N-B Video: Dancing with Wells County

Bluffton residents Jordan Steffen and Tiffany Jackson recently competed in their fifth Special Olympics ballroom dancing competition, and they and their partners — David and Carol Butler — once again brought home the gold. Learn more in the Saturday, Aug. 31, News-Banner. (Video by Chet Baumgartner)

Beauty from ashes

AT&T recently asked Bluffton resident Chandler Gerber to be part of a documentary chronicling the dangers of texting and driving. Learn more in the Friday, Aug. 30, News-Banner.

A chili evening

The southern Wells community once again came out to support the Southern Wells FFA annual Greenhand-Chili Supper Member Auction Wednesday, Aug. 28. See more photos in the Thursday, Aug. 29, News-Banner. (Photos by Chet Baumgartner)

Northern Wells officials focusing on iPads

Northern Wells officials hope to eventually distribute personal computing devices to each of its students, and after staff, teachers and others met Monday, it appears that they will recommend the iPad, unless anyone can uncover any "deal breakers."

Earlier this year, though, Superintendent Scott Mills presented his 12 minimum requirements for the devices the district chooses.

1. Touch Screen(Keyboard available?)
2. Connectivity  (Wireless)
3. MDM compliant – Mobile Device Management
4. Support our Content Development and Learning Management System.
5. Support some Base Software Office Productivity tools (Wordprocessing, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Video Creation, Video Conferencing, Camera)
6. Durability, Reliability
7. Ease of Use
8. Instant On.
9. Conform to IDOE State Testing Requirements.
10. Student Device needs to be able to connect to projection system
11. Battery Life (Last a school day)
12. Affordable

Do you think the iPad was a wise decision? Let us know in the comments. Learn more in the Tuesday, Aug. 27, News-Banner.

Ossian Days will go on

Ossian Days is on, proclaimed Ossian Town Council President Brad Pursley at a regular meeting of the council Monday night. The issue of indemnity for this year’s Ossian Days sailed through Monday night’s council meeting with hardly a second mention.

Until the festivities roll into town, though, enjoy memories from last year's Ossian Days.

N-B Video: Markle Wildcat Festival returns

Videos by Jessica Williams. See our photo slideshow at www.news-banner.com.

After canceling the annual event last year, Markle once again held its Wildcat Festival, including the parade, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23-25.

The Markle Fire Department, in black, competes against the Uniondale Department during the Wildcat Festival Saturday. Each department tried to keep the ball on the other department's side before time ran out.

A participant in the frog-jumping contest coaxes her contestant along during the Wildcat Festival in Markle Park.

Riding against cancer

The Steve Kelly Cancer Relief Foundation held its annual motorcycle ride and car show this weekend. See photos in the Monday, Aug. 26, News-Banner, and see video at the foundation's Facebook page.