind farm ban.

So next month, when the Wells County APC meets, its members will have an opportunity to keep any further wind farms out of Wells County.

During Thursday's meeting, William Morris — a member of the Wells County Concerned Citizens, a group opposed to the placement of wind farms in the county — came to the speaker’s table at the front of the multi-purpose room at the Wells Carnegie Government Annex, and with the permission of Jerome Markley, president of the APC, he then proceeded to read a five-page statement to the commission.

Read the entire statement here. Learn more in the Friday, Dec. 7, News-Banner.

Adopt A Pet

Torie is a 6-month-old tortieshell DSH, female.

Lilly is a 3-year-old beagle/pug mix, female.

Scooter is a 6-month-old black/white DSH, male.

Local officials don't support legalizing marijuana

The recent remarks by Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, suggesting Indiana would be better off legalizing and taxing marijuana sales, has ignited a debate in Indiana about how it handles the drug.
 

Legislators and local officials involved with Wells County, however, say they’re not jumping on any bandwagon — not Whitesell’s and certainly not the one created by voters in Colorado and Washington.

In response to a News-Banner inquiry, Wells County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Lautzenheiser Sr. sent the following:

I strongly believe that legalizing or minimizing marijuana possession is a
serious mistake for the following reasons:
 

1. There is no doubt that marijuana is an addictive drug, and to find otherwise would be to ignore the obvious. Making marijuana more readily available would not only contribute to the ongoing addiction of current addicts but it would make addiction of many new individuals far too easy;

2. Marijuana is still going to be expensive even if legalized, and the result is going to be more and more funds diverted from families and households for drugs instead of the necessities of life;    

3. People claim that drug use and possession effect nobody but the user.  That is a highly uniformed statement.  A substantial percentage of other crimes revolve around the abuse of drugs and the need for money to buy drugs, such as Burglary, Theft, Domestic Battery, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, and many, many other crimes. If there was not drug use and abuse in our community (or in any community) crime would be substantially less. More and easier obtainable drugs means more ancillary crimes;

4. Currently, Operating a Vehicle with Marijuana in your system is a crime. However, legalization of Marijuana would require changes to that law which may be impossible to enforce.  It would be hard to develop a system for testing the amount of your intoxication from Marijuana like we do for alcohol;

5. Marijuana is already available to juveniles on a limited basis. Making it legal to own and purchase would only increase the availability of Marijuana to juveniles.  They could more easily obtain it from their family users or slightly older friends;

6. What is next?  If we legalize Marijuana today, we open the door down the road to legalization of other drugs.  How long before we view cocaine or other controlled substances as "recreational" or "not worthy of our time to prosecute?"

7. Part of the legalizing argument is to tax the drugs to pay for the cost of other government programs. Did anyone ever stop to think of the moral implications of making an addictive drug more readily available just to raise money for the government?

8. Proponents of the legalization of Marijuana compare the drug to alcoholic beverages, which are obviously legal to possess. However, while many people abuse alcoholic beverages and that contributes substantially to our criminal caseload, the sole purpose of an alcoholic beverage is not intoxication. However, the sole purpose of Marijuana use is intoxication;

9. Finally, the best argument I can make against the legalization or minimization of Marijuana possession is that for several months synthetic marijuana was legal before the legislature closed a loophole that made it legal to possess. The synthetic Marijuana was available for purchase in stores in our community.  During that time law enforcement had its hands full with increased criminal activity, more impaired drivers on the road, and more violence and domestic batteries fueled by people high on the temporarily legal synthetic Marijuana.  In short, we have experienced a brief period of legalize Marijuana, and it did not go well for our community.

    I don't have time to draft an in depth response to your question due to my work schedule today, but I think the points reference above are ample argument against the legalization or minimization of Marijuana.  Hopefully, those in charge of legislation won't make such an egregious mistake.

Mike Lautzenheiser Sr.
Wells County Prosecuting Attorney

Learn more in the Tuesday, Dec. 4, News-Banner.

N-B Video: Caroling for history

Members of the Wells County Extension Homemakers Chorus provide Christmas music Saturday afternoon at the Wells County Historical Museum's open house. (Videos by Barbara Barbieri)

Show choirs hold breakfast

The Norwell High School show choirs hosted their annual “Breakfast With Santa” Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Ossian United Methodist Church on West Mill Street. 

N-B Video: Once upon a Christmas in Ossian

During its traditional downtown Christmas celebration, Ossian residents welcomed the library's new outdoor reading room, met Santa, admired Christmas trees and more. Learn more in the Saturday, Dec. 1, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Wells County voter turnout surpasses every other county

It’s official — Wells County’s turnout in the 2012 general election was the highest in the state.

Secretary of State Connie Lawson Thursday said the state’s voter turnout in the Nov. 6 election was 58 percent, down from 62 percent in 2008 — the year of the last presidential election.

Learn more in the Saturday, Dec. 1, News-Banner. For the full report, click here.

How lovely are thy branches

The Wells County Creative Arts Council held its annual Festival of Trees this weekend, and as always, several participants were honored. Learn more in the Saturday, Dec. 1, News-Banner. (Photos by Barbara Barbieri)

Best of show: "Pink Champaigne on Ice" by Gary and Barb Dickson

1st Place: "Reading Lets Your Imagination Take Flight" by the Wells County Public Library

2nd Place: "Puppy Love" by Ooooh La La Pet Spa

 

 

 

3rd Place: "Hand-n-hand Reaching for the Cure (Costello Syndrome Awareness)" by Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School

See all entries in our "2012 Festival of Trees" photo slideshow at www.news-banner.com.

Tis the season

In anticipation of the Festival of Trees open house, we asked our readers and online friends to submit their own Christmas decorations. Learn more about the open house in the Saturday, Dec. 1, News-Banner.

 

Kim Smith, a Bluffton resident of more than 50 years who now lives in Fort Wayne, sent these trees from her apartment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An anonymous person e-mailed this to us.

Stay alert during emergencies

The Wells County Emergency Management office’s is distributing its share of emergency radios, EMA Director Wayne Grove said Thursday morning, and officials are encouraging residents either get one or buy one.

All-hazards alert radios disseminate more than 60 emergency alerts such as hazardous weather and other local area warnings, including up-to-date weather information broadcast directly from the National Weather Service.

Residents can program the radios to receive area-specific alerts using the right code. Wells County's codes can be found by clicking here.

Learn more in the Thursday, Nov. 29, News-Banner.

Adopt a pet

Cookie is an 8-year-old tabby, spayed female. Declawed all 4 paws. Very sweet girl. Housecat only.

Annabelle is a 2-year-old pocket pitbull, spayed female. Housebroken and friendly.

Cole is a 12-week-old daschound mix, male. Loving and playful.

Show off your Christmas tree

Twenty trees will be vying for prizes at the Wells County Creative Arts Council's Festival of Trees this weekend at the Arts, Commerce and Visitors Centre.

Until then, though, show us your Christmas tree. E-mail chetb@news-banner.com, and we'll select our favorites and feature them on this blog Friday afternoon.

Learn more about the Festival of Trees in the Wednesday, Nov. 28, News-Banner.

Keep your holidays safe

The National Fire Protection Association is offering the following tips to keep your holidays full of cheer, not fear or tears. Click on the images for an enlarged view.

For more safety tips, click here.

N-B Video: Bluffton lights up for Christmas

Bluffton welcomes Christmas with its annual lighting ceremony and visit from Santa. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

RSD "shall" reimburse county

Personnel with The Indiana State Board of Accounts has told Wells County officials that the Regional Sewer District "shall" reimburse the county for expenses associated with the meetings, including attorneys' fees and travel.

SBOA staff cited the following law in coming to the conclusion:

IC 13-26-7-2

Advancement of money

Sec. 2. A local, state, or federal agency or person may advance or give a district money to be used by the district for the following purposes:

(1) The preparation of a plan for the operation of the district.

(2) Other purposes of the district until the district is in receipt of revenue from its operations or proceeds from the sale of bonds.

IC 13-26-7-3

Repayment of money

Sec. 3. When a district receives revenue for its operations or proceeds from the sale of bonds, the district shall repay any money advanced to the advancing agency in the manner agreed.

Learn more in the Friday, Nov. 23, News-Banner.

N-B Video: Ossian Town Council appoints new member

Ossian resident Tom Neuenschwander is the newest member of the Ossian Town Council. Learn more in the Wednesday, Nov. 21, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

Northern Wells school board approves calendar

Members of the school board Tuesday unanimously approved the 2013-2014 school year calendar. Learn more in the Wednesday, Nov. 21, News-Banner.

Click on the image for a larger resolution

Local hospital error free in 2011

The Indiana State Department of Health released its annual report documenting mistakes within hospitals, and in 2011, Bluffton Regional Medical Center reported no errors. Learn more in the Tuesday, Nov. 20, News-Banner.

• The full report can be downloaded here.
• The list of reportable events can be found on page 17.
• A user guide can be found on page 24.
• An analysis of the mistakes reported can be found on page 33.
• A comparison mistakes listed in each year's report can be found on page 37.
• To see which hospitals committed errors, click here.
• Click here for a list of organizational resources for patient safety.

N-B Video: Courthouse nativity restored for the season

The traditional manger display will once again wish Wells County residents a merry Christmas. Learn more in the Saturday, Nov. 17, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

Oh, you better watch out

Click on the image for a larger resolution

Adopt a pet

Angel is a 5-month-old tortoiseshell female.

Cookie is an 8-year-old brown tabby, spayed and declawed female.

Scooter is a 7-month-old, black-and-white, DSH male.

Legislators prepare for another budget year

With the impending retirement of Rep. Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale, Rep. Tim Brown will assume control of the House Ways and Means Committee. That doesn't mean, however, that Wells County won't be represented. Learn more in the Wednesday, Nov. 14, News-Banner.

When the General Assembly does reconvene in January, use these links to stay up to date:

• To track legislation, click here.
• To see the daily schedule, click here.

Ossian Elementary School honors veterans

During the school's annual celebration, students played the chimes and created posters for the occasions. (Photos by Cynthia Dahn)

Who is the ultimate IU fan?

Indiana University is holding a contest to see who is the ultimate fan, and rural Bluffton Amy George is within the top three. To vote for George, click here. Learn more about her efforts in the Monday, Nov. 12, News-Banner.

Tis the season ...

Though it won't stick, snow visited Wells County for the first time Monday — melding together, it seems, a mural of seasonal wonderment: snow for the winter, Christmas decorations on the light pole, and the American flag in honor of Veterans Day. (Photo by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: Lancaster students honor veterans

Students play the chimes to patriotic musical accompaniment during Lancaster Central's Veterans Day program Thursday, Nov. 8. Students also sang and recognized those veterans attending. Learn more in the Friday, Nov. 9, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Adopt a pet

Rascal is a 4-year-old tiger/white, DLH, neutered male and declawed in the front. He is a very loving boy.

Shelby is a 8-year-old orange tabby, neutered male and declawed in the front. He is a wonderful, laid-back boy.

Zippy is a 3-year-old male Puggle. He is very energetic and loves to play. He is also housebroken.

Low cost spay/neuter clinic on Nov 27. $50 per cat. Call for more information and how to get an appointment. 824-6063

N-B Video: Vicki Andrews garners most votes in County Council race

Vicki Andrews reflects on the four-way race for three open at-large seats on the Wells County Council. Republicans swept the local election, with Democrat and incumbent Tony Garton losing. Learn more in the Wednesday, Nov. 7, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

Forgot where to vote?

Remember to bring identification. Polls close at 6 p.m.

Wells County business and citizen of the year nominations requested

From the Wells County Chamber of Commerce:

Each year the Wells County Chamber of Commerce publicly recognizes a person and a business in the community that has gone "one step beyond for their community." We are asking for your suggestions on a person and/or a business that you feel should be Wells County's 2012 Citizen and Business of the Year. These prestigious awards will be presented at the Chamber's Annual Dinner to be held on January 28, 2013.

Citizen of the Year - this person should be one who has contributed outstanding service to the growth and well being of Wells County making it a better place to live, work and do business. If you have submitted a name in the past and that person was not selected, please do not hesitate to submit the name again.

Business of the Year - this company should be located in Wells County and have contributed in an extraordinary way to the Chamber of Commerce, to the business climate and to the quality of life of our citizens and our community at large.

To nominate an individual or business simply submit a letter with reasons for nomination. Please return it to the Wells County Chamber of Commerce by December 14, 2012 by mail, email or fax.  

Please feel free to forward this email on to others who may be interested in submitting names.


Submit your nominations to:   Awards Committee
                                        Wells County Chamber of Commerce
                                        211 W. Water Street
                                        Bluffton, IN  46714
                                        Or email to shuffman@wellscoc.com
                                        Or fax 260-824-5871

Top sellers at BHES fundraiser

The students pictured above sold more than 10 pies in the most recent Bluffton Harrison Elementary School fundraiser. By doing so, they earned the right to slam a pie in the face of Administrative Assistant Eric Mounsey. Learn more in the Saturday, Nov. 3, News-Banner. Pictured are, front row, left to right, Nick Pastore, Tavin Frees, Megan Patch, Chloe Weinberg, Tyler Beer, Felicity Wondercheck. Back row, Curtis Ellis, Jaelynn Pemberton, Kailyn Baller, Brianna Ford, Hannah Gettys, Joseph Gerardot, and Lukas Gehrett.

State releases school grades

The Indiana Department of Education released schools' grades for the 2011-2012 school year Wednesday, including Wells County's public schools. Six of the schools received an A, while three received a B.

Along with the local grades, the state provided several links to help explain the statistics and systems behind them. To learn more about Wells County's grades, see the Thursday, Nov. 1, News-Banner. To learn more about the grading process, click on the links.

• To see grades throughout the state, click here.

• To better understand the statistics behind the elementary and middle school grades, click here.

• To better understand the statistics behind the high school grades, click here.

Bluffton Common Council gets lowdown on proposed housing plans

The representative of a company that wants to build single-family homes in Bluffton near the Willowbrook area for people with reduced income presented the project to members of Bluffton's Common Council Tuesday night, and some of the council members were a tad skeptical.

During the presentation, the representative shared photos of houses developed at Marion Meadows, a 39-unit, affordable single-family recently developed home in Marion, Ohio.

The representative said the company would design Bluffton's houses to match the area, but these photos gave council members an idea of what they could look like. 

Learn more in the Wednesday, Oct. 31, News-Banner.