Sports and Outdoors

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Raiders to host day-long basketball event Thursday

Southern Wells High School will be hosting the Raider Rumble boys’ and girls’ junior varsity and varsity basketball round-robin event on Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Raiderdome.
Concessions, including a variety of food choices, will be available. All-day admission is $6. Kindergarten children and younger will be admitted at no charge.
The starting times and schedule for the games are as follows:

9:30 a.m.
Boys Junior Varsity: Cowan vs. Southern Wells
Girls Varsity: Hamilton vs. Southern Wells

11 a.m.
Girls Junior Varsity: Cowan vs. Southern Wells
Boys Varsity: Cowan vs. Southern Wells

1:30 p.m.
Boys Junior Varsity: Cowan vs. Lakewood
Girls Varsity: Pioneer vs. Hamilton

3 p.m.
Girls Junior Varsity: Pioneer vs. Cowan
Boys Varsity: Cowan vs. Lakewood

6 p.m.
Boys Junior Varsity: Lakewood vs. Southern Wells
Girls Varsity: Pioneer vs. Southern Wells

7:30 p.m.
Girls Junior Varsity: Pioneer vs. Southern Wells
Boys Varsity: Lakewood vs. Southern Wells

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 28
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 30
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Huntington North Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
FRESHMAN BOYS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Columbia City Tournament, 9 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Raider Rumble at Southern Wells, 9:30 a.m.; Norwell at Wawasee Shootout, Norwell vs. Plymouth, 10 a.m., Norwell vs. Wawasee, 7:30 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Raider Rumble at Southern Wells, 9:30 a.m.; Winchester at Bluffton, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 4
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Northfield at Bluffton, 6 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Daleville at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.
SWIMMING: East Noble at Norwell, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 5
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Leo, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 6
SWIMMING: South Adams at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.
DIVING: Norwell at NHC Meet (Homestead), 5 p.m.
WRESTLING: Bluffton at Garrett, 6:30 p.m.; Southern Wells at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 7
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Garrett at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at South Adams, 6 p.m.; Carroll at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 8
SWIMMING: Norwell at NHC Championships (Homestead), 11 a.m.
WRESTLING: Bluffton, Norwell at Adams Central Super Duals, 9 a.m.; Southern Wells at Wabash Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
JV WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Northfield Invitational, 9 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Southern Wells at Tri, noon.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Woodlan, 6 p.m.; Heritage at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; Norwell at Carroll, 6:15 p.m.

Monday, December 27, 2010

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 28
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 30
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Huntington North Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
FRESHMAN BOYS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Columbia City Tournament, 9 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Raider Rumble at Southern Wells, 9:30 a.m.; Norwell at Wawasee Shootout, Norwell vs. Plymouth, 10 a.m., Norwell vs. Wawasee, 7:30 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Raider Rumble at Southern Wells, 9:30 a.m.; Winchester at Bluffton, 6 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

49ers fire Mike Singletary
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Mike Singletary was fired by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night after two disappointing seasons, including a 5-10 showing this year for a franchise expected to win the NFC West.
The team made the announcement late Sunday upon returning to the Bay Area, several hours after San Francisco was eliminated from playoff contention with a 25-17 loss at St. Louis. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula was promoted to interim coach and will run the team in next Sunday’s season finale at home against Arizona. He was to be formally introduced in a news conference Monday.
San Francisco began the year with high hopes of winning the West and reaching the postseason for the first time since 2002, but opened 0-5. Singletary finished with an 18-22 record in two-plus seasons.

Vikings-Eagles’ game moved
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The NFL moved the Minnesota Vikings-Philadelphia Eagles game from Sunday night to Tuesday because of a blizzard that dumped about a foot of snow on Philadelphia.
The game — the first on a Tuesday since 1946 — will be played at 8 p.m. EST., and televised by NBC.

Harnish earns another honor
DEKALB, Ill. — Northern Illinois University quarterback Chandler Harnish added the Mid-American Conference Male Scholar Athlete of the Week to his list of accolades in 2010.
A three-time MAC West Player of the Week this season, Harnish garnered his latest conference honor after winning the Humanitarian Bowl MVP award by leading the Huskies to a 40-17 victory over Fresno State.
Harnish’s MAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Week honor is the first for Northern Illinois and the second of his career. He earned scholar-athlete of the week honors as a freshman following his performance against Minnesota.
A business management major from Norwell High School, who carries a 3.589 grade point average, Harnish accumulated 372 yards of total offense while rushing for a two touchdowns and throwing for another. Harnish rushed for 72 yards on 10 carries and his two rushing touchdowns tied a career-high.
Harnish posted his third career 300-yard passing day, throwing for 300 yards on 17-of-26 passing with no interceptions. The Bluffton, Ind., native established a new NIU record for most passing yards by a Northern Illinois quarterback in a bowl game, breaking the mark of 186 he set versus Louisiana Tech in the 2008 Independence Bowl.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

ECIC Wrestling action

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler was at the East central Indiana Classic wrestling tournament today in Portland, hosted by Jay County High School. Look for photos and the complete story in tomorrow's News-Banner.


Southern Wells' Benjamin Fiechter wrestling Nick Naselroad of Alexandria in semi-finals of 112-pound weight class. He won 5-2 to reach the championship round.



Bluffton's Philip Gerber against South Adams' Todd Batt in 125-pound semi-final. A rematch of a recent meeting and Batt defeated Gerber again, by 9-5.


Norwell's Grayson Smith pinned Zack Boyd of Winchester in the 152-pound semi-final round to advance to the championship round.


Fiecter and Smith each won his championship match. Fiechter won the 103-pound title last year as a freshman. Smith defended his 2009 title at 152 pounds.
Also, Southern Wells junior Cain Grogg won his first tournament title at 160 pounds.
Don't forget: Look for Beitler's story in Friday's News-Banner.

High School Sports Calendar

Thursday, Dec. 23
WRESTLING: Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells at Jay County East Central Indiana Classic, 9 a.m. (Watch this spot for video!)

Monday, Dec. 27
FRESHMAN GIRLS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Columbia City Tournament, 9 a.m.
JV GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton, Southern Wells at South Adams Bi-County Tournament, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Leo Tournament, 9 a.m.
JV BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton, Southern Wells at South Adams Bi-County Tournament, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 28
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 30
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Huntington North Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
FRESHMAN BOYS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Columbia City Tournament, 9 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Raider Rumble at Southern Wells, 9:30 a.m.; Norwell at Wawasee Shootout, Norwell vs. Plymouth, 10 a.m., Norwell vs. Wawasee, 7:30 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Raider Rumble at Southern Wells, 9:30 a.m.; Winchester at Bluffton, 6 p.m.

Study: No Asian carp evidence at Eagle Marsh

Indiana DNR Release:

The largest sampling to date of Indiana waterways for environmental DNA (eDNA) evidence of Asian carp yielded negative results on either side of Eagle Marsh near Fort Wayne, University of Notre Dame researchers have reported.

“The absence of any positive water samples collected from the Little River, Eagle Marsh, and the rivers in Fort Wayne is very encouraging,” said Christopher Jerde of the Notre Dame Center for Aquatic Conservation.

With assistance from Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists, Notre Dame researchers collected 247 water samples from Oct. 18-20 in ditches and streams associated with Eagle Marsh, a 705-acre restored wetland near Fort Wayne.

All samples were tested for bighead carp and silver carp environmental DNA (eDNA), and all tests came back negative.

“We are pleased to have this good report and to see our Asian carp status is secure at Eagle Marsh,” DNR deputy director John Davis said. “We are lucky to have an Indiana resource like Notre Dame able to respond in such a rapid and partner-like manner.”

Despite the good news, Jerde recommends the research efforts continue.

“It is our hope that further sampling in the region yields the same result,” he said. “Surveillance for any invasive species, including Asian carp in the Wabash, is not a one-and-done project.”

Doug Keller, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the DNR, agreed.

“Additional sampling in the spring under higher flows and during a time when Asian carp spawning may occur is a likely time for the next round of sampling,” Keller said. “Coupling additional eDNA samples with planned Asian carp tracking and spawning studies will tell us a lot more about Asian carp use in the upper Wabash basin.”

Notre Dame received a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help protect the Great Lakes from invasive species by further developing and applying eDNA surveillance. Since 2009, Notre Dame researchers have examined more than 1,000 water samples from rivers in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, screening them for traces of DNA markers to determine if a target species has been in the vicinity.

“Using environmental DNA as an early detection method is much more sensitive than traditional fisheries methods like electro-fishing and netting for Asian carp,” Notre Dame researcher Andrew Mahon said.

The eDNA surveillance approach in the Chicago Area Waterway System showed presence of Asian carp eight months before commercial fishermen hired by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources captured a bighead carp in Lake Calumet, approximately six river miles from Lake Michigan.

“In the Eagle Marsh application, it was also a matter of practicality,” Mahon said. “Many of the areas that needed to be surveyed were not accessible by boat and not conducive to setting nets. All we needed were two-liter water samples.”

Of the samples collected, 28 were taken from the Wabash River near Huntington, 60 from the Little River, 18 from Graham-McCulloch Ditch, 14 from Junk Ditch, 31 from Eagle Marsh, nine from Aboite Creek, six from Robinson Creek, 21 from the St. Marys River, 34 from the St. Joseph’s River, and 17 from the Maumee River. Nine cooler controls also were processed.

The region was identified as having favorable conditions for the potential spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.

Eagle Marsh straddles a geographic divide separating the Wabash River watershed from the Maumee River watershed. Under normal conditions, there is no direct link between the two watersheds, but tributaries and ditches associated with Eagle Marsh provide a potential connection under certain flooding situations.

Concerns that Asian carp could move upstream from the Wabash during flood conditions, cross the divide at Eagle Marsh and enter the Maumee drainage prompted the DNR to construct a 1,200-foot chain link fence at Eagle Marsh in October to block fish passage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are funding the cost of the fence project through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Bighead and silver carp are two species of Asian carp that were imported into the southern United States to keep aquaculture facilities clean and to provide fresh fish for markets. Both species are voracious eaters, consuming plankton – algae and other microscopic organisms – and stripping the food web of a key food source for small and large native fish.

The Asian carp escaped into the wild in the 1980s and have been moving northward ever since. They were first detected in Indiana waters in 1995 and have worked their way up the Wabash River, into the East and West forks of the White River, the Patoka River, and the Ohio River and some of its tributaries.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Bluffton, Norwell fans invited
The Norwell Football Club is inviting Norwell and Bluffton fans to a hog roast/pork dinner before the Bluffton vs. Norwell boys’ basketball game from 4:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, in the Norwell cafeteria. The meal will include a pork sandwich, corn, sauerkraut, applesauce, potato chips, and a drink. Tickets are $7 in advance and are available from all Norwell football players until Thursday, Dec. 23. Tickets also may be ordered by calling Tom Neuenschwander at 260-622-4169. Tickets will be $8 at the door.

Bluffton girls fall against Eastbrook
The Bluffton girls’ basketball team made a run in the last quarter, but the Eastbrook Panthers held off the Tigers for a 50-45 victory on Tuesday night at Upland.
Danielle Gerdt led the Panthers (5-4) with 18 points and Lauren Heeter added 12 points.
The Tigers (2-10) were paced by Gina Eisenhut with 11 points. The sophomore center was 5 of 6 from the field.
Skila Betancourt added 9 points and 9 rebounds for the Tigers. Kara Fiechter netted 8 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. She also had 5 assists and 3 steals.
Sheena Steffen contributed 8 points and 5 rebounds for Bluffton. Shayna LaVine had 7 points and Leah Tullis tossed in 2 points. Marci Mettler pulled down 6 rebounds and Eisenhut 4.
Eastbrook took a 19-8 lead in the first period and led 27-23 at halftime.
The Panthers led 41-33 after the end of three periods.
Cassie Young added 9 points for the Panthers. Kerri Guffey had 6, Halee Bischoff 3 and Korisa Kitts 2.
Eastbrook’s junior varsity team edged the Tigers 17-15.

Jackson against Christmas games
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Phil Jackson says humbug to the NBA’s Christmas schedule.
The 11-time NBA champion coach restated his longtime opposition to Christmas games Tuesday night before his Los Angeles Lakers faced the Milwaukee Bucks in their final tuneup before Saturday’s visit from the Miami Heat.
“It’s like Christian holidays don’t mean to them anything any more,” Jackson said. “Just go out and play and entertain the TV. It’s really weird, but it is what it is. We have to go to work and make the best of it.”
Jackson is the son of two Christian ministers, and he famously wrote a book on his spiritual growth related to basketball.

Yankees slash
payroll spending
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees lowered spending on players by $12 million this year, cutting payroll by $5 million and slashing their MLB-leading luxury tax by more than $7 million.
New York was hit with an $18 million luxury tax by the league. The tax was New York’s lowest since 2003 and down from $25.7 million last year, when the Yankees won the World Series.
Boston is the only other team that will have to pay.

High School Sports Calendar

Wednesday, Dec. 22
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Heritage, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23
WRESTLING: Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells at Jay County East Central Indiana Classic, 9 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 27
FRESHMAN GIRLS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Columbia City Tournament, 9 a.m.
JV GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton, Southern Wells at South Adams Bi-County Tournament, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Leo Tournament, 9 a.m.
JV BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton, Southern Wells at South Adams Bi-County Tournament, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 28
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 30
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Huntington North Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
FRESHMAN BOYS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Columbia City Tournament, 9 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Raider Rumble at Southern Wells, 9:30 a.m.; Norwell at Wawasee Shootout, Norwell vs. Plymouth, 10 a.m., Norwell vs. Wawasee, 7:30 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Raider Rumble at Southern Wells, 9:30 a.m.; Winchester at Bluffton, 6 p.m.

A new way to benefit Indiana state parks and reservoirs

Indiana DNR Release:

Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs will receive a $10 donation for every customer who subscribes to a national magazine between now and the end of 2011. Outside magazine promotes worldwide outdoor adventure.

The contributions from Outside magazine will go directly to the Discovering the Outdoors Fund in the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation. This fund, as it grows, will help support field trip expenses to state parks and reservoirs for Hoosier schools, enabling children to experience the state’s natural and cultural heritage through hands-on activities led by DNR interpretive naturalists.

“This is an opportunity offered to every state park system in the country, and we are glad to partner with the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation to take advantage of it,” says Ginger Murphy, assistant director for stewardship for Indiana state parks and reservoirs. “Indiana has natural features that surprise many, from the sandstone canyons at Shades and Turkey Run to fossils that are millions of years old at Falls of the Ohio. Our hope is that every Hoosier child will have an opportunity to discover those resources. Donations to the Discovering the Outdoors Fund help move us in that direction”

To learn more about Outside magazine, visit www.outsidemag.com. To ensure that a donation is made, use the following link to subscribe:

https://w1.buysub.com/servlet/ConvertibleGateway?cds_mag_code=OUM&cds_page_id=93458

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Bluffton vs Southern Wells

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 21
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Eastbrook, 6 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: FW Wayne at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 22
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Heritage, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23
WRESTLING: Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells at Jay County East Central Indiana Classic, 9 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Haley Killingbeck leads Trine
ALMA, Mich. — Haley Killingbeck helped Trine University’ women’s basketball team slip past Alma 59-57 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Saturday.
The Thunder used clutch free throws late to overcome poor shooting. Killingbeck, a sophomore from Southern Wells High School, scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Trine is now 4-5 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA standings.

Free youth baseball clinic slated
The Summit City Sluggers Baseball Association will be hosting a free youth baseball clinic on hitting and fielding Dec. 27 for children ages 9-13 at the YMCA Baseball Annex.
The annex is located in the former Kitco building (now the Franklin Electric Annex) at 200 E. Spring St., adjacent to CVS.
To register contact Wells County YMCA at www.ymcaexchange.org or 565-9622 through Dec. 27. One of the following times may be selected 10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m. For more information contact Mark DeLaGarza at 260-402-0789 or delagarza0185@comcast.net or Nikki Surbaugh at 565-9622 or nikki_surbaugh@fwymca.org.

Sluggers helping Agape League
The Summit City Sluggers Baseball Association will be hosting a series of free youth baseball clinics from Dec. 27-29 throughout northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio to help raise funds for the Agape League based out of Berne.
The Agape League operates as a baseball program for mentally and physically challenged individuals.
The Sluggers also will be soliciting donations for the Wells County Agape League.
During the summer, the Sluggers donated time to the Agape League, with players serving as “player helpers.”
For more information, contact Mark DeLaGarza at 260-402-0789 or Todd Armstrong at 260-615-6895.

Norwell youth baseball clinic
The Norwell baseball team will be conducting a holiday baseball clinic Dec. 28-30 from 10-11:45 a.m. for boys in grades 5-8 in the auxiliary gym. Cost is $30 for one child, with a $5 discount for each additional boy. A camp T-shirt is included. Registration forms are available and must be returned by Dec. 22. For more information call Kelby Weybright at 543-2213, ext. 7002, or 273-2396, or e-mail at kelby.weybright@nwcs.k12.in.us.

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 21
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Eastbrook, 6 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: FW Wayne at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 22
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Norwell at Heritage, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23
WRESTLING: Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells at Jay County East Central Indiana Classic, 9 a.m.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Bluffton vs Snider








Bluffton Tigers took on Snider in boys basketball on Saturday. News-Banner Intern Marci Mettler shot these great photos.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Bluffton Wrestling

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Klay Fiechter honored at UIndy
University of Indianapolis freshman running back Klay Fiechter recently was named the Greyhounds’ offensive back of the year at the team’s annual season-ending banquet.
The 2010 Norwell High School graduate played in 11 games for UIndy and started twice. He was the leading rusher with 510 yards for an average of 46.4 yards per game. Fiechter also scored four touchdowns.

Norwell matmen suffer NHC loss
The Norwell Knights’ wrestling team lost to Northeast Hoosier Conference rival Columbia City 40-30 Thursday night.
The Knights won six matches. Grahm Smith scored a 7-6 decision at 145 pounds. At 152 pounds, Grayson Smith pinned his opponent in 2:42. Kyle Short pinned his 189-pound challenger in 54 seconds.
In the 285-pound class, Jon Stickney scored a 10-1 major decision.
Will Green and Andrew Smith each received a forfeit in their weight classes.
Columbia City won the junior varsity meet 6-0.

Bluffton MS girls win two games
The Bluffton Middle School girls’ basketball teams swept two games from Prince Chapman on Thursday evening. The 7th-grade Tigers won 19-9 and the 8th-grade Tigers won 12-5.
Cheyanne Penrod led the 7th-grade Tigers (6-4) with 6 points. Caroline Mettler added 5, Shannon Penrod 3, Ashley Smith 2, Whitney Green 2 and Kaitlyn Hart 1.
Janean Steffen and Emma Thompson each scored 4 points for the 8th-grade Tigers (6-4). Erin McKinley and Lauren Brinneman both added 2 points.

Bluffton MS boys win two games
The Bluffton Middle School boys’ basketball teams took a pair of games from Prince Chapman on Thursday evening. The 7th-grade Tigers romped 44-23 and the 8th-grade Tigers won 42-27.
Grant Prible scored 17 points to power the 7th-grade Tigers. Aaron Sturgeon added 9, Jacob Ehle 7, Trae Jojola 3, Garrett Walborn 2, Desmond Carter 2, Trey Collins 2 and Dwayne Eskridge 2.
Kevin Moser netted 9 points for the 8th-grade Tigers. Josh Moriarity 8, Kohl Buskirk 6, Noah Antrim 5, Javon Morgan 5, Dane Hoffman 4, Jay Brickley 3 and Ethan Kitt 2.’

8th-grade Tigers split two games
The Bluffton 8th-grade boys’ basketball team split a pair of games last Saturday, defeating Indian Springs 40-38 in overtime and losing to DeKalb 41-32.
Kohl Buskirk scored 15 points and Kevin Moser 11 to lead the Tigers over Indian Springs. Collin Mechling added 7, Noah Antrim 4, Ethan Kitt 2 and Javon Morgan 2.
Buskirk had 11 in the loss to DeKalb. Morgan added 8, Moser 6, Jacob Wenger 2, Mechling 2, Josh Moriarity 1, Antrim 1 and Dane Hoffman 1.

8th-grade Norwell girls top Summit
The Norwell 8th-grade girls’ basketball team pounded Summit 50-19 on Thursday evening at Norwell.
The Crusaders were led by Hanna Smith with 16 points, 5 steals and 4 rebounds. Liara Isnogle added 8 points and 6 steals. Arianna Cruz had 6 points, Madi Stinson and Erika Thornton 5 each, Chloie Williams and Sarah Bauermeister 4 each and Monica Frauhiger 2. Caitlin Herndon ripped down 4 rebounds.

Norwell youth baseball clinic
The Norwell baseball team will be conducting a holiday baseball clinic Dec. 28-30 from 10-11:45 a.m. for boys in grades 5-8 in the auxiliary gym. Cost is $30 for one child, with a $5 discount for each additional boy. A camp T-shirt is included. Registration forms are available and must be returned by Dec. 22. For more information call Kelby Weybright at 543-2213, ext. 7002, or 273-2396, or e-mail at kelby.weybright@nwcs.k12.in.us.

Bluffton, Norwell fans invited
The Norwell Football Club is inviting Norwell and Bluffton fans to a hog roast/pork dinner before the Bluffton vs. Norwell boys’ basketball game from 4:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, in the Norwell cafeteria. The meal will include a pork sandwich, corn, sauerkraut, applesauce, potato chips, and a drink. Tickets are $7 in advance and are available from all Norwell football players until Thursday, Dec. 23. Tickets also may be ordered by calling Tom Neuenschwander at 260-622-4169. Tickets will be $8 at the door.

Ganassi adds two American drivers
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Graham Rahal has a new full-time ride, and Chip Ganassi has two more drivers to chase a fourth straight IndyCar points title
Ganassi says Rahal, son of 1986 Indy winner Bobby Rahal, and Charlie Kimball will run full-time on his team next season. Ganassi already has two-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti and two-time points champ Scott Dixon signed for next season.
The addition of Rahal and Kimball will give the series six American drivers this season including Ryan Hunter-Reay and Danica Patrick.

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, Dec. 17
BOYS BASKETBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6 p.m. (C-Team Game at 5 p.m.); Norwell at DeKalb, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18
JV WRESTLING: Southern Wells at North Miami Invitational, 9 a.m.
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Yorktown Super-10, 9 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Adams Central, noon; Leo at Southern Wells, noon; DeKalb at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at FW Snider, (Freshman, JV at 4:30 p.m.) Varsity 6 p.m.

NR gift ideas for those who don't need more stuff

Indiana DNR Release

The Indiana DNR has gift solutions for the person on your gift list who's more concerned about the state's outdoors than about acquiring more stuff. Convenient contributions in that person's name can be made to support a number of outdoor causes.

Help schools fund field trips for children to Indiana state parks and reservoirs by donating to the Discovering the Outdoors Fund, administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (IndianaNRF.org). Go to http://www.IN.gov/ai/appfiles/inrf-donations/ and include "Discovering the Outdoors Fund" in the "In Honor Of/Memory Of" line.

Support a person's favorite state park or reservoir with a financial gift in their honor. Contact Ginger Murphy at (317) 232-4143, gmurphy@dnr.IN.gov, or write to State Parks and Reservoirs, 402 W. Washington St., Room W298, Indianapolis, IN 46204. You can also give a Friends Group membership to McCormick’s Creek, Spring Mill, Lincoln, Falls of the Ohio, Indiana Dunes, Potato Creek, Mounds, Turkey Run/Shades or Brown County state parks, Hardy Lake, Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber SRA) or the Upper Wabash Reservoirs using the same contact information.

Support plans to develop a raptor education program and outdoor viewing area for birds at the Salamonie Interpretive Center. This facility supports nature and history programming for Mississinewa Lake, Salamonie Lake and Ouabache State Park. Contact the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (IndianaNRF.org) at http://www.IN.gov/ai/appfiles/inrf-donations/ and include "Upper Wabash Raptors" in the "In Honor of/Memory Of" line.

Support the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Rehabilitation Center at Hardy Lake, where injured hawks and owls receive care and are released. Permanently injured birds are used in programming for schools and families. Contact Leslie Grow at (812) 794-3800.

Support the restoration of the kitchen in the John Lusk Home at Turkey Run State Park. Lusk owned and protected the land that eventually became the park. Contact the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (IndianaNRF.org) at http://www.IN.gov/ai/appfiles/inrf-donations/ and include "Lusk Home kitchen" in the "In Honor of/Memory Of" line.

Contribute to the Crossroads Campaign through the Falls of the Ohio Foundation, which is designed to fund the complete redevelopment of new world-class exhibits at the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center in Clarksville. See www.fallsoftheohio.org.

Support land acquisition and a variety of other projects throughout the DNR by contributing to Indiana Heritage Trust. Contact (317) 233-1002, nheinzelman@dnr.IN.gov, or write to: The Indiana Heritage Trust, 402 W. Washington St., W256, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Make sure to give your child or grandchild the gift of a time for a winter hike, a hunting trip or a nature center visit at a state park, reservoir or state forest trail in January. Annual passes, lake permits and state park inn gift certificates are available at any state park or reservoir or online at www.innsgifts.com.

Written acknowledgments for donations can be provided. For up-to-date information about happenings in the DNR, visit dnr.IN.gov.

Take part in a bird count this winter

Indiana DNR Release:

Birding enthusiasts and those interested in learning can participate in one of the annual Christmas bird counts at selected DNR properties, now through Jan. 5.

Most of the counts are sponsored by the National Audubon Society (http://www.audubon.org/) now in its 111th year of running the program.

The activity is open to experienced birders and newcomers. It’s a great way to meet other birders and improve birding skills.

Participating DNR properties include:

– Dec. 18 - Indiana Dunes (contact Brad at 219-926-1390 or bbumgardner@dnr.in.gov)
– Dec. 18 - Monroe Lake (contact Jim at 812-988-1671 or jhengeve@indiana.edu)
– Dec. 18 - Pigeon River (contact Gary at 260-493-7058)
– Dec. 19 - Atterbury (contact Mike at 317-682-8884 or mpclay@comcast.net)
– Dec. 19 - Spring Mill (contact John at 812-849-4586 or jcastrale@dnr.IN.gov)
– Dec. 19 - Whitewater Memorial (contact Jim at 765-962-1902 or rlwill@550access.com)
– Dec. 21 - Patoka Lake (contact John at 812 849-4586 or jcastrale@dnr.IN.gov)
– Dec. 27 - Turkey Run (contact Alan at 765-562-2741 or abbird@att.net)
– Dec. 28 - Pokagon (contact Fred at 260-833-2012 or fwooley@dnr.IN.gov)
– Jan. 1 - Clifty Falls (contact Dick at 812-273-0609 or ddavis@dnr.in.gov)
– Jan. 1 - Roush Lake (contact Ellen at 260-758-3233 or flower_watcher@yahoo.com)
– Jan. 1 - Willow Slough (contact Ed at hopkinse@purdue.edu)
– Jan. 2 - McCormick's Creek (contact Sandy or Jeff at 812-825-8353 or belthbirds@aol.com)

Here is the full list of locations (http://www.indianaaudubon.org/) participating in the state and for more information on the individual properties.

DNR plugs in with THINK City electric cars





INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Mitch Daniels today accepted delivery of 15 THINK City all-electric vehicles that will be used in Department of Natural Resources properties. The cars were shipped from THINK’s production facility in Elkhart and are the first U.S.-built, federally certified electric cars delivered to a fleet in the country.

“THINK found a great place to establish its business in Elkhart, and we’re proud to be the first customer,” said the governor, who was at Fort Harrison State Park for the delivery with THINK CEO Barry Engle. “We believe that the coming era of electric cars, like THINK, will find its home here.”

Energy Systems Network used a combination of federal stimulus funds and private donations to purchase the vehicles, then donated the vehicles to the state at no cost.

The vehicles will be used at Brown County, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, McCormick’s Creek, Shakamak, Spring Mill and Versailles state parks; Brookville Reservoir/Whitewater State Park complex; Lake Monroe; Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area; and Greene-Sullivan State Forest.

The THINK City is an all-electric, zero emission vehicle designed for fleet and urban commuters. It is safety certified for highway driving in the United States and has a range of 100 miles with its advance lithium-ion battery that is assembled in Indianapolis by Ener1.

“We’re looking at the THINK City as a multi-purpose vehicle with any number of practical uses,” DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr. said. “In the daytime, it can be used for trips into town to purchase supplies or pick up mail from the post office. In the evening, it can provide security staff quiet transportation to patrol camping areas.”

Dan Bortner, director of the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, said: “It’s only natural that we broaden our existing environmental commitment by partnering with green technology. These vehicles are a wonderful way to accelerate our movement in that direction.”

Indiana Department of Administration director Rob Wynkoop, whose agency maintains the state vehicle fleet, said: “While adding cars to the fleet is counter to our continuing efforts to reduce fleet vehicles statewide, we saw this specific green initiative as an opportunity to test alternative energy vehicles in real-life situations. After discussing the opportunity with ESN and with Rob Carter, it seemed that DNR properties provide the best locations to test these vehicles.”

Hall of Famer Olson to ring in New Year at ‘Rumble in Fort Wayne’




FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- With the 13th annual “Rumble in Fort Wayne” falling on New Year’s weekend, promoter Tony Barhorst figured a postrace pit party featuring a well-known racing personality was a given.

And who better to ring in the New Year than Hall of Fame driver Kevin Olson?

The irrepressible Olson, the self-styled clown prince of midget racing, will greet fans and spin tales on Friday, Dec. 31 during the opening night of the two-day indoor race fest at the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center. And he just found out he’ll be taking a few spins around the track, too, as a substitute driver for Tony Stewart Racing.

“I’m getting too old to run hard,” the 57-year-old Olson said, “but I’m still drinking beer.”

Olson may just get the last laugh. He learned Wednesday that two-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart has approved him to fill in for injured Mike Fedorcak in a Tony Stewart Racing midget. In between trading jokes, he’ll be racing both Friday and Saturday.

One of the most accomplished drivers in the long history of midget racing, Olson won the USAC national championship in 1982 and ‘87, bagged five Badger titles and notched victories in the Hut Hundred, Turkey Night Grand Prix and at the Belleville High Banks. He was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1997.

Yet all of that was overshadowed by his reputation as a zany, fun-loving guy who would do anything for anybody, especially if it involved a laugh. Whether looking through a helmet visor or beer goggles, Olson was the leader of the pack.

Olson first competed at Fort Wayne some 35 years ago, when the midgets raced indoors at the hockey arena adjacent to what is now the Expo Center.

“My memory ain’t too good,” said Olson, who uses ain’t like a second-grader tormenting an English teacher, “but we used to have a good time in Fort Wayne the night before. I remember going to the drivers meeting and having glitter fall out of my hair. We went to a dance club the night before. I had glitter in my hair from the strippers.”

A full-time racer most of his career, Olson liked to claim that he made his living as a light bulb repairman.

“It just went on all over the world,” he said, tongue in cheek. “People will still bring me light bulbs to repair.”

And the trend toward the longer-lasting, curly-Q fluorescent bulbs won’t deter him.

“We’ve got that in motion,” he said, not skipping a beat. “Fluorescent, LTD -- keep ‘em coming.”

One of Olson’s most memorable stunts involved an actual business enterprise. For several months in late 1994 and early 1995, he traipsed around the country with a motorized bowling pin to promote the 100th anniversary of the American Bowling Congress and its sponsorship of buddy Stan Fox’s Indy 500 car.

Olson embarked on a 35-city tour, starting in Manhattan and ending in Los Angeles, towing a golf cart outfitted with a 12-foot bowling pin behind his Dodge van. Once he arrived at the next city, he would drive the pin practically anywhere -- on streets, in parks, on sidewalks -- to call attention to bowling.

“It really accomplished nothing,” he said of the marketing campaign, “but we got to sit in bars at bowling centers and drink beer.”

Olson’s sense of humor served him well in a career interrupted three times by accidents that nearly ended his life. In 1983, just after winning his first USAC championship, he broke three vertebrae in his back, The following year, he fractured the C-1 and C-2 vertebrae in his neck. A year later, as he helped a stranded motorist, the vehicle was rear-ended by a drunken driver while he peered under the hood. He was “all torn up, especially my shoulder.”

“Since then, I’ve been pretty lucky physically,” he said. “Just mental illness since then.”

These days, Olson races only occasionally -- he would like to run 10-15 events in 2011 -- but stays close to the sport as a columnist for Sprint Car & Midget magazine and as a special assignment reporter on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network, which covers the Indy 500 as well as the IZOD Indycar Series.

In subbing for Fedorcak, who is sidelined by a shoulder injury, Olson steps into one of the top cars in the Rumble Series -- the black No. 97 Munchkin chassis built by Fedorcak and entered by Stewart, himself a seven-time Fort Wayne winner. Fedorcak drove the car to victory at Fort Wayne in 2002 and has had a second place, four thirds and a fourth since then. Stewart notched six of his Fort Wayne wins in a similar Munchkin.

Midget racing has changed greatly during Olson’s time, and he longs for the old days, when drivers worked on their cars and mom-and-pop businesses were sponsors. It cost him $3,000 to launch his career, and “that was for everything -- chassis, engine, tow vehicle, spares,” he said. “I mean, everything.”

The sport has become “more of a business,” he said, with top teams spending $300,000 to $400,000 annually, engines costing upwards of $50,000 and cars so technologically advanced that rookies can be instantly competitive.

“Don’t get me wrong -- I’m all for safety -- but the cars are so safe that 16-year-olds can drive them,” he said. “With a little training, he can beat a guy who has been racing 10 years.

“They’ve really eliminated the grassroots racers who can afford it,” he added. “I think it’s sad. Midgets are the greatest training ground in racing. They teach you how to race and race good.”

Olson delivers his words without a hint of bitterness. That’s just the way he sees things, even though he wishes they were different.

Olson has raced in Australia on New Year’s Day, and he expects a festive crowd for the Rumble in Fort Wayne.

In any case, he’ll be smiling.

“We always had fun before, during and after the race,” he said. “It made it enjoyable.”

PLENTY OF RACING: A full day of racing is scheduled for both New Year’s Eve (Friday, Dec. 31) and New Year’s Day (Saturday, Jan. 1), with spectator gates opening at noon and the main portion of the event at 7 p.m. each day. The five-division program features midgets, winged outlaw modified midgets, Slingshots by Tobias, karts and quarter midgets, all racing on a 1/6-mile track on the Expo Center floor. Additionally, ATV stuntman Henry “The Pit Bull” Rife will attempt a world indoor record jump of cars at Friday’s program. The pit party, open to fans, will follow.

The first 1,000 fans to purchase a ticket at the Coliseum box office will receive a $10 gift card from Crazy Pinz Entertainment Center in Fort Wayne. Evans Toyota, Hoosier Window & Siding and Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka join Crazy Pinz as presenting sponsors of the Rumble.

MORE INFO AVAILABLE: Information on tickets, special hotel rates and entries are available at www.rumbleseries.com or by e-mailing Barhorst at tbracefest@aol.com.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

High School Sports Calendar

Thursday, Dec. 16
SWIMMING: Columbia City at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.; South Adams at Norwell, 5:30 p.m.
WRESTLING: ACAC Quad at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.; Southern Wells at Adams Central 4-way, 5:30 p.m.; Columbia City at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 17
BOYS BASKETBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6 p.m. (C-Team Game at 5 p.m.); Norwell at DeKalb, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18
JV WRESTLING: Southern Wells at North Miami Invitational, 9 a.m.
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Yorktown Super-10, 9 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Adams Central, noon; Leo at Southern Wells, noon; DeKalb at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at FW Snider, (Freshman, JV at 4:30 p.m.) Varsity 6 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Bluffton girls fall at Southwood
The Southwood Knights defeated the Bluffton Tigers 53-27 in girls’ basketball action Tuesday night at Wabash.
The Tigers (2-8) were led by Skila Betancourt with 8 points and 4 rebounds. Kara Fiechter added 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Gina Eisenhut had 4 points and 5 rebounds. Leah Tullis and Shayna LaVine each added 3 points. Peyton Fugate and Leslee Peeper each tossed in 2 points.
Southwood evened its season record at 4-4.

8th-grade Crusader girls blast Jets
The Norwell 8th-grade girls’ basketball team blasted the Adams Central Jets 47-4 on Tuesday evening at Monroe.
Hanna Smith led the Crusaders with 16 points and had 3 steals. Erika Thornton added 11 points and 2 steals. Chloie Williams and Madi Stinson each had 6 points. Caitlin Herndon added 4 points. Monica Frauhiger and Sarah Bauermeister each added 2 points. Bauermeister also pulled down 3 rebounds and Herndon 2. Williams also had 4 steals and Stinson 2 steals.

Crusaders sweep AC boys
The Norwell Crusaders downed Adams Central in boys’ middle school basketball action on Tuesday evening. The 8th-grade Crusaders bombed the Jets 42-19 and the 7th-grade Crusaders won 38-29.
Adam Nahrwold led the 8th-grade Crusaders with 11 points. Andrew Oakes had 7, Garrett Mohler 6, Piercen Harnish 6, Joesph Friend 5, Anthony Richard 4 and Brandon Burch 3.
Kaleb Johnson scored 13 points and Derek Macon 12 to lead the 7th-grade Crusaders. Carson Lockwood and Hunter Ingle each had 6 points. Jaron Stoppenhagen added 1 point.

Duke Wang leads Otters
Duke Wang of the Huntington-Wells Otters’ swim team was the high-point award winner for boys’ ages 11-12 in the TRAC Holly Daze Splash swim meet on Dec. 4-5 in Fort Wayne.
Wang was first in 10 individual events and was part of two first-place relay teams.
Sarah Mahnensmith, Elaine Shaw, Walker Copeland, Corbin Cozad, Logan Ackley, Karlie Thomas and Walter Hacker also competed for the Otters and placed in multiple events.

Free youth baseball clinic slated
The Summit City Sluggers Baseball Association will be hosting a free youth baseball clinic on hitting and fielding Dec. 27 for children ages 9-13 at the YMCA Baseball Annex.
The annex is located in the former Kitco building at 200 E. Spring St., adjacent to CVS.
To register contact Wells County YMCA at www.ymcaexchange.org or 565-9622 through Dec. 27. One of the following times may be selected 10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m. For more information contact Mark DeLaGarza at 260-402-0789 or delagarza0185@comcast.net or Nikki Surbaugh at 565-9622 or nikki_surbaugh@fwymca.org.

Norwell vs. Bluffton Diving Competition

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Michigan changes lake trout regulations; Hoosiers could benefit

Indiana DNR Release:

The state of Michigan’s lake trout regulations will change in 2011, and again in 2012. According to Indiana DNR fisheries biologist Brian Breidert for the Hoosier portion of Lake Michigan, Indiana anglers could benefit by both changes.

In 2011, the state of Michigan’s lake trout season will open April 1 and end Oct. 31. In recent previous years, it opened May 1 and ended Sept. 30.

In 2012, the state of Michigan’s lake trout season will open Jan. 1 and close Oct. 31.

Indiana does not have a closed season on lake trout.

According to Breidert, as water temperatures warm each spring in Lake Michigan, Hoosier anglers have fantastic fishing opportunities for trout and salmon.

Breidert said that although Indiana has no closed season on lake trout, Hoosier anglers do not typically catch them in large numbers in Indiana waters. The reason is that lake trout are a long-lived species usually found in depths greater than 60 feet. Those waters are primarily outside of Indiana’s boundaries of Lake Michigan.

Michigan’s regulation change should increase the harvest of lake trout coming back to Indiana ports in the spring.

Michigan’s change also will simplify regulations for Hoosiers on one front but possibly create confusion on another. Indiana has a daily bag limit of five trout and salmon of which no more than two can be lake trout greater than 14 inches; Michigan has the same five-trout-and-salmon catch aggregate while no more than three may be lake trout, brown trout or steelhead trout with a size limit of 20 inches for lake trout.

“Increasing the fishing season could certainly show some increase in lake trout harvest, especially in the spring,” Breidert said. “For anglers fishing in April, I am sure many will see this as a positive move.”

Indiana anglers often fish within Michigan waters. In previous years they were required to release any lake trout they caught. Now they will be able to be included as part of the catch.

“As a result, we may see fewer salmon brought back to Indiana during the spring fishing season,” Breidert said. “The spring catch will be monitored during our annual creel program through which we analyze the long-term catch and harvest coming back to Indiana ports on southern Lake Michigan.

“Undoubtedly, we will see changes in our spring catch composition as a result of this change by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Register now for Upper Wabash Eagle Watch, Feb. 18-19

Indiana DNR Release:

View bald eagles in the wild during the annual Upper Wabash Eagle Watch, Feb. 18 and 19, 2011.

On Feb. 18, participants will meet at the Salamonie Interpretive Center at 5 p.m. and travel by caravan to the roost site, with one stop along the way. Coffee will be available at the roost site for a donation. This evening is for those who are unable to spend an entire afternoon watching eagles.

On Feb. 19, participants will meet at the interpretive center at 3 p.m. and caravan to several locations on the way to the roost. Once at the roost, the Wabash Valley Coonhunters Association will be offering chili, coffee or hot chocolate for a $3 donation.

The sessions begin with a talk about bald eagles at the interpretive center. Then participants will travel to popular eagle spots. A stop will be made at a nearby roost site to watch the bald eagles fly in for the night. These areas have had many eagles in years past. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring binoculars, snacks, drinks, and a full tank of gas.

Registration is required. There will be van seats available for a limited number of people. The number of cars to be included in the caravan will also be limited. Register early to secure a seat in the van or your place in the caravan.

To register, call (260) 468-2127 or visit the Salamonie Interpretive Center in the Lost Bridge West Recreation Area, 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, IN 46702.

For more information, visit the Upper Wabash Reservoirs Interpretive Services website at www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

Hiking can earn cash for parks with new iPhone app

Indiana DNR Release:

Hiking and running or even walking around home or the office can now automatically benefit Indiana DNR State Parks and Reservoirs when Hoosiers use a new application on their iPhone.

And someone else does the donating.

That’s right. Those enjoying the outdoors and exercising pay nothing; they just run or walk while totingtheir iPhone.

The funds that come to Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs from this effort go into the Discovering the Outdoors Fund, which, as it grows, will help defray the cost of field trips for children to Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs. This fund, managed by the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, was established in memory of long-time DNR employee and interpretive services supporter Tom Huck.

The money that goes to support Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs comes from ad revenue from the application. The more steps the user takes, the more Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs get.

Much like a pedometer, the app records the user’s steps. Once finished, the user submits his or her steps, then enters the Indiana state parks and reservoirs’ code of 1089. That’s it.

First the user must do the most recent download at the address below:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/greenbootpedometer/id382417952?mt=8

Then the user must find cell phone coverage before walking or running. Once the ads show up, the user is connected. The user then presses the “Lock” button, submits the 1089 code listed above, presses “done” then walks or runs as much as possible.

Green Boot (www.greenbootmedia.com), the sponsoring media company, supports green initiatives and charities through interactive media exposure. The company allocates 15 percent of its annual proceeds to protecting parks, wetlands and more.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Knights vs Raiders

Reserve space now for Hoosier Homestead Gathering, April 30-May 1

Indiana DNR Release:

Hoosier Homestead Gathering will be held April 30 and May 1, 2011, at Salamonie Reservoir.

Looking to simplify your life? Hoosier Homestead Gathering has something for you. Whether you’re interested in living off-the-grid, moving into a world of simple living, or making small changes in your lifestyle, the Hoosier Homestead Gathering offers the opportunity to investigate the many aspects of such a lifestyle.

Meet with people who are already living and breathing a simple life. From solar energy to raising bees, the Hoosier Homestead Gathering will help you make the connections to take the first step into a new way of life.

Hoosier Homestead Gathering is also looking for people who are interested in sharing information on their self-sustaining ways of life. If you’re interested in setting up a booth or representing your homespun business, we’d like to hear from you.

Contact (260) 468-2127 or uwsea2@dnr.IN.gov for more information.

Monday, December 13, 2010

High School Sports Calendar

Monday, Dec. 13
BOYS FRESHMAN BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Eastbrook, 6 p.m.
BOYS C-TEAM BASKETBALL: Garrett at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.
GIRLS JV BASKETBALL: Southern Wells at Jay County, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 14
SWIMMING: Norwell at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Southwood, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 15
BOYS FRESHMAN BASKETBALL: Harding at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 16
SWIMMING: Columbia City at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.; South Adams at Norwell, 5:30 p.m.
WRESTLING: ACAC Quad at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.; Southern Wells at Adams Central 4-way, 5:30 p.m.; Columbia City at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 17
BOYS BASKETBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6 p.m. (C-Team Game at 5 p.m.); Norwell at DeKalb, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18
JV WRESTLING: Southern Wells at North Miami Invitational, 9 a.m.
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Yorktown Super-10, 9 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Adams Central, noon; Leo at Southern Wells, noon; DeKalb at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at FW Snider, (Freshman, JV at 4:30 p.m.) Varsity 6 p.m.
Chandler Harnish chosen for award
Northern Illinois junior quarterback Chandler Harnish has been named the Touchdown Club of Columbus 2010 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year.
In leading the Huskies to their second MAC Championship game, Harnish passed for more than 2,200 yards and rushed for another 875 yards. The 2007 Norwell High School graduate was responsible for 25 touchdowns.
Harnish is the second Husky to win the award, succeeding Garrett Wolfe who was honored in 2006.
The award will be presented during the 56th Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards Banquet scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion in downtown Columbus.

Yeiter leads JV Raider matmen
Cody Yeiter led the Southern Wells Raiders’ junior varsity wrestlers on Saturday, who competed in the Adams Central JV Invitational at Monroe.
Yeiter place fourth in the 215-pound weight class with a 2-2 record for the event. He won two matches by pins.
Daniel Velasquez was 8th in the 160-pound class with a 2-3 record. He won by a pin and an 8-6 overtime decision. Zack Doepker was 8th in the 285-pound class with an 0-3 mark. Mortiz Schaeffer finished 0-2 in the 152-pound division. Blake Stevens was 0-2 at 171 pounds.

East Jay sweeps Bluffton MS girls
The Bluffton Middle School girls’ basketball teams suffered losses last Thursday evening against East Jay. The 7th-grade Tigers lost 27-8, while the 8th-grade girls fell 20-10.
Whitney Green scored 4 points to lead the 7th-grade Tigers (5-4). Shannon Penrod added 3 and Ashley Smith 1.
Erin McKinley had 3 points for the 8th-grade Tigers (5-4). Lauren Brinneman, Hannah Vandentop and Emma Thompson each had 2 points. Janean Steffen added 1 point.

Norwell matmen suffer set back
The Norwell Knights’ wrestling team took a pair of losses Saturday in Northeast Hoosier Conference dual meets at Kendallville.
DeKalb downed the Knights 62-18 and East Noble won 50-19.
In the matches against DeKalb, Grayson Smith won by a pin in 1:02 at 152 pounds. Beau Burke won by a pin in 1:19 at 171 pounds. Kyle Short won by a pin in 27 seconds at 189.
Against East Noble, Kamerin Foster won by forfeit at 103 pounds. Mitchell Wilson won by a 12-4 major decision at 112.
Smith gained a 5-2 decision at 152 pounds. Short pinned his 189-pound opponent in 3:10.

Southern Wells Wrestling Action

Norwell vs Southern Wells







Norwell defeated Southern Wells in boys' basketball Saturday night at The castle. Final score, 77-56.

(Photos by News-Banner Intern Marci Mettler)

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Club Calendar

Thursday, Dec. 9
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Blackford, 5:30 p.m.; Norwell at Jay County, 6 p.m.
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Woodlan at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; So Wells at Heritage, 6 p.m.; Col City at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Norwell Boys’ Invitational, 9 a.m.
WRESTLING: Norwell, Bellmont, DeKalb at East Noble NHC Triple Dual, 9:30 p.m.
JV WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Adams Central Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Northfield, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Norwell youth baseball clinic
The Norwell baseball team will be conducting a holiday baseball clinic Dec. 28-30 from 10-11:45 a.m. for boys in grades 5-8 in the auxiliary gym. Cost is $30 for one child, with a $5 discount for each additional boy. A camp T-shirt is included. Registration forms are available and must be returned by Dec. 22. For more information call Kelby Weybright at 543-2213, ext. 7002, or 273-2396, or e-mail at kelby.weybright@nwcs.k12.in.us.

Boys’ basketball league to start
The Wells County Boys’ Basketball League for grades 5-8 is taking registrations on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 3-5 p.m. at the Bluffton City Gym, 128 E. Market St. Cost is $25 for one child, $20 for a second child, $15 for a third child, etc. Games will start Dec. 18. Any questions call Barry Crosbie at 824-5910 from 4-7 p.m. or 824-4399.

Bluffton, Norwell fans invited
The Norwell Football Club is inviting Norwell and Bluffton fans to a hog roast/pork dinner before the Bluffton vs. Norwell boys’ basketball game from 4:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, in the Norwell cafeteria. The meal will include a pork sandwich, corn, sauerkraut, applesauce, potato chips, and a drink. Tickets are $7 in advance and are available from all Norwell football players until Thursday, Dec. 23. Tickets also may be ordered by calling Tom Neuenschwander at 260-622-4169. Tickets will be $8 at the door.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Southern Wells beats Eastbrook

2011 DNR Special Events Calendar available online

Indiana DNR Release:

Plan to make DNR State Parks and Reservoirs a big part of a fun 2011 by using the Special Events calendar that’s now posted on the DNR website.

This list includes almost everything from fireworks, car shows, living history, reenactments, volunteer days, fishing derbies, night-sky viewing, bird watching, craft workshops. Some are strictly watching, others are for doing.

There's a special event for nearly every age and interest at Indiana’s state park or reservoir properties, at least one of which is an easy drive from anywhere in the state.

While you’re looking ahead, remember there’s still plenty of 2010 events to round out the year, many of which are Christmas related.

You can download the calendar at:

• Special Events by Date for 2010 & 2011

The Web address for the link above is www.stateparks.IN.gov/3282.htm

Make sure to bookmark this site for easy reference all year long to find an outdoor activity to enjoy on short notice when other plans fall through.

Some of the special events and programs carry a nominal fee in addition to the regular gate admission. Others are free with no gate admission.

Gate admission for one vehicle with Indiana license plates is generally $5 per day, except at Prophetstown State Park, where the $6 per in-state vehicle charge includes entrance into Historic Prophetstown. A 2011 Annual Entrance Permit allows entrance into any park or reservoir until the end of 2011. The standard permit is available at any state park or reservoir for $36 or online at the address below. A senior citizen permit is $18. Each makes a great gift.

www.InnsGifts.com

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 7
SWIMMING: Adams Central, Canterbury at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.; Bellmont at Norwell, 5:30 p.m.
WRESTLING: Homestead at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at FW Wayne, 6 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Eastbrook at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; Norwell at FW Bishop Dwenger, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 9
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Blackford, 5:30 p.m.; Norwell at Jay County, 6 p.m.
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Woodlan at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; So Wells at Heritage, 6 p.m.; Col City at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Norwell Boys’ Invitational, 9 a.m.
WRESTLING: Norwell, Bellmont, DeKalb at East Noble NHC Triple Dual, 9:30 p.m.
JV WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Adams Central Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Northfield, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Tigers, Raiders split
in MS girls’ basketball action
The Bluffton and Southern Wells middle school girls’ basketball teams battled to a split in Allen County Athletic Conference action Monday evening. The Bluffton 7th-grade Tigers downed the Raiders 15-13 on a last-second shot. In the 8th-grade contest, Southern Wells raced to a 23-11 victory.
Shannon Penrod led the 7th-grade Tigers with 8 points. Whitney Green tossed in 5 and Cheyenne Penrod added 2. The Tigers are 5-3 overall and 3-0 in league games.
Arianne Forbis scored 6 points for the 7th-grade Raiders (1-1 ACAC). Michaela Smith added 4 points and Tori Wiese 3.
Southern Wells’ 8th-graders were paced by Lela Knowles with 9 points. Savannah Deakyne and Kiara Leas each scored 4 points. Molly Stoffel contributed 3, Jordyn Sills 2 and Shelby Skidmore 1. The Raiders are 2-0 in ACAC games.
Erin McKinley netted 9 points for the Tigers (5-3, 2-1) and Emma Thompson finished with 2.

Bluffton MS boys sweep Raiders
The Bluffton Middle School boy’s basketball teams improved to 3-0 in Allen County Athletic Conference action Monday evening with wins over their rivals from Southern Wells.
The 7th-grade Tigers won 39-33, while the 8th-grade Bengals edged Southern Wells 42-38.
Grant Prible and Aaron Sturgeon each scored 10 points to pace the 7th-grade Tigers. Trey Collins added 4, Collin Barker 3, Dwayne Eskridge 8 and Jacob Ehle 4. No results were reported for the Raiders (1-1).
Kevin Moser tallied 12 points and Kohl Buskirk 10 to power the 8th-grade Tigers. Noah Antrim and Javon Morgan each had 6 points. James Spera, Dane Hoffman, Jay Brickley and Collin Mechling rounded out the scoring with 2 apiece. No results were reported for the Raiders (1-1).

7th-grade Crusader boys romp
The Norwell Middle School boys’ basketball teams rolled over Huntington Riverview in two games Monday evening. The 7th-grade Crusaders won 42-18 and the 8th-grade Crusaders won 40-27.
Piercen Harnish netted 20 points to lead the 8th-grade Crusaders. Andrew Oakes added 13 and Garrett Mohler 7.
The 7th-grade Crusaders were topped in scoring by Derek Macon with 13 and Bray Wilson with 11 points. Carson Lockwood and Brody Myers each added 5 points. Kaleb Johnson, Grant Hiday, Hunter Ingle and Jaron Stoppenhagen each had 2 points.

7th-grade Crusader girls
beat Riverview
The Norwell 7th-grade girls’ basketball team beat Huntington Riverview 33-18 on Monday.
Quinn Shelton scored 14 points to lead the Crusaders (5-1). Stephanie Conrad added 6 points, Kaycee Strunk 5, Mackenzie Sawyer 4, while Madison Dunnuck and Kristen Bales each had with 2 points.

7th-grade Crusader girls net win
The Norwell 7th-grade girls’ basketball team lost 35-27 last Thursday to New Haven.
Mackenzie Saywer led the Crusaders with 13 points on 6-for-9 shooting. Stephanie Conrad added 4 points and 6 rebounds. Quinn Shelton also tallied 4 points, while Kaycee Strunk, Ally Smith and Kristen Bales each added 2 points.

Boys’ basketball league to start
The Wells County Boys’ Basketball League for grades 5-8 is taking registrations on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 3-5 p.m. at the Bluffton City Gym, 128 E. Market St. Cost is $25 for one child, $20 for a second child, $15 for a third child, etc. Games will start Dec. 18. Any questions call Barry Crosbie at 824-5910 from 4-7 p.m. or 824-4399.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Andrea Vogel helps Urbana post win
Urbana University sophomore Andrea Vogel scored 16 points Saturday to help the Blue Knights defeat Slippery Rock 66-62 in women’s college basketball at Urbana, Ohio.
Vogel was 8 of 14 from the field. The 2009 Norwell graduate also pulled down 9 rebounds and blocked two shots. Haley Ducey led Urbana (2-4) with 20 points, while Devonyea Johnson tossed in 10 points.

Norwell 8th-grade girls romp
The Norwell 8th-grade girls’ basketball team demolished New Haven 65-4 last Thursday. All of the Crusaders scored and only three team fouls were committed during the game.
Liara Isnogle led the Crusaders with 12 points and 7 steals. Paige Markley and Hanna Smith each added 11 points. Markley added 5 steals and Smith had 4 rebounds.
Monica Frauhiger chipped in with 8 points and 4 rebounds. Madi Stinson also had 8 points. Erika Thornton tallied 6 points and 4 steals. Chloie Williams and Caitlin Herndon each added 4 points. Sarah Bauermeister finished with 1 point.

Boys’ basketball league to start
The Wells County Boys’ Basketball League for grades 5-8 is taking registrations on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 3-5 p.m. at the Bluffton City Gym, 128 E. Market St. Cost is $25 for one child, $20 for a second child, $15 for a third child, etc. Games will start Dec. 18. Any questions call Barry Crosbie at 824-5910 from 4-7 p.m. or 824-4399.

Norwell swim teams down Marion
The Norwell Knights’ swim teams racked up victories last Thursday. The girls defeated Marion 126-58 and the boys beat the Giants 89-75.

High School Sports Calendar

Monday, Dec. 6
BOYS C-TEAM BASKETBALL: Southern Wells at Southwood, 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 7
SWIMMING: Adams Central, Canterbury at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.; Bellmont at Norwell, 5:30 p.m.
WRESTLING: Homestead at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at FW Wayne, 6 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Eastbrook at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; Norwell at FW Bishop Dwenger, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 9
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Blackford, 5:30 p.m.; Norwell at Jay County, 6 p.m.
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Woodlan at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; So Wells at Heritage, 6 p.m.; Col City at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Norwell Boys’ Invitational, 9 a.m.
WRESTLING: Norwell, Bellmont, DeKalb at East Noble NHC Triple Dual, 9:30 p.m.
JV WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Adams Central Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Northfield, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays at Salamonie Interpretive Center, Dec.12

Indiana DNR Release:

Ring in the holidays with a celebration open house at Salamonie Interpretive Center, Dec. 12, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Santa will be stopping in from 2 to 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring a gift for the interpretive center wildlife, the birds and squirrels who visit our wildlife viewing area, as well as a can of food to be donated to a local food bank.

There will be holiday music and refreshments. The interpretive center will be decorated inside and out. The first 50 people will receive a nature ornament to take home.

“Volunteers from our senior and our friends group donate holiday treats,” said Marvin McNew, director of the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services. “The staff uses this gathering as a way to visit and think of others in our community during the holiday season.”

The Salamonie Interpretive Center is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The building will be open both Christmas and New Year’s Day. This barrier-free building features exhibits, floor-to-ceiling windows in the wildlife viewing area, and staff to answer questions. The center is in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County.

Visit www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis for more information.

Fill a stocking with DNR gift pack

Indiana DNR Release:

You can give the outdoor lovers on your list the gift of Indiana’s state parks, reservoirs, state park inns and Outdoor Indiana magazine, all in one package, without ever leaving your home.

The $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack includes an annual resident park entrance permit, an Indiana State Park Inns gift certificate worth $70 and a one-year subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine and a 2001 Outdoor Indiana full-color calendar for $99, a savings of $19 over the regular price if purchased separately.

The $129 State Park Holiday Gift Pack upgrades your $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack to include a $100 Indiana State Park Inns gift certificate.

Indiana has 33 state parks and reservoirs scattered throughout the state, each of which charges a daily gate entrance fee, which is generally $5 for an in-state vehicle per day. The entrance permit grants gate entrance for all of 2011 for all state parks and reservoirs.

The gift certificate can be used at any of seven state park lodging facilities, including an award-winning Pete Dye designed golf course.

Outdoor Indiana is a bi-monthly magazine that brings you the best of the state’s outdoors in 48 pages of full color.

Order at Innsgifts.com now through Dec. 31.

Friday, December 3, 2010

HUNTINGTON-WELLS OTTERS SWIM TEAM NEWS RELEASE:




The Huntington-Wells Otters competed in the SWAC “Odd Ages Rule” meet, November 19-21, 2010, at the Helen P. Brown Natatorium, South Side High School, Ft. Wayne, IN. The meet followed a format in which traditional age groupings were shifted upward one year. What follows are results of the team’s top placing swimmers and relays. (Relays were comprised of swimmers from the Otter’s PRO partnership with Penn.)

HIGH POINT AWARDS:
7 & under females Sarah Mahnensmith Runner-up

12-13 year-old males Duke Wang Runner-up

RELAY RESULTS: (For Otters participating in top 3 relay finishes)
10-11 year-old males:
200 yard medley relay 3rd place Walker Copeland, Corbin Cozad and 2
2:35.70 Penn teammates

INDIVIDUAL EVENT RESULTS: (For Otters placing in the top 10)
7 & under females:
Sarah Mahnensmith 2nd place 25 yard breaststroke 27.00
2nd place 25 yard backstroke 22.24
2nd place 25 yard freestyle 19.62
2nd place 50 yard backstroke 46.86
3rd place 50 yard butterfly 55.56
3rd place 50 yard breaststroke 55.94
3rd place 50 yard freestyle 41.82
4th place 25 yard butterfly 22.88

7 & under males:
Jacob Daugherty 6th place 25 yard freestyle 22.82
6th place 25 yard butterfly 37.86
6th place 50 yard freestyle 50.71
7th place 50 yard backstroke 1:01.34
8th place 25 yard backstroke 27.15

Carson Heister 5th place 25 yard breaststroke 32.70
7th place 25 yard backstroke 26.46

Gideon Wagner 6th place 25 yard backstroke 24.91
10th place 25 yard freestyle 25.58

10-11 year-old males:
Corbin Cozad 9th place 50 yard butterfly 36.71







10-11 year-old females:
Kate Mahnensmith 6th place 200 yard freestyle 2:25.59
7th place 500 yard freestyle 6:32.27
7th place 100 yard freestyle 1:06.18
9th place 100 yard backstroke 1:15.26
9th place 50 yard freestyle 29.88
10th place 50 yard backstroke 35.13

12-13 year-old males:
Walter Hacker 9th place 500 yard freestyle 5:55.90
10th place 400 yard IM 5:22.29

Duke Wang 1st place 400 yard IM 4:49.01
2nd place 50 yard freestyle 25.16
3rd place 200 yard freestyle 2:00.17
3rd place 200 yard backstroke 2:18.33
3rd place 100 yard butterfly 1:01.09
3rd place 100 yard backstroke 1:02.70
3rd place 200 yard butterfly 2:22.93
4th place 200 yard IM 2:15.35
7th place 200 yard breaststroke 2:39.35

14 & over males:
Cole Ackley 6th place 1650 yard freestyle 20:49.14

The Otters will compete this weekend at TRAC’s Holly Daze Invitational to be held at the Helen P. Brown Natatorium at Southside High School, December 4-5, 2010.

World of Science Children's Day Camp, Dec. 28-30

Indiana DNR Release:

Children ages 7 to 11 are invited to Salamonie Reservoir for a fun and exciting three days of camp, Dec. 28-30. Each day provides a variety of fun from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Come experiment with the ‘mad’ interpreters and staff at the Salamonie Interpretive Center to explore crazy colors, silly senses and epic explosions. Bring warm play clothes, an extra pair of shoes or boots and a science-savvy attitude.

The camp’s activities are guided by interpretive naturalists trained to provide a safe and fun environment in which children can learn about the world.

A snack will be provided. Children need to bring a sack lunch with drink each day. The camp features indoor and outdoor activities, movie time, snacks, crafts and games.

The camp requires a $45 participation fee. Fees are adjusted for families with multiple children attending. The property gate will not be charging admission during the camp. Parents will be asked to fill out a health/participation form before their child enjoys activities on the first day.

Registration is required and space is limited. Call Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at (260) 468-2127 to register your child for the winter day camp. Visit www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis for more information.

Holiday craft program for preschoolers at Salamonie, Dec. 15-16

Indiana DNR Release:

“Kids Krafting,” a program designed for kids ages 2 to 5, will be offered at the Salamonie Interpretive Center, Dec. 15 and 16. The program runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. each day.

Children and their parents will be able to make simple crafts suitable to give friends or relatives. It’s the same program each day, to allow more children to participate.

Regardless of the weather, the program is planned to be both indoors and out. Participants can choose to bring their lunch to eat together after the event.

There is a $2 fee per child for the program. The standard property entrance fee will be waived for program attendees. Register by calling (260) 468-2127 or visiting the interpretive center at 3691 S. New Holland Road in Andrews. Parents are expected to stay with their child throughout the program.

The interpretive center is open 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 your questions. The center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County.

Visit our website at www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis for more information.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

High School Sports Calendar

Thursday, Dec. 2
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Muncie Southside, 5:30 p.m.; Norwell at Marion, 5:30 p.m.
WRESTLING: Woodlan at Bluffton, 6:30 p.m.; Heritage at Southern Wells, 6:30 p.m.; New Haven at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 3
BOYS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at South Adams, 6 p.m.; Adams Central at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; Norwell at Whitko, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 4
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Marion Relays, 9 a.m.
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Frankton 6-way, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Huntington North Invitational, 9 a.m.
JV WRESTLING: Southern Wells at FW Bishop Dwenger Invitational, 8:30 a.m.; Norwell at DeKalb C-Team Invitational, 9:30 a.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at Southern Wells, noon; Norwell at Homestead, noon.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Jay County at Bluffton, 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 6
BOYS C-TEAM BASKETBALL: Southern Wells at Southwood, 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 7
SWIMMING: Adams Central, Canterbury at Bluffton, 5:30 p.m.; Bellmont at Norwell, 5:30 p.m.
WRESTLING: Homestead at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Bluffton at FW Wayne, 6 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Eastbrook at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; Norwell at FW Bishop Dwenger, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 9
SWIMMING: Bluffton at Blackford, 5:30 p.m.; Norwell at Jay County, 6 p.m.
WRESTLING: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Woodlan at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Heritage, 6 p.m.; Columbia City at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Six Wells County athletes named to AP football team

INDIANAPOLIS — Southren Wells’ senior Kyle Jones and Norwell senior Jeff Shatto topped a group of six Wells County athletes who were named to the Associated Press Football Team for 2010.
Jones was named to the Class A defensive team as a linebacker. Shatto was named to the Class 3A offensive team as a tight end.
Bluffton senior quarterback Cameron Gerber and senior wide receiver Nick Landrum were named to the Class 2A honorable mention list.
Southern Wells’ senior offensive lineman Andrew Runkle and junior linebacker Seth Biberstine were named to the Class A honorable mention list.

8th-grade Norwell girls whip DeKalb
The Norwell 8th-grade girls’ basketball team defeated DeKalb 46-18 on Tuesday at Norwell.
The Crusaders held DeKalb to 6 points in the second half. Hanna Smith and Liara Isnogle led the Crusaders each with 12 points. Monica Frauhiger and Paige Markley each had 6 points. Chloie Williams added 4, while Erika Thornton, Madi Stinson and Sarah Bauermeister each finished with 2 points. Smith also had 4 rebounds. Isnogle had 6 steals and Stinson 3.

Norwell girls’ softball camp slated
Registrations are being accepted for the fourth Norwell Girls’ Softball Christmas Vacation Camp on Dec. 28-30 in the auxiliary gym at Norwell High School.
The camp is open to girls in grades 2-8 in the Northern Wells school district. Camp sessions will be held from 12-2 p.m. each day. Cost is $30 with a $5 discount for siblings.
For more information and to download the registration form go online at www.NorwellKnightsSoftball.com or e-mail camp director Scott Hanni at scott.hanni@nwcs.k12.in.us.

SDSU headed to Poinsettia Bowl
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego State Aztecs have accepted an invitation to play in the hometown Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23 against Navy.
San Diego State finished the regular season 8-4 under second-year coach Brady Hoke, who had been courted by Minnesota for its vacant job.
“I was never offered the job,” Hoke said after the bowl bid was announced prior to Wednesday night’s men’s basketball game against Saint Mary’s.
SDSU athletic director Jim Sterk said he thinks Minnesota’s courtship of Hoke has ended. Sterk said SDSU is putting together a retention package for Hoke and his assistants that should be finalized in the next few weeks.


Correction to 8th-grade Tigers’ scoring
In Tuesday’s News-Banner, an error was made in the individual scoring for the Bluffton 8th-grade boys’ basketball team. Instead of Kobie Lucabaugh, it was Kevin Moser who scored 10 points to lead the Tigers. The News-Banner regrets the error and apologizes for any inconvenience it caused.

DNR adds LaPorte and St. Joseph counties to gypsy moth quarantine

Indiana DNR Release:

Gypsy moth, an invasive forest insect that defoliates and kills more than 300 kinds of trees but prefers oak trees, has been found in LaPorte and St. Joseph counties.

As a result, Robert E. Carter Jr., director of the DNR, signed an emergency rule late last month declaring these counties quarantined for gypsy moths, on the recommendation of state entomologist Phil Marshall, to slow the spread of the insect.
To date, nine counties in northern Indiana are quarantined for gypsy moths. The other counties are Allen, DeKalb, Elkhart, LaGrange, Noble, Porter and Steuben.

In addition to the state quarantine, the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will also add LaPorte and St. Joseph counties to the federal gypsy moth quarantine. Both state and federal quarantines have the same requirements, to help prevent confusing the public and businesses.

In essence, both quarantines state that movement of any regulated item out the nine counties is a violation of both the state and federal quarantines unless there is a valid compliance agreement in place issued by the appropriate agency. Compliance agreements allow businesses to move regulated items out of the quarantined counties under specific conditions. Homeowners making household moves out of the quarantined counties can use the USDA APHIS self inspection procedures and form to comply with the quarantine. The form and instructions are at
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/fs_dont_move_gypsy_moth.pdf

Regulated items include certain kinds of trees such as cut Christmas trees, nursery stock, logs, slab wood, recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, tents, mobile homes, and other outdoor household articles that might conceal gypsy moth egg masses.

“DNR’s gypsy moth management program has followed the USDA Forest Service protocol, which has efficiently slowed the spread and development of gypsy moths within the state,” Marshall said. “Because of the success of this program, DNR has not previously added counties to the gypsy moth quarantine since 2000.”

For more information on the federal compliance agreement, contact USDA APHIS at (765) 497-2859. For information on state gypsy moth quarantine regulations, call (317) 232-4120.

For more information on GM and the quarantines, see
http://www.in.gov/dnr/entomolo
http://www.gmsts.org
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/gypsy_moth/index.shtml

Salamonie seniors lunch features dried flower crafts, Dec. 6

Indiana DNR Release:

Individuals age 50 or older are invited to enjoy putting their creativity to work as they make a dried flower craft at the Dec. 6 seniors lunch at the Salamonie Interpretive Center.

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 the staff determine the correct amount of meat, those interested should register by calling UWIS, (260) 468-2127, or visiting the interpretive center, 3691 S. New Holland Road, in Andrews by Dec. 4.

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. 2011 annual passes and boat launch permits are now available for sale.

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. Visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/upperwabash.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Crusader boys top DeKalb
Norwell’s 7th- and 8th-grade boys’ basketball teams swept their counterparts at DeKalb Middle School Tuesday evening.
The 8th-grade Crusaders were led by Garrett Mohler’s 22 points in their 46-32 victory. Mohler netted 5 3-point shots and was 3 for 6 at the foul line. Piercen Harnish scored 10, Reggie Hayes 5, Brandon Burch 4, Andrew Oakes 3 and Adam Nahrwold 2.
Balanced scoring from the 7th-grade squad resulted in a 36-17 win.
Hunter Ingle led the team with 8 points. Carson Lockwood, Kalen Johnson and Bray Wilson each had 6. Brody Myers added 5, Derek Macon 4 and Drew Dobbles 1.

Norwell girls’ softball camp slated
Registrations are being accepted for the fourth Norwell Girls’ Softball Christmas Vacation Camp on Dec. 28-30 in the auxiliary gym at Norwell High School.
The camp is open to girls in grades 2-8 in the Northern Wells school district. Camp sessions will be held from 12-2 p.m. each day. Cost is $30 with a $5 discount for siblings.
For more information and to download the registration form go online to www.NorwellKnightsSoftball.com or e-mail camp director Scott Hanni at scott.hanni@nwcs.k12.in.us.

Tigersharks dunk Jay
The Bluffton High School boys’ swimming team defeated Jay County 99-86 Tuesday evening in Bluffton.
Taking first place in their events for the Tigers were: Luke Bertsch, 100-meter butterfly with a time of 1:10.15; Jason Prible, 400-meter freestyle with a time of 5:18.36; Sam Walburn, 100-meter backsroke with a time of 1:09.71; Matt Dann, 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:27.86.
The 200-meter medley relay team of Aaron Lautzenheiser, Skyler Schwartz, Keaton Osborn and Mitchel Meitzler took a blue ribbon with a time of 2:22.16.
Ben Miller took first place in the diving competition with a 174.9 total. Florian Summer came in third, while Brendan Baumgardner placed fourth.
Lautzenheiser was the top finisher for the Tigers in the 200-meter freestyle, placing third with a time of 2:35.51. Prible finished second in the 200-meter individual medley, Walburn was second in the 100 meter freestyle and Bertsch was earned second place in the 50-meter freestyle.
The Tigers’ relay team of Bertsch, Prible, Dann and Walburn placed second in two other races: the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle relays.

Knights swimmers fall to Carroll
The Norwell Knights swim teams were defeated Tuesday evening in a dual boys’ and girls’ meet at Carroll.
In the girls’ match-up, Carroll won 179-118. Kimberlee Bussey won the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 26.6 seconds and Dani Thomas won the 100-yard butterfly in 1:03.86. Also placing first for the Knights was Brooke Cossairt in the 100-yard freestyle.
The Carroll boys thumped the Knights 193-74. Carroll swept first place in all events with the only second-place finishes coming from Cole Ackley in the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle relay team of Andrew Serafini, Alex Cushman, Joe Raber and Alex Mills.

Saints’ Brees draws S.I. honor
NEW YORK (AP) — Drew Brees was honored as Sports Illustrated’s sportsman of the year for his championship on the field and his charity off it.
Brees became the award’s 57th recipient when the magazine made the announcement. The quarterback led the long-suffering New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl title in February, lifting the spirits of the hurricane-battered city.
But the cover story notes he’s done much more than inspire with his brilliant play. Since Brees joined the Saints in 2006 months after Hurricane Katrina, his foundation has worked with nearly 50 New Orleans schools and organizations to aid in recovery.