Daddy/Daughter Dance Tickets On Sale Now!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT to get your "Evening in the Orient" Daddy/Daughter dance
tickets in the Clerk Treasurer's office at City Hall. Dance is Sunday Feb
20th from 6- 8 p.m. at the 4-H Building. Enjoy an evening of music,
refreshments, door prizes, photos & treat bags. A prize will be awarded to
the best theme dressed dad & daughter. Price for a couple is $10.00 ($3.00
each addl. daughter).

Adopt-A-Pet

Indy is a 6 month old Tiger/white DSH neutered male. He is current on vaccines. Very curious playful guy!


Valentine is a 2 year old Pittbull/Boxer mix female. She is a really sweet girl!


Rumpy is a 1 year old Manx, male. Super friendly!




**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

Norwell Middle School salutes the troops with stockings

These troops in Afghanistan show off the dozens of Christmas stockings they received from Norwell Middle School students in Jody Gates' class. The students handmade each stocking, during class and after school, hoping to brighten the holiday for those who serve.
Clearly, the stockings had the desired effect.

Field Turf for the BHS Football Stadium Renovation?

Wells County Chamber of Commerce Awards

Mud & Metal

BLUFFTON OPTIMIST TRI-STAR BASKETBALL CONTEST

Charter school push under way: Expansion part of Daniels' agenda on education.

SouthBendTribune.com:

INDIANAPOLIS — Legislation aimed at growing the number of Indiana charter schools — a key ingredient in Gov. Mitch Daniels' education reform agenda — received its first hearing Wednesday in the General Assembly.

The House Education Committee listened to more than four hours of testimony on House Bill 1002 and then scheduled a vote on it for next week.

The bill could authorize more mayors, some private colleges and universities, and a new state board to sponsor charter schools. Under current law, only school boards, the mayor of Indianapolis and public four-year universities are authorized as sponsors.

H.B. 1002 would also seek to redistribute some transportation funds from public school corporations to charter schools, allow charter schools to lease vacant and underused public school buildings for $1 per year, and enable parents to petition a public school to be converted to a charter school.

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, is the lead author of H.B. 1002. He said the Indiana schools that are showing the most improvement in student performance are charter schools, and "children with the least advantages" are making those gains....(more)


Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett Statement on HB 1002 Passing House Education Committee:

Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett offered the following statement in response to HB 1002’s successful passage in the House Education Committee today:

“I applaud the members of the House Education Committee for passing House Bill 1002 today, opening the door for more high-quality charters in every part of the state. In particular, I commend Speaker Bosma for his leadership as the bill’s author and for his 15-year commitment to increasing public choice for Indiana students. The bipartisan group of legislators who join him as co-authors of HB 1002 — Reps. Behning, Sullivan and Noe — prove education is an issue that transcends personal politics and gets to the heart of what’s most important to our state’s ongoing success and growth: its future citizens.

“HB 1002 isn’t just about sponsoring more charters; the bill pairs increased options with increased accountability — making sure we’re only offering the best possible educational opportunities to our students. Today was a solid first step toward transforming our schools with a comprehensive package of reforms that put children first. I am confident Indiana’s legislators will continue to work together to act now for Indiana’s students.”

Grand Ol' Opry comes to Bluffton

Video by Barb Barbieri

Little Sweethearts 2011 Contest Entry Form

The Bluffton Lions Club will sponsor the Little Sweetheart of 2011 Contest for entrants with birthdays be­tween Sept. 14, 2009 through Dec. 10, 2010.
Those interested can fill out the following registration form and include $3 registration fee for each child, four (4) wallet size pictures labeled with child’s name and mail to: Robin's Nest, Attn: Barb Trubey, 119 W. Cherry Street, Bluffton, IN 46714. Deadline for entries is Feb. 4, 2011.

Child’s Name


D.O.B.
Boy/Girl
Parents


Address:



Phone #:

Adopt-A-Pet

Smokey is a 10 week old DSH, male


Onyx is a 10 week old DSH, male

(*Onyx & Smokey are littermates.)


Abby is a 6 year old Jack Russel Terrier, female. No Small Children in household!



**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

Bud Lies, professional ice carver

Bill calls for post-Labor Day start for Ind. schools

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana schools would not be allowed to start the academic year before Labor Day under a bill that has cleared a Senate committee. The Senate Education Committee voted 6-3 for the bill, which would change school calendars starting in the 2013-2014 school year. Republican Sen. Mike Delph of Carmel says it makes sense to start school after Labor Day because families would have more summer vacation time together. Supporters also say the switch could reduce the cost of cooling classrooms in August. Opponents say decisions about school calendars should be left up to individual districts, and that mandating a start date takes away that local control. The bill now moves to the full Republican-controlled Senate for consideration.

ISP investigating host of crashes

Troopers continue to investigate multiple crashes and slide-offs particularly on I-70 in Henry County, and I-69 in Madison and Delaware Counties, and state highways.

The northbound driving lane of I-69 at the 45 mile-marker (SR 28) in Delaware County is shut down for an undetermined amount of time do to a crash involving a semi-tractor trailer.

Reminder: Snow and ice covered roads do not cause crashes, and slide-offs: careless driving does.

Current road conditions within the Pendleton District of the Indiana State Police, which includes Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison, Randolph, Rush, Union and Wayne Counties are as follows:


* I-69 in Madison and Delaware Counties (13-52 mile-markers): driving and passing lanes are ice covered and slick. Use caution on bridges, underpasses and ramps.
* I-70 in Henry and Wayne Counties (113-156 mile-markers): driving and passing lanes are ice covered and slick in Henry County . Use caution on bridges, underpasses and ramps.
* U.S. and State highways are ice covered and slick. Use caution on bridges, underpasses and ramps.
* Secondary roads (county roads) are ice covered and slick.

There may be lane restrictions and traffic back-ups while troopers investigate slide-offs and crashes in other areas. Use caution and reduce speed, particularly when approaching troopers who are assisting motorists, and highway service vehicles.

We need to leave our phone lines open for emergency calls. Motorists can access road and weather information by visiting INDOT's web site TrafficWise.IN.gov or dial 800-261-ROAD (7623).

Another excellent source for the public and media to check on county snow emergency declarations is the Indiana Department of Homeland Security web site which is frequently updated: Traffic Map

Name that cannon!

BLUFFTON OPTIMIST TRI-STAR BASKETBALL CONTEST

Who: ALL Wells county boys and girls age 8-13 (as of March 15, 2011)


When: Saturday January 22, 2011

Registration/warm up at 3:30 pm

Contest at 4:00 pm


Where: Bluffton City Gym, 128 E. Market


Registration: Sign up forms available at the door

1st place winners advance to the regional contest.

Questions: Call Dan Gerdom at 824-0195

Adopt-A-Pet

Tux is a Blk/Wht DSH Tuxedo, Male


Smokey is a 9 week old Gray DSH, Male


Blaze, Rugar & Remmy are 12 weeks old, DSH, males

*THESE 4 KITTENS ARE LITTERMATES!

**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

Lutheran Air helicopter

Professor Jim O'Donnell talks economics with Dave Schultz

Winter Weather Wonderland

Nearly a half foot of snow fell on Wells County this week. School was canceled and/or delayed and the kids went out to play. Some folks took advantage of the winter landscape to capture a beautiful image.
We asked for photos and Nick Huffman, Meg Garza, Robin Gentis, Stephanie Stroud Kelley, Jennifer Turner, Ashlee Tillman and Lori Hughes Miller answered

Great photos! Thanks participating.

I-69 still slow-going

Indiana State Police release:


Traffic on I-69 northbound from approximately the 120 mm to the 123 mm is still restricted to one lane while crews work to clear the wreckage from this early morning's crashes involving numerous semi tractor trailers. It is estimated that the restriction will be in place for at least another hour and a half.....

IDOE Launches Educator Outreach Program

Indiana Department of Education Release:

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett announced the launch of The Educator Learning Link (TELL) Ambassadors program today. This grassroots outreach effort will provide Hoosier educators with unfiltered access to critical information regarding IDOE policies and initiatives.

“It is vitally important for Indiana’s educators to have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information when formulating opinions on education reform proposals. The landmark proposals which comprise our ‘Putting Students First’ legislative agenda will determine the trajectory of Indiana education for generations to come, and I am hopeful stakeholders from every corner of Indiana will participate in the debate during the coming weeks,” said Dr. Bennett. “In particular, I encourage teachers and school leaders across the state to take part in this valuable grassroots leadership opportunity throughout the 2011 legislative session and beyond.”

The program seeks to enlist one ambassador from every school building in the state. Each ambassador will share detailed policy documents with other teachers in their school buildings. TELL ambassadors will also be encouraged to share their colleagues’ questions and concerns directly with designated IDOE representatives. Ambassadors will not be asked to express support or advocate for specific IDOE policies. The department simply seeks open-minded individuals hoping to supply colleagues with up-to-date information which will assist educators as they review policy proposals and form opinions.

The TELL Ambassadors program comes on the heels of increased educator outreach efforts by IDOE and the state superintendent. Since the spring of 2010, Dr. Bennett has been sharing email updates and IDOE news with teachers on a regular basis. Furthermore, in addition to numerous school visits and educator meetings, Dr. Bennett and senior IDOE staff members conducted a series of nine regional meetings with educators in August and again at the end of 2010 to share information on Indiana’s Growth Model, teacher evaluations and school accountability. IDOE has also provided educators with access to the Learning Connection, an interactive online learning community that encourages collaboration and professional development.

Starting today, IDOE will begin contacting teachers recommended by other educators, principals and superintendents to encourage participation in the TELL Ambassadors program. Educators interested in participating or recommending a colleague may do so by sending an email to Tosha Salyers, IDOE’s Director of Educator Outreach, at tsalyers@doe.in.gov.

I-69 crashes causing delays northbound

Indiana State Police release:

Please be advised that the Indiana State Police and the DeKalb County Sheriff Departments are working numerous crashes involving up to five semi tractor trailers northbound I-69 in and around the 123 mile marker in DeKalb County. As a result, troopers have closed the northbound side of I-69 from DuPont Road north until such time as the wreckage from these crashes has been cleared from the roadway, and that could take an extensive period of time.

There are no reports of injuries associated with these crashes and again, and no report of the exact number of semis involved. This will impact people's morning commute.

The southbound side of I-69 remains open at this time to the normal flow of traffic.

UPDATE 10:19 a.m.: The passing lane of northbound I-69 at the 123 mile marker is now open again to traffic, but because of the back up, it will continue to move very slowly through that area. Crews working directly on the remaining wreckage estimate another three to four hours before the driving lane is opened back up.

BHS Football Stadium Renovation

Bluffton-Harrison school officials are still hoping for more public input when it comes to a decision on whether or not, or exactly how, to renovate the existing Bluffton High School football stadium. Call Superintendent Wayne Barker or speak directly to BHMSD board members Dawn Frauhiger, Kent Park, John Vanderkolk, Daryl Elliott or Brent Hiday.

New Tech at BHMSD for Students with Special Needs

Possible downtown fire avoided

NHS BPA District contest results

The Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter of Norwell High School attended and competed in the District Leadership Conference on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Blackford High School. Norwell High School students competed with business students from six area high schools (Adams Central, Blackford, Bluffton, Leo, Heartland Career Center, and West Noble) in contests that measure their skills and knowledge in all areas of business. Debbie Darnell is the advisor for Norwell High School BPA.

Fourteen Norwell students have qualified to go to state competition on February 27 – March 1, 2011, in Indianapolis. Seven Norwell students and three Norwell student teams took 1st place in their competition.

Back row (from left to right): Ben DeVoe, Kyle Isch, Adam Datema, Josh Dickey, Garrett Bucher, Kyle Sink, Tyler Miller, Nathan Rodenbeck, and Nathan Shelton
Middle row (from left to right): Ben Frauhiger, Brooks Caley, Alex Eichler, Carlee Harnish, and Lexie Myers
Kneeling (from left to right): Mitchell Wilson, Luke Batdorff, Katelyn Bunch and Kimberlee Bushee

Adopt-A-Pet(s)

Nikki is a 10 month old Spaniel, male. Current on vaccines.


Blue is a 2 year old DSH neutered male.


Abby is a 6 year old Jack Russel terrier, female.

**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 Middle School Talent Show

(Video by Special Correspondent Katie Mettler)

Chandler Harnish visits LCES students

Adopt-A-Pet(s)

Valentine is a 2 year old Lab/Pitt mix, female. She is a really friendly girl.


Kit and Kat are littermates. They are 11 weeks old. All grey DSH's. Very sweet and playful.


Blackie is a 2 year old black DSH, spayed female. Very affectionate girl.


**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