N-B Video: The new football field: the beginning and the end

We were there near the beginning, and we were there near the end. Enjoy these behind-the-seams look at the Bluffton High School Football field before their first football game. (Video by Glen Werling)

Studying the test

ISTEP scores help schools define their curriculum, remediation programs and more, and Wells County's public schools are starting to study their own scores with the beginning of the school year.

To learn more about ISTEP, how your school's students did, and how your student did, click on the following links:

• The Indiana Parent Network — https://www.inparentnetwork.com
  The Indiana Department of Network created the site to give parents access to their students' data. Parents need a password and username, available through their local schools.

• ISTEP scores — http://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/2011/
  2011 scores are now available. Parents can review schoolwide scores by grade, gender and student demographics. They can also find answers to common questions about the test.

• Sample ISTEP questions — http://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/3-8_gqe_resources.html
  Learn more about the actual test by seeing sample questions that reflect the content and difficulty of the test the students actually take.

A roof not all it's cracked up to be

The Northern Wells school board hopes to re-coat the roof of the Ossian Elementary School. Roofing consultant Luther Mock shared the following photos with school board members during their Tuesday, Aug. 16, meeting. Learn more in the Wednesday, Aug. 17, News-Banner.

Beyond the McKinney Ditch

As county residents continue to discuss how to address the issues surrounding the McKinney Ditch, the Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association offers the following tips for anyone's septic system. To read the complete guide, click here.

Inspect and pump frequently
You should have a typical septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector (generally every 3 to 5 years). Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components need to be inspected more often, generally once a year. Your service provider should inspect for leaks and look at the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet tee, your tank needs to be pumped. Remember to note the sludge and scum levels determined by your service provider in your operation and maintenance records. This information will help you decide how often pumping is necessary.

Watch your drains
What goes down the drain can have a major impact on how well your septic system works.

• Waste disposal: What shouldn’t you flush down your toilet? Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom items that can clog and potentially damage septic system components if they become trapped. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system or might contaminate surface waters and groundwater. If your septic tank pumper is concerned about quickly accumulating scum layers, reduce the flow of floatable materials like fats, oils, and grease into your tank or be prepared to pay for more frequent inspections and pumping.
• Washing machines: By selecting the proper load size, you’ll reduce water waste. Washing small loads of laundry on the large-load cycle wastes precious water and energy. If you can’t select load size, run only full loads of laundry. Doing all the household laundry in one day might seem like a time-saver, but it could be harmful to your septic system. Doing load after load does not allow your septic tank time to adequately treat wastes. You could be flooding your drainfield without allowing sufficient recovery time. Try to spread water usage throughout the week.

Failure symptoms
The most obvious septic system failures are easy to spot. Check for pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system or in your basement. Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry. You might also notice strips of bright green grass over the drainfield. Septic systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact with groundwater. This type of failure is not easy to detect, but it can result in the pollution of wells, nearby streams, or other bodies of water. Check with a septic system professional and the local health department if you suspect such a failure.

Learning about safety at college

From the Indiana State Police:

College students returning to campus means one thing - freedom from Mom and Dad. However, freedom has its responsibilities, and the risks college students often take have their consequences. To help protect college students, the Indiana State Police offers safety tips to keep students safe in the residence halls, on campus or whenever they are alone.

In the residence halls:

• Keep your dorm room door locked whenever the room is unoccupied, when you are in the room alone and when you are sleeping.
• Take care of your keys. Don't give anyone the opportunity to duplicate them and never leave a key over the door or near your room.
• Don't leave valuables, like your wallet, checkbook or jewelry, in open view.
• Keep drapes closed when changing clothes.

While walking on campus:

• Never walk or jog alone at night. Should you find yourself walking alone at night, avoid secluded or dimly lit areas. Stay away from wooded areas or locations where shrubs or buildings might provide cover for assailants.
• Never hitchhike or offer rides to strangers.
• Have your car or house key in hand and ready as you approach your vehicle or home.

Protecting you:

• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave.
• Alcohol and drugs cloud your decision making abilities. Make the right choices.
• Always be alert to your surroundings.
• Be cautious when communicating on social networking pages.
• Carry a cell phone with you.
• Don't become a victim of identity theft. Don't give out personal information about yourself.
• Learn to communicate the message that you're calm, confident and know where you are going. Stand tall, walk purposefully and make quick eye contact with people around you.

N-B Video: Ducks unite to help Wells County families

Family Centered Services held its annual duck race Saturday, Aug. 13. See the Monday, Aug. 15, News-Banner to learn more. (Video by Dave Schultz)

N-B Video: Fire ignites in small barn near Liberty Center

See the Saturday, Aug. 13, News-Banner for more details. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)