Sports and Outdoors

Friday, May 29, 2009

Ouabache State Park Events


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
1:30 p.m. - Our Masked Bandit. Meet at Trails End Shelter to join Naturalist Kate as she takes introduces you to the Masked Bandit that roams the campgrounds!
7:30 p.m. - Life in a Box. This little critter spends his whole life living in a box he carries on his back. Come to Rustic Oak Shelter to find out more about the eastern box turtle and the conservation efforts being made to prevent the further decline of this population.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4
1:30 p.m. - Howl at the Moon. Have you heard yipping and howling late at night and wondered what animal was making all that noise? Join Naturalist Kate at the Campview Shelter to find out more about the coyote!
7:30 p.m. - Happenin' Herons. These majestic birds grace the shores of Ouabache's Kunkle Lake. Come to Lakeside Shelter to learn more about the herons found here.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5
1:30 p.m. - Plant's Anatomy. Join the drama at Trails End Shelter as we learn what makes a plant tick.
7:30 p.m. - Fish of Kunkel Lake. Indiana's Free Fishing weekend starts tomorrow. Get ready by learning about some of the fish you might catch this weekend. Meet at Lakeside Shelter.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6
9:00 a.m. - Youth Fishing Derby Registration Begins. Kids ages 2-15 get in line at the Boat House early to register to be a part of the Youth Fishing Derby. Please bring your own pole. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
9:15-10:30 a.m. - Youth Fishing Derby. Grab your pole and start fishing for the big one! Prizes will be awarded for the biggest, smallest, and most fish caught in each of the three age classes! This event was co-sponsored by the Bluffton Optimist Club. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended.
11-11:30 a.m. - Hoosier Quest. Connect! Discover! Explore! Learn more about the patch program at the Boat House. After a brief introduction, we'll break up into groups to start working on the requirements. Scouts and other groups are you interested in earning a patch? See the Naturalist to learn about the Hoosier Pathfinder program.
1:45 - Pool Break Creature Feature. Join Naturalist Kate on the pool lawn to try your hand at fish printing during the pool's safety check. Bring a light colored T-shirt or you can make one on paper. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!
7:30 p.m. - Fabulous Frogs. Meet at the Boat House for a stroll around the lake to learn about the fab frogs we have at Ouabache State Park.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7
9:30 a.m. - Worship Services. Join us at Campview Shelter for an inspirational service in the beauty of nature.
11-11:30 a.m. - Hoosier Quest. See Saturday for details.
1:45 a.m. - Pool Break Quickie Craft. Come out to the pool lawn to decorate a fish to take home during today's pool safety check. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!

COMING SOON!
June 20-21: Rendezvous on the Ouabache.
July 4: Natural Beauty Art Show. Artists, if you are interested in showing or selling your artwork during the show, contact the Interpretive Naturalist.

Call 824-0926 or e-mail ouabacheinterp@dnr.in.gov

High School Sports Calendar

Saturday, May 30
BASEBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, FW Wayne vs. Norwell, 1 p.m.
BOYS GOLF: Norwell at Muncie Central Invitational, 1 p.m.
———
Monday, June 1
BASEBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont championship, 1 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 championship, Bluffton vs. Adams Central/Woodlan winner, 7 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54, championship game, Cowan vs. Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
———
Tuesday, June 2
BOYS GOLF: Norwell at Huntington North, 3:30 p.m.; Bluffton, Woodlan, Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
———
Friday, June 5
BOYS GOLF: IHSAA Sectional at LaFontaine Golf Course, 8 a.m.
BOYS TRACK: IHSAA State Finals at Indiana University, 3 p.m.
———
Saturday, June 6
BASEBALL: IHSAA Regional to be determined.
SOFTBALL: IHSAA Class A Regional at Clinton Prairie, Southern Wells vs. Cowan, 10 a.m.; Game Two, Frontier vs. Clintin Prairie, noon; championship, 5 p.m.
GIRLS TRACK: IHSAA State Finals at Indiana University, 3 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Norwell golfers climb to No. 6
The boys’ golf Top 20 rankings were released Thursday by the Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association:
1. Indianapolis Cathedral (15); 2. Avon; 3. Hamilton Southeastern; 4. Yorktown; 5. Chesterton; 6. Norwell; 7. Brebeuf Jesuit; 8. Carmel; 9. Evansville Central; 10. Warren Central; 11. Providence; 12. Evansville North; 13. Bloomington North; 14. Lafayette Jefferson; 15. Terre Haute South; 16. Zionsville; 17. Mishawaka Marian; 18. Bedford North Lawrence; 19. Indianapolis Roncalli; 20. DeKalb.

Sign up for Tigers’ basketball camp
Registrations are being taken for the Bluffton Tigers Boys’ Basketball Camp set for June 1-5 at the Tiger Den. Boys in grades 5-9 in 2009-2010 may attend. Cost is $25. Grades 5-7 meet from 10-11:30 a.m. and grades 8-9 meet from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Camp brochures, including registration form, are available at the high school office.

Parents’ meeting for MS girls’ hoops
The Bluffton Middle School girls’ basketball program is inviting parents of prospective players entering grades 7-9 to an informational meeting about summer opportunities on Thursday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school cafetorium. If unable to attend, call high school coach Vicki Van Matre at 824-3724, ext. 7403, or 765-748-4450 or e-mail at vvanmatre@ballstate.bsu.edu

Bluffton volleyball camp slated
The Bluffton Volleyball Camp is scheduled for July 13-16 for girls who will be in grades 5-12. Grades 5-8 will meet from 4:30-6 p.m. and grades 9-12 from 6-8. Cost is $25 for the middle school camp and $100 for the high school camp. Registration forms are available in the high school office. A schedule of important upcoming events and dates also may be obtained.

Norwell volleyball camp coming up
The Norwell volleyball program will be conducting the Little Lady K’s Camp on June 1-5 for girls in grades 4-8. Grades 4-6 will meet from 9-10:30 a.m., followed by grades 7-8 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $50 for grades 4-6 and $75 for grades 7-8. For registration forms or more information call Melissa Northrop at 260-750-5329.

Physicals to be given at So. Wells
Southern Wells middle school and high school students, who will be entering grades 6-12 next fall, may have athletic physicals on Tuesday, June 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Southern Wells. Cost is $15. Forms may be picked up in the high school office and must be filled out prior to the physicals or a parent must accompany the athlete to assure that all information and signatures are provided. If there are any questions, call 765-728-5534.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Float with birds at Wahk-Shin-Gah Lake, June 13

Indiana DNR Release:

Bring your kayak and join an early morning bird-watching event with a twist at Wahk-Shin-Gah Lake, June 13.

Kayakers will take to the water and paddle around the lake in search of birds. Participants should meet at 7:30 a.m. at J. Edward Roush Lake’s main office on Indiana 5. From there, it’s a short drive to Wahk-Shin-Gah Lake. Participants should bring
binoculars, bird identification books, drinks and snacks.

The program is free to participants using their own kayak. A limited number of kayaks are available for rent. There is a $5 rental fee. Register by calling (260) 468-2127.
Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Salamonie Reservoir seniors picnic, June 1

Indiana DNR Release:

Individuals age 50 or older are invited to a seniors lunch, June 1, at the Salamonie Interpretive Center.

Kathy Holst of the Huntington City-Township Public Library will present a program titled “Save Your Brain.” The program features puzzles and exercises that can be used to keep your mind alert, while honing thinking skills.

The program begins at 12:30 p.m. A meat dish will be provided by Upper Wabash Interpretive Services (UWIS). Seniors should bring a dish to pass, their own table service, and $1 donation to help defray the cost of the provided meat dish.

Register by calling (260) 468-2127, or in person at the interpretive center.

Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Carter leads SW to championship

Cristin Carter was the winning pitcher at the Southern Wells Sectional Championship softball game at Wes-Del on Tuesday.
Carter spoke with News-Banner Senior Editor Dave Schultz immediately after the game.

Southern Wells Senior Haley Killingbeck Speaks

Killingbeck threw the discus 120 feet, 1 inch to beat out her competitors Tuesday night at the IHSAA regional meet at Northrup's Spuller Stadium.
After the meet she spoke with Sports Editor Paul Beitler about the meet and her predecessor, Heather Roush.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, May 26
BOYS GOLF: Norwell at South Adams, 4:30 p.m.
BASEBALL: Norwell at Carroll, 5 p.m.; Southern Wells at FW Blackhawk Christian, 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL: IHSAA Class A Sectional 55 at Wes-Del, championship game, 5 p.m.
GIRLS TRACK: IHSAA Regional at FW Northrop, 5:30 p.m.
———
Wednesday, May 27
SOFTBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at FW Elmhurst, championship game, 5 p.m.
———
Thursday, May 28
BOYS GOLF: Norwell vs. Bluffton, 4 p.m.
BOYS TRACK: IHSAA Regional at FW Wayne, 4:15 p.m.
SOFTBALL: IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton, South Adams vs. Bluffton, 5 p.m.
BASEBALL: IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Cowan, Southern Wells vs. Daleville, 6 p.m.; Class 2A Sectional 38 at FW Indiana Tech, Bluffton vs. South Adams, 7:45 p.m.
———
Friday, May 29
To be determined.
———
Saturday, May 30
SOFTBALL: IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38, championship, 11 a.m.
BASEBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, FW Wayne vs. Norwell, 1 p.m.
BOYS GOLF: Norwell at Muncie Central Invitational, 1 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Norwell 8th in boys’ golf poll
The Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association boys’ top 20 poll has been updated as follows (first-place votes in parentheses):

1. Indianapolis Cathedral (14); 2. Avon (1); 3. Hamilton Southeastern; 4. Yorktown; 5. Carmel; 6. Brebeuf Jesuit; 7. Chesterton; 8. Norwell; 9. Evansville Central; 10. Providence; 11. Warren Central; 12. Evansville North; 13. Terre Haute South; 14. Lafayette Jefferson; 15. Bloomington North; 16. Zionsville; 17. Mishawaka Marian; 18. Bedford North Lawrence; 19. Homestead; 20. Indianapolis Roncalli.
Honorable Mention (number of votes): Northridge 25, Warsaw 25. Connersville 19, Lebanon 16, Floyd Central 11, Castle 9, DeKalb 8, Noblesville 6, Peru 5, Wawasee 5, Edgewood 3, LaPorte 1.
Place in martial arts tournament
Members of Mountain Storm Martial Arts of Bluffton recently competed at the Indiana State Open Championships in Portland.
First-place finishers were Lindsay Aker, Arianna Inskeep, Jyler Morphew, Jordan Beechler and Elias Inskeep.
Second-place finishers were Jaelyn Joy Biberstein, Amanda Thompson, Dalton Goulet, Damon Ho, Lindsay Aker, Matthew Thompson and Zachary Biberstein.
Third-place finishers were Matthew Thompson and Elias Inskeep. Haley Craig placed fourth. Fifth-place finishers were Amanda Thompson and Haley Craig.

Summer tennis league set to begin
A summer tennis league will be starting June 1 at Norwell, with play Monday and Wednesday evenings through July 25 starting at 6:30 p.m.
The league is for middle school and high school students (beginner or advanced). Cost is $30, which includes an end-of-league tournament.
An informational meeting will be held Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at the tennis courts. For additional information contact Joel Fillman at 260-273-7217 or e-mail at jafillman@verizon.net.

Bluffton awards program slated
The Bluffton High School spring athletic awards program will be held Tuesday, May 26, in the cafetorium at 7 p.m. All athletes that participated in a spring sport are expected to be present and dressed in a professional manner. Outstanding male and female senior athletes will be recognized.

Order Bluffton letter jackets
Bluffton letter jackets may be ordered Wednesday, May 27, at 7 a.m. A sales representative will be available for fittings. A down payment of $50 must be made.

Sign up for Tigers’ basketball camp
Registrations are being taken for the Bluffton Tigers Boys’ Basketball Camp set for June 1-5 at the Tiger Den. Boys in grades 5-9 in 2009-2010 may attend. Cost is $25. Grades 5-7 meet from 10-11:30 a.m. and grades 8-9 meet from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Camp brochures, including registration form, are available at the high school office.

Norwell volleyball camp coming up
The Norwell volleyball program will be conducting the Little Lady K’s Camp on June 1-5 for girls in grades 4-8. Grades 4-6 will meet from 9-10:30 a.m., followed by grades 7-8 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $50 for grades 4-6 and $75 for grades 7-8. For registration forms or more information call Melissa Northrop at 260-750-5329.

Huntington Univ. slates hoops camp
The Forester Basketball Camp for boys and girls entering grades K-9 will be held at the Huntington University gymnasium July 6-10. Cost is $85 for K-3 or $90 for 4-9. Receive a $10 discount before June 1. For a brochure or more information, call 260-359-4292 or register online @: www.huntington.edu/athletics/mbasketball

Pizza Hut subdues Standard Plastics
Matthew Vitatoe had three singles and scored four runs to help lead Pizza Hut to a 10-5 victory over Standard Plastics in Bluffton Junior League baseball Friday night. Vitatoe also was the winning pitcher. Reggie Garrett also added three singles, while Dylan Heckman drilled a triple and single.
Grant Prible had three hits for Standard Plastics. Devon Shannon doubled and singled and Alex Morales singled twice. Matthew Scott tripled and Michael Scott doubled. Prible also was the losing pitcher.

State Farm rolls to victory
State Farm banged out 19 hits in routing Standard Plastics 21-0 in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game on Wednesday. Trey Collins had four hits and drove in five runs to lead State Farm. Collins also struck out eight to get the win. Jayar Kobryn hit a home run and Noah Antrim added three hits. Ethan Mygrant and Caitlyn Herndon doubled for Standard Plastics. Mygrant was the losing pitcher.

Bohemian Bean perks
The Bohemian Bean scored 11 runs in the third inning to put away National Oil 21-11 in Bluffton Farm League baseball action on Wednesday. Guy Smuts doubled and singled and scored two runs for the Bean, while also being the winning pitcher. Sean Stinson added three runs and smacked a double and single. Blaine Williams scored four runs. Matt Yonker doubled and singled for National Oil. Jared Cross added two singles, while losing pitcher Dominik Jojola scored two runs. The score was tied 3-3 until the second when the Bean scored seven runs.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League scores have been reported: Wells Fargo 16, Saf-T-Lite 10; Goodwin’s Memorial Chapel 11, American Legion 9.
Reminder: Full names needed
It’s that time of year and Little League and youth league baseball reports are coming into the News-Banner. This is a reminder to all coaches of the winning team that it is their responsibility to report the results of the games. Results must include complete names (first and last) for both teams. Otherwise, the report will not be published.

BSU alumni outing planned
The Adams-Wells Ball State Alumni Association’s golf and dinner outing is slated for Tuesday, June 23, at the Golf Club of the Limberlost, formerly the Wabash Valley Golf Club, near Geneva. Cost is $50, including green fees, cart, beverages on the course, prizes and dinner. The scramble’s shotgun start is 1 p.m. Dinner begins at 5:15 p.m. Cost for dinner only is $8. Registration deadline is Thursday, June 18.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Haley Chaney Talks About What's Next




Just before her signing Thursday afternoon, Haley Chaney told the News-Banner she is ready for her big debut at Indiana Wesleyan.

Bluffton Parks Baseball

The Bluffton Parks Department and Bluffton Tigers Football Team is now registering boys age 7-10 for Flag Football. Camp will be June 22-26th from 1-3pm in the Bluffton Practice Field (located behind the tennis courts). This camp will teach basic fundamentals and emphasize teamwork. To register for this free camp call 824-6069.

Sophomore Justin Shaffer hurdles for 300-meters

Sophomore Justin Shaffer took third place in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Was this the fastest time he ever had to beat?
Hear him tell it:

Southern Wells Chase Harris wins sectional discus

Southern Wells junior Chase Harris walked away a winner after Thursday's IHSAA boys' track sectional at Wayne Stadium. In his own words:

DNR camping reminders for Memorial Day weekend

DNR campgrounds and cabins are virtually booked to capacity and ready for Memorial Day weekend but before you head out the door, a few tips are in order.

Don't miss out on a July 4 camping weekend. Cabins and campsites are still available, but will go quickly. Visit www.camp.IN.gov or call 1-866-6CAMPIN (1-866-622-6746) to reserve your favorite cabin, shelter or campsite.

Many new features are ready to enhance your experience no matter when you visit. See http://www.IN.gov/dnr/healthy/ for more information. You also can find information about the Hoosier Quest program and a wide variety of other nature, history and recreation activities at www.interpretiveservices.in.gov.

Remember to check your firewood source before attempting to take it through the property gate because of infestations of the emerald ash borer (EAB) insect.

Those who live in or plan to visit Lawrence, Orange, Brown and Monroe counties should note that all four counties have recently been quarantined for firewood. That means firewood from these four counties, along firewood from other previously quarantined counties, can't be taken into state park, reservoir or state forest properties. The only exceptions are pine firewood, kiln-dried scrap lumber and wood that bears either a federal or state compliance label indicating it was purchased from a vendor whose wood has been inspected.

For more about EAB and DNR firewood policy:
http://www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-EAB_FAQ.pdf.

DNR-led boat tours at Twin Caves at Spring Mill State Park are open to visitors but all other caves on DNR properties are closed through April 2010. The purpose is to slow the uncontrolled spread of white-nosed syndrome (WNS), which is killing bats in record numbers in the eastern United States. While this disease is not a threat to humans, there is evidence that it may be transmitted from cave to cave on the clothing and boots of recreational cavers.

Twin Caves is able to remain open because it is a water cave with controlled boat access only. The WNS fungus settles in soil.

For more information, go to dnr.IN.gov/batdisease.

Ouabache State Park star party, May 29

The Fort Wayne Astronomical Society and the Warsaw County Astronomical Society are co-hosting a star-gazing party at Ouabache State Park, May 29.

Guests are invited to view the night sky using the societies’ telescopes. Members will be on hand to answer questions about the stars and telescopes, and to direct gazers towards points of interest.
The event starts at 10 p.m. and is open to all. Participants should park at the pool and meet on the large hill next to the pool.

There is no fee for the event. Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

High School Sports Calendar


Tuesday, May 19

GIRLS TRACK: IHSAA Sectional at Bluffton, 5 p.m.

BOYS GOLF: Norwell at Bellmont, 4 p.m.; Blackford at Southern Wells, 4 p.m.

GIRLS TENNIS: Norwell at Bellmont, 4:30 p.m.

BASEBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Columbia City at Norwell, 5 p.m.

JV BASEBALL: Norwell at Columbia City, 5 p.m.; Bluffton at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.

SOFTBALL: South Adams at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.

JV SOFTBALL: Norwell at Bluffton, 5 p.m.

———

Wednesday, May 20

SOFTBALL: Bellmont at Norwell, 4 p.m.; Southern Wells at Eastbrook, 4:30 p.m.

BASEBALL: Southern Wells at Eastbrook, 4:30 p.m.

JV BASEBALL: Norwell at FW Snider, 4:30 p.m.; Southern Wells at Eastbrook, 6:15 p.m.

JV SOFTBALL: Norwell at Bellmont, 6:30 p.m.

———

Thursday, May 21

BOYS GOLF: Bluffton at Adams Central, 4 p.m.

GIRLS TENNIS: IHSAA Sectional at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.

BOYS TRACK: IHSAA Sectional at FW Wayne, 4:30 p.m.

BASEBALL: Norwell at FW South Side, 4:15 p.m.; South Adams at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Randolph Southern at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.

JV BASEBALL: Southern Wells at Norwell, 5 p.m.; Bluffton at South Adams, 5 p.m.

SOFTBALL: Norwell at FW North Side, 4:15 p.m.; South Adams at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Southern Wells at Wes-Del, 4:30 p.m.

JV SOFTBALL: FW North Side at Norwell, 5 p.m.; Bluffton at South Adams, 5 p.m.

Sports Roundup (By Paul Beitler)


Girls’ tennis sectional draw released

The Bluffton Tigers drew a first-round match and the Norwell Knights received a second-round bye match in the pairings for the Norwell IHSAA girls’ tennis sectional slated to begin Thursday.

Bluffton will be facing the Huntington North Vikings at 4:30 p.m., while South Adams and Adams Central will be meeting in the other first-round match.

The winner of the South Adams/Adams Central contest will meet Norwell at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The winner of the Bluffton/Huntington North match will play the Bellmont Squaws in the other semifinal match.

The championship round is slated to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday.


Knights defeat South Side netters

A sweep of the three singles matches propelled the Norwell Knights to a 4-1 victory over Fort Wayne South Side in a rescheduled girls’ tennis contest on Monday at Norwell.

Norwell upped its varsity record to 8-5, while the Archers slipped to 9-7. South Side won the junior varsity contest 4-3.


VARSITY SINGLES

Kaylee Imel (N) def. Shaquala Ackerson 6-1, 6-4; Alyssa Tucker (N) def. Cassie Graf 6-2, 6-2; Rachelle Rodenbeck (N) def. Katie Miller 6-1, 6-0.

VARSITY DOUBLES

Shanice Nagel/Maqube Reese (SS) def. Haley Chaney/Jaylee Leman 6-2, 6-4; Kourtney Reed/Christy Taylor (N) def. Sydney Weinert/Kaitlyn Meneely 6-2, 6-4.


JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES

Brittany Johnson (SS) def. Sara Nahrwold 9-7; Katie Beasley (SS) def. Amanda Horan 8-2; Kiley Wuellner (SS) def. Taylor Sprinkle 8-1.

JUNIOR VARSITY DOUBLES

Adriene Troxel/Lindsey Dahn (N) def. Taylor DeBruce/Shelby Pequignot 8-3; Jami Reinhard/Eden Chaney (N) def. Alexis Ackerson/Aaren Curry 9-7; Beasley/Wuellner (SS) def. Sophie Gerber/Addie Williams 6-4; Matte Troxel/Jessica Rupright (N) def. DeBruce/Pequignot 6-2.


Heritage golfers sink Raiders

Tyler Schmidt shot a 39 at Cross Creek in Decatur to lead the Heritage Patriots to a 169-193 victory over the Southern Wells Raiders in boys’ golf action.

The Raiders were led by Blake Huffman with a 42. Alex Trosper shot a 46. Daniel Schmidt finished with a 52, while Tyler Cassiday and Adam Sills each shot a 53.

Derrick Grotrian added a 42 for Heritage (10-1). Jake Niemeyer added a 43 and Matt Sorg a 45.

In the junior varsity round, Heritage won 189-239. The Raiders were led by Justin Herring with a 50, Derek Price with a 54 and Gary Bouse with a 58.


Eagles out slug Norwell girls

The Columbia City Eagles pounded out 15 hits and defeated the Norwell Knights 13-3 in a Northeast Hoosier Conference girls’ softball game on Monday at Devol Park in Columbia City.

Ashton Sprunger and Cassie Rice drove in a run for Norwell, which had four hits. Sprunger ripped a double and Melissa Werling tripled and scored. Alyssa Shutt and Morgan Chilton also scored. Erin Hayes and Chilton each singled. Starting pitcher Jenny Sterrett took the loss, allowing seven runs and nine hits over three innings.


Jets riddle Raiders in girls’ softball

Adams Central downed Southern Wells 14-4 on Monday in a girls’ softball game between Allen County Athletic Conference rivals.

The Jets (13-5) out hit the Raiders 16-6 in the five-inning contest at Monroe. Kayla Foreman was the winning pitcher, striking out eight Raiders.

Southern Wells starting pitcher Kaitlin Bonewit took the loss. Kayla Banter, Kelsey Bonewit and Stella Grimm each drove in one Raider run. Dani Warfield and relief pitcher Emily Oswalt doubled. Cristin Carter, Emily Pursifull, Banter and Grimm each singled.

Whittney Yoder and Bailey Gerke each drove in three runs for AC. Kourtney Brite knocked in two. Alyssa Keller and Foreman each plated one run.


Norwell drops two JV softball games

The Norwell Knights junior varsity softball team suffered a pair of recent losses, falling 17-7 to Columbia City in six innings on Monday and dropping an 11-1 five-inning game to South Adams last Friday.

At Columbia City, the Knights (1-10) had 15 hits. Rachel Lind had three hits, including a double. Taylor Goodpaster, Kayla Hanni, Raven Pearson, Jenny Merryman and Breanna Foreman each had two hits, including a double by Hanni. Wendy Meyer and Heather Miller each had one hit. Hanni was the losing pitcher.

At Berne, South Adams scored six runs in the fifth to shorten the game. Lind tripled and scored. Morgan Chilton and Miller each singled. Merryman was the losing pitcher.


Summer track program slated

The South Adams track and field program will be holding a track and field series at Starfire Field in Berne on Saturday nights, June 13, 20 and 27, at 7 p.m. All ages may compete. Athletes will be charged 50 cents to participate in an event (no limit). Ribbons will be presented to the top three in each event. Participation ribbons also will be presented to those participating in children events.


Youth baseball camps available

Baseball Bunch Mini Camps for children ages 10-14 are slated for June 2, 9, 16, 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ossian Ball Diamond and June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Roush Park Farm Diamond in Bluffton. Cost is $15 per week or $40 for all four weeks. For registration questions call Mark DeLaGarza at 260-402-0789 or e-mail at delagarza0185@comcast.net

Monday, May 18, 2009

Reel in the big one!

June 11 fishing tournament to benefit MIS Cares 
BROOKLYN, Mich. (May 18, 2009) — Fish beware. NASCAR fans are angling for charity. Michigan International Speedway, in conjunction with the NASCAR Foundation, will host a charity fishing tournament on Thursday,   June 11. Proceeds will benefit MIS Cares, the speedway’s official charity.  
NASCAR driver Ryan Newman will lead two walleye fishing expeditions on Lake Erie from Toledo Beach Marina in LaSalle, Mich. Other drivers and NASCAR personalities are expected to participate in the event, which is the first fund-raising effort for the recently   launched MIS Cares. “Fishing is my favorite way to wind down and enjoy nature,” Newman said. “My grandfather used to take me fishing in this region of Michigan when I was a kid, so I have a lot of good memories around   there.” 
The tournament will kick off the LifeLock 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 14.  The tournament is comprised of two fishing flights — one at 6:30   a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m. Anglers from each flight will meet in   between launches for a fish fry at the marina. There will be 50   fishermen per flight. 
“This event not only promises to be fun, but it’s a wonderful way    to help out charity, meet a NASCAR driver and spend some time   outdoors leading up to our NASCAR weekend,” Alisha Cottrell,    director of government and community relations for MIS, said. “I   can’t think of a better way to spend the day than on beautiful Lake    Erie.” 
The day’s schedule includes: 
6:30 to 11:30 a.m.   First fishing expedition 
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Fish Fry lunch 
1:30 to 5:30 p.m.      Second fishing expedition 
Funds raised during the fishing tournament will be distributed to local charities throughout southeast Michiganvia MIS Cares, the speedway’s official charity arm under the umbrella of the NASCAR   Foundation. Part of the money will specifically benefit the    Waterloo Recreation Area for the clean up of Cedar Lake Camp. Cedar   LakeCamp is a Michigan Department of Natural Resources-designated   park and has been designed for families and kids camps to enjoy. 
To register, please contact Alisha Cottrell at Michigan   International Speedway by e-mail atacottrell@mispeedway.com or by   phone at 517-592-6666.

Sports Roundup (By Paul Beitler)


Woodward to play in all-star game

Bluffton senior Brock Woodward has been selected to play in the Hoosier Select All-Star game at Bill Green Arena in Marion on Sunday at 6 p.m. Woodward is one of many Indiana high school seniors chosen to compete in the game.


Girls’ tennis camp at Norwell

The Norwell Girls’ Tennis Camp will be offered June 15-19 in the morning for Northern Wells students entering grades 5-9 in 2009-10. Cost is $25, which includes a T-shirt. Norwell girls’ tennis coach Terri Worden will conduct the camp. Application forms are available at Lancaster and Ossian elementary schools, Norwell Middle School and Norwell High School. For more information call 260-543-2213, ext. 7110, or 260-597-7321.


Silver Hawks, Parker in Fort Wayne

Justin Parker, older brother of Norwell grad Jarrod Parker, will return to his old stomping grounds this weekend as the Fort Wayne TinCaps host the South Bend Silver Hawks in a two-game series this weekend.

Justin is a graduate of Wayne High School and an all-state selection there before playing at Wright State University and being selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth round of last year’s draft.

Saturday’s game at the new Parkview Field begins at 4:05 p.m; Sunday’s game is slated for a 3:05 start.


Bluffton physicals planned

Bluffton middle school and high school students who will be entering grades 6-12 next fall may have athletic physicals on Wednesday and Thursday, May 20-21, at Bluffton High School. Enter at Door 5 between 5:45-7:30 p.m. The Bluffton Athletic Boosters are sponsoring the physicals for a $10 donation. 

Norwell free physicals at FWO

Free Norwell athletic physicals will be given on Saturday, May 30, at Fort Wayne Orthopaedics, 7601 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, from 9:30-10 a.m. Physical forms are available in the Norwell Athletic Office. (If there is a conflict with an athletic event, students may come anytime between 8:30 a.m. and noon.)


Tiger tennis team tops Bellmont

The Bluffton girls’ tennis team swept the singles matches enroute to win 3-2 against Bellmont in a home match for the Tigers. 

 Kara Fiechter defeated Jessica Basham 6-0, 6-4, while Amy Baker won her match against Allison Gutierriez 6-1, 6-4. Megan Evans finished the singles sweep, topping Maddi Werling 6-1, 6-2.

Bellmont won both doubles matches. Nicole Votaw and Jamie Basham defeated Samantha Drew and Annessa Reiff, while Brittany Sanders and Madeline Albert topped Shelby Neuenschwander and Katie Murray.


Homestead blanks Lady Knights

The Norwell softball team dropped a conference matchup with Homestead Friday evening by an 11-0 score. Alyssa Shutt got the only hit against the Spartans.

Turkey Run SP amphitheater dedication, May 30

A dedication ceremony celebrating Turkey Run State Park's new 200-seat
amphitheater is set for May 30 at 7 p.m., thanks to the Rockville
(Indiana) Rotary and the non-profit Friends of Turkey Run and Shades
State Parks. 

Speakers include Tom Branum, Sr., a former local Rotarian now working at
the international level of the club; Vicki Basman, chief interpreter for
the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs; and Mike Maloney,
vice-chairman of the Board for Friends of Turkey Run and Shades State
Parks. 
Coffee and desserts, plus live music from Sugar Creek Woodwind Quintet
will be available after the event.

The amphitheater is located between the pool and the tennis courts in
the main parking area. All ages are welcome. 
Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per
vehicle for non-residents will apply.

DNR leads assessment of Indiana's forests

The first comprehensive assessment since the 1980s of all of Indiana's forests-private, public and urban-is underway.

The intent of the Statewide Forest Resource Assessment, which is being conducted by the DNR Division of Forestry (DoF), is to
identify key forest-related issues and priority landscape areas for the DNR to consider when developing a long-term strategy specific to the state's forest needs.

The DoF has completed the first step of the process, mailing surveys to 300 stakeholders throughout the state. Anyone with an
interest in forestry issues can complete the survey, which is here
The survey takes about 10 minutes.



Four public meetings on the issue will be held in late June and early July.

More information about this process is at
http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/5436.htm


Elements of the state assessment are required by the Federal Farm Bill in order for the DoF to continue receiving funds under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act. 
The U.S. Forest Service has provided grant funding for the development of these items.

Friday, May 15, 2009

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, May 15
BOYS GOLF: Carroll at Norwell, 4:30 p.m. (rescheduled from May 11)
TRACK: ACAC at Garrett, 5 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS: Huntington North at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Jay County at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL: Lakewood Park at Norwell, 5 p.m.
JV SOFTBALL: Norwell at South Adams, 5 p.m.
———
Saturday, May 16
JV GIRLS TENNIS: Norwell Invitational, 9 a.m.
JV BOYS GOLF: Southern Wells at FW Northrop Invitational, 9 a.m.
SOFTBALL: New Haven at Bluffton (DH), 9 a.m.; Norwell at FW Elmhurst (DH), 10 a.m.
JV TRACK: FW Concordia Relays (B), 9:20 a.m.
BASEBALL: Bluffton at Norwell (DH), 10 a.m.; Canterbury at Southern Wells, 10 a.m.; Liberty Christian at Southern Wells, 2 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Norwell at Jay County (DH), 10 a.m.

Sports Roundup (By Paul Beitler)

ACAC MS track meet completed
Michael Pearson and Jackson Lambert led the Bluffton Middle School boys’ track team to third place at the Allen County Athletic Conference Middle School track and field championships on Tuesday.
Bluffton scored 85 points, while Garrett was first with 101 and Leo second with 87. Southern Wells was seventh with four points.
Leo won the girls’ title with 105 points. Adams Central was second with 79 and Woodlan third with 70. Southern Wells with fifth with 33 and Bluffton seventh with 14.
Pearson was first in the boys’ discus with a throw of 107 feet, 9 inches. Lambert won the 200-meter hurdles in 28.58 seconds.
Sam Rhodes led the Southern Wells girls, placing first in the 1,600 meters in 5:40.39.
Bluffton and Southern Wells results are listed elsewhere on page six.

Junior League set at Timber Ridge
Timber Ridge Golf Course of Bluffton will be running a Junior League every Monday and Thursday morning from June 8 through July 16. For complete information call the Pro Shop at 824-2728 or Jody Ault at 824-3181.

Youth baseball camps available
Baseball Bunch Mini Camps for children ages 10-14 are slated for June 2, 9, 16, 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ossian Ball Diamond and June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Roush Park Farm Diamond in Bluffton. Cost is $15 per week or $40 for all four weeks. For registration questions call Mark DeLaGarza at 260-402-0789 or e-mail at delagarza0185@comcast.net

Baer Field Speedway to open
Baer Field Speedway will open its 47th consecutive season Saturday night. Gates will open at 2 p.m. with practice beginning at 3:30 p.m., qualifying at 5 and racing at 7:30. Adult admission is $12. Children ages 7-12 are $5 and under 6 is free. The speedway is located at 4331 Winters Rd. in Fort Wayne, one mile south of the airport on Ind. 1.

Pizza Hut doubles up AdamsWells
Matthew Vitatoe struck out 12 hitters in six innings to help Pizza Hut defeat AdamsWells Internet 6-3 in Bluffton Junior League baseball on Monday at Jefferson Park.
Drew Hunter hit a home run and two singles for Pizza Hut. Dylan Longenberger doubled and singled twice. Vitatoe also doubled. Bubba Applegate singled twice. Dane Hoffman hit three singles for AdamsWells Internet. Desmond Carter tripled and Brandon Norman doubled. Hoffman was the losing pitcher.

Standard Plastics wins 4-2
Caitlin Herndon doubled and drove in two runs to help Standard Plastics recently beat First Bank of Berne 4-2 in Bluffton Junior League baseball.
Grant Prible tripled and drove in one run for Standard Plastics. Ethan Mygrant was the winning pitcher, striking out seven batters, and also hit a triple and double.
Jacob Studabaker doubled and drove in one run for First Bank of Berne. Garrett Walborn was the losing pitcher and also doubled.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Bowling Superstars (pt. 2)






More Bluffton junior bowler winners:


Junior Major 4th place, Drew Williams; Junior Major 3rd place, Drew Hunter

Prep 1st place, Jaimee Jaskie, Jacob Kizer, Breanna Kizer

Junior Major 1st place, Robby Schmidt, Trevor Wedding, Harrison Osborne, Colton Robinson

Junior Major Awards, High Series, Ashley Melton (457); High Series, Sean Quillen (685); High Game, Trevor Wedding (266); High Average, Drew Williams (195)

Junior Major 2nd place, Zach Melton, Ashley Melton, Scott McNamara, Sean Quillen

Bowling Superstars








Some of the best young bowlers in Bluffton competed in winter league tournaments and everyone walked away a winner.

Pictured above:
Prep High Average, Blaine Johnson (81)
Prep High Game, Brett Johnson (64)
Junior Major Most Improved, Deanna Heniscey
Prep Most Improved, Alexis Mittlestedt
Junior Major $150 scholarship winner, Jordan Retherford

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Norwell's Shaffer shines in hurdles

Norwell sophomore Justin Shaffer proved his mettle in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles at the Northeast Hoosier Conference Championships at Patrick D. Monaghan Field on Tuesday.

Hear how he handles the pressure of competition. (Video by Paul Beitler)

Sports Roundup (By Paul Beitler)

Bluffton golfers nipped by Panthers
The Bluffton Tigers were edged by the Eastbrook Panthers on Monday at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bluffton.
Eastbrook defeated the Tigers 192-194.
Bluffton sophomore Tyler Mohler and Eastbrook’s Blake McQueen tied for medalist honors with a 46.
Andrew Weiland backed up McQueen with a 47, while Nick Combs added a 48 for the Panthers. Adam Bernaix and Stephen Green rounded out Eastbrook’s scoring each with a 51.
Bluffton’s Jason Cook and Nick Landrum each shot a 49, followed by Price Kyle with a 50 and Jackson Bates with a 53.

Barons down Norwell softballers
The DeKalb Barons defeated Norwell 19-2 in Northeast Hoosier Conference girls’ softball action Monday at Waterloo.
Norwell (6-10) was held to two hits, including a double by Kelsey Kline and a single by Alyssa Shutt. Kline and Shutt each drove in one run. Melissa Werling and Shutt scored. Jenny Sterrett was the starting pitcher and took the loss.
Chelsey Hartman was the winning pitcher. Chelsea Sanderson doubled twice for the Barons, who had 16 hits. Kelsey Blevins also doubled.

Norwell JV girls suffer two losses
The Norwell Knights’ junior varsity girls’ softball team recently dropped two games. On Monday, the Knights (1-8) lost 10-1 to DeKalb at Norwell. Last Friday, the Adams Central Jets beat the Knights 12-1.
Against DeKalb, the Knights were led by Kayla Hanni and Heather Miller each with two hits. Hanni doubled and scored. Miller had the run batted in. Hanni was the losing pitcher.
Hanni had both hits, including a double, against Adams Central. She scored the Knights’ run and was the losing pitcher. Wendy Meyer had the run batted in and Jenny Merryman doubled.

Bluffton jayvees lose to Jay County
The Bluffton Tigers’ junior varsity baseball team lost 9-1 to the Jay County Patriots on Monday at Bluffton. Alex Penrod was the losing pitcher.

Kunkel receives ESPN honor
Manchester College senior softball player Chelsea Kunkel has been named to the ESPN The Magazine’s Academic All-District V Softball team.
Kunkel, a designated player for the Spartans, has a 3.57 grade point average in accounting. The Norwell graduate hit .344 with six doubles, two home runs and a team-high 25 runs batted in. She was a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference second team selection.

Lady Tiger Basketball Camp set
Bluffton girls volleyball will be having a parent meeting for all current 7th through 11th grade potential players on Wednesday, May 13th, 7:00 p.m. at Bluffton High School. We will be discussing the upcoming summer program and the 2009-2010 season. Please plan to attend.

Norwell golf scramble slated
The Norwell High School golf teams will be holding a golf scramble on Saturday, May 16, at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bluffton. Registration is at 8 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9. Cost is $55 per person. Golfers may register at the Timber Ridge Pro Shop, Gerber Furniture or by mail to Norwell Golf Club, 4566E-100N, Bluffton, IN 46714. For more information, call Sara Imel at 260-437-1285 or stop by the pro shop.

Junior League set at Timber Ridge
Timber Ridge Golf Course of Bluffton will be running a Junior League every Monday and Thursday morning from June 8 through July 16. For complete information call the Pro Shop at 824-2728 or Jody Ault at 824-3181.

Six middle schoolers to bowl at state
Six local youths will be representing Bluffton at the Indiana State Middle School State Finals in Anderson on Saturday. The Bowling Center of Bluffton hosted the first regional last weekend. Norwell sixth-grader Dylan Retherford won the boys’ 121-150 average division. His brother, Jordan, and Jack and Pete Williams will join Retherford on the Norwell team. Bluffton seventh-grader Ciara Lovell was the girls’ under 120 average division.

Ossian State Bank notches win
Garrett Mohler hit two home runs and Grant Hiday drilled a three-run double to lead Ossian State Bank to a 13-12 victory over CJ’s Carpet in the Norwell Junior League on Friday night at Uniondale. Mohler also was the winning pitcher. Adam Douglas homered for CJ’s.

Four win races at Anderson
ANDERSON — Markleville’s Randy Hoppes opened a lead early in the Street Stock feature and held off Ronnie Rose for the win Saturday at Anderson Speedway.
Rose was second, followed by Josh Burton, Rob Allman and Rich Boyer.
Josh Tharp led all 25 laps to claim the Figure 8 feature win. Mike Riddle Jr. was second, followed by Rickie Tharp, Bruce McFall and Elliott McKinney.
Rob Allman won the Thunder Car feature holding off Rod Phipps. Hanna Lundy claimed third place, followed by Terry Malone Jr.
Phipps broke his own track record during the Thunder Car time trials, turning a lap in 14.785 seconds.
Ronnie Phipps captured the Front Wheel Drive feature.

Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Outing on tap
The Northeast Indiana Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Outing will be held on Friday, July 17 at Brookwood Golf Course in Ft. Wayne.
Teams of four will play a scramble format. The shotgun start will begin at 1 p.m. Cost is $240 per team and includes green fees, cart and a meal following play. Registration is limited to the first 36 teams. Registration deadline is July 10.
Hole sponsorships also are available for $100, please make check payable to: Concordia H.S.—Charity Golf Outing. For additional information, contact Eric Thornton, 8744 E. Diane Dr., Ossian, IN 46777; Gary Cobb, New Haven; Dave Miller, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran; Wayne Krieger, Columbia City or Dave Scudder, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger.

Pacers’ Granger in line for NBA award
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The agent for Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger says he expects the All-Star forward to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
Mark Bartelstein said Monday he has been in contact with league officials, and he anticipates Granger getting the award.
The Pacers have called a news conference for Tuesday, but spokesman David Benner wouldn’t say what it was about.
At the start of the season, Granger signed a five-year, $65 million contract extension. He rewarded the team by averaging 25.8 points per game and being selected to the All-Star team for the first time.
Granger has increased his scoring average by at least five points in each of the past three seasons. He averaged 19.6 points in 2007-08.

Seeking Indiana's largest trees

Indiana DNR Release:



Do you know of an extraordinarily large tree? The Indiana DNR is accepting nominations for the 2010 Big Tree Register, a list of the largest known native trees in the state, published every five years.
The application requires three measurements of a tree-total circumference, in inches, at 4 1/2 feet above the ground; total height, in feet; and average crown spread, in feet.
The total size of a tree is calculated using the formula: circumference + height + 1/4 average crown spread. The tree of each species with the highest total is Indiana's largest. Each tree nominated is verified for species and size before acceptance in the register.

For more information about nominating a tree for the register or to receive a nomination form, contact Janet Eger at (812) 247-2479 or e-mail to jeger@dnr.IN.gov . The nomination form is at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/forestry/3605.htm under "directories."



Nominations will be accepted through Oct. 31.

Natural Resources Commission meeting, May 19

Indiana DNR Release:


The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will meet at Morgan-Monroe State Forest - Bryant Creek Shelter House, May 19. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. (EDT). NRC meetings are open to the public.



The NRC is an autonomous board that addresses issues pertaining to the Department of Natural Resources. The 12-member board includes seven citizens chosen on a bipartisan basis, three ex officio members from state agencies, and one representative of the Indiana Academy of Science. The commission meets at least four times annually.



Morgan-Monroe State Forest is located at: 6220 Forest Road, Martinsville, IN 46151, (765) 342-4026)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Sports Roundup (By Paul Beitler)

Fiechter, Baker named all-ACAC
Bluffton’s Kara Fiechter and Amy Baker, members of the Tigers’ tennis team, were named to the Allen County Athletic Conference girls’ tennis team for 2009.
Fiechter made the first team along with Adams Central’s Rachel Barger and Chelsea Selking. Baker made the second team along with Adams Central’s Lauren Harvey and South Adams’ Jacie Yoder.
Making the doubles first team were Madison Kiley and Megan Carroll of Leo and Katie Johnson and Janelle Bertsch of Adams Central. The second team doubles were Caitlyn Welch and Lisa Smitley of Leo.
Barger won the ACAC singles tournament championship on Saturday at Monroe, defeating Fiechter 7-5, 6-1. Selking was third, downing Baker 6-0, 6-1. Kiley and Carroll beat Bertsch and Johnson 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (10-5) for the doubles championship. Smitley and Welch took third place.

Taylor Trojans sent to Georgia
The Taylor University baseball team was selected as the No. 5 seed in a five-team NAIA National Championship Opening Round double elimination tournament at Berry College in Rome, Ga.
The Trojans will open the tournament against No. 4 seed, The Master’s College (Calif.), at noon on Tuesday. The Mustangs are 36-20 and the Trojans are 36-17.
The tournament’s top three seeds are No. 1 Berry (Ga.), No. 2 Malone (Ohio) and No. 3 St. Xavier (Ill.).
The winners of the nine Opening Round tournaments, in addition to host school Lewis-Clark State (Idaho), will meet at the final site for the 53rd Avista-NAIA World Series on May 22-29 in Lewiston, Idaho.

Lady Tiger Basketball Camp set
Bluffton girls volleyball will be having a parent meeting for all current 7th through 11th grade potential players on Wednesday, May 13th, 7:00 p.m. at Bluffton High School. We will be discussing the upcoming summer program and the 2009-2010 season. Please plan to attend.

Norwell golf scramble slated
The Norwell High School golf teams will be holding a golf scramble on Saturday, May 16, at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bluffton. Registration is at 8 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9. Cost is $55 per person. Golfers may register at the Timber Ridge Pro Shop, Gerber Furniture or by mail to Norwell Golf Club, 4566E-100N, Bluffton, IN 46714. For more information, call Sara Imel at 260-437-1285 or stop by the pro shop.

Norwell free physicals at FWO
Free Norwell athletic physicals will be given on Saturday, May 30, at Fort Wayne Orthopaedics, 7601 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, from 9:30-10 a.m. Physical forms are available in the Norwell Athletic Office. (If there is a conflict with an athletic event, students may come anytime between 8:30 a.m. and noon.)

River Runners’ meeting tonight
The Ouabache River Runners’ monthly meeting is tonight at 7 p.m. at the FPC Technology Group offices in Bluffton. The meeting and club are open to anyone with an interest in running. Meetings generally last one hour. For more information contact Mac McAvoy at macmcavoy@gmail.com

Bluffton Bowling Center honored by BSU

The Bowling Center Inc. of Bluffton, owned by Ball State University graduate Stan Kunkel, is one of five recipients of the 2009 Benny Award from the BSU Alumni Association.
The Benny Award is the top honor for service to the university or the alumni group. Eligible candidates are Ball State alumni, university employees, friends of the university, and corporations or businesses that contribute outstanding service.
The Bowling Center is the only business that will receive the honor. The other recipients are individuals — Kathy Hutson of Daleville, Sarah Maisto of Avon, and Steve Bell and David McIntosh Jr., both of Muncie.
The Bowling Center will receive a Benny Award for service as a business in support of the Adams Wells Alumni Chapter and the Ball State University Alumni Association. Kunkel, owner of The Bowling Center, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1978. In announcing the award, the BSU Alumni Association said Adams Wells Alumni Chapter has sponsored a family event at The Bowling Center for the past three years and that Kunkel has been a gracious host for the event offering great pricing and outstanding hospitality.
Benny Award recipients will be honored during Ball State’s Homecoming Weekend. Jo Ann Johnston, BSUAA chairperson, will present the awards at a recognition dinner on Friday, October 2, 2009, at the Alumni Center.
Hutson is a registered nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She is receiving her award for her outstanding service on the Alumni Council from 2003 to 2008.
Maisto is the Marketing Communications Manager for Goodwill Industries in Indianapolis. Sge is receiving her award after serving as the Journalism Alumni Society representative on the Alumni Council from 2005 to 2008.
Bell is receiving the Benny Award for his outstanding efforts in support of Ball State University. He is emeriti professor of telecommunications and emeriti endowed chair in the Department of Telecommunications at Ball State University. Bell’s prestigious career includes more than 20 years experience as a correspondent with ABC News and as an anchor with Good Morning America. He came to Ball State University as the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Chair in Telecommunications in 1992. After serving eight years in that capacity, he stayed on as a professor in the telecommunications department. After 15 years with Ball State University, Bell retired in 2007 and received an honorary doctorate from Ball State in 2008.
McIntosh is the Distinguished Professor of Special Education in the Department of Special Education at Ball State. McIntosh is receiving this award as a Ball State employee who has contributed exceptional efforts on behalf of Ball State University and the Alumni Association. He served as the faculty representative to the Teachers College Alumni Association from 1999 to 2008.

Monday, May 11, 2009

High School Sports Calendar

Monday, May 11
GIRLS TENNIS: Canterbury at Bluffton, cancelled; Bluffton at Norwell, 4 p.m.
BOYS GOLF: Eastbrook at Bluffton, 4:30 p.m.; Carroll at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
BASEBALL: Bluffton at Eastbrook, 5 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Jay County at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Southern Wells at Southwood, 5 p.m.; FW South Side at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL: Canterbury at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Norwell at DeKalb, 6:30 p.m.
JV SOFTBALL: DeKalb at Norwell, 5 p.m.
———
Tuesday, May 12
BOYS GOLF: Garrett, South Adams at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.; New Haven at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS: DeKalb at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
BASEBALL: Bluffton at Heritage, 5 p.m.; Garrett at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.; DeKalb at Norwell, 5 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Heritage at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Southern Wells at Garrett, 5 p.m.; Norwell at DeKalb, 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL: Bluffton at Heritage, 5 p.m.; Garrett at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
JV SOFTBALL: Heritage at Bluffton, 5 p.m.
TRACK: NHC at New Haven, 5 p.m.
———
Wednesday, May 13
GIRLS TENNIS: Norwell at Bellmont, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS GOLF: Bluffton at Northfield, 4:30 p.m.
BASEBALL: Norwell at South Adams, 4:30 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Woodlan at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Norwell at Southern Wells, 5 p.m. (rescheduled from May 8)
SOFTBALL: Homestead at Norwell, 5 p.m.
JV SOFTBALL: Norwell at Homestead, 4:30 p.m.; Woodlan at Bluffton, 5 p.m.
———
Thursday, May 14
BOYS GOLF: DeKalb at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
BASEBALL: Leo at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Southern Wells at Woodlan, 5 p.m.; Norwell at Homestead, 5 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Homestead at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.; Bluffton at Leo, 5 p.m.; Woodlan at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL: Leo at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Southern Wells at Woodlan, 5 p.m.; East Noble at Norwell, 5 p.m.
JV SOFTBALL: Bluffton at Leo, 5 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS: Norwell at Homestead, 4:30 p.m.; Bluffton at Northfield, 5 p.m.
———
Friday, May 15
TRACK: ACAC at Garrett, 5 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS: Huntington North at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Jay County at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL: Lakewood Park at Norwell, 5 p.m.
JV SOFTBALL: Norwell at South Adams, 5 p.m.
———
Saturday, May 16
JV GIRLS TENNIS: Norwell Invitational, 9 a.m.
JV BOYS GOLF: Southern Wells at FW Northrop Invitational, 9 a.m.
SOFTBALL: New Haven at Bluffton (DH), 9 a.m.; Norwell at FW Elmhurst (DH), 10 a.m.
JV TRACK: FW Concordia Relays (B), 9:20 a.m.
BASEBALL: Norwell at Bluffton (DH), 10 a.m.; Canterbury at Southern Wells, 10 a.m.; Liberty Christian at Southern Wells, 2 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Norwell at Jay County (DH), 10 a.m.

For large bluegills, fish Carr Lake

Big bluegills are common at Carr Lake, according to a recent Indiana Department of Natural Resources fisheries survey.

“Nearly 30 percent of the bluegill population is 8 inches or larger,” said Rod Edgell, DNR assistant fisheries biologist. “The largest fish we collected was 9.4 inches, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few over 10 inches.”

Although the lake historically has had a good bluegill fishery, biologists have observed improvements in growth and size structure over the last decade.
“According to a survey we conducted in 2000, bluegills averaged 6.7 inches at age 4,” Edgell said. "They now average 7.7 inches, which is a huge increase.”

The size and growth of bluegill at Carr Lake has improved, but abundance has declined. Hourly catch rates of bluegills using electro-fishing boats have decreased from 415 in 2000, to 155 in 2008.
The decline in bluegill numbers corresponds to an increase in the largemouth bass population during the same period. Biologists believe the two could be related. The DNR established a 14-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass in 1998. As a result, bass populations have increased at most lakes.

“With fewer bluegills in the lake there is less competition for food and space, allowing them to grow larger and faster,” Edgell said. “This has created a terrific fishery for bluegill anglers.”

Bluegills are an important food item for bass. With more bass present in the lake more bluegills are being eaten, which may explain the observed changes in the Carr Lake fishery.
The fishery is in good condition at the moment. Biologists will continue to monitor the lake to attempt to ensure the bluegill population does not become too low.

Friday, May 8, 2009

High School Calendar

Friday, May 8
GIRLS TENNIS: Bluffton at ACAC at Adams Central, 5 p.m.
TRACK: Bluffton, Southern Wells at South Adams Invitational, 5 p.m.; Norwell at Carroll Relays (B/G), 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL: Heritage at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
JV SOFTBALL: Norwell at Adams Central, 5 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Norwell at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
———
Saturday, May 9
JV BOYS GOLF: Norwell, Southern Wells at New Haven Invitational, 7:30 a.m.
BOYS GOLF: Adams-Wells Bi-County at Timber Ridge, 9 a.m.
GIRLS TENNIS: ACAC at Adams Central, 9 a.m.
SOFTBALL: Norwell at Bluffton (DH), 9 a.m.; New Haven at Southern Wells (DH), 10 a.m.
BASEBALL: Norwell at FW Bishop Dwenger (DH), 10 a.m.; Elwood at Southern Wells (DH), 11 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Norwell golfers shine in triangular
Timber Ridge Golf Course was a busy place Thursday evening, hosting two three-way golf matches involving all three Wells County boys’ squads.
The Norwell Knights, now ranked 9th in the state, easily handled Southern Wells and Adams Central, led by Drew Imel’s one-under medalist score of 35. He was backed up by teammates McCormick Clouser with 38, Taylor Imel 38, Ross Matthews 39 and Isaac Tomac 41.
Norwell finished with 150, Southern Wells 181 and Adams Central 184.
Southern Wells was led by Blake Huffman’s 41. Alex Trosper and Daniel Schmidt each shot a 46, while Adam Sills shot a 48 and Tyler Cassiday a 52.
Connor Saum and Kaleb Davis led the Adams Central squad with a pair of 43’s.
The Norwell junior varsity golfers also posted a 178, which would have earned them a second-place finish in the varsity meet. Brandon Bennett posted a 42, Chris Clontz 44, Drew Williams 45, Nick Imel 47 and Brendon Renner 48.

Tigers fall in 3-way
Meanwhile the Bluffton Tigers’ linksmen posted a team score of 183, while Bellmont’s 160 took the prize in their three-way match with Jay County, which scored a 176.
Leading the Tigers was Tyler Mohler with a 43, followed by Jason Cook’s 44. Price Kyle and Jackson Bate each shot a 48 and Nick Landrum added a 49.
Bellmont’s Luke Ainsworth was the medalist, posting a one-under 35. Jay County was led by Adam Gray’s 39.
Bluffton netters down Elmhurst
A sweep of the singles matches by Bluffton led the Tigers to a 4-1 victory over the Elmhurst Trojans on Thursday in girls’ tennis action at Fort Wayne.
Bluffton tied the junior varsity match 2-2.
 
VARSITY SINGLES
Kara Fiechter (B) def. Carrie Buschey 2-6, 6-2, 6-1; Amy Baker (B) def. Brittany Derrow 6-0, 6-0; Megan Evans (B) def. Angelika Burwell 6-2, 6-0.
VARSITY DOUBLES
Amee Phaengyquong/Izamar Guzman (E) def. Jessica Ellenberger/Annessa Reiff 4-6, 6-3, 6-3; Samantha Drew/Shelby Neuenschwander (B) def. Edda Arana/Alex Holguin 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.
 
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES
Alyssa Pflieder (E) def. Katie Murray 8-3; Jeri Davis (B) def. Vicky Fisher 8-6; Neena Green (E) def. Mykayla Rodenbeck 8-2.
JUNIOR VARSITY DOUBLES
Carsan Cunningham/Katie Murray (B) def. Ashley Best/Magaly Ruelas 8-6.
Norwell wins NHC tennis match
Kaylee Imel and Alyssa Tucker won their singles matches to help lead the Norwell girls’ tennis team to a 3-2 victory over East Noble in a Northeast Hoosier Conference battle at Kendallville on Thursday.
Norwell improved its season record to 5-3 and its NHC mark to 2-2. East Noble slipped to 5-2 and 0-2.
In junior varsity play, Norwell won 5-4 to improve to 6-1-1.

VARSITY SINGLES
Kaylee Imel (N) def. Kim Springstead 6-2, 6-1; Alyssa Tucker (N) def. Anna Pasquali 6-4, 6-2; Carrie Scheiber (EN) def. Rachelle Rodenbeck 6-1, 6-0.
VARSITY DOUBLES
Mieke Tackett/Christa Shriner (EN) def. Haley Chaney/Jaylee Leman 6-3, 6-4; Kourtney Reed/Christy Taylor (N) def. Shayna Anglin/Brittany Wyatt 6-3, 6-1.

JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES
Nicole Spaw (EN) def. Sara Nahrwold 8-4; Kayla Casselman (EN) def. Lindsey Dahn 8-4; Chelsea Miller (EN) def. Adriene Troxel 8-2.
JUNIOR VARSITY DOUBLES
Jamie Reinhard/Eden Chaney (N) def. Kenzie Stillberger/Ashley Ort 8-5; Sophie Gerber/Mattie Troxel (N) def. Hailey Crawford/Margaret Griffiths 8-2; Chelsey Schwerich/Maley Mullett (EN) def. Addie Williams/Jessica Rupright 6-3; Amanda Horan/Taylor Sprinkle (N) def. Grace Bower/Sam Goddard 6-3; Dahn/A. Troxel (N) def. Daemi Grubb/Liz Nelson 6-0; M. Troxel/Gerber (N) def. Abey Evard/Kerrick Gerst 6-0.

Scoring error makes Raiders second
Due to an inadvertent scoring error in last Friday’s Adams Central Invitational boys’ track and field meet, a couple team scores were incorrect.
Ten points were omitted from the Southern Wells Raiders’ score. With the correction, the Raiders and Adams Central Jets switched places. The Raiders moved up to second and the Jets slipped to third. The actual team scores now are Fremont 135.5, Southern Wells 123, Adams Central 118, Canterbury 41, Monroe Central 29.5, Daleville 10.
Indiana boys’ golf poll
The Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association (IHSGCA) has released the boys’ Top 20 poll. (First-place votes in parentheses):

1. Indianapolis Cathedral (13); 2. Avon (1); 3. Hamilton Southeastern (1); 4. Chesterton; 5. Brebeuf Jesuit; 6. Yorktown; 7. Carmel; 8. Providence; 9. NORWELL; 10. Evansville Central; 11. Terre Haute South; 12. Lafayette Jefferson; 13. Evansville North; 14. Mishawaka Marian; 15. Bloomington North; 16. Lebanon; 17. Roncalli; 18. Homestead; 19. Warren Central; 20. Bedford North Lawrence.
HONORABLE MENTION: Northridge 32; Floyd Central 30; DeKalb 28; Wawasee 25; Zionsville 15; Castle 11; Canterbury 4; Goshen 3; Center Grove 2; Evansville Memorial 2; LaPorte 1.

Lady Tiger Basketball Camp set
A Bluffton Lady Tiger Basketball Camp for girls in K-3 will be held on May 11-14 at the Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School gym. Cost is $15. Registration forms may be picked up at the elementary school or Bluffton High School and returned by Friday, May 8. K-1 will meet from 3:45-4:30 p.m. each day and grades 2-3 from 4:30-5:30. For more information, call Vicki Van Matre at 824-3724, ext. 7304, or 765-748-4450, or e-mail at vvanmatre@bhmsd.k12.in.us

From a Raider to a Cougar



Southern Wells senior Meghan Prible has decided to continue her student-athlete pursuit at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, starting next fall. Prible is pictured above from left to right with her parents, Jeff and Karen Prible, and USF women's basketball coach Gary Andrews, Southern Wells Activities Director Kevin Lavanchy and girls' basketball coach John Fouts. Prible, a 5-foot-7 guard/forward, finished her basketball career as the Raiders' second-leading scorer with 1,158 points. She made the Allen County Athletic Conference first team three straight years (2007-09). The Raiders were Class A sectional and regional champions in 2008 and 2009. She helped lead the Raiders to a 20-5 record and 7-0 ACAC mark last season. “Meghan is a very versatile player who can play multiple positions,” said coach Andrews. (Photo by Jerry Battiste)

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Suspected marijuana operation shut down

Indiana DNR Release:

PERU – Indiana conservation officers and other DNR property personnel have dismantled a suspected marijuana growing operation at Mississinewa Reservoir, destroying nearly 5,300 young plants with an undetermined street value.

“It can only be left up to one’s imagination as to the pounds of marijuana and the dollar amount this site could have yielded had it been tended until maturity and gone undetected,” said Conservation Officer John Salb, a public information officer for the DNR Division of Law Enforcement.

The discovery was made late last week by a mushroom hunter, who notified a Mississinewa Reservoir employee. The employee in turn contacted DNR Conservation Officer Guido Tims about suspicious activity near Red Bridge State Recreation Area on the south side of the reservoir.

Tims made the initial investigation of the site in an area of dense vegetative cover and quickly determined it had been abandoned due to a large amount of perishable food items left to rot at a makeshift campsite.

“We had two factors in our favor that stopped this operation in its early stages,” Salb said. “One being an individual who made a decision to get involved, and the other that our suspects probably didn’t expect mushroom hunters to be invading their growing areas.”

Tims and other conservation officers eventually uncovered two hand-cut clearings, one measuring 25 by 100 yards and the other 25 by 150 yards. In addition, the officers found six large growing plots of marijuana sprouting from peat pots and other crude growing containers. Plant sizes ranged from seedlings to nearly 4 inches tall. The site also contained hand tools, backpack sprayers, fertilizer and animal repellants.

Conservation officers sifted through items left in the abandoned tents and turned evidence, including the plants, over to the Indiana State Police.
Mississinewa Reservoir personnel and the Indiana State Police assisted in the two-day effort.

“This situation should be a reminder to mushroom hunters, hikers, mountain bikers and anyone else who come across something of a suspicious nature in the outdoors,” said Lt. Mark Farmer of DNR Law Enforcement. “Don’t take matters into your own hands. Contact a conservation officer.”

High School Calendars

Thursday, May 7
GIRLS TENNIS: Bluffton at FW Elmhurst, 4:30 p.m.; Norwell at East Noble, 5 p.m.
BOYS GOLF: Adams Central, Norwell at Southern Wells, 4:15 p.m.; Bellmont, Jay County at Bluffton, 4:30 p.m.
BASEBALL: Norwell at East Noble, 5 p.m.; South Adams at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.; Bluffton at Garrett, 6 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: East Noble at Norwell, 5 p.m.; Garrett at Bluffton, 5 p.m.; Southern Wells at South Adams, 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL: Huntington North at Norwell, 5 p.m.; South Adams at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.; Bluffton at Garrett, 5 p.m.
———
Friday, May 8
GIRLS TENNIS: Bluffton at ACAC at Adams Central, 5 p.m.
TRACK: Bluffton, Southern Wells at South Adams Invitational, 5 p.m.; Norwell at Carroll Relays (B/G), 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL: Heritage at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
JV SOFTBALL: Norwell at Adams Central, 5 p.m.
JV BASEBALL: Norwell at Southern Wells, 5 p.m.
———
Saturday, May 9
JV BOYS GOLF: Norwell, Southern Wells at New Haven Invitational, 7:30 a.m.
BOYS GOLF: Adams-Wells Bi-County at Timber Ridge, 9 a.m.
GIRLS TENNIS: ACAC at Adams Central, 9 a.m.
SOFTBALL: Norwell at Bluffton (DH), 9 a.m.; New Haven at Southern Wells (DH), 10 a.m.
BASEBALL: Norwell at FW Bishop Dwenger (DH), 10 a.m.; Elwood at Southern Wells (DH), 11 a.m.

Sports Round-Up (today's page 6)

Norwell golfers post two wins
Norwell sophomore McCormick Clouser shot a two-under 34 on the front nine at Brookwood Golf Course in Fort Wayne to lead the Knights to a double victory on Wednesday.
The Knights defeated Fort Wayne Wayne and Fort Wayne Elmhurst. Norwell recorded a strong team score of 151. Wayne was second with 188 and Elmhurst finished with 211. 
Backing up Clouser was Ross Mathews with a 38 and Isaac Tomac with a 39. Drew Imel followed with a 40 and Taylor Imel shot a 41.  
Wayne was led by Wes Reuille with a 37.
Norwell won the junior varsity match with Wayne, 179-225. Drew Williams and Chris Clontz each shot a 44 to lead the Knights. Brandon Bennett was next with a 45, followed by Nick Imel with 46 and Brendon Renner with 49.

East Noble tops Norwell jayvees
Although the Norwell junior varsity girls’ softball team outhit East Noble 12-8, East Noble was able to come up with a 19-8 win on Wednesday at Kendallville.
Norwell’s hitting was led by Haley Toliver with three singles. Losing pitcher Kayla Hanni added a double and single. Ashton Sprunger and Taylor Goodpastor each had two hits. Rachel Lind, Heather Miller and Brittany Caldwell each had one hit. Goodpastor scored three runs, while Toliver and Sprunger scored twice.
Hanni allowed eight hits, walked five and struck out six.

Lady Tiger Basketball Camp set
A Bluffton Lady Tiger Basketball Camp for girls in K-3 will be held on May 11-14 at the Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School gym. Cost is $15. Registration forms may be picked up at the elementary school or Bluffton High School and returned by Friday, May 8. K-1 will meet from 3:45-4:30 p.m. each day and grades 2-3 from 4:30-5:30. For more information, call Vicki Van Matre at 824-3724, ext. 7304, or 765-748-4450, or e-mail at vvanmatre@bhmsd.k12.in.us

High school track polls released
The Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches boys’ and girls’ track and field polls are listed below as follows:
BOYS
1. Ben Davis; 2. Warren Central; 3. Carmel; 4. Center Grove; 5. Bloomington South; 6. North Central; 7. Pike; 8. Fort Wayne Northrop; 9. Merrillville; 10. Lawrence Central; 11. Homestead; 12. Carroll (Allen County); 13. Elkhart Central; 14. Valparaiso; 15. Zionsville; 16. South Bend Riley; 17. Fishers; 18. Castle; 19. Franklin Central; 20. Lafayette Jefferson.
GIRLS
1. North Central; 2. Warren Central; 3. Carmel; 4. Lawrence North; 5. Penn; 6. Carroll (Allen County); 7. Lake Central; 8. Hamilton Southeastern; 9. Ben Davis; 10. Center Grove; 11. Fort Wayne Northrop; 12. Lawrence Central; 13. Brownsburg; 14. Franklin Central; 15. Columbus North; 16. Valparaiso; 17. Merrillville; 18. Huntington North; 19. West Lafayette; 20. Bloomington South.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Public meeting on paddlefish fishing changes, May 20

The Natural Resources Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed administrative rule changes related to paddlefish and fishing on the Ohio River, Wednesday, May 20, at 6 p.m. local time (EDT), at Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area, 2310 East State Road 364 in Winslow, in Pike County.

The primary purpose of these changes, which were proposed by the Department of Natural Resources, are to protect paddlefish and prevent their overharvest. Paddlefish are long-lived, slow-maturing smooth-skinned fish with a long paddle-like snout that can reach sizes in excess of 100 pounds. They are highly mobile but their largest populations are in the Ohio River, which is the only Indiana location where commercial harvest is permitted. In recent years, commercial demand for paddlefish has escalated because of the value of their eggs for the worldwide caviar market.

The proposed changes were preliminarily adopted by the NRC and are listed at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/2362.htm, immediately after the list of proposed deer-hunting changes, listed on “Paddlefish Rule Package.”

E-mail public comments to the NRC at: nrcrules@nrc.IN.gov, including name and city and state of residence. Comments also can be mailed to: Natural Resources Commission, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Ave., Room N501, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2200.

All comments must be submitted to the NRC no later than Monday, June 1. All comments sent to the NRC regarding these rule changes will be provided to NRC members and DNR staff, and will be publicly disclosed and searchable on the Internet and in a paper docket as part of the final report.

A copy of this public hearing report will be at www.IN.gov/nrc before final consideration by the NRC. The NRC will likely consider these rule changes for final adoption at its meeting in July. If approved by the attorney general and governor, the changes will become effective later in 2009. Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in public meetings should call the DNR ADA coordinator at (317) 232-4200 (voice and TDD).

For more information, please contact Tom Stefanavage, the DNR’s Big Rivers Biologist, at (812)789-2724 or by e-mail at: tstefanavage@dnr.IN.gov.