N-B Video: Boo!!!!

Ron Wedler and Arlene Huffman of the 1000 block of West Wabash Street really get into Halloween. See more photos of the spooky celebration in the Friday, Nov. 1, News-Banner. (Video by Jessica Williams)

N-B Numbers: Bluffton Common Council approves 2014 salaries

Members of the Bluffton Common Council approved the 2013 budget and a 2 percent increase across the board for all full-time city employees Tuesday. Learn more in the Wednesday, Oct. 30, News-Banner.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

• (all paid bi-weekly)
• Chief of Police — $2,045.13
• Deputy Chief — $1,927.84
• Detective (assignment pay*) — $62.54
• Sergeant (rank pay*) — $62.54
• Patrol Officer — $1,650.35
• Patrol Officer (introductory status) — $1,450.73
• Police pension secretary — $526.80 per year
• (*Assignment pay and rank pay are added to the base patrol officer salary
• Uniform allowance — $800 per year
• Shift differential — Second shift, 2.5 percent; third shift, 5 percent.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

• Fire Chief — $2,045.03 bi-weekly
• Engineer (all bi-weekly) — probationary, $1,507.37; after introductory period, $1,535.96; after completing two years, $1,551.01 minimum and $1,564.55 maximum; after three years, $1,579.88 minimum and $1,593.16 maximum; after four years, $1,608.77 minimum and $1,621.75 maximum; after five years, $1,637.64 minimum and $1,650.35 maximum.
• Inspector (additional compensation) — $62.54 bi-weekly
• Engineer Captain (additional compensation) — $62.54 bi-weekly
• Training officer — $752.57 annually
• Safety Officer — $451.52 annually
• Fire Pension Secretary — $225.79 annually
• Paid on Call Captain Firefighters (up to five) — $21.42 per hour, $59.23 per month
• Paid on Call Lieutenant Firefighters (up to four) — No additional compensation
• Paid on Call Firefighters — Introductory year, $13.50 per hour; after one year with satisfactory evaluation, $15.31 per hour; after seven years, $17.97 per hour; after 10 years, $19.20 per hour.
• Part-Time Rate — $10.98 per hour.
• (A paid on-call firefighter who is also a city employee that leaves his or her job with the permission of a supervisor to respond to a fire during regular work hours will be paid his or her regular pay if it is a higher rate that the paid on-call rate.)
• Uniform allowance (for full-time employees) — $700 per year

ELECTED OFFICIALS

• Mayor — $737.01 from city budget, $1,640.45 from utilities, bi-weekly
• Common Council member — $282.75 from city budget, $283.75 from utilities, monthly
• Clerk-Treasurer — $1,028.95 from city budget, $1,028.95 from utilities, bi-weekly
• City Court Judge — $869.19 from city budget, monthly
• Member of Board of Public Works and Safety — $567.50 monthly
• Appointed Officials
• City Attorney — $403.30 maximum, bi-weekly
• Chief Deputy Clerk-Treasurer — $8 minimum, $9.34 maximum per hour
• Deputy Clerk-Treasurer/Human Resources — $7.50 minimum, $9.07 maximum per hour
• Deputy Clerk-Treasurer — $6.75 minimum, $8.80 maximum per hour
• Accounts Clerk — $7.37 per hour
• Temporary Help — $9.50 per hour

STREET DEPARTMENT

• Street Commissioner and Inspector — $1,992.20 bi-weekly
• Operator — $19.70 per hour
• Equipment Operator — $16 minimum, $17.54 maximum per hour
• Truck Driver — $14 minimum, $17.61 maximum per hour
• Laborer — $9.50 minimum, $16.76 maximum per hour
• Non-classified part time — $9.50 per hour
• Summer help — $7.25 minimum, $10 maximum per hour

ANIMAL CONTROL

• Animal Control Office Manager — $16.50 minimum, $19.52 maximum per hour
• Animal Shelter Officer — $9.50 minimum, $14.87 maximum per hour
• Non-classified part time — $9.50 per hour

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT

• Civilian Radio Dispatcher/Computer — $19.97 per hour
• Civilian Radio Dispatcher — $13.19 minimum, $17.14 maximum per hour
• Temporary Civilian Radio Dispatcher — $15.24 minimum, $15.54 maximum per hour
• Civilian Parking Enforcement — $9.50 minimum, $1.60 maximum per hour
• Clerk/Typist — $9.50 minimum, $16.91 maximum per hour
• City Court Clerk/Public Safety Clerk — $9.50 minimum, $16.01 maximum per hour
• Custodial — $9.50 minimum, $11.15 maximum per hour
• Non-classified part time — $9.50 per hour
• Dispatcher/Enforcement Officer Uniform Allowance (after first year) — $500 per year
• Shift differential — Second shift, 2.5 percent; third shift, 5 percent

PARKS AND RECREATION/
WELLS COMMUNITY POOL

• Park Board members — $706.03 per year
• Superintendent — $1,672.92 bi-weekly
• Assistant to Superintendent — $9.50 minimum, $15.15 maximum, per hour
• Park and Pool Maintenance Coordinator — $9.50 minimum, $17.30 maximum, per hour
• Park and Pool Maintenance Assistant — $9.50 minimum, $17.30 maximum, per hour
• Part-time Park and Pool Maintenance Helper — $7.25 minimum, $10.65 maximum, per hour
• Mowing — $7.25 minimum, $10.06 maximum, per hour
• Gym Director — $7.25 minimum, $11.77 maximum, per hour
• Gym Assistants — $7.25 minimum, $9.06 maximum, per hour
• Park Maintenance — $7.25 minimum, $9.06 maximum, per hour
• Concession Supervisor — $7.25 minimum, $8.61 maximum, per hour
• Concession Worker — $7.25 minimum, $7.56 maximum, per hour
• Pool Manager — $7.25 minimum, $11.06 maximum, per hour
• Assistant Pool Manager — $7.25 minimum, $10.05 maximum, per hour
• Pool Maintenance — $7.25 minimum, $8.78 maximum, per hour
• Lifeguard — $7.25 minimum, $9.36 maximum, per hour
• Recreation Program Supervisor — $7.25 minimum, $8.47 maximum, per hour
• Recreation Program Instructor — $7.25 minimum, $7.56 maximum, per hour
• Bus Driver — $7.25 per hour minimum, $50.18 per day maximum
• Soccer Camp Supervisor — $7.25 minimum, $8.84 maximum, per hour
• Soccer Camp Instructor — $7.25 minimum, $7.63 maximum, per hour
• Camp Instructor or Supervisor — $7.25 minimum, $8.47 maximum, per hour
• Athletic Coordinator — $9 minimum, $10.27 maximum, per hour
• Non-classified part time — $7.25 minimum, $9.50 maximum, per hour

N-B Video: Southern Wells holds a Hallo-workout

Southern Wells Elementary physical education teacher Mike Carter and others held their annual Fall Fitness Frenzy during gym class Monday. They sprinkle the gym with about 10 Halloween-themed stations, such as “ghostly aerobics,” for students throughout the day. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Stay safe trick or treating

From the Indiana State Police:

The Indiana State Police would like to remind parents of a few safety tips to observe during the Halloween holiday. Parents and children will be out in full force next week trick-or-treating and the Indiana State Police would like to remind parents that observing just a few rules will help can make the evening both fun and safe.

Costume Tips-
•Keep costumes short to prevent trips and falls.
•Try make-up instead of a mask. Masks often obstruct a child's vision, which makes tasks like crossing the street and going up and down stairs dangerous.
•Make sure children wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.

Trick or Treating-
•Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends. Together, map out a safe route so parents know where they will be.
•Instruct children to stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
•Encourage children to trick-or-treat while it's still light out. If children are out after dark, make sure they have flashlights and travel on well lighted streets.
•Remind children not to enter the homes or cars of strangers.
•Follow your communities trick-or-treating hours.

Treats-
•Remind children not to eat any of their treats until they get home.
•Check out all treats at home in a well-lighted place.
•Only eat unopened candies and other treats that are in original wrappers. Remember to inspect fruits for anything suspicious.

Additionally, many communities, schools and churches offer children safe alternatives to trick-or-treating designed to keep children safely within parents' view. Some hospitals and schools allow children to trick-or-treat by going from room to room virtually eliminating the dangers associated with being out walking on the street after dark.

N-B Links: Help, he's choking.

Thanks to some quick thinking and a television show on the Disney Channel, 9-year-old Alex Malott saved her 5-year-old brother when he started choking on a piece of candy. Read more about the incident in the Monday, Oct. 28, News-Banner, but in case you haven't watched "Suite Life on Deck," click here to learn how to help save a person's life.

N-B Photos: Perry Street damage from above

While capturing views from above during the Bluffton Free Street Fair during a ride on the Ferris wheel in September, reporter Jessica Williams also snapped some photos of the Perry Street apartment building remnants.

Community leaders talk about WRAPP

Wells Resources Available for Providers and People (WRAPP) is the community effort of various groups to organize the county's resources to better serve our residents, said Jen Simpson, 2013 WRAPP facilitator.

"I am excited to see where this group will go in the future," she added. "There is significant power in groups like this. When our agencies work together effectively, our clients are served better and community dollars are utilized more effectively."

Here's what others have to say:

"WRAPP assisted church leaders to realize the necessity to work together and to meet the needs of the community." – Neil Ainslie, extension service representative of the Wells County Salvation Army

"I think it is wonderful that all types of service providers and leaders in our community have gotten together to work together to make positive changes in our county and in the people's lives that we serve. I'm happy to be a part of this group." – Emily Leas, administrative supervisor of Meridian Health Services in Portland

Learn more in the Saturday, Oct. 26, News-Banner.

N-B Photos: Pumpkins make big splash at Bluffton Middle School

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department held its third Pumpkin Dunkin’. Each year, the department dumps more than 100 pumpkins from Drennen’s Pumpkin Kingdom into the Bluffton Middle School pool, and after swimming with them, balancing on them and splashing them into the water, the children can take their pumpkins home. (Photos by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: Working together to stop substance abuse

Jenny Simpson of the Wells Resources Available for Providers and People discusses the county's latest initiative to help combat substance abuse. Learn more in the Wednesday, Oct. 23, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

Board of Works paves the way for more play at park

Children can soon pretend to serve ice cream, shop for groceries and invite guests over to their house for the afternoon — all while playing at Washington Park.

The Bluffton Board of Public Works and Safety Tuesday approved paving the perimeter of the park’s toddler area with a new 4-foot-wide sidewalk, which the Parks and Recreation Department needs to install four play panels — two- and three-dimensional cutouts designed to mimic an ice cream shop, a fruit store or similar businesses.

Click on the images below to see an enlarged view of the panels the department chose. Learn more in the Wednesday, Oct. 23, News-Banner.

N-B Video: Funeral for a septic tank

Wells County contractor L.A. Brown leads the Regional Sewer District board in a funeral for a hypothetical septic system during the regular Monday meeting. Brown and a representative from the Indiana Department of Health were featured speakers in a program about septic systems, and Brown wanted to illustrate the consequences of poor septic maintenance. Learn more in the Tuesday, Oct. 22, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Feedback: Who has the best chili ... slogan

The Wells Community Boys and Girls Club is holding its third-annual Dan Weldy Memorial Chili Cook-Off fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 2, and this year's contest features 17 competitors, a substantial increase from prior years’ fundraising events.

Chili lovers can vote on their favorite recipes that day, but until then, tell us which of the competitors has the best pitch for his or her recipe. Let us know in the comments section below:

• Wayne Barker: Even though I've never made chili before, mine will be the best because I've stayed in a Holiday Inn Express in the past.
• Ted Ellis: It's Government Chili. Lots of gas, very little substance, but you just gotta have it.
• Bob Frantz: So good your tongue will slap your brain.
• Steve Higgins: It is made Au-Naturel.
• Angela Paxson: It's sweet and spicy ... just like me!
• Roy Johnson: It's so good ... even though my family won't eat it.
• Larry Peeper: Gives you an opportunity to "peep" out free gas.
• Scott Garrett: The flavors are so yummy, warming both your heart and tummy.
• Ralph Garcia: Road kill comes in many forms.
• Kate Stinson: Mr. Food even said it was Mmmm good.
• Sara Shedd: The recipe is so secretive that I don't know what's in it.
• Gregg Reed: It's a real man's chili. Hearty, full of everything. I will also have a girlie chili for the wimpy man.
• Tim Ehlerding: Workforce skill chili ... special certification needed to handle, consume and dispose of properly.
• David Barger: It's a secret family recipe and made with Kroger ingredients.
• Tony Garton: Because it "speaks for itself."
• Ken Dubach and Todd Reimschisel: We had hair before we ate it.
• Steve Stuller: I might not be hot, but my chili is.

Report: County Council districts not proportional

A website makes the case that the districts for Wells County Council members are out of compliance with state regulations.

The Wells County Council has seven members, with three elected on an at-large basis and four representing specific districts. According to the website www.indianalocalredistricting.com, Wells County has a 30 percent variance from the number of people in one district to the number of people in another district.

The state standard is 10 percent.

Learn more in the Saturday, Oct. 18, News-Banner.

Click on the image to enlarge it

BHES students go back in time

Third-grade students at Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School spent about two weeks studying the history of Bluffton and Wells County, and as part of the 20 lessons, they created wampum, trinkets that Native Americans traded; studied about the first white child born in the county; created a report on the Miami Indians; and mapped with Play-Doh where Native Americans once lived. (Photos by Chet Baumgartner)

Halley Clark and Preston Daughtery of Lisa Smith's class display their wampum

Lilly Bowman and Joseph Glaze of Linda Sturgeon's class show their illustration, which depicts the log cabin where the first white child born in the county, Elizabeth Miller, lived.

Emma Baumgartner and Ethan Hunt from Cara Crickard's class present their report on the Miami Indians.

Darren Early and Evie Schantz of Tamara Funk's class use Play-Doh to designate the origins of Native Americans

N-B Video: Local, state officials want to train truck drivers

Dr. Jerrilee Mosier, the chancellor of Ivy Tech-Northeast in Fort Wayne, and Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann visited Bluffton Wednesday afternoon for the announcement of a truck driver training program, which Mosier's institution will lead. Learn more in the Thursday, Oct. 17, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Numbers: Town of Markle adopts 2014 budget

During the Markle Town Council's regular meeting Wednesday evening, the council approved upon final hearing the 2014 budget. There was no discussion offered by council members, as the budget has been discussed during meetings prior. The budget does include a 2 percent increase for town employees.

The budget, seen below, will now go to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance for approval.

Click to enlarge photo.

Also during Wednesday's meeting, council members offered a counterbid to the board of the Huntington City-Township Public Library's purchase of the Markle library branch downtown. The town, however, wants the building as the town hall, particularly because the current town hall and lot are not compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, and it would cost more than $1 million to renovate it to compliance.

Learn more in the Thursday, Oct. 17, News-Banner, and learn why the current town headquarters doesn't comply with the law by clicking here and going to page 62 of 128

N-B Numbers: Northern Wells adopts 2014 budget

Northern Wells school board members Tuesday approved the district's annual budget, though the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance will most likely reduce it, as it does all school districts.

For now, though, the budget generates a $1.3311rate and, within that, a $0.5023 rate for the Capital Projects Fund.

The Capital Projects Fund pays for building maintenance, education technology and similar expenses, and it often accounts for the single largest portion of the district's levy.

School boards, then, also adopt a capital projects plan that clarifies where the money goes.

Learn more about the budget in the Wednesday, Oct. 16, News-Banner, and learn more about the plan below by contacting the Northern Wells central office at 260-622-4125.

Click on the image for an enlarged view

N-B Feedback: Educating kids aboug drugs

Due to a donation of a van by the Frito-Lay distribution center, Ossian officer Stephanie Tucker no longer must spend the $11,000 she raised to purchase a vehicle for D.A.R.E. mobile lab on the actual vehicle.

Instead, she can use the money to equip the van with educational resources, but what do you think she should include? Let us know in the comments or comment directly at the article by clicking here.

Learn more in the Tuesday, Oct. 15, News-Banner.

D.A.R.E. also lists the following warning signs that might indicate a substance abuse problem. Click here a list of other useful links.

1. Be your kids’ greatest fan. Compliment them on all of their efforts, the strength of their character and their individuality.
2. Get your kids involved in adult-supervised after-school activities. Ask them what types of activities they’re interested in and contact the school principal or guidance counselor to find out what activities are available. Sometimes it takes a bit of experimenting to find out what your kids are best suited for, but it’s worth the effort-feeling competent makes kids much less likely to use drugs.
3. Help your kids develop tools they can use to get out of alcohol or drug related situations.
4. Get to know your children’s friends and their parents. Call them and check to make sure they share in your views on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
5. Call kids’ parents if their home is to be used for a party. Make sure that the party will be alcohol-free and supervised by adults.
6. Set curfews and enforce them. Let kids know the consequences of breaking curfew.
7. Encourage open dialogue with your children about their experiences. Make sure your children understand that they can ask you anything and that you will give them an honest answer.
8. Set a no-use rule for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
9. Sit down for dinner with your children at least once a week. Use the time to talk-don’t eat in front of the TV.
10. Get-and stay-involved in your children’s lives.

N-B Links: Travel to Europe with a bunch of Tigers

Bluffton-Harrison school board members Monday preliminarily approved a 10- to 13-day study trip for students to four German-speaking countries next summer.

But high school German teacher Nicholas Miller and Principal Steve Baker will return to the board as they finalize more details.

Currently, though, Miller said the travelers would sojourn through Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to visit Berlin, the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, the Dachau concentration camp near Munich, and other locations.

The entire itinerary can be found by clicking here. Learn more in the Tuesday, Oct. 15, News-Banner.

Who says cleanliness can't be cool

As part of their celebration of Global Handwashing Day, county students in the health science education class, located at Bluffton High School, concocted a rap to remind their peers and others about the importance of good sanitation.

The whole world is cleaning up its act, apparently, and people even can make the record books because of it.

Learn more in the Monday, Oct. 14, News-Banner.

Day-by-Day visual chart of gas prices in area during a 40-day period in Aug.-Spet. 2013. See story in Oct. 12 edition of The News-Banner.

Day-by-day spreadsheet of gas prices in area for 40-day period in Aug.-Sept., 2013

Statewide essay contest for Hoosier fourth graders announced

From the office of Indiana State Sen. Travis Holdman:

The Indiana Statehouse Tour Office, in conjunction with the Indiana Center for the Book and the Indiana State Library, is hosting its annual “Statehood Day Essay Contest.”

In celebration of our Hoosier roots and upcoming 200th birthday as a state, this year’s theme is Bicentennial Heroes.

All Indiana fourth grade public, private or homeschooled students are encouraged to submit an essay answering the question, “Who is a Hoosier Bicentennial Hero to you?” Winners, along with their classmates, will be honored at the 197th Statehood Day celebration, Dec. 11 in downtown Indianapolis. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 25.

In addition, I invite our fourth grade classes to spend Statehood Day in Indianapolis. Fun and educational events will be held throughout the capitol, including special guest speakers from state government. More information about Statehood Day and the essay contest can be found here.

Southern Wells students bridge the generation gap with cookies and ice cream

Southern Wells elementary students and their grandparents toured the school, feasted on cookies and ice cream, and perused a plethora of books during the school's annual book fair and "Goodies with Grandparents" event. See more photos in the Friday, Oct. 11, News-Banner. (Photos by Chet Baumgartner)

Southern Wells students raise money for classmate using unpopular song

Southern Wells junior high and high school students raised $412 to help classmate Chet Owens, who is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, with expenses.

To raise the funds, however, they played superstar singer Justin Bieber's song "Baby" over and over again during the two 30-minute lunch periods until students donated at least $400.

Teacher Kelly Plank estimates that students heard it about 10 times each day — adding up to more than 3,600 babies throughout the week.

Think you could survive it? Review the lyrics below and let us know in the comments section, and learn more in the Friday, Oct. 11, News-Banner.

You know you love me, I know you care
Just shout whenever, and I'll be there
You are my love, you are my heart
And we will never, ever, ever be apart

Are we an item? Girl, quit playin'
"We're just friends," what are you sayin'?
Said "there's another," and looked right in my eyes
My first love broke my heart for the first time

Chorus

And I was like baby, baby, baby, oh
Like baby, baby, baby, no
Like baby, baby, baby, oh
I thought you'd always be mine, mine

Baby, baby, baby, oh
Like baby, baby, baby, no
Like baby, baby, baby, oh

I thought you'd always be mine, mine

For you, I would have done whatever
And I just can't believe we're here together
And I wanna play it cool, but I'm losin' you
I'll buy you anything, I'll buy you any ring

And I'm in pieces, baby fix me
And just shake me 'til you wake me from this bad dream
I'm goin' down, down, down, down
And I just can't believe my first love won't be around

Chorus

And I'm like baby, baby, baby, oh
Like baby, baby, baby, no
Like baby, baby, baby, oh
I thought you'd always be mine, mine

Baby, baby, baby, oh
Like baby, baby, baby, no
Like baby, baby, baby, oh
I thought you'd always be mine, mine

When I was 13, I had my first love
There was nobody that compared to my baby
And nobody came between us who could ever come above
She had me going crazy, oh I was starstruck
She woke me up daily, don't need no Starbucks

She made my heart pound
I skip a beat when I see her in the street
And at school on the playground
But I really wanna see her on a weekend
She know she got me dazin' 'cause she was so amazin'
And now my heart is breakin' but I just keep on sayin'

Chorus

Baby, baby, baby, oh
Like baby, baby, baby, no
Like baby, baby, baby, oh
I thought you'd always be mine, mine

Baby, baby, baby, oh
Like baby, baby, baby, no
Like baby, baby, baby, oh
I thought you'd always be mine, mine

I'm all gone
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Now I'm all gone
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Now I'm all gone
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Now I'm all gone, gone, gone, gone
I'm gone

(Lyrics by James Todd Smith, Christopher Stewart and Terius Nash)

Oh Deer!

The Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources report the state is entering “prime time” for car/deer crashes, but the following tips from the DNR and ISP can help prevent any collisions. Learn more in the Thursday, Oct. 10, News-Banner.

• When possible, use high-beam headlights at night and be aware that deer could be standing on or near the side of the roadway.
• At night, drivers should watch approaching vehicles and see if any images breaks their headlight beams; it could be a passing deer. Also, watch for reflections from the deer's eyes.
• Deer are more active in the hours just before dawn and just after dusk. They also more active during late October and early November during rutting — deer mating season. With the crop harvest going on, however, deer could be on the move at any time.
• Where there is one deer, there are often several.
• Be particularly careful in areas where you have seen deer before. Exercise extreme caution along woodlot edges, on hills, or on blind curves.
• Drivers should pay attention to traffic signs warning of deer crossings.
• Steer clear of gimmicks such as fancy whistles or reflectors that can be placed on a vehicle to keep deer away. They have not been proven to be effective.
• Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer. Most serious crashes occur when drivers try to miss a deer and hit something else.
• If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch it. A frightened or wounded deer can cause a human being serious injury. Remain in your car, make sure that you and our passengers are safe, and call the police to obtain a crash report for your insurance company.

Bluffton High School student fights back against bullies

As part of a nationwide contest to earn a concert by Katy Perry, BHS freshman Haley Craig created an anti-bully video with about 30 of her classmates. Learn more in the Thursday, Oct. 10, News-Banner. (Video courtesy Haley Craig)

Bluffton announces unlimited trash pick-up, similar event

From the City of Bluffton:

Residential unlimited bagged trash pick up will be Oct. 7, 8 and 9. You can put your 95 gallon bin out with unlimited amount of trash bags. It is important to have it out by 5:30 a.m. on your normal garbage day because National Serv-All will have additional trucks running the routes.

On Saturday, Oct. 12, Bluffton residents may bring misc. trash items to the Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 702 North Main Street.

The following will not be accepted: Recyclables, hazardous waste materials, furniture, tires, carpet, large amounts of construction materials and brush. City personnel will be on hand to assist you with removal if needed.

Car batteries and appliances will be accepted; however, appliances containing freon must be removed before dropping off.

You may take your yard waste to the city's compost site located on State Road 124 East. 

Resident wanting mulch may go out to the compost site and the Street Department will help load from 8 a.m. to noon.

We are currently working with ACE recycling on accepting Televisions and computer. We will keep you updated on the items they will accept. 

If you have questions please contact the Mayor's Office at mayorsoffice@ci.bluffton.in.us Unauthorized or improper disposal of items will result in a citation.

N-B drug series continues

The News-Banner is continuing its series looking at drugs in Wells County, and links from this previous blog post can provide more information. The series continues in Saturday's paper.

N-B Video: BHES students shake, rattle and roll at the track

Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School students go a little crazy at the command of "DJ Paws" during the PTO's second Walk-a-Thon fundraiser Friday at the Bluffton High School track. Students in each grade also competed for a spirit stick by organizing the best cheer. For other stories and videos, go to www.news-banner.com. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Links: Help plan the county's future

Members of the Wells County Area Plan Commission decided to wait another month before approving the county's 10-year comprehensive plan, after residents thought the document didn't properly address wind farms and downtown.

Before the scheduled vote next month, however, anyone can read through the tentative set of guides by clicking here, and anyone can contact the Area Plan office at (260) 824-6407 to offer feedback. Share your thoughts at www.facebook.com/newsbanner as well. Learn more in the Friday, Oct. 4, News-Banner.

YMCA breaks ground for new facility

Many attended the YMCA's groundbreaking ceremony this week to celebrate the next step in building a new facility in Bluffton, which will be located on Dustman Road. (Photos by Jessica Williams)

N-B Sound off: Just blame the potatoes

At one point, people believed that the Devil planted potatoes because they grew underground, and they blamed the plants for everything from leprosy to the strength of the wind.

Learn more about other food fables and facts in the Living Section in the Thursday, Oct. 3, News-Banner, but share some of your favorite recipes in the comments section. We'll even let you include potatoes.

County's U.S. legislators talk shutdown

Wells County's representative and senators — Republicans Marlin Stutzman and Dan Coats and Democrat Joe Donnelly — proffered their opinions about the government shutdown in the Tuesday, Oct. 1, News-Banner. Click on the links below to share your opinion with them.

• Marlin Stutzman

• Dan Coats

• Joe Donnelly e-mail