On the Beat in Bluffton

Saturday, August 29, 2015

N-B Video: Squirt gun fun at Lancaster Park

Children cooled each other off during a squirt gun fight and later zoomed down a hill on a giant Slip 'n Slide in Lancaster Park on Saturday. The events were organized by the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department. Both events were held for the first time Saturday. (Video by Matthew LeBlanc)


Monday, August 24, 2015

N-B Slideshow: Getting muddy

The third time was the charm for the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department’s Soggy Jog and Mud Run. The event had been twice-postponed but was finally held Saturday. (Photos by Dave Schultz; video by Jessica Williams)

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

N-B Video: Leslie Tillman sings 'God Bless America'

Music has always been a part of Leslie Tillman's life. She grew up singing, and has sung for thousands of people throughout her life in various singing groups, including the Wells County Chorus. Learn more about her in the Fall 2015 edition of Senior Living. (Video by Kayleen Reusser)

Tuesday, August 18, 2015


Here's a partial list of music credits for 1954 Bluffton High School graduate Dick "Slyde" Hyde:

http://www.news-banner.com/blog/MusicCredits.html

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Exchange students in need of host families

While 10 federally sponsored foreign exchange students are studying in Wells County this school year, two at Bluffton High School are in need of homes through June 2016 – and those involved in the program sing high praises for the benefits of participation.

“These aren’t your typical exchange students,” said Rebekah Hubley, local coordinator for FLAG (Foreign Links Around the Globe). “These are phenomenal kids. And it’s such a great benefit to Wells County and to the schools to get this diversity in there – and not just any diversity. This is top 1 percent diversity.”

Learn more about FLAG by visiting its website. Click here.

To get involved with FLAG, contact Hubley at rhubley@flag-intl.org or 260-312-7065.
 
More details of FLAG – whose local coordinator is a Bluffton native and Norwell graduate – are in the Thursday, Aug. 14 News-Banner.

N-B Video: Cover placed on digester in Bluffton

A new lid was placed Wednesday on a digester used to treat solid waste at Bluffton's wastewater treatment plant. The installation of the large cover took place at 9 a.m. Another lid will soon be installed on another digester at the plant. Kokosing Construction Co. of Columbus, Ohio, was the contractor for the work. Commonwealth Engineering was the designer.


Monday, August 10, 2015

Winners are announced of the 10th annual Duck Race on the Wabash


Results provided by Family Centered Services. Learn more in the Tuesday, Aug. 11, News-Banner.

10th Annual Duck Race on the Wabash
Official Prize Winners



35.  Pet Palooza – K-9 or Feline Shots from Bluffton Animal Clinic; 2 Tickets Indianapolis Zoo from WBAT Radio Station; Feeder from Perfect Pet Food & Accessories; $25 Gift Certificate from OK Modern Dry Cleaners; $25 Chamber Bucks from Coldwell Banker Holloway Realtors; $10 Gift Certificate from Zesto Ice Cream in Bluffton.

Winner:   ____Jeannie Myers - Bluffton______________________________________



34.  Adams County Golf & Graze – Two 18 Hole Rounds with Cart from Cross Creek Golf Club; Three  $10 Gift Cards from Decatur Pizza King; $20 Gift Certificate from The Galley; $20 Gift Certificate          from West End Restaurant; $10 Gift Certificate from The Old 27 Ice Cream Shop.

Winner:  __Mary Lehman – Elkhart_________________________________________



33.  Lovely Landscape  – Handmade Wood Bench from Fast Blade Woodworking; 2 Scoops Mulch from GenMar STAR Nursery; Handmade Bluebird House from Family Forest Woodcrest & Folk Art; $25 Gift Card from Outdoor Concepts; 5 Coupons from Bluffton KFC.

Winner:  ___Deeann Perry - Bluffton________________________________________



32.  Around the Town of Decatur  – Two Chem30/TSH Screenings from Adams County Memorial Hospital; $25 Gift Card from the Decatur Kroger; $20 Gift Certificate from The Galley; Two $10 Gift Cards from Decatur Pizza King; $10 Gift Certificate from The Old 27 Ice Cream Shop.

Winner:  ___Terri Mere - Decatur___________________________________________



31.  Dude’s Delight – Two $25 Gift Cards from Welches All Vehicle Repair; 5 Car Washes from            Bluffton Super Wash; 6 Games of Bowling from The Bowling Center; $25 Gift Certificate from Millie’s; 2 Lunches from El Camino Real; 8 pc Chicken from Richard’s Restaurant; Dilly Bars from Bluffton DQ.

Winner:  ____Jim Somens - Bluffton________________________________________



30.  Around the Town of Huntington – Basic Manicure & Pedicure from The Nail Station; 4 Goodrich Theater Tickets from Wells County Voice; Oil Change from Ingle’s Service Center; $35 Gift Card from Owen’s South in Huntington.

Winner:  _____Lisa Weybright - Bluffton____________________________________





29.  Body Booster - $50 Gift Certificate & T-shirt from Bear Family Chiropractic; Gift Certificate & Dieter’s Cleanse Program from A Harvest of Health; $25 Gift Certificate from Bella Vita Salon.

Winner:  ___Anna Burton – Wabash _________________________________________



28.  A Gent’s Reward  -  Two $25 Gift Certificates from NAPA of Bluffton & Warren; Oil Change from Mike Anderson Chevrolet in Ossian; $25 Gift Certificate from Masterson’s Clothing for Men; $25 Gift Certificate from FPC Technology; 5 Car Washes from Bluffton Super Wash; 4 Coupons from Bluffton KFC.

Winner:  ____Brenda Jackson - Bluffton________________________________________



27.  Picnic & Golf  -  Gift Basket from MidWest America Federal Credit Union in Decatur; 10 lbs. Ground Beef from Alan & Beth Surfus Farm; $25 Gift Card from Bluffton Kroger; Two 9 Hole Rounds with Cart from Green Valley Golf Club.

Winner:  ____Tyler Singleton_________________________________________________



26.  Shopping Spree  -  $75 Gift Card from Bluffton Walmart; Manicure & Pedicure from Simply Feet/Nu Beginning; 2 Hair Cuts & Product from Great Clips in Bluffton; 2 Combos from Hardee’s in Bluffton.

Winner:  ____David Bates – Bluffton __________________________________________



25.  Tiger’s Sports Fan -  1 Adult All-Sports Pass from Bluffton HS Athletic Dept.; T-shirt from Parlor City Trophy & Apparel; Rave Portable Speaker from Northwood Computer; 2 Large Pizzas from Wells County Voice; $20 Gift Certificate from Co-Co China Buffet; 4 Coupons from Hardee’s in Bluffton.

Winner:  _____Taffy Gerber - Craigville________________________________________



24.  Fella’s Fun -  Two 18 Hole Rounds with Cart from Timber Ridge Golf Club; Oil Change & Tire Rotation from Bluffton Tire; Two $25 Gift Certificates from NAPA of Bluffton & Warren.

Winner:  ___Gerald Dennis - Markle____________________________________________



23.  Game Night – 8 Box Seats to Indianapolis Indians from WBAT Radio Station; Oil Change & Tire Rotation from Bluffton Tire; $25 Gas Card from National Oil & Gas; 4 Coupons from Bluffton KFC;        4 Coupons from Hardee’s in Bluffton.

Winner:  ___Steven Spencer_____________________________________________________




22.  Diva’s Delight – Mary Kay & Play Package from Becky Goshorn with Mary Kay Cosmetics;           Private Tour for 12 from DeBrand Fine Chocolates; Cut, Style & Product from You’ve Got Style.

Winner:  ___Dayle Mentzer - Bluffton__________________________________________



21.  Deluxe Date Night -  $100 Gift Card from TW Fable; 2 Movie Tickets from Carmike Cinemas;           Gift Basket from Grounds & Grains; Candle & Plaque from Reed’s Do It Best Hardware.

Winner:  ____Kim Gentis - Keystone___________________________________________



20.  Family Fun  – 4 Tickets to Science Central; 4 Tickets to Botanical Gardens; Family Pass to Ft Wayne Museum of Art from WBAT Radio Station; Two $25 Gift Cards from Welches All Vehicle Repair;
5 Car Washes from Bluffton Super Wash; 2 Large Pizzas from East of Chicago Pizza; 8 pc. Chicken from Richard’s Restaurant.

Winner:  ____Lisa Girod - Monroe_____________________________________________



19.  Pizza & Fun  - 1 Pizza a Month for 1 Year from Bluffton Pizza Hut; 6 Games of Bowling from       The Bowling Center; Dilly Bars from Bluffton DQ.

Winner:  ____Tammy Slater  - Ossian__________________________________________



18.  Relax & Renew  – $100 Gift Certificate from Dr. Coty at Sell Chiropractic; ½ hr. Massage from Alesha Shepard at Sell Chiropractic; 2 Hair Cuts from Shear Style; $20 Gift Certificate from              Sassafras on Main

Winner:  ___Lelsey Tillman – Ossian ___________________________________________



17.  Rejuvenate  - $100 Gift Certificate from Dr. Sell at Sell Chiropractic; ½ hr. Massage from
Ashley Peterson at Sell Chiropractic; 2 Hair Cuts from Shear Style; $20 Gift Certificate from
Co-Co China Buffet.

Winner:  ____Amanda Gaskill - Keystone_______________________________________



16.  Some Enchanted Evening   $100 Gift Card from TW Fable; $25 Gift Certificate from Country Squire Florist; $25 Gift Certificate from Todd Shalley Company; Candle from Gerber Interiors.

Winner:  _____Megan Cover - Indianapolis_____________________________________


15.  Summer Sizzler  – Gift Basket from Nicole Johnson of Edward Jones; Grill & Charcoal from Lowe’s in Bluffton; $50 Gift Card from Lengerich Meats; Grill Set from Ossian Hardware.

Winner:  ___Lisa McCormick - Bluffton_________________________________________



14.  A Little Bit of Everything  – Lawn Topiary & Solar Light Stick from 2 Sister’s Glass Garden; Solar Pathway Light from True Value Hardware in Decatur; $25 Chamber Bucks from Holloway Auction Company; $25 Gift Card from Billy Ann’s Supper Pub; 5 Car Washes from Bluffton Super Wash; Artificial Flower from Posy Pot; Dilly Bars from Bluffton DQ.

Winner:  ____Janet Ettensohn – Fort Wayne _____________________________________



13.  Pamper Me  - $50 Gift Certificate from Marko’s on 2nd; 2 doz. Cupcakes from Magdalena Cupcakery; $30 Gift Certificate from Beer Therapeutic Massage & Fitness; Pedicure from Achieva  Salon & Spa; Gift Bag from A Perfect Blend.

Winner:  ____Shelby Nelson Lafontaine__________________________________________



12.  Raider’s Sports Fan  – 1 Adult All-Sports Pass from Southern Wells Athletic Dept.; T-shirt from Parlor City Trophy & Apparel; LIT Portable Bluetooth Speaker from Radio Shack; 2 Large Pizzas       from East of Chicago Pizza; $20 Gift Card from Corner Depot.

Winner:  _____Jeanine Goeglien - Yoder__________________________________________



11.  Romance in the Air  – $100 Gift Card from TW Fable; Sterling Silver Heart Necklace from               Daniel’s Jewelers

Winner:  _____Tommy Garcia – Decatur _________________________________________



10.  Sports Fanatic – Apparel Package from the Indianapolis Colts; 4 Scrip Tickets from Mad Ants Basketball; 4 TinCaps Tickets, Parking Pass & $25 Gas Card from National Oil & Gas; Baseball Cap from Ft Wayne TinCaps Baseball.

Winner:  _____Megan Cover – Indianapolis ______________________________________



9.  Parent’s Tool Kit – 6 Hardback Books from Stephanie Baumgartner with Usborne Books & More; 1/16 Scale Tractor from New Holland Tri County; $25 Gift Certificate from Trend; 8 Games Bowling from The Bowling Center; $20 Gift Certificate from Bluffton Pizza King; Dilly Bars from Bluffton DQ.

Winner:  ____Sherri Godschalk – Fort Wayne_____________________________________


8.  Norwell Sports Fan  – 1 Adult All-Sports Pass from Norwell HS Athletic Dept.; 1 Adult All-Sports Pass from Norwell MS Athletic Dept.; 2 T-shirts from Parlor City Trophy & Apparel; 2 Flash Drives from Northwood Computer; 2 Large Pizzas from East of Chicago Pizza; Dilly Bars from Bluffton DQ.

Winner:  ____Jessica Tudor – Bluffton _________________________________________



7.  Pump Me Up  – 2 Months Fitness & Tanning from Anytime Fitness; 2 Chem30/TSH Screenings from Adams Memorial Hospital; Personal Care Items from Walgreens in Bluffton; 1 Large Pizza from Wells County Voice.

Winner:  ____Bekkee Thompson – Bluffton _____________________________________



6.  Woman’s Delight  -  Backpack, Agenda & Wristlet from Vera Bradley; Gift Basket from Grounds                  & Grains.

Winner:  _____Melanie Durr – Bluffton ________________________________________



5.  Health Nuts -  3 Month Household Membership from the Caylor Nickel Foundation Family YMCA; Five 6” Subs from Bluffton Subway.

Winner:  _____June Rea - Warsaw______________________________________________



4.  Sweet Flight of Fancy -  30 Minute Flight with you at the controls of 4 seat aircraft from SweetAviation; Dinner for 2 at CASA Restaurant; Holiday Goody Tray from Christine Shestak.

Winner:  _____Lesley Kintz - Decatur___________________________________________



3.  Florida Sunshine -  1 Week Stay in 2 Bedroom Condo in Fort Myers, Florida from Dick & Elaine Reimschisel.

Winner:  _____Nate Iden – Columbia City_______________________________________



2.  Happy Motoring -  Set of 4 BFGoodrich Tires from BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing.

Winner:  _____Scott Eisenhut – Bluffton _________________________________________



1.  Grand Prize -  $1,000 Cash

Winner:  _____Trent Bucher – Bluffton ___________________________________________

Friday, August 7, 2015

Read Wells County Prosecutor Andy Carnall's statement during Barnes' sentencing

More details in the Friday, Aug. 7, News-Banner. (Click to enlarge)