Let your voice be heard! (Choose a NWCS calendar)

Northern Wells Community Schools has options when it comes to their 2011/2012 school calendar and they want your opinion. Review the three possible calendars and choose your favorite: http://www.nwcs.k12.in.us/

Remember Our Troops at Christmas

Add these names to your Christmas card list this year. Tell them their friends and neighbors in Bluffton and Wells County appreciate their efforts.

SPC Kent D. Chavis
CMR 415 Box 4673
APO AE 09114

Lcpl Gardner, Benjamin
3D MED BN 3D MLG
Unit 38447
FPOAP 96604-8447

Shaile Perry
8150 Gibson Blvd
Rm E107
Kirtland AFB, NM 87116

Pfc Preston Lewis
Eeri comp 3rd LAR
3D LAR BN unit 41695
FPO AP 96427
Cpl Green C.A.
CLB-2 H-S Co.
Unit 73960
FPO AE 09510-3960

SGT Nathan McCartney
FOB Wilson
428th En Co/863rd En Bn
APO AE 09370

SPC Ryan J Habig
C co 1-14 IN
FOB Warrior
APO AE 09338

Do you know of a local serviceman or servicewoman who won’t be home for Christmas? Submit their name and complete mailing address to: The News-Banner, P.O. Box 436, Bluffton, IN 46714; or via fax: 260-824-0700; or vial email: calendar@news-banner.com; or drop off at our office at 125 N. Johnson Street. (24-hour drop slot at front door).
We will publish their names and addresses in the News-Banner as they are received. We encourage our readers to send them a card. Standard cards that take a 44 cent postage; non-standard sized cards should be taken to the post office to be weighed. Cards mailed to service members stationed overseas should be mailed by Dec. 10, so please submit addresses as soon as possible. New names will appear in bold as they are received.

Optimist Club announces essay contest

Bluffton Optimist Club is once again taking part in Optimist International’s annual essay contest.
The contest is open to all students in Wells County, including those who are home-schooled or who attend private or parochial schools.
Contestants must be no older than 19 as of Dec. 31, 2010 and they must write 700-800 words on the official topic “How my Education is the Key to a Successful Future.”
Appplication forms and rules for the contest are available in the Main Office at each of the county’s three high schools, as well as Farm Credit Services located on Bluffton’s north side.
The deadline for returning applications and completed essays is Friday, Feb. 11, 2011.

WCPL set to have a German-themed Christmas Open House on Dec. 14

WCPL Release:

The Wells County Public Library will be having its annual Christmas Open House on Tuesday, December 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. Drop in anytime throughout the evening to listen to songs, stories, and enjoy holiday refreshments. Don’t be surprised if you spot a few people wearing lederhosen, since this year’s theme celebrates the Christmas traditions of Germany.

More than 30 members of the Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor (man and woman choir) will be performing traditional German Christmas carols and folk songs in the main library beginning at 7 pm. The Fort Wayne Männerchor und Damenchor is the second oldest German singing society in Indiana, tracing its history back to the founding of the Fort Wayne Sängerbund on October 4, 1869.

Before the music starts, children can meet in front of the “starry night” storytime room at 6:30 pm to listen to some popular Christmas stories. Just like German tradition, the children can leave their shoes outside the storytime room in hopes of a small treat from St. Nicholas.

Throughout the evening you can enjoy holiday refreshments and browse the library for holiday books, magazines, movies, music, and more.

No registration needed. Free event! For more information call the Wells County Public Library at 260-824-1612 or visit www.wellscolibrary.org.


Schedule of Events:

6:30-7:00 pm: children’s Christmas stories in the storytime room

7:00 - 7:50 pm: Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor performance

7:00 pm: refreshments served

Throughout the evening: browse the library for your holiday materials


The Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor will be performing at the Wells County Public Library’s annual Christmas Open House on December 14. Stay for an entire evening of German Christmas carols, folk songs, children’s stories, and holiday refreshments. Event is free and open to everyone in the community.

Mad Ants come to Bluffton

The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Dept. partnered with the Mad Ants Basketball organization to host a basketball clinic and family game night last night (Sunday, November 28th). Pictured below are the kids that spent an hour with players and coaches prior to their game with the Bay City Hawks.



Group picture of the families that attended the game following the kids clinic.
A great time was had by all and we plan to offer it again for the community.


Group photo: (front L-R) Victoria Valentine, Jordyn Cummins, Kollin Randall, Caleb Stacy, Madison Berry, Jacob Geisman, Jordin Geisman, Landon McClish (middle row L-R) Kyle Stacy, Zachary Cummins, Logan Baumgardner (back row L-R) Mad Ant Coach Derek Kahn, Player: Obi Muonell, Coaches Dave Fox and Steve Gansey

Santa comes to Bluffton

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz visited with Santa Claus Friday night as the Big Man arrived in Bluffton just in time to kick-off the holiday season.

Christmas Lights Go On In Bluffton

Mayor Ted Ellis led the countdown on the courthouse plaza Friday evening as the Christmas lights were officially turned on. 

 

Also, I have included a glimpse of the display at Pickett's Run - all the lights that used to be at the wastewater plant have been moved to here this year, and Mayor Ellis encouraged everyone to check out the new display. 

 

Don't forget to shop local over the holiday period - as Mayor Ellis reminded us "If we don't have it in Bluffton, you don't need it all that bad."

 

Christmas in the Mansion

Visit the Wells County Historical Society Museum is hosting "Christmas in the Mansion." Visit the museum, 420 W. market St., for a wonderful stroll back in time. View more than two dozen locally decorated Christmas trees now on display.

The museum will be part of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority House Tour, 1 to 5 p.m, Dec. 4 & 5. Tickets are $5.

You can also visit free:

3 to 7 p.m., Dec. 11
2 to 6 p.m., Dec. 12
3 to 7 p.m., Dec. 18
2 to 6 p.m., Dec. 19

Collecting for Good

Kingdom Academy and Bluffton Elementary both collected hats and gloves, coloring books, socks and personal items for our upcoming Christmas week at the Wells County Food Bank. Southern Wells and Lancaster also collected.

(pic one left to right)
Dennis Gerber, Liana Reinhard, Gretchen Moser and Payton Beeks

(pic two left to right)
Ginny Vogel, Apryl Colon, Sydney King, Tim Larson and Caleb Stacy

Fort Wayne Gingerbread Houses

Barb Barbieri was there for the eating of the gingerbread house in Fort Wayne.....(did I say eating?)

His plane flies, but he doesn’t

By Jerry Battiste

Air Force Lt. Christoper Reusser is a pilot, but he doesn’t actually fly anywhere.

Reusser, 25, was born and raised in Bluffton. Today he pilots unmanned aerial vehicles from a remote base outside Las Vegas. The vehicles he controls patrol the skies over Iraq and Afghanistan, providing security and reconnaissance for troops on the ground.

Seeking Santas

Currently the Creative Arts council is seeking artistic renditions of Santa Claus for the next exhibit to be featured at the Balentine Gallery at the Arts Commerce & Visitors Centre, Dec. 10-31.
If you are a stained glass, ceramic or visual artist, please add one of your creations to the exhibit. To make arrangements call (260) 824-5222 or email a photo of the piece to cac@adamswells.com

Support our Troops!

Do you know of a local serviceman or servicewoman who won’t be home for Christmas? Submit their name and complete mailing address to: The News-Banner, P.O. Box 436, Bluffton, IN 46714; or via fax: 260-824-0700; or vial email: calendar@news-banner.com; or drop off at our office at 125 N. Johnson Street. (24-hour drop slot at front door).
We will publish their names and addresses in the News-Banner as they are received. We encourage our readers to send them a card. Standard cards that take a 44 cent postage; non-standard sized cards should be taken to the post office to be weighed. Cards mailed to service members stationed overseas should be mailed by Dec. 10, so please submit addresses as soon as possible. New names will appear in bold as they are received.

Add these names to your Christmas card list this year. Tell them their friends and neighbors in Bluffton and Wells County appreciate their efforts:

SGT Nathan McCartney
FOB Wilson
428th En Co/863rd En Bn
APO AE 09370

SPC Ryan J Habig
C co 1-14 IN
FOB Warrior
APO AE 09338

Adopt-A-Pet

Keagan is a 3 month old Orange Tiger DSH, male


Simba is a 3 month old Orange Tabby DLH, male


Sanford is a 7 year old Min Poodle, male



*All are very sweet and loving!

**We have several cats that are fixed and/or declawed for adoption. Their adoption fee is only $10.00
For more information call the Bluffton Animal Shelter 824-6063

Creative Arts Center Volunteer Luncheon and Awards

object width="480" height="385">

OES Spell Bowl champions

Ossian Elementary School came in first during Thursday's 18th annual Purdue University Regional Spell Bowl competition. They went to finish 32nd out of 113 schools statewide. Congratulations to the students, teachers and parent volunteers!

Veteran's Day

To celebrate Veteran’s Day, Northern Wells Middle School and Southern Wells Elementary held a special breakfast for service men and women. Students were asked to invite veterans to breakfast where each veteran was recognized and spoke of their branch of service and any honors received by each serviceman.

NWCS Renovation Project

Watch and listen as the extent of a proposed renovation project at Northern Wells Community Schools and its funding source are explained during Tuesday's NWCS board meeting.

Wells County Public Library Most-Popular Reads for October

Looking for a great book to read? Stop by the Wells County Public Library and pick up one of the most popular books checked-out during the month of October.

Non-Fiction:
• The Dutch Delight: A Collection of Recipes from the Bluffton, Indiana Apostolic Churches
• Christmas. Book 12, content and artwork by Gooseberry Patch
• White House Diary by Jimmy Carter
• Restore. Recycle. Repurpose. by Randy Florke
• The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin

Fiction:
• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
• Family Ties by Danielle Steel
• Santa Fe Edge by Stuart Woods
• Burn by Nevada Barr
• The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
For information about upcoming event at the library visit www.wellscolibrary.org

Adopt-A-Pet(s)

Wyatt is a 1 year old Orange DLH neutered male


Chloe is a 6 month old Bassett/Dachshund mix female.


Bandito is a 6 year old Orange/white DSH, neutered and declawed male.


**We have several cats that are fixed and/or declawed for adoption. Their adoption fee is only $10.00
For more information call the Bluffton Animal Shelter 824-6063

Bluffton Parks Department Turkey Shoot

Annual Turkey Shoot Saturday Nov 20th at 4:30 p.m. in City Gym Age Groups: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13.

Each participant is allowed 10 free throws from a standard foul line. Winners get a free frozen turkey. Children 9 and under will use the 8 foot goal.

All participants MUST pre-register by calling the park office at 824-6069 by Friday Nov 18th. Cost $1 each

Wells County Public Library continuing to collect canned food for the Wells County Food Bank

Wells County Public Library Release:

Author W. Clement Stone once said, “If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” From now until the end of November, the Wells County Public Library would like to give you an opportunity to show how thankful you are by sharing with others in our community. The library has teamed up with the Wells County Food Bank to take up a collection of canned and non-perishable food.
Just inside the doors of the Bluffton and Ossian libraries, are boxes for your food donations. On November 30th, our staff will be delivering these contributions to the Food Bank where your generosity will go to help families in our area. Don’t miss this opportunity to remember the Thanksgiving season and share with families in our area who could use a helping hand.

Local Youth Workers Honored

Area youth workers received a big “thank you” Wednesday afternoon.

Mayor Ted Ellis and staff from the Wells County Youth Service Bureau, Family Centered Services, thanked area youth workers with coffee and cookies at the Mayor’s office. This followed a Proclamation by Mayor Ellis naming November 10, 2010 as ‘Thank a Youth Worker Day” in Bluffton.

In November communities, organizations, and caring people from around the globe join together for an international day of celebrating and honoring youth workers. Governments are making official proclamations, networks and organizations are holding celebrations, and leaders and other individuals are taking time out to call, write and personally say “thank you” to youth workers who are such a valuable and often unsung force in their communities.

According to the National Collaboration for Youth, a youth worker is an individual who works with or on behalf of youth to facilitate their personal, social and educational development and enable them to gain a voice, influence and place in society as they make the transition from dependence to independence.

“Everyone can point to a youth worker who had an impact in their life, formally as part of a youth serving organization or informally as a coach, mentor, or friend,” stated Brian Durand, 2010 co-chairman of the Thank a Youth Worker steering committee.

“We need to thank those who mentor our youth and celebrate their contributions to our communities.” he said.

Dollars for Scholars $5 Tervis Tumblers

Support Dollars for Scholars and get a good deal on a great Tumbler. JUST $5 while supplies last. Call Norm Kain, 824-5914 or Dave Poff, 824-0872.

Bluffton Recycling gets 10,000th dollar

Frank Shanly was there this morning when the Bluffton Recycling Center received its 10,000th $1 donation.

Southern Wells honors veterans

Students and faculty at Southern Wells Jr./Sr. High School honored local veterans as part of their annual Veterans Day program this morning. Southern Wells band and Southern Wells Show Choir provided musical accompaniment and the name of every veteran in attendance was read aloud.

LCES Fall Carnival

Saturday, Lancaster Central Elementary School students attended their annual fall Carnival. There were games and prizes for the students; and lots and lots of volunteers making it happpen. News-Banner Intern Taylor Goodpaster captured the event in a collection of photos:

House fire at 80 Sunset

Adopt-A-Pet (and spay/neuter them)

Still have a few spots still available on Nov 30th for the low cost spay/neuter day. The cost is $50.00 per cat. For more information call the Bluffton Animal Shelter 824-6063

Adopt-A-Pet(s)

Wyatt is a 9 month old DLH, neutered male. Very affectionate.



Old Dan



Anne & Old Dan are littermates. They are 11 week old Gray DSH's. Very sweet and playful!!!



*We have several cats and kittens to choose from. Some are even already fixed and/r declawed. Adoption fee for them is only $10.00

Call now: 824-6063

Wells County Public Library Most-Popular Reads for October

Wells County Public Library Release:

Looking for a great book to read? Stop by the Wells County Public Library and pick up one of the most popular books checked-out during the month of October.

Most Read Non-Fiction in October:
1.) The Dutch Delight: a collection of recipes from the Bluffton, Indiana Apostolic Churches
2.) Christmas. Book 12, content and artwork by Gooseberry Patch
3.) White House Diary by Jimmy Carter
4.) Restore. Recycle. Repurpose. by Randy Florke
5.) The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin

Most Read Fiction in October:
1.) The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
2.) Family Ties by Danielle Steel
3.) Santa Fe Edge by Stuart Woods
4.) Burn by Nevada Barr
5.) The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Imel barn fire

A vehicle fire spread to the Imel barn early this morning. Four area fire departments battled the blaze for two hours before gaining the upper hand. The complete story is in today's News-Banner.

Garth Stein visits WCPL

Garth Stein, author of "The Art of Racing in the Rain", this years focus of the One County, One Book program, visited Wells County Public Library Thursday night. Barb Barbieri was there to capture the action.

Election results online

Melanie Durr hugging Incumbent Sheriff Bob Frantz following his loss Tuesday evening.



Incumbent Wells County Assessor Nilah Aschliman congratulates her opponent and election winner Rick Smith.


Election workers provided results as soon as they could.


Bluffton high school students expressed a keen interest in the midterm election.

For complete election results visit the News-Banner website. Just click here.

Veterans Day Program at NMS

Local United States veterans and currently serving military members are invited to a breakfast in their honor on Thursday, November 11 beginning at 6:45am. Breakfast will be held in the Norwell Middle School cafeteria (enter through door #36).
A program in the High School gym will follow breakfast at 7:50am.
Veterans should call Mrs. Gates at 260-543-2218 x6004, leave name & phone number and let her know if they are attending the breakfast, program or both no later than November 7.

Girls Night Out!

Participants Zumba’d their way into the night in the Wells Community Center parking lot.  Zumba was held from 8-10 p.m.


As women crossed the finish line of the 2-mile fitness walk, Mayor Ted Ellis was waiting with a small package of sweet treats.


With a little help from Mayor Ted Ellis, Police Chief Tammy Schaffer shared personal safety tips with attendees.


Larry DeBolt and Barry Kunkle, both from Bluffton Regional Medical Center, worked registration at the event.  They also helped serve dinner.



All participants received a raffle ticket to take a chance on a variety of gift baskets.  Additional raffle tickets were available for purchase at the event.


Women had the opportunity to browse through vendor booths that included health information, massage therapy, health and beauty products, and other retail services.


The Planning Committee for Girls’ Night Out (left to right):  Bluffton Police Chief Tammy Schaffer; Molly Hoag, Purdue Extension; Nikki Surbaugh, Wells County Y; and Lisa Beck, Bluffton Regional Medical Center.

WCPL pumpkin contest

The Wells County Public Library’s staff Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Contest was a huge success. More than 380 community members voted for their favorite pumpkin. Dawn Miller created the winning pumpkin design titled: “Haunted House on Boo Avenue.” Second place went to Amy Greiner who used lights and paint to create a unique “Boo” pumpkin. A tie for third place was between Jackie Dailey’s pumpkin pirate and Mary Ellen McEvoy’s Van Gogh pumpkin.

Adopt-APet

Gunner is a 3 month old Toger/white DSH, male. Loves attention!


Chevy is a 5 month old Dachshund mix, male. Very sweet boy!

*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