N-B Video: Bluffton Fire hosts open house for new Haz-Mat trailer

The Bluffton Fire Department held an open house Friday morning to introduce its new hazardous material trailer. The trailer includes a decontamination tent. Chief Chris Broderick talks about the trailer after Friday's event.

 Learn more in the Saturday, Aug. 30 News-Banner. (Video by Jessica Williams)

N-B Numbers: Stats show county needs to increase quality child care spots by 1,435

Lucinda Nord spoke to the Women United group at the Wells County Public Library Thursday. Nord presented data that shows the county needs to increase quality child care spots by 1,435.

For more information on Nord's talk, pick up the Friday, Aug. 19, News-Banner.

Here are some of the stats that Nord presented:

• Children ages birth to age five comprise 8.3% of total Hoosier population and 1/3 of children under 18.1
• On average, children of working mothers spend 35 hours a week in child care.2
• Licensed/Unlicensed — Homes caring for more than five unrelated children and Centers are required to be licensed in Indiana. Indiana Code 12-17.2-2-8 exempts certain child care providers from licensure requirements (registered ministries, homes caring for <6 unrelated children and temporary programs).

• Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) facts3
    * CCDF is a federal funded subsidy that helps families who are unable to afford child care that is needed for parents to be able to take training and enter the workforce. In last year, Indiana spent $178 million in CCDF (federal funds $164M, plus state match of $33M).
    * Of the total CCDF in SFY13, over $32 million was spent with unlicensed care ($2.6M in unlicensed homes, $2.6M in unlicensed centers and $27M in unlicensed registered ministries).
    * In March 2014, 44,145 Hoosier children’s child care was paid with CCDF. Approximately 75% of CCDF children are served in licensed care and 25% of CCDF children are in unlicensed care.

• In 2008, Indiana implemented a voluntary statewide program, Paths to Quality (PTQ), which aims to raise awareness of quality and provide a standardized method for parents to select quality child care. The first level is ensuring that “health and safety needs of children are met.” Of the 2,335 providers on PTQ, 1,729 are licensed homes, 518 are licensed centers and 77 are ministries.4
• On 4/7/14, FSSA announced new reimbursement rates effective in May that incentivize licensure or participation in PTQ.
• Religious content — Indiana Code does not regulate religious curriculum or programming for any type of child care. All child care providers are permitted to incorporate religious content and programming into their programs. Child care regulations in no way affect Sunday School, Vacation Bible School or part-time programs.
From a Needs Assessment conducted by Indiana Association of Child Care Resource and Referral5
Quality for this report is defined as licensed home, licensed center and reg. ministry participating on Level 1 of PTQ or VCP.

State of Indiana
• Total children birth to 5 is 517,921.
• Total need of children birth to 5 is 348,561.
• Total “quality slots” for children birth to 5 is 100,499, which means that about 28.8% of the children who need care have access to quality spots.
• Need to increase number of quality spots in Indiana by 248,062.

Wells County
• Total children birth to 5 is 2,145.
• Total need of children birth to 5 is 1,444.
• Total “quality slots” for children birth to 5 is 140, which means that about 9.7% of the children who need care have access to quality spots.
• Need to increase number of quality spots in Wells County by 1,435.

N-B Links: Former lead singer of Creed to perform in Montpelier

The communities of Montpelier and Zanesville are hosting festivals this weekend.

Montpelier’s Jamboree will start Thursday evening and continue through Sunday, Aug. 31. The featured concert of the weekend will be a performance by Scott Stapp, the former lead singer of Creed, at 8 p.m. Sunday on the main stage.

To learn more about the band, click here.

For schedules of events for the festivals, pick up the Thursday, Aug. 28, News-Banner.

N-B Video: Reporter accepts the Ice Bucket Challenge

News-Banner reporter Jessica Williams was nominated for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge by the director of the United Way of Wells County. Who will she nominate in return? (Video by Jessica Williams)

So why are people dumping water on their heads and making videos of it for all their social media followers to see? Learn more about the ALS Ice Bucket challenge by clicking here.

N-B Video: U.S. congressman opens Bluffton office

U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman visited Bluffton Wednesday evening to celebrate the opening of his new office on South Johnson Street. He also took time to talk about upcoming issues he hopes to address in Congress.

Learn more in the Aug. 14 News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

FCS releases 2014 Duck Race results

 Family Centered Services held its ninth annual Duck Race on the Wabash Saturday, Aug. 9.

Below is a list of the winners, provided by the agency:

37.  A Guys Day Out - 2 Passes for 18 Holes & Cart from Cross Creek Golf Club; 2 Scrip Tickets from Fort Wayne Komet Hockey; $20 Gift Card from Pizza King - Decatur; $20 Gift Certificate from The Galley; Four $5 Gift Cards from Arnold’s Drive-In.

Winner:___Brittany Kauffman - Huntington, Indiana_

36.  Relax & Renew – ½ hr. Hot Rock Massage from Alesha Shepard; Four $10 Gift Cards from Norm’s Preble Gardens; $25 Chamber Bucks from McBride & Associates Real Estate; Hair Cut from Salon 29:11; $20 Gift Certificate from Sassafras on Main.

Winner:____Joline Bowman - West Unity, Ohio_

35.  Date Night Fun - $100 Gift Card from TW Fable; 2 Goodrich Theater tickets from Wells County Voice; 2 Concessions coupons from Goodrich Theater.

Winner:__      Scott Mossburg - Bluffton 

34.  Dude’s Delight – Four 9 Hole rounds with Cart from Green Valley Golf Club; $25 Gift Card from Welches All Vehicle Repair; 2 Lower Level tickets from Mad Ants Basketball; Two $10 Gift Cards from Norm’s Preble Gardens; 2 Meal Deals from Tyeger’s Pizza Parlour; Four 1/3 lb. Thickburgers from Hardee’s in Bluffton.

Winner:_____Mike Kracium - Bluffton__

33.  A “Vera” Good Time – Large Duffle & Large Cosmetic from Vera Bradley; Pedicure from NuBeginnings, Simply Feet; Hair Cut from Shear Style; $10 Gift Certificate from Co Co China.

Winner:______Julie Terveer - Upland, California__

32.  Rejuvenate – 1 Month Membership + Tanning from Anytime Fitness; 2 Hair Cuts from Shear Style; Four 6” Subs from Bluffton Subway.

Winner:_______Cindy Markley__

31.  Deluxe Date Night – Dinner for 2 from Casa Restaurant; 4 passes to Cinema Center from Wells County Voice; $25 Gift Basket from Grounds & Grains; $25 Gift Certificate from Beer Theraputic Massage; Two $5 Gift Cards from Crossroads Pantry in Bluffton.

Winner:______Dick Troxel - Bluffton__

30.  A “Mantastic Reward” – Two $25 Gift Certificates from Wells County Automotive - NAPA;             Oil Change & Rotation from Bluffton Tire; 5 Car Washes from Bluffton Super Wash; 2 Meal Deals  from Teyger’s Pizza Parlour; 2 KFC Sandwiches from Bluffton KFC.

Winner:____Linda Kay Impola - Neenah, Wisconsin___

29.  Parlor City Pleasure - $100 Gift Card from TW Fable; Cut & Style from You’ve Got Style; $25             Gift Certificate from FPC Technology; 3 Tanning Sessions from Body Solutions.

Winner:____Kim Jutte - Bluffton__

28.  Foodie Fun Pack -  Tote & Items from A Perfect Blend; $25 Gift Certificate from Marko’s on 2^nd; Four $5 Gift Cards from Arnold’s Drive-In; $15 Gift Certificate from West End Restaurant; $10 Gift Certificate from Back 40 Junction.

Winner:_____Pattie Troxel - Bluffton__

27.  Colts Strong -  An Apparel Package from the Indianapolis Colts; Dozen Colts Golf Balls from      Green Valley Golf Club; Colts Tumbler, Coasters & Magnet from Reed’s Do It Best Hardware.

Winner:_____Jessica Bender - Roanoke__

26.  A Gent’s Reward -  $50 Gift Certificate from Dick Mayer’s Masterson’s Clothing; Two $25 Gift Certificates from Wells County Automotive - NAPA; Oil Change & Rotation from Bluffton Tire.

Winner:_______Scott Smith - Ft. Wayne, Indiana__

25.  Bold & Beautiful -  3 Month Family Membership from Wells County YMCA; Paul Mitchell Hair Care Products from The Alley Cuts; Four 6” Subs from Bluffton Subway.

Winner:______Tennyson Mlyniec_

24.  Holiday Memories -  Kodak Easy Share Digital Camera from Radio Shack; $25 Gift Card from Walmart; Holiday Goody Tray from Christine Shestak; Artificial Plant from Gerber Furniture.

Winner:____Jim Cline - Ossian, Indiana__

23.  Car Lover’s Kit - 6 Ultimate Washes from Reed’s Andy’s Car Wash; Car Emergency Kit from Nicole Johnson - Edward Jones; Set of LED Pliers from True Value Hardware in Decatur; 8 pc. Chicken from Richard’s Restaurant.

Winner:_______Sarah Frey - Bridgman, Michigan_

22.  Parent’s Tool Kit - Kid Kit & 2 Books from Usborne Books; 2 doz. Cupcakes from Magdalena Cupcakery; 8 games of Bowling from The Bowling Center; $20 Gift Certificate from Trend; 2 Reg.  Meals & 2 Happy Meals from Bluffton McDonald’s; Large Stuffed Dog.

Winner:______Billy Kreigh - Bluffton__

21.  Around the Town of Huntington -  Manicure & Pedicure from The Nail Station; ½ hr. Massage     from Joy’s Serenity; $25 Gift Card from Café of Hope; $25 Gift Card from Owen’s South; 5 Small  Pizzas from East of Chicago Pizza in Warren.

Winner:_______Jeff Lemler_

20.  Pet Palooza – Shots for a K-9 or Feline from Bluffton Animal Clinic; Retractable Leash & Dog    Toys from Perfect Pet Food & Accessories; $15 & $10 Gift Certificates from Bluffton Pizza King;         $25 Chamber Bucks from Holloway Auction Company.

Winner:______Jeanine Goeglein - Zanesville, Indiana_

19.  Some Enchanted Evening  - $100 Gift Card from TW Fable; $30 Gift Certificate from County      Squire Florist; $25 Gift Certificate from Todd Shalley Company.

Winner:___Isaac Stoller - Bluffton__

18.  Glamour Goodies – Gift Box from Walgreens in Bluffton; $50 Mary Kay Gift Certificate from Randi Stevens; Pedicure from Achieva Salon & Spa; Two $10 Gift Cards from Norm’s Preble Gardens.

Winner:_____Jodie Hummer___

17.  Fellas Fun  - 2 Gift Cards for 18 Holes & Cart from Timber Ridge Golf Club; Oil Change from Mike Anderson Chevrolet in Ossian; 5 Car Washes from Bluffton Super Wash; TinCaps Baseball Cap signed by Josh VanMeter from Fort Wayne TinCaps; 5 KFC Sandwiches from Bluffton KFC.

Winner:_____Lindsay Zimmer - Bluffton__

16.  Me, My Car & My Dog – Free Initial Visit from Bear Chiropractic; 5 Car Washes from Bluffton Super Wash; $25 Gift Certificate from OK Modern Dry Cleaners; $20 Gift Certificate and Toy from Oooh La La Pet Spa.

Winner:_______Betty Drinkut - Pennville, Indiana__

15.  Norwell Crusader Sports Fan – 2014/15 Adult Sports Pass from Norwell Middle School Athletic Dept.; NMS t-shirt from Parlor City Trophy & Apparel; 10 lbs. Ground Beef from Alan & Beth Surfus Farm; BBQ Tool Set from Ossian Hardware; 16 GB Flash-drive from Northwood Computer; 14” Pizza from East of Chicago Pizza in Ossian.

Winner:_____Zach Converse - Fort Wayne, Indiana_

14.  Norwell Knights Sports Fan – 2014/15 Adult Sports Pass from Norwell High School Athletic Dept.; NHS t-shirt from Parlor City Trophy & Apparel; Three 14” Pizzas from East of Chicago Pizza in Ossian; 2 Lunches from El Camino Real; 16 GB Flash-drive from Northwood Computer.

Winner:_______Karen Cahoon - Ossian, Indiana__

13.  Bluffton Tiger Sports Fan  - 2014/15 Adult Sports Pass from Bluffton High School Athletic Dept.; BHS t-shirt from Parlor City Trophy & Apparel; 6 games of Bowling from The Bowling Center; $20 Gift Certificate from Bluffton Pizza King; $25 Chamber Bucks from Coldwell Banker Holloway Realtors.

Winner:______Scott Eisenhut - Bluffton__

12.  Southern Wells Raiders Sports Fan – 2014/15 Adult Sports Pass from Southern Wells Athletic Dept.; SWHS t-shirt from Parlor City Trophy & Apparel; 10 Small Pizzas from East of Chicago Pizza in Warren; $20 Gift Cards from Corner Depot.

Winner:_______Sherri Godschalk - Fort Wayne __

11.  Huntington North Vikings Sports Fan – Two 2014/15 Adult Sports Passes from Huntington North High School Athletic Dept.; HNHS t-shirt from Parlor City Trophy & Apparel; Oil Change from Ingle’s Service Center.

Winner:_____Angie Vachon - Markle, Indiana_

10.  Summer Sizzler – Grill, 3 pc. Tool Set & Charcoal from Lowe’s in Bluffton; $50 Gift Card from Lengerich Meats; $25 Gift Card from Kroger in Bluffton.

Winner:______Lois Brown - Fort Wayne, Indiana__

9.  Body Booster – $100 Gift Certficiate from Sell Chiropractic; Natural Supplements from A Harvest     of Health; $25 Gift Basket from Ground & Grains.

Winner:______Cole Arnett - Bluffton__

8.  Pizza & Fun – 1 Pizza a Month for 1 Year from Bluffton Pizza Hut; 10” DQ Cake from Bluffton  Dairy Queen; 6 games of Bowling from The Bowling Center.

Winner:______Barb Clayton - Gas City, Indiana___

7.  Lovely Landscape – 3 ft. Blue Spruce Tree from GenMar STAR Nursery; Lawn Topiary & Solar     Stick from 2 Sister’s Glass Garden; Raised Bed Garden Kit from Habegger’s Ace Lumber; $25 Chamber Bucks from McBride & Associates Real Estate.

Winner:______Bekkee Thompson - Bluffton__

6.  Diva’s Delight -  Mary Kay Perfume, Lipstick & Compact from Becky Goshorn; Steelx Earrings   from Daniel’s Jewelers; $25 Gift Card & Matrix Shampoo & Conditioner from Bella Vita Salon.

Winner:______Kim Kline - Bluffton__

5.  Rock & Relax -  Adirondack Rocking Chair from Ossian Furniture; 14” Pizza from East of Chicago Pizza in Ossian.

Winner:______Sherri Godschalk - Fort Wayne__

4.  Sweet Flight of Fancy -  30 Minute Flight with you at the controls of 4 seat aircraft from SweetAviation; $25 Gift Certificate from Billy Ann’s Supper Pub.

Winner:_______Betty Drinkut_- Pennville, Indiana__

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

Winner:______Joy Curtis - Petroleum, Indiana_

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

Winner:_____Linda Reiff - Bluffton__

1.  Grand Prize -  $1,000 Cash

Winner:________Trina Fornwalt - Bluffton_

N-B Video: Appleglen Cloggers dance at Wheels of Yesteryear

The Fort Wayne-based Appleglen Cloggers performed Saturday during the Wheels of Yesteryear's annual festival. See more news at www.news-banner.com. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: 3,700 ducks swim in ninth annual Duck Race

Family Centered Services held its annual Duck Race on the Wabash fundraiser Saturday. Learn more in the Monday, Aug. 11, News-Banner. (Video by Jessica Williams; photos by Dave Schultz and Jessica Williams)

N-B Video: Do we need a pool?

The funding future of the Wells Community Pool is in question as Mayor Ted Ellis is looking for an increased contribution from the county –  when the Wells County Council isn't sure it can afford the new $20,000 request in 2015. City officials want to know, though: What will happen to the pool when a major repair is required? Catch the complete analysis in the Saturday, Aug. 9, News-Banner. (Video by Jessica Williams)

N-B Numbers: Revisiting the courthouse repairs

Courthouse Custodian Bobbie Studebaker received money Tuesday from the Wells County Council for various repairs.

Elevator motor: $8,194
 
The leak in the 4th floor wall and the ladies room at the annex: $5,000 estimate

The hot water pump: $5136
 
Courthouse roof, slate replacement: $5,000 estimate

Hand rails for the courthouse stairs: $5,555 estimate

Total: $35,000

"At this point, due to the bad winter, the budget line for repairs is down to $584, not enough to run the rest of the year so I am asking for $6115 for now to get us through the rest of the year. I hope," Studebaker wrote in her request.


Learn more about Tuesday's meeting in the Aug. 6 News-Banner. Studebaker presented her requests in more detail to the council and the Wells County Commissioners in July.

County Council prepares for budget time

Updated budget figures were handed out Tuesday evening at the Wells County Council meeting, but the real discussions will commence in the following weeks.

 

8 a.m. — Highway and LR&S

8:10 a.m. — Health, Local Health Maintenance, Indiana Local Health Trust

8:20 a.m. — Assessor, 2017 Reassessment, Sales Disclosure Fee

8:30 a.m. — Clerk and Election Board, Clerk Record Perpetuation

8:40 a.m. — Probation, Juvenile Probation, Adult Probation, Urinalysis Fee, Substance/Indigent

8:50 a.m. — Coroner

9 a.m. — Area Plan and GIS

9:10 a.m. — Custodian

9:20 a.m. — Treasurer

9:30 a.m. — Solid Waste

9:40 a.m. — Sheriff, Jail

10 a.m. — Veteran's

10:10 a.m. — EMA and LEPC

10:20 a.m. — Prosecutor, Pre-Trial Diversion, Pre-Trial Deferral

10:30 a.m. — Recorder, Identification Security

10:40 a.m. — Community Corrections, Misdemeanant

10:50 a.m. — Surveyor, Drainage Board, Surveyors Corner Perpetuation

11 a.m. — Soil and Water

11:10 a.m. — Superior Court

11:20 a.m. — Circuit Court, Supplemental Public Defender Services

11:30 a.m. — Extension Office

11:40 a.m. — IT Department

11:50 a.m. — Commisions, CEDIT

Noon — Auditor, Plat Book Maintenance, Auditor's Ineligible Deductions

12:10 p.m. — Council

12:20 p.m. — Statewide 9-1-1, LOIT Public Safety, County Elected Officials Training, CAGIT

Additional budget meetings have been scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 13 and Aug. 14 and 7 p.m. Aug. 26.

N-B Links: Local ISTEP percentages down somewhat

The percentage of students who passed both the language arts and math portions of the ISTEP test last school year dropped at six of the seven Wells County public schools that administered the test, according to state data released Monday.

Among most of those six schools, though, the passing percentage dropped by no more than two percentage points.

Learn more in the Monday, Aug. 4, News-Banner. Click here to see scores by each school and grade.

N-B Video: Little Library comes to Bluffton armory

Take a book, leave a book. That's the idea behind the new library at the National Guard Armory on the city's southeast side. Learn more in the Aug. 2 New-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: Gamers raise funds to feed children

Video by Dave Schultz

N-B Video: Dream Team ends season 14

With the flip of a calendar, the 14th season of the Dream Team T-ball league is in the books. Learn more in the Aug. 1 News-Banner. (Video by Jessica Williams)