N-B Feedback: Local teachers making grade, state reports

Virtually 100 percent of Wells County’s educators taught either effectively or highly effectively during the 2012-2013 school year, according to the data the Indiana Department of Education released Monday.

The state compiled the data from among administrators in the county’s nine public schools, who originally  evaluated their teachers based on four, state-designated categories: highly effective, effective, improvement necessary or ineffective.

But the categories don't necessarily evaluate the same variables. Schools, for instance, can determine how much of an impact ISTEP scores have.

Learn more in the Tuesday, April 8, News-Banner, and tell us in the comments if you believe the evaluations results accurately represent teachers. Click here to see more from the DOE.

N-B Video: What smells worse than an octopus' armpits

Author David Greenberg speaks to Lancaster Central Elementary students Monday morning during the school's annual Young Authors week of events. Greenberg read from several of his books about critters from slugs to bugs, and before reading from his book "Skunks," he asked the children to guess what animal he was going to talk about. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

N-B Video: Puttin' on the glitz

Five Wells County high school girls model their prom dresses for family and friends at Sassafras on Main Sunday, April 6, during the annual Pre-Prom Extravaganza event. The gala always follows the prom dress exchange event. Southern Wells graduate and 2014 Indianapolis 500 Festival Princess Chelsea Clifton also attended. (Video and photo by Jessica Williams)

Stay safe in high water

From the Indiana State Police:

With the heavy springtime rainfall the state is receiving there is the possibility of high water and flash flooding on rural highways in some areas. Flash flooding can occur even after just a few minutes of heavy rainfall. The Indiana State Police offers the following flood safety tips.

•Always carry a cell phone and charger.
•Pay attention to local media reports and heed warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
•Never drive around barricades at water crossings.
•Be especially careful at night and early morning as it can be difficult to see water and it’s depth across the roadway.
•Reduce your speed in rain and NEVER enter flowing water. Driving through water creates less tire contact with the road surface (hydroplaning) and increases your chance of crashing.
•Driving through water affects your brakes reducing their effectiveness until they dry out.
•If you end up in water, immediately abandon your vehicle, exit through a window and climb on top of your car. Call 9-1-1 from there and wait for help to arrive. Ride the top like a boat, as vehicles will often float for several minutes.
•Be aware that road erosion can occur anytime there is running or standing water on a roadway.
•Remember it only takes six inches of water to reach the bottoms of most car doors and one foot of water to float most vehicles.

If you find yourself stranded in water, act fast. Get yourself and everyone in your vehicle out of their seatbelt and out a window onto the roof of the car. Remember; call 9-1-1 AFTER you reach the top of your vehicle. Indiana State Police divers advise to only swim for it if you absolutely have to, and don’t swim against the current. Make sure you’re a survivor, NOT a victim.

N-B Links: Tastes like Indiana

Wells County Economic Development Director Tim Ehlerding came to the Bluffton Common Council Tuesday night, asking for $14,900 to revive a food incubator idea from 2008.

Ehlerding, in his presentation, there is a regional focus on food business innovation. A food incubator is being considered in LaGrange County, he said, that would focus primarily on organic food and what is produced by Amish individuals in that area. A similar concept for restaurants is being considered in downtown Fort Wayne. The concept of an all-season farmer’s market may also come to fruition in Fort Wayne. Ehlerding said he has talked to area farmers about a “farm to table” concept that would allow consumers to purchase food grown locally.

Another organization, though, is promoting the "celebration ... and preservation of the authentic food culture of Indiana.

"We are a membership organization of inquisitive eaters, good cooks, culinary historians, chefs, food journalists, restaurateurs, culinary tourists, artisans and manufacturers."

Learn more about Ehlerding's proposal in the Wednesday, April 2, News-Banner, and learn more about the world of Indiana dining by clicking here.

NWCS board extends 14 more school days

Northern Wells students will add an extra 50 to 60 minutes of instructional time to an additional 14 days, after school board members voted 3-2 to adjust the calendar to compensate for canceled classes.

Instead of resuming normal-length days on Tuesday, April 29, students will now stay longer through Friday, May 16.

Learn more in the Wednesday, April 2, News-Banner, and to download and print a copy of the revised calendar, click here.

N-B Feedback: Auditions for Wells Community Theatre's next production slated for April 25, 26

Auditions for the Wells Community Theatre’s production of the Rodgers & Harmmerstein musical “South Pacific” will be held April 25 and 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Bluffton. The performances will be presented at the Life Community Church on the weekend of June 13, 14, and 15.

Learn more in the Tuesday, April 1, News-Banner, and meet the new director as well. 

Tell us in the comments, though, what productions you would like to see the Theatre produce next?