Wells County Sheriff backs 2nd Amendment rights

Sheriff Monte Fisher told members of the Wells County Constitutional Patriots Monday night that he was a strong supporter of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the statement in the Bill of Rights that concerns the right to keep and bear arms.

He also encouraged gun owners, however, to secure their weapons, and he also warned that if they don't keep an inventory of their weapons with serial numbers, law enforcement can't search for them through a database.

And those who want to take the sheriff's advice can go to the National Rifle Association website, which features an online quiz that compares and contrasts gun safes and an online registry for serial numbers.

Learn more about Fisher's presentation in the Tuesday, March 12, News-Banner.

Help your kids S-P-E-L-L

Wells County student Liana Reinhard, an eighth grader at private Christian school Kingdom Academy, was runner up at the annual regional spelling bee Saturday, March 9, and if the winner can't make the national competition in Washington, D.C., Reinhard will travel in her place.

Reinhard had earlier attributed her success to memorization, but the National Spelling Bee offers an online resource to help students with their spelling. Click here to learn more. (Note that the online service charges a fee for those who sign up, though there is no cost to click on the link.)

N-B Video: District democrats rebuilding "from the ground up"

3rd Congressional District Democratic Chair Carmen Darland describes how her party can grow amid a seemingly Republican region. Darland was re-elected as chair during a Saturday morning meeting at the Wells County party’s headquarters in Bluffton. Republicans have also chosen its area leadership. Learn more in the Monday, March 11, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)

American Legion honors members and more during annual celebration

The Grover Sheets American Legion Post 111 honored several people during its 94th anniversary celebration Saturday, March 9. Learn more in the Monday, March 10, News-Banner.

Donald Coates, right, was presented a certificate for 60 years of membership in the American Legion Saturday night by Richard Beck, commander of Grover Sheets Post 111 in Bluffton.

Alice Craig, the cook at American Legion Post 111, is presented a certificate of appreciation for her service to the organization by Richard Beck, the post’s commander.

James R. Dubach, right, was named Legionaire of the Year Saturday night at the 94th anniversary celebration for the Grover Sheets Post 111 of the American Legion. He was presented the plaque by Richard Beck, center, the post’s commander. At left is Past Commander Kash Vanover.

Nina Stultz, right, auxiliary unit president for American Legion Post 111, presents the centerpiece bouquet to Carol Trice, the wife of the evening’s speaker, Edward Trice. At left is Richard Beck, the post’s commander.

Charles Krumrine, center, holds a plaque noting his status as an honorary life member of American Legion Post 111. At left is Richard Beck, the post’s commander, and at right is Claude McMillan, the Wells County service officer, who escorted Krumrine to the front to receive the award.

Marilyn Meshberger was presented a certificate of appreciation for her efforts at American Legion Post 111 by Richard Beck, the post’s commander.

Adopt a pet

Bandit is a 10-month-old orange/white Tabby, female.

Smokey is a 10-month-old Russian blue, male.

Shep is a 1-year-old German Shepherd mix, male.

Low cost spay/neuter clinic for cats only scheduled for April 16. Cost is $50 per cat. Call the animal shelter at 824-6063 for information on how to reserve an appointment.

Be wise about the weather

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security issues the following warnings during winter weather. You can also see which counties are under the different warnings by clicking here.

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City officials present annual reports

Bluffton Police Chief Tammy Schaffer, Fire Chief Bob Plummer and others presented their annual reports to the Bluffton Common Council Tuesday — a statistical chronicle of the emergenices, incidents, crimes and more that occurred in 2012. Learn more in the Wednesday, March 6, News-Banner.

Firefighters responded to 302 incidents in 2012. This chart breaks down the type of incidents. Click on the image for a larger resolution.

Click on the image for a larger resolution.

Click on the image for a larger resolution.