Norwell Pool programs still available

There’s still time to sign up for a plethora of programs to be hosted by the Norwell Pool.
CPR/AED and/or Lifeguard/First Aid Recertification classes will be held at the Norwell Pool on Saturday, April 3 at 9 a.m..
Cost is $30 per certification for those people living within the Northern Wells Community Schools district; $40 per certification for those outside of the district. Checks should be made payable to Norwell Pool. See pool website at www.teacherweb.com/in/norwellmiddleschool/norwellswimlessons to register online or for more information - or call Norwell Middle School Pool at 260-543-2218 extension 6190.
Another recertification class will be held on May 15.
The Norwell Pool will also be conducting American Red Cross Lifeguarding classes beginning Friday April 9 from 4 to 9 p.m. The class schedule may be adjusted to accommodate students. This is a 26 to 32 hour class which includes first aid, CPR, AED and lifeguard training.
Lifeguarding candidates must be at least 15 years old and pass swim skills assessment. The cost is $150 for people living in the NWCS District; $170 for those outside of the district. Checks should be made payable to Norwell Pool. See pool website to register online or for more information - or call the ppol.
Norwell Pool is also offering four-week swim lesson sessions – Session #1 begins on April 5 (session #2 begins on May 3).
Class times are available on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays (except infant/toddler classes). Class fees are $30 per session for those in the NWCS District ($35 for those outside the district).
Classes offered are:
• Infant (6-18 months) and toddler (18-36 months) – 5:30 to 6 p.m. (Monday and Wednesdays only)
• Preschool (ages 3-5) – 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. or 6 to 6:30 p.m. (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday)
• Elementary (kindergarten and up) – 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. or 6:30-7:15 p.m. (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday)
Private lessons may be available on a limited basis.
See the pool website to register online or for more information, or call the pool.
The Norwell Pool is also offering stroke drills and one-meter diving. These classes are offered as two 4-week swim team prep classes.
Session one begins on April 5 (session two begins on May 3). Classes offered are:
Stroke Drills – 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday and Wedsnesday or Tuesday and Thursday.
Fees for stroke drills class are $30 per session for those people living within the Northern Wells Community School district and $35 for those outside the district.
One-meter diving – 6:15-7:45 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays only. Fees for one-meter diving class are $45 for those people living in the district and $50 for those outside the district.
Again, the pool website is the place to register or for more information or call the pool.
Finally, the Norwell Pool is offering the following adult programming options:
• Two 4-week swim sessions – Session #1 begins on April 5 (session #2 begins on May 3):
• Laps swims. Fees are $10 per session for those living in the district and $15 for those outside the district.
• Early morning swim – Tuesdays and Thursdays only from 6 to 7 a.m.
• Evening adult lap swim – Mondays and Wednesdays only from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.
• Water exercise is offered on Mondays and Wednesday from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Fees are $20 per session for those living in the district and $25 for those living outside the district.
• Adult swim lessons are offered on Mondays & Wednesdays from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Fees are $20 per session for those living in the NWCS District and $25 for those outside the district.
To register or for more information, check out the pool website or call the pool.

Badminton League is up and running!

The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department’s Badminton League is up and running again. This is a great chance to learn this fast-paced game that gives you a true workout that is also very fun! There is a one-time $5.00 fee per person, and it’s open to all high school students and older individuals. The league is held at the Bluffton City Gym on Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. All equipment is supplied for you, you just need to bring your energy! If you are looking for a new way to exercise, this is just the thing you are looking for! If you have any questions, call us at 824-6069 or send us an email at: parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

Preschool teacher workshop, Brown County State Park, May 8 Part of Project Learning Tree

Indiana DNR Release:

The first 25 public preschool teachers, Head Start teachers, private child care providers and kindergarten teachers who register will be able to participate in a workshop on how to use the new innovative educational program “Project Learning Tree: Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood.”

The event will be at Brown County State Park’s nature center on May 8. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Donna Rogler, (317) 549-0354 or drogler@dnr.IN.gov to register. Cost is $15. Participants will receive an activity guide and music CD.

The program allows young children to explore, discover, and communicate in expressive ways by integrating nature-based music and movement, exploration, literature, art, math, and outdoor play.

While using the program, teachers will learn to explore nature with their young students through techniques to encourage children to explore, discover, and communicate in expressive ways and introduces students to environmental education. The program’s activities highlight the importance of kinetic learning and engagement using music and movement with the help of the accompanying music CD.

Project Learning Tree® is a program of the American Forest Foundation, a nonprofit conservation organization that works to ensure decision makers and educators, both today and tomorrow, understand and value the role that forests and the environment play in our lives. For more information, visit www.forestfoundation.org.

Seniors Lunch at Salamonie Reservoir, April 5

Indiana DNR Release:

Individuals age 50 or older are invited to learn about Wabash County features at the April 5 seniors lunch at the Salamonie Interpretive Center.

Trula Cramer of the Wabash County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will give information about the role of the CVB and highlight the many sites to visit throughout the county.
The program kicks off with the meal at 12:30 p.m. The 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.

To help determine the correct amount of meat to request, register by April 4 by calling (260) 468-2127, or visiting the interpretive center, 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, 46702.

The interpretive center and gift shop’s hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This barrier-free building features exhibits, floor-to-ceiling windows in the wildlife viewing area, and staff to answer questions. The 2010 annual passes and boat launch permits are now available for sale, as well as bird feed and suet cakes.

The center is in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area, Highway 105, in western Huntington County.

For more information on other UWIS programs, see www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

Tennis participation jumps 43 percent from 2000-09

One of fastest growing traditional sports

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Tennis continues to hit winning shots with the American public.
The latest data from the Physical Activity Council (PAC) shows participation in the sport grew by a huge 43 percent from 2000 through 2009, making tennis one of the fastest growing traditional participation sports in the United States for the past decade.
In PAC’s 2010 Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Participation Overview, tennis was one of only a few sports to show an increase in overall participation in the past nine years. Racquetball was up by two percent, according to the study, while most other traditional sports showed a decline in participation over that same period. The annual PAC study examines sports trends and participation for 117 sports.

The continued good news in tennis participation comes on the heels of an annual participation survey from the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) and U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) that shows overall tennis participation in the U.S. increased 12 percent in 2009 alone, bringing the total number of players in the country to 30.1 million. That’s the largest number of tennis players in the United States in 25 years.

“The PAC report, combined with the TIA/USTA participation study released at the end of 2009, is evidence that the hard work and dedication many throughout the industry have invested into growing our sport overall is paying off,” said Jon Muir, TIA president and worldwide general manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. “Ensuring that we continue to focus on improving our pathways into the sport for new players to develop into frequent players and consumers of tennis will further fuel our industry in the years ahead.”

“We are extremely pleased that tennis once again ranks as the fastest growing traditional sport in the United States,” said Lucy S. Garvin, Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA. “The fact that tennis has seen such healthy growth over the past decade is a testament to the entire tennis industry. With teamwork and innovative programs, we have brought our sport to more people in more ways, and we expect to sustain this growth over the next ten years.”

“The entire tennis industry is focused on engaging and retaining players of all ages and abilities, making tennis as accessible as possible at the grassroots level,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “With new equipment and teaching methods, the game is more fun and easier to learn then ever before. We are bringing tennis to where the players are and we now have more than 30 million Americans playing tennis.”

“We’re especially pleased that interest and participation in tennis has been able to withstand the challenges in this economy,” said Jolyn de Boer, executive director of the TIA, the tennis trade association that is the unifying force for companies, organizations and other groups within the industry. “This is also a credit to our joint effort with our partners, especially the USTA, in terms of launching programs designed to attract new players into the game, bring people back into tennis, and have current players playing more tennis, as well as the certified tennis teaching pros who deliver the programming.”

More and more consumers are realizing the health benefits that tennis provides, continued de Boer. “Cardio Tennis, which was first introduced just five years ago, increased 20 percent from 2008 and has now pushed past 1.177 million participating in tennis based cardio-vascular exercise.”

The USTA, TIA, and other industry partners have been united since 1995 in a joint effort to support “Grow the Game” activities to increase tennis participation on several levels. No other sport has focused so much attention on increasing participation numbers, especially among youth markets. Some of those recent initiatives include Tennis Welcome Centers, Cardio Tennis and QuickStart Tennis (for children 10 and under).

The Physical Activity Council is an unprecedented partnership in the sports industry composed of seven of the major governing bodies and trade associations, including the TIA and USTA. The goal of the partnership is to identify key trends in sports, fitness, and recreation participation in the U.S.

Overall results from PAC’s Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Participation Overview show just over 104 million Americans are frequently involved in a high- or medium-calorie burning activity. However, more than 92 million Americans are infrequent participants in some form of fitness, sports, or recreation. And nearly 65 million are not taking part in any form of exercise or activity at all.

The PAC study also shows a relationship between a physically active lifestyle and exposure to physical education classes in school. Children are more than three times likely to participate in team sports if they have PE classes in school than if they don’t have PE in school. Adults 21 and over are three times more likely to be super active as adults if they had PE in school.

“The purpose of this unique partnership is to create a single set of data that accurately measures national interest in fitness activities, competitive team sports, individual pursuits, and general recreation,” says PAC Chairman Tom Cove (president – Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association).

(Submitted Info)

Outdoor cooking class at Mississinewa Reservoir, April 17

Indiana DNR Release:

An outdoor cooking workshop will be offered at Mississinewa Reservoir by Upper Wabash Interpretive Services on Saturday, April 17, at 10 a.m.

The program includes hands-on instruction and tips by the Kokomo Kookers Dutch Oven cooking club. Participants will cook and eat their own lunch, and could win door prizes from Bozarth Country Store.

Program fee is $10 per person. Space is limited, and advance registration by calling (260) 468-2127 is required. After lunch, participants can swap recipes or make a charcoal starter to use on future meals.

“Participants will find it easy and fun to cook in a Dutch oven over the campfire,” said Teresa Rody, interpretive naturalist for the UWIS. “I’m sure that some will take the opportunity to camp the weekend and try their hand at a few more campfire meals.”

Mississinewa Reservoir’s DNR office is located in the Miami State Recreation Area west of U.S. 31 on 500S. It is 8 miles from Peru, and 30 miles from Logansport and Kokomo. From Wabash, take Highway 124 to Miami County Road 675 East for a 15-mile route to the program.

See www.in.gov/dnr/uwis/ or call (260) 468-2127 for more information about available programs.

Salamonie Reservoir birding event, April 24

Indiana DNR Release:

Upper Wabash Interpretive Services will hold its annual Bird Extravaganza on April 24, 8:15 a.m.–4 p.m., at Salamonie Reservoir’s Lost Bridge West.

This year’s lineup includes a walk through the woods in search of early spring migrants with renowned Indiana birdwatcher Jim Haw. Those interested should meet at the interpretive center at 8 a.m. and bring binoculars.

Non-hikers can enjoy observing as Indiana Dunes State Park interpretive naturalist Brad Bumgardner bands birds at the interpretive center beginning at 10 a.m. This is a wonderful way to learn more about birds, and why banding is an important tool that the DNR uses to monitor migration patterns and population trends. Bird banding will continue after the hike is completed.

Shirley Needham, a federal- and state-certified rehabilitator of birds of prey, will present the program Common Buteos of Indiana, during which she will discuss the likenesses and differences of red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks. She will also have two live birds on site for educational purposes.

Participants should bring binoculars, comfortable shoes, and a sack lunch. Cold cola and water will be available for purchase at the interpretive center. Door prizes, snacks, and a guided trip to a popular Salamonie bird-watching location are included.

Advance registration is requested but the $5 program fee may be paid the day of the program. Normal gate fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply in addition to the program fee. To register, or for more information, contact Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at (260) 468-2127.

The interpretive center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County. See www.in.gov/dnr/uwis for more information about available programs.

DNR to recognize historic preservation standouts

Indiana DNR Release:

Outstanding individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving cultural resources throughout Indiana will be presented with 2010 Indiana Historic Preservation Awards by the Department of Natural Resources at the statewide historic preservation conference in New Harmony, April 7-9.

The presentations will be made by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology at the conference, which is called “Preserving Historic Places.” Descriptions of the awards and their winners follow.

The 2010 Hoosier Preservationist Award, the highest honor given by the Indiana State Historic Preservation Office, goes to Stanley Madison. Started in 1999, this award recognizes local Hoosier advocates of historic preservation.

The legacy of Lyles Station, a small community west of Princeton, began when freed slaves from Tennessee migrated north and purchased land in rural Indiana. At its peak (1880-1913), Lyles Station had 800 residents and consisted of 55 homes, a post office, a railroad station, an elementary school, two churches, two general stores, and a lumber mill. The 1913 flood of the Patoka and Wabash rivers left much of the area underwater, beginning the area’s decline.

Today, few homes remain. Half of the residents are descendants of the original black settlers. Along with the scattered houses, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a grain elevator, and the schoolhouse are the only physical reminders of the settlement.
Madison chairs the Lyles Station Historic Preservation Corporation, which was established in June 1997. He has helped raise funds for the restoration of the Lyles Consolidated School. When students and visitors tour the facility they can better understand the history of the community.

The Award for Outstanding Restoration Effort goes to The Howard School Restoration Group, Inc. Built in 1881 and located in rural Fayette in Boone County, the brick one-room school, abandoned since 1916, was acquired by this group in 2004. Volunteers helped secure grants, hired an architect, and began work on the building. Many professionals donated their time, but the organization’s members did much of the rehabilitation work themselves.

The group capped its effort by successfully nominating the building to the National Register of Historic Places. Group president William Coan led the research, and the school was officially listed in September 2009.

The Award for Outstanding Grant-Funded Rehabilitation will be shared by two rehabilitation projects that were completed in 2009, and funded by Historic Preservation Fund grants. The recipients are Franklin Heritage Inc., for its rehabilitation and restoration of the Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, and to the Fort Vallonia Days Association for its rehabilitation of the Joe Jackson Hotel in Vallonia.

Ten years ago, Franklin’s vintage 1922 theatre was up for sale as first-run movies moved out of the downtown. In September 2001, Franklin Heritage Inc. started to help support the theatre, and purchased the building in 2004.

In 2008, FHI received a $50,000 rehabilitation grant for repair. The grant generated interest from the City of Franklin Redevelopment Commission, which awarded an additional $150,000, and attracted labor and material donations totaling $98,000 from Kawneer and Architectural Glass and Metal.

The Fort Vallonia Days Association bought the Joe Jackson Hotel in 1999. The two-story brick hotel was built in 1914. Although deteriorated, the hotel had not changed much in 85 years. Initially, the Association considered demolition, but member Sally Waldkoetter formed a committee to explore restoration options.

The hotel was listed in the National Register in June 2005, a year in which part of the roof collapsed. In 2006, the committee received a competitive Historic Preservation Fund grant award for $20,920 for masonry rehabilitation on the upper portions of the building and installation of a new roof structure. In 2008, Fort Vallonia Days received a second HPF grant for $50,000 for more extensive rehabilitation.

The Historic Rehabilitation Achievement Award recognizes the work of the American Life Insurance Company for restoration of the Gibson Company Building in downtown Indianapolis. The annual award recognizes one of more than 30 Certified Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit projects DHPA administers each year.

Constructed in 1917, the building was originally designed for the manufacture, sales and service of Wilys-Overland automobiles, which, at the time, was the second-largest car manufacturer in the United States next to Ford.

The building evokes the automobile businesses that dominated the city’s Capitol Avenue corridor during the first quarter of the 20th Century and is among the many terra-cotta faced buildings of the district and era.

The new Award for Outstanding Certified Historic Homeowner Rehabilitation
recognizes Brian and Emily Mack for their rehabilitation of the Carlos & Anne Recker House, in Irvington on Indianapolis’ east side.

Constructed in 1908, the house was built according to plans from the 1905 series of homes published in s The Craftsman magazine, through which construction plans were marketed by mail. This is the only Craftsman-style house in Indianapolis documented to actually have been designed by Gustav Stickley’s architectural staff, and one of only two in the state.

The exterior had been altered by application of aluminum siding. The Macks, who are the current owners, restored the original shingle-above-clapboard siding, and reconstructed carpentry details that had been altered by the aluminum installers.

From trash to treasure!

MIS employees upcycle for a cause

BROOKLYN, Mich. — One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. At least that’s what the employees of Michigan International Speedway say.

The staff of the track, in partnership with TerraCycle, have pledged to upcycle paper and plastic goods that would normally be thrown into the garbage.

In return, TerraCycle will pay MIS Cares, the track’s charity component, up to two cents for every piece collected so the wrappers can be turned into cool, every-day products such as pencil bags, laptop cases, flower pots and toys.

“We have pledged to do everything we can, not only as a business, but as individuals, to minimize our effects on the environment and set a positive example that ‘every little bit counts,’” speedway President Roger Curtis said.

So what can be upcycled? Drink pouches, potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, cookie wrappers, energy bar wrappers, pens, markers and highlighters — you name it. Just about anything can be upcycled by TerraCycle.

Sandy Moore, the speedway’s receptionist, is one of the active participants in the speedway’s program.

“It’s really easy to participate,” she said. “I really feel like I’m making a difference and keeping trash out of the landfill every time I drop in a gum wrapper or a cookie bag. It takes a little bit of guilt out of eating that junk food, too,” she added with a giggle.

Wrapper collection boxes are in the racetrack’s breakrooms. Collected wrappers will be sent to TerraCycle, who will make a donation back to MIS Cares.

TerraCycle collection boxes have also been placed in area Subway stores. All wrappers collected will benefit MIS Cares.

MIS Cares is the charitable component of Michigan International Speedway that raises money and distributes dollars through grants to non-profit groups in the region. Some organizations that have been or are being assisted by MIS Cares include Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee County, Hospice of Lenawee, Boy Scouts Great Sauk Trail Council, Allegiance Heart Center in Jackson, Mich., the Ryan Newman Foundation and The Conservation Fund through its charity, Racing for Wildlife.

MIS Cares has several fund-raising events planned for 2010 including “Fish Your Bass Off,” a bass-fishing tournament, Aug. 12 on Wampler’s Lake right down the road from MIS, and a NASCAR Day party at Jerry’s Pub on May 21. Watch for details on www.MISpeedway.com.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Woodward back in old form
After being plagued by injuries last year, Coastal Carolina third baseman Scott Woodward is back to normal.
He’s hitting the ball, driving in runs, stealing bases and taking “one for the team” every once and awhile — like he did his freshman season.
After Tuesday’s 7-1 win over The Citadel, Woodward was batting .265 through 21 games. He has 18 hits in 68 at bats, with 13 runs batted in, a double and two home runs.
The 2007 Norwell graduate has walked 13 times, been hit by pitch 11 times, and has stolen 16 of 17 bases.
In the Chanticleer’s win on Tuesday, Woodward led off the fifth inning with his second home run.
Coastal Carolina (18-3) is slated to open a three-game series Friday night against San Diego.

Anderson Speedway opener set
ANDERSON, Ind. — Anderson Speedway will open its 2010 season Saturday with the ThunderCar Enduro 200.
The Front Wheel Drives Oval, Legends and Pure Stocks also will be in action, starting at 7 p.m.
Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12. Children five and under get in free.
The Front Wheel Drive Oval division will be showcased in a 20-lap feature, while the Legends have a 25-lap main event and the brand new Pure Stock division will debut in a 20-lap race.
For additional information, go on line at www.andersonspeedway.com or contact Anderson Speedway at 765-642-0206.

Eldora black flags tune-n-test
ROSSBURG, Ohio — Due to bad weather, Eldora Speedway officials have canceled Saturday’s tune and test session.
The first green flag will fall over the one-half-mile clay oval on April 2-3 with the Coca Cola Spring Classic. On tap will be two full nights of racing action for the non-winged United States Auto Club (USAC) Sprint Cars, as they mark their 49th consecutive season of competition at Eldora. Each night will be a doubleheader of action with the (UMP) Modifieds on Friday night and the Stock Cars on Saturday night.
Complete event information may be found on the track Website at www.eldoraspeedway.com.

Indiana girls’ All-Star team filled
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Miss Basketball Courtney Moses of Oak Hill leads the Indiana Girls’ All-Star selections.
The Indianapolis Star announced the team in Friday’s editions.
Four selections played on state championship teams this season — Ben Davis’ Dee Dee Williams and Demetria Nunley-Lash, Austin’s Katy McIntosh and Fort Wayne Canterbury’s Tabitha Gerardot.
All-Star selections Andrea Newbauer of Fort Wayne Concordia and Bryonna Davis of Merrillville played on state runner-up teams.
Other players are Logansport’s Jasmine Penny, Decatur Central’s Anna Munn, Winchester’s Sarah Hamm, Mooresville’s Maegan Calloway, Elkhart Memorial’s Jada Buggs, Western Boone’s Brandy Woody and Evansville Harrison’s Khristian Hart.
The Indiana boys’ and girls’ All-Stars play Kentucky’s All-Star teams June 11 at Bellarmine University in Louisville, then at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis the following day.

College football player murdered
MIAMI (AP) — FIU running back Kendall Berry was stabbed to death in an incident on the school’s main Miami campus, immediately sending shock and grief across the university community and putting police on a search for multiple suspects.
Berry, 22, was stabbed around 9 p.m., said Miami-Dade police Det. Javier Baez. Police were interviewing “several people that observed the incident,” Baez said, though he could not confirm if any suspect was in custody.
Shortly after the university confirmed Berry’s death, FIU indefinitely postponed football coaching clinics scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Good news for Hoosier anglers: new lake depth maps now online

Indiana DNR Release:



Maps of selected Indiana lakes, which show their depths in greater detail than available previously, are available online at no charge, making a Web site visit a wise move before fishing or enjoying other water sports.

These maps are at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5759.htm

"To catch fish you first have to find fish," said Bill James, DNR's chief of fisheries. "These updated maps will help anglers find selected depths, drop-offs, bottom contours and other promising fishing spots. While this information can also be obtained from electronic depth finders, the maps provide a free, quick, lake-wide look at these important underwater features."

Knowing lake depths can also be helpful to property owners, boaters, swimmers and anyone else interested in knowing how the where the water is deep or shallow enough to enjoy their favorite activities as warmer weather approaches.

“These maps should help recreational boaters avoid hazards, but boaters should always be prepared for any water emergency by wearing a life jacket at all times while enjoying Indiana’s waterways,” said Lt. Mark Farmer, public information officer for the DNR Division of Law Enforcement.

Lake maps available include LaGrange County’s Atwood, Big Long, Cedar, Hackenberg, Little Turkey, Messick, Stone and Witmer; Noble County’s Cree, Jones, Latta, Steinbarger and Waldron;. Kosciusko County’s Hill, Little Pike, Pike and Silver; Steuben County’s Gage, Lime and Meserve; LaPorte County’s lakes Clear and Hudson; Marshall County’s Gilbert and Lake of the Woods; Monroe County’s Griffy; Porter County’s Loomis; and Elkhart County’s Simonton.

The depth maps were developed through the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Section, which completed vegetation and bathymetric (depth) surveys on the lakes starting in 2007.

The maps are copyrighted by DNR. Permission is granted for reprint with credit given to the DNR.

In making the maps, the LARE staff uses technology that wasn’t available in the 1950s, when many lakes were previously mapped, to determine depth and other parameters important to DNR biologists who work with and study the lakes. The speed use of this technology far exceeds that of the methods used to develop maps in the 1920s for some Indiana lakes on file in the Indiana State Library’s historical archives.

Ossian Conservation Club Events!!

Ossian Conservation Club Inc., a not for profit corporation, located at 9950 N. 100 E., Ossian, Indiana, has announced the following April 2010 events, for more information call 622-4712 or 622-6810 or go to their web site.

April 10th - Nelson’s Port-A-Pit Chicken, Pork Chops and Ribs at Villa North in Bluffton, 11:00 a.m. till gone. No pre-sold tickets, $5.50 for half a chicken, $5.50 for a pork chop, and $9.00 for a slab of ribs. For dessert try Our Old Style Sugar Corn made in a cast iron kettle, $2.00 and $4.00 a bag. Proceeds will to go to the new furnace and siding fund.

April 11th - Ouabache Archers at Ossian Conservation Club – second meet of the year.
Several new Rinehart 3-D Targets! 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

April 18th – Ossian Conservation Club Shotgun Shooter’s informal Shotgun Shoot – regular clays – middies – minnies and rabbit targets. 12:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. Bring the whole Family. Public is welcome.

April 24th and 25th - Ouabache Archers are having a “Traditional Archery Shoot” at the Ossian Conservation Club. Several new Rinehart 3-D Targets! 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

This year we will be selling raffle tickets on a chainsaw “Wood Carving” by Sid King. If you have seen different animals or eagles carved from logs or stumps around the county you’ve probably seen Sid’s work. Tickets will sell for $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00, and will be sold at all of the fund raisers and events this year and also from club members. For tickets or more information call, Dave Saalfrank at 622-7107 or Rose Barrick at 622-4733. The drawing will be at the October 1nd meeting at the Ossian Conservation Club.

Indiana State Park Spring Road rally, May 2-4

Indiana DNR Release:

Fort Harrison State Park Inn at Fort Harrison State Park

Ladies and gentlemen get ready to start your engines! State Park Road Rally time is May 2-4.

Participants will pilot their own vehicles, as their navigator steers them to area historic sites and treasures. Each day the teams will receive their “top-secret” route directions and their daily on-the-road scavenger hunt list. By searching for various items, teams will learn Indiana trivia and history, accumulating points. The three teams with the most points will be awarded prizes at the awards banquet on the last night.

Cost is $214 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes two nights of lodging, breakfasts and dinners, an award ceremony/dinner, two days of road rally events and nightly entertainment.

Reservations can be made only by calling 1.877.LODGES-1. Additional information and photos of past events can be found at IndianaInns.com

Wells County Boys' Basketball League

Congratulations to all the teams that competed in the Wells County Boys' Basketball League:



Thumbs Up Glove Factory
From left to right:
Front row, Aaron Sturgeon, Trae Jojola, Dakota Flowers, Dillion Heckman; Back row, Bray Wilson, Austin Stickney, Javon Morgan, coach Aaron Justice. Not pictured are Kaleb Johnson, Marcus Morgan, Jacob Swanson and coach Jim Wilson.


Peyton's Northern
From left to right:
Front row, Mike Elliott, Darren Gillum, Jacob Walters; Back row, Dan Geimer, Taylor Miller, Wyatt Maddox, Jay Brickley, coach Jay Brickley Sr. Not pictured are coach Daniel Williamson, Tom Elliott and Grant Harris.


Parlor City Trophies
From left to right:
Front row, Ellie Kitt; Second row, Ray Gobernatz, Ethan Kitt, Bailey Purdy; Back row, coach Joe Streveler, Josh Streveler, Grant Stoppenhagen, Mitchell Drew, coach Tyler Boots. Not pictured are Colten and Chance Anderson.


Bluffton Optimist Club
From left to right:
Front row, Noah Antrim, Miguel Arriaga, Hunter Vaughn, Tomas Arriaga, Hunter Greenway; Back row, Matt Burgan, Jeremy Johnson, Skylar Patterson, Blake Connelly, coach James Spera, Cole Smallman. Not pictured is Ethan Williams.


Farm Bureau Insurance
From left to right:
Front row, Jacob Mechling, Evan Huffman, Alex Hunter, John Mechling; Back row, coach Kevin Murray, Kohl Buskirk, Adam Nahrwold, Dakota Miller, Bryce Kipfer, coach Lex Hunter. Not pictured are Piercen Harnish and Adam Moyter.



Bluffton Regional Medical Center
From left to right:
Front row, Jerico Kobryn, Garrett Walborn, Trey Collins; Back row, coach Justin Coratti, Craig Lambert, Caleb Sheperd, JayR Kobryn. Not pictured are coach Tim Lambert, Desmond Carter, Bobby Lovis and Patrick Fugate.

Vietnam-era weapons demo, March 27, at Fort Harrison

Indiana DNR Release:

Fort Harrison State Park and the Museum of 20th Century Warfare will team up to host a demonstration of Vietnam-era military weapons on Saturday, March 27 at Building 704 near the Park Office from 2–3 p.m.

The program will feature some of the authentic weapons used by both the U.S. Army and the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. Visitors will watch vintage firearms operate as trained re-enactors fire blanks through each weapon.

Fort Harrison State Park was once Fort Benjamin Harrison, a U.S. Army Reservation during the Vietnam War. Soldiers were sent to the Fort for specialized training for a variety of schools that included nursing, communications, logistics and command. Thousands of soldiers were once stationed at the Fort during the Vietnam War.

The Museum of 20th Century Warfare is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the armed conflicts of the 20th century. The museum is also committed to honoring the veterans who served our country in the 20th century.

The re-enactors are civilians whose hobby is portraying soldiers. The re-enactors dress in authentic and/or reproduction uniforms that they have researched and acquired. They use actual Vietnam-era equipment and weapons to drill, exercise and simulate combat situations.

The weapons demonstration will be held outside rain or shine; attendees should dress for the weather. While there is no charge for the program, the normal weekend $5/in-state $7/out-of-state charge per vehicle applies. Fort Harrison State Park is on the corner of Post Rd. and 59th Street in Lawrence, on the northeast side of Indianapolis. For more information, please contact the park office at (317) 591-0904 or the park naturalist at (317) 591-0122, Wednesdays–Sundays, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Eldora Speedway ticket prices stay the same

ROSSBURG, Ohio — Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart has announced that despite ever-increasing costs general admission ticket pricing will hold firm.
General admission for United States Auto Club (USAC) Sprint racing is $18 and World of Outlaw Sprint admission is $25. In addition, the popular one-price, two-day ticket for the Dirt Late Model Dream and World 100 events will continue to be affordable.
Eldora Speedway will drop the green flag on its 2010 racing season April 2-3 with the non-winged USAC Sprint Cars. Two complete nights of racing will be on the card, with the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) Modifieds on Friday night and the stock cars on Saturday.
On April 17, the Sunoco-sponsored American Late Model Series will headline the card. General admission is $12.
A tripleheader, featuring non-winged sprints, UMP Modifieds and stock cars is scheduled for April 24. General admission is $15.
Opening the month of May will be the traditional spring invasion of the World of Outlaws on May 7-8.
The complete 2010 schedule is available at www.eldoraspeedway.com. Tickets for the major events are currently available through the website or by calling the speedway office at 937-338-3815 during normal business hours.

Season opener set for March 27

ANDERSON — The start of the 63rd season of racing action at Anderson Speedway will be delayed one more week. The rescheduled New Year’s Day Bash was slated to take place this Sunday, March 21 for the third time, however Mother Nature again appears to have different plans as the forecast is for rain and very blustery conditions.

“Sunday's event would have marked the third time the Speedway had attempted to schedule the event. With the opening of the regular season just one week away I felt the focus of the fans and competitors at this late date would be on the regular season" said Speedway President, Rick Dawson. "It is unfortunate as this is a fun event with a unique format, however most of the uniqueness is the time of year it normally takes place," continued Dawson. In the 14 years of Action Entertainment's ownership, this is only the second time the historic New Year's Day race has been cancelled. Unusually, bitter cold on Jan. 1 of this year along with rain on the rescheduled dates and deep snow in the pit and parking areas on a previous year's date lead to the two cancellations.

"It is ironic" claimed Dawson, "that had this weekend's forecast been on Jan. 1, we would have most probably held the event. It is normally a great midwinter racing fix for us and our fans. We look forward to the next New Year's Day Bash on Jan. 1."

The Speedway will not be silent over the weekend, however, as the first regularly scheduled open practice will take place on Saturday. Nearly every type of race car that will compete at the Speedway this season will be out dusting off the cob webs and making last minute adjustments in preparation for the season opener next Saturday, March 27. Practice will take place from noon until 4 p.m. this Saturday.

The Speedway's 2010 schedule is packed full of racing and non-racing action and entertainment beginning March 27 with a 200-lap Enduro race. Also on that day the Front Wheel Drive Oval division, the new Pure Stock Division and Legends will be competing.

Tickets are now on sale for the 62nd Pay Less Little 500 and Red Bud 300 events at the Speedway.

"We are anxious to start this exciting season and look forward to seeing our old friends and new friends at the track. We feel we have something for the entire family on the schedule this year," continued Dawson. "Although she has not had the best start, I am sure Mother Nature will cooperate with us this year."

For additional information on Anderson Speedway, visit www.andersonspeedway.com or contact Anderson Speedway at 765-642-0206.

New funding pushes Wabashiki project closer to completion

Indiana DNR Release:

The proposed 6,000-acre Wabashiki River Fish and Wildlife Area near Terre Haute moved a giant step closer to fruition with the March 10 announcement that the national Migratory Bird Conservation Commission has approved $1 million in federal funds toward the project.

The funding for Indiana, part of The Prairie Lakes Wetland Initiative, is half of the grant money approval that Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced. The money awarded is aimed at protecting and restoring 7,107 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat in Indiana and Iowa under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

Indiana’s $1 million share in the federal funds and an additional $2,353,417 in partner contributions will support the Indiana project.

“This is a tremendous boost for recreational opportunities and the quality of life in Terre Haute and west central Indiana, said Robert E. Carter Jr., director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “It’s a really unique project and goes a long way toward the goal of protecting 16 river miles of wildlife habitat right next door to one of Indiana’s larger cities.”

The grants were awarded to Ducks Unlimited under NAWCA’s U.S. Standard Grants and Mexico Grants Programs administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a Department of the Interior agency. The grants are funded by annual Congressional appropriations; fines, penalties and forfeitures levied under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; interest accrued on funds under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act; and excise taxes paid on small engine fuels through the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the IDNR and our other conservation partners, Ducks Unlimited is proud to secure this NAWCA grant on their behalf,” said Michael Sertle, Ducks Unlimited regional biologist, “and, we look forward to our continued partnership in the future creation of the new Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area.”

Wabashiki is the Miami Indian name for Indiana’s longest river, the Wabash.

Passed in 1989, NAWCA provides matching grants to organizations and individuals who have developed partnerships to carry out wetlands conservation projects in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Act was passed in part to support activities associated with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an international agreement providing a strategy for the long-term protection of wetlands and associated upland habitats vital to waterfowl and other migratory birds in North America.

Sports in Brief

Chiefs beef up by signing Lilja
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent left guard Ryan Lilja in another step toward beefing up their offensive line.
The deal was announced Tuesday. Terms were not released.
Lilja played in 66 games with the Indianapolis Colts, who claimed him off waivers from Kansas City in 2004. He started eight playoff games with the Colts, including two Super Bowls.
Lilja initially joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2004 after finishing his college career at Kansas State, where he was a second-team All-Big 12 selection his senior year.
The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Kansas City native is considered a solid performer when healthy, though he missed part of 2006 and all of 2008 with knee injuries.

Dungy speaks to inmates
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Tony Dungy has taken his message of hope to more than 1,700 inmates at a South Carolina prison complex.
Dungy told minimum security inmates at the Broad River Correctional complex in Columbia on Tuesday that no matter their mistakes, they can choose the right direction and gain redemption.
The Super Bowl winning coach gave up a successful career in the NFL to focus on his family and spend more time ministering to those in prison.
Dungy also was scheduled to speak at Columbia International University and to the South Carolina football team.
Dungy says he’s probably done coaching in the NFL, and has enjoyed his time helping those behind bars. He’s also advised Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick.

Mackey wins 4th straight Iditarod
NOME, Alaska (AP) — Lance Mackey won the 1,100-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to become the first musher in the event’s 38-year history to win four consecutive races.
Fans bundled up against subzero temperatures cheered the 39-year-old throat cancer survivor as his team coasted up the main street of this old Gold Rush town. For winning, Mackey gets a new Dodge truck and $50,400. He finished the race in eight days, 23 hours and 59 minutes — the second-fastest finish in race history.

Wild Turkey Contest

Wild Turkey Contest
$10 entry fee per turkey, multiple entries accepted.

Official rules:
*Must be signed up and paid at least 72 hours prior to checking in your bird.
* Any bird taken in 2010 from any state is eligible.
* Contest ends Junes 1, 2010 at close of business.
* Prize awarded to the turkey with the highest score, of longest beard and both spur lengths combined.
*Longest beard and both feet must be brought into the Sportsman's Lodge for measurement of Lodge Staff.

Winner will receive half of all entry fees collected.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Watson, Stout lead Raider wrestlers
Clay Watson and Jacob Stout led the Southern Wells Junior High School wrestling team Saturday, capturing individual championships at the Allen County Athletic Conference middle school tournament at Adams Central.
Watson was 3-0 in the 130-pound division and Stout 3-0 in the 160-pound weight class.
T.C. Perry placed second (2-1) at 85 pounds and Daniel Beeks was second (2-1) at 115. Seth Trissell was second (2-1) at 122. Brandt Couch was fourth (1-2) at 75 and Jacey Dunnuck was fourth (1-2) at 100.
Southern Wells was fourth in the team scoring with 22 points. South Adams was the team champion with 63. Leo was second with 48 points and Adams Central third with 35. Garrett was fifth with 20, followed by Heritage with 18 and Woodlan 16. Bluffton did not record any points.

Bluffton awards program Tuesday
The Bluffton High School winter athletic awards program will be held Tuesday, March 16, in the cafetorium at 7:30 p.m. All athletes that participated in a winter sport are expected to be present and dressed in professional manner. Fans, family and friends of the student athletes are encouraged to attend.

Tiger letter jackets may be ordered
Bluffton High School letter jackets and patches may be ordered during homeroom on Wednesday, March 17. A sales representative will be available for fittings. Any athlete majoring in a sport may order a jacket with a down payment of $50.

Racing expo set for Saturday
AUBURN — The 2010 Racing Expo will be held on Saturday, March 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Kruse National Military History Center, located off Interstate 69, exit 126, at 5634 C.R. 11A.
There will be displays of race cars, including late models, modifieds, sprints, midgets, go-karts, dwarf cars and others.
A round table discussion with past and present drivers will be held. Representatives from area racing venues, including Angola, Baer Field, Eldora, Gas City, New Paris, Plymouth and Butler, will be available.
The expo is open to the public with no admission charge. For information, call Keven Allgire at 260-316-0966 or Paul Ladd at 260-438-8134.

Southern Wells Raiders at Regional

Southerns Wells Raiders fell to Convington on Saturday at the Regional competition in overtime, 77-71. It was a hard fought game, however. The Southern Wells boys played their hearts out.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Norwell’s Jenelle Wilson
invited to Top 60 Workout
Jenelle Wilson, a Norwell senior, has been named to the Hoosier Basketball Magazine’s Top 60 list of girls’ basketball players, and invited to the Top 60 Workout on Sunday, March 14, at Marian University in Indianapolis.
The Top 60 Workout will help members of the Indiana All-Star committee determine the roster for the 2010 Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Games.
Twenty-eight girls, primarily from northern and southern Indiana, will participate in the first session from 1-3 p.m. The remaining 32 girls, primarily from central Indiana, will compete during the second session from 3:30-5:30.
Four-time state champion coach Rick Risinger of Heritage Christian will direct both sessions. Three other outstanding Indiana girls’ high school coaches have been invited to join him. They are Beth DeVinney of Seymour, Amy Govert of Merrillville and Jason Snyder of Kokomo.
Both sessions are open to the public for an admission fee of $6.

Drew Imel helps lead IPFW golfers
At Jacksonville, Fla., IPFW freshman Drew Imel helped the Mastodons’ men’s golf team finish 11th in the Don Benbow Invitational, hosted by Butler University.
The Mastodons fired a two-day total of 615. On Monday, IPFW fired a 311 and improved on Tuesday with a 304.
Imel, a 2009 Norwell graduate, and teammate Ryan Olbin tied for 30th place, individually, with totals of 151. Imel shot a 76 in round one, followed by a 75 in round two. Olbin put together rounds of 78 and a team-best 73 on Tuesday.

Two Crusaders take NHMLC titles
Joe Becker and Tony West captured Northeast Hoosier Middle Level Conference individual wrestling championships to lead the Norwell Crusaders’ wrestling team, which placed 8th in the tournament Thursday night at Summit Middle School.
Becker won the 85-pound division. West pinned all three of his opponents in winning the 230-pound weight class.
Hunter Dillon (80) finished third place. Fourth place finishers for Norwell included Cody More (100), Cam Kohler (165) and Chase Nash (260). Fifth place wrestlers were Justin Miskin (105), Bailey Perkins (110) and Cody Felger (200). Nick Gordon (75) took sixth place.
Indian Springs won the team championship, outscoring Bellmont 339-313.5. Maple Creek was third followed by Carroll, DeKalb, New Haven, Summit, Norwell and Woodside.

Raiders split wrestling dual meet
The Southern Wells Junior High School wrestling team split a dual wrestling meet Thursday night. The Raiders defeated Hartford City 52-18 and lost 38-22 to South Adams.
South Adams 38
Southern Wells 22
80: M. Nussbaum (SA) pin B. Couch (SW) :58
85: R. Ford (SA) m. dec T.C. Perry (SW) 14-1
95: G. Conner (SA) pin C. Owens (SW) 1:54
100: Marbach (SA) pin D. Rockwell (SW) :44
105: C. Rhoaes (SA) pin A. Osborne (SW) 1:42
110: D. Wanner (SA) m. dec. B. Bonewit (SW) 8-0
115: Q. Bailey (SA) pin D. Beeks (SW) :43
122: S. Trissell (SW) m. dec. Pimerall (SA) 10-2
130: C. Watson (SW) pin A. Graubu (SA) 1:45
138: B. Rhienhart (SW) pin B. Huff (SA) 2:36
160: J. Stout (SW) pin B. Twitty (SA) 2:36

Exhibition
105: Garreston (SA) dec. J. Dunnuck (SW) 12-9
110: Selhorse (SA) dec. B. Bonewit (SW) 8-2
115: Q. Bailey (SA) pin B. Woodward (SW) 1:31
122: E. Smith (SW) pin B. Huff (SA) 1:21
145: C. Watson (SW) m. dec Henshaw (SA) 14-3
170: K.Kilsby (SA) pin J. Stout (SW) :47

Southern Wells 52
Hartford City 18
85: T.C. Perry (SW) pin B. Schwartz (HC) :45
95: C. Owens (SW) pin B. Barkdull (HC) 1:35
100: D. Rockwell (SW) pin S. Wilburn (HC) :10
105: A.Osborne (SW) pin D. Greene (HC) :50
105: J. Dunnuck (SW) pin J. Glidden (HC) 1:45
110: G. Dyer (HC) pin B. Bonewit (SW) 1:58
115: K. Holesten (HC) m. dec D. Beeks (SW)
115: B. Woodward (SW) m. dec C. Mahan (HC) 10-0
125: S. Trissell (SW) pin L. Christman (HC) :17
125: B. Rheinhart (SW) pin T. Mack (HC) :26
125: R. Wilbun (HC) t.fall E. Smith (SW) 17-2
135: C. Watson (SW) pin S. Reason (HC) :54
160: D. Dubious (HC) dec. J. Stout (SW) 4-2

Exhibition
85: B. Schwartz (HC) dec. B.Couch (SW) 8-6
145: C. Watson (SW) pin A. Wilson (HC) :08

High School Sports Calendar

Saturday, March 13
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class A Regional at Frankfort, Game One - Covington vs. Southern Wells, 10 a.m., Game Two - Monroe Central vs. Lafayette Central Catholic, noon; Championship, 8 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Regional tickets on sale
Southern Wells High School is selling all-session boys’ basketball regional tickets for $9 (first-round games and championship game). Single-session ticket price is $6 at the door.
Tickets may be still be purchased Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Raiders will play Covington at 10 a.m. at Frankfort High School.
Directions to Frankfort High School’s Everett Case Arena are as follows: Take I-69 south to Indiana 28, go west for a long distance, Indiana 28 intersects with Indiana 29, turn right, go north and turn left (west) where Indiana 28 also joins with U.S. 421, Indiana 28 goes right past the south side of the school.

Bluffton boosters selling mulch
The Bluffton Athletic Boosters are selling mulch. For more details, call Cheri Zeiss 824-0564, Kent Park 565-3683 or Dan Geimer 824-8543.
• Ohio brand premium mulch
• Two cubic foot bag of cypress mulch - $3.75 per bag
• Two cubic foot bag of hardwood mulch - $3.50 per bag
Orders must be prepaid and received by March 15. Free delivery with orders of 10 bags or more (within 10 mile radius of BHS). Only $10 delivery charge with orders less than 10 bags (within 10 mile radius of BHS). No delivery charge if picked up on April 10 at Bluffton Middle School.
Submit order along with payment to a Bluffton athlete or mail to BHS Athletic Boosters, P.O. Box 185, Bluffton, IN 46714.

Register for Norwell baseball camp
The Norwell Baseball Camp for boys in grades 2-5 is scheduled for March 24-26 from 10-11:45 a.m. in the auxiliary gym. Cost is $30, which includes a T-shirt and prizes. There is a $5 discount for families with more than one child attending. Registration forms are available at the high school and should be returned by March 19 to allow for ordering T-shirts. Late registration is possible, but T-shirts may not be available until after spring break. For more information, contact Kelby Weybright at (260) 543-2213, ext. 7124, or 260-273-9326, or e-mail at Kelby.Weybright@nwcs.k12.in.us

Murray's Medal
Alex and Kyle Murray, 11-year-old sons of Jaine Murray and the late Lincoln Murray of Bluffton, earned medals in boxing competition last weekend at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. Alex was a silver medalist and Kyle a bronze medalist.

Outdoor cooking class at Mississinewa, April 17

Indiana DNR Release:

For many campers, outdoor cooking is an essential element of the experience. Those who want to improve their skills at doing so will have that opportunity at Mississinewa Reservoir’s outdoor cooking workshop, April 17.

Participants will take part in hands-on instruction, while receiving tips from the Kokomo Kookers Dutch Oven Cooking Club. To add incentive for doing well, participants are responsible for cooking their own lunch. Door prizes from Bozarth Country Store will be given away. After lunch, participants may swap recipes or make a charcoal starter to use on future meals.

The program begins at 10 a.m. and costs $10 per person. Space is limited. Register by calling (260) 468-2127.

Park entrance fees of $4 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Salamonie Children’s Day Camps, March 23–25 & April 7-9

Indiana DNR Release:

Children ages 7 to 11 are invited to Salamonie Reservoir’s “Treemendous Trees” day camps for a fun and exciting three days, March 23 – 25, or April 7 - 9. Each day provides a variety of activities from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Both camps programs are identical to serve more children.

Participants will study trees from crown to roots. They’ll learn about controlled burns, identify trees, meet a DNR forester and learn about his or her work, come face to face with animals that live in trees, and more. Activities are both indoors and outdoors, so dress for the weather.

All activities are guided by DNR interpretive naturalists trained to provide a safe and fun environment. A small snack will be provided, but children need to bring a sack lunch with a drink each day.

Space is limited. Register by calling (260) 468-2127. The camp costs $45 per child, with $10 due at registration. Parents must fill out health/participation forms before their child may begin activities on the first day.

Gate fees are waived for participants.

Canada goose control seminar in Crown Point, March 24

Indiana DNR Release:

Area residents can learn how to legally and effectively control local Canada goose populations at a seminar in Crown Point at the Purdue Extension-Lake County, 880 East 99th Ct., Suite A, presented by the Department of Natural Resources' Urban Wildlife Project.

The free program, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon, is the final of six being presented at different locations around the state in March. Interested landowners, managers of corporate campuses, golf courses or park employees, as well any other interested individuals are invited. No advance registration is required.

The seminar will cover various aspects of Canada goose management, including relevant laws, basic biology, and methods to control goose damage. A demonstration on the proper techniques for egg and nest destruction will follow. Adhering to proper techniques is vital—if eggs are broken or completely removed from nests, the females will just lay another clutch of eggs.

The population of Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway exceeds 1.5 million birds. Destroying eggs and nests in urban areas is helpful in controlling these numbers in areas where hunting cannot, which can reduce conflicts between people and Canada geese.

Federal rules allow landowners properly registered here to complete Canada goose egg and nest destruction on their own property. Registrants must provide a summary report of their Canada goose nest destruction activities to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by Oct. 31. Failure to report can result in privileges being revoked for the forthcoming year.

For further information, call the Urban Wildlife Biologist, (812) 334-1137 or e-mail swinks@dnr.IN.gov.

2009 Record Fish and Fish-of-the-Year honorees

Indiana DNR Release:

Only one state-record sized fish was caught in Indiana in 2009. Paul Huber of Seymour caught a 32.25-inch bowfin that weighed 16.52 lbs. in Mutton Creek in Jackson County. The previous state record bowfin was caught in 1988 and weighed 16.0 lbs.

There were 54 entries for 2009 Fish-of-the-Year, of which 27 were accepted. The smallest was a 12-inch bluegill caught by Abby Byrer of Warsaw in Crystal Lake, and the largest was a 50-inch muskie caught by Edwin Van Cleave of Chicago in Big Barbee Lake.

Bill Hudock of Michigan City and Joe Tackett of Claypool tied for the walleye Fish-of-the-Year, each catching walleyes measuring 31 inches. Also, Chris Terry of Noblesville caught a 22.75-inch smallmouth bass while fishing a retention pond in Hamilton County. River fishing accounted for eight of the 27 entries; six came from Lake Michigan, eight from other lakes, and five from private ponds.

To find out more information about the state record fish or Fish-of-the-Year programs, click here.

To find out where to fish, visit our website and click on the interactive “Where to Fish Finder” link.

To buy an Indiana fishing license online, click here.

High School Sports Calendar

Saturday, March 13
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class A Regional at Frankfort, Game One - Covington vs. Southern Wells, 10 a.m., Game Two - Monroe Central vs. Lafayette Central Catholic, noon; Championship, 8 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Watson leads Raiders, Crusaders 5th
Clay Watson and Seth Trissell led the Southern Wells Jr. High School wrestling team Saturday in the Adams Central Invitational tournament at Monroe.
The Norwell Crusaders finished fifth in the team standings behind Blackhawk Christian, South Adams, Bellmont and Adams Central.
Watson won all four of his matches — two by pins — to take first place in the 130-pound weight class.
Trissell finished 3-1 to place third in the 122-pound class.
Norwell had three in the finals with Hunter Dillon (80), Justin Miskin (105) and Cody Felger (185) finishing second. Third-place winners were Aaron Harris (170) and Tony West (215).
Alex Dill (85) and Cam Kohler (170) rounded out the scoring for Norwell.
Brandt Couch (75), T.C. Perry (85), Chet Owens (100), Jacey Dunnuck (105), Austin Osborne (105), Bryce Bonewit (110), Daniel Beeks (115) and Blade Reinhard (130) were all 1-1 for the Raiders.

New Haven downs Crusader wrestlers
The Norwell Crusaders lost their final dual wrestling meet Thursday night to New Haven 50-24. Winning for Norwell with pins were Hunter Dillon in 1:32, Evan Roebuck in 33 seconds and Chase Nash in 46 seconds. Joe Becker and Cody Felger also were victorious with decisions. Junior varsity winners for Norwell were Dalton Ziko, Justin Miskin and Bailey Perkins.

State forests open-house dates set, more to come

Indiana DNR Release:

People interested in how Indiana’s State Forests are run can share their views at a series of open houses starting next month.

Open houses will be held at the following State Forests: Jackson-Washington (three dates, starting April 2), Greene-Sullivan (April 8 only), Ferdinand (April 21 only) and Clark (May 15 only). The Starve Hollow property office will be open and its staff available for input every weekend, May through September.

At each event, the DNR Division of Forestry will provide information about recreational activities, budget, staffing, major projects, the 2008-13 Division of Forestry Strategic Plan, invasive species and forest resource management. Attendees can talk directly with DNR personnel or, if they prefer, submit written comments.

“These open houses provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive firsthand information about how the State Forests are working to provide diverse wildlife habitat, forest products and recreational opportunities,” said State Forester John Seifert. “They also allow us to receive valuable feedback from our neighbors and users about state forest management. I encourage everyone who has an interest to participate.”

Those who cannot attend an open house can review and comment online. All tract management guides are posted at www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3635.htm. Click on the link to “Indiana State Forests," then “Public Comment.”

Events and open houses include (all times are Eastern):

- Jackson-Washington SF, April 2; July 2 and Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the property office, 2.5 miles southeast of Brownstown on Indiana 250, (812) 358-2160. Visitors can view remodeling underway at the Civilian Conservation Corps-vintage office building.

- Greene-Sullivan SF, April 8, 3-7 p.m., 1.5 miles south of Dugger, on Indiana 159, (812) 648-2810.

- Ferdinand SF, April 21, 3-7 p.m., on Indiana 264, approximately 4 miles northeast of Ferdinand, (812) 367-1524.

- Yellowwood SF, May 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tulip Trace Girl Scout Camp, south of Hwy 46. Turn at T.C. Steele State Historic Site sign and follow signs, (812) 988-7945. Staff from Morgan-Monroe SF also will be present. Visitors can tour the camp and provide comments on the development and use of the property.

- Clark SF, May 15, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Office is 1 mile north of Henryville on Indiana 31, (812) 294-4306. Staff from Deam Lake State Recreation Area and also will be present.

- Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, nature center, weekends May through September, County Road 275 W, east of Indiana 135, approximately 6 miles south of Brownstown, (812) 358-3464.

Other open houses will be announced later. Property staffs are also available during normal business hours. Go to dnr.IN.gov/forestry/ (http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3631.htm) for contact information or to schedule a visit.

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational and cultural resources on Indiana’s public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.

Rec Guides available; parks launch national initiative

Indiana DNR Release:

Your free guide to Indiana's best values in outdoor recreation is available now, all across the state.

You can find the Department of Natural Resources 2010 Indiana Recreation Guide at various retail outlets and, of course, at state parks, reservoirs and other DNR properties, and at dnr.IN.gov.

Release of the guide coincides with the launch of a nationwide effort to promote state parks. Featured in a Wall Street Journal article on Feb. 16, America’s State Parks alliance (americasstateparks.com), seeks to mobilize and educate both the public and policy makers on the positive impact state parks have on public health and local economies. The effort was created by the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD, naspd.org). America’s State Parks will work collaboratively with each state to share resources, best practices and engage in national partnerships with corporations for stewardship programs.

According to the NASPD, more than 725 million state park visits last year provided a collective $20 billion economic impact to communities surrounding 6,000 state park units nationwide.

Dan Bortner, director of the Indiana DNR's Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, and an NASPD member, said the new collaborative effort can only bolster the already healthy heritage of Indiana’s 24 state parks.

“One of our goals over the years has been to provide an Indiana state park within an hour of every Indiana resident, with the opening of Prophetstown in 2004, we achieved that goal,” Bortner said. “Hoosiers love our state parks and our nine reservoirs, too, and they support them by volunteering, joining us for events, and using our facilities year round for family gatherings, all kinds of outdoor recreation, exercise and relaxation.”

Use of Indiana's state parks has boomed over the last few years. Gate revenue increased 8 percent from 2008 to 2009. Total campground use increased 10.4 percent, and total operating receipts increased almost 7 percent during the same period.

Annual park passes can be purchased in person at the gatehouse or offices of state park and reservoir properties during business hours, at the Indiana Government Center South in Indianapolis, or at innsgifts.com. Indiana resident passes are $36 or $18 for individuals 65 years old or older. Annual passes for vehicles with out-of-state license plates are $46. Normal daily gate fees for residents at most properties are $4 per vehicle on weekdays, $5 per vehicle on weekends or holidays. Prices for the passes and for the daily entry fees have remained the same since 2006. For more information on Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs, see stateparks.IN.gov.

Knights bust Peru

The Norwell Knights defeated No. 2 ranked Peru on Friday, but lost to No. 9 Elmhurst on Saturday. Still, the Knights did a fantastic job this season and we are proud of them!

Southern Wells Triumphs over Daleville

Southern Wells Raiders defeated Daleville Friday night in the semi-final sectional game. Then they moved to defeat Liberty Christian Saturday night in the Sectional Championship.

Way to go Raiders!

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, March 5
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Peru vs. Norwell, 6 p.m., FW Elmhurst vs. FW Wayne, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Adams Central vs. South Adams, 6 p.m., FW Bishop Luers vs. Bluffton, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Liberty Christian vs. Lakeview Christian, 6 p.m., Southern Wells vs. Daleville winner, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 6
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Championship, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Championship, 7 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Championship, 7:30 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Parking directions
for Bluffton sectional
Parking for the Bluffton boys’ basketball sectional semifinals on Friday will be available at the high school and middle school parking lots.
Fans are asked to park in the lots and there will be no parking along the driveway around the high school. Once the high school parking lots are full, fans will be directed to the middle school parking lot. Fans may walk to the high school along the connecting sidewalk or ride on the provided shuttle service.
Fans may enter the high school through Doors 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
Bluffton students are asking that all Bluffton fans wear red to the boys’ game against Bishop Luers Friday night.

Coliseum management warns about traffic, parking congestion
for girls’ state finals
FORT WAYNE — The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum would like to issue the following traffic and parking advisory for the IHSAA Girls’ Basketball State Finals and other events in the building on Saturday, March 6:
• Due to large crowds expected for the IHSAA Girls’ Basketball State Finals, as well as other events in the Expo Center, traffic congestion on Coliseum Boulevard and Parnell Avenue is possible.
• Doors will open for the morning session at 9:30 a.m. and for the afternoon session at 5 p.m. All seating is reserved. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, so traffic congestion may be eased.
• Guests are encouraged to carpool with friends and family, if at all possible.
• Residents of the area, not attending the games or other events, are encouraged to seek alternate travel routes Saturday, to avoid the congestion.
For information about the events this weekend, visit www.memorialcoliseum.com.

Baseball sign ups slated at Ossian
Northern Wells Minor League and Wells County Junior League baseball sign ups are being taken at the Ossian Town Hall, as follows: Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, March 11, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages 4-12 and under. Cost is $55 for T-Ball, Coaches Pitch and Lower Minor and $60 for Junior League 10-and under and 12-and under. Birth certificates are needed.
Junior League tryouts are at the Norwell auxiliary gym on March 6 from 2-4 p.m. and March 12 from 5-7 p.m.

Summer youth activities planned
Registration for summer T-Ball, Farm, Junior and Baseball Leagues will be held at the City Hall building on the following dates and times:
Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. - noon
Thursday, March 11 6 - 8 p.m.
Sandy Koufax Baseball (13-14 years old) and girls’ softball also will be accepting registrations on March 6. The Wells Community Swim Team also will be available for information on its program.
Sandy Koufax will continue to accept registrations at the Parks Dept. office until April 2. Girls’ softball will be sending registration forms home with students through area schools.
Tryouts for Farm and Junior League Baseball will be at the Bluffton Middle School on Saturday, March 13. Junior League will be from 9-10:30 a.m. and Farm League from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Age is determined by what the participant is on May 1. T-Ball is for 5 years (parent must help coach) – 8 years, Farm League is 8 years (may or may not be placed on a team, but still eligible for T-Ball) – 10 years of age. Junior League is for 10 years (may or may not be placed on a team, but still eligible for Farm League) – 12 years of age. Sandy Koufax is for youth 13-14 year olds. Girls’ softball is for grades 2-12.
For more information please call the park office at 824-6069 or e-mail us at: parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

Register for Pee Wee Soccer
The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Dept. will be registering girls and boys currently in grades K-3 for its Pee Wee Soccer League at the City Hall Building on Saturday, March 6 from 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $15 per child and includes a T-shirt. The league will be held on six Saturdays, April 3-May 8 at the Bluffton City Gym.
There are some changes to the program this year. The games will be in the afternoons (starting at 1 p.m.) so not to conflict with the Upwards program and the participants will be assigned a time instead of a team. They will come the same time each week and will run through drills (by paid staff) for the first part of the time, then divided into two teams to scrimmage. They will be with the same group of children each week, but will be divided differently each week for the scrimmage. They will still be divided into grade categories of K-1 and 2-3. If you have further questions, call or e-mail the office at 824-6069 or parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

BHS Needs You!

Red Out at the Bluffton vs Bishop Luers Sectional Game

BHS students are asking that all Bluffton fans wear red to the boys varsity basketball vs Luers, Friday night. The sectional night begins with the South Adams vs Adams Central game at 6:00 p.m. The Bluffton vs Luers game will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. Ticket doors open at 5:00 p.m. Come and support the Tigers and wear red!

NHS Needs You

We Need YOU!!!
Friday night at 6:00 we play Peru (rank #2 in the state) in the semifinals
of our sectional. We know Peru will bring a large crowd. We need
all our Norwell fans to rally around us and cheer us on. And we are
encouraging our fans to wear white as part of our “WHITEOUT NIGHT.”
We are 10-1 in our last 11 games. We currently have a 6 game win
streak which includes a huge win over Homestead to grab a piece of the
NHC Championship.
Friday night at the “Castle” will be Hoosier Hysteria at its best!

Register now to "Become an Outdoors Woman"

Indiana DNR Release:

Women who already love outdoor sports, would like to try them, or improve their ability to do them under expert supervision and instruction can do so at the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop, April 30-May 2, at Ross Camp in West Lafayette.

The 15th annual workshop is limited to the first 100 women, 18 years old or older, who register at www.indianabow.com/

The program is designed for women to learn outdoor skills in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. Activities range from shooting clay targets, paddling a canoe, catching a trophy bass, becoming a campfire gourmet cook, making a fur hat, and spotting rare wild birds, to learning to track deer.

Participants design their own outdoor experience to match their interests. The workshop is for women who have never tried these activities, but have hoped for an opportunity to learn; who have tried them but are beginners hoping to improve; or know how to do some of the activities, but would like to try new ones.

Women who enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals and who you seek time away to reconnect with nature are also prime candidates for BOW.

For more information, see http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/5810.htm

Parking directions for Friday’s Bluffton sectional

Parking for the Bluffton boys’ basketball sectional semifinals on Friday will be available at the high school and middle school parking lots.
Fans are asked to park in the lots and there will be no parking along the driveway around the high school. Once the high school parking lots are full, fans will be directed to the middle school parking lot. Fans may walk to the high school along the connecting sidewalk or ride on the provided shuttle service.
Fans may enter the high school through Doors 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, March 5
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Peru vs. Norwell, 6 p.m., FW Elmhurst vs. FW Wayne, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Adams Central vs. South Adams, 6 p.m., FW Bishop Luers vs. Bluffton, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Liberty Christian vs. Lakeview Christian, 6 p.m., Southern Wells vs. Daleville winner, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 6
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Championship, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Championship, 7 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Championship, 7:30 p.m.

High School Sports Calendar

Wednesday, March 3
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Cowan vs. Southern Wells, 6 p.m., Wes-Del vs. Daleville, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 5
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Peru vs. Norwell, 6 p.m., FW Elmhurst vs. FW Wayne, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Adams Central vs. South Adams, 6 p.m., FW Bishop Luers vs. Bluffton, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Liberty Christian vs. Lakeview Christian, 6 p.m., Cowan-Southern Wells winner vs. Wes-Del vs. Daleville winner, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 6
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Championship, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Championship, 7 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Championship, 7:30 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Baseball sign ups slated at Ossian
Northern Wells Minor League and Wells County Junior League baseball sign ups are being taken at the Ossian Town Hall, as follows: Thursday, March 4, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, March 11, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages 4-12 and under. Cost is $55 for T-Ball, Coaches Pitch and Lower Minor and $60 for Junior League 10-and under and 12-and under. Birth certificates are needed.
Junior League tryouts are at the Norwell auxiliary gym on March 6 from 2-4 p.m. and March 12 from 5-7 p.m.

Summer youth activities planned
Registration for summer T-Ball, Farm, Junior and Baseball Leagues will be held at the City Hall building on the following dates and times:
Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. - noon
Thursday, March 11 6 - 8 p.m.
Sandy Koufax Baseball (13-14 years old) and girls’ softball also will be accepting registrations on March 6. The Wells Community Swim Team also will be available for information on its program.
Sandy Koufax will continue to accept registrations at the Parks Dept. office until April 2. Girls’ softball will be sending registration forms home with students through area schools.
Tryouts for Farm and Junior League Baseball will be at the Bluffton Middle School on Saturday, March 13. Junior League will be from 9-10:30 a.m. and Farm League from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Age is determined by what the participant is on May 1. T-Ball is for 5 years (parent must help coach) – 8 years, Farm League is 8 years (may or may not be placed on a team, but still eligible for T-Ball) – 10 years of age. Junior League is for 10 years (may or may not be placed on a team, but still eligible for Farm League) – 12 years of age. Sandy Koufax is for youth 13-14 year olds. Girls’ softball is for grades 2-12.
For more information please call the park office at 824-6069 or e-mail us at: parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

Register for Pee Wee Soccer
The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Dept. will be registering girls and boys currently in grades K-3 for its Pee Wee Soccer League at the City Hall Building on Saturday, March 6 from 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $15 per child and includes a T-shirt. The league will be held on six Saturdays, April 3-May 8 at the Bluffton City Gym.
There are some changes to the program this year. The games will be in the afternoons (starting at 1 p.m.) so not to conflict with the Upwards program and the participants will be assigned a time instead of a team. They will come the same time each week and will run through drills (by paid staff) for the first part of the time, then divided into two teams to scrimmage. They will be with the same group of children each week, but will be divided differently each week for the scrimmage. They will still be divided into grade categories of K-1 and 2-3. If you have further questions, call or e-mail the office at 824-6069 or parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

Crusaders even their wrestling record
The Norwell Crusaders’ wrestling team came from behind to defeat Riverview 31-24 Thursday night and even its record at 3-3.
Norwell’s Dalton Ziko (75 pounds) started things off with a 9-7 decision and Joe Becker (85) pinned his opponent in 50 seconds to give the Crusaders a 9-0 lead. Riverview won the next two matches with pins to take a 12-9 edge. Justin Miskin (105) scored a 10-0 major decision to put Norwell back on top 13-12.
Riverview won three of the next four matches, while Norwell’s Evan Roebuck (140) pinned his opponent in 2:51.
Riverview had a 24-19 lead before Norwell’s Cody Felger (200) pinned Jarod Bartrom in 2:51. That gave the Crusaders a 25-24 lead. Chase Nash was able to preserve Norwell’s win with a pin in 59 seconds.
The Norwell junior varsity lost 30-24. Winners were Hunter Dillon (85), Noah Tobias (100), Chandler Kohler (125), Tony West (200) and Miskin (110).

Fastpitch umpire clinic slated
The North Eastern Indiana Athletic Officials Association (NEIAOA) umpire clinic at Extra Innings will be either March 20 or 21.
The focus will be on plate and base mechanics for high school fastpitch and Little League major and minor umpires. It is open to anyone interested in developing their aptitude for positioning and mechanics in umpiring Little League or fast pitch, so that they may continuously improve their skills and abilities and ultimately reach their career goals in umpiring. Registration deadline is March 15. For more information, call Sharon Boren at 260-437-1348 or e-mail at borensm@verizon.com.

4-H Shooting, Hunting & Archery classes

Shot Gun The Shot Gun Program will begin April 17. This groups meets at the Wells County Gun Club, north of Bluffton. Watch the 4-H Newsletter for details or call Ryan Kline, 375-3865.

HUNTER EDUCATION A Hunter Education Class will be offered March 8, 10 & 11, 5:30 – 9 PM at the 4-H Park. More details at the 4-H Meetings. Call 824-0692 to register for the class.

PISTOL SAFETY The Pellet Pistol Program will be offered if there is enough interest. Mark your enrollment form or call the Extension Office, 824-6412 if you are interested.

ARCHERY CLUB The Archery Club will begin with sign up on April 19, 6:30 PM at the 4-H Park Quonset. Meetings will be held on Mondays in May and June. Watch for more details in the 4-H Newsletter. Call Terri Quinn, 622-6617.


QUESTIONS? For more information about 4-H, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 1240 S. 4-H Rd., Bluffton, IN 46714 260-824-6412 rsherer@purdue.edu Web Site: www.wellscounty.org/4h/

2010 WELLS COUNTY 4-H SHOOTING SPORTS BB GUN AND RIFLE SAFETY CLUB

WHO CAN JOIN? Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. A member may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) years.

AGES & COST BB Gun Safety: Grade 3 and above - Cost $20.00 .22 Caliber Rifle:Grade 6 and above – Cost $25.00 No person will be turned away for financial constraints.Cost includes: (Book - for new members) Equipment, Supplies, Insurance, Awards and Refreshments at Awards Night. If you have more than one youth in the family, the second member is only $15.00. Scholarships available – check with leaders.

LIMITED MEMBERSHIP For safety reasons and to provide adequate instruction, membership will be limited to the first 28 youth in BB and the first 32 youth in Rifle.

SAFETY FIRST The 4-H program teaches firearm safety taught by NRA and 4-H certified instructors. All equipment (Daisy BB guns) Pellet Pistols, and .22 Caliber Rifles will be furnished. Members are not to bring any equipment with them.

SPECIAL DETAILS  Parents are welcome to attend.  In case of bad weather, listen to radio stations K105 or WMEE 93.3 for postponements. Usually if one of the schools cancel, the 4-H event will be postponed.

PARENT HELP Parent help is needed to assist with scoring targets, recording scores, and as range assistants along with set-up and tear-down.

LEADERS NEEDED More adult volunteers are needed to become club leaders. If interested, call the County Extension Office at 824-6412 or talk to one of the leaders. Volunteers interested in becoming a certified 4-H instructor may attend the State Training April 9 – 11, 2010 or September 10 – 12, 2010. Your fees will be sponsored by Wells County 4-H. Options include: Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Muzzleloading, Archery, Coordinator, and Hunting/Wildlife.

4- H LEADERS BB Gun & Rifle Chad Captain 417-6488 Gregg Palmer 701-2975 Tex Mauger 827-0266 James Painter 639-6547 Don Kiefer 824-1585

Ossian Conservation Club Events!!

Ossian Conservation Club Inc., a not for profit corporation, located at 9950 N. 100 E., Ossian, Indiana, has announced the following March 2010 events, for more information call 622-4712 or 622-6810 or visit our website.

March 13th - Nelson’s Port-A-Pit Chicken, Pork Chops and Ribs at Villa North in Bluffton, 11:00 a.m. till gone. No pre-sold tickets, $5.50 for half a chicken, $5.50 for a pork chop, and $9.00 for a slab of ribs. For dessert try Our Old Style Sugar Corn made in a cast iron kettle, $2.00 and $4.00 a bag. Proceeds will to go to the new furnace and siding fund.

March 14th – Ossian Conservation Club Shotgun Shooter’s informal Shotgun Shoot – regular clays – middies – minnies and rabbit targets. 12:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. Bring the whole Family. Public is welcome.

March 20th - Nelson’s Port-A-Pit Chicken and Ribs at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Apple Glen/Jefferson Pointe shopping center, 11:00 a.m. till gone. No pre-sold tickets, $5.50 for half a chicken, $5.50 for a pork chop, and $9.00 for a slab of ribs. We’ll also be cooking Old Style Sugar Corn in a cast iron kettle, $2.00 and $4.00 a bag. Proceeds will to go to the new furnace, and siding fund.

March 21th - Ouabache Archers at Ossian Conservation Club – first meet of the year.
Several new Rinehart 3-D Targets! 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All are welcome.

This year we will be selling raffle tickets on a chainsaw “Wood Carving” by Sid King. If you have seen different animals or eagles carved from logs or stumps around the county you’ve probably seen Sid’s work. Tickets will sell for $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00, and will be sold at all of the fund raisers and events this year and also from club members. For tickets or more information call, Dave Saalfrank at 622-7107 or Rose Barrick at 622-4733. The drawing will be at the October 1nd meeting at the Ossian Conservation Club.

Indiana schools archery tournament, Muncie, March 12

Indiana DNR Release:


Part of National Archery in the Schools Program

Indiana’s fourth annual National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament, which promises to be the largest indoor youth archery tournament in state history, will be held Friday, March 12, in Muncie, at Horizon Convention Center.

The tournament features 38 participating schools with nearly 900 students competing. Last year, more than 570 students from 25 schools participated. Participation has increased each year. There is no charge for admission.

Indiana NASP coordinator Tim Beck said he hopes the growth will continue, not only with the tournament itself but for offshoots of it.

“It is our hope that this will lead to many new indoor and outdoor activities,” he said.

Doors open at 7 a.m. Flight (shooting) times start at 8 a.m. A new flight starts every two hours. The last flight is scheduled for 4 p.m. A shoot-off of the six top scorers, both male and female, will follow the last flight to determine the overall individual winners in the 4th-6th, 7th-8th and 9th-12th grade classifications. An awards ceremony will follow.

The Indiana Field Archery Association will run the tournament, along with many volunteers and Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officers. The Indiana Hunter Education Association is the underwriting sponsor.

Supported as a joint venture between school corporations throughout Indiana and the DNR, NASP provides international target archery training in Indiana’s physical educational classes, grades 4-12. NASP supports student education and introduces many life skills through the lifelong sport of archery.

Tournament competition is open only to schools that have received the archery training provided by the DNR Law Enforcement Division and have the archery program as a part of their school’s curriculum.

The program is supported and often funded through local school corporations, the Indiana Hunter Education Association, individual donations, conservation organizations, and corporate sponsors such as the National Wild Turkey Federation.

For more information on NASP, see www.indiananasp.com, become a Facebook fan of Indiana NASP, or contact Beck at tbeck@dnr.IN.gov or (812) 482-3093.

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, March 2
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Maconaquah vs. Norwell, 6 p.m., FW Wayne vs. Bellmont, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Woodlan vs. Bluffton, 7 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Lakeview Christian vs. White’s, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 3
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Cowan vs. Southern Wells, 6 p.m., Wes-Del vs. Daleville, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 5
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Peru vs. Maconaquah-Norwell winner, 6 p.m., FW Elmhurst vs. FW Wayne-Bellmont winner, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Adams Central vs. South Adams, 6 p.m., FW Bishop Luers vs. Woodlan-Bluffton winner, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Liberty Christian vs. Lakeview Christian-Whites’ winner, 6 p.m., Cowan-Southern Wells winner vs. Wes-Del vs. Daleville winner, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 6
BOYS BASKETBALL: IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Norwell - Championship, 7:30 p.m.; IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at Bluffton - Championship, 7 p.m.; IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells - Championship, 7:30 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

SW Jr. High wrestlers suffer setback
The Southern Wells Jr. High School wrestling team suffered a close 23-21 loss to Woodlan on Monday night.
Austin Osborne, Jacey Dunnuck, Daniel Beeks and Clay Watson recorded wins for Southern Wells.

WOODLAN 23, SOUTHERN WELLS 21
85 C. Parisot (W) pin T.C. Perry (SW) 2:24
95 Z. Zink (W) m dec. C. Owens (SW) 9-0
100 J. Knepp (W) m dec D. Rockwell (SW) 10-0
105 A. Osborne (SW) dec. L. Scharr (W) 12-9
105 J. Dunnuck (SW) pin K. Nelson (W) 2:17
122 D. Beeks (SW) pin L. Hahn (W) 1:38
130 C. Watson (SW) pin D. Schmeyer (W) 1:28
138 L. Garman (W) dec. S. Trissell (SW) 6-4
160 R. Hogue (W) pin J. Stout (SW) 2:35

Exhibition
85 D. Slate (W) dec. T.C. Perry (SW) 11-5
100 C. Pettyjohn (W) dec. D. Rockwell (SW) 7-5
105 T. Geiger (W) pin J. Dunnuck (SW) 1:36
115 B. Woodward (SW) pin K. Nelson (W) 1:22
115 E. Smith (SW) pin L. Hahn (W) 1:13
140 C. Watson (SW) pin D. Cook (W) 2:14

Sandy Koufax sign ups
Registration and tryouts for Northern Wells Sandy Koufax baseball will be Saturday, March 6, from Noon to 2 p.m. in the Norwell auxiliary gym. Cost is $70 per child ages 13-14 before May 1. Fee includes hat, undershirt and socks, but pants are not supplied. Athletes should bring gym shoes, glove and bat. For information call Jason McGrew at 260-820-0975 or e-mail at chazackira@AOL.com

Baseball sign ups slated at Ossian
Northern Wells Minor League and Wells County Junior League baseball sign ups are being taken at the Ossian Town Hall, as follows: Tuesday, March 2, from 5-8 p.m; Thursday, March 4, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, March 11, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages 4-12 and under. Cost is $55 for T-Ball, Coaches Pitch and Lower Minor and $60 for Junior League 10-and under and 12-and under. Birth certificates are needed.
Junior League tryouts are at the Norwell auxiliary gym on March 6 from 2-4 p.m. and March 12 from 5-7 p.m.

Summer youth activities planned
Registration for summer T-Ball, Farm, Junior and Baseball Leagues will be held at the City Hall building on the following dates and times:
Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. - Noon
Thursday, March 11 6 - 8 p.m.
Sandy Koufax Baseball (13-14 years old) and girls’ softball also will be accepting registrations on March 6. The Wells Community Swim Team also will be available for information on its program.
Sandy Koufax will continue to accept registrations at the Parks Dept. office until April 2. Girls’ softball will be sending registration forms home with students through area schools.
Tryouts for Farm and Junior League Baseball will be at the Bluffton Middle School on Saturday, March 13. Junior League will be from 9-10:30 a.m. and Farm League from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Age is determined by what the participant is on May 1. T-Ball is for 5 years (parent must help coach) – 8 years, Farm League is 8 years (may or may not be placed on a team, but still eligible for T-Ball) – 10 years of age. Junior League is for 10 years (may or may not be placed on a team, but still eligible for Farm League) – 12 years of age. Sandy Koufax is for youth 13-14 year olds. Girls’ softball is for grades 2-12.
For more information please call the park office at 824-6069 or e-mail us at: parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

Register for Pee Wee Soccer
The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Dept. will be registering girls and boys currently in grades K-3 for its Pee Wee Soccer League at the City Hall Building on Saturday, March 6 from 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $15 per child and includes a T-shirt. The league will be held on six Saturdays, April 3-May 8 at the Bluffton City Gym.
There are some changes to the program this year. The games will be in the afternoons (starting at 1 p.m.) so not to conflict with the Upwards program and the participants will be assigned a time instead of a team. They will come the same time each week and will run through drills (by paid staff) for the first part of the time, then divided into two teams to scrimmage. They will be with the same group of children each week, but will be divided differently each week for the scrimmage. They will still be divided into grade categories of K-1 and 2-3. If you have further questions, call or e-mail the office at 824-6069 or parks@ci.bluffton.in.us

Swim team needs coaches
The Wells Community Swim Team is looking for coaches for the 2010 season. Please send resume to WCST, P.O. Box 208, Ossian, IN 46777. For more information, contact Teri Huffman at 260-307-6146.

Sign up for Squires Girls’ Softball
Sign up forms for Markle’s Norwell Squires Girls’ Softball will be given to all Northern Wells girls in grades 2-5 in coming weeks. The season will be starting a couple weeks later. Forms also will be available online at www.teacherweb.com/IN/NorwellMiddleSchool/HanniWarwick/index.html. For questions, please contact Norwell head softball coach Scott Hanni at Scott.Hanni@nwcs.k12.in.us or Doug Denney at dtank23@verizon.net.

Norwell 5th-grade girls place second
The Norwell fifth-grade girls’ basketball team was runner-up in the Bruin Classic at Hartford City over the weekend. The Lady Knights defeated Eastbrook, Carroll and Blackford, before being downed by Eastbrook 31-29 in the championship game. Team members are Bree Bailey, Courtney Beer, Taylor Byerly, Saddie Dunnuck, Kennedy Johnson, Alexa Mallery, Addie Mann, Kaylee Roller, Sara Runyon and Megan Theismann.