N-B Video: K-9 Egon sniffs out drugs

Wells County Sheriff's Deputy Randy Steele and his brother, Bluffton Police Department Officer Greg Steele, both brought their K-9s out Tuesday evening at the Ossian branch of the Wells County Library. Deputy Steele's Egon demonstrated how he uses his nose to find drugs – in this case, a planted container of marijuana. (Video and photos by Jessica Williams)

N-B Video: Ossian Days declares its royalty

Seven children participated in the Ossian Days annual prince and princess contest, but Lincoln Rodgers and Jaycie Grzych received the crowns. Learn more in the Saturday, Sept. 7, News-Banner. (Video and photo by Chet Baumgartner)

Ossian Days prince and princess candidates were, front row, left to right, Austin Parteko and Lincoln Rodgers; middle row, Samantha Evans, Maggie McClain and Jaycie Grzych; back row, Jensen Miller and Adriana Gehring. This year's theme was "The Great Outdoors."

Melissa Redick accepts FCS Duck Race check

Melissa Redick was the Grand Prize winner of the eighth annual “Duck Race on the Wabash," Aug. 10. Her speedy duck out swam the other 3,002 ducks to the finish line to win the $1,000 prize.
More than $26,500 was raised for Family Centered Services from the “Duck Race on the Wabash,” due to the generosity of many individuals and 59 corporate sponsors, FCS officials said.
These funds will help Family Centered Services to continue to provide programs that support youth and families in Wells, Huntington, and Adams Counties.
Sherri Godschalk won the second prize of a set of 4 BFG Tires, donated by BF Goodrich Tire Mfg.

Melissa Redick, left, accepts her winnings from Family Centered Services Executive Director Amy George.

Wells students read well

Third-grade reading test scores at three of Wells County’s four public elementary schools exceeded the state’s standard, according to data released Wednesday from the Indiana Department of Education, and the fourth just needed on more student to reach it.

To learn more about the county's schools' performances, see the Thursday, Sept. 5, News-Banner, and to see how schools performed statewide — as well as study a school year's worth of information — click here.

Sheriff warns of FBI scam

The Wells County Sheriff's Department cautions that a man is fraudulently posing as an FBI agent to obtain residents' financial information. A Rockcreek township woman contacted the sheriff's department when the man visited her house, but along with Bluffton and county law enforcement, the FBI offers the following website to lodge complaints.

The FBI has also published a list of tips to prevent Internet crime.

Learn more in the Thursday, Sept. 5, News-Banner.

Bluffton council takes a look at a possible new park

Tuesday night’s meeting of the Bluffton Common Council started a little early as Mayor Ted Ellis invited council members on a field trip to what could be a new city park.

The area at the end of Hale Street, behind Almco Steel, is home to the Old Bluffton Cemetery and a grassy field near the Wabash River. Ellis handed council members a map of the area, telling them that some lots across from the cemetery could be purchased and the area could be used as a park.

“This is some of the most scenic areas in Bluffton,” he said.

Council members left the scene to conduct their regular meeting, but you can see the area here due to Google Maps. Do you think a park would go well here. Leave a comment to let us know.

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N-B Video: Going barefoot to help the world

Lindsey Fiscus talks about her efforts to encourage others to donate shoes for Third World nations. Learn more in the Tuesday, Sept. 3, News-Banner. (Video by Dave Schultz)