Sheriff presents yearly report

Wells County Sheriff Monte Fisher presented the department's yearly report of officer activity during Tuesday's County Council meeting. Click here to see how the numbers compare between 2012 and 2011. Learn more about the council meeting in the Wednesday, Jan. 9, News-Banner.

Rep. Lehman to host town hall in Fort Wayne

STATEHOUSE — State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) will be hosting a town hall meeting on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.

What: Town Hall with Rep. Lehman
When: Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.  
Where: Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, 826 Ewing Street

Rep. Lehman will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns and provide further information on the legislative session. Rep. Lehman encourages all members of the community to come out and participate in the discussion.

Tell Indianapolis what you think

State Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, is asking his constituents to take a legislative survey to "weigh in on the issues," he states in a release. Click here to take the survey.

Stay safe on the ice this winter

The cold and snow has given Indiana a white — and inviting — winter season so far, but it can also be deceiving. On Thursday, A Huntington man almost died after he fell through the frozen surface of a small pond south of Roush Lake in Huntington County.

Emergency personnel rescued him before he drowned, but the best rescue is prevention, and various hospitals, governmental bodies and other organizations have offered a plethora of tips to enjoy the beautiful weather without the danger. 

• Click here and here to learn more about ice thickness and weight, as well as general safety tips.

• Click here to learn how to help rescue someone who has fallen through the ice. Of course, don't forget to cal 911.

• Click here to learn how to survive falling through the ice.

Learn more in the Friday, Jan. 4, News-Banner.

Adopt a pet

Bandit is a 3-year-ld black lab male

Callie is a 6-month-old female domestic short-hair calico kitten.

Lexi is an 8-month-old female Doberman mix.

House page program now accepting pages for 2013 session

From the office of State Rep. Matt Lehman:

State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) is encouraging local students to apply for the Indiana House Page Program. The program offers students 13 to 18 years old the chance to visit the Statehouse and see a full day of legislative activity.

“It is a privilege to have our young Hoosiers join me at the Statehouse,” said Rep. Lehman. “The House Page Program gives students the opportunity to see firsthand how our state legislature works and serves as a great opportunity to learn more about Indiana.”

Along with visiting the capitol building and touring such locations as the governor's office, the chambers of the Indiana House and Senate and the Indiana Supreme Court, pages get the chance to witness floor sessions and committee meetings and help staff members.

Students who serve as pages are excused from school for the day. Pages are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Statehouse.

Interested students are encouraged to schedule their visit quickly, as spots fill up fast. Pages are asked to include two different dates when they can come to the Statehouse between the first week in January through April. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the best days to serve. There are no pages on Fridays. To sign up, visit www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/off_cms/page or call 1-800-382-9841.

Also, learn more about the upcoming session in the Wednesday, Jan. 2, News-Banner.

Santa comes to Markle

Family Centered Services sponsored its 12th annual Breakfast with Santa Dec. 8 at the Markle United Methodist Church for parents and children who participate in the Wells County Healthy Families program. 

This year 78 people from 21 families attended Breakfast with Santa, which included refreshments, gifts for each child and family and, of course, pictures on Santa’s lap. Donors and volunteers who made this event possible were Markle United Methodist Church, the Huntington North High School family and consumer science class, and Dave Schwartz and Kristi Reinhard.