Five Viola da Gambas

A concert of “fantasies, songs and dances” was presented Saturday afternoon at the Balentine Gallery at the Arts Commerce & Visitors Centre.
The hand-crafted period instruments have more strings than violins and because they use gut strings are much harder to keep in tune. The music, written mostly in 1500 and 1600, was meant to be played in homes by small groups and not on concert stages making the Balentine Gallery a perfect setting. (Photos by Barb Barbieri)

More Raking Action

Wells County Boys and Girls Club "Rake for the Club" fundraiser kicked-off this past weekend. Kids have just six-weeks to fill 1000 donated bags with leaves.
If you have a yard full of leaves, and (like me) are too lazy to rake them yourself, call 824-5070 or 824-3986. Let the kids put all that energy to good use! (Photos by Barb Barbieri)

Karen Tuttle Retirement Announced

Wells County's longest serving county employee told commissioners this week it is time for a change.
Read all about it in today's News-Banner. (Photo by Frank Shanly)

BFD Trains on ARFFF

Bluffton Fire Department tested a new Alcohol Resistant Foam Fire Fighting Trailer Monday at the Ethanol plant.
The trailer was purchased by Indiana Bio-Energy for the BFD to use in the community.
Read more in today's News-Banner.

Flapjacks for Firemen

The Bluffton Firemen's breakfast Saturday was a big hit. The annual event helps support Dollars for Scholars program and families displaced by fire.
Eat pancakes, support two good causes. Thanks for stuffing yourselves for the betterment of others!

Cross Country Coach Honored

At Saturday's IHSAA Cross Country regional race, Homestead High School boys' coach Dick Shenfeld (left) was honored for his 40 years of coaching cross country by Marion coach Terry Lakes.
Then, the girls' 5,000-meter race began with a sea of runners funneling towards the first turn.
During the presentation of ribbons to the top 15 finishers, Norwell's Alex Cushman is congratulated by a fellow competitor.
(Photos by Paul Beitler)

IHSAA Cross Country

The weather cooperated for Saturday's running of the Marion IHSAA girls and boys cross country regional races on the Indiana Wesleyan University campus.
Making the day even better for the Norwell Knights boys' team was their fourth-place finish, which qualifies the Knights for the New Haven IHSAA semi-state race on Saturday, Oct. 25., in Fort Wayne.

Before the races began, coaches of the teams met for brief instructions.

As the boys' 5K race developed, Norwell sophomore Alex Cushman (594) kept passing runners on his way towards the front of the field.
Deeper into the boys' race field, Norwell's Ben DeVoe (595) steadily makes his way along the course to help the Knights finish with a good team score.
At the end of the boys' race, Norwell senior Ethan Roebuck (left) helps fellow senior Tommie Horn as he battles to recover from a grueling run.
After the races were completed, Norwell's Alex Cushman receives his 11th-place ribbon from Marion High School athletic director Rocky Kent.