BHS Class of 2010-Congratulations Seniors!

Southern Wells Track and Field Day

Southern Wells Elementary held their annual Track and Field Day for grades 4th – 6th on Thursday.  In total, 171 students participated in events like 50M dash, 100M dash, shot put, long jump, and many others. The annual event is fun for all students, not just the upper elementary. The lower elementary classes all had an oppotunity to watch a portion of the meet as well.  There were even a few records broken during the day despite the warm weather.  This day is a big undertaking so there are several people to thank.  The biggest thank you goes to Mr. Cline who coordinates all events and lines up the volunteers.  Thanks to all.

(Submitted by Tina Blevins)

LCES Talent Show

Some very talented students put their skills to the test at the Lancaster Central Elementary School Talent Show on Thursday.

BHES Activity Day

Bluffton Harrison Elementary School students participated in their PTO sponsored Activity Day on Thursday. Intern Devan Filchak captured this action on video.

OES Field Day 2010

Ossian Elementary School students participated in a full day of events during their 2010 Field Day on Thursday. From hula-hoops, to sack races, to parachute ball tossing; it was a full day of cardiovascular activity.

SW juniors win big!

SW Principal Chad Yencer and Mrs. Gilbert were drawing names for the Jr. High incentive program on Wednesday. Multiple seventh and eighth graders won prizes.


Bryant Bradler, a seventh grader won the grand prize at the Jr. High incentive program. The grand prize was a Sony DVD player and the award winning movie, "Avatar".

(Photos by Southern Wells Intern Brandon Gephart)

WCPL comes to Southern Wells

Cindy Burchell, from the Wells County Public Library, came to Southern Wells on Wednesday to tell students about the summer reading program. Students have the entire month of June to sign up for the program. (Photo by Southern Wells Intern Brandon Gephart)

BHS Class Day

It was Class Day for Bluffton High School seniors on Wednesday as students received academic awards and accolades. They also had a chance to practice their hat throwing technique for Friday's graduation. (More student photos in today's News-Banner)

NHS Improv club

Norwell Intern Devan Filchak is covering the new NHS Improv club for a Progress Edition story. That means she had to attend some of their shows. She captured a few very funny skits and we posted them here for your amusement.

OES Talent Show

Tuesday morning was the annual Ossian Elementary School Talent Show, bringing out singers and dancers; karate experts and magicians. OES Principal Shellie Miller said she is always impressed with the quality of talent in her student body every year and 2010 was no exception.

More LCES Field Day

Lots of parent volunteers were on-hand to help organize the annual Lancaster Central Elementary School Field Day events on Monday. The students learned lessons in teamwork and following instruction and had a great time doing it. (Photos by Jerry Battiste)

LCES Field Day 2010

Lancaster Central Elementary School students participated in a series of annual Field Day events including tug o' war, potato sack races and anything that might get them wet and keep them cool from the Monday morning sunshine.

Adopt-A-Pet

Bella is a 2 year old DSH Cream colored Tabby. Neutered male.


Pixie is a 2 year old DSH Calico, female.

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

More Parks Dept Bus Trip

Entertainment Editor Barb Barbieri was on the Bluffton Parks Department 'Day Trip' last Thursday. The tour group visited Wick's Restaurant and pie factory, Silvertown, the Glass Outlet and the National Aviation Museum in Muncie.
Here's some video from outside the pie factory. They wouldn't let her video inside the factory--so this is just a pie sampler (so to speak)

Bluffton Parks Department bus tour

Entertainment Editor Barb Barbieri was on the Bluffton Parks Department 'Day Trip' on Thursday. The tour group visited Wick's Restaurant and pie factory, Silvertown, the Glass Outlet and the National Aviation Museum in Muncie.

OES Outdoor Lab

Online Editor Jerry Battiste and News-Banner Intern Devan Filchak visited Ossian Elementary School on Thursday for the annual clean-up of the Outdoor Laboratory. Dozens of PTO, community members and Master Gardeners give a bit of their time to work with the students and provided the labor that keeps the garden beautiful. You can read the complete story in today's News-Banner.









(Photos by Jerry Battiste)

Bluffton Show Choir seasons comes to an end

Reporter Frank Shanly attended the final performance of the Bluffton Show Choir Wednesday night. You can watch more video at his Showtime! Wells County blog. Just click here.

Young Author's Day at OES

Reading was the order of the day at Ossian Elementary School on Tuesday.
OES students spent most of the year working on their own books, pasting carefully typed words, or using their most careful handwriting; illustrating the inside with pictures clipped from magazines or hand drawings. Tuesday, Young Author’s Day, was their opportunity to show them off to their classmates.

Once the students returned to their classrooms, teachers sat them all down to read their favorite books, with students spread across the classroom floors, ears open and mouths closed.

(Read the complete story in today's News-Banner)

Fire damages Bluffton building

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz shot this video of the Boo Trucking fire Saturday. The building initially caught fire Friday night, but a rekindle on Saturday brought firefighters back out to the scene. There were no reports of injuries and an exact estimate of damages is not available. The fire is still under investigation.

Dance Fever 2010

Mekenzie Springer, part of the dance group, 'God in Me', performed at Dance Fever 2010 with Brandy's Studio of dance. The performance was held at Life Community Church in Bluffton on Friday. 



As a group of twelve the little dancers danced to 'Walk the Dinosaur'. This group consists of girls ages four threw six.

(Photos by News-Banner Intern Brandon Gephart)

Lady Tigers honor seniors and alumni

The season might not quite be over yet, but Saturday was their best chance to honor this year’s seniors, and the Lady Tigers made the most of it.
Seniors Carlie Crosbie, Brittany Folk, Emily Harnish, Katie Mettler, Megan Moser and Natalie Shank were recognized, along with their parents, in a special ceremony before Saturday’s double header against New Haven’s Lady Bulldogs. And in a second ceremony between the two games, 13 Lady Tiger alumni were also recognized in a similar ceremony.

Thanks for all your help!

Wells County Food Bank was the recipient of hundreds of donated food items this week after the annual Letter Carrier's food drive. Thanks to everyone who gave!






(Submitted Photo)

B-H Middle School goes to Indianapolis!

Students from Bluffton Harrison Middle School in Mrs. Henderson's Reading Plus program pause on the steps of the Indianapolis State House. Students spent the morning (May 10) attending classes on the history of the state house and the daily work of our senators and representatives. (Submitted Photo)

Jericho students learn about healthy teeth

Students from Jericho Advanced Training Center for Ministry too a field trip to Bluffton Dental Clinic recently.
Front Row: Ashton Chamness, Avia Stoller ,Max Eckert
Middle Row: Grace Mitchel, Katie Martz, Daniel Roberts, Annika Linderwell, Skylyn Reese
Back Row: Dr. Pam Johnson, RieAnn Krinn, Emmily Turmail, Samuel Baumgartner, Peri Bussel, Phoebe Lantz, Stockton Gerber, Shelly Turmail.

(Thanks for sending us a picture!)

Bluffton-Harrison schools going hi-tech

By JERRY BATTISTE
The Bluffton-Harrison school board is making an investment in the future.
By installing smart boards in every classroom across the district the board hopes to make the school one of the most technologically advanced school systems in the nation.
Monday’s regular school board meeting was held at Bluffton Middle School in the computer lab where one of the 97 new smart boards has already been installed....

(Read the rest of the story in today's News-Banner.)

Southern Wells Band Honors

Southern Wells band members were honored for their hard work and dedication during a special ceremony at the school Monday night.


Blake Huffman, Southern Wells Senior, receiving the John Phillip Sousa. This award is to honor the top high school band student.


Emily Hartley, playing the piano for RadFozz, at the Southern Wells Awards Banquet. RadFozz is a extra circular band group for a select group of students.


Vanessa Drennen is receiving an outstanding band member award. Drennen is a seventh grader at Southern Wells Jr/Senior High School.


(Photos by News-Banner Intern Brandon Gephart)

Most read fiction and nonfiction books at Wells County Library

Oddly enough, dogs and chickens top the most read fiction and nonfiction books at the Wells County Public Library during the month of April.

FICTION
1) The art of racing in the rain, by Garth Stein. Meet Enzo, the unforgettable canine narrator of this bittersweet story of race car driving, family, love, loyalty, and hope.
2) U is for Undertow, by Sue Grafton remains in the top five for another month. False memory syndrome provides the core of bestseller Grafton’s intriguing crime novel.
3) A stranger’s list by Gayle Roper. A young “English” woman moves to an Amish farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and meets a mysterious old man who gives her a strange key.
4) The last town on Earth by Thomas Mullen. When an epidemic breaks out in a small town in Washington, the town enacts a strict quarantine, posting guards at the only road into town.
5) Hotel on the corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Henry Lee is still mourning the death of his wife when he learns that the hidden belongings of Japanese Americans have been discovered.

NONFICTION
1) Eat well, lost weight by Jeanne Ambrose and Sheena Chihak
2) Taste of Home annual recipes
3) Storey’s guide to raising chickens: care, feeding, facilities
4) Decorating year-round by Vicki L. Ingham
5) Wild about cupcakes by Rachel Lane
For more information about popular books at the Wells County Public Library, stop by the library today or visit www.wellscolibrary.org.

Master Gardeners at WCPL

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz had a very busy Saturday. He visited the March of Dimes, the Hazardous Waste Day and the Master Gardener's Mother's Day special event at Wells County Public Library where they were helping children make beautiful potted plants for their mom's.
Nice work Dave!

Tox-Away Day

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz spoke with Scott Mossburg Saturday during Wells County Solid Waste District's Household Hazardous Waste Day. More than 150 cars had dropped off goods by 10 a.m. and another 100 cars were expected before the day was done.

March of Dimes

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz attended the Wells County March of Dimes on Saturday. Despite the chilly temperatures dozens of residents turned up for the annual walk.

Adopt-a-Pet

1st litter of kittens are ready!
8 week old Orange/White DSH, males. Very playful!


Diesel is a 10 week old Ger. Shepherd/Retriever mix, male. Very nice guy!


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

German Day at OES

By NEWS-BANNER INTERN DEVAN FILCHAK
This year a group of Ossian Elementary School students learned to sprechenzsie.
On Friday, a special celebration was held for Judy Harkless’ second and third grade split class at OES to show their parents something new they have learned thanks to their Norwell High School intern, Kelly Brewer: how to speak German.

(Read Filchak's complete story in today's News-Banner.)

Revolutionary Way drama at LCES

News-Banner Online Editor Jerry Battiste visited Lancaster Central Elementary School today.
Fifth-graders in Phyllis Phipps classroom performed three Revolutionary War dramas for their friends and family. This semester they have been learning about the trials and tribulations of the forefathers (and mothers) of our great nation.

It was awesome watching the students re-enacting their history lesson. The number one lesson, they told me, was how hard everyone had to work to make this country what it is today. And how much they had to WORK TOGETHER, despite their differences.

Still a great lesson.

My only regret was I couldn't stay for dessert....

(P)Laying with a full deck!

Workers from Primco were busy Friday morning laying the deck for the new bridge on 400W across Rock Creek. Once the deck has been placed, work will begin on placing the dirt needed to bring the approaches of the bridge up to the level of the deck. Most of the workers involved in the project are residents of either Wells or Adams counties. (Photo by Frank Shanly)

National Day of Prayer

Despite a national debate on the issue, Wells County residents gathered at the courthouse steps for the annual National day of Prayer. News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz was there to capture the first of two peaceful gathering.

Lauren Petersen visits BHES

Indianapolis 500 Festival Princess Lauren Petersen visited Bluffton Elementary School on Wednesday to take about the month-long activities leading up to the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Help 'Stamp Out Hunger' on Saturday

Bluffton Post Office is participating in the annual food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers this Saturday. That means your delivery person will be picking up any non-perishable food items you would like to give them: canned meat and fish, soup, cereals, pasta-whatever. Just leave it in a bag where they will pick up your mail.
All donations will be brought directly to the Wells County Food Bank.

Give if you can!

Primary voting is complete

Norwell High School senior Elizabeth Lopez, casts her ballot at the Ossian Town Hall, during the primary on Tuesday. For complete elections results visit our website, here. (Photo by News-Banner Intern Devan Filchak)

MOST READ FICTION, NONFICTION

Oddly enough, dogs and chickens top the most read fiction and nonfiction books at the Wells County Public Library during the month of April.

FICTION
1) The art of racing in the rain, by Garth Stein. Meet Enzo, the unforgettable canine narrator of this bittersweet story of race car driving, family, love, loyalty, and hope.
2) U is for Undertow, by Sue Grafton remains in the top five for another month. False memory syndrome provides the core of bestseller Grafton's intriguing crime novel.
3) A stranger’s list by Gayle Roper. A young “English” woman moves to an Amish farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and meets a mysterious old man who gives her a strange key.
4) The last town on Earth by Thomas Mullen. When an epidemic breaks out in a small town in Washington, the town enacts a strict quarantine, posting guards at the only road into town.
5) Hotel on the corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Henry Lee is still mourning the death of his wife when he learns that the hidden belongings of Japanese Americans have been discovered.

NONFICTION
1) Eat well, lost weight by Jeanne Ambrose and Sheena Chihak
2) Taste of Home annual recipes
3) Storey’s guide to raising chickens: care, feeding, facilities
4) Decorating year-round by Vicki L. Ingham
5) Wild about cupcakes by Rachel Lane

Norwell 'Be Our Guest'

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz attended "Giggles with Grandmom" on Sunday (no, he's not a grandmom) and shot this cool video. The event was sponsored by the Bluffton Parks Department.

Southern Wells students hold court

Prom King Chaz Carroll and Queen Tori McClain as they have a dance together after being announced king and queen.



Students playing a poker game with low stakes at Southern Wells Post Prom. Post Prom lasted till 2:30 at night on Saturday May 1st.






The Southern Wells prom court at Bearcreek Farms, on Saturday May 1,2010.

(Photos by Southern Wells students Brandon Gephart, Megan Stoffer and Colten Jones)

Adopt-A-Pet

Bailey is a 1 year old DLH, male. Very sweet and loving!



Aussie/lab mix pups. 8 weeks old. 4 white, 1 black & white, 1 blue merle. Very playful!

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